What's inside
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Our Top Picks
BOSCH PR20EVS Colt 1.0 HP Variable-Speed Palm Router35 in9.41 x 7.43 x 4.7 inches3.3 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Makita XTR01Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Compact6.2 x 8.5 Inches6.2 x 8.5 x 5.8 inches5.3 poundsCheck on Amazon
Quick verdict
The Bosch PR20EVS and Milwaukee 2723-20 are both compact 1/4-inch routers, but they suit different work habits. The Bosch is a corded trim router with a simple, reliable power source and a wide 16,000–35,000 rpm range. The Milwaukee is a cordless M18 FUEL router with more usable power under load, better mobility, and a lower top speed of 25,000 rpm.
Choose the Bosch PR20EVS if you mainly work in a shop, already have an outlet nearby, and want the lower-cost tool. Choose the Milwaukee 2723-20 if you work at installation sites, trim parts in place, or already own M18 batteries.
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Bosch PR20EVS vs Milwaukee 2723-20 specifications
| Feature | Bosch PR20EVS | Milwaukee 2723-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | 120V corded | 18V M18 cordless |
| Speed range | 16,000–35,000 rpm | 10,000–25,000 rpm |
| Collet | 1/4 inch | 1/4 inch |
| Motor rating | 5.6 amps; 1 horsepower | Brushless motor; up to 1.25 peak horsepower |
| Battery included | Not applicable | No; tool only |
| Best use | Shop routing and edge work | Mobile trim work and repeated installation cuts |
Package contents and exact weight can vary by kit and base configuration. The Milwaukee 2723-20 is the bare tool; adding a large battery makes it noticeably heavier than the tool alone. The Bosch’s cord adds drag and limits where you can work, but it does not add battery weight or charging time.
Power and speed under load
For light edge profiles, roundovers, hinge work, and trimming laminate, both routers have enough power. The Bosch’s 35,000-rpm maximum is useful with small-diameter bits and delicate edge work. Its variable-speed dial also lets you slow down for larger bits or heat-sensitive plastic.
The Milwaukee gives up some top speed but has stronger cordless performance than basic battery trim routers. Its brushless motor and electronic controls maintain speed reasonably well as the bit enters the material. That matters when trimming hardwood edging or making several passes through plywood. It is still a compact router, not a replacement for a full-size 1/2-inch plunge router. A deep cut with a large bit can stall either tool or produce a rough edge.
With either router, take shallow passes. Removing about 1/8 inch per pass is a sensible starting point in hardwood, while trimming a thin laminate overhang may require only one light pass. Forcing the tool causes burning, chatter, and premature bearing wear. A dull bit creates the same symptoms and is often mistaken for a motor problem.
Handling and depth adjustment
The Bosch PR20EVS is compact and easy to control with one hand, especially for edge trimming. Its fixed-base depth adjustment is straightforward, and the clear subbase gives a useful view of the bit. The trade-off is that the adjustment and base design feel more conventional than the Milwaukee’s newer cordless platform.
The Milwaukee has a comfortable compact body, a built-in LED, and a fast, tool-free height adjustment system. The LED helps when working inside cabinets or along a dark countertop edge, but it does not compensate for poor visibility caused by dust. The router also has electronic braking, which stops the bit quickly after the trigger is released.
Both tools benefit from a wider base when routing narrow stock. A small router can tip if most of its base hangs off the workpiece. Keep at least half the base supported, use a straightedge when needed, and feed the router against the bit’s rotation. For a handheld edge pass, that normally means moving left to right when the workpiece edge is facing you.
Corded convenience versus cordless freedom
The Bosch’s main advantage is consistent runtime. It can run all day with an extension cord, and there is no performance drop from a partly discharged battery. That makes it the better choice for a workshop, especially if you are routing many cabinet parts or making long trimming sessions.
The cord is also a real failure point during use. It can catch on the workpiece, pull the router off line, or contact the bit if it is routed carelessly. Use a grounded outdoor-rated extension cord of suitable length and keep it over your shoulder or behind the cut.
The Milwaukee eliminates that problem. It is much easier to use on a jobsite, on a ladder, or at a finished countertop where dragging a cord is inconvenient. Runtime depends on battery size, bit diameter, material, and depth of cut. A compact battery keeps the tool lighter, while a high-capacity pack extends working time but makes overhead or vertical routing tiring.
If you do not already own M18 batteries and a charger, include those costs. The bare tool may look competitively priced, but a complete cordless setup can cost substantially more than the Bosch. Conversely, M18 owners may find the Milwaukee’s added cost reasonable because the battery and charger are already in the shop.
Which compact router should you buy?
Buy the Bosch if your work is mostly in a garage or shop, you want the widest speed range, or you need long uninterrupted sessions. It is also the sensible budget choice when the router will be used occasionally for rounding edges, trimming veneer, or cutting shallow grooves. A cord is an acceptable inconvenience for many DIY projects.
Buy the Milwaukee if portability saves time on every job. It is particularly useful for cabinet installers, finish carpenters, and remodelers who need to trim doors, scribe fillers, or adjust countertop parts away from a bench. Its brushless motor and cordless design are the reasons to pay more, not the expectation that it will replace a larger router.
For either tool, budget for a decent 1/4-inch router bit set, eye protection, hearing protection, and dust collection. A basic compact router edge guide is worthwhile for straight grooves and controlled trimming. Neither router is a bargain if used with loose collet nuts, bent bits, or unsupported workpieces.
The practical choice
The Bosch PR20EVS is the better value for stationary work and occasional DIY routing. Its corded motor is predictable, its speed range is broad, and there is no battery investment. The Milwaukee 2723-20 is the better tool for mobility and repeated onsite work, particularly for users already committed to M18 batteries.
Neither choice is universally better. Decide whether the nuisance you encounter more often is a power cord or a battery: the Bosch solves the second problem permanently, while the Milwaukee solves the first.