Orbital Sanders
Published October 8, 2026
We looked at 3 products in this category currently on the market. This is a neutral rundown of what each one offers – pros and cons side by side, no single ‘best pick’ declared. Your right choice depends on your own needs, budget, and priorities.
Makita 18V LXT 5 in. Random Orbit Sander (XOB01Z, bare tool)
Approx. price: $94.99
Price may be a bit stale – confirm the current price via the link below before buying.
Specs & pros/cons
Key specs:
- 18V LXT cordless 5 in. random orbit sander, bare tool
- 1/8 in. random orbit action for a swirl-free finish
- Variable speed settings: low, medium and fast
- Sealed switch protects against dust
- Runs on 18V LXT batteries (sold separately)
Pros:
- Home Depot reviewers praise cordless convenience and a lightweight, reliable design
- Users note quieter operation than typical sanders
- eBay reviewers rate it highly for comfort, calling it the best cordless sander for the price
Cons:
- A JLC review notes it is slightly slower and about half a pound heavier than comparable corded models, with about 20 minutes of sanding per charge
- One Reddit user reports the pad stops spinning and only vibrates under pressure
- Battery and charger are not included
Product page (affiliate link pending setup)
Milwaukee M18 Random Orbit Sander (2648-20, bare tool)
Approx. price: $149.0
Price may be a bit stale – confirm the current price via the link below before buying.
Specs & pros/cons
Key specs:
- M18 cordless 5 in. random orbit sander, bare tool
- Variable speed dial, 7,000-12,000 OPM
- Hook-and-loop pad for fast sandpaper changes
- Dust-sealed switch for durability
- Runs on M18 REDLITHIUM batteries (sold separately)
Pros:
- Cordless random orbit sanding anywhere without a cord
- Variable speed dial adapts OPM to the material
- Hook-and-loop pad makes paper changes fast
Cons:
- Battery and charger are not included
- No dust canister — works best with a shop vac attached
- M18 batteries add weight compared with corded palm sanders
Product page (affiliate link pending setup)
Ryobi ONE+ 18V 5 in. Random Orbit Sander (PCL406B, bare tool)
Approx. price: $49.99
Price may be a bit stale – confirm the current price via the link below before buying.
Specs & pros/cons
Key specs:
- ONE+ 18V cordless 5 in. random orbit sander, bare tool
- Up to 10,000 orbits per minute for a swirl-free finish
- 40% reduced vibration for maximum control
- Hook & loop sanding pad for easy sandpaper attachment
- Dust collection bag and 3-year limited warranty; ~3 lbs without battery
Pros:
- Popular Woodworking finds it comfortable to hold and very well balanced, with a 4Ah battery lasting quite a while under constant use
- Pro Tool Reviews calls it very effective and easy to use, perfect for one-handed work
- Compatible with all Ryobi ONE+ 18V batteries at an affordable price
Cons:
- Slower, louder and more vibratory than the newer brushless Ryobi PCL425 model per Reddit users
- Not the fastest sander in its class per Pro Tool Reviews
- Battery and charger are not included
Product page (affiliate link pending setup)
Prices and specs collected from manufacturer/retailer listings and public reviews; always confirm current price and stock on the linked page before buying.
