Best Cordless Sanders
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A cordless random orbit sander removes paint and smooths wood without a cord. This guide leads with six 5-inch random orbit sanders from the sanders we compare on this site, which are what most people mean when they search for an orbital sander, and it closes with two other sander types for specific jobs. Nobody at WorkshopCompare has used these tools, so the guide works from manufacturer specifications and stated design intent.
The main differences are speed range, dust collection, battery systems and whether a battery and charger come in the box. Price tiers are ranges, not exact prices.
Not sure which battery to choose? Read 2Ah vs 4Ah vs 5Ah battery size first.
Our Top Picks
- For dust collection at a lower price tier: Craftsman V20 Random Orbit Sander
- For five speed steps and a stated area per charge: DeWalt 20V MAX XR 5" Random Orbital Sander (DCW211)
- For a kit with battery and charger: Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless 5" Random Orbital Sander Kit
- For three one-touch speed settings: Makita 18V LXT 5" Random Orbit Sander
- For M18 owners who want a wide speed dial: Milwaukee M18 Random Orbit Sander
- For ONE+ owners: RYOBI 18V ONE+ 5" Random Orbit Sander
Comparison Table
| Product | Price Tier | Pad | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craftsman V20 Random Orbit Sander | $50–100 | 5-inch | Up to 12,000 OPM |
| DeWalt 20V MAX XR 5" Random Orbital Sander (DCW211) | $100–200 | 5-inch | Five speeds, 8,000 to 12,000 OPM |
| Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless 5" Random Orbital Sander Kit | $100–200 | 5-inch | Variable speed, up to 11,000 OPM |
| Makita 18V LXT 5" Random Orbit Sander | — | 5-inch | Three speeds: 7,000, 9,500, 11,000 OPM |
| Milwaukee M18 Random Orbit Sander | — | 5-inch | Dial from 7,000 to 12,000 OPM |
| RYOBI 18V ONE+ 5" Random Orbit Sander | — | 5-inch | 10,000 OPM |
The Picks in Detail
Craftsman V20 Random Orbit Sander
The Craftsman V20 sander is a bare 5-inch random orbit sander rated at up to 12,000 OPM. It has an onboard dust bag and a port for a 1-1/4 inch vacuum hose, a low-profile body and a dust-sealed switch. The package includes the dust bag and sample sandpaper, so you can start sanding as soon as you add a battery.
It is in the $50–100 tier. The motor is brushed, and the battery and charger are not included.
- Up to 12,000 OPM
- Dust bag and vacuum hose port
- Low-profile, lightweight body
- Tool only, battery and charger not included
- Brushed motor, not brushless
DeWalt 20V MAX XR 5" Random Orbital Sander (DCW211)
DeWalt lists five speeds from 8,000 to 12,000 OPM, up to 40% less vibration than its DCW210, and up to 50 square feet sanded per charge with a DCB205 battery. It is a bare tool with a brushless motor and a dust bag, and a dust port connects to compatible DeWalt extractors.
The vibration and area figures are DeWalt's own, measured under its conditions, so read them as a guide. A vacuum or extractor is sold separately. The tier is $100–200.
- Five speeds from 8,000 to 12,000 OPM
- Up to 40% less vibration than the DCW210, per DeWalt
- Sands up to 50 sq ft per charge, per DeWalt
- Tool only, battery and charger not included
- Vacuum and dust extractor sold separately
Skil PWRCore 20 Brushless 5" Random Orbital Sander Kit
The Skil kit comes with a 2.0Ah battery that has a USB port and a PWRJump charger. The sander has a digital brushless motor with variable speed control up to 11,000 OPM, a microfiltration dust canister, a dust-sealed switch and a hook-and-loop pad for quick paper changes.
The compact battery limits run time and the tool works only with Skil PWRCore 20 batteries. It is in the $100–200 tier.
- Battery and charger included
- Microfiltration dust canister
- Hook and loop pad for quick paper changes
- Compact 2.0Ah battery limits run time
- Works only with Skil PWRCore 20 batteries
Makita 18V LXT 5" Random Orbit Sander
Makita lists three speed settings, 7,000, 9,500 and 11,000 OPM, selected with a one-touch electronic switch, and a 1/8-inch random orbit action. Makita says the tool is engineered for a swirl-free finish.
Lower speeds are useful for finishing passes and delicate surfaces. It is a bare tool that works only with Makita 18V LXT batteries.
- Three speed settings up to 11,000 OPM
- 1/8-inch random orbit action
- One-touch electronic speed control
- Tool only, battery and charger not included
- Works only with Makita 18V LXT batteries
Milwaukee M18 Random Orbit Sander
Milwaukee's 5-inch random orbit sander has a variable speed dial from 7,000 to 12,000 OPM and a 3/32-inch orbit. A filtered dust canister is included, as are a universal hose adapter, an extension adapter and two 80-grit sheets, so it can connect to a vacuum.
It is a bare tool on the M18 platform.
- Variable speed dial from 7,000 to 12,000 OPM
- Dust canister and hose adapter included
- Two 80-grit sheets included
- Tool only, battery and charger not included
- Works only with Milwaukee M18 batteries
RYOBI 18V ONE+ 5" Random Orbit Sander
RYOBI's page states 10,000 OPM and a hook-and-loop sanding pad for a swirl-free finish. It runs on the 18V ONE+ system and is sold bare or in a kit with a 4Ah battery and charger.
- 10,000 OPM
- Hook-and-loop sanding pad
- Available as tool only or kit
- Tool only, battery and charger not included
Other Sanders Worth Knowing About
People searching for an orbital sander usually want a 5-inch random orbit tool, and the six picks above are all that. Two different sanders do other jobs. The Makita 18V LXT 1/4 Sheet Finishing Sander uses 4-1/2 by 4 inch paper cut from a standard sheet and runs at 11,000 or 14,000 OPM, which suits flat finishing work and edges. The Black+Decker 20V MAX Mouse Detail Sander is a compact bare tool with a detail finger attachment for corners and tight spots. Neither replaces a random orbit sander for general stock removal, but either can complement one.
How to Choose a Cordless Orbital Sander
Random orbit is the general-purpose choice. The pad spins and orbits at once, which spreads scratches in different directions and avoids the obvious swirl pattern of a plain spinning pad. A sheet sander gives a more directional, flat finish. Random orbit suits furniture, cabinets, decks and walls.
Look at speed control. A wide range lets you run fast for stock removal and slow for finishing. The Milwaukee has a dial across its range, the DeWalt has five stops, and the Makita has three. A single stated speed, like the RYOBI's, is simpler but less flexible.
Dust collection is part of the sander. Fine dust is the main annoyance. Several of these sanders have an onboard bag or canister, and several accept a vacuum hose. A DeWalt extractor is sold separately, so budget for it.
Battery system and capacity. A sander runs continuously, so a compact battery gives short sessions and a larger pack gives more time between charges. See 2Ah vs 4Ah vs 5Ah battery size, and tool-only vs kit for how to think about bare tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an orbital and a random orbital sander?
A random orbital sander spins the pad and moves it in an orbit together, which reduces visible swirl marks. Many people say orbital sander when they mean random orbit; the 5-inch tools here are random orbit sanders.
Which grit should I start with?
It depends on the surface. Coarser paper like 60 or 80 grit removes material and finish; 120 grit and finer smooth the surface before paint or stain.
Can I connect a vacuum?
Several of these sanders list a hose port or adapter, including the Craftsman and Milwaukee. DeWalt lists a port for compatible DeWalt extractors.
Is a brushless motor needed in a sander?
It is not required. Brushless motors are generally more efficient and last longer, but a sander's workload is moderate.