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Best Power Handheld Planers of 2026

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Harry Stack

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Power handheld planers are versatile tools that can be used for a variety of woodworking applications. These handheld planers are designed to quickly and easily shave off thin layers of wood from the surface of a board, allowing for precise and smooth finishes. They are ideal for leveling uneven surfaces, chamfering edges, and creating rabbets or grooves. With their powerful motors and adjustable blade depths, power handheld planers can handle a wide range of materials, from softwoods to hardwoods. They are a must-have tool for any serious woodworker or DIY enthusiast looking to achieve professional-level results.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 10 Power Handheld Planers

#TOP 1

WEN 6530 Electric Hand Planer

  • WEN
  • 6530
  • Orange
  • Corded Hand Planer
WEN 6530 Electric Hand Planer Cover

WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 3-1/4-Inch

The WEN 6530 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer is a powerful tool with a 6 Amp motor that can provide up to 34,000 cuts per minute. This electric hand planer has 16 positive stops that allow you to adjust the cutting depth anywhere from 0 to 1/8 inches. With the included 5/16 inch rabbeting guide, you can make rabbets up to 1 inch in size. The lightweight design of this planer weighs in at a mere 6 pounds, making it easy to handle and transport.

9.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Affordable price
  • Easy to use
  • Good for DIY projects
  • Adjustable cut depth
  • Sharp blades

What We Don't Like

  • Minor alignment issues
  • Occasional motor problems

What Customers Say

"I was looking for an inexpensive planer for some stuck doors at home. This WEN planer delivered impressive results for the price—smooth operation, easy adjustments, and effective on both hollow and thick antique doors. As a first-time user, I appreciated the clear instructions and the ability to set the handle for either hand. Connecting my shop vac made cleanup simple. Overall, I’m extremely happy with the purchase and would recommend it to other homeowners looking for good value."

"I needed something budget-friendly to help level a makeshift butcher block countertop out of 2x4s. After some setup, this planer performed decently, leaving smooth, even cuts. However, I noticed the blades weren’t perfectly straight and the shoes weren’t parallel, which led to some snipe. For the price, though, it’s a solid tool if you don’t expect high precision—perfect for quick leveling or trimming jobs."

"I grabbed this planer to cut rabbets for a shower project, and it’s a powerful little tool that got the job done just fine! I might have dulled the blades a bit with heavy use, but for occasional DIY work, it’s great value. Honestly, I wish I had picked one up years ago—it makes adjusting doors a breeze."

#TOP 2

BOSCH PL2632K Woodworking Hand Planer

BOSCH PL2632K Woodworking Hand Planer Cover

Bosch PL2632K 3-1/4 In. Planer Kit

The Bosch PL2632K Jointer Planer is a lightweight and powerful tool that features a 6.5 amp Planer and 16,500 RPM speed for fast stock removal and smooth finish in both soft and hard wood. It is convenient with an ambidextrous lock-off release button and a lock-on button for extended operation. The aluminum front and rear shoes are precision-machined for accuracy, and the tool has a machined groove for chamfering and sanding. The versatile two-blade hand plane system can be converted for use with large high-speed steel blades, and the dual-mount guide fence can be mounted on either side of the tool.

9.7
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Adjustable cutting depth
  • Excellent dust collection
  • Powerful and smooth operation
  • Includes hard carrying case

What We Don't Like

  • Fence adjustment could be improved
  • Dust bag quality is average

What Customers Say

"I recently hand planed some rough pine timbers with this tool and found it lightweight, simple to adjust, and very effective. Swapping out the blades is straightforward, and the included hard case is a real bonus. While I wasn't a fan of the dust bag, it didn't matter much since I worked outside. Overall, it's a great value for the price."

"As someone new to electric planers, I found this Bosch model surprisingly easy to master. After watching a quick video, I managed to plane slab doors smoothly with no snags at all. The cord is plenty long for handling big projects, and although there’s a bit of mess, the dust bag collects most of it. I especially appreciate the clean finish and user-friendly design."

"I've tried a few power planers, but this one really stands out for its stability and gorgeous results. The motor is quieter than I expected and the dust collection is top-notch, especially when connected to a shop vac. Adjusting the depth is precise, and the overall build quality feels solid. This has quickly become one of my favorite tools in the shop."

