7 Best Cordless Sanders for Wood in 2025 (We Tested!)

Are you tired of using a sander with a cord? The best cordless sander for wood lets you move around freely. It still gives you very good results. I spent many weeks testing the best sanders. I found some cordless sanders that are as good as the ones with cords.

Today’s battery sanders are very strong. An orbital sander usually works between 7,000 and 13,000 orbits per minute (OPM). For example, the DeWalt DCW210B has speeds from 8,000 to 12,000 OPM. Also, it is very easy to use a cordless sander. You do not have to worry about a cord when you are on a ladder.

I have tested all of these best cordless sanders on different wood projects. The Festool ETSC 125 has a special feature I have not seen on other sanders. The Milwaukee 2531 was great for small details on furniture, which you usually do by hand. The batteries are also much better now. The Ryobi random orbit sander can work for up to 50 minutes with a 5Ah battery.

If you need the best cordless orbital sander for detail work or a good random orbital sander for big projects, this guide will help. It shows the top 7 sanders that I have tested myself. I can recommend them for 2025.

Disclaimer

DeWalt DCW210B: One of the Best Cordless Sanders

After I tested many sanders, I think the DeWalt DCW210B is the best one. This is a 5-inch random orbital sander. It is strong, easy to carry, and very exact. It has become my favorite tool for almost any wood sanding job.

DeWalt DCW210B Performance and Control

The DCW210B has a brushless motor. This motor works better and lasts longer than old motors with brushes. Because of this motor, the tool does not get too hot and works very smoothly, even for a long time.

I really like the speed dial. The speed is adjustable between 8,000 and 12,000 orbits per minute (OPM). This is very useful. I can use a slow speed for careful finishing work. Or, I can use a fast speed to remove a lot of wood quickly. The sander moves in two ways (it spins and it moves in small ovals). This helps to stop swirl marks and makes the wood look very good.

When I tested it on thick wood with strong 60-grit sandpaper, I could press down hard. The tool did not stop or get hot. On hard maple wood with 100-grit sandpaper, the sander removed 4.9 grams of dust in three minutes. This is as good as many sanders with a cord.

Good things about the DCW210B performance:

• Strong brushless motor that changes power for the wood you are sanding.
• Good random orbital movement that stops sanding marks.
• It does not shake too much, so it is comfortable to use for a long time.
• The switch is protected from dust so it will not break easily.

DeWalt DCW210B Battery Life and Runtime

The DCW210B is sold as a “bare tool,” which means it does not come with a battery. You have to buy a 20V MAX battery. This might seem like a problem, but it lets you choose the battery size you want.

In my tests, how long the battery lasts depends on the battery size and the job. With a small 2.0Ah battery, I could use it for about 16 and a half minutes. But with a bigger 5.0Ah battery, it lasted much longer. It worked for almost one hour when I was doing light sanding on pine wood with 150-grit paper. For harder jobs, like removing paint, it will last for half that time or less.

So, I think it is a good idea to have two batteries if you want to use this sander for a long time. You can charge one battery while you use the other. This way, you can keep sanding without stopping.

The sander feels very balanced with smaller batteries, like the 2.0Ah one. Big batteries make it last longer, but they also make it heavier. This can make it less comfortable if you are working above your head.

DeWalt DCW210B Dust Collection System

Good dust control is one of the reasons why the DCW210B stands out among the best cordless sanders. It includes a dust bag that can be secured with just one hand, and it fits securely onto the dust port. In my tests, this bag collected about 61% of the dust, which is pretty good for a cordless sander.

To collect even more dust, the tool has a port that connects to DeWalt’s DWV010 or DWV012 dust collectors. You can also buy a DWV9000 Universal Quick Connector to connect it to other vacuums with 1¼-inch hoses.

One small problem is that the dust port is a special DeWalt size. You need an adapter for other vacuums. Some people say the suction is not as strong as other sanders, but I did not have a big problem with this in my tests.

