Below, we discuss the best Dremel alternatives in relation to both standard rotary tools, and also specialised flex shaft tools.
We include more affordable models, as well as higher performance models of standard rotary tools.
You can compare these tools to what might be some of the best Dremel brand tools on the market right now.
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Top Rated Dremel Alternative List
Best Cheap Dremel Alternative
WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit with Flex Shaft (on Amazon) (tool is OK, but the accessories in the kit might be questionable)
Read a WEN Rotary Tools comparison guide here.
Also note that since we first published this guide, GOXAWEE has come out with a popular cheap rotary tool option, which is the GOXAWEE Rotary Tool Kit, With Chuck, Flex Shaft & 140 Accessories (on Amazon).
It presents some value for money considering how much it costs and what you get in the kit, but some users have said the instructions for using the tool are lacking.
We put together a separate GOXAWEE comparison to Dremel.
TACKLIFE also has several cheap Dremel alternatives available as well.
Best Performance Type Dremel Alternative
Best Flex Shaft Tool Alternative
You can read more about specialised flex shaft tool Dremel alternatives, like the flex shaft tools from the Foredom brand, in this guide.
Otherwise, some of the more common Foredom models are the SR, and also the TX:
- View the Foredom SR Jeweler Kit on Amazon
- View the Foredom SR Woodcarving Kit on Amazon
- View the Foredom SR Motor K.2272 General Applications Kit on Amazon
- View the Foredom TX on Amazon
Best Dremel Alternative Reviews
WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit with Flex Shaft – Best Cheap Dremel Alternative
We rated the WEN 2305 as the best cheap rotary tool, and the best dremel alternative on this list.
Functions of this tool include but are not limited to polishing, sanding, grinding, cutting, drilling, shaping, cleaning, engraving, removing burrs and surface prep, and more!
Part of the reason this tool has such great range of functions is the 80 piece bit and accessory set you get included in the standard price.
Furthermore, this rotary tool comes with variable speed setting between 8,000 to 30,000 rpm, so you can adjust the speed according to the task you are performing.
We are talking about the WEN 2305 with flex shaft attachment, and WEN 2307 without flex shaft attachment.
These are both very cheap variable speed tools – comparable to the Dremel 3000 or 4000.
The WEN Rotary Tool Kit with a flex shaft can be purchased at very minimal additional cost – great for further precision, flexibility and accessing tight areas or small objects. The flex shaft actually bends and is attached to a cord for more reach and range of motion in your activity.
The flex shaft would be perfect engraving, etching, cleaning jewellery, working on odd angles, and getting into small pockets of objects like furniture, joinery and other objects.
The WEN tool itself there is not a lot wrong with.
However, the Dremel 3000 and 4000 tools are both higher quality with better or increased performance specs than the WEN tools.
Also, the WEN bits and accessories you get with the WEN tools might be low quality.
As a summary – if you want a cheap tool that will get the basic tasks done – the WEN 2305 or 2307 will be OK for you.
Be realistic with this rotary tool considering what you pay for it though – it’s not going to last you years, it’s not built for frequent or heavy duty use, and there are some other issues like some accessories not fitting the collet, and the spin not being even sometimes at the higher speed settings.
It is however a good cheap rotary tool and dremel alternative, or hobby rotary tool for casual and occasional users.
If you want a more quality tool, with better performance, longevity and higher quality accessories in the kit, you’d get a Dremel.
Read a WEN vs Dremel rotary tool guide here.
Why Would You Choose The WEN over a Dremel?
You want a very cheap dremel alternative for small jobs and casual use
It comes with alot of accessories and can perform almost any function a Dremel can (with less durability)
You are OK sacrificing some quality the Dremel delivers, particularly with the bits, for the inexpensive price of the WEN
What’s Good About It?
Extremely affordable
Comes with an 80 piece accessory and bit set, AND a case
Flex shaft attachment comes with it – adds to the maneuverability and reach of the tool when you are using it
Variable Speed – 8,000 to 30,000 rpm
Lightweight – only 3.4 pounds
Fits dremel accessories and bits that are 1/8 inch (standard) and 3/32 inch
Decent amount of power with a 1 Amp motor
Comes with a case
What’s Not So Great?
Not the greatest quality bits and accessories – can wear quickly depending on what you’re using them on
There are fit and wobble problems with some of the bits at high speeds in the collet
Not for demanding tasks or frequent use – more a hobby rotary tool
Not the overall quality design and construction of a Dremel
What Else Do You Need To Use This Dremel Alternative Tool?
Nothing, although you may choose the following accessories to increase performance and give you more flexibility of uses, as the WEN bits you get included aren’t the highest quality:
30 Piece Titanium Coated Diamond Burr Set – SE 82331TF 30-Piece Set of Titanium-Coated Diamond Burrs, Grits 120-150 (on Amazon)
Assorted Rotary Tools Accessory Kit –SE RA9228 228-Piece Rotary Tool Accessories Kit (on Amazon)
Where Can I Check Out This Dremel Alternative Tool?
