10 Best Router Bits in 2022
We may earn commission from our brand partners when purchasing products through our links. Learn more.
One of the most useful tools when it comes to woodwork is a router. Whether you are a professional carpenter or simply getting started on some woodwork projects on your own, a router is likely one of the items on your list for getting your workbench ready. Once you have decided if you want your router to be the basic old-fashioned kind or a heavy-duty power tool, you need to think about which router bits you should buy.
There is a wide range of router bits on offer, so it can be tough to find the right ones. By looking through this article, you should get a better understanding of what you need and what is available for you. The following product reviews give details on ten of the best carbide tipped router bit sets on the market, ideal for cutting straight grooves in various sizes.
Related: Router Table Review.
View the Best Router Bits, Below.
- Hiltex 10100 Tungsten Carbide Router Bits
- Bosch RBS010 Professional Router Bit Set
- HQMaster CNC Router Bits
- Stalwart 24 Piece Router Bit Set
- Freud Piece Straight Bit Set
- MLCS 8377 Router Bit Set
- ABN Tungsten Carbide Router Bit Set
- Whiteside RU2100 1/4-Inch Router Bits
- FivePears Tungsten Carbide Router Bits
- Meihejia Flush Trim Router Bit Set
1. Hiltex 10100 Tungsten Carbide Router Bits
The first router bit set to take a look at is this collection is from Hiltex. This is a very well-organized and efficient router bit set that comes in an attractive and useful wooden box. This is great for the occasional amateur woodworker who wants to keep things tidy but also helps keep a professional well-organized.
The router bits themselves are made of strong alloy steel which is very durable and resistant to heat. The precision with which the carbide tips are formed will help give an accurate and consistent cut in any wood. They also come in a universal ¼ inch shank size, which means they will fit any router. The 15 bits in this set make up one of the largest sets available, yet they match this convenience with a relatively affordable price
The attractive wooden storage box and universal ¼ inch shanks make this a very convenient set for all carpenters, whether you are an amateur or a professional.
Check Price on Amazon ➞2. Bosch RBS010 Professional Router Bit Set
Bosch’s RBS010 is a collection of ten router bits from a reliable and well-known brand. These router bits vary between the most frequently used profile shapes, so you should have the right bit for any project you come across. The bits have tips made from durable carbide, so they should not suffer from any wear and tear. They are also precisely ground to ensure that you have the sharpest and most accurate cut.
There are ten router bits in this set, and they can be well-organized and stored in a wooden case, which is included with your purchase. The ten bits include both ¼ inch and ½ inch shanks, so they can fit most routers and are suitable for most jobs. Overall, this is a good option if you want router bits to suit all purposes.
Bosch is a reliable tool manufacturer, and this set offers a range of router bits that are reflective of the most popular profiles in the world of carpentry.
Check Price on Amazon ➞3. HQMaster CNC Router Bits
If you require a router bit with a thinner shank for more intricate and precise cutting, these bits from HQMaster may be an excellent option for you. With a ⅛ inch shank diameter, these bits are the smallest in the list and are the best option in that size due to their price tag. This is one of the more affordable sets available, so it should not be overlooked if you require a ⅛ inch shank.
With this low price tag, they come in a simple but cheap plastic case. This is more than good enough for holding them in, although a professional may want something a bit more organized. The bits have a high level of precision through their well-made carbide tips, and this also keeps them durable and resistant. Not only this, but HQMaster boast about the wide range of wood types that these can cut into.
These are basic and affordable router bits in smaller shank diameter, making them perfect for more intricate grooving and engraving.
Check Price on Amazon ➞4. Stalwart 24 Piece Router Bit Set
Those carpenters who want a wide range of router bit profiles, or even just a lot of spares, will take an interest in one of the two larger router bit sets in this list. The first of these is this set from Stalwart. Another reliable manufacturer, Stalwart, has produced this set of 24 router bits, which can be used in a range of applications. The varied profiles of the 24 router bits allow you to carry out various tasks without issue, as the universal ¼ inch shank diameter can fit any router.