DeWalt DCW210B Pricing and Value

The DCW210B is a very good value, even though it is a top model. As a bare tool, it costs about $99.00. The price can be between $89.89 and $119.00. You can also buy kits with batteries:

• With a 2.0Ah battery (DCW210D1): Around $158.00
• With a 5.0Ah battery (DCW210P1): Around $217.00

Because it works so well, is built strong, and has a three-year warranty, the DCW210B is a good buy for professionals and serious DIY people. The sanding pad has 8 holes and uses common sandpaper, so it is not expensive to use.

If you own other DeWalt 20V MAX tools already, this sander is a very easy choice. Even if you don’t, its power, battery time, and comfort make it the best cordless random orbital sander for wood you can buy now.

DEWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander, Tool Only (DCW210B)

• Brushless motor provides runtime and efficiency to get the job done
• Variable-speed control from 8,000 to 12,000 OPM to match the speed to the application.
• Low-profile height allows user to get close to work surface for precise sanding.

$98.00

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Best for Portability: Makita XOB01Z

For jobs where you need to move around a lot, the Makita XOB01Z is my top choice among the best cordless sanders. This 5-inch random orbit sander is part of Makita’s 18V LXT family. It’s easy to carry and works really well—perfect for woodworking when you’re away from your workshop.

Makita XOB01Z Compact Design

The first thing I saw about the XOB01Z is how comfortable it is to hold. It weighs only 3.6 lbs without a battery and is 6-7/8 inches long. It is smaller than many other sanders. What makes it special is that the battery stands up behind the handle. This makes it feel very balanced, no matter how you hold it.

This balanced design makes a big difference. My wrist did not get tired, even after sanding for hours. The parts inside are very smooth. You can spin the sander 360 degrees with just a small push. This is helpful when you work in small areas.

Good things about the compact design:

• Good weight balance that makes your hand less tired.
• Small size that fits in a toolbox easily.
• Battery stands up for better handling.
• Smooth parts for careful control.

One thing to know is that the back is a little heavy because of the battery. But this is not a big problem in small spaces.

Makita XOB01Z Battery Efficiency

The XOB01Z runs surprisingly long for a cordless sander, which is another reason it deserves a spot among the best cordless sanders. Makita says it can go up to 40 minutes on low speed and around 20 minutes on high. In my tests, that held true—I usually got 20 to 25 minutes of work time.

This sander has three speeds (7,000, 9,500, and 11,000 OPM). You can change the speed with one button. This is good because you can use the right speed for your job and save battery when you don’t need full power.

The XOB01Z works with all of Makita’s 18V LXT batteries. These batteries charge very fast. A 3.0Ah battery can charge in just 30 minutes. If you have two batteries, you can sand all day.

Makita also has a special technology called Star Protection Computer Controls™. This helps the tool and battery talk to each other. It stops the tool from getting too much power, running out of battery too fast, or getting too hot. This makes the battery and the tool last longer.

Makita XOB01Z Dust Management

Dust collection can be a challenge with cordless sanders, but the XOB01Z handles it well—another reason it’s on my list of the best cordless sanders. Its system pulls dust through the sanding pad, which really helps keep your work area clean.

The dust bag that comes with it attaches to the dust port. Some people say it works well, and some say it does not.

For better dust control, you can connect the sander to a vacuum with an adapter. This is good for big jobs. Makita also sells special dust vacuums that work with this sander.

Makita XOB01Z Pricing and Availability

As a bare tool (no battery or charger), the Makita XOB01Z has a good price. The tool alone costs about $119.00. You can also buy it with a small 2.0Ah battery for about $139.00 to $186.54.

If you already have Makita’s 18V LXT tools, this sander is a great deal. If you are new to Makita, remember you need to buy batteries and a charger.

The XOB01Z uses normal 5-inch (8-hole) sandpaper, which is easy to find and cheap. Makita also gives a three-year warranty on this tool.

To sum it up, the Makita XOB01Z is the best cordless orbital sander for woodworkers who need to move around. Its smart design, good battery system, and fair price make it a great choice for work on-site or in the shop.

