Best Benchtop Planers for Woodworking in 2026: Top 4 Reviewed
A thickness planer is one of the most valuable tools in any woodworking shop. Whether you’re milling rough lumber to precise dimensions or cleaning up reclaimed wood, a quality benchtop planer saves hours of hand sanding and produces consistently flat, smooth surfaces.
We’ve tested and compared the top benchtop planers available in 2026 to help you pick the right one for your workshop and budget.
Our Top 4 Benchtop Planers for 2026
After extensive research and hands-on comparison, these four planers stood out for their performance, build quality, and value. From budget-friendly options to professional-grade machines, there’s something here for every woodworker.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 DeWalt DW735X |
Best Overall | $522 | Check Price |
 DeWalt DW734 |
Best Value | $399 | Check Price |
 Makita 2012NB |
Best Precision | $299 | Check Price |
 WEN PL1326 |
Best Spiral Cutterhead | $418 | Check Price |
DeWalt DW735X — Best Overall Benchtop Planer
The DeWalt DW735X has earned its reputation as the gold standard of benchtop planers, and for good reason. Its powerful 15-amp motor drives a three-knife cutterhead at 10,000 RPM, delivering an exceptionally smooth finish on everything from soft pine to dense hardwoods like maple and walnut.
What really sets the DW735X apart is its two-speed gearbox — run it at 96 cuts per inch for fast material removal, or switch to 179 CPI for a glass-smooth finishing pass that often eliminates the need for sanding.
The included infeed and outfeed support tables are a huge bonus. They extend material support to over 33 inches, dramatically reducing snipe — that frustrating dip at the beginning and end of your boards.
The stainless steel infeed and outfeed rollers also feature an automatic carriage lock that keeps your workpiece tracking straight and true. At around $522, it’s not the cheapest option, but the package deal with extra knives and support tables makes it outstanding value for serious woodworkers.
If your budget allows it, this is the planer to buy.
DeWalt DW734 — Best Value Thickness Planer
The DeWalt DW734 shares a lot of DNA with the DW735X but at a noticeably lower price point — typically around $399. It uses the same three-knife cutterhead design that delivers 96 cuts per inch and provides one of the finest finishes you’ll find in any portable planer.
The 15-amp motor handles hardwoods without bogging down, and the disposable, reversible knives give you 30% more blade life compared to two-knife designs.
Where the DW734 differs from its bigger sibling is width capacity (12.5 inches vs. 13 inches) and the lack of a two-speed gearbox — you get a single speed that performs admirably for most tasks. It also doesn’t include the support tables, though you can add an aftermarket stand.
For hobbyists and weekend woodworkers who want professional-quality results without the premium price, the DW734 hits a sweet spot that’s hard to beat. It’s one of the few benchtop planers truly suitable for jobsite use thanks to its portability and reliability.
Makita 2012NB — Best Precision Planer
If precision and quiet operation are your priorities, the Makita 2012NB deserves serious consideration. This Japanese-engineered 12-inch planer features Makita’s exclusive Interna-Lok automated head clamp system, which applies consistent clamping pressure across the entire cutterhead to virtually eliminate snipe.
That’s a huge deal if you’ve ever wasted material trimming snipe marks off the ends of expensive hardwood boards.
The 2012NB runs at just 83 decibels — noticeably quieter than most competitors that hover around 90-95 dB. If your shop is in a garage or basement near living spaces, your family will thank you for choosing the Makita.
The 15-amp motor spins at 8,500 RPM and delivers clean, precise cuts every time. At approximately $299, it’s actually the most affordable planer in our roundup.
The 12-inch width is slightly narrower than the 13-inch competition, which matters if you regularly work with wider boards. But for most woodworking projects, 12 inches is more than sufficient, making this a phenomenal value pick.
WEN PL1326 — Best Spiral Cutterhead Planer
The WEN PL1326 brings a premium feature to a mid-range price point: a 26-blade spiral cutterhead. Unlike traditional straight-knife planers that slam all three blades into the wood simultaneously, a spiral cutterhead rotates individual carbide inserts in a helical pattern.
The result? Significantly reduced noise, less tearout on figured woods, and a smoother surface finish straight off the machine.
The 15-amp motor generates 10,000 RPM at a 26 feet per minute feed rate, and the 13-inch width handles standard dimensional lumber with ease. When individual inserts eventually dull, you simply rotate them to a fresh cutting edge — no alignment or calibration needed, unlike replacing straight knives.
At around $418, the WEN PL1326 offers a compelling entry into spiral cutterhead territory that would normally cost $600 or more from other brands. It’s an excellent choice for woodworkers who work heavily with figured maple, cherry, or other tearout-prone species.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Benchtop Planer
Choosing the right thickness planer comes down to a few key factors. First, consider cutterhead type — straight-knife cutterheads are more affordable and blades are widely available, while spiral (helical) cutterheads produce less tearout and run quieter, but cost more upfront.
Next, look at width capacity. Most benchtop planers handle 12 to 13 inches, which covers standard lumber dimensions.
If you regularly work with wider slabs, you’ll need a floor-standing model.
Snipe reduction is another critical consideration. Snipe — that visible scallop at the first and last few inches of a board — is the bane of benchtop planers.
Features like carriage locks, extended infeed/outfeed tables, and Makita’s Interna-Lok system all help minimize it. Finally, think about dust collection.
Planers produce massive amounts of chips, and a good dust port connection to your shop vacuum or dust collector makes a night-and-day difference in keeping your workspace clean and your lungs healthy.
Final Verdict
For most woodworkers, the DeWalt DW735X remains our top recommendation — its two-speed gearbox, included support tables, and bulletproof build quality make it the planer to beat. Budget-conscious buyers should seriously consider the Makita 2012NB at $299 — it offers remarkable precision and quiet operation at the lowest price in our roundup.
And if you want the smoothest possible finish on figured hardwoods, the WEN PL1326 spiral cutterhead is worth every penny.
