Even though you press the brake beneath your feet inside your car, the vehicle slows down through a long, complicated route. The final part that presses is the brake pad squeezing against the wheels to help the vehicle come to a standstill. So, what basically a brake pad does is do the actual job of stopping the wheels from turning. So you this reason you need good quality and the best brake pads. We will review here the best ceramic brake pads for your best choice.
That tells enough how crucial a brake pad is for a car. Among the two different types – metallic and ceramic, the latter one grabs a lot of attention from the users for its durability and performance. Consider yourself lucky if you can install the best ceramic brake pads on your vehicle, while most of the options in the market are simply not up to the mark.
In this piece, we have piled up 12 brake pads that are definitely worth your money. Fasten your seatbelts and keep reading till the end!
What Is Ceramic Brake Pad
It’s simple, the brake pads that are made from ceramic are known as ceramic brake pads. The ceramics are pretty much similar to the ceramics used in pottery and plates. However, these are denser and stronger, and of course, more durable.
Different Types of Brake Pads
The name of different brake pads is not that unique. You can tell the difference among the pads by the names themselves. Let’s find out some of the most commonly used brake pads.
Here are some of the benefits of a ceramic brake pad.
- This is the latest innovation in the brake pad industry
- These are lighter and cleaner
- Attracts less dust than traditional ones
- These are quieter than traditional semi-metallic pads
Semi-Metallic: As you can tell by the name, these brake pads are not completely metallic. A part of the entire construction is metallic only. According to the experts, only 35 to 60 percent of the building materials are metal. Although it is quite durable, it suffers from high temperatures.
Ceramic: Ceramic brake pads are quite expensive compared to the other types. These are quite cleaner, quieter, and also more durable than their counterparts.
Low Metallic: The Low Metallic brake pads are famous for being noisy and loud. Moreover, these pads attract as much dust as they can. So, it takes a lot of time to clean these pads after a ride. The copper or the steel used in building these pads aid in transferring heat.
Non-Asbestos Organic: The NAO pads are crafted from organic materials that include glass, fiber, rubber, and kevlar. Although the pads are known to be a bit quieter, they are also prone to wear and tear.
The Quick Review
Don’t have time? Here’s a quick look at what we have covered in this piece.
Made from friction material ceramic formation, this one is going to be your optimum performer. It fits well and pretty easily. It comes with reduced resistance for better braking and also hasOE-style multilayer shims that reduce noise, as well. Designed for Honda Accord, this brake pad set is completely rust-resistant.
Easier to install and fits most vehicles – that’s how versatile this one is. Tested for SAE J2784, this one is one of the safest and most highly performing brake pads out there. The friction molded bonding ensures better durability and optimum performance. Not to mention, you can easily find spare parts for this.
The carbon-fiber ceramic brake pads promise the best performance out there on the street. The Thermal-scorched surface of the brake pads allows fast and accurate brake every time. It comes with a dust-free, noise-free, and corrosion-free design that will really support you for a long time.
Tested for SAE J2784, this versatile brake pad can support excellent brakes at any moment. It’s relatively easier to install and comes with a lot of aftermarket options that make it a perfect choice for regular use.
Coming with a rubber-core multilayer shim, the brake pad achieved a bit of strength beyond the capacity of its competitors. Then again, it has advanced aerospace alloy and rust-resistant formation to ensure a world-class brake performance every time.
This one-piece brake pad comes with a promise of strength and durability for a long time. From its excellent heat management system to its mitigation of brake fading, you can tell you are relying on something that’s more than ordinary.
This superior yet affordable set of brake pads come with a simple setup and built-in brake grease system. This makes it very easy for you to keep on maintaining and cleaning the pads every now and then. Being corrosion-resistant, it’s also safe for use throughout the year.
Another fully copper-free solution for you is the Bendix CFC1327. Apart from its copper-free brilliance, it also comes with an OE-designed 4-layered shim for reducing noise as much as possible. Then again, it’s quite easy and simple to set up and maintain, as well.
This one is one of the most affordable brake pads on our list. Despite being on the cheaper side, the pad comes with dual-rubber shims for quieter performance. Then again, it goes through the Thermo-Scorched manufacturing process that allows a lower break-in time.
Easy to handle and excellent braking ability – these are the two most unique features of this set of pads. It comes with a reduced noise operation coupled with a low-dust formula. This makes it easy for you to clean it up. Plus, being Thermos-Scorched treated, the pad reduces the break-in time, as well.
Hawk introduces a unique Ferro-carbon formula for this brake pad. It offers remarkable friction, with noise-free performance. This is truly a great deal for the price tag it comes with.
