Best Angle Grinder Australia 2026: 7 Top Picks

Corded or cordless? That is the first real decision

Corded means the grinder plugs into a power point and needs no battery; cordless means it runs on an 18V battery. The Bosch GWS 880 listing says Corded Electric and 880 watts, while the six cordless cards here are sold as skin only, tool only or body only, so a battery and charger are extra if you own none.

The top rated card on this page is the cordless Milwaukee M18FAG125XPD-0, rated 5.0 from 30 ratings on Amazon AU, a thin count. Seven listings are compared below. Whichever you choose, wear eye and hearing protection and keep the guard fitted.

The second question matters as much as the first: if you go cordless, which 18V battery platform do you already own? It is usually simpler to buy the grinder skin that matches the batteries already in your shed, whether that is Ryobi ONE+, DeWalt XR, Makita LXT or Milwaukee M18, than to start a second system from scratch. The same logic applies to a cordless drill. The seven picks below cover a corded Bosch, the Milwaukee crown and one skin on each of the other platforms, plus a second Makita and a second Milwaukee listing.

How the seven angle grinders compare

How we chose these angle grinders

We compared seven angle grinder listings on Amazon AU. We did not test the grinders. Specs come from the maker's bullet points and the product information on each listing. Ratings and counts are the Amazon AU figures on each listing, and where a listing gives two values for one spec we name both or leave the figure out.

A rating is the average on the listing and a count is how many ratings sit behind it, so we give both together. A high rating on a low count is an early signal, while a similar rating on a large count has more behind it. On this page the counts run from 30 for the Milwaukee M18FAG125XPD-0 to 7,261 for the Makita DGA504Z.

Last checked: 23 October 2026.

Best overall: Milwaukee M18FAG125XPD-0 18V FUEL 125mm Angle Grinder Paddle Skin Only

The Milwaukee M18FAG125XPD-0 is the top rated grinder here: 5.0 from 30 ratings on Amazon AU, sold by Tradiebrokers and shipped by Amazon. That is a thin count, so read the rating with care. It is skin only, so the box holds no battery or charger and you need your own compatible 18V battery and charger.

The listing bullets give a Powerstate brushless motor with 8,500 RPM, an E Clutch with kickback protection and a FIXTEC system for 100% tool free wheel change. The product information table lists a Battery Powered source and a Deadman Paddle Switch, and the title says Paddle and 125mm. The Makita DGA504Z has far more ratings, 4.8 from 7,261, and is also sold by Tradiebrokers, skin only, so choose by the battery platform you own. Wear eye and hearing protection and keep the guard fitted.

The first bullet calls it the next advancement in power and performance, fast cutting and a lighter and more compact design, and another says the more compact, lightweight and balanced design allows more comfortable and manoeuvrable use. Those are Milwaukee's words on the listing and we have not tested them. A 5.0 from 30 ratings rests on a small number of ratings, so treat it as an early signal; the Makita DGA504Z rating rests on far more.

A second Milwaukee listing further down this page, titled Milwaukee 18V Fuel Brushless Angle Grinder Paddle Switch 125mm Tool Only and rated 4.8 from 2,487 ratings, names the same model code, M18FAG125XPD-0, in its Item Highlight, while this listing gives that code as its Model Number. So the two ratings, 5.0 from 30 and 4.8 from 2,487, belong to two listings of one model, not to two different grinders, and each rating is best read beside its own count.

Bosch Professional Corded Angle Grinder

If you are not tied to a battery system, the corded Bosch Professional GWS 880 is the straightforward option. The title gives a 125mm disc diameter, 880 watt power and an idle speed of 11,000 rpm, and the product table says Corded Electric, so it has no battery to charge. The bullets mention a slim handle circumference and ergonomic design. It is rated 4.7 from 6,641 ratings on Amazon AU. The bullets also call it a small angle grinder with a powerful 880 watt motor for fast work progress and mention improved performance in the 880 watt class; those are Bosch's words on the listing and we have not tested them.

The Bosch product table gives Wattage 880 watts, Voltage 230 Volts, Maximum Rotational Speed 11000 RPM, Item Weight 1.9 kg and Item Dimensions of 28L x 7.3W x 10H centimetres, with a Material Type of Alloy Steel. The title and the table agree on 880 watts and an 11,000 rpm speed. The description adds that long service life and dust protection come from specially developed air vents; that is Bosch's wording on the listing and we have not tested it.