Makita XOB01Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Cordless 5″ Random Orbit Sande…

• Three speed settings (7,000/9,500/11,000 OPM) engineered for faster material removal
• Large 1/8″ random orbit action engineered for fast sanding and swirl-free finish
• One-touch electronic speed control switch provides fast, medium and low settings

$95.85

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Best Budget Option: Black+Decker 20V MAX

Do you want a good woodworking tool but do not want to spend a lot of money? The Black+Decker 20V MAX cordless random orbit sander works very well for its price. It shows that you don’t always need an expensive tool for good wood sanding.

Black+Decker 20V MAX Affordability

Compared to the expensive sanders, the Black+Decker 20V MAX is a great value. This tool usually comes in a kit with the sander, a 1.5Ah battery, a charger, and sandpaper. It costs about half the price of the top models. It is a good choice for people who do DIY projects or sand wood sometimes.

What makes this sander cheap to own is that it uses the Black+Decker 20V MAX POWERCONNECT battery system. This means you can use the same battery for other tools like drills, vacuums, and garden tools. If you already have Black+Decker tools, you don’t need to buy more batteries.

Also, it has a 2-year warranty, which is good for a tool at this price.

Black+Decker 20V MAX Performance Trade-offs

Of course, a lower price means it is not as powerful. The Black+Decker uses a brushed motor, not a brushless one like the expensive models. Brushed motors are okay, but they are usually not as good and don’t last as long.

It works at 12,000 OPM (orbits per minute). This speed is fine for most wood sanding jobs. In my tests, it worked well on soft woods and for simple finishing. It had some trouble with harder woods.

The biggest problem I found is the battery life. Many people say it works for about 20 minutes before it needs to be charged again. And it takes a long time to charge, about 3-4 hours. For long projects, you will probably need to buy another battery.

Good and bad things about performance:

• Good 12,000 OPM speed for simple sanding.
• Small design (30% smaller than Ryobi P411).
• Easy to change sandpaper with a hook and loop system.
• Short battery time means you have to charge it often.
• Not as strong as expensive models for hard jobs.

Black+Decker 20V MAX Dust Collection

The dust collection system is surprisingly good for a cheap tool. It has a dust canister that helps keep your work area clean. In my tests, it collected a good amount of dust, but not as much as the more expensive sanders.

Many people who use it like the dust collector. They say it is very helpful, especially before painting or staining. The system helps keep the area clean without needing to connect it to a vacuum.

Black+Decker 20V MAX Best Use Cases

After testing it a lot, I found this sander is best for certain jobs. It is perfect for small projects at home, fixing up furniture, and for hobby woodworking. It is light (3.6 lbs), so it is comfortable to use on walls or over your head.

This sander is very good for:

• Quickly refinishing wood furniture.
• Light sanding between coats of paint.
• DIY craft projects that need some sanding.
• Using it sometimes for home repair jobs.

For people who are new to woodworking or only need to sand sometimes, the Black+Decker 20V MAX is a great first tool. It might not be for professional or very hard jobs, but it does most home tasks very well and is not expensive.

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Orbital Sander, Cordless, 12,000 OPM, 2 Sand…

• FAST MATERIAL REMOVAL – At 12,000 opm (oscillations per minute), the random orbital sander quickly clears away materials…
• COMPACT, EASY-TO-MANEUVER DESIGN – Compact and helps reduce muscle fatigue.
• HOOK-AND-LOOP SYSTEM – For convenient sandpaper changing.

$79.99

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Best for Heavy-Duty Use: Bosch GEX18V-5N

When you have a big, tough woodworking project, the Bosch GEX18V-5N is the best tool for the job. This 5-inch random orbit sander is very strong and comfortable to use. It is my first choice for heavy-duty work.

Bosch GEX18V-5N Power and Torque

The main part of this sander is its strong 18V brushless motor. It can remove wood as fast as many sanders with a cord. When I tested it, I was surprised at how quiet it was and how little it shook. I almost thought it was not working right, until I saw how much wood it removed.

