Power cables are a pain. They restrict your movement and shackle you to a socket. This is true of any power tool, especially angle grinders. The solution is to go cordless. But what are the advantages and disadvantages?
We spent hours searching the internet and gauging the opinions of the public and experts to bring you the best cordless angle grinders money can buy.
- Packed with safety features
- Great reviews (people love it)
- Brushless motor for minimal maintenance
- Tool-free disc changes
- Intelligent performance with overload protection
- Brushless motor for minimal maintenance
- Compact and lightweight at 1.12 lbs
- Great value for money
- Tool-free disc changes
- Enhanced safety features
- Battery and charger included
- Superior quality brand
- Great price
- Side handle for increased control
- Rubberized handle improves grip
- Great price for beginners
- Side handle for increased control
- Contoured handle for more comfort
- 9-inch cutting depth
- Smart technology for better performance
- Soft start for protection
Product Reviews
Here are the 7 greatest cordless angle grinders based on performance, efficiency, and price.
Makita XAG04Z 18V LXT Brushless Angle Grinder
Best Cordless Brushless Angle Grinder
This Makita angle grinder gets a near-perfect score for customer reviews, which is no mean feat. So, what’s it got? It has automatic speed change technology to adjust the speed and torque while you are using the tool.
It has an automatic feedback sensor that detects when the grinding wheel jams, which switches the grinder off as a safety precaution. The brushless motor runs cooler, quieter and more efficiently than brushed varieties. It also delivers a 50 percent uplift on runtime.
It also has a rubberized soft grip for increased comfort and better grip. Plus, you get a soft start to suppress the impact when you start grinding, which preserves the gears and motor.
What We Like
Packed With Features
You get automatic speed changes and a feedback sensor to prevent injury when the wheel jams. You also get a soft start to make start-ups a lot less stressful.
Great Reviews
The reviews for this tool are as near perfect as you can get. It means that people love this grinder, even after living with it for a while. There’s nothing like an honest review to reinforce how good it actually is.
Brushless Motor
The brushless motor requires minimal maintenance because you don’t have to pay for new brushes. Also, they run smoother and quieter and deliver increased battery runtime.
What We Don't Like
Tool Only
Yet again, this cordless power tool is sold as the bare tool, minus the battery and charger. Factor in the added cost when purchasing this angle grinder.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 4.8 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 8.4 x 13.3 x 5.5 |
| Ergonomic design | Yes |
| Battery and charger included | No |
| Grinding disc size (inches) | 5 |
| Voltage | 18 |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 3-year tool, 2-year battery |
Our Ratings
Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 Fuel Cordless Angle Grinder
Best Cordless Angle Grinder for Tile Cutting
This Milwaukee has REDLINK PLUS intelligence, which provides enhanced performance, an electronic clutch, and overload protection by communicating between the tool, battery and charger.
All accessory changes are 100 percent tool-free, which is better for productivity and time-saving. You also get a metal housing and gearing to provide durability and longevity. The PowerState brushless motor delivers efficiency, maximum power, and 10 times longer motor life.
The grinding disc is 5 inches, and the power pack (not included) delivers 20 percent more power and increased runtime. And that is the only disappointing element to this tool; the battery and charger cost extra.
What We Like
Tool-Free
When you need to change the grinding disc, the last thing you want is time-wasting while you grab your toolkit. This Milwaukee delivers tool-free disc changes to keep you working for longer.
Intelligent Performance
The tool, battery and charger talk to each other to increase performance, protect against overloading and control the electronic clutch.
Brushless Motor
Brushless motors are more efficient and need less maintenance. This is an advantage with cordless power tools because it increases the runtime by as much as 50 percent.
What We Don't Like
Tool Only
Considering that you pay a premium for this Milwaukee angle grinder, you would have thought the battery and charger come as part of the package. Not so. You have to pay extra for them, increasing your initial outlay.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 5 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 2.3 x 12.9 x 7.6 |
| Ergonomic design | Yes |
| Battery and charger included | No |
| Grinding disc size (inches) | 5 |
| Voltage | 18 |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Warranty | 5-year tools |
Our Ratings
Bosch GWS10.8V Solo Angle Grinder
Best Small Cordless Angle Grinder
If you are looking for a compact angle grinder, this model could be the one. It weighs just 1.12 pounds, making it one of the lightest angle grinders you can buy. It has a no-load speed of 19,500 RPM and a voltage of 10.8.
You get an innovative spindle lock, so you can change the disc easily without tools. This is important because you want to spend more time working and less downtime swapping the grinding wheels.
It also has a brushless motor, so the battery runtime increases to give you the maximum performance between charges. Once again, this is a tool-only sale, so you need to price up a battery and charger and add that to the initial spend.
