What's inside
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The short answer
Both the Festool ETS EC 150 and Mirka DEROS are premium 6-inch (150 mm) random-orbit sanders that can work well with a properly matched extractor. Neither makes dust control automatic: a poor hose fit, clogged abrasive, leaky extractor, or sanding pad held flat against a surface can still leave dust behind.
The practical choice is often about your existing setup. Pick the Festool if you already use Festool extractors and value a tidy, integrated hose connection. Pick the DEROS if you want a compact, light sander and like its app-based vibration monitoring. For occasional work, a less expensive sander connected to a suitable extractor may be entirely adequate; the premium price is harder to justify if most of your sanding is short, infrequent jobs.
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Dust control is a system
Dust collection depends on the whole path from abrasive holes to extractor, not just the sander. The pad, sanding disc, hose, extractor filter, and work material all affect how much dust gets captured. Use a disc with a hole pattern that matches the pad, keep the extractor filter clean, and choose an extractor suited to the dust and job. Fine wood dust can be a health hazard; a sander’s built-in extraction is not a substitute for appropriate respiratory protection and a properly maintained dust-control setup.
Neither tool’s collection claim should be read as a promise of a dust-free workshop. On a flat panel, with a clean disc and steady extractor airflow, both can capture most of the visible sanding dust. At edges, on profiles, or when the disc is loaded with finish, dust escapes more readily. Stop and clear a clogged disc rather than pressing harder: added pressure can reduce airflow through the abrasive, wear the pad, and leave uneven scratches.
At a glance
| Factor | Festool ETS EC 150 | Mirka DEROS |
|---|---|---|
| Pad size | 150 mm (6 in) | 150 mm (6 in) |
| Dust connection | Designed to pair closely with Festool hose and extractor accessories | Dust port connects to a compatible extraction hose |
| Handling | Compact, brushless design; grip and balance depend partly on hose setup | Compact, low-profile design; light feel is a common draw |
| Vibration monitoring | Check the version and its included features before buying | Some versions support vibration monitoring through an app |
| Best fit | Owners invested in the Festool system | Buyers prioritizing a light sander and monitoring features |
Exact specifications and included accessories can vary by version and market, so check the listing for the precise model, orbit, pad, and hose connection. Those details affect the job more than a headline feature: a larger orbit removes material faster, while a smaller orbit generally favors finer finishing.
Festool: easiest when you already own the system
The ETS EC 150 makes particular sense in a Festool shop. A compatible hose and extractor create a straightforward setup, with fewer adapter decisions and a familiar way to connect and manage the hose. If you move between several Festool tools, keeping one extractor system and compatible fittings can save time and reduce the chance of a loose connection.
That advantage is less compelling if your extractor has a different hose size or you are starting from scratch. Allow for the cost of compatible hose or adapters, and check that the connection stays secure while you work. A hose that tugs or leaks can undermine collection on either sander. The tool’s premium price also buys more than dust pickup; if you only sand a few boards a year, those system conveniences may not repay the difference.
Mirka: light handling, with the same need for a good extractor
The DEROS is appealing if you want a compact sander that feels easy to steer for longer sessions. Its low-profile shape can help when controlling the tool across broad panels, but a comfortable grip is personal: try holding one if possible, especially if you have smaller hands or plan to sand overhead. App-based vibration monitoring on supported versions can help you keep track of exposure, but it does not replace sensible work breaks or correct technique.
For dust control, judge the DEROS by the complete connection, not by the sander alone. Confirm that your hose fits securely and that the extractor maintains useful airflow with the hose length and filter you plan to use. If you need an adapter, make sure it seals and does not make the hose awkward to handle. A light tool can still feel tiring if a stiff hose pulls against it.
Choose by job and current equipment
For cabinets, furniture, and other finish-sensitive work, the right abrasive and technique matter as much as the sander. Start with the least aggressive grit that removes the marks, keep the pad flat, and move at a steady pace. Random-orbit sanders can leave swirl marks if you skip grits, use a damaged disc, or tilt the pad onto an edge. Check under raking light before applying finish; scratches that are hard to see in ordinary light often show up afterward.
For paint, filler, or other fine dust, use an extractor and filtration suitable for that material, and follow the product and workplace safety guidance. A household vacuum is not automatically an appropriate dust extractor. If you sand drywall or coatings, confirm what the dust contains before choosing filters or relying on a basic vacuum.
If you are buying an extractor as well, compare compatible dust extractors for power sanders and check hose diameter, filter options, and automatic tool-start compatibility. If you already have a working extractor, spend first on a sound hose connection and suitable 150 mm dust-extraction sanding discs with the correct hole pattern. Cheap or mismatched discs can block extraction even with an expensive sander.
Which one should you buy?
Choose the ETS EC 150 when it fits an existing Festool setup and reducing connection hassle across your tools is worth paying for. Choose the DEROS if its size, feel, and supported vibration-monitoring features suit your work better, and its hose connection fits your extractor cleanly. There is no universal dust-control winner independent of the extractor and hose.
If you do occasional DIY sanding, a cheaper 150 mm sander can be a sensible purchase. Put the savings toward a capable extractor, a secure hose, fresh discs, and protective equipment. That setup often makes a bigger difference to the dust you breathe and the cleanup you face than choosing between two premium sanders.