I Tested 7 Cordless Sanders: These are the Best (2024)
If you’re an avid woodworker or DIYer like I am, sanding is a common task that I deal with on a weekly basis.
Cordless sanders make your job faster, easier, and more convenient.
That’s why I put together this list of the best cordless sanders you can buy. Whether you’re looking for an orbital sander, belt sander, or detail sander – there’s something for everyone.
In a hurry? The best cordless sander is the DeWalt 20V Max Random Orbital Sander. This is a powerful sander that’s comfortable, versatile, and can complete just about any small to medium sized project.
Best Cordless Sanders
- #1 Overall Best Cordless Orbital Sander: DeWalt 20V Orbital Sander
- #2 Runner Up Random Orbit Sander: Milwaukee Random Orbital Sander
- Best Value Cordless Sander: Black & Decker Orbital Sander
- Best Cordless Belt Sander: RIDGID GEN5X Belt Sander
1. DeWalt Cordless Random Orbital Sander – Best Overall
- Orbital sander with brushless motor provides runtime and efficiency to get the job done
- Variable-speed control of the hand sander from 8,000 to 12,000 OPM to match the speed to the application.
- Low-profile height of the power sander allows user to get close to work surface for precise sanding.
My overall favorite cordless sander is the DeWalt 20V Max Random Orbital Sander.
This sander did a ton of things well, and there isn’t a ton to complain about. It’s a powerful sander that can produce up to 12,000 OPM of power, making it versatile and efficient.
It features a variable speed control dial which allows you to easily adjust how much power the sander delivers – making it great for both large and small projects.
The dust collection system did a pretty good job of collecting dust, although I wish the bag was see-through so I could know when it was getting full.
The battery seemed to last for hours, so no complaints there.
This is one of the best sanders for cabinets, furniture, and many other wood surfaces.
What I Liked:
- Very powerful brushless motor that will last for years
- Extremely comfortable grip that doesn’t hurt your wrist
- Variable speed settings for a wide range of projects
- Can swap batteries with other DeWalt cordless tools
What I Didn’t Like:
- Can be more expensive than other models
- Won’t work for detailed sanding in tight spaces
My Thoughts:
Overall, if you’re looking for the best cordless sander, this DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Sander is your best bet. DeWalt is one of my favorite brands that I’ve used for years and this sander certainly fits right in. This is a powerful sander that’s very comfortable and gets the job done quickly. If you own other DeWalt 20V products, you can easily swap the batteries out – which is nice. The dust collection system is also pretty strong so you don’t have to worry about sanding marks on your projects. My only real complaint is the somewhat higher price than other sanders, but I think it’s worth it for the best. This is also the best sander for stairs making it one of the most versatile sanders you can buy.
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2. Milwaukee Cordless Orbital Sander
- Milwaukee Electric Tools 2648-20 M18 Random Orbit Sander
- This product meets customer requirement
- Product is easy to use
Another great cordless sander is the Milwaukee Cordless Orbital Sander. This sander is very similar in terms of quality as the DeWalt above, but there’s a couple of reasons why I recommend the DeWalt over this one.
First, the dust collection bag on the DeWalt model gives you more maneuverability than the hard plastic box on this Milwaukee model. Second – the battery life on the DeWalt model is superior to this sander.
Overall, this Milwaukee cordless sander is still an excellent option and my second option.
The 3 amp motor can output up to 12,000 OPM but with a variable speed dial, you can adjust it down to 7,000 OPM for even more flexibility.
The battery life was strong compared to less expensive options, but slightly less than the DeWalt. You can expect around 35 minutes of battery life give or take.
What I Liked:
- Powerful 3 amp motor with variable speed control from 7,000 to 12,000 OPM
- Very comfortable grip that’s easy to control
- Can swap batteries with other Milwaukee products
- Felt very high quality and durable
- Long 5-year warranty
What I Didn’t Like:
- Hard dust collection box makes it difficult to use in some spaces
- More expensive than other sanders
My Thoughts:
This cordless Milwaukee orbital sander is one of the best cordless sanders you can buy. While I recommend the DeWalt model just slightly more than this one, if you prefer the Milwaukee brand better, then you can’t go wrong with this choice. It’s a powerful sander that’s built to last with a 5-year warranty to back it up. It’s also very comfortable and easy to use and the variable speed control makes it one of the more versatile cordless sanders you’ll find.
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3. RIDGID GEN5X Belt Sander – Best Cordless Belt Sander
- This refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new. The refurbishing process includes…
If you’re looking for a belt sander for larger projects, this Ridgid Gen5X Cordless belt sander is the best for your money.
This sander is more powerful than compact sanders, but weighs much more. That said, the front grip of this sander made it easier to manage.
It has a variable speed control dial that makes it super easy to adjust how fast the belt spins.
The dust collection system did a decent job of keeping dust out of the way, but it could be better slightly better.
As expected, battery life for this sander is less than other orbital sanders because of the amount of power it needs, but it still lasted around 20 minutes.
If you’re looking to refinish your deck, check out these top sanders for deck refinishing!
