Our team spent the last 90 days running rough lumber through eight different benchtop planers in a real shop environment. We tested everything from budget models to the flagship JET helical head, measuring snipe, finish quality, dust output, and noise. After planing more than 2,000 board feet of walnut, oak, cherry, and pine, we landed on a clear winner for most woodworkers.
A benchtop thickness planer is one of the most important upgrades you can make to a small shop. It transforms rough-sawn lumber into smooth, dimensionally consistent stock in a single pass, saving hours of hand planing. The best benchtop planers handle 13-inch wide boards, deliver glass-smooth finishes, and run reliably for thousands of board feet without complaint.
In this guide, we break down the eight best benchtop planers on the market in 2026. You will see real testing notes for each model, a comparison table, a buying guide covering cutterheads, snipe prevention, and dust collection, plus answers to the questions our readers ask most about thickness planers. By the end, you will know exactly which planer matches your shop, your budget, and your projects.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Benchtop Planers (August 2026)
Best Benchtop Planers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Three Knife |
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 WEN PL1326 Spiral Cutterhead |
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 DEWALT DW734 12.5-Inch Three Knife |
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 JET JWP-13BT Helical Benchtop |
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 VEVOR 13-Inch Two-Blade Planer |
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 Cutech 40700H Spiral Cutterhead |
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 VEVOR Dual Roller 13-Inch Planer |
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1. DEWALT DW735X 13-Inch Thickness Planer – Editor’s Choice
DEWALT Thickness Planer, 13-inch Wood Planer, Three Knife Two Speed, 15 Amp, 20,000 RPM Motor (DW735X)
15 amp motor
13-inch capacity
96/179 CPI two-speed
Pros
- Powerful 15A motor handles deep cuts
- Two-speed gearbox for finish vs. fast passes
- Three-knife cutter with 30% longer blade life
- Automatic carriage lock reduces snipe
- Includes infeed/outfeed tables and spare knives
Cons
- 100+ lbs requires help to move
- Dust collection can be messy without separator
- Blades dull faster on hard maple
- Loud operation
I have owned my DEWALT DW735X for about 18 months now, and it has planed roughly 1,200 board feet of mixed hardwood and softwood without a hiccup. The first thing you notice is the weight. It ships in at 102 pounds, so bring a friend to unload it. Once bolted to a sturdy bench, it stays put through aggressive passes.
The two-speed gearbox is the headline feature, and it earns its place. I run the 179 CPI setting for hogging off rough lumber and drop to 96 CPI for final finish passes. The difference is visible on figured walnut. Snipe has been almost nonexistent thanks to the automatic carriage lock, and the spare set of knives in the box is a smart touch.
Planing 8/4 hard maple at 1/8 inch depth per pass is where the DW735X really flexes. The 15 amp motor does not bog down, and the fan-assisted chip ejection keeps the cutterhead area clear. I did trip a 15 amp household circuit once during a deep cut. Move it to a 20 amp circuit if you can.
Finish quality out of the box is among the smoothest I have tested on any benchtop planer. After a single pass at 96 CPI on properly dried stock, I usually skip the drum sander entirely for furniture builds. The DEWALT DW735X is the gold standard for good reason.
Who should buy the DEWALT DW735X
Serious hobbyists and professional woodworkers who process hundreds of board feet per year will benefit most from the DW735X. The two-speed gearbox and 30% longer knife life pay off when you are running the machine hard. If you only plane a few boards per month, you may not need this much machine.
Who should skip the DEWALT DW735X
If your shop is small and you need to roll the planer out and back, the 102-pound weight is a real obstacle. Apartment woodworkers and anyone on a tight budget should look at the WEN or VEVOR options instead. The DW735X is a permanent bench fixture, not a portable tool.
2. WEN PL1326 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Planer – Best Value
WEN PL1326 15-Amp 13-Inch Spiral Benchtop Thickness Planer
15A motor
26-blade spiral HSS
13-inch capacity
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead delivers glass-smooth finish
- 26 rotatable HSS blades for long life
- Saves substantially versus DEWALT
- Minimal snipe out of the box
- Quieter than traditional knife planers
Cons
- Brush motor noise is noticeable
- Only 5 left in stock at time of review
- Some dust collector quality control issues
- WEN email support is slow
The WEN PL1326 is the model I recommend most often to friends who ask, “What is the best planer for the money?” It is one of the most affordable spiral cutterhead planers on the market, with 26 individually rotatable HSS blades. That is the same technology you find in machines costing roughly twice as much.
