Your Next Random-Orbit Sander

Our hands-on critique of the top 21 palm, pistol-grip, and right-angle sanders on the market. We give your our thoughts on the pros and cons of each model, and highlight the features that helped our six favorites (ranked by best value and best overall) make the final cut. Included is a useful sidebar with tips for smarter sanding that will make your job go easier, faster, and turn out better, regardless of which sander you're working with.

Product Finder: Tools in this Article

Porter-Cable - 333VS Random-Orbit Sander
This palm sander from Porter-Cable has minimal vibration and easily accessible power and speed controls

DeWalt - DW423K Random-Orbit Sander
This palm sander from DeWalt has an easily adjustable variable-speed dial and very good dust collection

Bosch - 1295DVSK Random-Orbit Sander
This palm sander from Bosch has well-designed grips and controls and an easily adjustable variable-speed dial

Makita - BO5012K Random-Orbit Sander
This palm sander from Makita has excellent grip options and an effective dust bag

(1 user review) Ridgid - R2600 Random-Orbit Sander
The dust port on this palm sander accepts either a vacuum hose or an easily removable dust bag

Ryobi - RS280VS Random-Orbit Sander
This palm sander from Ryobi comes with a one-time hook-and-loop conversion disk

Festool - ES 125 EQ Random-Orbit Sander
Expensive but well-made, this palm sander from Festool has minimal vibration and a wide speed range

Milwaukee - 6019-6 Random-Orbit Sander
This palm sander from Milwaukee is a no-frills, single-speed tool

Festool - ETS 150/3 EQ Random-Orbit Sander
This pistol-grip sander from Festool is ideal for fine finishing

Makita - BO5021K Random-Orbit Sander
Sold as a pistol-grip model, this tool from Makita is essentially a 5-in. palm sander with handles

Makita - BO6030 Random-Orbit Sander
This pistol-grip sander from Makita has easily accessible controls and an effective dust bag

(2 user reviews) Ridgid - R2610 Random-Orbit Sander
This pistol-grip sander from Ridgid has two modes: one for fine finishing and the other for aggressive but controllable material removal

(1 user review) Bosch - 3727DEVS Random-Orbit Sander
This pistol-grip sander from Bosch has comfortable grips, accessible controls, and a large speed range

Metabo - SXE 450 Random-Orbit Sander
This pistol-grip sander from Metabo has two modes: one for fine finishing and the other for aggressive but controllable material removal

Bosch - 1250DEVS Random-Orbit Sander
This dual-mode right-angle sander from Bosch features a powerful soft-start motor

Makita - BO6040 Random-Orbit Sander
This dual-mode right-angle sander from Makita has a huge soft-start motor

Festool - RO 150 E Random-Orbit Sander
Although expensive, this dual-mode right-angle sander from Festool has a great feel

(1 user review) Porter-Cable - 97366 Random-Orbit Sander
This right-angle sander from Porter-Cable has several smart features, as well as excellent dust collection

Milwaukee - 6125 Random-Orbit Sander
This right-angle sander from Milwaukee is a powerful, single-speed tool

DeWalt - DW443 Random-Orbit Sander
This right-angle sander from DeWalt is aggressive and has an accessory vacuum adapter that works well

MSf 636-1 Random-Orbit Sander
Althought costly, this venerable right-angle sander from Fein is a well-made tool