What We Like
Compact and Lightweight
This tool is so small; it can be held in one hand. It also takes up minimal space in your tool kit. And best of all, it only weighs 1.12 pounds, so kiss goodbye to hand and wrist fatigue.
Brushless Motor
Even though this is a compact model, it still has a brushless motor for increased efficiency and better battery runtime.
Tool-Free
Thanks to a unique spindle locking mechanism, changing the grinding wheels is super-easy. You don’t need to reach for the toolbox, and you can get back up and running in double-quick time.
What We Don't Like
Limited Uses
You would only buy this tool for lighter tasks because it is only 10.8 volts, making it considerably weaker than most of the angle grinders to make the review.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 1.12 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 17.48 x 14.06 x 4.76 |
| Ergonomic design | No |
| Battery and charger included | No |
| Grinding disc size (inches) | 3 |
| Voltage | 10.8 |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Warranty | 3-year tool, 2-year battery |
Our Ratings
DeWALT 20V Max Angle Grinder Tool Kit
Best Premium Cordless Angle Grinder
When you want a quality angle grinder that delivers reliability and performance, DeWALT provides both in spades. This cordless angle grinder tool kit comes complete with the tool, the charger and the lithium-ion battery.
The grinding disc size is slightly smaller than the Makita model, at 4.5 inches, but it is still an effective angle grinder, capable of attacking most materials.
You get the same emergency stop feature if the blade jams, which takes just 2 seconds to kick in. You also get a reset function should you experience a power outage from the battery. When it happens, you have to turn it off and then on again before commencing work.
It also has additional safety features like a 2-stage starter switch to avoid accidental start-up, and like most that appear in the review, you also get a brushless motor. What sets this premium choice angle grinder apart is the array of safety and convenience features it has.
The downside is you have to dig deep to get all this technology because this model is not cheap.
What We Like
Enhanced Safety Features
With a 2-stage starter switch to avoid accidental start-up and the automatic shut-off function should the wheel become jammed, you feel safe using this tool.
Battery and Charger Included
Who would have believed that we eventually feature a cordless angle grinder that comes with the battery and charger? Well, that’s actually incorrect because this model comes with 2 batteries.
Quality Brand
You cannot argue with the quality of this angle grinder. DeWALT is a name famed the world over for quality, performance and value for money.
What We Don't Like
It’s Not Cheap
Value is in the eye of the beholder, so you can decide if you think this is good value for money. However, judging it on price alone tells us that it is an expensive tool and far more costly than others in the review.
Weighs 10.8 Pounds
This angle grinder weighs an astonishing 10.8 pounds, which is almost double the other models we’ve featured. Hands and wrists might suffer when using this tool for prolonged periods.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 10.8 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 15.7 x 5.75 x 9.6 |
| Ergonomic design | No |
| Battery and charger included | 2 batteries and a charger included |
| Grinding disc size (inches) | 4.5 |
| Voltage | 20 |
| Price | $$$$$ |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
Ryobi P421 18V One+ Cordless Angle Grinder
Best Budget Cordless Angle Grinder
This Ryobi employs a brushed motor, which means you can pick it up for a lot less than some brushless models. It has a side handle for increased control or grip and a rubberized notched handle for a more comfortable experience.
The disc changing is fast, thanks to the onboard pin wrench that speeds up the process. All you need to do is loosen it using the included spanner, and you are ready to start work again.
It’s an 18-volt device with a 4.5-inch grinding disc, and the battery (not included) is part of Ryobi’s One+ range, where the battery is interchangeable with the entire compatible range. The downside to this is it comes minus the battery and charger, which are sold separately.
What We Like
Great Price
This is the winner of our budget award. Brushed motors are cheaper than brushless models, so if you are shopping on a budget, this could be the model for you.
Side Handle
The auxiliary side handle gives you increased grip and control, which helps when you need to tackle concrete and tiles, or any other robust material for that matter.
Rubberized Handle
When you use these tools for prolonged periods, they can become uncomfortable to grip. This model has a rubberized handle to absorb most vibrations and pressure, reducing hand and wrist fatigue.
What We Don't Like
It’s a Brushed Motor
It may be cheap, but the brushed motor will need more TLC over the years than a brushless model. The brushes wear down on average every 5,000 to 7,500 hours of use, meaning you will need to replace them at some stage.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 4.8 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 8 x 12 x 8 |
| Ergonomic design | Yes |
| Battery and charger included | No |
| Grinding disc size (inches) | 4.5 |
| Voltage | 18 |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Our Ratings
Porter-Cable 20V Max Angle Grinder
Best Cordless Brushed Angle Grinder
Not every cordless angle grinder is brushless. This Porter-Cable model employs a brushed motor. The advantage is they are so much cheaper than brushless models because they are slightly older technology.
