As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports.
Our top picks
Short on time? Our top recommendation is the DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch Thickness Planer.
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At a glance
The traits that separate these picks, side by side.
In depth
The 8 best, explained
Why each made the cut, where it falls short, and who should buy it.
Best OverallDeWalt
Three-knife cutter head produces a smoother surface than two-knife heads
- 13-inch width
- Three knife cutter head
- Two-speed feed
- Dust chute
✓ Pros
- Three-knife cutter head produces a smoother surface than two-knife heads
- Two-speed feed: 96 cuts per inch at low speed for finish quality, 179 CPI at high speed
- Dust chute ejects chips to both sides or forward for vacuum connection
- The most commonly recommended 13-inch planer for home shop use
✕ Cons
- Heavier than competitive 13-inch planers -- difficult to move alone
- Fan-assisted chip ejection is noisy
Best HelicalPowermatic
Helical (spiral) cutter head with carbide inserts -- dramatically quieter than straight knife heads
- Helical cutter head
- 15-inch width
- Very low noise
- Professional grade
✓ Pros
- Helical (spiral) cutter head with carbide inserts -- dramatically quieter than straight knife heads
- Helical cutting produces the best surface quality of any planer type -- equivalent to a hand plane finish
- Carbide inserts rotate to expose fresh cutting edge when dull
- The professional production standard for furniture shops
✕ Cons
- 15-inch capacity is more than most home shops need
Best ValueRidgid
Significantly lower price than DeWalt for the same 13-inch capacity
- 13-inch width
- Two-knife head
- Three-year warranty
- Budget price
✓ Pros
- Significantly lower price than DeWalt for the same 13-inch capacity
- Ridgid Lifetime Service Agreement covers the tool for life when registered
- Three-year warranty beyond the standard period
- The most affordable 13-inch planer from a recognized brand
✕ Cons
- Two-knife head produces a rougher surface than three-knife heads
- Chip ejection is less effective than DeWalt's fan-assisted system
Best BudgetWEN
Best budget thickness planer. It stands out for the lowest-price 13-inch planer with a 15-amp motor and adequate for planing softwood and moderate hardwood in home shop use. One caveat, lower quality than DeWalt or Ridgid.
- 13-inch capacity
- Two-knife head
- Budget price
- 15 amp motor
✓ Pros
- The lowest-price 13-inch planer with a 15-amp motor
- Adequate for planing softwood and moderate hardwood in home shop use
- 15 amp motor handles the load of surfacing 13-inch boards in hardwood
- The correct entry planer for woodworkers milling their own lumber for the first time
✕ Cons
- Lower quality than DeWalt or Ridgid
- Two-knife head and rougher planed surface
Best PortableMakita
The most compact and lightest 12-inch planer-- portable for job site use
- 12-inch width
- Low noise
- Compact
- Makita precision
✓ Pros
- The most compact and lightest 12-inch planer-- portable for job site use
- Low noise compared to other planers in its class
- Makita quality and precision -- consistent knife height settings
- The correct planer for woodworkers who move the tool between job sites
✕ Cons
- 12-inch capacity -- narrower than 13-inch alternatives
- Higher price than Ridgid for less capacity
Best GrizzlyRikon
Helical cutter head at a fraction of the Powermatic price
- Helical head
- 13-inch capacity
- Lower price than Powermatic
- Carbide inserts
✓ Pros
- Helical cutter head at a fraction of the Powermatic price
- 13-inch capacity handles the large majority of home shop boards
- Carbide inserts that rotate rather than replacing full knives
- The correct helical head planer for woodworkers who want helical quality without Powermatic pricing
✕ Cons
- Smaller capacity than 15-inch professional machines
- Rikon dealer and service network is smaller than DeWalt or Ridgid
Best Shop FoxShop Fox
Belt drive transmission is quieter and smoother than gear-driven planers
- 15-inch capacity
- Cast iron in/out feed tables
- Mobile base
- Belt drive
✓ Pros
- Belt drive transmission is quieter and smoother than gear-driven planers
- Cast iron in/out feed tables hold their flatness better than stamped steel
- Mobile base for shop positioning flexibility
- Shop Fox (Woodstock) offers strong value for the price
✕ Cons
- Less common than DeWalt or Ridgid -- fewer user reviews
- 15-inch capacity and weight require a dedicated floor space
Best JetJet
Jet helical head with segmented carbide inserts
- 15-inch helical
- Jet quality
- Segmented cutterhead
- Digital readout
✓ Pros
- Jet helical head with segmented carbide inserts
- Digital readout for precise depth setting
- Jet brand support and warranty service in the US
- The premium professional planer alternative to the Powermatic
✕ Cons
- 15-inch size requires a dedicated machine station
What to check before you buy
These are the factors that separate wood planer. Match them to how you'll actually use it before comparing prices.
