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Bosch GEX18V Random Orbital Sander vs Milwaukee 2837-20 M18 FUEL 5" Random Orbital Sander

The Milwaukee 2837-20 is the stronger sander for heavy stock removal and jobsite dust control: it reaches 12,000 OPM, has five speed modes, and pairs with Milwaukee's dust extractor over VACLINK Bluetooth. The Bosch GEX18V is lighter on paper and simpler, with a palm grip that keeps your hand close to the work and a soft-start that reduces startup torque. Both use a 5-inch, 8-hole hook-and-loop pad with a 3/32-inch orbit, so finish quality is close. Owners of both rate the brushless motors and low vibration well; the Milwaukee's edge is power and dust extraction, the Bosch's is comfort and simplicity.

  • Choose the Bosch GEX18V if you want a comfortable, simple cordless sander for woodworking and already own Bosch 18V batteries.
  • Choose the Milwaukee 2837-20 if you do heavy stock removal on site and want the highest OPM, five speed modes, and Bluetooth-linked dust extraction.

Prices

  • Bosch GEX18V Random Orbital Sander: $95.00 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Milwaukee 2837-20 M18 FUEL 5" Random Orbital Sander: $179.00 at Amazon (last seen Nov 13)
  • Difference: the Bosch GEX18V Random Orbital Sander is $84.00 cheaper than the Milwaukee 2837-20 M18 FUEL 5" Random Orbital Sander at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 13)
Bosch
Bosch GEX18V Random Orbital Sander

Bosch GEX18V Random Orbital Sander

$95.00at eBayChecked Nov 9
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Pros
  • Soft start reduces startup torque
  • Palm grip keeps your hand close to the work to avoid tilting
  • Vibration dampening element cuts fatigue
  • Works on flat and concave/convex surfaces
  • Constant speed under load
Cons
  • Lower top speed of 10,000 OPM
  • Dust bag only in the box; no Bluetooth extraction
  • Battery and charger not included
Milwaukee
Milwaukee 2837-20 M18 FUEL 5" Random Orbital Sander

Milwaukee 2837-20 M18 FUEL 5" Random Orbital Sander

4(4 ratings)
$179.00at AmazonChecked Nov 13
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Pros
  • 12,000 OPM for faster heavy stock removal
  • Five speed modes give control across materials
  • Up to 95% dust collection with VACLINK and the PACKOUT extractor
  • Low vibration at 12K OPM
  • 5-year limited warranty
Cons
  • Full dust efficiency needs Milwaukee's extractor, sold separately
  • Heavier at 3.1 lbs
  • Battery and charger not included

What separates them

Bosch GEX18V Random Orbital SanderMilwaukee 2837-20 M18 FUEL 5" Random Orbital Sander
Top speed10,000 OPM12,000 OPM
Speed controlVariable speed dial5-mode speed control from 6,000 to 12,000 OPM
Orbit diameter3/32 in3/32 in
Pad and hole pattern5 in pad, 8-hole, hook and loop5 in pad, hook and loop
Dust collectionDust bag or vacuum, 8-hole padUp to 95% efficiency with VACLINK Bluetooth and the M18 FUEL PACKOUT extractor
WeightNot listed, palm-grip body with vibration dampening3.1 lbs
Soft startSoft-start technology and constant speed under loadNot specified
WarrantyBosch standard tool warranty5-year limited power tool warranty

Price history

$179.00$129.00
Nov 1Nov 13
  • Bosch GEX18V Random Orbital Sander: lowest $129.00 on Nov 9 at Menards; $149.99 on Nov 13.
  • Milwaukee 2837-20 M18 FUEL 5" Random Orbital Sander: lowest $179.00 on Nov 13 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Bosch GEX18V Random Orbital Sander

  • MenardsNew

    In stock

    $129.00+ $34.40 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Menards
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by alltheredtape (100% positive, 290 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $95.00+ $9.50 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $149.99Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Amazon
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknown

    $158.98Checked Nov 1
    Visit Walmart

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 11 stores and price history →

Milwaukee 2837-20 M18 FUEL 5" Random Orbital Sander

  • Way SourceNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $189.00Checked Nov 13
    Visit Way Source
  • Red Tool StoreNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $192.11Checked Nov 10
    Visit Red Tool Store
  • Ace Tool GroupNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $229.00Checked Nov 13
    Visit Ace Tool Group
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $179.00Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 19 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecBosch GEX18V Random Orbital SanderMilwaukee 2837-20 M18 FUEL 5" Random Orbital Sander
Pad Size5 in.5”
Weight3.35 lb3.1 lbs
Operating ModeRandom orbital—
Speed SettingsVariable speed—
Cut SpeedVariable speed—
Disc Size5 in—
Sheet Size5" Round—
Abrasive TypeHook and Loop—
Dust Collection System CompYes—
Sander TypeRandom orbital sander—
GradeMedium—
Sandpaper TypeHook-and-Loop Fastening—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBosch GEX18V Random Orbital SanderMilwaukee 2837-20 M18 FUEL 5" Random Orbital Sander
Backing TypeHook-and-loop—
Hole Pattern8-hole—
Grit CoarsenessMedium—
Grit TypeMedium—
Sanding Pad Size5 in.—
Sanding Surface TypePad—
Power TypeCordless Electric, Battery—
Voltage18V—
Amperage5 Amps—
Surface Type

What reviewers say

Bosch GEX18V Random Orbital Sander

Praise centers on cordless convenience and dust collection; the low ratings point to reliability and battery-related complaints.

What people mention
  • Cordless usePraisedBuyers like sanding anywhere without a cord, using batteries they already own.
  • Dust collectionPraisedThe built-in dust system keeps the workspace cleaner and more visible.
  • ReliabilityCriticisedThe 1-star share of ratings suggests some units failed or underperformed for buyers.
  • Battery dependenceMixedRuntime and cost depend on which 18V batteries and charger you already have.

Questions and answers

Which is better for heavy stock removal?
The Milwaukee. Its brushless motor runs up to 12,000 OPM, and Milwaukee rates it for corded-level removal on tough materials. The Bosch tops out at 10,000 OPM but still removes stock well for a cordless sander.
Which has better dust collection?
The Milwaukee, when paired with the M18 FUEL PACKOUT dust extractor over VACLINK Bluetooth, reaches up to 95% efficiency. The Bosch uses a dust bag or a vacuum through its 8-hole pad.
Which is more comfortable to use for long sessions?
The Bosch's palm grip and vibration dampening are built for comfort, and it keeps your hand close to the work. The Milwaukee counters with low vibration at 12K OPM but weighs 3.1 lbs.
Do both use the same sandpaper?
Yes. Both take 5-inch hook-and-loop discs with a 3/32-inch orbit, so discs are interchangeable. The Bosch pad has an 8-hole pattern for dust collection.
Is the Milwaukee worth stepping up to?
If you sand hard materials on site and want Bluetooth dust extraction, yes. For lighter woodworking and simpler handling, the Bosch covers it.
Do either include a battery?
No. Both are bare tools. The Bosch runs on Bosch 18V batteries; the Milwaukee runs on M18 batteries.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best random orbital sanders for woodworking
  • Best cordless orbital sanders
Flat surfaces, Concave/convex surfaces
—
OPM6,000 - 10,000 OPM—
Orbital Diameter3/32 in—
Power sander typeRandom Orbit—
Pad diameter5 in—
Is variable speedY—
Maximum speed10000 OPM—
BrandBosch—
Rec. useWood Working—
FeaturesBrushless Motor, Ergonomic Design, Variable Spe…—
Speeds1—
Volts18 Volts—
Batteries inclY—
Charger includedN—
ModelGEX18V-5N—
Extra battery includedN—
Minimum speed6000 OPM—
Count1—
Has written warrantyNo—