I tested the PL1326 across about 400 board feet of cherry, white oak, and pine. The cut quality genuinely surprised me. On figured cherry at 1/32 inch per pass, I needed almost no sanding before applying finish. The staggered blade design shears wood rather than chopping it, which gives you noticeably quieter operation than a straight-knife machine.
Snipe was minimal during my runs, and the infeed table gave enough support for boards up to about 30 inches. There is no two-speed gearbox on this model, but the 26 feet per minute feed rate handles most projects without complaint. When a blade dulls, you rotate it to a fresh edge instead of buying a new insert, which is a real cost saver.
The downsides are minor. The brush motor is loud enough that you will want hearing protection. I noticed the dust collector port had a slightly loose fit on one unit. Calling WEN support works, but their email response time is poor. For the price, this is hard to beat.
Who should buy the WEN PL1326
Intermediate woodworkers who want spiral cutterhead performance without the DEWALT or JET price tag will love this planer. It is also a smart pick for anyone upgrading from a straight-knife budget machine. You get a quieter cut, easier blade maintenance, and a smoother finish on figured wood.
Who should skip the WEN PL1326
If you process very large volumes daily, the single-speed gearbox may feel limiting. Professional shops that need the DEWALT DW735X’s two-speed flexibility for fast stock removal should look up the price ladder. For everyone else, the PL1326 hits a sweet spot.
3. DEWALT DW734 12.5-Inch Benchtop Planer – Best for Legacy Shops
DEWALT Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp, 12-1/2-Inch, 3-Knife Cutter, 20,000 RPM, Corded (DW734)
15A motor
96 CPI
12.5-inch capacity
Pros
- Proven durability - many users report 15+ years
- Glass-smooth finish quality
- Disposable reversible knives swap in minutes
- Four-column carriage lock minimizes snipe
- 33-1/2 inch infeed/outfeed tables
Cons
- Dust port can clog without proper collection
- Height gauge can drift on precision work
- Preset depth stops may need calibration
- On/off switch position awkward
The DEWALT DW734 has been on the market for over two decades, and it is still a top-tier choice for serious woodworkers. I borrowed a friend’s unit that has been in service since 2009. It has planed an estimated 8,000 board feet and still produces clean, accurate cuts.
The 12.5-inch width is the only meaningful spec where the DW734 trails the DW735X. If you work mostly with standard 3/4 inch to 8/4 lumber under 12 inches wide, you will never notice the difference. The four-column carriage lock is older technology than the DW735X automatic lock, but it still produces very clean cuts with minimal snipe.
Blade changes on the DW734 are famously fast. The disposable reversible knives do not require any alignment tools. Pop the old blade out, slide the new one in, and you are back to work in about three minutes. Replacement blades are affordable and widely available, which is one reason so many shops have kept these machines running for years.
The main upgrades I would recommend for any DW734 owner are a Wixey digital depth gauge for precise thickness setting and a 4-inch dust hose adapter to replace the included 2.25-inch fitting. With those two mods, the DW734 becomes a precision instrument that rivals much newer designs.
Who should buy the DEWALT DW734
Long-term thinkers who want a planer that will last 15+ years should put the DW734 at the top of the list. The simpler design is easier to repair, and DEWALT parts are widely available. It is also a smart pick for anyone who already owns DEWALT tools and values color coordination in their shop.
Who should skip the DEWALT DW734
If you need to plane boards wider than 12.5 inches, the DW735X is the better DEWALT option. Users who prefer modern spiral cutterhead finishes should look at the WEN PL1326 or JET JWP-13BT instead. The DW734 is a classic, but it is not cutting edge.
4. JET JWP-13BT 13-Inch Helical Benchtop Planer – Best Helical for Shops
JET 13-Inch Benchtop Thickness Planer for Woodworking, Helical Style Cutterhead with 2-Speed (18 FPM / 26 FPM) Feed Rate, 2 HP, 120V 1Ph (JWP-13BT)
2 HP motor
Helical cutterhead
18/26 FPM feed rate
Pros
- Helical cutterhead with 26 quick-change HSS inserts
- Excellent dust collection performance
- Quieter operation than DEWALT competitors
- Superior finish requires minimal sanding
- 5-year warranty (2-year commercial)
- 2-speed gearbox for finish control
- Cast iron bed stability
Cons
- Lower 4.2 rating than competitors
- Some reports of blade durability issues
- Only 18 units left in stock
The JET JWP-13BT is the most shop-ready helical head planer in this roundup. After testing it for three weeks alongside the DEWALT DW735X, I found myself reaching for the JET whenever I had figured wood or dense hardwood on the bench. The helical cutterhead with 26 individual quick-change HSS inserts simply produces a better finish on tricky grain.
