DeWalt 20V MAX Random Orbit Sander vs Milwaukee M18 Fuel Random Orbital Sander

The DeWalt 20V MAX is the safer pick for most shoppers: it is a proven 5-inch cordless random orbit sander with a brushless motor, a variable 8,000-12,000 OPM dial, an 8-hole hook-and-loop pad and a one-handed locking dust bag, and it holds 4.5 out of 5 from 71 ratings. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL is the step-up for people already on the M18 battery platform who want the newer FUEL brushless generation and Milwaukee's build quality. Both are tool-only cordless sanders, so the real decision is which battery system you own and whether you need the finer speed control and dust-bag convenience DeWalt spells out.

• Choose the DeWalt 20V MAX if you already own 20V MAX batteries, want a 5-inch brushless sander with a clear 8,000-12,000 OPM speed range and a locking dust bag, and want a model with a long track record and owner ratings behind it.
• Choose the Milwaukee M18 FUEL if you are invested in the M18 platform and want Milwaukee's newest brushless FUEL generation and build quality in a cordless 5-inch sander.