Restore your car’s paint with a car buffer that will remove paint imperfections.
Advertiser Disclosure
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 help restore your car’s paint job by smoothing out any surface imperfections and adding a layer of shine. To learn about the best options on the market and how to use them, read our guide below.
In this article:
5 Best Car Buffers
A car buffer is an essential tool for the automotive enthusiasts who want to keep their vehicles in gleaming condition. There are a number of options on the market, and the best car buffer depends on how you plan to use it. To help get you started in your search for the perfect buffer for your car care toolkit, consider our top picks:
- DEWALT DWP849X Buffer/Polisher
- Torq 503X TORQX Random Polisher Kit
- Avid Power AEP127 Polisher
- Ginour 900W 6-Inch Variable Speed Dual-Action Random Orbit Car Buffer Polisher
- Black & Decker WP900 6-Inch Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher
Our Review Standards
The best car buffers in this article were selected based on customer feedback on Amazon. We found the top-rated products and poured through customer reviews to determine which car buffers based on factors such as ease of use, versatility, efficacy, and longevity.
Best Overall: DEWALT DWP849X Buffer/Polisher
Another unique feature of this tool is its soft start. Instead of immediately starting at a wild spin, it gradually works up to speed.
Key Features
- Cost: $230
- Weight: 6.7 pounds
- Speed Range: 600-3500 revolutions per minute (RPM)
- Corded or cordless options
- 12-amp motor
- 120 volts
- Speed dial
- Starts slowly
- Wool ingestion shield
- Rubber handle for improved grip
- 3-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
This product received an average score of 4.8 stars out of 5 from more than 4,500 Amazon customers. Ninety-seven percent of reviewers rated the Dewalt DWP849X four or more stars.
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 3-year warranty.
Best Kit: Torq 503X TORQX Random Polisher Kit
- Polisher only
- Polisher with buffing pads and compounds
- Polisher with buffing pads, compounds, cleaner, and conditioner
- Polisher with buffing pads, cleaner, conditioner, and towels
If your car has many deep scratches, this may be the best car buffer for you. This is a high-speed buffer that offers an RPM speed up to 7,800, which is enough to buff out any imperfections capable of buffing.
Key Features
- Cost: $160
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Speed Range: 2800-7800 RPM
- Several kit options
- Random orbital polisher
- 120 volts
- 1-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
More than 6,200 Amazon customers reviewed this product, giving it an average score of 4.7 stars. Ninety-two percent of reviewers rated the product four stars or higher.
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.
Best For Beginners: Avid Power AEP127 Polisher
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.
Key Features
- Cost: $100
- Weight: 6.8 pounds
- Speed Range: 1500-6800 RPM
- Dual action
- 5-amp motor
- 120 volts
- 6-speed control dial
- Rubberized body for no-slip control
- 6-month warranty
What Customers Are Saying
This buffer has an average score of 4.5 stars based on more than 5,000 Amazon customers reviews. Eight-eight percent of reviews rate the product four or more stars.
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.
Best Warranty: Ginour 900W 6-Inch Variable Speed Dual-Action Random Orbit Car Buffer Polisher
While most buffers include warranties that last a few years, this one comes with a lifetime warranty, which ensures you’re never left without a functioning buffer. Also included with the Ginour 900W are a base pad, foam disc, D-handle, side handle, hex wrench, carbon brush, and packaging bag.
Key Features
- Cost: $80
- Weight: 5.7 pounds
- Speed Range: 2000-6400 RPM
- Dual action polisher
- 7.5-amp motor
- 120 volts
- 6-level variable speed dial
- Low noise
- Lifetime warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Just over 100 customers reviewed this product and give it an average score of 4.5 stars. Eight-seven percent of reviewers rate the product four or more stars.
Customers praise the Ginour’s durability, claiming it is among the best car buffers for the price. Several reviewers noted that they were skeptical purchasing an “off-brand” car buffer, but that the Ginour exceeded their expectations.
Some customers complain that this buffer feels unbalanced, making it difficult to apply an even buff.
Best Budget Buffer: Black & Decker WP900 6-Inch Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher
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.
Key Features
- Cost: $43
- Weight: 5.3 pounds
- Speed Range: 4400 RPM
- Random orbital car buffer
- 120 volts
- 2-handle design
- 2-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
About 8,200 customers have reviewed this product on Amazon, giving it an average score of 4.4. Eight-five percent of reviews score the product four stars or higher.
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 product on the polishing pads.
Buying A Car Buffer: Factors to Consider
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 in a clockwise direction, 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 that you can hold the machine with both hands at once to give you the most control.
FAQ: Best Car Buffers
How do you use a car buffer?
DIY car buffing is possible and not too difficult for the layperson. You may want to read the instructions specific to the car buffer that you pruchase, but the generals steps entail:
- Start by washing and drying your car to remove any debris from the surface that could be buffed into the paint job.
- Move your car into a spot with direct light so that you can see the imperfections.
- Apply polish or car wax directly to the pad.
- Use light to moderate pressure and a wide sweeping motion to work the product into the car.
- Once you have finished a section of your car, switch the pad out for a clean one and buff away the remaining polish.
Can I polish my car by hand?
Yes. You can polish your car by hand with just the polishing agent. However, your results won’t be as good because you won’t be able to maintain the same speed and pressure or be able to get out the stubborn scratches.
Can you use a buffer on your car’s windows?
Yes. Buffing your car windows will help remove light scratches and water spots. To protect your windows from these imperfections in the future, apply a layer of wax after buffing.
Keyword: The 5 Best Car Buffers (2022 Review)