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Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best brake pads 2022. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Worn-out brake pads are a risk most people are not willing to take, and rightly so. Luckily, replacing brake pads is pretty straightforward and should be done regularly to avoid hearing that screeching sound that alerts you that the brake pads are bare. Failing to replace worn-out brake pads can result in spending a lot more money replacing brake calipers and the pads and rotors.
Replace brake pads regularly to ensure safety on the roadImage credit: Shutterstock/PixieMe
While brake pads cost far less than a lot of other replacement parts on a car, buying the right pair is imperative. Brake pads wear down naturally with continuous use and, depending on the model, should be replaced every few thousand miles.
Read our guide below to get a better idea of the different types of brake pads, including those that tend to last longer than others.
Understanding the types of brake pads, including OE and aftermarket brake pads, can help you when it comes to purchasing good brake pads for your particular vehicle. Brake pad manufacturers offer the best type of brake pads with the best friction materials that produce very little brake dust for specific car models.
We briefly cover the different brake pads available below.
These brake pads are simply the preferred brake pads decided by the car manufacturer for their specific car model, and usually the car’s own brake pads that come with the vehicle when you purchase it. Since manufacturers know the accurate and proper fitment and best brake pad brands for their models, some car owners go with OE pads to replace their worn-out brake pads.
Brake manufacturers choose their brake system based on optimal braking power, including stopping power, which produces less brake dust and noise, and brake pads that last the longest. OE brake pads work if car owners want less dust than metallic or semi-metallic pads.
These types of brake pad are also quieter and have better performance in cold weather, although an OE-type brake pad does not stop as quickly as an aftermarket brake pad.
Most brake pads cannot handle extended dirt and dust kicked up from driving on unpaved or dusty roads. Aftermarket brake pads are designed for vehicles that still require excellent braking performance even in dusty driving conditions.
Due to the corrosive compounds, using brake fluid often with these brakes is highly suggested. In addition, these brakes produce more brake dust than OE brake pads.
The most durable of all the types of brake pads, a ceramic braking system has the best braking performance of the different types of brake pads.
They produce minimal brake dust and don’t have some of the braking harshness associated with metallic brake pads.
Organic car brake pads used to be made with asbestos but, thankfully, are now made with several different compounds. These brake pads are the least expensive and most commonly used brake pads.
They create more brake dust due to the friction material and have increased brake pad wear than their counterparts, so changing these brake pads often is recommended
Semi-metallic car brake pads like metallic pads are made of different metals but are not necessarily 100% metal. Semi-metallic brake pads are very similar to metallic brake pads in the amount of noise and dust they produce.
Metallic brake pads can be made from various metals, and although they are louder and create more brake dust than other brake pads, they reduce heat on brake rotors that prevent brakes from overheating.
Source the best brake pads from our below top picks, including organic, carbon-ceramic, and front or rear pads.
Scroll down to review our list of the best brake pads and read through helpful reviews from thousands of satisfied shoppers.
*Prices listed in this article were as shown in US$ on Amazon.com (USA) and other online retailers as of January 2022
Owners of cars who are looking for a reliable front disc brake pad will appreciate what the Brembo brake pad has to offer. These pads are specifically designed for cars in North America and fit dozens of vehicles such as the Subaru STI, BRZ, and Evo 7.
Made of alloy steel with friction material, the stopping power on these premium pads makes for less brake dust and smooth and quiet braking.
The braking components simply include a backplate, brake grease, and brake pads. One customer who raved about the quality of these brake pads described, “Stopping power at its best. Good product at an unbelievable price.”
Material: Alloy Steel
Position: Front
These organic brake pads from Carquest are an excellent choice for owners looking for a standard organic brake pad.
The shim on these organic pads is made of a single layer to reduce noise and vibration, while the friction material measures about half an inch to increase brake life. These brake pads come with a limited lifetime warranty.
One reviewer described, “This product works great because it doesn't squeal when you press the breaks, and they make the vehicle come to a stop more quickly and smoothly.”
Material: Organic
Position: Rear
For easy installation of brake pads to your car’s brake system, look no further than these semi-metallic Wagner brake pads. These premium brakes are made of stainless steel with improved friction material and are engineered to have excellent stopping power up until being replaced.
Caliper assembly is straightforward due to the steel backing plate design that helps these front brake pads fit easily into the caliper.
One shopper explained, “Put these on a 1998 Ford Explorer. Couldn’t be happier. Comes with all hardware and with the low price and amazing super fast delivery.”
