Best Car Wax Buffers and Polishers of 2021
Updated: Sep. 07, 2021Want to wax or polish your vehicle, but not sure which tool is right for the job? Check out our list to discover the best car polishers and buffers for you.
Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
Choosing a Car Polisher Buffer
The state of your vehicle’s paint job says a lot about you, and that’s one reason keeping it in good condition with regular waxing and polishing matters. Protection against rust, UV rays, dirt and debris is another.
Applying wax and polish properly means investing in the right tools. Want to give your vehicle the best polish and shine you can? Keep reading for the best car wax buffers and polishers of 2021. With the tools on this list, you’ll find one best suited for you and your vehicle.
When selecting a car wax polisher and buffer, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you prefer corded or cordless?
- Do you want a multi-use or dedicated tool?
- Do you want dual-action (spinning and rotating at the same time) or rotary (spinning in one direction)? Rotary units are harder to use but more powerful, allowing a skilled operator to achieve a glossier sheen on their vehicle. And yet, it’s also easier to make accidental scratches. Random orbit models aren’t as strong but are much easier to use.
- How heavy a tool are you willing to put up with? Are you willing to sacrifice some polishing power by going with lighter tool and dodging aches and pains?
- What’s your buffer/polisher budget?
- Would you prefer a machine with a side handle for better control?
Best Cordless Polisher Buffer: DeWalt 20V Cordless Polisher
With plenty of power, a robust user-friendly design and shape plus variable speed control, this cordless polisher makes it convenient and easy to polish your vehicle without the hassle of a cord. The speed control allows up to 2,200 rotations per minute (RPM).
One Amazon reviewer writes, “I don’t have any negative observations. Basically it performed as well or better than any corded tools I’ve used.”
Best Value Polisher Buffer: Wen 10-Inch Waxer/Polisher
The Wen 10-inch Waxer/Polisher works great not only on cars but other surfaces that benefit from waxing and polishing, like countertops, bathroom tile and banisters. It spins up to an impressive 3,200 orbits per minute (OPM), making wax and polish application as efficient as possible.
“It feels well made and I like the carrying case that’s included and included bonnets,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “A great buy at only $34.”
Best Lightweight Polisher Buffer: Black+Decker WP900
Need a car wax buffer that’s lightweight and easy on your arms? At 5.3 pounds, The Black+Decker WP900 might be the tool you’re looking for.
“This polisher is very easy to use and it does not numb your hands as others tend to do,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “It is light and it will work very well as long as you allow it to do the work. There’s no need to apply extra pressure to get good results.”
Best Overall Polisher Buffer: Porter-Cable Variable Speed Polisher
With a variable-speed dial ranging from 2,500 to 6,800 OPM, the well-designed Porter-Cable Variable Speed Polisher offers plenty of power. It’s relatively lightweight at less than six lbs. and features a handy, two-position removable side handle. It’s robustly built and easy to use.
One Amazon reviewer writes, “Excellent product and tremendous value. The Porter-Cable 7424 XP is legendary in the world of paint correction for entry to moderate enthusiasts. It’s durability and easy of use are well known.”
Best Complete Polisher Buffer Kit: Chemical Guys Torqx Detailing Kit
This kit comes with a dual-action polisher adjustable between 1,200 and 4,200 OPM, plus a wide selection of buffing and polishing pads. Paired with the right polishing compound, the pads are great for removing scratches, too.
This Amazon reviewer loves the kit: “Super nice products. Super easy to apply and remove. Removed almost all the scratches.”
Best Multi-Use Polisher Buffer: Porter-Cable Random-Orbit Sander
If you’ve got too many tools already and need something versatile, the Porter-Cable Random-Orbit Sander is worth considering. Designed as a woodworking tool, with the right pads it can easily be used as a car buffer and polisher.
“This is the same unit as 7424 XP except it comes with an ADDED backing plate for sanding, and was $20 cheaper when I bought it,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “I use it for buffing/polishing my car. I was surprised how well it worked, taking out scratches and swirls and restoring that wet look to my clear coat.”
Best Car Polisher Buffer Attachment: Meguiar’s Dual-Action Power System Tool
Attachable to most standard drills, this tool perfectly blends the precision of hand detailing with the speed of a power polisher. The manufacturer recommends you use this with a 3/8-inch corded drill that runs between 1,200 and 2,500 RPM.
As one Amazon reviewer writes, “It has a very good dual action and a handle that is used along with the drill to make it easy to control and to hold for long periods of time. Very economical compared to purchasing a full size polisher.”