5 in. random orbit sanders · Comparison
The short answer
Shop-vac hookup, polishing, a bag to store it? Bosch
More motor and a longer warranty? DeWalt
Both are corded 5 in. random orbit sanders with hook-and-loop pads, variable speed and on-tool dust collection. The DeWalt has the bigger motor (3 A vs 2.5 A) and a 3-year warranty. The Bosch starts slower (7,500 vs 8,000 OPM), has a pad brake against swirl marks, comes with a vacuum adapter and a carrying bag, and Bosch sells it as a sander/polisher.
Best for shop-vac users
Box: sander, soft pad, microfilter dust canister, vacuum hose adapter, sanding disc, carrying bag.
Check the Bosch sander on AmazonBest for heavier sanding
Box: sander and dust bag.
Check the DeWalt sander on AmazonBefore you buy: I compared the standard retail package of each sander. When I checked on Oct 8, 2026, both were sold by Amazon. Listings change, so check who the seller is and that it’s new before you order. The Bosch box includes a carrying bag and a vacuum adapter. The DeWalt box has the sander and a dust bag, nothing else.
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This counts the rows below where one is clearly better. It’s a tally, not an overall rating. The DeWalt’s two wins (motor and warranty) are the bigger-ticket ones. The Bosch’s wins are about what comes in the box.
A green check means that number or feature is clearly better. No check means it's a tie, the gap is tiny, or the makers measure it differently. Every figure comes from Bosch or DeWalt, not from Amazon.
| Bosch ROS20VSC | DeWalt DWE6423 | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | 2.5 A | 3 A |
| Speed | 7,500–12,000 OPM | 8,000–12,000 OPM |
| Pad | 5 in. hook-and-loop | 5 in. hook-and-loop, 8-hole |
| Orbit diameter | 3/32 in. (2.5 mm) | Not listed |
| On-tool dust collection | Microfilter canister | Locking dust bag |
| Shop-vac hookup | Adapter included for 1-1/4 in. or 1-1/2 in. hoses | Fits DeWalt DWV010/DWV012; other 1-1/4 in. hoses need the DWV9000 connector (sold separately) |
| Swirl and vibration control | Pad dampening brake | Separate counterweight |
| Polishing | Sold as a sander/polisher | Not listed |
| Carrying bag | Included | Not included |
| Weight | 3.5 lb | 3.4 lb |
| Tool warranty | 1 year plus 1 year free service | 3 years |
These are common sanding jobs, checked against what each maker lists: motor, speed, pad, dust features and what's in the box. I haven't tested either sander.
| Job | Bosch ROS20VSC | DeWalt DWE6423 |
|---|---|---|
| Sanding | ||
| Rough stock | Can doBosch pitches it for fast removal; 2.5 A motor. | Can do3 A motor, the stronger of the two. |
| Finish sanding | Can doPad brake helps prevent swirl marks. | Can doCounterweight reduces vibration; low profile. |
| Polishing | Can doSold as a sander/polisher; the manual covers polishing. | Can’tNot a use DeWalt lists for this sander. |
| Dust | ||
| Dust (no vac) | Can doMicrofilter canister on the tool. | Can doLocking dust bag on the tool. |
| Shop vac | Can doAdapter in the box fits 1-1/4 in. and 1-1/2 in. hoses. | Just barelyFits DeWalt extractors; other hoses need the DWV9000, sold separately. |
| Comfort | ||
| One-hand use | Can do3.5 lb, palm grip with soft-grip top. | Can do3.4 lb, rubber overmold grip. |
| Slow start speed | Can doStarts at 7,500 OPM. | Can doStarts at 8,000 OPM. |
Neither maker publishes a removal rate. Grit, pad, and pressure matter more than the motor for most sanding.
How the verdicts were made: each job was checked against the maker’s spec page, feature list, and box contents. Nothing here comes from hands-on testing or owner reviews.
Rough stock: both makers sell these as general-purpose 5 in. random orbit sanders. Neither publishes a stock-removal figure, so both get CAN DO, with the motor size noted.
Polishing: Bosch’s manual has a polishing section. DeWalt’s product page and manual don’t list polishing for this model.
Sources:
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if warranty length matters most. Bosch covers corded tools for one year.
if you plan to use a generic shop-vac hose without buying DeWalt’s connector, or you want a sander you can also polish with.
Neither maker publishes a removal rate. The DeWalt has the bigger motor (3 A vs 2.5 A), and both top out at 12,000 OPM.
Yes. Bosch includes the VAC002 adapter for 1-1/4 in. and 1-1/2 in. vacuum hoses.
It fits DeWalt’s DWV010 and DWV012 directly. For other 1-1/4 in. hoses, DeWalt says to use its DWV9000 connector, sold separately.
Both take 5 in. hook-and-loop discs. DeWalt specifies an 8-hole pattern.
Specs checked October 8, 2026 against Bosch's and DeWalt's own pages and manuals. Links are in "Notes and sources" under the chart above.