Best Car Buffers

Speed Reads:

• Our picks for best car buffers of 2023 include the DeWalt DWP849X, Avid Power AEP127, and Milwaukee M18.
• A good car buffer should cost you around $100, but we feature options ranging from $40 all the way to $250.
• For beginners, a cheap buffer will cover all the basic functionality you need, but for serious home mechanics, a more expensive option is a necessity.

Best Overall

DEWALT DWP849X Buffer/Polisher

A corded or cordless car buffer that gradually speeds up as needed.

4/5

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Best For Beginners

Avid Power AEP127 Polisher

A car buffer that tells you what speed to use for what imperfection.

4/5

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Easiest To Use

Milwaukee M18 Random Orbit Sander

A simple, lightweight, and versatile car buffer.

4/5

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Best Kit

Chemical Guys 503X TORQX Random Polisher Kit

A car buffer available in three different kit versions.

1/5

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Best Budget Buffer

Black & Decker WP900 6-Inch Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher

A high-performance car buffer that is also lightweight.

4/5

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If your car’s exterior is starting to show signs of age, it may be time to purchase a car buffer. The best car buffers restore your car’s paint job by smoothing out any surface imperfections and adding a layer of shine without having to strain your elbow working it in by hand.

A car buffer is an essential tool for automotive enthusiasts who want to keep their vehicles in gleaming condition. They can be used with a foam pad to apply polishing compounds, or they can be used for sanding. There are a number of options on the market, and the best car buffer for you depends on your vehicle type, budget, and level of expertise. This guide can get you started in your search for the perfect buffer for your car care toolkit.

For this review, our team thoroughly tested and evaluated each car buffer based on each item’s buffing speed, handling, and overall versatility. The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars.

Each car buffer’s ratings, including their scores in each review category, are highlighted below:

What Is The Best Car Buffer?

We named the DeWalt DWP849X, Avid Power AEP127, Milwaukee M18, Chemical Guys 503X TORQX, and Black & Decker WP900 as the top car buffers on the market in 2023.

*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.

Car Buffer Ratings: Our Testing Process

After looking at factors such as quality, durability, customer ratings, and prices, our product testing team ordered the car buffers that best met these standards. A team member tested each product on a 2003 Ford Focus Zx3, taking note of how well the car buffer could vary its speed, maneuverability, and versatility. Each car buffer was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on these criteria.

Learn more about how we tested the best car buffers here.

• Cost: Around $250
• Amazon review score: 4.8 out of 5.0 based on over 6,100 ratings
• Weight: 6.7 pounds
• Speed range: 600 – 3,500 revolutions per minute (RPM)
• Corded or cordless options
• 12.0-ampere motor
• 120.0 volts
• Speed dial
• Wool ingestion shield
• Rubber handle for improved grip
• Three-year warranty

Best Overall

4/5

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DeWalt DWP849X Buffer/Polisher Review

DeWalt is a trusted manufacturer of high-quality power tools, including the DeWalt DWP849X Buffer/Polisher, a variable-speed polisher. While it costs a couple hundred dollars, it’s built to last with its wool ingestion shield that prevents wool pads from getting stuck in the motor.

You can see how DeWalt DWP849X Buffer/Polisher performed in each of our testing categories below:

Another unique feature of this heavy-duty tool is its soft start. Instead of immediately starting at a wild spin, it gradually works up to speed. This helps to better control the buffer while in use. Below are the pros and cons of the DeWalt DWP849X Buffer/Polisher:

DeWalt DWP849X Buffer/Polisher: Our Experience

The DeWalt DWP849X Buffer/Polisher buffed out scratches on our testing vehicle with ease.

We really enjoyed working with the DeWalt car buffer. This orbital polisher was incredibly maneuverable, easy to hold, and didn’t bother our review team members when using it for extended periods of time. It offers plenty of power to work with and we especially appreciated the fact that variable speed settings are denoted in RPM rather than arbitrary speed rating numbers.

Speed: We really enjoyed the wide speed range that this car buffer offered. During our testing process, we were able to easily adjust the speed without hassle, making it easy to tackle deeper scratches in our vehicle’s exterior seamlessly.

Maneuverability: Despite being corded and larger in size, we had no problem maneuvering this car buffer to reach all areas of our car’s exterior. We found the large handle toward the top of the buffer to be incredibly useful, as you can see in the photo below, we held onto it throughout the testing process for easy maneuvering.

Versatility: The DeWalt buffer definitely got the job done. We were super impressed by how well it removed scratches and imperfections without putting too much pressure on our car’s surface. The various speed settings also helped this car buffer perform better in comparison to the other buffers we tested.

