I don't think there's a simple answer to that. I have a DeWalt DW735 and I love it. I would prefer a larger, stationary unit, but the lunchbox style is all my budget and shop space allowed. The DW735 does a very nice job, but it is really loud. Hearing protection is a must. I'm of the mindset that hearing protection is always required when running any power tool, but this planer would be a definite even if I wasn't normally wearing any.