The Included Components row of the table reads GWS 880, while the title and bullets list an additional handle, protective cover, clamping nut, mounting flange and a two hole wrench in the box, so we name both and do not treat the row as the full contents.

The bullets say restart protection prevents uncontrolled start up for better control and increased user protection, and the title lists an additional handle, protective cover, clamping nut, mounting flange and a two hole wrench. The Makita DGA504Z has more ratings, 7,261. A corded tool needs a power point and often an extension lead; see our extension cord guide for a corded grinder. On 23 October 2026 Amazon showed the notice "Imports from Germany may differ from local products. Additional terms apply." on this listing. This listing is an Amazon Germany import; an Australian plug and Australian market suitability have not been confirmed.

Ryobi R18AG ONE+ 18V Angle Grinder

The Ryobi R18AG is the one to look at if your shed already runs Ryobi ONE+ batteries. Its description says the tool is compatible with all Ryobi One Plus batteries, and that the system's batteries power over 35 garden and power tools, in the listing's words. It is sold body only: the bullets say bare unit, no batteries supplied. It is rated 4.6 from 4,412 ratings on Amazon AU. On 23 October 2026 this listing was shipped and sold by Amazon US (an Amazon Global Store import).

The bullets list a tool less wheel guard, a Gripzone over mould and a 3 position auxiliary handle, and the description adds a spindle lock. The description names cutting and grinding metal, sharpening blades, shaping stone or paving, removing rust and loose paint, and polishing as uses. The listing gives no disc size in its title, bullets, description or product table, and it does not say whether the motor is brushed or brushless, so check the disc size before you buy discs.

DeWalt DCG406N XR Brushless Grinder

The DeWalt DCG406N is the one to look at if your shed already runs DeWalt XR batteries. Its title says 18V XR Brushless, 125mm, Paddle and Skin Only, so the box holds the grinder with no battery or charger. It is rated 4.8 from 535 ratings on Amazon AU, sold by Tradiebrokers and shipped by Amazon.

The bullets list mesh covers that restrict dust being sucked through the motor, a rubber overmould for grip and comfort, a two position side handle and a soft start feature for a slow speed build up. The listing gives some specs two ways, so we name both. The product table says Wattage 3600 while the description says power 1000 w, the table says Item Weight 2.2 Kilograms while the description says product weight metric 1.75 kg, and the table gives Item Dimensions of 3.37L x 1.25W x 1.56H metres while the description gives a product length metric of 310 mm. Both say 9000 for the no load speed in rpm. The description also names an electronic clutch that reduces kick back in a stall and an electronic brake that stops the disc quickly and safely, which are DeWalt's words on the listing and not something we tested. A skin needs a DeWalt XR battery and charger, and its count of 535 ratings is smaller than the Bosch or the Makita DGA504Z.

Makita DGA504Z 18V Brushless Grinder

The Makita DGA504Z has the most ratings of the seven cards: 4.8 from 7,261 on Amazon AU, sold by Tradiebrokers and shipped by Amazon. The title says 18V LXT Brushless, Slide Switch, 125mm and Skin Only. The bullets list kickback detection, anti restart and soft start, and extreme performance with 8,500rpm no load speed.

The bullets also list automatic torque drive, XPT technology that protects against dust and moisture, and an electronic current limiter that protects the motor from accidental overload. The title says Slide Switch rather than Paddle, so check the switch type against the paddle cards before you buy. Like the other cordless cards it is skin only and needs a Makita LXT battery and charger.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Brushless Grinder

This second Milwaukee listing is titled Milwaukee 18V Fuel Brushless Angle Grinder Paddle Switch 125mm Tool Only and is sold by Endeavour Hills Tools Pty. It is rated 4.8 from 2,487 ratings on Amazon AU. The listing names the same model code as the top rated pick above, M18FAG125XPD-0, so the two Milwaukee ratings, 5.0 from 30 and 4.8 from 2,487, belong to two listings of one model, not to two different grinders. It also gives two model values: its Item Highlight reads M18FAG125XPD-0 while its product table says Model Number 2880-20, and its description opens with Milwaukee 2880-20 and calls it a Tool Only grinder. The disc size is given two ways as well: the title says 125mm, while the description reads 4 1/2 inch and 5 inch. The same table also reads Style Name Hammerdrill and Unit Count 18 Count, while the title says Angle Grinder, so we use no wattage, weight or count from that table.