#TOP 3

WEN 6534 8-Amp Electric Hand Planer

  • WEN
  • 6534
  • Black
  • 4-3/8"
WEN 6534 8-Amp Electric Hand Planer Cover

WEN 6534 8-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 4-3/8-Inch

The WEN 6534 8-Amp Electric Hand Planer is a powerful tool with a motor that can provide up to 32,000 cuts per minute. With a 4-3/8-Inch cutting capacity, it can easily handle planing 2x4s and 4x4s. The 16 positive stops allow the user to adjust the cutting depth anywhere from 0 to 1/8 inches. The two-way dust port shoots loose shavings to either the left or right depending on user preference, making cleanup easier.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Affordable price
  • Good power
  • Wide cutting capacity
  • Decent build quality
  • Easy to use

What We Don't Like

  • Warranty service could improve
  • Blade adjustment tricky for some

What Customers Say

"As someone who does a bit of woodworking, I found this planer to be a great value for the money. It's easy to use, and as long as you follow the directions, it gets the job done well. It's a nice addition to my toolbox and fits my needs perfectly."

"I've been using this planer on rough cut lumber and I'm really pleased with the solid build and performance. The plastic parts feel sturdy, not cheap, and it's simple to set up and operate even on tougher boards. Definitely better than I expected for the price."

"I picked up this planer mainly for flattening longer boards while building a woodworking bench. For around $60, it offers serious value compared to more expensive tools. The wide cut and ample power make initial flattening much easier, and I'm saving a lot on sanding supplies. My only wish is for a 'hold' button, but overall, I'm impressed with the results."

#TOP 4

WEN 6528 Electric Hand Planer

  • WEN
  • 6528
  • Black
WEN 6528 Electric Hand Planer Cover

WEN 6528 3.8-Amp Electric Hand Planer, 2-3/8-Inch

The WEN 6528 Electric Hand Planer is a powerful and lightweight tool that is perfect for any woodworking project. With its 3.8-amp motor, it can provide up to 32,000 cuts per minute, ensuring smooth and precise cuts every time. The nine positive stops allow you to easily adjust the cutting depth anywhere from 0 to 1/16 inches, giving you complete control over the thickness of your wood. Weighing only 4.3 pounds, this planer is easy to maneuver and reduces fatigue during extended use. It also features an onboard storage slot for the blade adjustment wrench and a kickstand to prevent damage to your workpiece. Backed by a two-year warranty, the WEN 6528 Electric Hand Planer is a reliable and convenient tool for all your woodworking needs.

9.5
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Affordable price
  • Easy to use
  • Effective wood removal
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Good build quality

What We Don't Like

  • No dust bag included
  • Dust collection attachment issues

What Customers Say

"I found this tool to be simple to operate and surprisingly powerful for its price. It quickly removed wood and made my job much easier than using a manual planer. For the cost, it’s a solid value and has already paid for itself after just a few uses."

"For under $30, I’m impressed with the planer’s solid construction and lightweight design. It handled trimming doors with ease, and the sharp blades made the job quick. It’s not a high-end tool, but it’s perfect for quick fixes and doesn’t strain the budget."

"While the planer works great and is easy to use, I was disappointed that it didn’t include a dust bag. The shavings go everywhere, and the dust collection port doesn’t fit standard hoses. Still, for the price, it’s an effective tool for basic tasks."

#TOP 5

Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Planer P611

Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Planer P611 Cover

Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless 3-1/4 in. Planer P611 (Tool Only)(Bulk Packaged)

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Planer P611 features an automatic kickstand that prevents marring of workpiece, and can cut up to 1/16 inch per pass for maximum versatility. Its convenient on-board blade wrench storage makes blade changing easy. Battery and charger are sold separately. This item is shipped in a generic box, removed from retail packaging.

9.4
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Great value for price
  • Reliable cordless convenience
  • Strong battery compatibility
  • Durable and stable performance
  • Easy to operate

What We Don't Like

  • Blade change instructions unclear
  • Gets noticeably hot with extended use

What Customers Say

"I’ve been using this planer for my woodworking projects and I’m really impressed by how well it works for the price. It’s a Ryobi, so I trust the durability and performance. The tool is easy to use, though it can get a bit hot after long sessions, but not enough to worry me."