The sturdy wooden case makes sure you can keep your 24 router bits organized and stops them from getting lost. It also includes an allen wrench so you can remove bearings with ease. Like the bits, the case is very durable, so it won't damage easily. The router bits themselves are made from high-quality materials and carbide tips, so they should last a very long time.
This large set of router bits offers a wide range of profiles for experienced woodworkers, useful for a variety of carpentry tasks.
Check Price on Amazon ➞5. Freud Piece Straight Bit Set
More professional carpenters who want to part with a bit more cash could enjoy this router bit set. With 13 pieces included, it matches some of the most frequently sought after bit shapes, making it ideal as a long term purchase. The bits are carbide with titanium, making them more durable than the majority of options on the market, as well as giving them strong, heat-resistant properties.
In addition to the utility of the bits, the storage box that accompanies this set offers a level of professionalism that you don't normally find with the more basic options. The large wooden box is sturdy, so it will keep your tools safe.
It can also be wall-mounted to your garage, workshop, or wherever you may keep your carpentry gear. This is a high-class router bit set, which will please more professional carpenters, but probably isn't worth the cost if you aren’t using a router frequently.
This bit set from Freud is for the more seasoned carpenters, who want something to look professional as well as being convenient.
Check Price on Amazon ➞6. MLCS 8377 Router Bit Set
In contrast to the previous set, this offering from MLCS is a set of router bits for beginners. Again, they have high-quality carbide tips, which will cut through most types of wood. However, these are less durable than a lot of the more expensive models, with some reviews complaining about the damage being caused to the bits or the wood they are cutting.
There are 15 router bits in the set, which is a positive as it offers a range of shapes for cutting and engraving your wood. It also includes an Allen wrench, so you have almost everything you need to get started with your carpentry. The wooden case is attractive and conveniently sized for easy transport. However, if you are after a high-quality set of router bits, you may wish to look elsewhere for some bits that will last longer.
For amateur woodworkers looking to try out some router bits without spending too much money, this is a good set to get started with.
Check Price on Amazon ➞7. ABN Tungsten Carbide Router Bit Set
The other 24-piece set in our list is this offering from ABN. Again, the large collection of router bits gives a lot of variety for the user to choose from, meaning that there is always a suitable router bit for the project you are working on. Each router bit is made from strong tungsten carbide, making it very durable, even at high speeds. Regardless of the rpm of your router, these bits should last through any task.
The universal ¼ inch shank is helpful as it will fit most routers without any issues. It also includes an allen wrench, so you don't need to find your own in your toolbox. All of this is stored in a simple and convenient wooden box, which holds the bits securely. This means you can carry the box full of bits to a job without them dislodging and rolling around inside. This set is ideal for a professional carpenter who may need to work on the move.
This set is stored very conveniently in a simple wooden box that secures all the bits in place. The tungsten carbide material can handle any router speed.
Check Price on Amazon ➞8. Whiteside RU2100 1/4-Inch Router Bits
Whiteside is renowned in the carpentry world for producing durable router bits, which are made for precise cuts. These ¼ inch router bits will match most routers and are designed to make very precise cuts. The carbide is strong and sharp, allowing you to make grooves or engravings accurately. The durability of this quality carbide is a particularly strong point and is sustainable even at a high router speed.
These router bits come in smaller quantities than the full sets elsewhere in this list, but this has its benefits. Evidently, they do not come with any sort of storage system or extra parts, making them more affordable. These are ideal carbide router bits for professionals who require replacements or improvements on a less durable model.
The small quantity makes these affordable for professional carpenters who may be seeking replacements while coming from a reliable and known manufacturer.
Check Price on Amazon ➞9. FivePears Tungsten Carbide Router Bits
FivePears have produced these tungsten carbide router bits to give a precise and accurate cut in a range of wood types. These ½ inch router bits come in a set of 12, giving a variety of options for your woodwork project. The various bit profiles offer a range of cutting choices that are perfect for carpenters of all experience levels.
Also, the sturdy wooden case offers a lot of protection to the router bits, so there is no fear of them being damaged on the move. As well as protection from the case, the router bits are powdered for extra protection, so they should last a long time whether you are carving into hardwood, softwood or MDF.
This router bit set is a great choice for beginners thanks to the storage options and the various cutter types available.
