10 Best Ceramic Brake Pads of 2021

The Wagner ThermoQuiet is a pair of front ceramic brake pads that is very easy to install and should universally fit almost any type of vehicle. This model is delivered as a complete kit that makes installation easy by even beginners.

One of the main features of this model is that the manufacturer claims that it is 35% quieter when compared to a traditional brake pad. There is some truth to it as ceramic brake pads are generally extremely quiet.

Best of all, you will also experience 15% more stopping power using this brake pad. Even if it is not as heavy-duty as a semi-metallic brake pad, this is still more than enough for most people. Moreover, since these made from ceramic, it is quite durable and will offer good resistance to high temperatures.

The only caveats we note is that the front pads a bit long so it may be difficult to fit in the calipers of some brake systems. Additionally, the back of the plate seems to be black color painted which may start chipping away. Nothing that will affect performance, though.

The Bosch BC905 is rated as one of the best ceramic brake pads on the market because it has an excellent price to performance ratio. Indeed, much of the performance that you will get from this brake pad is due to its high-quality build construction.

Moreover, due to the efficient design, it is quiet and will not vibrate even if you press hard on the brake pedal. Additionally, this unit is 2025 copper-free law approved which means that it does not have copper or other harmful metals in it.

In addition, the design of this ceramic brake pad will ensure that it protects not only the brake pad from wear and tear but extend the life of the router as well.

All in all, if you’re looking for a pair of rear ceramic brake pads, the Bosch BC905 is an excellent model to consider because of its superior build construction and excellent price to performance ratio.

The only real disadvantage we  see with this Bosch brake pad is that it produces a little bit more dust than the competition. Additionally, the sensors are quite fragile so you need to be careful when installing it as they can break easily.

3. ACDelco 17D1367CH – Thick and Limits Vibrations

ACDelco is one of the best ceramic brake pad brands on the market. This model is equally high quality and meant to be installed on the front of almost any type of vehicle that uses a brake pad. Moreover, the ceramic on this brake pad is quite thick which does a great job of helping to limit vibrations.

Additionally, you will not hear any squeaking noises with this brake pad as it has an excellent design like premium shims, slots, and chamfers that are intended to limit those kinds of noises. The build construction of this ceramic brake pad is also very good which guarantees that it is durable and long-lasting.

Furthermore, the backing plate is designed in such a way that it will move efficiently within the caliper assembly which will help promote the durability and longevity of both the brake pad as well as the vehicle's rotors.

The only problem with this high-quality ceramic brake pad is its price. But if money is not an issue, it is an excellent choice to consider.

4. Akebono ACT787 ProACT – Efficient and Long-lasting

The Akebono ACT787 is an excellent upgrade for those looking to replace their factory brake pad with an aftermarket ceramic brake pad. Indeed, this model has been designed in such a way that it is extremely efficient and will last a long time, even if you press hard on the brake pedal.

Moreover, since it is made from ceramic, it does not produce a lot of dust which will leave your wheels clean even if you drive for long hours. This is a big problem with semi-metallic brake pads, and you will not have this issue with this Akebono brake pad.

One of the best features of this brake pad remains its highly durable surface and decent thickness.

Indeed, this thickness will ensure that this ceramic brake pad will last longer than your factory brake pad. This means that you get more value for your money with this purchase.

In addition, it has a standard design, so it should easily replace any brake pad in your vehicle, whether it is ceramic or semi-metallic. However, you still need to be careful because this model is not universal, so you need to ensure that it is compatible with your vehicle.

5. ACDelco 14D785CH – Affordable and Performing

ACDelco generally makes premium and expensive brake pads. However, this ACDelco brake pad is quite affordable and surprisingly, it does not sacrifice build construction or performance.

The shims, slots, and chamfers of this ceramic brake pad are made in such a way that it will help limit vibrations and not produce any noise even if you generally press hard on your brake paddle.

Moreover, the ceramic lining is heavy-duty and will not wear easily. Bottom line, you get a longer-lasting brake pad if you go with this model.