"I pushed this planer hard all summer, running through several batteries a day, and I’m happy to report that it never bogged down. The performance stayed solid, and the blades are still in good shape. It’s exactly the kind of dependable, tough tool I expect from Ryobi."

"Switching from a corded planer to this one has been a game changer for me. The cordless design makes it much more convenient—especially since I already own Ryobi batteries. It handled my sticking doors with ease and saved me the cost of hiring a professional."

#TOP 6

DEWALT 20V MAX Planer with Brushless Motor

  • DEWALT
  • DCP580B
  • Multi
  • One Size
DEWALT 20V MAX Planer with Brushless Motor Cover

DEWALT 20V MAX Planer, 30,000 Cuts Per Minute, 2 mm Cut Depth, Brushless Motor, Bare Tool Only (DCP580B)

The DEWALT 20V MAX Planer is a powerful hand planer that features a brushless motor, providing both power and runtime. With a fast removal rate of 30,000 cuts per minute, this planer has a maximum depth of cut of 5/64-inch (2 mm.). The calibrated depth adjustment knob allows for precision cuts, and the precision-machined front and back aluminum shoes ensure parallelism. The planer also has a kickstand for resting on work surfaces and a precision-machined groove for edge chamfering. The ergonomically designed handle provides comfort, and the poly-V drive belt provides increased belt durability. Replacement blades are available with the part number DW6654.

9.3
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Easy to adjust
  • Excellent cut quality
  • Powerful performance
  • Long battery life
  • Compatible with Dewalt batteries

What We Don't Like

  • Safety switch awkward for big hands
  • Dust bag not included

What Customers Say

"I'm blown away by how easy it is to adjust and how well this planer works, especially for door planing. For the price, it can't be beat—this tool is a game changer!"

"I use a lot of Dewalt 20V tools as a professional, and this planer fits right in—robust, reliable, and compatible with my batteries. But honestly, the safety switch design makes it tough to use for long stretches if you have big hands. A more ergonomic switch would improve it, but overall, it gets the job done."

"This planer is incredibly efficient and produces smooth, clean surfaces. I was surprised it runs great even on a 2 amp battery, so I don't need a bigger one for most tasks. Cut quality is excellent and it saves me so much time."

#TOP 7

SKIL 6.5 AMP Electric Corded Planer

  • Skil
  • PL2012-00
  • Multi
SKIL 6.5 AMP Electric Corded Planer Cover

SKIL 6.5 AMP Electric 3-1/4 Inch Corded Planer - PL201201

This SKIL 6.5 AMP Electric 3-1/4 Inch Corded Planer is a powerful handheld tool that can help you with your woodworking projects. It has a compact size and lightweight design, making it easy to maneuver and store. The planer comes with a package dimension of 34.9 H x 17.5 L x 20.9 W (centimeters) and a weight of 3.483 kilograms, which makes it portable and convenient for outdoor projects. This corded planer is made in China and is a great choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals in the woodworking industry.

9.2
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Easy to operate
  • Great value for price
  • Solid build quality
  • Effective depth adjustment
  • Powerful performance

What We Don't Like

  • Minor dust bag issue
  • Packaging could be better

What Customers Say

"I found this planer to be very easy to use and set up, which made it perfect for me as a beginner. It’s a great value and has performed well on all my woodworking projects. My only small complaint is the dust bag doesn't work perfectly, but overall, it's a solid product."

"This tool was a huge help building my deck. It easily planed the floor joists and kept everything level. Cutting through treated wood was effortless. Although I've only used it for this one project, it was used quite a bit and never let me down."

"I've been really pleased with this planer. It handles both heavy and fine cuts with no trouble at all. The depth adjustment is straightforward, and the switchable exhaust chute for shavings is a nice touch. Performance has been excellent every time I've used it."

#TOP 8

VEVOR Electric Hand Planer 3-1/4-Inch 710W

VEVOR Electric Hand Planer 3-1/4-Inch 710W Cover

VEVOR Electric Hand Planer, 3-1/4-Inch Cut Width, 16500 RPM High-Speed Powerful Electric Handheld Planers for Woodworking, Wood Chamfer DIY, Smooth Finish Carpentry Tool, FCC-SDoC(710W)

The VEVOR Electric Hand Planer is designed to make your woodworking easier and more precise. Its powerful motor lets you plane wood smoothly and evenly, reducing effort and giving you better control. You can make precise cuts up to 3-1/4 inches wide and 0.20mm deep, helping you achieve detailed and accurate results. It also features dual dust extraction slots that let you connect to dust bags or a vacuum, keeping your workspace clean and free of debris. Plus, the polished aluminum baseplate and V-shaped guide groove help the planer glide smoothly without getting stuck, giving you a seamless finish every time.

