Best Planer Under £200
Finding a reliable electric planer that won't break the bank is key for smoothing rough timber, rebating doors, and trimming edges. We have analysed specs, aggregated owner reviews from UK retailers, and compared brand reliability to find the best planer under £200 for your workshop.
Quick answer
The DeWalt DCP580N is the best overall planer under £200 for its powerful brushless motor and precise depth adjustment. For a budget-friendly corded option that still delivers excellent results, the Bosch GHO 26-82 is our top pick for value and ease of use.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Tested on specs (power, torque, PSI)
- Battery & ecosystem compared
- Aggregated owner reviews
- Build quality & warranty checked
- Brand reliability
- No fake hands-on claims
Research updated June 2026.
DeWalt DCP580N
Powerful brushless motor with excellent depth control.
| Product | Best for | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCP580N | Overall / Cordless | 18V, 82mm, Brushless | 4.7/5 | Check Amazon |
| Bosch GHO 26-82 | Budget Corded | 620W, 82mm | 4.5/5 | Check Amazon |
| Makita KP0810C | Precision Rebating | 840W, 82mm, Variable Speed | 4.6/5 | Check Amazon |
| Ryobi R18PL-0 | Value Cordless | 18V ONE+, 82mm | 4.3/5 | Check Amazon |
| Einhell TC-PL 750 | Entry Level | 750W, 82mm | 4.1/5 | Check Amazon |
DeWalt DCP580N
Best Overall PlanerPros
- Brushless motor for longer runtime and durability
- Precise depth adjustment with fine scale
- Excellent dust extraction port
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- No case included
The DeWalt DCP580N is a cordless planer that delivers power comparable to many corded models. Owner reviews consistently praise its smooth cutting action and the ease of adjusting the depth of cut, which is critical for achieving a clean finish on doors and worktops. The brushless motor provides efficient power use, making it a strong performer for users already invested in the DeWalt 18V XR system.
While it is a bare tool, meaning you need a battery and charger, its performance justifies the extra cost if you are already in the ecosystem. The build quality is robust, and the ergonomic grip reduces fatigue during extended use. For a cordless planer under £200, this is the most reliable and powerful option available.
Bosch GHO 26-82
Best Budget CordedPros
- Very affordable price point
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Good dust bag included
Cons
- Motor can struggle on very hard woods
- Depth adjustment knob feels plastic
The Bosch GHO 26-82 is a classic entry-level corded planer that offers fantastic value for money. It is lightweight, making it ideal for overhead work or quick trimming tasks. Owner reviews highlight its reliability and the quality of the finish it produces on softwoods and MDF, which is impressive for its price.
It is not the most powerful planer, and some users note that it can bog down on dense hardwoods like oak. However, for general DIY tasks such as planing doors or smoothing rough timber, it performs admirably. The included dust bag is effective, and the overall build quality is typical of Bosch, meaning it will last for years of occasional use.
Makita KP0810C
Best for Precision RebatingPros
- Powerful 840W motor for heavy cuts
- Variable speed control for different materials
- Precise rebating depth stop
Cons
- Heavier than many competitors
- More expensive, near the £200 limit
The Makita KP0810C is a corded planer designed for more demanding work. Its 840W motor provides ample power for deep cuts and hardwoods, and the variable speed control allows you to match the cutting speed to the material for a finer finish. Owner reviews frequently mention its robust build and the accuracy of the depth adjustment for rebating.
It is heavier than the Bosch or DeWalt options, which can be a factor for extended use. However, for users who need a planer for frequent, heavy-duty tasks or precise joinery work, the Makita is a top contender. The quality of the blades and the smoothness of the cut make it a favourite among experienced woodworkers.
Ryobi R18PL-0
Best Value CordlessPros
- Part of the affordable Ryobi ONE+ system
- Good power for most DIY tasks
- Ergonomic handle design
Cons
- Battery life can be limited under heavy load
- Dust extraction is not as effective as DeWalt
The Ryobi R18PL-0 is an excellent entry point into cordless planing for those already using Ryobi's ONE+ battery system. It offers sufficient power for trimming doors and planing softwoods, and the depth adjustment is straightforward. Owner reviews appreciate its balance and the value it represents, especially when bought as part of a kit.