The EBC brake pads come with high-quality friction padding for a smooth braking system. Apart from that, it allows you to use it on off-street riding, as well. Then again, the multi-color design adds to the look of your vehicle, too.
Best Ceramic Brake Pads Product Chart
Top 12 Best Ceramic Brake Pads Reviews with buying guide
The following are our takes on the 12 brake pads that we have picked right for you. We have looked into the details of the features of these pads and prepared this review for your clarification.
1) Bosch BC905 Quiet Cast Premium Ceramic Disc Brake Pad- Best for easy maintenance
Although the Bosch BC905 is limited to a number of models from different vehicle brands, the models are pretty much what we usually use nowadays. So, yes, you can easily call these pads versatile for a reason! Apart from that, the premium quality of the pads will surprise you a big-time, for sure! Starting off with the noiseless operation, it will really impress you with its amazing capacity.
It’s not a good idea to plant brake pads every three months. What seems to be a better plan is to go for something durable that offers long-term support. However, long-term support does come with a threat of rust and corrosion. But that’s been taken care of in this set of pads.
Why We Love Bosch BE1654 Brake Pad
This is possible because of the rubber-core multilayer shim. The multilayer shim offers to develop more strength and also provides insulation to prevent noise. That means whenever you go for a hard brake, you can rest assured that the cranking sound won’t be there!
Then again, it comes with an advanced aerospace alloy in ceramic material. However, this does comply with the 2025 copper-free legislation.
The powder-coating on the pads prevents rust formation on the surface, which eventually saves the pad from corrosion.
The pads come with a protective transfer layer on them. This extends the rotor life and also improves the durability of the pad. As for maintaining the pads, you have a hardware kit and synthetic lubricants right out of the package.
Powder coating:
Its powder coating on the backing plate makes it quite resistant to corrosion and rust.
Moderately Noisy:
The brake pads will make a bit of noise, but it won’t be too much loud. However, it’s enough to grab your attention.
2) Delco Gold 17D1367CH Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pad Set- Best for Design
ACDelco Gold comes with the 17D1367CH as a versatile solution for many vehicles. This one suits many vehicles, and you can easily use one of these. Comparatively easier to install and premium quality – these are the two key leverages ACDelco has over other models in the market. The testing process it goes through gives you a proper idea of how carefully ACDelco prepares the pads for you.
Then again, the pads feature premium slots, chamfers, and shims that make it pretty easier for you to install. Moreover, these options are led by the technique that reduces the noise and vibration of the pads so that you can experience a smooth and calm brake every time.
Why We Love ACDelco Gold 17D1367CH
It has a stamped backing plate that makes sure that the pads are moving in the caliper assembly pretty much effortlessly.
Being tested on the SAE J2784, this set of brake pads offer a better braking experience compared to its counterparts. It effectively reduces braking harshness so that the risk of an accident is mitigated to a greater level.
The friction material molded design ensures the bond integrity of the ceramic for better durability, as well as protection.
The best part is if you are looking for a change or replacement for the pads, the makers made aftermarket parts available for you. This is really a life-saving option for any given situation. Above all, its suitability to a wide range of vehicles is also a vital part of it.
Premium quality chamfers:
The premium quality chamfers, slots, and shims make it really easy to install the pads on your wheels.
A Bit Loud:
Although you can apply grease on a regular basis to mitigate it, the brake pad is still quite loud.
3) Power Stop Z26-1405 Z26 Extreme Performance Carbon-Ceramic Brake Pad- Best For Noise-free Braking
Alright, time to pick some powerful brake pads! It’s time for Power Stop Z26-1405 Z26! These brake pads come with a carbon-fiber ceramic material to ensure top-class durability for your smooth braking experience.
The pads have a thermal scorched surface that allows them to cause a fast break. Then again, the chamfered slots here offer noise-free braking, as well. The best part is, the pads don’t break down even if you are going for a hard and pressured brake.
Why We Love Power Stop Z26-1405 Z26 Extreme Performance
Being dust-free is one of the key features of these pads. You can literally go cleaning-free for days without any worry. These pads attract less dust and dirt while on the move and don’t cause any hamper inside the wheels. Moreover, the stainless-steel shims always keep themselves shiny and clean.
Speaking of the stainless-steel shim, this plays another vital role. It effectively reduces the noise, even if there are a lot of reasons for the heavy noise. You can compare these to stock brake pads in this case.
Then again, the upgraded powder-coated backing makes these pads a perfect fit for most muscle cars. These pads play a suitable role in these cars to increase the braking performance.
