Finding the best orbital sander available is all about keeping your options open and knowing what to look for. With experience with these tools, I am going to share my thoughts. Below are some of the best orbital sanders currently on the market and everything you need to know! Give it a read, and you will know what to look for and be happy with!
| Image | Link | Product | Brand | Lowest New Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Buy on Amazon | Bosch PEX 300 AE Random Orbit Sander | Bosch | £49.99 |
 | Buy on Amazon | TACKLIFE Orbital Sander, 350W 13000RPM 6 Variable Speeds, 125mm Random Orbital Sander with High Performance Dust Collector for Sanding Wood, 12Pcs Sanding Discs, 3 Meter Power Cord PRS01A | TACKLIFE | £29.99 |
 | Buy on Amazon | DEWALT DEWDWE6423 Random Orbital Sanders, Yellow/Black | DEWALT | £79.95 |
 | Buy on Amazon | Makita BO5031/2 240V 125mm Random Orbit Sander | Makita | £83.99 |
 | Buy on Amazon | VonHaus 430W 125mm Random Orbit Sander with 3 Polishing Pads & 9 Sanding Pads | VonHaus | £34.99 |
 | Buy on Amazon | Makita M9204 Random Orbit Sander-Red/Black, 125 mm | Makita | £61.46 |
 | Buy on Amazon | Makita BO3710 110 V 1/3-Inch Sheet Orbital Sander | Makita | £57.54 |
 | Buy on Amazon | Bosch Professional 0601372771 GEX 150 AC Corded 240 V Random Orbit Sander | Bosch Professional | £159.99 |
 | Buy on Amazon | Bosch PEX 400 AE Random Orbit Sander | Bosch | £89.00 |
So with that, let’s now go into each of the above Orbital Sanders and find out a bit more about each of them.
1: Bosch PEX 300 AE
This Bosch random orbit sander is all about precision and power. Let’s see how it stood up to the ultimate field test!
Variable speed settings and ergonomic handle ensure smooth and easy operation
The first thing I noticed was an array of speed settings, which is great! They allow you to work with a load of different materials with no issues whatsoever. Another plus is the handle/grip; it’s effortless to get to grips with (see what I did there.) In fact, it makes the user experience a pleasure from start to finish.
If you’re in the trade and are going to be using it every day, then it’s a fantastic tool to consider!
Does the low weight design pack enough of a punch when working on rough surfaces
Yes, it’s light-weight, but because of motor efficiency and gearing ratios, it has enough power to get the job done. That’s music to the ears of those looking for a lightweight and powerful piece of kit.
Bosch PEX 300 Final Thoughts
A clever piece of design that allows you to get the job done without resorting to a big chunky unit. Highly recommended for those of you that want something that fits nicely in your hand and never stops working.
2: Tacklife 350W
Next, we have the Tacklife 350 W. It may not be a well-known brand, but don’t let that stop you. A new name always brings new ideas so let’s see how it got on when I took a look.
13K RPM operation ensures you can smooth out even the very roughest of surfaces
The RPM is right up there with the very fastest sanders on this list. Fortunately, that’s good news for those of you who want something that will work on any surface. I’m pleased to say that it achieves such high-speeds without resorting to over-clocking the gear ratios. That means you should avoid the early burnouts that are a hallmark of lesser sanders.
Have velcro discs had their day, or is there a better way to go about things?
Velcro discs are all well and good provided you know how to handle them. You’re going to want to avoid pushing down with the edge of the sander during use! Why? Because that’s what ruins the pad! It’s a tricky habit to get out of because we all do it when one marker or dent doesn’t shift, However, it is a must if you’re to prolong the life of your latest purchase.
Tacklife 350 Final Thoughts
Possibly the best orbital sander you will find; provided you heed my advice about protecting the velcro pads. Do that, and you’re all set for a lifetime of reliable usage.
3: Dewalt 6423
This Dewalt random orbital sander is the next entry on my list, and for good reason! I’d heard a lot about it, so decided to share with you what I know!
The ergonomic and compact design has been shown to be highly reliable and robust
The design is very compact, but it doesn’t feel tiny when it’s in your hand. That is good news because as someone with big hands I often struggle with the smaller sanders. In fact, I know plenty of other people that do too. By designing something that can be used with ease and in comfort by many, Dewalt is on to a winner in my opinion!
At 280 W it’s not the most powerful sander on my list
I agree power is a little on the low side compared to some of the entries on my list. So let me give you two reasons why that’s not a big deal.
Firstly the efficiency with which that power is transferred through the moving parts is second to none. And secondly, you’re looking at a compact unit. If power is all you care about, get a belt sander. But that was an option; you would not be reading this orbital rundown!!
Dewalt 6423 Final Thoughts
In my opinion, it is a serious piece of hardware that should be your compact orbital tool of choice. Don’t just take my word for it, take a look at the reviews via the link below!
4: Makita BO5031
This manufacturer knows a thing or two about making first-class hardware. So, I couldn’t wait to share my thoughts on this latest piece of kit…
Ensures a constant speed under load for when nothing but pushing down hard will do
The feature of most importance here is a unique motor!
It generates continuous speed irrespective of the load. Not sure if that is very important?
Imagine the type of finish you’d get if the speed changed every time you pressed-down on your sander, even a little. Unfortunately, the results and no doubt your work would be ruined! And that’s why this motor is such a big deal; it’s a first-class piece of engineering in my opinion!
