RYOBI P601 Review

Whether you are building a piece of furniture from scratch, adding decorative detail to a cabinet door, or cutting precise grooves for joinery, the difference between a project that looks handmade and one that looks handcrafted often comes down to the edges. A good woodworking router turns rough cuts into smooth, professional finishes — rounding over sharp corners, creating elegant profiles, and cutting flawless dadoes and rabbets. Without one, you are stuck with sandpaper and patience, and the results rarely match what a spinning bit can do at tens of thousands of revolutions per minute. But not every workshop has easy access to mains power, and dragging an extension cord across the job site or out to the garden shed adds friction to every task. A cordless option that keeps up with corded performance changes the game — giving you the freedom to move around your workpiece, work outdoors, or simply set up wherever the light is best without tripping over cables.

Cordless routers have come a long way in the past few years — modern lithium-ion battery technology means you no longer have to choose between portability and power. When shopping for a cordless router, the key things to look at are the motor speed (measured in RPM), the depth adjustment mechanism, the base type (fixed or plunge), and whether it fits into a battery system you already own. RYOBI has built a strong reputation in the DIY and prosumer space with its ONE+ 18V platform, which powers over 225 different tools using the same batteries — so if you are already in that ecosystem, adding a router is a natural next step.

In this review, we take a close look at what this cordless fixed-base router offers in terms of speed, ease of use, and everyday practicality. We cover the core specs, the design features that make setup quick, how it handles in real woodworking tasks, and what accessories come in the box. We also highlight the trade-offs you should know about before buying — so you can decide whether it earns a spot on your tool shelf.

At the heart of this router is a motor that spins at up to 29,000 RPM, driven by an 18-volt lithium-ion battery. That is fast enough to produce smooth, burn-free cuts in hardwood, softwood, and plywood when paired with a sharp bit. The fixed-base design means the cutting depth stays locked once you set it — ideal for edge profiling, chamfering, and routing grooves where consistency matters more than on-the-fly depth changes. The tool-free depth adjustment lets you dial in the exact cutting depth without reaching for an Allen key or spanner, which saves real time when switching between bits or tasks.

Design-wise, the router has a compact, top-heavy profile that keeps the centre of gravity over the bit — this helps with stability when running along an edge. The plastic body keeps the weight down, making it less tiring to use for extended periods compared to all-metal alternatives. The clear base plate gives you good visibility of the bit and your cut line, and the spindle lock button makes single-wrench bit changes straightforward. RYOBI also offers an optional woodworking base (sold separately) that expands the tool's versatility for more advanced routing tasks.

In day-to-day use, the cordless freedom is the standout feature. You can take the router to your workpiece rather than bringing the workpiece to the bench — especially handy when working on large panels, installed cabinetry, or outdoor projects. The grip feels natural in the hand, and the on/off switch is positioned where your thumb rests, so you can power down quickly if needed. The absence of a cord also means less clutter on a crowded workbench and no risk of accidentally routing through your own extension lead — a mistake that happens more often than woodworkers like to admit.

The kit includes the router itself, one 18V lithium-ion battery, and a charger — everything you need to get started if you are new to the RYOBI ONE+ system. The battery is compatible with the entire ONE+ range, so you can share power between your drill, circular saw, sander, and other tools. Do note that this particular listing comes in bulk packaging rather than a retail box — the tool is brand new but ships in a generic carton, which helps keep the price down. The router accepts standard 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) shank router bits, giving you access to the enormous ecosystem of readily available bit profiles.

With compact dimensions suited to one-handed operation and a lightweight build, this router is easy to store and transport. RYOBI backs it with their standard warranty (typically 3 years for power tools when registered), and the tool enjoys a 4.0 out of 5 stars rating from verified buyers — a solid vote of confidence from a small but genuine pool of 11 reviewers. For a tool that bridges the gap between occasional DIY use and more demanding hobbyist projects, that score reflects a product that delivers what it promises.

Best suited for DIY woodworkers and hobbyists who need a portable, cordless router for edge profiling, light joinery, and on-site trimming tasks — especially those already invested in the RYOBI ONE+ battery platform.