Check Price on Amazon ➞10. Meihejia Flush Trim Router Bit Set
Sometimes, you may find you prefer to use a handheld router than a power tool. Perhaps you are more of a hobbyist, and a power tool is not an option, or maybe you just like to do things the old-fashioned way. Whatever your reason, you will need different router bits, and this offering from Meihejia is the perfect answer. With 4 different blade length options, these router bits are only compatible with handheld routers, but they still do a fantastic job with smooth cuts and high precision.
The high-quality alloy steel used in producing these tungsten carbide router bits is coated with Teflon to add heat resistance. This makes these bits even more durable and likely to last a very long time. If you take into account the quality of the results and the affordable price, these router bits are a great option on a budget.
High-quality alloy steel bodies and extra coating make these extremely durable and an ideal choice for those who prefer to use a handheld router.
Check Price on Amazon ➞Router Bits Buyer’s Guide
Now that you have seen a few of the router bits on the market, you should probably have a think about what you really need to get out of a router bit set, so that you can decide which ones are suitable for you. If you are a professional, you may already know what you need from your router, but otherwise, there are a few things to keep in mind.
From the materials they are made from, to the wood they can cut through, there are plenty of things to know about a router bit before you buy. To make sure they can survive whatever pressure you put them through, and hopefully not need replacing for a long time, it is important to know what you are looking for. These tips should help you choose which router bits to buy.
Which Materials are Best?
The feature to think about when buying a set of router bits is what material they are constructed from. By their very nature, router bits need to be sharp enough to cut through wood, which can often mean they are brittle and easy to wear down. The most efficient router bits need to be able to handle high-speed routers without becoming blunt or damaged by the wood.
Different materials are used in the manufacture of router bits and it is important to get the right balance of efficiency and durability. Generally, there are three types of router bit available. These are carbide, carbide tipped, and high-speed steel.
Usually, carpenters will choose a solid carbide router bit if they want it to be durable and robust. These are not the most effective, as they will not be as sharp and precise as others, but they should be able to cut through harder woods at higher speeds without damage.
Carbide tipped router bits are more efficient. These can maintain a sharper edge than solid carbide, which is handy when making precise engravings in harder woods. Like solid carbide, they should withstand the high intensity and heavy speeds, but they also come at a higher price due to their better precision.
Finally, the budget option is high-speed steel. These router tips are not as durable as carbide, and not as sharp and precise as carbide-tipped bits, but they should be good enough for occasional work with softer woods. If woodwork is an occasional hobby, or you think you will only be doing light jobs, these tips can save you a bit of money. However, do not buy them if you are going to lose them frequently as they may not last very long.
What Projects are you Working On?
Of course, the most important thing to remember when it comes to purchasing any tool is what sort of project are you planning to use it on. Different types of wood will require different types of router bit, so it is vital that you buy appropriately. For example, if you are working with hardwood or even metal, you will want a carbide bit to be able to carve into it. The nature of the project will then determine whether you need a precise carbide tip or just solid carbide.
If you are new to the world of routers and looking to buy your first set, it might not be worth spending too much money. If you don’t have much experience, there is a reasonable chance you are going to break your first router bit quite quickly. This isn’t something to worry about, but there is no point in buying something fancy. You are better off honing your skills with a cheaper router bit first.
How Frequently do you use your Router?
Finally, you should take into account how frequently you use your router. This makes a big difference because of a couple of different factors. Firstly, if you don’t use it very often, you can probably buy some more brittle router bits, as they won’t suffer from overuse. Strong carbide bits are great in terms of durability, but if they are just for occasional use, you can make do with cheaper materials.
If you use your router frequently, you may want to invest in more durable bits, which won’t get damaged. Also, you should lookout for a good storage box if you are buying a set. A strong and sturdy wooden case will help you keep your bits organized for frequent use, and safe from harm if you need to travel with them. Router bits can get expensive, so its best to look after them if you use them regularly.
Expert Tip
Router bits are known to get blunt and break under high speeds and heat exposure. Durability is important, so it is worth investing in bits made from high-quality materials.
Did You Know?
Carbide tipped router bits typically last up to 50% longer than those which are made from weaker steel, and they can cut through harder materials as well.