9.0
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Affordable price
  • Works well for home use
  • Powerful and smooth operation
  • Sharp blades
  • Good build quality

What We Don't Like

  • Dust port adapter compatibility
  • Instructions not multilingual

What Customers Say

"For what I paid, I'm really pleased with this tool. It performed well when I used it to build my teardrop camper, and I’m not even worried if it only lasts a few months—though lasting longer would be great! I'd definitely recommend it to friends."

"I bought this mainly to clean up some long cedar boards that were difficult to manage on my table joiner. This planer is strong, produces a smooth cut, and is priced at less than half the cost of other brands. I'm happy to get such a quality tool for less."

"The planer does a good job on wood and is smooth to operate. However, the dust collection port doesn't fit my hoses and tends to come loose. I had to tape it down to keep it secure."

#TOP 9

Makita GA9060RX3 Concrete Surface Planer

Makita GA9060RX3 Concrete Surface Planer Cover

Makita GA9060RX3 9" Concrete Surface Planer with Dust Extraction Shroud

The Makita Concrete Planer is designed to make your concrete surfacing tasks cleaner and more efficient. Its dust extraction shroud helps capture dust right at the source, keeping your work area cleaner and reducing airborne particles. The powerful 15.0 AMP motor runs at 6,600 RPM, giving you reliable performance and durability for tough jobs. With the soft start feature, the planer starts smoothly, preventing sudden jolts and extending the life of its gears. Additionally, the anti-restart protection ensures the tool won’t accidentally turn on after a power outage, keeping you safe and in control.

8.9
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Powerful motor performance
  • Durable construction
  • Excellent dust control options
  • Ergonomic and lightweight design
  • Versatile for multiple materials

What We Don't Like

  • Dust shroud could improve
  • Lacks carrying case

What Customers Say

"As a professional contractor, I found this grinder to be exceptionally powerful and reliable. It handled heavy grinding tasks on concrete and thinset with ease, and its ergonomic, lightweight design made long jobs much more manageable. I especially appreciate the tool’s versatility and the smooth, consistent performance, even under tough conditions."

"I used this Makita grinder to remove thinset and prep my floors for new vinyl. With the right dust shroud and a shop vac, I was able to capture most of the fine dust, though a respirator is a must. I’m impressed by how heavy-duty and effective this tool is for surface preparation. Definitely a solid addition to my tool kit."

"This grinder made quick work of leveling concrete in my basement. The machine itself is amazing and powerful, though I wish the dust collector was a bit better. Still, with a good vacuum setup, it’s an excellent tool for DIY projects."

#TOP 10

PORTER-CABLE Hand Planer, 6-Amp

PORTER-CABLE Hand Planer, 6-Amp Cover

PORTER-CABLE Hand Planer, 6-Amp, 5/64-Inch (PC60THP)

The PORTER-CABLE Hand Planer, 6-Amp, 5/64-Inch (PC60THP) is a powerful electric hand planer with a heavy-duty 6 amp motor, 16,500 rpm for smooth material removal, and dual side dust extraction. The overmold depth knob with 10 positive steps and 3 chamfering grooves allow for better planer control and multiple depth control settings, while the 11.5-inch cast aluminum shoe provides added control and better finish quality. With a 5/64-inch depth of cut, this hand planer can remove excess material in less time.

8.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Powerful motor performance
  • Smooth, accurate finish
  • Easy depth adjustment
  • Good dust collection
  • Bargain price

What We Don't Like

  • No carrying bag included
  • Minor kickstand design issue

What Customers Say

"I had several doors that were sticking, so I decided to finally address the issue and ordered this planer. It worked flawlessly and was easy to use after watching a couple of YouTube videos for technique. I loved how you can take off a tiny amount of wood per pass, which made it difficult to mess up. The included guide kept everything aligned, and the dual exhaust ports were a big plus. The only thing I wish it had was a tool bag, since it just comes in a cardboard box, but overall, this is a fantastic, budget-friendly planer that I'm thrilled with."