The bullets list an electronic clutch for kickback protection, overload protection, an anti vibration side handle, a no lock paddle switch for immediate tool shutdown when released, and compatibility with all M18 batteries. They also give a standard spindle thread that, in the listing's words, allows compatibility with a wide range of grinding wheels. The bullets add that the M18 FUEL brushless motor delivers longer runtime, increased power and extended tool life compared to brushed motors; that is the maker's wording on the listing and we have not tested it. It is tool only, so the M18 battery and charger are extra.

Makita DGA508Z 18V LXT Brushless Grinder

The Makita DGA508Z is rated 4.5 from 123 ratings on Amazon AU and is sold by Endeavour Hills Tools Pty. Its title says 18V LXT Li-ion Brushless 125mm and Skin Only, and its product table names the item type Brushless Angle Grinder 125mm Paddle Switch. The bullets list an electronic brake, kickback detection, anti restart and soft start, 8,500rpm no load speed, automatic torque drive, XPT technology and an electronic current limiter that protects the motor from accidental overload.

DGA504Z or DGA508Z? Both titles say 18V LXT, brushless, 125mm and skin only. The DGA504Z title says Slide Switch, while the DGA508Z product table says Paddle Switch, and the DGA508Z bullets list an electronic brake that the DGA504Z bullets do not. The DGA504Z has far more ratings, 7,261 against 123, so there is less feedback behind the DGA508Z. Both need a Makita LXT battery and charger.

Disc size: 125mm and other sizes

Angle grinders are sized by the disc they take. Six of the seven cards state a 125mm disc in their title or product table; the Ryobi listing gives no disc size in its title, bullets, description or product table. No card here is a 115mm, 4 inch, 9 inch or 230mm grinder, so this page does not rank those sizes. Whatever size you settle on, buy discs that match the size the grinder states and keep the guard fitted.

Here is where each listing states its size. The Bosch title says Disc Diameter 125 mm. The titles of the Milwaukee M18FAG125XPD-0, the DeWalt DCG406N, the Makita DGA504Z, the Makita DGA508Z and the second Milwaukee listing all say 125mm, and the crown product table lists a Deadman Paddle Switch, 125 mm. If you want a size this page does not cover, check that listing's own title and product table first.

As general guidance rather than a listing claim, a grinder is not a wood tool: a circular saw is the right tool for timber. For small, delicate work such as deburring, engraving or cutting in a cramped spot, a rotary tool like a Dremel is the right size of tool. If you want a fixed grinder on a bench for sharpening and shaping, see our bench grinder guide for sharpening and shaping.

Brushless motors, switches and safety

Five of the seven listings say brushless in their titles or bullets: the Milwaukee crown, the DeWalt, both Makitas and the second Milwaukee. The second Milwaukee listing says its M18 FUEL brushless motor delivers longer runtime, increased power and extended tool life compared to brushed motors; that is the maker's wording on the listing and we have not tested it. For switches, the crown and DeWalt titles say Paddle, the DGA508Z product table says Paddle Switch, and the second Milwaukee bullets describe a paddle switch without lock on functionality for immediate tool shutdown when released. The DGA504Z title says Slide Switch instead. The Bosch is the corded card, and its listing gives 880 watts.

Safety features each listing names

The crown bullets list an E Clutch with kickback protection. The second Milwaukee bullets list an electronic clutch for kickback protection and overload protection to maximise motor life. Both Makita listings list kickback detection, anti restart and soft start, and an electronic current limiter that protects the motor from accidental overload. The DeWalt bullets list a soft start feature for a slow speed build up when starting, and the Bosch bullets list restart protection. The Ryobi bullets we quote name a tool less wheel guard instead.

Beyond that, treat the guard and your protective gear as essential. Always run the supplied guard, positioned to throw sparks and debris away from your face, and never remove it. Wear safety glasses, hearing protection and work gloves, keep both hands on the tool with the side handle fitted, and let the grinder reach full speed before it touches the work. If you grind welds, see our welding helmet guide for weld work. Features such as kickback detection and an electronic brake, where a listing names them, add a layer but do not replace the guard and good technique.

Paddle switch or slide switch

Five of the seven listings name a switch type. Four say paddle and one, the Makita DGA504Z, says slide switch. The Bosch and Ryobi listings name no switch type in their title, bullets, description or product table.