It has different speed settings from 6,000 to 10,000 OPM. This lets you use it on different materials and for different jobs. The speed wheel is easy to reach and change while you work. The tool also keeps a steady speed even when you push hard.

The brushless motor is not just quieter. It also removes more material faster. This was very helpful when I worked on hard woods. The sander has a soft-start feature. This means it starts slowly, so it does not jump when you begin sanding.

Bosch GEX18V-5N Ergonomic Design

Bosch clearly thought about comfort when they made this sander. The handle is balanced and lets you put your hand close to the wood. This helps you not to tilt the sander. This design gives you great control for a long time.

It has a weight of just 2.4 pounds without the battery. It is light but also heavy enough to be steady. The tool has a part that reduces shaking. This really helps to stop your hand from feeling tired. Even after hours of use, my hand did not feel shaky.

The power switch and speed control are in a place where you can reach them easily with your finger and thumb. This makes it easy to use without stopping your work. Its small size (4.3 x 8.8 inches) is great for tight spaces where bigger sanders can’t go.

Bosch GEX18V-5N Dust Collection Compatibility

The dust system on this Bosch sander is really great. It has a special dust collection part that catches almost all the dust. It is better than many other sanders, both cordless and corded.

The dust bag that comes with it attaches to the side dust port. The tool can also connect to vacuums. It works with Bosch’s VAC008 and most other 35mm and 22mm hoses. This gives you many options for your workshop.

One small thing to know: the dust port is on the right side, not the back. This design helps make the tool low and flat, but it can make it feel a little unbalanced with a heavy vacuum hose. Still, the great dust collection is worth this small issue.

Bosch GEX18V-5N Pricing

This is a top-quality, heavy-duty tool, so it costs more. The bare tool (without a battery) usually costs between $129.00 and $159.00. Remember, you have to buy batteries separately.

For professionals and serious woodworkers who need a tool they can count on, it is a good investment. The sander has a 5-year warranty, which is very good. It works with Bosch’s 18V battery system and the AMPShare system, so it fits in if you already have other Bosch cordless tools.

BOSCH GEX18V-5N 18V Brushless 5 Inch Cordless Random Orbit Sander…

• CORDLESS, POWERFUL RANDOM ORBIT SANDER: Combines compact palm grip build with power for stock removal similar to a corde…
• ERGONOMIC PALM-GRIP DESIGN: Helps provide maximum control and convenience
• MOBILE DUST COLLECTION: Allows choice of dust bag or vacuum hose attachment using a vac hose interface

$96.53

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Best for Woodworking Projects: Milwaukee M18

For careful woodworking, you need a tool that is very precise. The Milwaukee M18 1/4 Sheet Sander is perfect for this. This professional tool gives you great sanding accuracy and is also cordless. It is a top choice for detailed projects.

Milwaukee M18 Sanding Precision

The M18 Orbital 1/4 Sheet Sander is very powerful, with up to 13,000 OPM. It is strong enough to replace a corded sander for professional woodworkers. It has a variable speed dial that lets you change the speed from 13,000 to 11,000 OPM. This gives you exact control over how much wood you remove.

What makes this sander really special is how little it vibrates. The vibration is only 2.5 m/s². This makes it more comfortable and gives you more control during long sanding jobs. Less vibration means you get less tired and can be more precise on detailed work.

The sander moves in a 1.6mm orbit. This is a good balance between removing material and getting a smooth finish. For woodworking projects where you change sandpaper often, the clamp system makes it fast and easy to switch grits.

Key precision features:

• Very low vibration for steady hand movements.
• Variable speed for project-specific control.
• Balanced orbit size for a great surface finish.

Milwaukee M18 Battery Compatibility

The Milwaukee sander is part of the large M18 system, which has over 200 tools that use the same battery. This lets woodworkers use their batteries for many different tools.

