The Bosch PEX 220 A and Bosch PEX 300 AE are both 125 mm corded random orbit sanders from Bosch’s green DIY range, but they are not aimed at exactly the same user. The short version is simple: choose the PEX 220 A if you want a lighter, cheaper sander for occasional DIY sanding. Choose the PEX 300 AE if you want variable speed, faster material removal, better control across different surfaces, and a more versatile tool for sanding and polishing.
The PEX 300 AE is the stronger all-rounder. The PEX 220 A is the simpler budget buy. That difference matters more than the model numbers suggest.
Quick Verdict
| Buy this model | Best for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch PEX 220 A | Occasional DIY sanding, light woodwork, filler, painted surfaces, and smaller jobs | It is lighter, simpler, and usually cheaper. It uses a 125 mm sanding pad and has enough power for basic surface preparation. |
| Bosch PEX 300 AE | More frequent sanding, varnish removal, paint preparation, polishing, furniture work, and mixed materials | It has more power, variable speed control, and a larger orbit diameter, making it more adaptable and quicker on tougher jobs. |
If the price difference is small, the Bosch PEX 300 AE is the better buy for most people. If you only sand now and again and want to keep the cost down, the Bosch PEX 220 A still makes sense.
Bosch PEX 220 A vs PEX 300 AE: Specification Comparison
| Feature | Bosch PEX 220 A | Bosch PEX 300 AE | What it means in use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power input | 220 W | 270 W | The PEX 300 AE has more power available when sanding tougher coatings or larger areas. |
| Sanding pad diameter | 125 mm | 125 mm | Both use common 125 mm hook-and-loop sanding discs. |
| Orbital stroke rate | 24,000 opm | 4,000–24,000 opm | The PEX 300 AE has variable speed. The PEX 220 A runs at a fixed high speed. |
| Orbit diameter | 2.5 mm | 4 mm | The PEX 300 AE removes material more aggressively. The PEX 220 A is gentler and more basic. |
| Weight | About 1.2 kg | About 1.5 kg | The PEX 220 A is lighter. The PEX 300 AE feels more capable but slightly heavier. |
| Dust collection | Microfilter dust box | Microfilter dust box | Both collect dust better than no dust box, but a vacuum connection is preferable for long sanding sessions. |
| Best use | Light sanding and finishing | General sanding, polishing, and heavier preparation | The PEX 300 AE gives you more room to grow if your projects become more demanding. |
The Main Difference: Variable Speed
The biggest practical difference is not just the extra 50 W of power. It is the variable speed control on the PEX 300 AE.
The Bosch PEX 220 A runs at a fixed orbital stroke rate of 24,000 opm. That is fine when you are sanding wood, filler, or painted surfaces where a high speed is acceptable. The issue is that fixed speed gives you less control when working on coatings, curves, edges, polish, or heat-sensitive surfaces.
The Bosch PEX 300 AE can be adjusted from 4,000 to 24,000 opm. The lower setting is useful for gentler work such as buffing and polishing, while the higher settings help remove stubborn paint, varnish, and old gloss more quickly. In practical use, it is not as aggressive as a professional trade sander, but it has enough bite for normal DIY door preparation, furniture sanding, and coating removal when paired with the right abrasive.
That makes the PEX 300 AE a better choice if you do not always sand the same material. Lower speed gives you more control. Higher speed gives you faster removal.
Orbit Diameter: Why 4 mm Feels More Aggressive Than 2.5 mm
The orbit diameter tells you how wide the sanding motion is. The PEX 220 A has a 2.5 mm orbit diameter. The PEX 300 AE has a 4 mm orbit diameter.
That difference matters. A larger orbit removes material more quickly because the abrasive travels farther across the surface with each movement. This is useful when you are preparing doors, removing old finish, sanding rough boards, or levelling filler. The trade-off is that a larger orbit can feel more aggressive, especially if you press too hard, use coarse paper, or pause in one place.
The PEX 220 A’s smaller orbit is less aggressive. That can be an advantage for light finishing and occasional DIY, but it also means it may feel slower on heavier preparation work.
Power: 220 W vs 270 W
The PEX 300 AE has a 270 W motor, while the PEX 220 A has a 220 W motor. On paper, that is not a huge gap, but in use it supports the same pattern seen elsewhere: the PEX 300 AE is designed for broader, more demanding jobs.
More power helps when you are sanding large panels, stripping old coating, or working for longer periods. It also helps the tool maintain performance when the abrasive is loaded or the surface is uneven. The PEX 220 A is powerful enough for normal light work, but it is not the better choice if you expect to use a sander often.