This angle grinder produces 8,500 RPM and has cast metal gear housing that is more robust and helps to dissipate heat. The contoured overmolded handle is optimized to give the user increased comfort, and the 3-position side handle increases grip for tougher tasks.
You also get a tool-free guard, and a locking spindle allows for faster wheel changes. While this tool is cheap, yet again, you do still need to add in the cost of a battery and charger, making the price-tag much less attractive.
What We Like
Great Price
This angle grinder retails at less than a third of the Makita model, making it incredible value for money and an ideal beginner’s purchase.
Side Handle
The side handle increases the user’s grip and control, especially when cutting through harder materials like tile, brick, masonry and concrete.
Contoured Handle
The contoured overmolded handle is specifically designed to enhance comfort and reduce hand and wrist fatigue.
What We Don't Like
It’s a Brushed Motor
This model employs older motor technology that could become obsolete in due course. Also, brushed motors use more energy, reducing the runtime of your battery.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 6.75 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 15.31 x 6 x 6 |
| Ergonomic design | Yes |
| Battery and charger included | No |
| Grinding disc size (inches) | 4.5 |
| Voltage | 20 |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
Makita XAG13Z1 18V LXT 9-Inch Angle Grinder
Best Large Cordless Angle Grinder
So far, every model featured in the review has had a cutting wheel of 5 inches or less. This Makita offers a cutting disc diameter of 9 inches, effectively doubling this tool’s cutting depth.
If you are working with large stones or slicing through brickwork to create an opening, this is the angle grinder to use. Like other Makita’s featured, this model has the same auto-stop function that cuts power to the blade should it get jammed.
You also get the same speed sensor that automatically adjusts the rate this grinder drives the wheel. This is a neat feature because it takes the guesswork out of the equation when slicing through heavier material.
The brushless motor delivers 6,000 RPM, and the Star Computer Protection reduces the risk of overloading and over-discharging. As with the other Makita models, the batteries and charger are supplied separately, so that’s an added cost to consider.
What We Like
9-Inch Cutting Depth
This angle grinder is the best industrial-size model for when you need extra cutting depth. At 9 inches, it’s the ideal tool for tackling heavy-duty tasks.
Intelligent Technology
Makita has packed this tool with loads of smart technology. You get auto-stop when the wheel jams and an automatic speed adjuster to cater to different materials without thinking about it.
Soft Start
Because this is such a large angle grinder, having a soft start function is ideal for reducing the impact of sudden starts, especially when you are cutting through the toughest material. It protects the device and the cutting wheel, as well as your arms and wrists.
What We Don't Like
No Battery or Charger
No battery or charger seems to be the norm with cordless angle grinders. It increases the cost and adds to the inconvenience of owning a battery-operated power tool.
Super-Heavy
If you thought the DeWALT was heavy at just over 10 pounds, think again. This model is 13.5 pounds. It is a bigger angle grinder, so it is to be expected, but bear this in mind when you are using it for extended periods.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 13.5 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 10.6 x 21.8 x 7.3 |
| Ergonomic design | Yes |
| Battery and charger included | No |
| Grinding disc size (inches) | 9 |
| Voltage | 18 |
| Price | $$$$$ |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | Ergonomic design | Battery and charger included | Grinding disc size | Voltage | Price | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita XAG04Z 18V LXT Brushless Angle Grinder | Best Brushless | 4.8 lbs | 8.4″ x 13.3″ x 5.5″ | Yes | No | 5″ | 18V | $$$ | 3-year tool, 2-year battery |
| Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 Angle Grinder | Best for Tile Cutting | 5 lbs | 2.3 x 12.9 x 7.6″ | Yes | No | 5″ | 18V | $$$$ | 5-year tool |
| Bosch GWS10.8V Solo Angle Grinder | Best Small | 1.12 lbs | 17.48″ x 14.06″ x 4.76″ | No | No | 3″ | 10.8V | $$$$ | 3-year tool, 2-year battery |
| DeWALT 20V Max Angle Grinder Tool Kit | Best Premium | 10.8 lbs | 15.7″ x 5.75″ x 9.6″ | No | Yes | 4.5″ | 20V | $$$$$ | 3-year limited |
| Ryobi P421 18V One+ Cordless Angle Grinder | Best Budget | 4.8 lbs | 8″ x 12″ x 8″ | Yes | No | 4.5″ | 18V | $ | Not stated |
| Porter-Cable 20V Max Angle Grinder | Best Brushed | 6.75 lbs | 15.31″ x 6″ x 6″ | Yes | No | 4.5″ | 20V | $ | 3-year limited |
| Makita XAG13Z1 18V LXT 9-Inch Angle Grinder | Best Large | 13.5 lbs | 10.6″ x 21.8″ x 7.3″ | Yes | No | 9″ | 18V | $$$$$ | 3-year limited |
Types of Cordless Angle Grinders
Cordless angle grinders fall into two categories: brushed and brushless. But what does that actually mean? Let’s find out.
