The Best Dual-Action Polishers (Review & Buying Guide) 2020

If you are looking for a well-designed polisher that’s comfortable to use, we recommend DeWalt’s buffer-polisher combo. It’s driven with a powerful 12-amp motor that starts soft and gradually builds power so that you can better control it. 

It also has an ergonomically shaped body that offers a comfortable grip and features a three-position bale handle as well as a side handle. The onboard variable speed dial allows the user to adjust the speed from zero to 600/3,500 RPM, and a ball bearing construction ensures that it can effortlessly handle demanding applications. Also, it can maintain the loaded speed level for better finish results. 

It’s not ideal for beginners since there’s a learning curve to controlling the speed. However, most professionals can get it going once they power it on.

If you want to get your car looking its best without breaking the bank, check out the WEN 6010 6-Inch Waxer/Polisher. The fixed-speed electric motor spins at a rate of 4,000 orbits per minute, which is great for all-purpose use, though care should be taken to prevent overworking painted surfaces. 

The compact design is easy to operate with just one hand. The six-inch backing plate is intended for use with any similarly-sized elastic bonnets, and two are included. The applicator bonnet spreads polishing compounds or waxes evenly and thoroughly. The terry cloth bonnet wipes surfaces clean for a bright finish that’s far better than what you would likely get by hand. 

While some alternatives on this list offer more power and versatile features, this polisher is a great choice if affordability is your top priority.

Get good value for your money by choosing the Avid Power Polisher. This competitively-priced option offers a wide range of speeds. A six-position dial lets you select motor speeds from 1,500 orbits per minute to 6,800 orbits per minute. You can use the lowest speeds available for cleaning and polishing or speed things up to apply the finishing touches to your detailing. 

It may feel heavy, but the auxiliary handle can be adjusted to provide a comfortable handhold as you work. The 6-inch backing plate is designed for use with 7-inch pads. 

Three pads are included with this polisher: one for removing swirls and blemishes, one for removing scratches, and one for finishing the surface. Additional pads can be purchased as a set, so you always have the tools you need.

If you’re looking for a powerful dual-action polisher that is easy to maneuver, you might like the BLACK+DECKER 6-inch Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher. The single-speed motor operates at 4,400 orbits per minute for a bright, crisp shine. 

Two handles make this compact unit easy to control, especially on curved surfaces and sharp edges. The 6-inch disc is designed for use with removable bonnets rather than stick-on pads.  One foam applicator bonnet and two polishing bonnets are included with the purchase of this tool. You’ll have everything you need to get right to work polishing, waxing, and buffing with your favorite car care products. 

This option is also backed by a two-year warranty. Because of the high speed of this motor and fixed speed setting, this should be used with care. Improper use can damage paint more quickly than less powerful alternatives.

For waxing and polishing painted surfaces, you can use Meguiar’s Dual Action Polisher. It has a lightweight body weighing only 5.4 pounds, and the weight is well-distributed throughout the tool so that it can feel well-balanced on your hands. It also features a multi-position D-handle for comfort and enhanced control.

The unit can operate from 3,000 to 7,500 orbits per minute, and a thumb adjustable speed dial lets you adjust the speed to suit the application. Digital Torque Management electronically maintains the selected speed level for accurate detailing. Though the unit vibrates excessively, a cleverly positioned soft start button provides soft starts so that you can better handle the speed and vibrations as they pick up.

Get a show-ready shine with the Griot's Garage Dual Action Random Orbital Polisher. This high-end electric buffer and polisher uses a variable-speed motor to provide a delicate touch or glossy finish. 

Speeds range from 3,500 oscillations per minute to 10,000 oscillations per minute, making it the most powerful option on this list by a wide margin. The random orbital head creates irregular patterns for a swirl-free shine that prevents damage. Compatible three-inch and four-inch pads can be purchased separately. Pair this polisher with six different pad compounds that are specifically designed to clean, polish, wax, and remove water spots. 

The compact size of this option makes it more time consuming to use, but it also provides more precision in hard-to-reach areas. A lifetime warranty is included.

Makita's Polisher provides an easy way of removing minor scratches, swirl marks, and restoring the lustrous shine of your vehicle or boat's paintwork. It's rated at 120 volts so that it won't reflect on your electricity bill. Also, it's driven by a 10-amp motor that delivers 600 to 3,000 rotations per minute, so that you can use it for light polishing or heavy-duty sanding. The onboard variable speed dial lets you adjust the motor speed to suit different applications. 

To ensure that the polisher doesn't vibrate uncontrollably, you can press the soft start button for a smooth start before you increase the speed. When you need to make a perfect finish, you only need to press the lock-on button to maintain a constant speed. It's somewhat heavy, but you will appreciate how effortlessly you can switch from polishing to sanding.

Featuring Italian design and craftsmanship, Rupes Random Orbital Polisher is an easy-to-use polisher best used for paint correction. It’s driven by a 500-watt motor and operates rather quietly despite the powerful motor. Having such a powerful motor means that it can be used in a professional setting to remove heavy paint defects. Also, a variable speed control lets the user adjust the speed, and you can choose between six different settings to handle various applications. 

For better control of the polisher, it comes with a soft start button that also helps avoid detailing accidents. More safety features include an anti-spinning feature that prevents high-speed rotations to create swirl-free finishes. Also, it uses a 6-inch Chemical Guys polishing pad to polish any painted surface. It’s a bit expensive, but it can fit into tight spaces, making it worth the extra cash.

If you are looking for a waxer, grinder, and buffer from one power tool, then the Goplus Dual Action Polisher Kit could work for you. The kit comes with a car polisher, removable side handle, a sponge pad, and a chuck key. It features a 950-watt motor and six variable speed settings, ranging from 2,000 to 4,800 rotations per minute. You can maintain a steady speed by pressing the safety-lock switch, which locks the machine at one speed setting so that you don’t have to keep your finger on the speed dial. 

The unit has an ergonomic design that reduces hand fatigue. It can be held at three different positions: main handle, side handle, and D-shape handle. It’s also lightweight and made of durable nylon and TPR material. However, the unit tends to overheat but will be back to running smoothly once you give it a few minutes to cool.

Porter-Cable offers a random orbital sander and polisher that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and usability. It features a 4.5-amp motor, a 6-inch polishing pad, and weighs only 5.5 pounds for fatigue-free operation. The electronic variable speed dial lets you adjust the motor power from 2,500 to 6,800 OPM to handle different applications. The motor is quite noisy, but it can maintain a constant speed for you to work comfortably. 

Porter-Cable includes a removable, two-position side handle that helps you achieve better control for accurate detailing. It can be attached at either the left or right side for a better working angle. It’s also compatible with 5/16 - 24 spindle thread accessories, thereby increasing your options when it comes to the tools you can use for sanding or polishing.