9 Best Orbital Sanders (By Type of Project and Material)

Whether you want to sand your kitchen cabinets before painting, sand off the old paint on a workpiece, or smoothen a piece of furniture before applying a new coat, an orbital sander is the tool that is going to help you! 

Even before I started crafting wood, I learnt how to sand furniture with my grandfather. A random orbital sander is great for ultra-smooth sanding jobs, which is why it is a must have.

using random orbital sander with dustbag

But with all the various options available on the market, finding the best orbital sander can be tricky. So I have put together this list of 10 of the best orbital sanders to take care of all your sanding needs!

Each of these orbital sanders have been selected carefully by me and are tailored for specific needs. Let’s dig in!

Before we dive into in-depth reviews of all nine Orbital Sanders on the list, here are my top 3 picks:

PRODUCT DETAILS
  • Smooth Finish.
  • Easy Disc Attachment.
  • Variable Speed Control.
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  • Smooth and fast sanding with 3.0 AMP motor.
  • Variable speed control dial.
  • Ergonomic rubberized palm grip.
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  • Ergonomically formed to fit comfortably in any size hand.
  • Step-less variable speed.
  • Balanced vibration stop.
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Best Corded Orbital SanderBosch ROS20VSC

BOSCH ROS20VSC Palm Sander 2.5 Amp 5 In. Corded Variable Speed Random Orbital Sander/Polisher Kit with Dust Collector and Soft Carrying Bag, Blue

  • Type: Corded electric
  • Power: 2.5 Amp
  • Maximum speed: 12000 OPM
  • Variable speed: Yes
  • Grit type: Fine
  • Disc size: 5 inches
  • Weight: 3.5 lbs

The Bosch ROS20VSC is one of the best corded orbital sanders in the market. Along with the tool, the kit comes with a sanding pad, a sanding disc, dampening ring, dust canister, vacuum adapter, and even a carrying bag.

With a 2.5 Amp motor, this tool is quite powerful. It has a variable speed which can be adjusted easily between 7500 to 12000 OPM using the speed dial, allowing you to sand different types of materials

This orbital sander uses a 5 inch sanding disc and can easily be attached to the tool using Bosch’s signature hook and loop disc attachment system. But there have been complaints that the sanding pad was cupped and not flat. The tool has an integral pad dampening system which doesn’t leave any swirl marks behind – whether you are sanding a flat surface or a contoured one.  

The Bosch orbital sander doesn’t vibrate too much, which means reduced user fatigue. It has an ergonomic soft-grip top and handle to make it comfortable for you to hold. Moreover, it is compact and can be easily maneuvered. 

Finally, one of my favorite features of this device is its dust collection system. The micro filter system captures even the finest of dust particles. You can also see the dust level via the detachable dust canister. This also makes it super easy to take out the canister and clean the dust whenever needed. A great orbital sander that will give you an ultra-smooth finish!

Pros

  • Powerful enough for light to medium-duty tasks
  • Affordable
  • Variable speed
  • Sanding disc is easily attached using Bosch’s hook and loop disc attachment system
  • Doesn’t leave swirl marks behind
  • Produces very little vibrations
  • Relatively quiet
  • Does a great job of collecting dust
  • Dust canister is detachable, which makes it easy to clean
  • Ergonomic grip

Cons

  • Complaints about the sanding pad not being flat
  • Variable speed doesn’t really work
  • Not suitable for professional work
  • Smooth Finish.
  • Easy Disc Attachment.
  • Variable Speed Control.
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My Thoughts: Like I said above, this is one of the best orbital sanders on the market. It has amazing features and comes with an affordable price tag, too. Although it is not suitable for professional work, it would do great for DIY sanding work!

Best Orbital Sander for WoodMakita BO5041K

Makita BO5041K 5' Random Orbit Sander

  • Type: Corded electric
  • Power: 3 Amp
  • Maximum speed: 12000 OPM
  • Variable speed: Yes
  • Grit type: Fine
  • Disc size: 5 inches
  • Weight: 3.09 lbs

The tool comes with a powerful 3 Amp motor which allows for smooth and fast sanding without any swirls. Based on the materials you are sanding, you can adjust the speed from anywhere between 4000 OPM to 12000 OPM

The Makita has an oversized sealed ball bearing construction which gives it a longer life. It has an ergonomic palm grip which has been insulated with rubber for increased operator comfort. A new rotatable front handle allows you to sand in confined spaces. The sanding disc is easy to attach using the hook and loop pad system. But there have been complaints that the velcro grip gets damaged easily and the tool starts throwing discs.