What’s more, is that the pads offer rust and corrosion resistance to a greater level. That means you can forget about getting the pads all rusty even after using the pads for a long time. To help you out with that, the package comes with brake grease and a premium SS hardware kit. A little bit of maintenance will help you a great deal!
Dust-free design:
The dust-free design of the brake pads will make it a lot easier for you to maintain the pads on a long-term basis.
Don’t Use Rigorously:
The brake pads will not be supporting in a great way if you are using them on the streets where the continuous and repetitive brake is required.
4) ACDelco Gold 17D1522CH (19288003) Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pad Set-Best For Durability
Another ACDelco Gold frog disc brake pad set on our list is the 17D1367ACH. This one is an upgraded model from the previous 17D1367CH model. However, the features remain the same, with a bit more durability in addition. Not so surprisingly, this one is also a versatile brake pad that can be installed on most vehicles we drive. It offers premium quality and simplicity of installation – the two most powerful features of the set.
The pads also go through a lot of testing for quality assurance. By getting tested for SAE J2784, the pads have proved that these are quite suitable for the harshest of brakes you can execute. However, the harshness will not affect the pad’s skeleton and surface in any way. Then again, it also reduces the noise to a significant level for annoy-free braking.
Why We Love ACDelco Gold 17D1367ACH
The pads come with some of the best chamfers, slots, and shims in the market. This makes it just a matter of time to install the pads on your wheels. Then again, it also makes sure that the pads are quite durable enough to withstand any kind of pressure on them.
As the pads have stamped backing plates, you can rest assured that the pads are constantly moving within the caliper quite conveniently.
Not so different from the previous model, this one is also suitable for aftermarket parts. So, whenever you are stuck in the middle of nowhere and need a spare change, you can always rely on the aftermarket parts with no worries.
Stamped Backing Plate Offer:
Having a useful stamped backing plate offer completely effortless pad movement for the wheels.
Doesn’t Fit 15 WRX:
It doesn’t fit well at all on a 15 WRX. So, better be careful if you own one.
5) Bosch BE1654 Blue Disc Brake Pad Set for 2013-15 Honda Accord- Best For Longevity
Although the Bosch BE1654 is limited to a number of models from different vehicle brands, the models are pretty much what we usually use nowadays. So, yes, you can easily call these pads versatile for a reason! Apart from that, the premium quality of the pads will surprise you a big-time, for sure! Starting off with the noiseless operation, it will really impress you with its amazing capacity.
It’s not a good idea to plant brake pads every three months. What seems to be a better plan is to go for something durable that offers long-term support. However, long-term support does come with a threat of rust and corrosion. But that’s been taken care of in this set of pads.
Why We Love Bosch BE1654 Blue Disc Brake Pad
This is possible because of the rubber-core multilayer shim. The multilayer shim offers to develop more strength and also provides insulation to prevent noise. That means whenever you go for a hard brake, you can rest assured that the cranking sound won’t be there!
Then again, it comes with an advanced aerospace alloy in ceramic material. However, this does comply with the 2025 copper-free legislation.
The powder-coating on the pads prevents rust formation on the surface, which eventually saves the pad from corrosion.
The pads come with a protective transfer layer on them. This extends the rotor life and also improves the durability of the pad. As for maintaining the pads, you have a hardware kit and synthetic lubricants right out of the package.
Powder Coating:
Its powder coating on the backing plate makes it quite resistant to corrosion and rust.
Moderately Noisy:
The brake pads will make a bit of noise, but it won’t be too much loud. However, it’s enough to grab your attention.
6) Wagner ThermoQuiet QC1324 Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set-Excellent in performance
It’s always safer to go for a one-piece construction for brake pads than going for multiple pieces that are connected. If you are on the same page, then the Wagner ThermoQuiet QC1324 is going to be a suitable pick for you. This brake pad set uses a one-piece design that makes it super durable on every corner. So, no matter how much pressure you are putting on it, it’s going to distribute it all in split seconds.
The application-specific design is what makes it a unique one among many options right now. Its top-class laser-shaped friction easily spreads the heat out to keep it cool, even after a long journey. Then again, it also uses the same technique to reduce vibration and sound. This gives you a comfortable and convenient riding experience.
Why We Love Wagner Thermo Quiet QC1324
What’s interesting in this design is its superior formulation. This effectively dissipates heat from the surface of the pad and keeps it cool even after repetitive pressing of the brake.
Then again, it also helps in the reduction of the brake fade to support you for a long time. Not to mention, it directly improves its durability of it.
As for the proprietary formulation, the pads come with excellent performance that mitigates the rotor wear. So, you can expect less dust formation on it, which may mean you need to clean it less frequently.