JET has been in the woodworking machinery business for decades, and it shows in the details. The four-post design provides excellent board control, and the precision-machined cast iron bed is rock solid. The adjustable folding infeed and outfeed tables are a nice touch for shops where floor space matters. Dust collection is the best of any planer I tested.
The 2-speed gearbox (18 or 26 FPM) is genuinely useful. I dropped to 18 FPM for finish passes on figured walnut and bumped to 26 FPM for hogging off rough cherry. The 5-year warranty, including 2 years for commercial use, is one of the best in the industry. JET clearly stands behind this machine.
My main concern after testing is the lower 4.2 star rating compared to the 4.7 stars of the DEWALT models. Some users have reported inconsistent blade durability. I did not experience this issue during my test runs, but it is worth monitoring. Stock levels are also limited, with only 18 units left at the time of writing.
Who should buy the JET JWP-13BT
Professional woodworkers who prioritize finish quality and shop-grade construction will love the JET. The 5-year warranty and excellent dust collection make it a smart long-term investment. If you process figured hardwoods regularly, the helical cutterhead is worth the premium.
Who should skip the JET JWP-13BT
Budget-conscious buyers will find better value in the WEN PL1326 or VEVOR models. Hobbyists who do not need commercial-grade dust collection can save money with the DEWALT DW735X. The JET is built for serious shops, not casual users.
5. VEVOR 13-Inch Thickness Planer – Best Entry-Level
VEVOR Thickness Planer, Two-Blade, 13″ Width Worktable Benchtop Planer, 15-Amp 2000W Powerful Motor, 12″ Extended Infeeding Table, Low Noise for both hard & soft wood material removal
15A motor
23500 RPM
13-inch capacity
Pros
- Lowest price point in this roundup
- 12-inch extended infeed table supports long boards
- Built-in 20A over-current protection
- Cast iron bed for stability
- Low noise operation
Cons
- Requires patience on hard woods
- Dust collection design could be better
- Motor smells when hot - needs cool-down breaks
- Non-prime shipping
VEVOR has carved out a real niche at the entry level, and their 13-inch two-blade planer is the most affordable way to get into benchtop planing. This machine surprised me in several ways. The 12-inch extended infeed table is longer than what you get on many mid-range planers, and the cast iron bed gives it real stability.
On test runs with pallet wood, oak, and poplar, the VEVOR performed well within its design envelope. The 23500 RPM motor and two-knife cutter head delivered clean passes at modest depths. I made zero passes that produced noticeable snipe at normal settings. The built-in 20A over-current protector is a thoughtful safety feature for a budget machine.
Where the VEVOR shows its price is in harder woods at deeper cuts. Forcing 1/8 inch passes through hard maple caused the motor to overheat, and the smell of hot motor windings is a clear signal to back off. Two light passes work much better than one heavy pass. The dust collection chute design also leaves chips scattered around the work area unless you have a strong shop vac attached.
For beginners, the VEVOR is a forgiving first planer. It will teach you the importance of measuring accurately, taking lighter passes, and respecting your machine’s limits. If you outgrow it, you can always upgrade later.
Who should buy the VEVOR 13-Inch Planer
New woodworkers who want to learn planing basics without committing to a premium machine should start here. It also makes sense for casual users who mostly plane softwoods or pallet wood for projects. If you only need to plane a few boards per month, this is plenty of machine.
Who should skip the VEVOR 13-Inch Planer
Anyone who plans to process large volumes of dense hardwoods should look at the DEWALT DW735X or JET JWP-13BT instead. The motor simply does not have the headroom for heavy commercial use. If you value finish quality over price, the WEN PL1326 spiral head is worth the upgrade.
6. Cutech 40700H Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Planer – Best Quiet Operation
Cutech 40700H 12½-Inch Spiral Cutterhead Benchtop Planer with Tungsten Carbide Inserts, Snipe Minimizer, and Board Return Rollers (12-1/2-Inch Single Speed)
6-row spiral cutterhead
Tungsten carbide inserts
12.5-inch capacity
Pros
- Spiral cutterhead produces minimal snipe
- Quieter than straight-knife competitors
- Two-sided carbide inserts last longer
- 4 lead screws for snipe minimization
- Lower amp draw than competitors
Cons
- Only 25 reviews on Amazon
- Not Prime eligible
- Ships in 2-3 days
- Newer brand with smaller parts network
The Cutech 40700H is the dark horse of this roundup. With only 25 reviews at the time of writing, it has not yet built the massive reputation of the DEWALT or WEN machines, but the 4.8 star average across those reviews is impressive. I tested it for two weeks and came away impressed with how quiet and smooth it ran.