Could do with a wider selection of tools and accessories
From a positive to a slight negative – I would have liked to have seen Makita provide more than just a dust bag and a disc. However, as I just shared you get the basic requirements.
In fact, I would like to see just one of the established players on the market include a few extra accessories.
Makita BO5031 Final Thoughts
A serious piece of hardware that should be a orbital tool of choice contender for the serious DIY user. Well.
5: VonHaus 430w
I hadn’t heard all that much about this brand, and its ergonomically designed sanders. However, as you know by now, I like to try new things, so here is what I discovered.
430 W motor makes this one of the most powerful sanders on the market today
The sheer power of this is something to behold! If you’ve never used an orbital that breaks the elusive 400W barrier before, give this one a try.
It comes with in-built mechanisms which provide astounding dampening making it comfortable to grip. For you, that means, despite the brute force of the motor your hand won’t numb and forearm not fatigue. Two things that are vital if you want to use it on a daily basis without developing repetitive strain.
At only 2m long the power chord isn’t the longest
This is such a minor niggle that I feel bad for even mentioning it, let along writing it down. But, to be fair, that is what this article is all about! The cord is too short which will be a downside for many. Especially, those of you who don’t want to trail an extension cable when working on a wooden floor.
VonHaus 430w Final Thoughts
A great piece of hardware that packs a serious punch. The only way that I can see it being improved is by increasing the length of the power chord. Other than that, it’s a real winner in my opinion.
6: Makita M9204
150mm random orbital sander reviews just wouldn’t be complete without a look at some of the smaller 125mm varieties. Here’s one of the best on the market, and is definitely worthy of your consideration…
Rubberised soft grip allows you to control every inch of the 125mm sanding area with ease
The great thing about the grip is that it sits so naturally in the palm of your hand. By being able to accommodate all types of grips and hand sizes, it allows you to put it through its paces. But what’s more impressive is you can wave goodbye to cramping and fatigue. Perfect if you’re looking for a tool you can use all day long on that must finish project.
How often does the dust collection system need to be emptied to ensure optimal performance?
The dust collection system should be cleared at the end of a day of heavy sanding. If you forget, then you won’t damage your new Makita sander, but you will notice a distinct drop off in performance. Its ability to keep dust to a minimum will be greatly reduced. Which in turn means, more mess for you to clean up. Play it safe and clear it out at the end of each day, and you won’t have issues.
Makita M9204 Final Thoughts
A classic piece of design from one of the best known, and most trusted brands. As long as you look after it with the odd bit of routine maintenance it should last for years and years.
7: Makita BO3710
As one of the most well known professional and DIY tool brands you should not be surprised to see Makita, again! Like the previous, this too is an Ergonomic tool designed to be easy to use, comfortable and powerful.
11K orbits and 22k strokes per minute ensure powerful performance at all times
The above stroke and orbit numbers are more than enough to deliver uncompromising power and precision at all times. Great news for those of you who want to invest in a tool that you can use for years.
For me, I was most impressed with the B03710’s heat dissipation abilities. Why? Because, it’s an indicator of how hard the motor is working, and consequently how likely it is to burn out. Verdict: highly unlikely to die on you!
How reliable is the onboard dust collection system in the long term?
You will need to keep on top of it because once its full its full. There’s no way of getting around that one. It’s quick and easy to empty though so don’t worry! Oh, and don’t forget, as, if you do performance quickly deteriorates.
Makita B03710 Final Thoughts
Another fantastic option from one of the most reliable manufacturers. Along with its focus on comfort + power, you will be surprised by the lack of vibration and noise.
8: Bosch GEX 150
This model is part of Bosch’s professional range, meaning it comes with low vibration tech. Plus, best-in-class dust removal, which when combined leads to superior finishes. Here’s what else I discovered about this fantastic piece of hardware.
One of the more compact sanders on the list, but is there enough space for a comfortable grip?
We’re going to put the stats to one side with this one and talk about the grip. For me, it’s all about the way it fits in your hand and doesn’t fatigue your grip. It does such an excellent job of damping down the vibrations that you feel back off the floor; you’ll soon make it one of your go-to tools.
Yes, as a compact orbital it’s easily outgunned when it comes to speed and power by the full-size models on this rundown, but that’s beside the point really.
Bosch GEX 150 Final Thoughts
This Bosch feels like quality in hand: the speed selector, switch and cable, even the speed dial are all high-quality. In my opinion, if you’re looking for a comfortable, ergonomic, and compact orbital, consider it!
9: Bosch PEX 400 AE
Here we are then, the final entry on my list and what do we have, another Bosch. Just like Mikita, it is one of the best-known brands on the market, so no surprise there! What you’re probably wondering is, have I kept the best till last? You, be the judge…
Variable speed and comfortable in hand, but is the compact design powerful enough to get the job done?
I have to answer this with a resounding ‘Yes!’ It’s such an easy and lightweight piece of kit to use, in fact, it almost takes care of itself. Compact pieces of equipment can give the impression that they don’t pack a punch, but because of the precision with which the power is transferred to the surface, you have nothing to worry about.
Bosch PEX 400 AE Final Thoughts
A great option for those of you looking for a compact and affordable orbital that will last for years to come.
Conclusion
Finding the best orbital sander is all about considering what you want to use it for and then going out and finding it. By giving you nothing but knowledgeable thoughts and opinions of 10 of the best I hope I’ve set you off in the right direction.