DeWalt DWP849X Buffer/Polisher Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

Customers like the speed control on this buffer. When turned on, it slowly works its way up to the desired speed so that you don’t buff too hard too quickly. Reviewers also like the convenient speed setting dial.

Negative comments refer to defective products. Some customers said that they received buffers that stopped working after a few months. However, this issue should be covered by DeWalt’s three-year warranty.

• Cost: Around $80
• Amazon review score: 4.5 out of 5.0 based on over 6,900 ratings
• Weight: 6.8 lbs.
• Speed Range: 1,500 – 6,800 RPM
• Dual-action
• 5.0-amp. motor
• 120.0 V.
• Six-speed control dial
• Rubberized body for no-slip control
• Six-month warranty

Best For Beginners

4/5

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Avid Power AEP127 Polisher Review

The Avid Power car buffer is meant for beginners. It has a rubber body so that it doesn’t slip in your hands, and it comes with detailed instructions to help you determine which of the six speeds to use for the imperfection you’re trying to buff out.

You can see how Avid Power AEP127 Polisher performed in each of our testing categories below:

This car buffer also comes with all of the tools you need for application, including a foam disc, detachable handle, spanner, hex wrench, and foam pads. Below are the pros and cons of the Avid Power AEP127 Polisher:

Avid Power AEP127 Polisher: Our Experience

The Avid Power AEP127 Polisher ships with a number of different accessories and buffing pads, making it a great choice for those new to buffing out scratches on their car.

Speed: This buffer starts at a higher speed than our number one pick, but its smaller size makes it easier to control. We found that the higher speed range made the buffing process more efficient in comparison to the other buffers we tested.

Maneuverability: While this buffer has higher speed settings than others in this review, the compact size makes maneuvering a breeze. Our only hesitation is that it has a shorter cord, which could require an extension cord to power up this buffer, especially for bigger vehicles. 

Versatility: The results of this buffer on our vehicle were great, and with the variable speeds offered, we found it to be a good choice for newer auto enthusiasts looking to spruce up their car’s exterior.

Avid Power AEP127 Polisher Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

Customers like this buffer’s affordability They claim it is easy for beginners to use because it includes specific directions that tell you what speed to use for different surface imperfections.

There are some customer complaints that this buffer stops spinning if you put too much pressure on it.

• Cost: Around $110
• Amazon review score: 4.7 out of 5.0 based on over 2,800 ratings
• Weight: 2.0 lbs.
• Speed range: 7,000 – 12,00 RPM
• Lifetime warranty

Easiest To Use

4/5

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Milwaukee M18 Random Orbit Sander Review

The Milwaukee M18 Random Orbit Sander is an incredibly maneuverable car buffer, as it’s cordless and weighs just 2.0 lbs. This buffer features a variable speed control dial that lets you choose from six different speed settings, ranging between 7,000 and 12,000 OPM. This ultimately means users are in more control over orbit speed and can more accurately match speed to their application. 

You can see how the Milwaukee M18 Random Orbit Sander performed in each of our testing categories below:

Although the Milwaukee M18 is considered a random orbit sander by name, it’s actually a palm sander. This is due to the fact that by definition, a palm sander is smaller and more lightweight than a random orbital sander – which tends to be a much larger tool. This battery-powered portable power sander may be small, but it’s surprisingly powerful and effective. Below are the pros and cons of the Milwaukee M18 Random Orbit Sander:

Milwaukee M18 Random Orbit Sander: Our Experience

This car buffer is the only fully cordless car buffer in this review and our team loved how effective it was. The fact that this car buffer is cordless makes life that much easier. There’s no worry about power sources or concerns about getting wrapped up in cabling, just pick this car buffer up and start buffing out scratches.

Speed: This buffer operates at a high speed, which may contribute to the buffer heating up quickly and needing time to cool down. We were also disappointed in the speed dial positioning, as it made it awkward for us to switch speeds without turning the buffer off and on.

Maneuverability: As the only fully cordless buffer we tested, there’s no comparison to how easy this buffer was to maneuver without concern of a cord interfering during the buffing process. The compact size also made this buffer easy to move around and control.

Versatility: The wider speed range helped to get out tougher scratches and left a nice shine behind after we finished testing this buffer. We do like that this buffer can be used to polish, wax, and buff making it more versatile for different cleaning applications.

Milwaukee M18 Random Orbit Sander Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

Customers praise Milwaukee’s durability, claiming it is among the best car buffers for the price. Many also say it’s straightforward to use and wield. The vast majority of customers claim that they’re happy with their purchase.

