Okay, let's face it. There's not much a person can buy these days for under a $100 that has much value. It's really a sad reality, but a reality none the less. This is especially true with power tools in general and plunge routers specifically. These aren't the plunge routers I'd choose to work with every day of the week if my livelihood depended on it, but for occasional DIY projects or for the person who just wants a router around the house to learn with, these sub $100 plunge routers are perfect. These plunge router reviews will take a look at, and compare head to head, the top 3 plunge routers under $100.

Model 

plunge router reviews

Professional Woodworker 7381

router reviews

Black & Decker RP250

compare best routers

Skil 1820
HP 4  2 2
RPM 11,500-32,000 8,000-27,000  25,000
 Amps 7.8 10 10
Star Rating
  Not Rated Yet 3 1/2  3
Collet Size
 1/4" 1/4" 1/4"
Max Working Depth
  2" 2"  2"
Included Accessories
 parallel guide, pair of carbon brushes, dust collection tube, profile board, nip needle and a spanner 1/4-inch collet, collet wrench, adjustable parallel edge guide, user’s guide 1/4" collet, collet wrench, carrying bag
Weight 8.25  10.7  7
Warranty 1 Year 2 Year  1 Year
Click the 'Learn More' buttons for consumer reviews and current prices
 professional woodworker 7381 review

black & decker rp250 reviews

 skil router reviews

Plunge Router Reviews - Which of these Plunge Routers is right for you?

Ideally, your first plunge router would be a more expensive, higher quality router than these three. But I know all about being on a budget and wanting to start out small. If you don't think you'll be using a router all that much, then these three will work for you. On the other hand, if you think you'll be using a router on a regular basis, you should probably choose a more durable, high quality router such as those from Bosch or Milwaukee or Festool.

But if I could only choose from one of these three, it would probably be the Professional Woodworker 7381. Why? Because it comes with the most accessories and is priced between the other two. It has a higher horsepower rating and the max RPM's are higher than the Skil 1820 and the Black & Decker RP250.

The general consensus on many of the woodworking forums that I visited was that this was a good 'starter' router, just don't expect huge things from it. And I'd be okay with that. The reviews on the Skil and Black & Decker plunge routers are mediocre, but then again, we're talking about sub $100 routers here!

Click HERE To See Amazon.com Full Line of Plunge Routers and Find the lowest prices