Brushed
Brushed motors are the more traditional type of engine you find in an angle grinder. You can get brushed motors in both corded and cordless models. The advantage of buying a cordless angle grinder with a brushed motor is it is cheaper.
The disadvantage is that it will be less efficient and need more maintenance because the brushes wear out and need replacing about every 5,000 to 7,500 hours. That may sound like a lot, but angle grinders can get a lot of use, which adds up the hours quickly.
Also, because brushed motors rely on friction, they run hotter, meaning you may have to take a break while the grinder cools down if you use it for prolonged periods.
We talked about efficiency, and with a cordless angle grinder, you need to get the most from the battery, so a less effective motor means you get less runtime from the battery.
Brushless
Brushless motors have no brushes, so they require less maintenance. The other advantage is you don’t have the added expense of replacing worn brushes. These types of motors are ideal for anyone who wants to avoid constant tool maintenance.
It also benefits beginners and angle grinder novices. The major advantage of a brushless motor is in energy-efficiency savings. Brushless motors extend the runtime of the Lithium-Ion battery by as much as 50 percent, depending on the model.
Also, because brushless motors don’t have brushes that create friction, they run smoother, quieter and cooler, which is great if you work for extended periods.
Because cordless angle grinders need to be recharged, extending the runtime reduces the need to perform this task as often as you would with a brushed motor. The disadvantage of buying a brushless angle grinder is the cost. Typically, they are more expensive than brushed varieties.
Key Features to Look For
With so many variables between the makes and models, getting to the essence of what makes a good cordless angle grinder is lost in the mix. We show you what you should be looking for and the questions you need to ask.
What Type of Motor Does It Have?
The difference between brushed and brushless motors is stark. As we’ve already said, brushed motors run hotter, are noisier, and need more maintenance and TLC. Brushless motors are quieter, smoother and run cooler.
If you want the most from your lithium-ion battery, a brushless motor delivers because it is more efficient, which extends the runtime between charges. Also, look for the voltage of the cordless angle grinder for an indication of the power it has. The higher the voltage, the more it can do.
Most are rated as 18 or 20-volt maximum. Anything lower than this, and you can expect a weaker performance.
Type of Battery and Amp Hours
If you see a cordless grinder for sale and the price looks too good to be true, take a closer look at the battery. The number of amp-hours is an indication of the runtime of the battery. The smallest tend to be around 1.5 to 2.5 Ah. The largest can be as much as 5 or 6 Ah.
If you opt for an angle grinder with a larger capacity cell, then expect to pay more. Almost all cordless angle grinders utilize a Lithium-Ion battery, which is the most advanced type. They charge quicker, hold power for longer and perform more efficiently.
When operated in conjunction with a brushless motor, you can see why you get a longer runtime.
Size of the Grinding Disc
The most common disc sizes are 4.5 and 9 inches. The smaller the disc, the finer and more detailed the types of tasks you can perform. Larger discs are better suited to heavy-duty jobs of an industrial and commercial nature.
The diameter of the disc dictates the cutting depth of the grinder. So, if you have large objects to cut, choose the largest disc possible.
Are the Battery and Charger Included?
This sounds like an obvious question, but you would be surprised how many cordless power tools are sold without a battery and charger. This is mostly thanks to the interchangeable cordless tool ranges that firms like DeWALT and Makita produce.
The idea is that one battery fits all tools in the range, so they assume that you already own a cordless product, which means you are likely to possess a battery and charger. The problem with this approach is you may be buying your first cordless angle grinder, so you won’t own either of these items.
The second problem is the added expense. Batteries and chargers are not cheap, and when you consider the cost of a cordless angle grinder, it adds to the initial cost.
Surely at some point, everyone who buys a battery-operated power tool needs a battery and charger. So maybe it’s a cynical policy designed to get you to initially spend more and then purchase other products in their range to keep your costs down.
Weight and Ergonomic Design
Most cordless angle grinders are heavier than the corded versions. This is because the battery adds weight. To counteract this, manufacturers employ ergonomic designs to mitigate the increased weight.
They have tried to make the user experience as comfortable as possible by fitting comfort grips and molded handles that contour your hand. Most battery-powered angle grinders weigh between 4 and 7 pounds. When you compare this to corded models, that’s 2 or 3 pounds heavier.