This tool has a pad control system that controls the speed of the pad upon start-up. So there will be no sudden jerks! The pad brake, on the other hand, stops the motor as soon as the device is turned off.

The dust collection system is very efficient and collects dust through the pad. It comes with a built-in vacuum port adapter and even has a cloth bag attached to it to collect the dust. But don’t expect the dust collection system to be 100% efficient. 

The trigger lock button is located in a very convenient spot, but it is a bit wonky. Moreover, you need to pull the trigger and then hit the lock button if you want the orbital sander to stay on continuously, so this becomes a hassle. 

Pros

  • Powerful
  • High ratings
  • Easy to use
  • Variable speed
  • Sanding disc is easy to attach
  • Durable
  • Ergonomic grip design
  • Pad control system and a pad brake
  • Dust collection system with a cloth bag attached

Cons

  • The velcro grip for the sanding disc gets shot easily
  • Dust collection system is not very efficient
  • The trigger lock button proves to be a hassle
  • Smooth and fast sanding with 3.0 AMP motor.
  • Variable speed control dial.
  • Ergonomic rubberized palm grip.
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My Thoughts: This orbital sander is great and very easy to use! It is ideal to use for sanding wood – whether you own a furniture shop or simply want to sand your furniture at home. I highly recommend it, and so do all the many users who gave it a 5 star rating. 

Best Random Orbital Sander for Professional UseFestool ETS 125 REQ Plus

Festool 576070 Random Orbital Sander ETS 125 REQ-Plus

  • Type: Corded electric
  • Power: 7.5 Amp
  • Maximum speed: 12000 OPM
  • Variable speed: Yes
  • Grit type: Fine
  • Disc size: 5 inches
  • Weight: 2.6 lbs

With a power of 7.5 Amps, the Festool orbital sander is a workhorse and will take care of all your sanding jobs.

This tool is very compact and weighs only 2.6 pounds. This makes it perfect for one-handed use, sanding vertical surfaces, or overhead work. At 2.0 mm, this tool has one of the finest sanding strokes! This means no more swirl marks. 

The Festool is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your palm. Its balanced vibration stop design allows for a very smooth operation. The jetstream design is highly efficient in removing dust. If you fit the tool with a vacuum, you can work dust free! The orbital sander also produces little to no vibrations when in use, which means your hands won’t become numb. 

This tool is expensive, but it is well worth the cost, in my opinion. Moreover, you can only use Festool sanding paper, but they do last longer than other papers. 

Pros

  • Powerful
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Can be used one-handed
  • Leaves no swirl marks
  • Fits comfortably in your hand
  • Produces little to no vibrations
  • Produces virtually no dust when attached with a dust extractor

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Only Festool sanding paper can be used
  • Ergonomically formed to fit comfortably in any size hand.
  • Step-less variable speed.
  • Balanced vibration stop.
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My Thoughts: If you need a compact sander that will work wonderfully and will last you for years to come despite your daily usage, this is the one for you. Yes, it is a bit pricey, but it can outperform most of the other orbital sanders in the market. 

Best Cordless Orbital SanderDewalt 20V Max DCW210B

DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander, 12,000 OPM, Brushless Motor for Extra Long Run Time, Bare Tool Only (DCW210B)

  • Type: Cordless
  • Power: 5 Amp
  • Maximum speed: 12000 OPM
  • Variable speed: Yes
  • Grit type: Fine
  • Disc size: 5 inches
  • Weight: 2.56 lbs

The Dewalt DCW210B comes with a powerful brushless motor that is more efficient and provides more runtime for you to get the job done. The speed of the orbital sander can be adjusted using the variable speed dial between 8000 to 12000 OPM according to your project needs. 

The battery lasts quite a while, and there is no cord to drag around, so you can comfortably work on your projects even outdoors. However, the battery and charger must be purchased separately. The tool has a low profile height that allows for more proximity to the sanding surface. This ensures more precise sanding. 

The 8-hole hook and loop sanding pad that the Dewalt uses is very easy to replace. The pad also stops when you lift the tool from the workpiece! It has a rubber overmold grip that is texturized to provide maximum comfort while holding. It has a dust-sealed switch to protect it from dust ingestion, maximizing its life. There is also a dust bag included, but dust collectors are sold separately. 