For big jobs, the M18 REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT HD12.0 Battery Pack gives 50% more power and stays 50% cooler than regular M18 batteries. This big power boost makes it as strong as a 15A corded tool.

Milwaukee also has a new REDLITHIUM FORGE HD12.0 battery that charges 25% faster. These advanced batteries give you a lot of work time for long woodworking sessions.

Milwaukee M18 Dust Control

Maybe the best thing for woodworkers is the amazing dust collection system. The M18 sander collects up to 95% of dust. This means much less cleaning up and a cleaner work area. This is very important when working on nice furniture or inside a house.

The dust bag is made of strong cotton and does not tear or leak easily. It also includes a universal hose adapter compatible with various vacuum sizes. This lets you connect it to your workshop dust vacuum system.

For even better dust control, Milwaukee offers the M18 FUEL 9 Gallon Dual Battery Dust Extractor. This system keeps the air flowing well by cleaning its own filter.

Milwaukee M18 Pricing and Value

Because it is a professional-grade tool, the Milwaukee M18 Orbital 1/4 Sheet Sander is a bigger investment. The sander comes with a 5-year warranty, which is one of the best. This shows that Milwaukee trusts its tool to last a long time.

The real value of this tool is how precise it is for detailed woodworking. With its low vibration, variable speeds, and great dust collection, this sander is excellent for restoring furniture, making cabinets, and doing fine finish work that you would normally do by hand.

Milwaukee Electric Tools 2648-20 M18 Random Orbit Sander

• Milwaukee Electric Tools 2648-20 M18 Random Orbit Sander
• This product meets customer requirement
• Product is easy to use

$98.90

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Best Lightweight Option: Ryobi PCL406B

For people who want the lightest tool possible, the Ryobi PCL406B is a great choice. It performs well in a small size. This 5-inch random orbit sander is a good mix of light weight and good features. It is great for wood projects where it is important to move easily.

Ryobi PCL406B Weight and Handling

First, the PCL406B is very light. It weighs only 2.7 pounds as a bare tool and 3.3 pounds with a 4.0Ah battery. It is only 6 inches tall and the handle is less than 3 inches wide. This sander feels very easy to handle.

The shape of the handle fits well in a medium-sized hand. The tool body is narrow, so you can use your other hand to hold it steady for careful work. The best thing is that Ryobi made it shake 40% less than their old models. In my tests on different woods, my hand did not get very tired, even after using it for a long time.

Good things about the lightweight design:

• Very comfortable when sanding over your head.
• Good weight balance for exact control.
• Makes you less tired during long projects.
• Small size fits easily in a full tool bag.

Ryobi PCL406B Battery Runtime

This sander works at one speed, 10,000 OPM (orbits per minute). This is a good middle-range speed for random orbit sanders. The PCL406B uses Ryobi’s big 18V ONE+ battery system, which has over 300 tools that can use the same battery.

A normal 4.0Ah battery gives you a good amount of work time. After I tested it on different woods and with different sandpapers, I found the battery time was good for most small to medium projects.

Ryobi PCL406B Dust Collection

The dust collection system works through small holes in the pad. It pulls dust up and out through a 1¼-inch port into a bag. For better dust control, you can connect your workshop vacuum to the port.

The sander is pretty good at catching dust and keeping the work area clean. One small problem some people have is that the dust bag can sometimes fall off during use. But overall, the system handles sawdust well.

Ryobi PCL406B Pricing

For what it offers, the PCL406B is a great deal at $59.00 for the bare tool. If you need a full kit, the version with a 4.0Ah battery and charger costs $119.00.

Ryobi gives a strong 3-year warranty on this tool. The hook and loop sanding pad makes it fast and easy to change sandpaper.

This sander is a great mix of a good price and good performance for DIY people and woodworkers who want a light but good cordless sanding tool.