"I don't understand how they offer this planer at such a low price. While the included bag isn't great, the overall build is solid and dust collection is excellent. It's a bit heavier and slightly less powerful than my coworker's Makita, but it's handled every job I've given it. My only gripe is the kickstand, which doesn't grab the work surface well when starting in the middle of a piece. Still, it's a great value for the price."

"I needed to plane several doors for a better fit and didn't want to spend a lot. After trying some cheaper alternatives and renting a more expensive planer, I took a chance on this Porter-Cable. It's not a cheap alternative—it's just as sturdy and effective as pricier brands, with smoother surfaces and easier adjustments. The guide kept my cuts straight, and for now, I can highly recommend this planer for its performance and value."

Power Handheld Planers Comparison Table

#TOP 1 WEN 6530 Electric Hand Planer Cover

WEN 6530 Electric Hand Planer

#TOP 2 BOSCH PL2632K Woodworking Hand Planer Cover

BOSCH PL2632K Woodworking Hand Planer

#TOP 3 WEN 6534 8-Amp Electric Hand Planer Cover

WEN 6534 8-Amp Electric Hand Planer

#TOP 4 WEN 6528 Electric Hand Planer Cover

WEN 6528 Electric Hand Planer

#TOP 5 Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Planer P611 Cover

Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Planer P611

#TOP 6 DEWALT 20V MAX Planer with Brushless Motor Cover

DEWALT 20V MAX Planer with Brushless Motor

#TOP 7 SKIL 6.5 AMP Electric Corded Planer Cover

SKIL 6.5 AMP Electric Corded Planer

#TOP 8 VEVOR Electric Hand Planer 3-1/4-Inch 710W Cover

VEVOR Electric Hand Planer 3-1/4-Inch 710W

#TOP 9 Makita GA9060RX3 Concrete Surface Planer Cover

Makita GA9060RX3 Concrete Surface Planer

#TOP 10 PORTER-CABLE Hand Planer, 6-Amp Cover

PORTER-CABLE Hand Planer, 6-Amp

Brand WEN Bosch WEN WEN RYOBI DEWALT Skil VEVOR Makita PORTER-CABLE
Material Aluminum, Plastic Plastic Metal Wood Plastic Metal Blend Metal, Plastic Aluminum Metal Aluminum
Color Orange Black Black Black Greyyellow Multi Multi Black Teal Hand Planer
Item Weight 6.5 Pounds 14.53 Pounds 9.5 Pounds 4.3 Pounds 5.6 Pounds 7.4 Pounds 5.99 Pounds 6.6 Pounds - 8.19 Pounds
FTB Score
9.8
9.7
9.5
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.0
8.9
8.8
Where to Buy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are electric hand planers worth it?

Yes, electric hand planers are worth it. They have powerful motors and can handle larger tasks, allowing for faster completion with less effort compared to traditional hand planers.

2. What is the difference between a hand planer and a planer?

An electric planer operates similarly to a hand planer but uses electric power. Electric planers are larger and heavier than hand planers and are designed for smoothening surfaces to achieve an even and smooth finish.

3. What is better, a hand planer or an electric planer?

While hand planers are generally cheaper, electric planers offer more power and convenience. Electric planers are recommended for larger tasks and provide faster results with less physical effort.

4. What should you not use a planer for?

Planers are designed specifically for flattening a board's top and bottom surfaces. They are not suitable for creating square edges or cleaning up the sides of a board. For these tasks, a jointer or table saw would be more appropriate.

5. What should you not do with a planer?

When using a planer, never run materials containing nails, screws, or other metallic objects. Do not remove debris unless the planer has come to a complete stop and is locked out. Avoid looking into the planer while it is running, and never stand in front of or behind stock going through the planer.

6. What is the best wood for a hand planer?

Various woods can be used for making hand planers, including beech, goncalvo alves, apple, pear, hornbeam, cherry, ash, oak, and birch. Some woodworkers also add a separate sole of rosewood or pau ferro for added stability and durability.

Editor's Notes

During our power handheld planer research, we found 24 power handheld planer products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 94,336 customer reviews through our big data system to write the power handheld planers list. We found that most customers choose power handheld planers with an average price of $101.27.

The power handheld planers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of power handheld planers, including WEN, Bosch, RYOBI, DEWALT, Skil. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by

Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.