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DeWalt 20V MAX Random Orbit Sander vs Milwaukee 2837-20 M18 FUEL 5" Random Orbital Sander

Both are brushless 5-inch cordless random orbital sanders with 8-hole hook-and-loop pads and variable speed. The Milwaukee 2837-20 is the stronger tool for heavy stock removal and dust control: it holds 12,000 OPM under load, has a 3/32-inch orbit, five speed modes, VACLINK Bluetooth pairing with Milwaukee's extractor, and a claimed 95% dust collection. The DeWalt is the simpler, lighter-feeling choice if you already own 20V MAX batteries, and owners rate it well at 4.5 from 71 ratings. Pick Milwaukee for finish quality and jobsite dust; pick DeWalt to stay inside an existing battery platform.

  • Choose the DeWalt 20V MAX if you already run DeWalt 20V MAX batteries and want a straightforward variable-speed 5-inch sander that connects to a shop vacuum or its dust bag.
  • Choose the Milwaukee 2837-20 if you sand hardwoods and painted stock all day and want the lowest vibration, five speed modes and Bluetooth-linked dust extraction.

Prices

  • DeWalt 20V MAX Random Orbit Sander: $65.25 at shopsup.store (last seen Nov 9)
  • Milwaukee 2837-20 M18 FUEL 5" Random Orbital Sander: $179.00 at Amazon (last seen Nov 13)
  • Difference: the DeWalt 20V MAX Random Orbit Sander is $113.75 cheaper than the Milwaukee 2837-20 M18 FUEL 5" Random Orbital Sander at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 13)
DeWalt
DEWALT 20V MAX Random Orbit Sander

DeWalt 20V MAX Random Orbit Sander

DEWALT 20V MAX Random Orbit Sander

4.5(71 ratings)
$65.25at shopsup.storeChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit shopsup.store
Pros
  • Runs on the widely owned DeWalt 20V MAX battery line
  • Variable speed from 8,000 to 12,000 OPM covers most woodworking tasks
  • Hooks directly to DeWalt DWV010 and DWV012 extractors
  • One-handed locking dust bag is quick to empty
  • Rated 4.5 out of 5 by 71 owners
Cons
  • No Bluetooth or automatic extractor pairing
  • Orbit diameter and weight not published, so finish control is harder to judge
  • Dust bag is less effective than a connected extractor
  • Tool only, no battery or charger 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
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • 3/32-inch orbit gives a clean, stain-grade finish
  • Five speed modes from 6,000 to 12,000 OPM
  • VACLINK Bluetooth pairs with Milwaukee's PACKOUT extractor for up to 95% dust collection
  • Lowest cordless vibration at 12K OPM, per Milwaukee
  • Backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Cons
  • Full dust control needs Milwaukee's own Bluetooth extractor
  • Heavier and longer body than some compact 5-inch sanders
  • Tool only, no battery or charger included
  • Five-mode dial is less granular than a continuous variable dial

What separates them

DeWalt 20V MAX Random Orbit SanderMilwaukee 2837-20 M18 FUEL 5" Random Orbital Sander
Orbit diameterNot published; standard random orbital motion3/32 inch, tuned for stain-grade finish
Speed controlVariable-speed dial, 8,000-12,000 OPMFive preset modes, 6,000-12,000 OPM
Dust collectionLocking dust bag or direct hookup to DWV010/DWV012 extractorsUp to 95% efficiency with VACLINK Bluetooth and the M18 FUEL PACKOUT extractor
VibrationRubber overmold grip; vibration not specifiedMarketed as lowest cordless vibration at 12K OPM
Weight and sizeNot published; compact 5-inch body3.1 lbs, 7.9 inches long, 5.5 inches tall
Battery platformDeWalt 20V MAX Li-Ion, tool onlyMilwaukee M18, tool only
WarrantyDeWalt standard 3-year limited warranty5-year limited power tool warranty
Pad changes8-hole hook-and-loop pad, quick paper changes5-inch hook-and-loop pad

Price history

$199.00$65.25
Oct 31Nov 13
  • DeWalt 20V MAX Random Orbit Sander: lowest $65.25 on Nov 9 at shopsup.store; $94.99 on Nov 13.
  • Milwaukee 2837-20 M18 FUEL 5" Random Orbital Sander: lowest $179.00 on Nov 13 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