View the WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit with Flex Shaft on Amazon
Black & Decker RTX-B 3-Speed RTX Rotary Tool Kit – Second Best Cheap Dremel Alternative
Very similar situation to the WEN.
The Black & Decker RTX-b and RTX-6 tools only have three speeds, so are even more limited than the WEN tool.
We rated the Black & Decker RTX-B as the second best dremel alternative.
With this Black and Decker, you’ll be able to cut, sand, grind, carve, clean, polish, engrave, sharpen, and drill. It can also smoothen, shape, do surface prep and complete some cutouts.
The catch is – the accessories you get with the tool
It has a 2 Amp motor, compared to the WEN’s 1 Amp.
Like the WEN, because this Black and Decker is so cheap, you’ll have to be prepared to deal with a few flaws with the accessories and tool itself.
Despite these issues, the Black and Decker rotary tool would still be suitable for the casual user who wants a cheap dremel alternative.
Get a Dremel if you want better features, increased performance and specs, and higher quality accessories in the kit.
Read a Black & Decker RTX-b, and RTX-6 guide here.
Why Would You Choose The Black & Decker RTX-B over a Dremel?
You want a very cheap dremel alternative for small jobs and casual use
You are OK sacrificing some quality the Dremel delivers, particularly with the bits, for the inexpensive price of the Black and Decker RTX-B
What’s Good About It?
Very affordable and inexpensive
5 accessories included – mainly sanding accessories
Takes dremel bits
Variable 3 speed motor (12,000/24,000/30,000 rpm)
More power than the WEN at 2 Amps compared to the WEN’s 1 Amp
Includes the rotary tool, 5 accessories, a storage bag and changing wrench
What’s Not So Great?
The accessories included are only sanding bits. You will need to purchase an accessory pack to get full value out of this tool – recommended you get the dremel accessory kit. You also need to purchase a keyless chuck separately.
Not the greatest quality for anything but light tasks – spindle switch can get sticky, motor can overheat if pushing it too hard, motor brushes aren’t interchangeable
The carbon brushes aren’t interchangeable which can minimise the life of the motor
Not the overall quality design and construction of a Dremel
What Else Do You Need To Use This Dremel Alternative Tool?
Keyless Chuck – Dremel 4486 MultiPro Keyless Chuck (on Amazon)
Dremel Accessories and Bits – Dremel 710-08 All-Purpose Rotary Accessory Kit, 160-Piece (on Amazon)
Where Can I Check Out This Dremel Alternative Tool?
View the Black & Decker RTX-B 3-Speed RTX Rotary Tool Kit on Amazon
Black & Decker RTX-6 2-Amp 3-Speed Rotary Tool with 27 Accessories and 2 Spring Clamps
The Black & Decker RTX-6 has all the main similar performance features of the above RTX-B.
The main differences with the RTX-6 is that it comes with:
27 accessories/bits instead of 6
2 spring clamps (for holding items you are working on in place)
A storage case instead of a bag
The same issues – bits aren’t top quality, and the tool doesn’t have interchangeable brushes – are still present with the RTX-6.
On the positive side, this rotary tool is still quite cheap, even with the extras.
What Else Do You Need To Use This Dremel Alternative Tool?
Keyless Chuck – Dremel 4486 MultiPro Keyless Chuck (on Amazon)
Dremel Accessories and Bits – Dremel 710-08 All-Purpose Rotary Accessory Kit, 160-Piece (on Amazon)
Where Can I Check Out This Dremel Alternative Tool?
View the Black & Decker RTX-6 on Amazon
Kawasaki 840589 190-Piece Rotary Tool and Accessory Kit
The Kawasaki is a variable speed Dremel alternative that comes with 190 bits for a range of task from drilling, grinding, sanding, polishing and some cutting
Why Would You Choose The Kawasaki 840589 over a Dremel?
If you want a dremel alternative, with a wide assortment of accessories/bits, that is cheaper than the Dremel brand equivalent models
If you want a dremel alternative for casual and home use – for light to medium tasks
What’s Good About It?
1.0 amp motor
No load RPM of 8,000 to 30,000
Variable Speed
Three collet sizes and compatible with Dremel bits/accessories
Includes bits/accessories for drilling, grinding, sanding, polishing and some cutting
Includes a carry case
What’s Not So Great?
Not as many cutting type accessories/bits included as we would like to see
Not the overall quality design and construction of a Dremel
More expensive than the WEN and Black & Decker
What Else Do You Need To Use This Dremel Alternative Tool?
A Keyless Chuck (Optional) – Dremel 4486 MultiPro Keyless Chuck (on Amazon)
Where Can I Check Out This Dremel Alternative Tool?
View the Kawasaki 840589 on Amazon
Proxxon 38481 Professional Rotary Tool IBS/E – Best Dremel Alternative
The Proxxon 38481 is a good performance level alternative to the Dremel 4000 or Dremel 3000 tools (and it might also be comparable to the 7000 and 8000 series too)
In terms of performance, both the Dremel 4000 and 3000 have more power, and greater speed ranges than the Proxxon.