• Cost: Around $200
• Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on over 9,900 ratings
• Weight: 6.5 lbs.
• Speed range: 2,800 – 7,800 RPM
• Several kit options
• Random orbital polisher
• 120.0 V.
• One-year warranty

Best Kit

4/5

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Torq 503X TORQX Random Polisher Kit Review

This car buffer is manufactured by Torq but sold through Chemical Guys. You can purchase the buffer by itself or in three kits that all have different car detailing products from the Chemical Guys company. Kit options include:

• Car polisher only
• Polisher with buffing pads and compounds
• Polisher with buffing pads, compounds, cleaner, and conditioner
• Polisher with buffing pads, cleaner, conditioner, and towels

You can see how the Torq 503X TORQX Random Polisher Kit performed in each of our testing categories below:

If your car has many deep scratches, this may be the best car polisher for you. This is a high-speed buffer that offers an RPM speed of up to 7,800, which is enough to buff out any imperfections capable of buffing. Below are the pros and cons of Torq 503X TORQX Random Polisher Kit:

Torq 503X TORQX Random Polisher Kit: Our Experience

Without needing to purchase anything separately, the Torq 503X TORQX Random Polisher Kit provides everything you need to start buffing and polishing your car.

With a lightweight and balanced ergonomic design (BED), our team members weren’t getting fatigued using this polisher even after several hours of use. While unable to reach exceptionally high speeds, this car buffer offers more than enough power.

Speed: Since this buffer starts at a higher speed, we found it somewhat harder to control and could be difficult for beginners to operate. That being said, we found the buffer to be effective and efficient, which can be attributed to the higher speeds.

Maneuverability: This car buffer was lighter than a few of the other corded buffers in this review, making it easy for us to maneuver without much difficulty. This buffer also had a slightly longer cord, so while requiring an electrical connection to power on, we found it to be less of a hassle in comparison to other buffers we tested.

Versatility: As a high-speed buffer with the essential items included to complete the buffing process, we found this kit to be pretty versatile despite the smaller range in speed offered.

Torq 503X TORQX Random Polisher Kit Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

Customers say this product is user-friendly for drivers of all auto detailing backgrounds, especially if you watch the Chemical Guys’ instructional videos on YouTube.

Some customers say that this buffer works great initially but can suddenly break down. There are a few reports of the device making a popping noise and never working properly again. This appears to happen to a very small number of users, but if this occurs within the one-year warranty, you may be able to have your buffer replaced.

• Cost: Around $40
• Amazon review score: 4.4 out of 5.0 based on over 10,000 ratings
• Weight: 5.3 lbs.
• Speed range: 4,400 RPM
• Random orbital buffer
• 120.0 V.
• Two-handle design
• Two-year warranty

Best Budget Buffer

4/5

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Black & Decker WP900 6-Inch Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher Review

This car buffer was designed with ergonomics in mind. It’s lightweight, which means you don’t have to worry about holding up a heavy machine. It also has two handles, allowing you to buff from all angles. 

You can see how the Black & Decker WP900 6-Inch Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher performed in each of our testing categories below:

As with other tools on our list, this buffer is backed by a warranty. If it stops working within two years, you can contact the company for a replacement. In addition to the warranty, the Black & Decker buffer comes with a foam applicator and polishing bonnets. Below are the pros and cons of Black & Decker WP900 6-Inch Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher:

Black & Decker WP900 6-Inch Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher: Our Experience

Even though the Black & Decker WP900 6-inch Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher isn’t overly expensive, it’s certainly one of the best car buffers on the market. Featuring a lightweight and slim design, this car buffer is highly maneuverable.

Speed: With only one speed setting, we were pretty disappointed in this buffer’s ability to effectively complete each stage of the buffing process. However, the speed is at a higher rate than some buffers offer, so despite the lack of variation, it did remove superficial scratches on our car’s exterior.

Maneuverability: This buffer is super lightweight and has two handles for added control and stability. Its compact size also makes this buffer very easy to maneuver and operate without too much effort.

Versatility: Since there’s only one speed setting, this made it difficult to complete the buffing process and leave a nice shine, making this the least versatile buffer in our review.

Black & Decker WP900 Reviews: What Customers Are Saying

Customers say this product is lightweight and quiet in comparison to other car buffers. They also like the two-handle design because it allows users to buff from different angles.

Some have complained that the buffer vibrates a lot during use and that it doesn’t perform well if you put the product on the polishing pads.

When buying a car buffer, there are several factors and features that car enthusiasts should consider.

Spin Type

There are two main types of spin on a car buffer: rotary and random orbital/dual-action.

• Rotary polishers spin clockwise, which means they repeatedly buff the same area. This makes it easy to accidentally buff through the clear coat and paint, which is why this type is best for professional detailers.
• Random Orbital/Dual-Action are the best type of car buffers for beginners. The pad rotates in a large circle, but it also oscillates in several smaller circles. This prevents you from working on one area for too long. While this type is easier to use than rotary buffers, it offers less power.