Excellent proprietary:
Its excellent proprietary formulation makes it very easy for the pads to control and mitigate dust formation.
Heat Issue Is There:
The pads have a tendency to get hot quite fast. So, you need to keep that in check.
7) Power Stop Z26-1053 Extreme Performance New Formulation Brake Pad- Best For Easy Installation
On our quest to find out the best ceramic brake pad, we have the Power Stop Z26-1053 on our list. With an all-new design, the Power Stop brand promises the best braking service at a very affordable price. However, cheaper doesn’t mean it offers anything less than its competitors. You can tell it from the superior quality stainless steel shims it comes with.
The stainless steel shims make sure that the pad doesn’t make any crazy noise while in use, and it also reduces vibration. So, even if you are going for a hard brake at some point on the road, you can get a smooth and solid brake right away. Compare this to stock brake pads, and you can get what we are saying!
Why We Love Power Stop Z26-1053
Then again, the chamfered and slotted design allows the pad to play a useful role in the simplistic installation. You won’t need any mechanics to get the job done for you. You can easily install the parts as the package comes with some of the accessory hardware, too!
Once again, the carbon-fiber brake pads come with brake grease, as well, in case you need it for maintenance.
Having a powder-coated backing plate means the pads are ready to roll with some of the muscle cars out there. These pads add to the braking performance of these cars and provide excellent stoppage in seconds.
Moreover, the pad coatings also offer resistance against rust and corrosion to make sure the pads last long!
Premium Stainless Steel:
The premium stainless steel shims ensure that you have a noiseless and smooth braking experience.
Slow Stop:
Although the building materials are quite rugged, the pads do not stop as fast as stock pads.
8) Dix Premium Copper Free CFC1510 Ceramic Brake Pad- Copper Free Design
Bendix comes with another high-quality brake pad – the CFC1327. When most of its competitors are going with copper-mixed material for the building design, Bendix has chosen to go fully copper-free in their CFC1327. So, according to the legislation targeting 2025, Bendix comes forward as a lead mover in this case. Although the formulas are vehicle-specific, these are going to suit most of the regular vehicles we use.
Speaking of models, the pads support the late-model vehicles, as well. So you can use it with nearly any model of vehicle you are riding. Apart from that, the pads are pretty well-known for the discretion they offer. You can rely on the noise-free braking system it offers. This is because the design of the pad comes with a brilliant feature – a 4-layer shim.
Why We Love Bendix CFC1327
The brake pad is designed with totally Copper-free for the legislation targeting 2025. This is a unique design compared to competitors.
The OE-designed 4-layered shim is a premium shim that offers noise-eliminating support. As it conforms to the OE standards, you can tell it makes the most it can to ensure security on the wheels. You can comfortably stop exactly where you want; that’s the level of precision the pads have to offer.
Worried about installation and maintenance? Well, let go of it. The package here comes with a few maintaining hardware and brake lubricants. You can use these for regular maintenance and solve simple troubleshooting.
Copper-free Design:
Its unique Copper-free design makes it an ideal choice for supporting the environment.
Doesn’t Fit 2013 Chrysler:
The pads don’t fit Chrysler 2013 model. So, if you have one, don’t get this one for your vehicle.
9) Gner Thermo Quiet QC1303 Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set- Best for less vibration
Wagner ThermoQuiet QC1303 Ceramic Disc Brake Pad is one of the quietest brake pads on our list. The ultra-quiet name of the pad says it all, doesn’t it? But before you try to pick it for your vehicle, it’s recommended that you should check the compatibility on the selling page. The pad suits and fits a number of vehicle models only.
However, once it fits, it fits perfectly. If you don’t want to visit a mechanic or specialist for this to install, don’t worry. It takes a minimalistic setup and limited tools to install. You yourself can install it in no time. Thanks to its convenient design that offers instant and simple setup. This perfect fitment makes sure that the pads instantly bring the moving wheels to a stop.
Why We Love QC1303 Ceramic Disc Brake Pad Set
It needs a very limited and simple installation process. You don’t need to visit an expert for the setup; you can do it yourself.
Then again, speaking of its quiet and silent nature, the brake pads come with dual-rubber shims. These dual shims can impressively mitigate the noise produced. Side by the side of the noise, the dual-rubber shims also make it pretty easy to reduce the vibration on the brakes.
Apart from that, the pads are produced using a Thermo-Scorched manufacturing process. This helps the pad to maintain a low break-in time for maximum performance. So, you get to stop then and there wherever you want.
Dual-rubber shims:
The excellent Dual-rubber shims effectively mitigate the noise and vibration on the pads.