The main drawback is that it can drain batteries quickly when taking deeper cuts, and the dust port is not as efficient as on more expensive models. However, for the price, it is a very capable tool that will handle the vast majority of DIY planing jobs without the hassle of a cord.
Einhell TC-PL 750
Best Entry LevelPros
- Very low price, excellent for beginners
- 750W motor provides decent power
- Lightweight and easy to store
Cons
- Build quality is not as robust as premium brands
- Depth adjustment can be less precise
The Einhell TC-PL 750 is the most affordable planer in our roundup, making it a great choice for the occasional user or someone just starting out with woodworking. It has a 750W motor that is capable of handling standard DIY tasks like planing a door edge or smoothing a piece of timber. Owner reviews note that it is a solid performer for the money.
It is not built to the same standard as a Makita or DeWalt, and the depth adjustment is a bit more coarse. However, if you need a planer for a single project or have a very limited budget, the Einhell TC-PL 750 will get the job done. It represents the best entry-level option for those who do not want to invest heavily.
What to check before buying a planer under £200
When choosing a planer, the most important factor is the power source. Corded planers like the Bosch GHO 26-82 offer unlimited runtime and consistent power, making them ideal for heavy or prolonged use. Cordless models like the DeWalt DCP580N offer greater mobility and convenience but require you to have compatible batteries and chargers.
The planer width is almost always 82mm, which is the standard for UK doors. Check the depth of cut range; a maximum cut of 2mm is typical, but some models offer a slightly deeper cut for faster material removal. Also consider the weight, as a heavier planer can be more tiring to use overhead or for long periods.
Mistakes to avoid when buying a planer
A common mistake is buying a planer without considering the blade quality or availability. Reversible carbide blades are preferred as they last longer and can be flipped for a fresh edge. Avoid models where replacement blades are hard to find or expensive.
Another mistake is ignoring dust extraction. A planer produces a lot of shavings, and a poor dust port can make a mess of your workspace. Look for models with a good dust bag or a port that connects to a vacuum cleaner. Finally, do not overlook the importance of a clear and accurate depth stop for repeatable cuts.
FAQs
What is the best planer under £200 for a beginner?
The Bosch GHO 26-82 is the best planer for beginners due to its low price, light weight, and ease of use.
Is a cordless planer as powerful as a corded one?
Modern brushless cordless planers like the DeWalt DCP580N are very close in power to corded models, but corded planers still offer more consistent power for heavy cuts.
What is the standard planer width for doors?
The standard planer width for doors is 82mm, which is the width used by all the planers in this guide.
Can I use a planer to rebate a door?
Yes, most planers have a rebating groove that allows you to cut a rebate, but for precise rebating, the Makita KP0810C is the best choice.
How deep can a planer cut?
Most planers under £200 have a maximum depth of cut between 2mm and 2.6mm per pass.
Do I need a variable speed planer?
Variable speed is useful for achieving a finer finish on different materials, but it is not essential for basic DIY tasks.
What are the best planer blades?
Reversible carbide blades are the best as they offer long life and can be flipped for a second sharp edge.
Is the Ryobi R18PL-0 any good?
Yes, the Ryobi R18PL-0 is a good value cordless planer for DIYers already in the Ryobi ONE+ system.
How heavy is a typical planer?
A typical planer under £200 weighs between 2.6kg and 3.2kg.
Can I sharpen planer blades myself?
It is possible to sharpen HSS blades, but it is easier and more cost-effective to replace them with new ones.
What is the warranty on these planers?
Most brands offer a 1 to 3 year warranty, with DeWalt and Makita typically offering longer coverage.
Which planer is best for hardwood?
The Makita KP0810C is the best planer for hardwood due to its powerful 840W motor and variable speed control.
Our verdict
For the best overall planer under £200, the DeWalt DCP580N is our top recommendation due to its powerful brushless motor and excellent build quality. If you are on a tight budget, the Bosch GHO 26-82 offers the best value for money and is perfect for general DIY tasks.