Pros

  • Powerful brushless motor
  • Variable speed
  • Battery lasts long enough to finish your job
  • Low profile height ensures precise sanding
  • Pad stops when you lift the orbital sander from the workpiece
  • Dust sealed switch
  • Ergonomic rubber overmold grip

Cons

  • Battery and charger are not included
  • Dust collector must be purchased separately
  • Orbital sander with brushless motor.
  • Low-profile height of the power sander.
  • Variable-speed control.
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My Thoughts: Dewalt has a reputation when it comes to power tools and this one holds up. A great orbital sander that lets you sand without the hassle of dragging a cord around.

Best Orbital Sander for Sanding FurnitureBeyond by Black + Decker BDERO200AEV

beyond by BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander, 5-Inch, 2.4-Amp (BDERO200AEV)

  • Type: Corded electric
  • Power: 2.4 Amp
  • Maximum speed: 12000 OPM
  • Variable speed: No
  • Grit type: Fine
  • Disc size: 5 inches
  • Weight: 2.97 lbs

The Black + Decker is the most budget-friendly orbital sander on this list.

It comes with an assortment of sandpaper. The hook and loop system makes it very easy to attach the sandpapers as well. But there have been complaints that the sandpaper doesn’t last too long. With a power of 2.4 Amps and a speed of 12000 OPM, the tool is perfect for furniture rehab as well as other DIY projects. It doesn’t have variable speed though, which is one downside. 

The tool is very compact and lightweight which lets you sand in tight spaces. The orbital sander also features an adjustable 3-position grip that gives you the ability to choose the most comfortable sanding angle. It gives a very smooth finish free of swirls. There is also a paddle switch for natural sander actuation. 

The orbital sander is not too loud and comes with a dust collection bag to capture dust and keep your workplace clean. The cord is also of sufficient length. A great budget-friendly tool for DIY use!

Pros

  • Very budget-friendly
  • Ideal for furniture rehab and other DIY sanding projects
  • Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to sand in tight spaces
  • Adjustable 3-position grip
  • Smooth finish with no swirls
  • Not too loud
  • Dust collection bag is included
  • 2 year warranty

Cons

  • No variable speed
  • Not suitable for heavy-duty use
  • Sandpaper doesn’t last too long
  • Complaints about the pads not sticking properly
  • Easy Cleanup.
  • More Control.
  • Removes Paints and Varnishes Quickly.
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My Thoughts: If you need an orbital sander for some DIY use, this might be a great fit for you! It is super affordable and works very well. Its lightweight and compact design makes the tool very easy to use , even for beginners. 

Best Pneumatic Orbital SanderDynabrade Non-Vac 56815

Dynabrade (56815) Dynorbital Supreme 5' (127 mm) Diameter Random Orbital Sander, Non-Vacuum | Proportionate 3/16' (5 mm) Diameter Orbit | 12000 RPM Pneumatic Motor

  • Type: Air powered
  • Power: 12 Amp
  • Maximum speed: 12000 RPM
  • Variable speed: No
  • Disc size: 5 inches
  • Weight: 2.04 lbs

The Dynabrade orbital sander is a workhorse and has a power of 12 Amps! This tool is air-powered, which means you can run it for long hours without worrying about running out of juice.

It comes in 3 variations for different purposes and uses – the Dynorbital Spirit for people with small hands and the Dynorbital Supreme for those who need a powerful orbital sander. It is a perfect tool for everyday use, especially if you are a professional. 

The tool is easy to use and its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold. It even offers extra support for your wrist and hands. The rubber overmold provides for a non-slip grip and also protects the tool from the cold air exhaust. The orbital sander’s triple-sealed bearing is protected from dust residue, giving it a longer lifespan. 

My favorite feature about this tool is that the rotor uses 5 blades to provide more power.

This tool is also capable of sanding in tight spaces. The orbital sander is technically a non-vacuum tool, but you can convert it to a vacuum tool by getting the vacuum conversion kit.

It doesn’t have variable speed, though, which is another downside. It is also noisy and messy and uses a LOT of air, so it is not suitable for DIY use. 

Pros

  • Air powered
  • Powerful
  • Ideal for heavy-duty use
  • Long run time
  • Rubber overmold makes it comfortable to hold
  • Durable
  • Capable of sanding in tight spaces
  • Rotor uses 5 blades to provide more power

Cons

  • Doesn’t have variable speed
  • It is a non-vacuum tool
  • Expensive
  • Noisy and messy
  • Uses a lot of air
  • Not suitable for home use
  • Supreme Sanding.
  • Smooth Operation.
  • Pneumatic Power.
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My Thoughts: This is an expensive tool that will stand up against continuous heavy-duty work, so go for it if you need an orbital sander for business purposes. However, this is not suitable for home use. 