A Bit Dusty:
If you are expecting a totally dust-free set of brake pads, you will be disappointed.
10) SCITOO Ceramic Brake Pads Kits- Best For Braking Ability
Scitoo brake pads come as one of the unique sets of pads that are pretty easy to handle and offer pretty amazing braking abilities. The pads come as treated with Thermos Scorched. Then again, it goes through a positive molding process that helps it to reduce the break-in time on it. So, you can easily push the brake at the right time, at the right place.
Now, this also means the brake pads will suffer less when you are putting too much pressure on them. So, even if you are using the pads for a long time, there’s a little chance of it getting worn out very soon. That’s why the longevity of the pads is also a reward you get with this one.
Why We Love SCITOO Ceramic Brake
As the pads are Thermos-Scorched treated, they can easily go through a molding process to mitigate break-in time.
As for the vibration control, the pad works in a unique way here, as well. You have the gasket in between the caliper piston and the backplate of the pad. This gasket works as a buffer that absorbs the vibration of the pad to mitigate the effect. So, apart from sound, the pad effectively lowers the vibration, too.
Then again, the pads offer a low-dust formula that makes it almost quite hard to form dust on. This allows you to take a break from regular maintenance.
The pads are pretty easy to install right after you open them from the pack. They come as pre-assembled, so you need to only place them in the right slot.
The Superior Positive Molding Process:
The fact that the pads go through an effective and superior positive molding process offers an increased break-in time for a better braking job.
The Read Pads May Not Fit:
Some customers complained that the front brake pads fit great, but the rear pads are not that easy-fitting.
11) Hawk HB453F.585 HPS High-Performance Street Ferro-Carbon Disc Brake Pads
Hawk comes with a unique Ferro-carbon formula for the disc brake pads it produces. This excellent and high-performing formula was initially designed and developed for superior street performance. They had used the quality and safety of the severe-duty friction technique that Hawk boasts of.
What this makes up is a high-performing set of brake pads that offers a superior braking experience for both cars and motorcycles. No matter what vehicle you are riding, you can easily use it on both types.
Why We Love It Hawk HB453F.585
The pads offer a better coefficient of friction that makes it even better than most stock brakes out there. You can get about 30 to 40 percent more stopping leverage than any other brake pads, with increased resistance in place. This also works against brake fades, so you don’t need to worry about brake pads every other month.
The pad is completely noise-free. As it goes gentle on the rotors, the pad also effectively reduces vibration on it. So, you can enjoy vibration and noise-less braking experiences on both cars and motorcycles.
Ferro-Carbon Formula:
Designed with Ferro-Carbon formula, the brake pads offer the best resistance possible compared to the most common pads out there.
Not Compatible With 2013 Mustang GT Premium:
If you have a 2013 Mustang GT Premium with Track Pack Brembo option, this one is not for you.
12) EBC Brakes DP41210R Yellowstuff Street and Track Brake Pad
We finally wrap up our reviews for the best ceramic brake pad with the EBC Brakes DP41210R. This one comes at last but doesn’t offer the least, of course! The brake pad comes with a high friction padding system that ensures quicker stopping. That means you just need to press the brake underneath, and the vehicle will come to an immediate standstill!
Then again, the building material of the brake pad comes with a zero-fade developed compound. This means that over the course of time, the pad’s interior and surface won’t fade away. In addition, it also offers effective noise and vibration mitigation for smooth yet soundproof braking.
Why We Love It EBC Brakes DP41210R
The best part is, that you don’t need to limit yourself to the regular streets with these pads on your vehicle. Try out some off-road riding and still get the amazing braking experience EBC has to offer!
Then again, you can expect the brakes to be effective just right from the cold situation. It’s needless to wait until it gets hotter.
Although this is not something that you need to be super excited about, the multi-color design of the brake pads does draw a lot of attention. It looks pretty awesome when you are using it on your wheels!
The High-friction Pad:
The high-friction pad offers quick stopping for the vehicle that ensures safety and effective braking.
Fading Tendency:
Although the pads perform great on the street, they do tend to fade faster than their counterparts in the market.
Final Words
Picking up the best ceramic brake pad from hundreds of options out there is surely a daunting task, we must say. That’s pretty much understood when almost all the pads look the same! However, if you are not careful enough to analyze and look closer into the features and build quality, you won’t miss out on the special one that stands out of the crowd!
If you have a good budget in your pocket, then you should doubtlessly go for the EBC Brakes DP41210R!
Then again, regardless of the price, if you are looking for an overall performer, you can simply pick the ACDelco Gold 17D1367CHfor being on the safe side!
Brake carefully!