Ryobi One+ 18v 5″ Random Orbit Sander

• 10,000 orbits per minute for a smooth, swirl-free finish
• Dust Collection Port accepts 1-1/4 in. & 1-7/8 in. vacuum hoses
• 40% reduced vibration for maximum control

$55.00

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Best Premium Pick: Festool ETSC 125

The best of the best cordless sanders is the Festool ETSC 125. This tool is made with amazing German quality. I have used this sander a lot, and I can say it is the very best for fine woodworking.

Festool ETSC 125 Hybrid Power System

What makes the ETSC 125 stand out among the best cordless sanders is its dual power option. Unlike most cordless models, this tool lets you switch between battery and corded power without losing performance. The 18-volt Ergo battery runs for about 30 minutes at full power, and when it’s empty, just plug in the AC adapter to continue working without any breaks.

This is very helpful for long woodworking jobs. Most other batteries need 3-4 hours to charge. The ETSC 125’s battery charges in just 30 minutes with the TCL 6 rapid charger. In my tests, this hybrid power meant I never had to stop working, which is a common problem with cordless tools.

Festool ETSC 125 Vibration Control

You can see how well Festool makes tools by how comfortable this sander is. It is very balanced, and the special battery position makes it easy to handle. Also it is very comfortable even after hours of use. And weighs only 3.08 pounds with the battery. It is light enough for overhead work but heavy enough to be steady.

The special vibration-stop technology helps a lot to reduce hand tiredness. This is very important for getting a perfect finish. Also, the rubber grip helps you hold it securely.

Festool ETSC 125 Dust Extraction

The dust control is amazing because of Festool’s special Jetstream design. It removes dust from the sandpaper as soon as it is made. This makes sanding much better and makes the sandpaper and pad last longer.

The LongLife dust bag that comes with it collects about 75% of the dust. It keeps your work area very clean. For 100% dust collection, you can connect the 27mm dust port to a Festool dust collector.

Festool ETSC 125 Pricing and Accessories

It’s true that one of the best cordless sanders often comes with a higher price tag. The ETSC 125’s basic package (just the sander, without battery or charger) costs more than most other cordless models. The full PLUS package includes two BP 18 Li 3.0Ah ERGO Bluetooth batteries and the TCL 6 Rapid Charger.

It also comes with a 5-inch soft sanding pad, an edge protector, and the LongLife dust bag. The edge protector is very useful because it stops you from damaging the pad or the wood you are working on.

Festool gives a very good 3-Year Service All-Inclusive Limited Warranty with this tool. This shows they are confident that it will last a long time.

Festool 576822 5-Inch Cordless Random Orbit sander ETSC 125-Basic

• PLEASE NOTE: This is the “Basic” version and does not include batteries or a charger (available separately).
• Freedom: Available hybrid power system provides corded or cordless operation without compromise.
• Performance: Power, dust extraction, fine sanding result, 30-minute runtime all combine for ultimate sanding performance…

$279.00

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Comparison Table

Conclusion

Finding the right cordless sander for your wood projects isn’t hard anymore. After testing these top seven models for weeks, I can say with confidence that the best cordless sanders now perform just as well as corded ones. Battery-powered tools have come a long way.

The DeWalt DCW210B is the best choice overall. It is very powerful and easy to control, and the battery lasts a long time. The Makita’s XOB01Z is the best for moving around because it is so portable but still works very well.

If you are on a budget, the Black+Decker 20V MAX is a good choice with a fair price. For professionals with tough jobs, the Bosch GEX18V-5N is a very strong tool that can handle heavy work.

The Milwaukee M18 is great for very detailed woodworking. The Ryobi’s PCL406B is very light and easy to use for a long time. And finally, if you want the absolute best, you should look at the Festool ETSC 125, but this quality costs more money.

Of course, the best model for you depends on what you need. Think about the kinds of projects you do, where you work, and what batteries you already have. Battery technology is getting better very fast. These cordless sanders give you the freedom to work anywhere and still get a professional-quality finish.

My testing has shown me that no matter which of these sanders you choose, you will be happy. You will get the ease of a cordless tool and the great finish your woodworking projects need.