The Best Angle Grinders for the Workshop of 2024, Tested
Although they’re often overshadowed by flashier power tools, angle grinders are workhorses that are indispensable for cutting, grinding, polishing, and more. We researched over 25 top-rated angle grinders and then chose nine for hands-on testing in our garages and workshops. The Makita 18V LXT Cordless Cut-Off/Angle Grinder earned the top spot in our tests for its easy-to-use automatic speed and torque adjustment, lock-on switch, and top speed of 8,500 revolutions per minute (RPM).
Read on to learn more about this versatile tool and find out how the following models earned a spot in our lineup of the best angle grinders.
- BEST OVERALL: Makita 18V LXT Cordless Cut-Off/Angle Grinder
Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: DeWalt DCG412B Cordless 4.5-Inch Angle Grinder
Jump to Review - BEST FOR RUST REMOVAL: Bosch ProFactor 18V X-Lock Angle Grinder Kit
Jump to Review - BEST 7- TO 9-INCH: Makita 40V Max XGT Paddle Switch Angle Grinder Kit
Jump to Review - BEST KIT: DeWalt DCG413B 20V MAX XR Brushless Cut Off/Grinder
Jump to Review - BEST CORDED: Porter-Cable 7.5-Amp Small Angle Grinder Tool
Jump to Review - BEST HEAVY-DUTY: DeWalt DWE402 4.5-Inch Small Angle Grinder Tool
Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 9 |
| Time spent testing | 11 hours |
| Tests performed | 3 |
| Price range | $45 to $555 |
Our Top Picks
Based on their quality of features and performance, these are the best angle grinders for DIYers and pros alike.
Best Overall
Makita 18V LXT Cordless Cut-Off/Angle Grinder
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 5/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Handle Comfort 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Disc size: 4.5 to 5 inches
- RPM: 8,500
- Power source: 18-volt (V) lithium-ion battery
What We Like
- On-position lock
- Automatically adjusts speed and torque
- Slow start reduces jumps
- Very little noticeable vibration
What We Don’t Like
- Battery or charger not included
- Guard is a bit finicky
The Makita XAG04Z is worth checking out by anyone looking for the best cordless angle grinder performance. This top-rated angle grinder features a top speed of 8,500 RPM thanks to its brushless motor and the 18V lithium-ion battery. It can handle 4.5- and 5-inch discs.
We found the XAG04Z excellent to work with. While it doesn’t boast the highest top speed, the automatic speed adjustment enabled it to maintain speed during tough cuts and grinds. We noticed very little vibration thanks to the rubber over-molded grip and handle, and the lock-on switch proved to be a huge plus. There’s not much to complain about, but two downsides are that it was a little awkward to assemble the two-piece handguard, and we think it would be nice if the tool came with a battery and a charger.
Read our full review:Makita 18V LXT Cordless Cut-Off/Angle Grinder
Get the Makita 18V angle grinder at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Best Bang For The Buck
DeWalt DCG412B Cordless 4.5-Inch Angle Grinder
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Maneuverability 4.5/5; Handle Comfort 4.5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Disc size: 4.5 to 5 inches
- RPM: 8,000
- Power source: 20V lithium-ion battery
What We Like
- Accepts 4.5- and 5-inch discs
- Compatible with all DeWalt 20V batteries
- Powerful 8,000 RPM motor
- Tool-free wheel change
What We Don’t Like
- Tool only; doesn’t come with battery
If you’re a fan of DeWalt’s 20V MAX power tool line, check out the DCG412B angle grinder, which sells at a budget-friendly price. This is another tool-only pick, but it accepts all DeWalt 20V rechargeable batteries, so you can swap between tools as needed.
This is a powerful grinder, and it accepts both 4.5- and 5-inch discs with standard ⅝-inch arbors. The DCG412B is a workhorse. It doesn’t come with many bells and whistles, but if you’re looking for a powerful angle grinder with tool-free wheel change that boasts 8,000 RPM, you won’t regret buying it.
This DeWalt model excelled in our tests, quickly removing old and weathered wood surfaces, cutting through steel rebar, and polishing rusty steel plate until we could see our reflection. One of the nicest things about this grinder is that it accepts most types of discs on the market—you don’t need to purchase DeWalt discs exclusively. Although it’d be great if the DCG412B came with a battery and charger, it’s still a great investment at this price.