DeWalt 20V MAX Random Orbit Sander

  • shopsup.storeNew

    In stock

    $65.25Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit shopsup.store
  • Bricoinn.comNew

    In stockShips from abroad · duties may apply · made for another market

    $97.99+ $31.99 shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Bricoinn.com
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by sammie.boutique (99.5% positive, 667 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $88.87Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $94.99Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 25 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

SpecDeWalt 20V MAX Random Orbit SanderMilwaukee 2837-20 M18 FUEL 5" Random Orbital Sander
Pad Size5 in5”
Height (")5.15.5 in
Operating ModeRandom orbital—
Speed SettingsVariable speed—
Cut SpeedVariable speed—
Disc Size5 in—
Grit220—
Sander TypeRandom Orbital Sander—
GradeMedium—
Sandpaper TypeSanding pad, Paper—
Backing TypeHook-and-loop—
Hole Pattern8-hole—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecDeWalt 20V MAX Random Orbit SanderMilwaukee 2837-20 M18 FUEL 5" Random Orbital Sander
Abrasive TypeHook and Loop—
Dust Collection System CompYes—
Grit CoarsenessMedium—
Grit TypeFine—
Sanding Pad Size5 in—
Sanding Surface TypePad—
Power TypeCordless Electric—
Voltage20V—
Wattage100W—
Amperage

What reviewers say

DeWalt 20V MAX Random Orbit Sander

  • 4.5 / 571 ratings

Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 71 ratings. Owners generally like the cordless convenience and dust control; the main gripes are that it is a bare tool and that it is not built for aggressive removal.

What people mention
  • Dust collectionPraisedOwners say the locking bag and shop-vac hookup keep dust down well.
  • Cordless freedomPraisedBuyers like sanding without a cord, especially on trim and assembled pieces.
  • Speed controlPraisedThe variable dial from 8,000 to 12,000 OPM is easy to match to the finish.
  • Bare toolCriticisedReviewers note it arrives without a battery or charger, adding cost for new users.

Questions and answers

Which is better for finish sanding?
The Milwaukee. Its 3/32-inch orbit and five speed modes down to 6,000 OPM are aimed at stain-grade surfaces. The DeWalt's variable dial does fine work too, but Milwaukee publishes the orbit and markets the finish directly.
Which collects more dust?
The Milwaukee, when paired with its M18 FUEL PACKOUT extractor over VACLINK Bluetooth, at up to 95%. The DeWalt relies on its bag or a wired hookup to a DWV010 or DWV012, which works well but has no automatic pairing.
Which lasts longer?
Both use brushless motors. Milwaukee backs the 2837-20 with a 5-year limited warranty; DeWalt's standard power tool warranty is 3 years. Long-term durability depends more on battery care and pad replacement than on either motor.
Is the Milwaukee worth stepping up to?
Yes if you sand hardwoods or painted stock regularly and want lower vibration and linked dust extraction. If you already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries, the DeWalt avoids a new battery investment.
Can I use either with my existing shop vacuum?
The DeWalt connects directly to DeWalt DWV010 and DWV012 extractors. The Milwaukee's Bluetooth dust control needs its own extractor, though the hose port accepts standard extraction.
Do either come with a battery?
No. Both are sold as tool only, so you need the matching battery platform: DeWalt 20V MAX for the DeWalt, M18 for the Milwaukee.

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Buying guides that pick them

  • Best random orbital sanders for woodworking
  • Best cordless orbital sanders
2 Amps (ac adapter current)
—
Surface TypeWork surface—
Material TypeWood—
colorYellow—
size5"—
With Dust CollectorYes—
Battery TechnologyLi-Ion—
OPM (max)12000.0—
Power SourceBattery—
Voltage (V)20.0—
RPM (max) (rpm)12000.0—
Orbit Size (")5.0—
Width (")4.9—
OPM (min)8000.0—
Included AccessoriesDust Bag—
No. of Batteries (pcs)0—
RPM (min) (rpm)0.0—
Weight (lb)1.9—
Length (")7.1—