Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Random Orbital Sanders

Bosch ROS20VSC vs Festool 576070 Random Orbital Sander ETS 125 REQ-Plus

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Festool 576070 Random Orbital Sander ETS 125 REQ-Plus comes out ahead by a clear margin (5.0 vs 4.5). Festool 576070 Random Orbital Sander ETS 125 REQ-Plus is best for: Professional woodworkers who prioritize flawless finishes and ergonomic comfort. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Bosch ROS20VSC
Ranked #3 in Best Random Orbital Sanders
Bosch ROS20VSC
1 sourceall derived$99as of Oct 20

The Bosch ROS20VSC features a microfilter canister that effectively traps fine particles to keep shop air cleaner than standard bag-style systems, though Smartwoodworkshop noted the small capacity fills quickly during heavy sanding sessions. Its integral pad dampening system significantly reduces swirl marks for a smooth finish on wood surfaces, while Bestorbitalsander confirmed the efficiency of this vibration-absorbing design. The lightweight 3.5 lb body makes the sander nimble and easy to maneuver in tight spaces or overhead, but Powertools.techreviewer.com warned that the rubber grip runs warm during very long continuous sanding sessions. Additionally, Smartwoodworkshop found that the 2.5 amp motor can bog down when sanding dense hardwoods like oak or maple, limiting its suitability for professional shops processing large volumes of hard timber.

Strengths
  • — Microfilter dust canister efficiently traps fine particles and keeps shop air cleaner than standard bag-style systems.
  • — Integral pad dampening system significantly reduces swirl marks for a smooth, clean finish on wood surfaces.
  • — Lightweight 3.5 lb body makes the sander nimble and easy to maneuver in tight spaces or overhead.
Watch-outs
  • — The 2.5 amp motor can bog down or slow significantly when sanding dense hardwoods like oak or maple.
  • — The microfilter canister has a small capacity that fills quickly during large projects, requiring frequent emptying.
  • — Rubber grip handle runs warm and becomes uncomfortable during very long continuous sanding sessions.
Festool 576070 Random Orbital Sander ETS 125 REQ-Plus
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Random Orbital Sanders
Festool 576070 Random Orbital Sander ETS 125 REQ-Plus
1 sourceall derived$299as of Oct 20

Tylerbrownwoodworking found that connecting this sander to a compatible dust extractor produces nearly zero visible dust, which is essential for preventing swirl marks and achieving clean finishes. The tool’s tight 2.0mm (5/64”) sanding stroke works with minimal vibration to eliminate surface imperfections like pigtails, while the well-balanced handle prevents hand fatigue during extended use on large projects. However, the high cost of entry is a significant drawback, and the built-in dust bag serves only as a secondary option that yields inferior results compared to using a dedicated extractor. This model fits professional woodworkers who prioritize finish quality and ergonomic comfort over raw speed or budget constraints.

Strengths
  • — Excellent dust collection that captures nearly all particles when connected to a compatible extractor
  • — Minimal vibrations reduce hand fatigue and prevent tingling or numbness during extended use
  • — Tight 2.0mm (5/64”) sanding stroke produces an even finish with virtually zero swirls or pigtails
Watch-outs
  • — High cost of entry compared to standard random orbital sanders from other brands
  • — Requires connection to a dust extractor for optimal performance, as the built-in bag is secondary

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Festool 576070 Random Orbital Sander ETS 125 REQ-Plus

The Festool ETS 125 REQ-Plus delivers a tight 2.0mm sanding stroke that produces virtually zero swirl marks, outperforming the Bosch ROS20VSC’s integral dampening system in finish quality for professional results.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBosch ROS20VSCFestool 576070 Random Orbital Sander ETS 125 REQ-Plus
Max Speed12,000 OPM—
Pad Size5 inches5 in (125mm)
Weight3.5 lb2.4 lb
Motor Type2.5 Amp Motor—
Power SourceMainsCorded
Dimensions9"L x 5"W x 6"H15.59"L x 11.65"W x 7.36"H
Voltage120 volts—
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