Best Planes from Top Stores

Updated October 11, 2026

Compare the best planes from top stores in one place.

Planes on this page range from about $45 to $549. Most are steel-blade bench planes with wooden or composite handles, and include smoothing, jack and shoulder styles.

When choosing a plane look for a comfortable grip, a well-ground sole and a reliable frog that holds the blade steady. Adjustable mouth openings let you control the thickness of shavings.

Higher-priced models often have hardened steel blades and precision-ground soles for fine work, while budget options are fine for occasional trimming and hobby projects.

Questions

What is the difference between a smoothing plane and a jack plane?

A smoothing plane has a shorter sole and finer blade angle for final surface work, while a jack plane is longer and used for rough shaping.

Should I buy a plane with a wooden or a composite handle?

Wooden handles feel traditional and can be comfortable, but composite handles are more resistant to moisture and temperature changes.

How often should the blade be sharpened?

Sharpen the blade whenever it starts to tear wood or produce uneven shavings, typically after several hours of use.