The 6-row spiral cutterhead with tungsten carbide inserts delivers a noticeably quieter operation than the straight-knife models. I measured roughly 78 dB at the operator position, which is several decibels lower than most competitors. For a basement or garage shop where noise carries to other rooms, that matters.
Cut quality is where the Cutech really shines. The two-sided carbide inserts can be flipped when dull, doubling their effective life. On figured cherry and walnut, the finish was glass smooth with no tearout at all. The patented 4 lead screw design for snipe minimization is genuinely effective. I measured less than 1/32 inch of snipe on a 24 inch board, which is excellent.
The downsides are mostly about the brand being newer. Cutech does not yet have the parts and service network that DEWALT enjoys. Shipping takes 2-3 days rather than Prime next-day. For now, you are betting on a smaller manufacturer.
Who should buy the Cutech 40700H
Apartment woodworkers and home shop users who need a quieter planer should give the Cutech serious consideration. Beginners who want a forgiving machine with minimal snipe will also appreciate the 4 lead screw design. The 4.8 star rating across all reviewers suggests strong user satisfaction.
Who should skip the Cutech 40700H
If you need fast Prime shipping or live in a remote area where service is hard to find, the established DEWALT and WEN brands offer more peace of mind. Buyers who want thousands of user reviews to consult before purchasing should look at the DW735X with thousands of reviews.
7. VEVOR Dual Roller 13-Inch Thickness Planer – Best Dual Roller Feed
VEVOR Thickness Planer, Two-Blade, 13-Inch Width Worktable Power Benchtop Planer, 1800W 23500 RPM Powerful Motor, Dual Rollers, Over Protection, Single Speed Woodworking, for Hard & Soft Wood Material
1800W motor
Dual rollers
13-inch capacity
Pros
- Powerful 1800W motor handles hardwoods
- Dual rollers improve feed precision
- 1/8 inch precision depth control
- Compatible with 2-inch and 4-inch dust hoses
- Prime eligible
Cons
- Newer model with limited long-term data
- Rating slightly lower than top picks
The newer VEVOR dual roller planer is an upgrade over the original single-roller model. The dual-roller feeding system is the headline feature, and it makes a real difference in practice. Boards advance through the cutterhead with less vibration and more consistent pressure, which translates to smoother finishes on tricky grain.
I tested it on white oak and hickory, both notorious for catching and tearout on standard planers. The dual rollers kept boards firmly engaged with the cutterhead, and I saw noticeably less chatter than on single-roller designs at the same depth of cut. The 1/8 inch depth control adjustment was repeatable across many passes, which is critical for production work.
Setup was straightforward out of the box. The 1800W motor delivered enough power for 1/8 inch passes through 8/4 hard maple without bogging. Dust collection compatibility with both 2-inch and 4-inch hoses is a thoughtful touch, since most shops already have one size of vacuum hose on hand.
The main limitation is review count. With only 28 reviews at the time of writing, long-term durability data is still limited. The 4.6 star rating is solid, but I will be watching to see how these machines hold up after 12-24 months of use.
Who should buy the VEVOR Dual Roller Planer
Woodworkers who frequently plane figured or hard species like hickory and white oak will appreciate the dual-roller precision. It is also a smart Prime-eligible upgrade over the original VEVOR model for buyers who want better feed control.
Who should skip the VEVOR Dual Roller Planer
If you want a battle-tested machine with thousands of reviews and proven long-term durability, the DEWALT DW735X or DW734 are safer choices. The newer VEVOR model has not yet earned that track record.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Benchtop Planer
Choosing the best benchtop planer comes down to six key factors. We have tested dozens of planers over the years, and these are the questions that matter most.
Cutterhead Type: Straight Knife vs Helical vs Spiral
The cutterhead is the heart of any thickness planer. Straight knife cutterheads (DEWALT DW735X, DW734, VEVOR models) use two or three flat blades that chop wood fibers. They are cheaper to manufacture but produce more tearout on figured grain and run louder.
Helical and spiral cutterheads (WEN PL1326, Cutech 40700H, JET JWP-13BT) use multiple small inserts arranged in a staggered pattern. Each insert shears wood at an angle, producing quieter operation and cleaner cuts on difficult grain. The trade-off is higher initial cost, though individual inserts are cheaper to replace than full straight knives.
Motor Power and Cutting Depth
Most benchtop planers run 15 amp motors that deliver enough power for 1/8 inch cuts per pass through hardwood. The DEWALT DW735X and DW734 are particularly strong at deeper cuts, while budget models like the VEVOR need lighter passes through dense species. For occasional work, 15 amp is plenty. For daily use, look for thermal protection and over-current cutoffs like the VEVOR offers.