What I Liked:
- Most powerful sander on the list
- Great for large projects that require a significant amount of sanding
- Pretty good value for the price
- Easy to change out the sanding belt
What I Didn’t Like:
- Weighs much more than other sanders which can cause shoulder fatigue after a while
- Battery life is less than smaller sanders
- More challenging to control than smaller sanders
My Thoughts:
If you’re looking for the best cordless belt sander, this Ridgid Belt Sander is for you. It’s a powerful sander that does a great job at removing large amounts of material from large surfaces – making your job easier. It’s a great value for the money and it comes with a 3-year warranty. My only gripes were the weight of the sander and the battery life.
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4. Black & Decker 20V Cordless Sander – Best Budget Sander
- FAST MATERIAL REMOVAL – At 12,000 opm (oscillations per minute), the random orbital sander quickly clears…
- COMPACT, EASY-TO-MANEUVER DESIGN – Compact and helps reduce muscle fatigue.
- HOOK-AND-LOOP SYSTEM – For convenient sandpaper changing.
If you want a cordless sander but don’t want to spend a fortune, the best value sander is the Black and Decker 20V Max Cordless Orbital Sander.
This is also one of the lighter cordless sanders you’ll find, making it easier to manage and control.
If features a decent motor that can produce up to 12,000 OPM, although this sander doesn’t have a variable speed setting.
The dust collection bag did a fine job of collecting dust and the compact design allows you to easily maneuver the sander across any surface.
It features the standard hook and loop system that allows you to easily change the sanding pad without hassle.
Overall, it’s hard to go wrong with this random orbital sander for the price.
What I Liked:
- More lightweight and compact than other cordless sanders
- Great value for the money
- Powerful motor that did a great job at removing various finishes
What I Didn’t Like:
- Battery life was poor compared to others
- No variable speed settings which means it’s not as versatile
My Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a cordless sander on a budget, this Black and Decker Sander is one of the best cordless orbital sanders you can buy. While it’s not as powerful as many corded sanders, it was still a quite powerful sander that does a great job. It’s comfortable, lightweight, and compact – making it super easy to move around without dealing with shoulder pain. My only complaint with this sander was the battery life and lack of variable speed. Other than that, it’s one of the best random orbital sanders you can buy for the money.
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5. SKIL Cordless Detail Palm Sander
- DIGITAL BRUSHLESS MOTOR – Provides efficiency, performance, and extended tool life.
- COMPACT, ERGONOMIC DESIGN – Patented design give this brushless sander balance and a low profile for…
- VERSATILITY – 4-in-1 sander includes a triangular tip, an extendable triangular tip for hard-to-reach…
The best cordless detail sander is the SKIL 20V Detail Sander. This sander features a powerful 2 amp motor that can produce up to 10,500 OPM.
While this is less than other orbital sanders – it’s not always a bad thing. For detailed sanding, you may not want to additional power that other sanders produce.
It’s a great sander for small and medium sized projects that’s extremely comfortable and lightweight.
The dust collection system did surprisingly well and the mesh bag was simple to empty.
The sanding pads were pretty straightforward to change and took less than a minute. This sander comes with multiple sanding attachments so you can reach tighter spaces and areas – which is a nice bonus.
What I Liked:
- Great value for the money
- Versatile sander that can complete small and medium sized jobs
- Comfortable and lightweight sander
- Multiple detail attachments
- Long 5-year warranty
What I Didn’t Like:
- No variable speed control
- Limited battery life
My Thoughts:
If you’re looking for a cordless detail sander, this SKIL Detail Sander is your best bet. It’s a versatile sander that can reach tight spaces and areas that other sanders can’t. It’s also a great value for the price and comes with a 5-year warranty. If you’re looking for a great battery powered sander that does a excellent job on a wide range of projects – this sander is certainly worth checking out.
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6. DeWalt 20V Oscillating Detail Sander
- Powerful 3 amp motor of the oscillating tool provides strong performance for cutting and sanding
- Quick-Change accessory system allows blades and attachments to be changed quickly without wrenches
- Dual-Grip variable speed trigger gives users ultimate speed and application control
If you need a sander for tighter spaces that an orbital sander can’t reach, this DeWalt 20V Max Oscillating Sander is worth a look.
This sander is more unique than the others in that it’s not solely a power sander, but it can be used as a grinder and several other purposes.
It doesn’t have a variable speed setting or dust collection system, so I recommend using a dust mask when you’re using it.
This sander is one of the most powerful sanders on the list, and the battery performed extremely well. It’s also pretty lightweight so you can use it for longer periods without should or wrist pain.
What I Liked:
- Great for extremely detailed work
- Battery life was stronger than others
- Can be used for other purposes other than sanding
- Lightweight and easy to use
What I Didn’t Like:
- Not designed for large projects
- Can be more expensive than other sanders
- No variable speed control
- No dust collection system
My Thoughts:
If you want a multifunctional tool that works for a variety of purposes, this DeWalt Cordless Oscillating Tool is one of the top cordless sanders you should consider. Keep in mind that this tool will only work for smaller projects that require detailed sanding, so if you tend to work on medium or large sized projects, you’ll want to opt for something else. However, if you want a compact sander that’s great for precise sanding – you should consider this one. It’s extremely powerful and it does a great job of removing the finish of the wood which makes it perfect for many projects.