On the other hand, the Proxxon feels like it is manufactured to a higher quality than the Dremel in terms of tighter ball bearings, more solid unit, and better machined front end where the bits sit.
It could be a better for fine and precision type tasks than the Dremel tools.
Read a Proxxon vs Dremel rotary tool guide here.
Why Would You Choose The Proxxon 38481 over a Dremel?
If you are looking for a dremel alternative that is high quality and built for light-heavier tasks
What’s Good About It?
Comes with 6 different sizes of collets – 1/32-, 1/16-, 5/64-, 3/3-2, 7/64-, 1/8-inch
34 industrial quality bit and cutters for grinding, polishing, cleaning, cutting and engraving
Electronic speed control – 5,000-20,000 rpm
Tool is built with mechanics, model builders, jewelers, opticians, artists and electronic enthusiasts in mind
Comes with rotary tool, 34-piece accessory set, six triple-slit steel collets, and storage case.
1/8 horsepower motor
Very light – weighs only 1.3 pounds
What’s Not So Great?
Not a cheap overall tool and kit
Like the Dremel, it will still get hot if you are pushing it to its highest RPMs
Storage case is a bit cheap but not bad
What Else Do You Need To Use This Dremel Alternative Tool?
Optional Proxxon Flex Shaft – Proxxon 28622 Micromot Flexishaft 110/BF for use with Proxxon Rotary Tools (on Amazon)
Optional Accessories – SE RA9228 228-Piece Rotary Tool Accessories Kit (on Amazon)
Where Can I Check Out This Dremel Alternative Tool?
View the Proxxon 38481 on Amazon
Dremel Alternatives For Flex Shaft Tools
Good flex shaft tool alternatives other than the Dremel 9100 Fortiflex might be the Foredom SR and TX series motor flex shaft tools.
The Foredom SR is most comparable to the Dremel Fortiflex. Both have similar performance specs, with the Foredom SR probably just coming out on top in terms of value for money.
The Foredom TX is almost twice as powerful as both the Fortiflex and Foredom SR, and is meant for power wood carving, car porting and similar tasks where you need a high torque rotary tool.
Read a Foredom vs Dremel Fortiflex guide here.
Best Dremel Alternative: Buyer’s Guide & FAQ
If you would like to read more about what a Dremel type tool is, you can do so in Dremel & Rotary Tool FAQ: How To Use A Dremel Tool & Rotary Tool & What Are They
Other Names For A Dremel Alternative
Rotary Tool
Dremel Type Tool
What Is A Dremel Alternative?
A dremel alternative is a dremel type rotary tool (it’s own type of rotary tool) that is made by any brand other than Dremel.
The best dremel alternative brands we have listed above are WEN, Black & Decker, Kawasaki & Proxxon.
What Is A Dremel Alternative Used For, and What Does A Dremel Alternative Do?
Dremel alternative rotary tools can be used for all the same functions as a Dremel – including but not limited to grinding, polishing, cleaning, cutting and engraving and more.
It is worth noting Dremel does have specialty tools, and even some specialty features that the above tools do not.
Types of Dremel Alternatives
There are the cheap options which are the WEN, Black & Decker, and Kawasaki.
These options are best for light-medium duty tasks, and for casual use.
There is then the performance option which is the Proxxon.
The Proxxon can be used for many of the same tasks a Dremel 4200 or Dremel 8220 can – mainly the heavier tasks.
The Proxxon also has higher quality design and constructions with better and more features than the cheap options.
Dremel Alternative Bits & Accessories
The main additional and options bits and accessories you can buy with Dremel alternative rotary tools are:
Bit Kits – pointed bits used mainly for drilling, engraving and/or grinding
Accessory Kits – all other accessories used for polishing, sanding, shaping and more
Keyless Chuck – for quicker and easier bit and accessory changing (twist and fit bits)
Flex Shaft – allows you to get a better angle and more reach on the bit you are using (because a rotary tool is rigid)
How To Choose A Dremel Alternative
It’s a pretty simple choice:
1. Do you want a cheap option?
2. Do you want more of a performance option?
Best Dremel Alternative For…
- Best Cheap Dremel Alternative For Home Use, DIY and Beginners
The WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit with Flex Shaft
- Best Dremel Alternative Overall For Heavier Use and Performance
The Proxxon 38481 Professional Rotary Tool IBS/E
Features To Look For In A Dremel Alternative
What Amperage or horsepower is the motor?
Do you need to buy an additional keyless chuck?
What is the quality of the bits like – do you need to buy other bits and accessories with the standard purchase?
What can the bits you get with the tool do – which tasks?
Is the tool variable speed?
Do you get a flex shaft with the tool, or do you have to buy one?
Do you get a storage bag or case with the tool?
How many different sized collets do you get?
Can the dremel alternative tool fit standard Dremel bits?
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