- Start with basics: Clamps — a combination square, a good saw and a drill cover most beginner projects.
- Clamps: You can never have too many. Bar clamps handle wide glue-ups; quick-grip clamps are fast for smaller work.
- Glue: Standard wood glue suits indoor projects. Water-resistant glue suits outdoor work and cutting boards.
- Finishes: Oils are easy to apply and repair. Polyurethane and varnish protect tabletops and floors better.
- Safety: Eye and hearing protection and dust collection matter from the first project. Lay oily rags flat to dry to prevent fires.
How we chose these picks
- We started from manufacturer specifications and feature lists, the verifiable foundation.
- We weighed reputable independent reviews from established tech and consumer publications.
- We read large volumes of verified-owner feedback to find patterns in reliability and satisfaction.
- We scored value: what you get for the price, not just absolute performance.
- We excluded products with thin — suspicious, or heavily incentivized review profiles.
We don't claim hands-on testing we haven't done. Assessments synthesize manufacturer specifications, reputable independent reviews and documented owner feedback. Read our methodology.
How to choose: the factors that matter
- Capacity and sizing — Measure your space and your actual use before falling for bigger-is-better. The right size is the one that fits your routine, not the spec sheet's maximum.
- Build quality and materials — Heavier-gauge materials, tight tolerances, and solid joints outlast thin, rattly construction. In reviews, look for longevity comments over first-impression praise.
- Ease of use and setup — Clear instructions, intuitive controls, and minimal assembly separate daily drivers from garage ornaments.
- Maintenance and cleaning — Whatever you buy will need cleaning. Removable, dishwasher-safe, or wipe-clean parts get maintained; fiddly ones get neglected.
- Warranty and support — A multi-year warranty signals the manufacturer expects it to last. Check what's actually covered, motors and frames matter more than accessories.
The bottom line
If you want the short answer: the top pick above suits most buyers, the value pick suits tight budgets, and the specialist picks suit specific needs. Match the pick to your use case, not to the hype.
FAQ
Common questions
What are the best wood planer 2026 right now?
Our top pick is the DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch Thickness Planer (best overall), because three-knife cutter head produces a smoother surface than two-knife heads. The runner-up is the Powermatic 15HH Helical Head Planer (best helical), followed by the Ridgid R4330 13-Inch Thickness Planer.
What is the best budget option among wood planer 2026?
Our best-value pick is the Ridgid R4330 13-Inch Thickness Planer: significantly lower price than DeWalt for the same 13-inch capacity. Check the current price on Amazon, since deals change often.
Which of the wood planer 2026 should I buy?
It depends on what matters most to you. For overall, choose the DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch Thickness Planer. For helical, choose the Powermatic 15HH Helical Head Planer. For value, choose the Ridgid R4330 13-Inch Thickness Planer. For budget, choose the WEN 6552T 15-Amp 13-Inch Benchtop Planer.
Is the DeWalt DW735X 13-Inch Thickness Planer worth it?
For most buyers, yes. It ranks #1 in our wood planer 2026 research, though heavier than competitive 13-inch planers -- difficult to move alone.
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