Dust Collection: Useful, But Do Not Rely on the Box Alone
Both sanders use Bosch’s Microfilter dust box. It is better than letting dust spray freely around the work area, and it is convenient for small jobs where setting up a vacuum feels excessive.
However, the dust box should not be treated as full dust control. Random orbit sanders produce fine airborne dust, especially when sanding wood, filler, paint, varnish, or old coatings. The UK Health and Safety Executive treats wood dust as a workplace health hazard, and the same common-sense caution applies in a home workshop: use extraction where possible, wear appropriate respiratory protection, and avoid sanding unknown old coatings without checking what they are.
The dust box is useful for quick jobs, but it is not the cleanest option for larger projects. The filter can trap some fine dust, but air still has to leave the box, and dust can escape when the box is full, poorly seated, or used with misaligned sanding-disc holes. For longer sessions, connecting the sander to a suitable shop vacuum or dust extractor is the better setup.
Dust Collection Tip
When fitting sanding discs, line up the holes carefully. If the dust holes in the disc do not match the holes in the pad, the dust collection system cannot work properly. The PEX 300 AE is often supplied with a paper alignment assistant, which helps position the disc so the extraction holes stay open.
Sanding Discs and Compatibility
Both sanders use 125 mm hook-and-loop sanding discs. This is a major advantage because 125 mm discs are widely available from Bosch and third-party abrasive brands.
Many 125 mm sanding discs are marketed as compatible with several brands, including Bosch, Makita, Metabo, Black+Decker, and others. That does not mean all discs perform equally. Cheap discs can clog faster, shed grit sooner, or lose grip on the backing pad. But for fit, 125 mm hook-and-loop discs are easy to source.
For best results, do not jump straight from very coarse paper to very fine paper. A common sequence for wood preparation is 80 grit for rough removal, 120 grit for levelling, and 180 or 240 grit for finishing. For painted or varnished surfaces, clogging can be a bigger issue than grit choice, so change discs before they glaze over.
Which Is Better for Wood?
For light wood sanding, both models work. The PEX 220 A is enough for smoothing small boards, preparing filler, or sanding before painting.
The PEX 300 AE is better if you want one tool for rougher and finer work. The larger orbit removes stock faster, and the variable speed lets you back off when you move from rough sanding to finishing. It is the more flexible choice for furniture work, tabletops, doors, and mixed DIY projects.
Which Is Better for Paint and Varnish?
The PEX 300 AE is the better choice for paint and varnish because of its variable speed. Old coatings can clog abrasive discs quickly, and high speed can generate heat. Being able to slow the sander down gives you more control.
That does not mean the PEX 300 AE will strip every coating quickly. A random orbit sander is not always the fastest tool for heavy paint removal. Scraping, heat, chemical stripper, or a more aggressive professional sander may be faster depending on the coating. But between these two Bosch models, the PEX 300 AE is clearly the stronger option for coated surfaces.
Which Is Better for Polishing?
The PEX 300 AE is again the better option because of its lower speed range. Polishing usually needs more control than sanding. Running too fast can create heat and make the job harder to manage.
The PEX 220 A can be used for polishing high-gloss surfaces such as car paint or furniture, but its fixed speed makes it less forgiving. If polishing is part of your plan, choose the PEX 300 AE.
Which Is Easier to Handle?
The PEX 220 A is the lighter tool, at about 1.2 kg. That makes it attractive for quick work, vertical surfaces, and occasional overhead sanding.
The PEX 300 AE weighs about 1.5 kg. It is still light for a corded random orbit sander, and its compact body makes it manageable on doors, furniture panels, and overhead surfaces. The extra weight is not a major problem, but it is noticeable if you are choosing a sander purely for small jobs and short sessions.
If comfort is your priority and your sanding jobs are light, the PEX 220 A has the edge. If control and capability matter more, the PEX 300 AE is worth the extra weight.
Where the PEX 220 A Makes More Sense
The Bosch PEX 220 A is the better choice if:
- You only sand occasionally.
- You mainly work on small surfaces.
- You want a lighter sander.
- You do not need variable speed.
- You want the cheaper Bosch option.
- You mostly sand wood, filler, or painted surfaces before repainting.
It is not the most versatile option, but it is not trying to be. It is a compact DIY sander for straightforward work.
Where the PEX 300 AE Makes More Sense
The Bosch PEX 300 AE is the better choice if:
- You sand more than occasionally.
- You want variable speed control.
- You work on wood, paint, varnish, and polish.
- You need faster material removal.
- You want a sander that can handle larger DIY jobs.
- You want a case and paper alignment assistant, depending on the kit supplied.
This is the model to choose if you want one sander to cover more situations. It is still a DIY-range tool, not a trade-grade Mirka or Festool, but it gives you more control than the PEX 220 A.