One of the best things about this brake pad is that it does not need any cure-in time, unlike other models. This means that once you install this brake pad on your vehicle, it will work at 100% performance all the time.

Just make sure that it is compatible with your vehicle because this particular model is quite choosy on the type of vehicle that it can be installed on.

6. Wagner QC537 – Thick and Durable Rear Ceramic Brake Pad

One of the most distinguishing features of the Wagner QC537 is the thick ceramic lining that makes it very durable and long-lasting.

This model has the same high-quality builds construction as the Wagner model we have covered above in our ceramic brake pad review. However, this model is intended for the rear of the vehicle while the other was the front.

Moreover, this pad has a universal design so it will have no problem replacing your factory brake pad.

Additionally, the manufacturer claims that is a brake that is 35% quieter and has fewer vibrations due to a more efficient design. It also has 15% more stopping power as well. Since this brake pad does not create any dust, it will also leave your wheels clean even if you drive for long hours.

All in all, this is a good ceramic brake pad especially if you pair it with the ThermoQuiet QC1083 which is a front ceramic brake pad by the same manufacturer.

Note that you need to firsthand clean your rotors before the installation of this brake pad or else it will create unnecessary dust.

The Bosch BC1095 is an updated version that is 2025 copper free legislation law approved. Indeed, this ceramic brake pad does not contain any copper and will not create dust even if like to press hard on the brake pedal.

Moreover, the price of this rear ceramic brake pad is very affordable considering the quality of the build construction. In order to help diminish vibrations and noise, it has a rubber core multi-layer shim that also provides this rate pad with more strength and enhances durability.

In addition, due to the standard design, it will replace the rear brake pad of almost any type of vehicle on the market. Best of all, it is very beginner friendly and easy to install. This model will also come as a complete kit which includes some synthetic lubricant as well.

But, you need to ensure firsthand that this unit is compatible with your vehicle because this is not a universal brake pad.

8. KFE 914-104 – Easy to Install by Beginners

This KFE is another affordable ceramic brake pad that is intended for the front of your vehicle. This model has been designed in such a way that it will easily replace the factory brake pad of any vehicle with is. Indeed, it has perfect fitment so it is incredibly easy to install by beginners.

Moreover, the ceramic lining is very durable which will make this brake pad long-lasting. Even if you have the tendency of pressing hard on the brake pedal, it will not create dust which will help keep your wheels clean.

In addition, there are multiple technologies working in this brake pad that will ensure that it has a stronger stopping power as well as does not emit noise or vibrations during operation. Just be wary that you need to first calibrate this brake pad properly to prevent it from making any noise.

9. Bosch BC1114 – High-quality and Great Stopping Power

Bosch is one of the best ceramic brake pad brands on the market. The Bosch BC1114 is a clear example of that as one of the highest quality rear brake pads you can buy. It is durable, does not vibrate and has an excellent stopping power.

Best of all, the price tag of this brake pad is still affordable for the quality that you are buying. This unit is also 2025 copper-free legislation law approved, so it is safe to use. Moreover, the thick ceramic lining of this brake pad makes it very durable and long-lasting. It can definitely be used as a heavy-duty brake pad.

Moreover, due to the shape of this brake pad, it should be virtually compatible with any vehicle on the market. However, it is still a good idea to inquire with the car manufacturer if this model is compatible or not.

The only caveat we see with this Bosch brake pad is that the price could have been a little bit more competitive.

The Wagner ZD1293 concentrates on one thing and that is stopping power. Indeed, this model boasts to be one of the best ceramic brake pads for the money when it comes to stopping power.

It is able to do this by having a thick ceramic lining when compared to a traditional front brake pad as well as a more efficient design that will help limit noise and vibrations.

Moreover, the design ensures that the wear and tear of the ceramic lining is uniform throughout the brake pad. This will ensure that the brake pad is still performing even if the lining has thinned.

Best of all, you get this top-rated ceramic brake pad as a full installation kit as it comes with all installation accessories. But, if the environment is important to you, keep in mind that the Wagner ZD1293 is not 2025 copper-free law compliant.