Material: Stainless Steel
Position: Front
As far as an addition to disc brake systems go, these metallic front brake pads from Callahan are top-notch. This set comes with an OE 5 lug, brake disc rotors, and four brake pads.
Unlike other types of brake pads, these metallic new brake pads don’t require a period of being worn in. In addition, despite being metal, the friction materials don’t reduce corrosion of the brake pedal after prolonged use.
“The pads and rotors were just as described,” raved one purchaser. “Have installed them on a 08' Jeep Liberty and are working great. Good deal for the price.”
Material: Metallic
Position: Front
These front ceramic brake pads are Amazon’s choice for OEM brake pads. Designed for use with most Asian-made cars, these ceramic brake pads last long, don’t make noise, produce very little brake dust and have excellent braking performance.
In addition, these new brake pads come with a backing plate, brake fluid, and shim clips. Unlike some ceramic brake pads, these pads require no break-in time. Note that installing these brake pads was more difficult than most other ceramic pads.
One reviewer commented, “Akebono pads quality are pretty good. I never [had] any problems with them. They usually last very long as a daily driver and don't give out much brake dust.”
Material: Ceramic
Position: Front
Vehicles owners that require six-piston pads won’t be disappointed with these front Power Stop carbon-fiber ceramic formula brake pads.
The set comes with a brake pad for the left and right wheels, and many customers noted that as far as pads and rotors go in extreme weather, these won’t freeze together. Note that the friction materials on these carbon-ceramic pads also perform flawlessly in heavy downpours.
“Love these brake pads,” expressed one reviewer, who estimated that these brake pads have around 35–40,000 miles on them. “And not only is the mileage great,” they continued, “but even better is the fact these are virtually dust-free, meaning no more soiled wheels. And last but not least, they have great stopping power.”
Material: Ceramic
Position: Front
These top-of-the-line TRW ceramic pads are perfect for car owners often in stop-and-go traffic; a situation that naturally increases brake pad wear.
These pads can be customized for a specific braking system, such as commercial vehicles, and owners looking for low-dust or low-noise pads. If you’re looking for a set of new brake pads, these premium brake pads last longer than most OE pads and have excellent stopping ability.
One customer described, “I replaced my original pads on my 2017 Ford Fiesta ST with these ceramic TRW pads… The stopping power with the TRW pad is still very good yet more progressive. I'm noticing less brake dust as well.”
Material: Ceramic
Position: Rear or Front
Anyone looking for an affordable set of pads will find these rear Centric ceramic brake pads a steal. The set comes with four rear pads and shims.
Some customers suggested changing the rotors when changing the brake pad to reduce overall wear on the brake pedal. Before purchase, be sure to visit the Centric site for a list of compatible vehicles.
One satisfied buyer who reported that these brake pads got him 165,000 miles explained, “Very low to no dust. Good stopping power, no noise, good wear. They’re the only ones I use.”
Material: Ceramic
Position: Rear
Car owners looking for a reliable set of brake pads won’t be disappointed with these highly-rated Bosch rear brake pads that have over 90% satisfied customers on Amazon.
These pads are made of ceramic and semi-metallic materials and are designed for a brake system that can handle extensive wear. The backing plate, clips, pads, and shims are included with this kit.
One happy customer clarified, “These brake pads are very well made and very high quality. The pads for my application were friction-rated ‘GG,’ which is very good. Everything that you could possibly need for pad replacement is included in the box: the new stainless slides/clips and silicone lube.”
Material: Ceramic
Position: Rear
These Bosch brake pads have over 52,000 reviews on Amazon. Their superior braking power is due to their ceramic, aerospace alloy, and rubber shims, which reduces wear on the brake pedal and rotors.
Some customers noted that they had to purchase additional sensor cables for their specific vehicle separately (so keep this in mind when buying) but these pads are still a superior product.
One reviewer commented, “Bosch pads are known for their high quality, and these are no exception. The pads arrived in perfect condition, and the box also included the necessary clips and brake grease. I paired these with matching Bosch rotors, and I was very pleased with the stopping ability as well as how quiet and smooth they worked.”
Material: Ceramic
Position: Rear
Nothing in the category got higher reviews for high-performance and long-lasting brake pads than the Bosch premium brake pads (US$42.43, Amazon). The TRW pads (from US$31.49, Auto Anything) are a good option for customizable brake pads that can handle heavy traffic conditions.
We hope our review of the best brake pads has been helpful and you found the ones you need so you’re equipped next time you need to change brake pads on your vehicle. For more suppliers of related products, including ceramic brake lubricant, NRS brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, brake shoes, brake blocks, brake lining resins, brake friction materials, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.