10 Best Ceramic Brake Pads 2020 – Reviews & Buying Guide
The ceramic brake pad is an affordable aftermarket brake pad that is heavy-duty, durable and easy to install. In fact, this type of brake pad is quickly replacing the traditional semi-metallic brake pad mostly because of its lower price point and dust-free braking that keeps your wheels clean.
One of its best features is that the ceramic brake pad is highly resistant to heat. Therefore, your brakes will always perform at top performance even after hours of driving.
If you are fresh on the market for the best ceramic brake pad for the money, we’ve got you covered!
Below we give you an overview of some popular models. Let’s see if they belong in your vehicle or not!
10 Best Ceramic Brake Pads – Reviews
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Wagner ThermoQuiet QC1083 (Universal Fit and Easy to Install) | ||
 | 2. Bosch BC905 QuietCast (Excellent Price to Performance Ratio) | ||
 | 3. ACDelco 17D1367CH (Thick and Limits Vibrations) | ||
 | 4. Akebono ACT787 ProACT (Efficient and Long-lasting) | ||
 | 5. ACDelco 14D785CH (Affordable and Performing) | ||
 | 6. Wagner QC537 (Thick and Durable Rear Ceramic Brake Pad) | ||
 | 7. Bosch BC1095 QuietCast (Does Not Contain Copper) | ||
 | 8. KFE 914-104 (Easy to Install by Beginners) | ||
 | 9. Bosch BC1114 (High-quality and Great Stopping Power) | ||
 | 10. Wagner ZD1293 (Superior Stopping Power) |
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. Wagner ThermoQuiet QC1083 – Universal Fit and Easy to Install
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.
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2. Bosch BC905 QuietCast – Excellent Price to Performance Ratio
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.
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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 also 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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7. Bosch BC1095 QuietCast – Does Not Contain Copper
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.
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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.
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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 this is one of the highest quality rear brake pads that 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.
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10. Wagner ZD1293 – Superior Stopping Power
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.
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Ceramic vs. Semi-metallic Brake Pad
There are basically 2 types of brake pads on the market. The ceramic brake pad and the semi-metallic brake pad.
Ceramic Brake Pad: The ceramic brake pad has a thin layer of ceramic coated on top of the brake pad that applies friction when it presses over the rotors which then allow you to stop your vehicle.
One of the best things about the ceramic brake pad is that it is very affordable and has an acceptable stopping power.
Additionally, this type of brake pad is known for not producing dust so it helps in keeping your wheels clean even if you drive for an extended period of time.
Advantages:
- Quiet. Does not produce a high noise level
- Does not produce any dust. Keep your wheels clean
- Very affordable due to a cheaper manufacturing process
- Excellent resistance to high temperatures
Disadvantages:
- Stopping power is not as strong as a semi-metallic brake pad
Semi-metallic Brake Pad: The semi-metallic brake pad is the oldest type of brake pad on the market.
As its name suggests, it has a metallic layer on top of the brake pad which is usually 30% copper and a mixture of other metal alloys that provide the friction for the stopping power.
The main advantage of the semi-metallic brake pad is that it is a high-performance brake pad that has a very strong stopping power. On the downside, it produces a lot of noise, unlike the ceramic brake pad.
Advantages:
- High stopping power due to better performance
- Not affected by high temperatures. Dissipates heat away from the brake system
- Less pressure needs to be applied on the brake pedal
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than other brake pads
- Produces dust when used for an extended period of time
- Noisy when compared ceramic brake pads
How to Buy the Best Ceramic Brake Pads
1. Compatibility
First and foremost, you need to consider the compatibility of the brake pad. Not all ceramic brake pads are compatible with every vehicle out there. If you are unsure if the brake pad will fit your vehicle, you can either check with the manufacturer or make some research online to see if your vehicle is compatible with a particular brake pad model.
However, in general cases, the ceramic brake pad is a universal brake pad that is compatible with most brake systems that have a rotor. This includes vehicles like cars, SUVs and even some trucks.
Read More: 10 Best Brake Rotors
2. Thickness
The durability of the ceramic brake pad is mostly because of its thickness. Indeed, the thicker the ceramic brake pad, the more durable and long-lasting it will be as it will take more time to grind a thicker ceramic layer.
A thicker ceramic brake pad also means that you can press on the brake pedal harder without damaging the brake pad. In addition, you will experience fewer vibrations both at the wheels and on the brake pedal when using a thicker ceramic brake pad since it has a greater capacity in absorbing shocks and vibrations.
3. Easy to install
The ceramic brake pad is very easy to install, at least as long as you have the necessary tools to dismount your wheels and replace a brake pad.
Moreover, some manufacturers ship their brake pads as a kit which includes all necessary accessories that will allow you to quickly and easily replace your original brake pad with an OEM or aftermarket model. This can be beneficial for you if you have never replaced a brake pad before.
4. Price
One of the best things about the ceramic brake pad is definitely its price as it is cheaper than a semi-metallic brake pad. However, prices can quickly get out of hand especially if you are trying to buy a top-rated ceramic brake pad. Therefore, we recommend that you set a budget when purchasing the brake pad and stick to it
5. Noise levels
Even if the ceramic brake pad is not very loud due to the technology and material it uses, it is still important to ensure that the manufacturer states how loud it is in its feature list. Look for words like “quiet” or “low noise technology” to be sure. Additionally, a low noise level also generally translates into lower vibrations and superior brake effectiveness.
6. Rotor life
Every time you press on the brake pedal, the ceramic brake pad presses against the rotors of your vehicle and this is what creates the stopping power to stop the vehicle. Evidently, there is a lot of wear and tear that goes on both on the ceramic brake pad as well as on the rotors.
Make sure that the ceramic brake pad is optimized in such a way that it is rotor-friendly as this will help enhance the durability and lifespan of both the ceramic brake pad as well as the rotor in general.
Read More: 12 Best Brake Fluids
Conclusion
As we have seen, the ceramic brake pad is a heavy-duty brake pad that does not produce dust and helps keep your wheels clean. Furthermore, you can have a heavy foot on the brake pedal when using the ceramic brake pad as it is very durable.
Best, this type of brake pad is very economical and has an excellent tolerance to high temperatures. If you are looking forward to changing the brake pads in your vehicle for an aftermarket unit, the ceramic brake pad is an excellent choice.
Finally, if you have read our ceramic brake pad review above and still unsure on which model to go with, we recommend that you read the review one more time as you may have missed something.
Sources
- Ceramic vs. Semi-Metallic Brake Pads - Sears Auto Center
- Ceramic vs. Metallic Brake Pads: What's the Difference? - Bridgestone