The Milwaukee M18FAG125XPD-0 title says Paddle, and its Included Components row reads 1 x Milwaukee M18 Fuel Angle Grinder with Deadman Paddle Switch, 125 mm. The DeWalt DCG406N title says Paddle, its description begins DeWalt 18V XR bare unit brushless paddle switch angle grinder, and its Included Components row names a Paddle Switch Angle Grinder, 125 mm.

The second Milwaukee title says Paddle Switch, and its bullets describe a paddle switch without lock on functionality for immediate tool shutdown when released, adding that this enhances operator safety, which is the maker's wording and not something we tested. The Makita DGA504Z title says Slide Switch. The Makita DGA508Z title does not name a switch, but its product table gives the item type Brushless Angle Grinder 125mm Paddle Switch.

Check the switch type against the title and product table of the listing you open. The two Makita listings share the 18V LXT platform and a 125mm disc, yet one says slide switch and the other says paddle switch, so the switch is the first thing to compare between them.

Brushless or brushed

The listings that say brushless do so in different places. The Milwaukee M18FAG125XPD-0 bullets say a Powerstate brushless motor provides 8,500 RPM, its description names a POWERSTATE Brushless Motor with 8,500 RPM, and its product table gives a Maximum Rotational Speed of 8500 RPM. The three agree on the speed.

The DeWalt DCG406N title says Brushless, and its description calls it a paddle switch brushless angle grinder. Both Makita titles say Brushless, and both sets of bullets give 8,500rpm no load speed. The second Milwaukee bullets carry the longer runtime claim quoted in its section above. Those are the makers' words on the listings and we have not tested any of them.

The Bosch and Ryobi listings do not say whether the motor is brushed or brushless in their title, bullets, description or product table, so we do not call either one. If motor type matters to you, choose from the five listings that say brushless and read the listing text for the claim you care about.

Skin only and battery platforms

Skin only, also called tool only or body only, means the grinder alone. The Milwaukee, DeWalt and Makita titles here say Skin Only or Tool Only, so the box holds no battery or charger. The Ryobi title says Body Only and its bullets say no batteries are supplied. A first time buyer needs a compatible 18V battery and charger before the tool will run.

A battery platform is the set of batteries a brand's tools share. The titles here name Ryobi ONE+, DeWalt XR, Makita LXT and Milwaukee M18 or FUEL. The Ryobi description says the tool is compatible with all Ryobi One Plus batteries, and the second Milwaukee listing says it is compatible with all M18 batteries. The battery you already own is usually the best guide, so match the grinder to it.

Listing by listing, the wording is: Skin Only on the Milwaukee M18FAG125XPD-0, the DeWalt DCG406N and both Makitas; Tool Only on the second Milwaukee; Body Only on the Ryobi. The Bosch is the one card with no such word, because it is corded and its title lists a handle, protective cover, clamping nut, mounting flange and two hole wrench instead.

What is in the box for each grinder

The boxes differ more than the titles suggest, and the listings give the contents in different places. This list sets each card's title wording beside its Included Components row, its bullets or its description.

• Milwaukee M18FAG125XPD-0: the title says Skin Only, and the Included Components row reads 1 x Milwaukee M18 Fuel Angle Grinder with Deadman Paddle Switch, 125 mm. No battery or charger is listed.
• Bosch GWS 880: the title and bullets list an additional handle, protective cover, clamping nut, mounting flange and a two hole wrench, while the Included Components row reads GWS 880 alone.
• Ryobi R18AG: the title says Body Only, the bullets say bare unit with no batteries supplied, and the Included Components row reads 1 x R18AG-0.
• DeWalt DCG406N: the description includes a 2 position side handle, a keyless protective guard and a blade wrench, while the Included Components row names one DeWalt 18V XR bare unit brushless paddle switch angle grinder, 125 mm.
• Makita DGA504Z: the title says Skin Only, the Included Components row reads 1 and the item type calls it a Bare Unit.
• Second Milwaukee: the title says Tool Only and the Included Components row reads Angle Grinder.
• Makita DGA508Z: the title says Skin Only, while the Included Components row lists 1 x DGA508Z, 1 x lock nut wrench, 1 x side handle and 1 x grinding wheel.

Where two parts of one listing give different contents, as on the Bosch and the DeWalt, we name both rather than pick one. Check the live listing for the box you are buying.