Best Orbital Sander for Hardwood FloorsBosch GET75-6N

BOSCH Power Tools - GET75-6N - Electric Orbital Sander, Polisher - 7.5 Amp, Corded, 6'' Disc Size - features Two Sanding Modes: Random Orbit, Aggressive Turbo for Woodworking, Polishing, Carpentry

  • Type: Corded electric
  • Power: 7.5 Amp
  • Maximum speed: 7300 OPM
  • Variable speed: Yes
  • Grit type: Various
  • Disc size: 6 inches
  • Weight: 5.7 lbs

The Bosch GET75-6N is a powerful tool with a 7.5 Amp motor and a variable speed of 3300 to 7300 OPM to provide flexibility when it comes to various jobs.

It has 2 sanding modes: a random orbit mode for when you want to remove stock normally or want to get a fine finish and a turbo mode with direct drive rotation that removes stock at 3x the normal speed. The turbo mode can be used as an alternative to a belt sander as well. You can change from one mode to the other using a simple switch.

The Bosch features a very slim-grip design which makes the device comfortable to hold and reduces muscle fatigue. It has an auxiliary handle which can be mounted on either side, offering you greater control. The tool is compact, very easy to use, and will give you a smooth, swirl-free finish. Perfect for using on hardwood floors. 

The tool has a multi-hole pad system so that you can use a variety of abrasive discs. The removable pad guard helps you prevent the pad from touching surfaces in front of or alongside the workpiece.

It has a built-in dust connection port and comes with 2 vacuum hose adapters. The dust box is easy to clean, which means the orbital sander leaves no mess behind!

This is an expensive tool but well worth the money. It is designed for medium to heavy-duty use. It works wonderfully and will cut down your sanding time in half! You do need to buy a lot of sanding discs, though. It also tends to vibrate a lot when used in turbo mode. 

Pros

  • Powerful
  • 2 sanding modes
  • Slim-grip design that reduces fatigue
  • Compact and easy to use
  • Swirl-free finish
  • Great for heavy-duty use
  • Multi-hole pad system
  • Removable pad guard
  • Good dust extraction
  • Cuts sanding time in half

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Vibrates a lot in turbo mode
  • Replacement pads are very hard to find
  • Overheating issues
  • Dual mode.
  • Variable speed.
  • Passive dust collection system.
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My Thoughts: There is no doubt that this is a great tool, especially if you tend to sand a lot. It performs like orbital sanders that cost 2-3 times more. I definitely recommend it!

Best Orbital Sander for MetalHutchins III 3500

Hutchins - Sander Super Iii Random Orbit Action (3500)

  • Type: Air powered
  • Power: 5 Amp
  • Maximum speed: 10000+ OPM
  • Variable speed: No
  • Disc size: 6 inches
  • Weight: 3 lbs

If you are looking for an orbital sander to use on metal, you have come to the right place!

The Hutchins 3500 is a great air-powered orbital sander for auto body work – or any kind of metal sanding work, really. It is a premium tool, though, so it comes with a hefty price tag. It is very durable and will last you a lifetime even if you use it every day. 

The tool has a composite motor housing and a shroud which makes it lightweight and reduces the vibrations. The motor is ultra-smooth with positive action drive. It has a unique 4 bearing support that ensures full contact sanding.

The oversized drive head makes sure that the pad doesn’t wobble. The built-in pad release feature makes it very easy to replace the pads. No tools needed! Keep in mind that you can only use Hutchins pads, otherwise your warranty becomes void. 

The Hutchins uses less air than other pneumatic orbital sanders and is also relatively quiet. It can be used comfortably in difficult work environments. Needless to say, this won’t be suitable for beginners or DIY woodworkers. It is more suitable for heavy-duty everyday use. 

Pros

  • Very powerful
  • Great for working on metal
  • Uses less air than other orbital sanders
  • Lightweight
  • Quiet operation
  • Produces very less vibrations
  • Unique 4 bearing support
  • Easy to change pads without any tools
  • Durable

Cons

  • Can only use Hutchins pads if you don’t want to void your warranty
  • Very expensive
  • Leading Manufacturer Of High-Quality Products.
  • International Renown For Our Diverse Range Of Award-Winning Products.
  • Fully Equipped With State-Of-The-Art Technology.
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My Thoughts: If you are a professional or a very serious hobbyist who tends to do some heavy-duty sanding, this tool is definitely well worth the investment. It works like a dream and will last you for years and years. 