Speed

The greater the car buffer’s speed, the better it will be at targeting deep scratches. However, too much speed can lead to friction and heat. The happy medium is between 2,000 and 4,000 RPM.

Weight

You’ll have to lift up the car buffer in order to use it, which means you’ll want a machine that is lightweight and easy to maneuver.

Hand Control

Related to weight is how you will hold the buffer. The best type of handle is a dual one so you can hold the machine with both hands at once to give you the most control.

Compare Car Buffers

Do You Need A Car Buffer?

You don’t have to buff your car. Most people don’t. However, if you want to preserve the appearance of your vehicle’s paint for as long as possible, you should clean and wax your car regularly. For auto enthusiasts who take pride in their vehicles, adding a fresh coat of wax can give your car that coveted “wet” look.

Even if you plan to buff your car, you can do this without purchasing a car buffer. Car wax can be applied by hand, but this takes a lot of labor. The time and effort you will save versus hand-buffing makes even a low-cost car buffer a worthwhile investment.

Mike Pennington, a car detailing expert and Director of Global Training, Event Marketing and Consumer Relations at Meguiar’s, recommends a dual-action polisher for those applying their own wax. Some polishers can even be used for minor paint restoration.

“The power of a DA polisher is a necessity for spreading wax – to save you time. If you get in a situation where you need a little restoration, our NT300 Dual-Action polisher is an 8mm stroke and bridges the gap between DIY and Pro. So [I recommend] a DA polisher and of course accessories [the pads that go with it].”

Given that a basic polishing tool can be purchased for under $50, we think that if you plan to wax your entire vehicle – even once – it is worth buying a car buffer.

Our comprehensive review highlights the best car buffers available. The best car buffers restore your car’s paint by smoothing the exterior surface to remove signs of imperfection and aging while leaving behind a layer of shine. Car buffers should be strong and reliable, easy to use, and have good hand control to ensure you’re getting the best results.

Below, are our picks for the best car buffers on the market in 2023:

1. DeWalt DWP849X Buffer/Polisher: Best Overall 
2. Avid Power AEP127 Polisher: Best for Beginners
3. Milwaukee M18 Random Orbit Sander: Easiest to Use
4. Torq 503X TORQX Random Polisher Kit: Best Kit
5. Black & Decker WP900 6-Inch Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher: Best Budget Buffer

Below are some common frequently asked questions about car buffers:

Below you’ll find our testing process to select the five best car buffers on the market. Speed, maneuverability, and versatility played the biggest role in scoring each car buffer differently.

Speed: We first noted the speed range of each car buffer, with those with larger speed ranges scoring the highest. We then went through the process of buffing out our test vehicle, seeing how well the various speed settings matched the buffing process.

Maneuverability: Somewhat related to whether each car buffer was corded or cordless, we judged how easy it was to maneuver around our test vehicle. Cordless car buffers that were lightweight and easy to carry scored best in this testing criterion.

Versatility: With each car buffer, we judged each stage of the buffing process noting how effective it was in each stage. Buffers that were not only a good value but also left great results and included the essentials to buff and shine our vehicle scored highest in this category.

How We Score Products

Among all the car buffers in this review, we calculated an average of 4.5 out of 5.0 stars. Based on this, and by looking at our scoring criteria below, all car buffers in this review scored above average when considering speed, maneuverability, and versatility.

• 5.0 Stars: A 5.0-star rating means a car buffer is among the best in a category. If a car buffer exceeds our expectations in all aspects of our testing criteria, we give the car buffer the highest score in this review, putting it in our top position.
• 4.0 Stars: A 4.0-star rating means a car buffer performs better than average in a category. If the buffer’s rotation speed is higher than others, while being easy to maneuver, you can expect to see an above-average score.
• 3.0 Stars: A 3.0-star rating indicates what is average or typical for a car buffer, based on our testing experience. An average score means that speed, maneuvering, and versatility all met our expectations and the car buffer worked as we predicted.
• 2.0 Stars: A 2.0-star rating indicates the car buffer performs adequately in a category, but is poorer than the average car buffer. For example, if the car buffer doesn’t leave good results on our testing car’s exterior, making it less effective, you’ll see a below-average score.
• 1.0 Star: A 1.0-star rating indicates that the car buffer performs well below expectations in a category. An example of a below-average rating would be if we experienced a car buffer’s rotation speed working inconsistently or not working at all throughout our testing process.

Why Trust Motor1.com?

Each year, we test over 350 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.

We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here.

*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.