Cutting metal, pavers and tile

Match the disc to the material and keep the guard fitted. For metal, fit a disc made for cutting or grinding metal; for tile, pavers or masonry, fit a diamond blade made for the material. The Ryobi listing describes cutting and grinding metal, sharpening blades, shaping stone or paving, removing rust and loose paint, and polishing. To cut a bolt or bar by hand instead, see our bolt cutters guide for cutting steel by hand.

Clamp the work, keep the guard between the cut and your face, let the disc reach full speed before it touches the surface and do not twist the tool in the cut. Work outdoors where you can and wear a dust mask as well as eye and hearing protection. A dedicated cutter is the other route for tile; see our tile cutter guide for straight cuts in tile.

Which brand to choose

Brand mostly follows the battery platform you already own, and we name no best brand. The cards cover Milwaukee with two listings, the M18FAG125XPD-0 and the 18V Fuel Tool Only listing, Makita with the DGA504Z and DGA508Z, DeWalt with the DCG406N, Ryobi with the R18AG-0 and Bosch Professional with the corded GWS 880. We have not tested any brand, so compare the ratings, counts and listing details above and start from the batteries you own.

By rating on Amazon AU, Milwaukee has 5.0 from 30 ratings on the M18FAG125XPD-0 and 4.8 from 2,487 on the second listing, which names the same model code, so those are two listings of one model. Makita has 4.8 from 7,261 on the DGA504Z, which the title calls Slide Switch, and 4.5 from 123 on the DGA508Z, which the product table calls Paddle Switch. DeWalt has 4.8 from 535 on the DCG406N, Ryobi has 4.6 from 4,412 on the R18AG-0 and Bosch has 4.7 from 6,641 on the corded GWS 880.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brand of angle grinder is considered the best?

No brand is the best for everyone; the right brand is usually the one whose 18V battery you already own. The top rated card here is the Milwaukee M18FAG125XPD-0, rated 5.0 from 30 ratings on Amazon AU and sold skin only, with no battery or charger. The other cards cover Bosch, Ryobi, DeWalt, Makita and a second Milwaukee listing.

What is the best angle grinder for home use?

For home use, the top rated angle grinder here is the Milwaukee M18FAG125XPD-0 18V FUEL 125mm paddle grinder, rated 5.0 from 30 ratings on Amazon AU, a thin count. It is skin only, so no battery or charger is included. The Makita DGA504Z has far more ratings, 4.8 from 7,261, and is also sold skin only.

What is the best 125mm angle grinder in Australia?

Six of the seven cards name a 125mm disc in their listing title or product table; the Ryobi listing gives no disc size. The top rated is the Milwaukee M18FAG125XPD-0, 5.0 from 30 ratings. The Makita DGA504Z, 4.8 from 7,261 ratings, and the DeWalt DCG406N, 4.8 from 535, have larger counts.

Should I get a 115mm or 125mm angle grinder?

Six of our seven cards state a 125mm disc and none states 115mm in its title or product table, so 125mm is the size you can compare here. Whichever size you choose, fit discs that match the size the grinder states and keep the guard on. Check the listing for disc size before you buy.

What are the different sizes of angle grinders available?

The grinders in this guide use a 125mm disc where the listing states one. Smaller 4 inch and 115mm tools and larger 9 inch grinders, which are 230mm, are other sizes people search for, but none is a card here. Always fit discs that match the size the grinder states, and keep the guard fitted.

Can an angle grinder cut metal?

Yes, with a disc made for metal fitted and the guard on. Clamp the work, keep the guard between the cut and your face, let the disc reach full speed and wear eye and hearing protection. Do not twist the tool in the cut. Check the disc suits the size and speed the grinder states.

What is the best angle grinder in the world?

There is no single best grinder in the world; it depends on corded or cordless and on your battery. This guide compares seven listings on Amazon AU and the top rated is the Milwaukee M18FAG125XPD-0, rated 5.0 from 30 ratings, a thin count. The Makita DGA504Z has far more ratings, 4.8 from 7,261.

What are angle grinders used for?

An angle grinder spins a disc to cut, grind or clean material, depending on the disc fitted. The Ryobi listing describes cutting and grinding metal, sharpening blades, shaping stone or paving, removing rust and loose paint, and polishing. Match the disc to the job, keep the guard fitted and wear eye and hearing protection.