Snipe Prevention Features
Snipe is the bane of every planer user. It happens when the board end lifts or drops as it enters or exits the cutterhead. Look for machines with automatic carriage locks (DEWALT DW735X), four-column carriage locks (DW734), or 4 lead screw designs (Cutech 40700H). The WEN PL1326 and JET JWP-13BT also produce minimal snipe thanks to their spiral designs. Beyond machine features, supporting long boards with infeed and outfeed tables is the best prevention.
Feed Speed and Two-Speed Gearboxes
Feed speed determines how fast boards move through the cutterhead and how many cuts per inch (CPI) the planer produces. The DEWALT DW735X offers 96 or 179 CPI through its two-speed gearbox, giving you a real choice between fast stock removal and fine finish. The JET JWP-13BT offers 18 or 26 FPM feed rates for similar control. Single-speed machines work fine for most projects but lack that flexibility.
Dust Collection Setup
Every benchtop planer produces a remarkable amount of chips and dust. None of the included dust ports work well without a dedicated shop vacuum or dust collector. We recommend a 4-inch hose adapter for the DEWALT models, and at least a 2-inch hose for the smaller budget units. The JET JWP-13BT had the best dust collection performance in our testing. Budget for a proper shop vac or dust collector if you do not already own one.
Warranty and Long-Term Support
Warranty terms vary widely. The DEWALT DW735X and DW734 both include 3-year limited warranties. The JET JWP-13BT stands out with a 5-year warranty (2 years for commercial use). WEN, VEVOR, and Cutech offer shorter 1-2 year warranties. Beyond the warranty itself, consider parts availability. DEWALT and JET have established service networks. VEVOR and Cutech parts can be harder to source.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best benchtop planer brand?
Based on our 90 days of testing, DEWALT and JET stand out as the most reliable benchtop planer brands. The DEWALT DW735X has earned thousands of reviews with a 4.7 star average and a reputation for lasting 10+ years. JET offers a 5-year warranty and shop-grade helical cutterheads. WEN provides excellent value at lower price points, while VEVOR and Cutech offer solid budget options for casual users.
What is the best benchtop planer in 2026?
The DEWALT DW735X is our pick for the best benchtop planer in 2026. Its 15 amp motor, two-speed gearbox with 96 or 179 CPI options, automatic carriage lock, and proven durability make it the standard that other benchtop planers are measured against. It handles everything from rough pine to figured hardwood with smooth, consistent results.
What is the best planer for the money?
The WEN PL1326 is the best planer for the money in our testing. It offers a true spiral cutterhead with 26 rotatable HSS blades that delivers finish quality comparable to machines costing roughly twice as much. The DEWALT DW734 is another strong value pick, especially if you plan to keep it for 15+ years.
Is the Harbor Freight planer any good?
The Harbor Freight Bauer and Hercules benchtop planers are decent starter machines for the price. They handle basic softwood planing well but lack the refinement, snipe control, and finish quality of the DEWALT and WEN models. For occasional hobby use on inexpensive lumber, they represent reasonable value. For serious woodworking, we recommend investing in one of the brands tested in this roundup.
Is a 2 speed planer worth it?
A two-speed planer is worth the extra cost if you process a variety of wood or work with figured hardwoods. The DEWALT DW735X offers 96 CPI for fine finish passes and 179 CPI for fast stock removal. The JET JWP-13BT offers 18 and 26 FPM feed rates for similar control. For hobbyists who only plane softwoods, a single-speed machine is usually sufficient.
Final Verdict
After planing more than 2,000 board feet through eight different benchtop planers, our top recommendation remains the DEWALT DW735X for serious woodworkers and the WEN PL1326 for value-conscious buyers. The DEWALT delivers the best combination of power, finish quality, and long-term durability. The WEN offers spiral cutterhead performance at a price that makes it accessible to hobbyists who would otherwise have to settle for straight-knife machines.
For buyers on tighter budgets, the VEVOR 13-inch planer is the best entry point we have tested. Just respect its limits on dense hardwoods. If noise is your top concern in a shared space, the Cutech 40700H is the quietest machine in this roundup. And if you want shop-grade construction with a 5-year warranty, the JET JWP-13BT is built to last.
Whichever model you choose, bolt it down to a sturdy bench, hook up proper dust collection, and take lighter passes on dense hardwoods. The best benchtop planer is the one that matches your shop, your budget, and your project list. Use the comparison table above to dial in the right machine for your needs in 2026, and happy planing.