PEX 220 A vs PEX 300 AE: Winner by Category
| Category | Winner | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best value for light DIY | PEX 220 A | Cheaper and simple enough for occasional sanding. |
| Best for frequent use | PEX 300 AE | More powerful and more adaptable. |
| Best for paint and varnish | PEX 300 AE | Variable speed gives better control over heat and aggression. |
| Best for polishing | PEX 300 AE | Lower speed settings are more suitable for buffing and polishing. |
| Best for fine, light finishing | PEX 220 A | Smaller orbit and lighter body suit basic finishing work. |
| Best overall | PEX 300 AE | Better power, speed control, and versatility. |
A Practical Test Method You Can Use at Home
If you already own one of these sanders and want to judge whether it is performing well, use a simple repeatable test rather than relying on feel alone.
- Mark a 300 mm by 300 mm square on scrap pine or painted timber.
- Fit a fresh 80-grit disc.
- Sand for two minutes using light pressure.
- Do not force the tool down; let the abrasive work.
- Check how evenly the surface is removed.
- Empty the dust box and note how much dust escaped around the work area.
- Repeat with 120 grit and 180 grit if you are testing finish quality.
This kind of test gives you better information than a spec sheet alone. You will quickly see whether the tool removes material cleanly, whether the dust box is adequate, and whether the finish is smooth enough for your project.
Information Gain: What Most Basic Comparisons Miss
Most Bosch PEX 220 A vs PEX 300 AE comparisons stop at wattage and speed. That is not enough. The real buying decision comes down to control, surface type, and how often you sand.
The PEX 300 AE does not win only because it has 270 W instead of 220 W. It wins because the combination of 270 W power, 4 mm orbit diameter, and variable speed makes it more flexible. You can use high speed and a coarse disc for removal, then slow the tool down for more delicate work.
The PEX 220 A still has a role. Its smaller orbit and lighter body make sense for light preparation, quick smoothing, and users who do not want to pay for control they will rarely use. In other words, the PEX 300 AE is the better tool, but the PEX 220 A may be the better purchase for occasional users.
Limitations to Know Before Buying
- Neither model is a professional production sander. They are Bosch DIY tools. They are suitable for home workshops, furniture projects, decorating jobs, and occasional renovation work.
- The dust box is not a substitute for full extraction. It helps, but a vacuum setup is better for long sessions.
- Paint removal can be slow. Thick gloss, old varnish, and gummy coatings can clog discs quickly.
- Technique matters. Pressing harder usually makes sanding worse. It can slow the pad, create swirl marks, and wear discs faster.
- Abrasive quality matters. A good sanding disc can make a modest sander feel much better. A poor disc can make a good sander feel weak.
Final Recommendation
For most buyers, the Bosch PEX 300 AE is the better choice. It has more power, a wider orbit, variable speed control, and better versatility across wood, paint, varnish, and polishing. If you want one DIY random orbit sander that can handle a wider range of jobs, buy the PEX 300 AE.
The Bosch PEX 220 A is still worth buying if you only need a simple, light, affordable sander for occasional work. It is easier to justify if your projects are small and you do not need speed control.
Choose the PEX 220 A for light DIY. Choose the PEX 300 AE for control, versatility, and better long-term value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bosch PEX 300 AE better than the PEX 220 A?
Yes, the Bosch PEX 300 AE is better overall. It has a 270 W motor, variable speed control, and a 4 mm orbit diameter. The PEX 220 A is lighter and usually cheaper, but it is less versatile.
Is the Bosch PEX 220 A good enough for DIY?
Yes. The PEX 220 A is good enough for occasional DIY sanding, especially on wood, filler, and painted surfaces. It is not the best choice for heavier coating removal or users who want variable speed.
Can the Bosch PEX 300 AE remove paint?
Yes, it can remove paint, especially loose, flaking, or partially stripped coatings. Thick gloss and old varnish may still take time and can clog sanding discs, so use fresh abrasives and do not rely on the sander alone for every stripping job.
Can you polish with the Bosch PEX 300 AE?
Yes. The lower speed settings make the PEX 300 AE more suitable for polishing than the fixed-speed PEX 220 A. Use the correct polishing pad and compound, and avoid staying too long in one spot.
Do both sanders use the same sanding discs?
Yes. Both use 125 mm hook-and-loop sanding discs. Make sure the dust extraction holes line up with the holes in the sanding pad.
Which one should beginners buy?
Beginners who only need a sander for small, occasional jobs can buy the PEX 220 A. Beginners who want one tool they will not quickly outgrow should buy the PEX 300 AE.