Top tools
Random orbital sanders
Two corded 5 in. random-orbit sanders for smoothing boards and projects before finish, chosen from independent tests and reviews.
Our picks
Random-orbit sander for the cleanest dust control
Bosch 5 in. corded random-orbit sander/polisher kit
Our pick for most sanding jobs: a 5 in. corded random-orbit sander with a speed dial and a hard plastic dust canister.
Random-orbit sander for faster wood removal
Makita 5 in. random orbit sander with tool case
Our pick if you want a sander that takes wood off faster: a 5 in. corded random-orbit sander with a 1/8 in. orbit and a hard tool case.
Product images are from each maker’s product page or the product’s store listing, as listed under Photo credits on this page, and are shown only to identify the products. The makers and stores haven’t reviewed, sponsored or endorsed this page. If you own an image here and want it removed, email hello@sawdustsmart.com.
Photo credits
- Bosch 5 in. corded random-orbit sander/polisher kit: Image: Bosch product image, via the Amazon listing
- Makita 5 in. random orbit sander with tool case: Image: Makita product image
Each price is the one we saw at that store on the date beside it. Prices change, so check the store before you buy.
What to look for in a random orbital sander
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Random-orbit, not a sheet sander, for most work. Random-orbit sanders generally remove more wood and leave a scratch pattern less likely to show through a finish; a sheet sander’s square pad reaches into inside corners (Bob Vila).
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Dust collection. A hard canister with a filter, or a port that fits a shop vacuum, keeps the work and the air cleaner; soft bags vary widely (Serious Grit; Popular Mechanics).
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Speed control. A speed dial lets you slow down for finer finishing passes; some fast single-speed sanders don’t have one (Popular Mechanics; Serious Grit).
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Orbit size. A bigger orbit (1/8 in.) removes wood faster; a smaller one (3/32 in.) leaves a finer scratch (Bosch; Makita).
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Comfort. You may hold it for long stretches, so a grip that works with two hands and low vibration matter (Bob Vila).
How we picked
We didn't hands-on test these. We picked them by reading independent tests (Serious Grit, Bob Vila and Popular Mechanics), checking Bosch's and Makita's spec pages, and checking prices at Amazon and Home Depot. Every pick has at least three independent sources from at least two different outlets, including at least one independent test or review. They're all linked with the pick, along with what each one found. We also searched the US Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall database on Oct 25, 2026; it lists recalls of older Makita BO5000 and BO5001 sanders, noted with the Makita pick, and no recall for either pick's model. Prices, review counts and links were last checked on ; prices and stock change, so check the store before you buy.
No paid links. Every link on this page is a plain link: no affiliate codes or tracking, and no company paid or asked to be listed (disclosure). Links open in a new tab.
Some outlets we cite get review samples from tool makers; we don't use pieces a maker paid for or sponsored.
We pick tools from independent tests and reviews, not our own testing.