Get the Bosch Colt GKF125CEN if:
- You want a light over the bit.
- You run small bits at high speed.
- You’re fine buying the guide or template sub-base when you need it.
The short answer
Faster top speed, LED on the bit? Bosch
Lighter, guide included, template guides? Makita
Both are corded 1-1/4 HP (max) palm routers with a fixed base, a 1/4 in. collet, soft start, and electronics that hold speed under load. The Bosch Colt runs faster (16,000–35,000 vs 10,000–30,000 rpm) and has an LED. The Makita weighs less (3.9 vs 4.4 lb), comes with a straight guide, and Makita says it takes industry-standard template guides.
Best for a well-lit bit
Pick the Bosch Colt GKF125CEN if
- You want to see the bit. Bosch lists LED lighting over the bit area.
- You want a higher top speed: up to 35,000 rpm.
- You want a wide-bit opening. Bosch says the base takes bits up to 1-5/16 in. across.
GKF125CEN box: router, PR101 fixed base, 1/4 in. collet chuck, wrench.
Check the Bosch Colt on AmazonBest out of the box
Pick the Makita RT0701C if
- You want an edge guide included. The box has a straight guide.
- You use template guides. Makita says it accepts industry-standard template guides.
- You want the lighter tool: 3.9 lb against 4.4 lb.
RT0701C box: router, trimmer base, 1/4 in. collet, straight guide, two wrenches.
Check the Makita router on AmazonBefore you buy: I compared the two bare routers with a fixed base, not the kits with extra bases. When I checked on Oct 8, 2026, the main offer on the Makita listing wasn’t a new unit, and new units came from other sellers. The Bosch was sold by Amazon. Listings change, so check who the seller is and that it’s new before you order.
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Key specs
1Bosch GKF125CEN
spec rows won
spec rows won
3Makita RT0701C
spec rows won
spec rows won
8even or
unclear
unclear
This counts the rows below where one is clearly better. It’s a tally, not an overall rating. Two of the Makita’s three wins are about what’s in the box or what fits it. The Bosch’s wider speed range isn’t scored, because a higher top speed isn’t better for every bit.
A green check means that number or feature is clearly better. No check means it's a tie, the gap is tiny, or the makers measure it differently. Every figure comes from Bosch or Makita, not from Amazon.
| Bosch GKF125CEN | Makita RT0701C | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 1.25 HP (max), 7 A | 1-1/4 HP (max), 6.5 A |
| Speed range | 16,000–35,000 rpm | 10,000–30,000 rpm |
| Collet | 1/4 in. | 1/4 in. |
| Largest bit | 1-5/16 in. | Not published |
| Soft start and constant speed | Yes | Yes |
| Depth adjustment | Macro and micro | Rack-and-pinion fine adjust, cam lock |
| Edge guide | PR102, sold separately | Straight guide included |
| Template guides | PR110 sub-base, sold separately | Accepts standard template guides |
| Dust collection | None listed | Dust nozzle sold separately |
| LED | Yes | Not listed |
| Net weight | 4.4 lb | 3.9 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | Not verified |
Spec notes
- Speed: Bosch’s range reaches higher; Makita’s reaches lower. Which is better depends on the bit, so the row isn’t scored.
- Template guides: Makita says the RT0701C accepts industry-standard template guides; the guides themselves are sold separately. Bosch’s included sub-base can be centered for following templates, but threaded template guides need the PR110 sub-base, sold separately.
- Warranty: I couldn’t confirm Makita’s warranty term for this router from a Makita page I could load, so that row isn’t scored.
What it can handle
These are common palm-router jobs, checked against each maker’s listed limits and box contents. I haven’t tested either router. If a job needs something neither maker supports, it gets a CAN’T.
- Can do Inside the maker's limits, with what's in the box
- Just barely At the maker's limit, or needs a part sold separately
- Can’t Past the maker's limit, or not something they support
| Job | Bosch GKF125CEN | Makita RT0701C |
|---|---|---|
| Edges | ||
| Edge profiles (1/4" shank) | Can do1/4 in. collet; up to 35,000 rpm. | Can do1/4 in. collet; up to 30,000 rpm. |
| Laminate trim | Can doBosch lists laminate trimming. | Can doFixed trimmer base included. |
| 1/2" shank bits | Can’t1/4 in. collet only. | Can’t1/4 in. shank bits only. |
| Joinery | ||
| Hinge mortises | Can doBosch lists hinge mortising. | Can doMakita lists door hinges. |
| Plunge cuts | Just barelyPR111 plunge base sold separately. | Just barelyPlunge base sold separately. |
| Guided cuts | ||
| Edge guide | Just barelyPR102 guide sold separately. | Can doStraight guide included. |
| Template work | Just barelyPR110 template sub-base sold separately. | Just barelyTakes standard guides, sold separately. |
| Dust | ||
| Dust pickup | Can’tBosch lists no dust collection. | Just barelyDust nozzle sold separately. |
Use light passes with a palm router. Check each maker’s manual for bit and depth limits.
Notes and sources
How the verdicts were made: applications, accessories, and box contents come from each maker’s product page, Makita’s flyer, and the manuals. Nothing here comes from hands-on testing or owner reviews.
Template work: both need a part sold separately (guides for the Makita, the PR110 sub-base for the Bosch), so both get JUST BARELY.
Sources:
- Bosch GKF125CEN product page and specs: boschtools.com
- Bosch GKF125CE operating instructions: GKF125CE manual PDF
- Bosch corded tool warranty (1 year): boschtools.com product warranty
- Makita RT0701C product page (specs, features, box contents): makitatools.com
- Makita RT0701C flyer (applications, optional accessories): RT0701C flyer PDF
- Makita RT0701C instruction manual (guides): RT0701C manual PDF
- Makita Canada RT0701C page: makita.ca
Who should buy which
Get the Makita RT0701C if:
- You want a straight guide in the box.
- You use standard template guides.
- You want the lighter router and the option of a dust nozzle.
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Skip it if
Skip the Bosch Colt
if you want an edge guide included or plan to hook up dust collection.
Skip the Makita RT0701C
if you want an LED on the bit, or you’d rather not double-check that the offer you pick is new.
Questions about this pair
Is the Bosch Colt or Makita compact router better?
On the makers’ specs they’re close: same 1-1/4 HP (max) rating and 1/4 in. collet. The Bosch has an LED and a higher top speed. The Makita is lighter and comes with a straight guide.
Do they come with a plunge base?
Not in these listings. Both are the router with a fixed base, and each maker sells a plunge base separately.
Can they use 1/2 in. shank bits?
No. Both take 1/4 in. shank bits.
Is the Makita on Amazon new?
When I checked on Oct 8, 2026, the main offer on that listing wasn’t new, and new units were listed by other sellers. Listings change, so check who the seller is and that it’s new before you order.
Spec notes
- Amazon listings compared: Bosch GKF125CEN (B01AX4A95S) and Makita RT0701C (B00E7D3V4S). Both are the router with a fixed base and no extra bases.
- Makita’s US site sells a 1/4 in. collet version; the Canadian page also lists a 3/8 in. collet. This page uses the US specs.
Specs checked October 8, 2026 against Bosch's and Makita's own pages and manuals. Links are in "Notes and sources" under the chart above.