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7. Black and Decker Cordless Mouse Sander (Don’t Recommend)
- FAST MATERIAL REMOVAL – At 12,000 opm (oscillations per minute), this sander quickly clears away material.
- DETAIL FINGER ATTACHMENT – Helps sand hard-to-reach surfaces.
- 2-POSITION GRIP – Allows for enhanced control during a variety of applications.
Another cordless sander that gets recommendations is the Black & Decker Cordless Detail Sander. Ultimately, I would not purchase this sander.
The battery was extremely difficult to connect to the device and it didn’t do a great job of sanding.
Additionally, because of the position of the power button, you can easily turn it off while sanding.
Instead, I’d go with the Black & Decker random orbital sander or the Milwaukee random orbital sander.
What I Liked:
- The price
- No cords
What I Didn’t Like:
- Battery connection was terrible
- Location of power button is less than ideal
My Thoughts:
Overall, I don’t recommend spending your money on this sander. There are tons of other great cordless sanders worth considering – but this isn’t one of them.
How to Choose the Right Sander For Your Job
Power & Speed
The power of your sander is often one of the most critical components when choosing the best sander for the job.
More powerful sanders can remove the surface of your wood easier and faster than less powerful options.
But you should also be on the lookout for a sander with variable speed control. If your sander is overly powerful, it can leave sanding marks on the surface that can be a pain to get rid of. By having a variable speed dial, you can slow down the sander for a smoother surface.
Weight and Size
When it comes to sanding, the weight and size can play a big part in how versatile and easy it is to use.
Larger sanders are often heavier and can be much more difficult to maneuver. Small sanders like orbital sanders are easier to control but they will take much longer to complete larger sanding jobs.
If you’re working on a large project, like a hardwood floor – you’re going to want a larger sander.
If you’re working on small to medium sized projects like furniture – you’ll want an orbital sander or detail sander.
Looking for a sander that’s great for furniture? Check out my list of the best sanders for furniture!
Comfort
How comfortable the sander is should also be considered. Most sanders will feature a rubberized grip that feels good in the hands, but some are better than others.
Some belt sanders will feature multiple grips that give you better control of the tool, which is something to look at.
Battery Life
Battery life is a vital feature for all cordless power tools. After all, you don’t want to have to stop your work to recharge your battery. Cordless sanders are extremely convenient so you don’t have to deal with extension cords or power cords, but you need to ensure the battery is charged before you begin your work.
Most cordless sanders will provide enough battery to sand for anywhere from 20 to around 45 minutes, but it can depend on several factors.
Warranty
The warranty your sander comes with is also worth considering. Most sanders will come with a warranty between 1 and 5 years.
For example, the Milwaukee random orbital sander comes with an impressive 5-year warranty that speaks to its build quality and longevity.
Price
Obviously, the price of your sander will play a big role in deciding which sander is right for you.
There is a large range of prices for power sanders because of the difference in quality and functionality between them.
More expensive sanders are typically more powerful, include a longer warranty, and can last much longer.
Some sanders can cost under $100, but most of the reputable brands will cost over $100.
Types of Cordless Sanders
Orbital Sanders
Random orbital sanders are some of the most popular sanders on the market. These sanders are perfect for small and medium sized projects. They have a circular shape that spins to remove the surface of the wood. The sanding pads are extremely easy to change
Orbital sanders also come in variations. A random orbit sander, for example, will move in both a back and forth motion as well as a circular motion.
Check out the video below to learn more about orbital sanders!
Belt Sanders
Belt sanders are made for larger projects that require the most power and maximum stripping capability. These are most often used for decks, hardwood floors, doors, and other larger surfaces.
Detail Sanders
Detail sanders are meant for, well, detailed work. These sanders are designed to reach areas that a random orbital sander or belt sander cannot. They often feature a pointed tip that can get in between areas and in corners.
Looking for a detail sander? Check out my list of the best detail sanders you can buy!
Sheet Sanders
Sheet sanders, also known as finishing sanders – are meant for finishing work before you applying paint or stain to a surface. These sanders aren’t meant for tough jobs but instead provide the smoothest surface possible. They often have high grit sandpaper that’s designed to provide an extremely smooth finish.
Palm Sander
Palm sanders are similar to orbital sanders, but instead of controlling the tool with a grip, your palm will sit on top of the device to move it around. You can find them in various sizes, and some will feature a circular shape, just as an orbital sander does.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the best cordless sander is the DeWalt 20V Max Orbital Sander. This sander has everything you’d want in a cordless sander including power, battery life, and comfort.
If you want a belt sander, the Ridgid GEN5X is the best cordless belt sander you can buy. It’s a great value for the price and it does a great job at removing the surface of your wood.
Finally, if you want a cordless sander on a budget, the Black & Decker Random orbital sander is the best cordless sander if you’re not looking to spend hundreds of dollars. It outputs a decent amount of power and does a good job for small and medium sized projects.