Get the DeWalt DCG412B angle grinder at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Best For Rust Removal
Bosch ProFactor 18V X-Lock Angle Grinder Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 5/5; Maneuverability 4.8/5; Handle Comfort 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Disc size: 5 to 6 inches
- RPM: Not listed
- Power source: 18V rechargeable Bosch battery
What We Like
- Larger disc capacity (up to 6 inches)
- Includes battery and charger
- Quick and easy disc changes
What We Don’t Like
- Compatible only with Bosch X-Lock discs
With a larger-dimension disc—up to 6 inches—the Bosch ProFactor angle grinder is very well suited to sanding and polishing tasks. We tested it by cutting steel, sanding away the top layer of weathered wood, and polishing steel plate that was badly rusted. It did a good job in all our tests, but it excelled in polishing away rust and returning the steel plate to its original shiny surface.
We like that Bosch includes a high-capacity 18V angle grinder battery and a charger with this grinder and also provides a case for carrying the tool and accessories. The X-brake on the ProFactor is better than many we tested; when we let our finger off the trigger, it quickly slowed to a stop. That’s a great safety feature.
The thing we liked the best about the ProFactor also has a downside. The tool has an X-Lock mount that requires only slight pressure to snap a new disc in place. That’s a great time and labor saver, but the tool is incompatible with the standard grinder discs you can pick up at any hardware store. We had to purchase Bosch X-Lock discs, and they’re on the pricey side. Still, if you’re looking for a powerful angle grinder with up to 6-inch discs, the ProFactor is a top contender.
Get the Bosch angle grinder at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Zoro.
Best 7-To 9-Inch
Makita 40V Max XGT Paddle Switch Angle Grinder Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Maneuverability 5/5; Handle Comfort 4/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Disc size: 7 to 9 inches
- RPM: 6,600
- Power source: 40V rechargeable battery
What We Like
- Ideal for large-scale projects
- Paddle switch for convenience and safety
- Proven performance in testing
- Good ergonomics; designed for comfort
- 7-inch angle grinder (up to 9-inch discs)
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for working in tight spots
- On the heavy side at 10.8 pounds
Here come the big boys! This is not a mini angle grinder, but when you need maximum power and a large grinding/sanding/polishing surface, look no further than Makita’s 7- to 9-inch angle grinder. The larger-dimension discs mean deeper scores in bricks, and they make quick work of grinding down surfaces.
The Makita GAG10M1 has a paddle switch spanning a large handle section. This makes it convenient to operate but also adds a safety measure by quickly braking the spin if you release the switch.
We found this Makita angle grinder to be not only powerful but also well designed. It weighs a hefty 10.8 pounds, but by gripping both the body and the accessory handle, we could control the grinder without hand fatigue.
This grinder quickly removed old weathered wood and stripped rust from steel plates. It cut quickly through steel rebar and made fast and accurate scores on masonry bricks. It comes with a 7-inch guard and a 9-inch guard, and it will also take smaller discs. We used a wire-wrap disc with the GAG10M1 to clean and restore the thread on large bolts, and it did a great job. If you need an angle grinder for occasional detail sanding, cutting, or grinding, this isn’t it; this tool is better suited for big projects and professional uses.
Get the Makita 40V angle grinder at The Home Depot, AceTool, or Zoro.
Best Kit
DeWalt DCG413B 20V MAX XR Brushless Cut Off/Grinder
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 4/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Handle Comfort 5/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Disc size: 4.5 inches
- RPM: Up to 9,000
- Power source: 20V lithium-ion battery
What We Like
- Powerful 20V battery
- Takes discs as large as 4.5 inches in diameter
- 2-stage trigger and kickback brake
- Excellent ergonomics and anti-vibration construction
- Gripped handle reduces vibration and fatigue
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey compared to other options
DeWalt’s 20V Max XR cut-off/grinder cordless angle grinder could be the ultimate upgrade for pros and DIYers who take their tools seriously. This cordless model utilizes the brand’s 20V MAX XR lineup, and its brushless motor spins 4.5-inch discs up to 9,000 RPM.
Our experience with this DeWalt model was just as we expected: great portability and truly outstanding power. It made short work of cutting and grinding, and without a cord to get in the way. The grip and handle both feature thick rubber, keeping vibration and fatigue to a minimum. The safety features are certainly a plus, too: The electronic brake stopped the disc within 2 seconds (other models can take up to 10 seconds), and simply knowing that there is a kickback brake instilled confidence.
Get the DeWalt DCG413B angle grinder at Amazon, The Home Depot (tool only), or Walmart (tool only).
Best Corded
Porter-Cable 7.5-Amp Small Angle Grinder
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 4/5; Maneuverability 4/5; Handle Comfort 3/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Disc size: 4.5 inches
- RPM: 10,000
- Power source: Corded
What We Like
- Top-mounted handle position
- Comfortable trigger switch
- Powerful 7.5-amp motor
What We Don’t Like
- Vibration may cause