Best Orbital Sander Under $100Skil SR211601

SKIL 5” Random Orbital Sander with Cyclonic Dust Box & 3pc Sanding Sheet - SR211601

  • Type: Corded electric
  • Power: 2.8 Amp
  • Maximum speed: 13000 OPM
  • Variable speed: Yes
  • Grit type: Medium
  • Disc size: 5 inches
  • Weight: 3.44 lbs

The Skil is a great budget-friendly orbital sander for beginners or DIY woodworkers.

It has a 2.8 Amp motor and a variable speed dial which allows you to adjust the speed between 7000 to 13000 OPM, making it suitable for a variety of tasks.

It boasts an ergonomic design with a soft rubber handle so that you can hold the tool comfortably. It produces very little vibrations as well.

Its compact size makes it easy to sand in tight spaces. You can easily turn the tool on and off using the switch. The on/off switch is also dust sealed to ensure a longer lifespan.

It has a transparent dust collector box that leaves your workspace clean. But there have been complaints that the box doesn’t stay on too well, so you can attach a shop vacuum to the orbital sander.

Overall, a pretty great tool!

Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Perfect for beginners or DIY-ers
  • Variable speed
  • Compact size
  • Ergonomic design with a soft rubber handle
  • Produces very little vibrations
  • On/off switch is dust sealed
  • Very effective dust collector

Cons

  • Dust collector box doesn’t stay on too well
  • Only suitable for light sanding
  • Powerful.
  • Easy To Clean Dust Container.
  • Sand In Tight Places.
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My Thoughts: If you are a beginner who is looking for their first sander to buy, this is a great option. It is affordable, compact, and very easy to use. It works perfectly for light-duty sanding tasks and provides good value for the money. 

Now that we have looked at 10 of the best random orbital sanders, it is time for an in-depth guide that will let you know what to look for when choosing an orbital sander!

How To Choose The Best Random Orbital Sander For You

sanding wood with orbital sander

Here are some of the things to consider before choosing a random orbital sander. 

Power Source

Just like any other tool, there are corded as well as cordless orbital sanders. There are also air powered orbital sanders.

Corded ones are cheaper but you can only work in places that have an outlet nearby. If you need to work outside or in places with no outlets, cordless ones might be the better option for you. But do keep in mind that cordless orbital sanders need to be charged, so you can only use them till their charge holds. 

Air powered orbital sanders are usually used by professionals. They draw their power from air and you need an air compressor to use them. They are usually lightweight, powerful, and very durable. But you can only use them in places where air is available, so they are not very portable. 

Dust Collection

When you sand, you will kick up a lot of sawdust. It can get into your eyes, obscure the workpiece, get collected in your orbital sander’s switches, or generally make your workspace very messy.

This is why I recommend looking for orbital sanders that have a dust collection system with a box or cloth attached to collect the dust. This feature will suck the dust and deposit it into the dust collector box. 

Some orbital sanders also have a vacuum attachment. You can attach your shop vac here for a clean workspace. 

Speed

The speed of an orbital sander is calculated in Orbits Per Minute (OPM). Some models have a fixed speed while others have variable speed.

I recommend going for an orbital sander with a variable speed because this lets you adjust the speed according to your task, giving you greater control. A speed of 7000 to 12000 OPM should be enough for general purpose work.

Disc Size

Most orbital sanders usually have a 5 or 6 inch disc size with 5 inches being the most common. There are also heavy-duty orbital sanders that have larger disc sizes and smaller devices with 1 inch disc sizes. 

Larger disc sizes are more suitable for large projects – such as sanding hardwood floors. Small disc sizes, on the other hand, make it easy to sand in tight spaces. Generally speaking, a 5 or 6 inch disc size should be sufficient. Also note that you can only use a single disc size in an orbital sander. You can’t replace a 5 inch disc with a 6 inch one. 

And we have reached the end of the article. With the plenty of recommendations I gave above, I have no doubt that you will find your perfect random orbital sander in no time! Happy woodworking, and don’t forget to wear protective eye gear while sanding!

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Barry Gray

Hi, I’m Barry. I’ve loved woodworking and bringing things back to life for more years than I care to remember. I hope my passion for tools comes across loud and clear in everything you read here on The Tool Square.

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