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10 Best Ceramic Brake Pads 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Power Stop Front Z36-2087 Truck and Tow Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads For 2010-2020 Ford Expedition Ford F-150 | 2010-2021 Lincoln Navigator

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,391
Friction Coefficient
Noise and Vibration
Compatibility

Most important from
1277 reviews

Friction Coefficient
These brake pads deliver exceptional stopping power, outperforming other premium brands.
Noise and Vibration
The pads remain remarkably quiet, even under heavy towing conditions.
Compatibility
Installation is seamless with a perfect fit on compatible trucks like the F-150.

The Power Stop Front Z36-2087 Truck and Tow Carbon-Fiber Ceramic Brake Pads are designed especially for trucks and SUVs like the Ford Expedition, F-150, and Lincoln Navigator from 2010 to 2021. These pads use a carbon-fiber ceramic material that offers strong stopping power, which is important if you tow trailers, haul heavy loads, or drive in tough conditions like mountain terrain.

One of their strengths is good heat dissipation, thanks to stainless-steel shims, which helps prevent brake fade during demanding use. They also produce less dust compared to traditional pads, keeping your wheels cleaner, and are designed to minimize noise and vibration for a quieter ride. Installation is easier with included stainless-steel hardware, and the powder-coated backing plate helps resist rust and corrosion, adding durability. However, these pads are vehicle-specific, so you need to confirm fitment to your exact model before buying.

Many users rate these pads highly for performance and quietness. Designed for trucks and heavy-duty use, they may not be the best choice if you drive a regular passenger car or don’t require extra towing capability. They provide a strong balance of braking power, low dust production, and quiet operation, making them an excellent option for truck owners seeking reliable, heavy-duty ceramic brake pads.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,391
Friction Coefficient
Noise and Vibration
Compatibility

Most important from
1277 reviews

Friction Coefficient
These brake pads deliver exceptional stopping power, outperforming other premium brands.
Noise and Vibration
The pads remain remarkably quiet, even under heavy towing conditions.
Compatibility
Installation is seamless with a perfect fit on compatible trucks like the F-150.
#2

Power Stop Front Ceramic Brake Pads For 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS, 2012-2024 Chevy Camaro, 2015-2023 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2023 Charger, 2012-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Rating
9.7
Friction Coefficient
Noise and Vibration
Dust Production

Most important from
1353 reviews

Friction Coefficient
These brake pads maintain stopping power comparable to OEM while dramatically reducing brake dust by up to 95%.
Noise and Vibration
The pads deliver a quiet braking experience with minimal noise or vibration, enhancing everyday driving comfort.
Dust Production
These brake pads maintain stopping power comparable to OEM while dramatically reducing brake dust by up to 95%.

The Power Stop Front Ceramic Brake Pads are designed for a wide range of muscle cars and SUVs such as the Cadillac CTS, Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Charger, and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Made from carbon fiber ceramic material, these pads offer a good balance of strong braking performance and reduced dust production compared to traditional semi-metallic pads. The carbon-fiber ceramic composition helps provide a consistent friction coefficient, which means reliable stopping power under everyday driving conditions.

They feature chamfered slots and stainless steel shims to minimize noise and vibration, making for a quieter and smoother braking experience. Additionally, the powder-coated backing plate resists rust and corrosion, helping the pads last longer and stay effective over time. Heat dissipation is enhanced by the design and materials, but these pads are best suited for street driving rather than track or heavy-duty use, as noted by the manufacturer.

These brake pads serve as a solid choice for drivers looking for a quieter, cleaner, and durable ceramic option primarily for daily driving and muscle cars. It is important to confirm vehicle compatibility before purchase, as these pads are vehicle-specific.

Rating
9.7
Friction Coefficient
Noise and Vibration
Dust Production

Most important from
1353 reviews

Friction Coefficient
These brake pads maintain stopping power comparable to OEM while dramatically reducing brake dust by up to 95%.
Noise and Vibration
The pads deliver a quiet braking experience with minimal noise or vibration, enhancing everyday driving comfort.
Dust Production
These brake pads maintain stopping power comparable to OEM while dramatically reducing brake dust by up to 95%.
#3

Hawk Performance HB453Z.585 Performance Ceramic Street Brake Pads

Rating
9.7
Friction Coefficient
Noise and Vibration
Dust Production

Most important from
363 reviews

Friction Coefficient
Pairing these pads with quality, upgraded rotors significantly improves stopping distance and overall braking performance.
Noise and Vibration
Proper installation, including using the supplied grease and cleaning calipers thoroughly, eliminates noise issues.
Dust Production
They produce very low dust, maintaining cleaner wheels even during high-performance driving.
Heat Dissipation
The pads heat up quickly to deliver the braking power needed, especially after the initial bedding process.
Compatibility
The pads fit perfectly on various STI models and provide reliable street performance with some capability for autocross.

The Hawk Performance HB453Z.585 ceramic brake pads are designed primarily for street use, targeting drivers who want a balance of performance and comfort. These pads use ceramic material, which means they produce very little dust compared to traditional pads, keeping your wheels cleaner over time. They also operate quietly with minimal noise and vibrations, making them ideal for daily driving and long trips where a smooth, quiet ride is appreciated. The pads offer consistent and stable braking with a linear friction profile, which helps maintain control and complements ABS systems for safer stops. They perform well across a wide temperature range (100 to 650 degrees Fahrenheit), so they maintain reliable stopping power even in hotter conditions, reducing the chance of brake fade.

One notable strength is that these pads are gentle on rotors, which can save money by extending the life of both pads and rotors. This makes them a good choice for drivers who want durability along with performance. On the downside, while these pads are great for everyday use and touring, they may not provide the aggressive stopping power needed for more intense performance driving or racing. Additionally, they are designed for specific vehicle fits, so ensuring compatibility with your car model is essential. Hawk's Performance Ceramic pads present a solid option for quiet, low-dust braking with good reliability and rotor protection suitable for regular street driving.

Rating
9.7
Friction Coefficient
Noise and Vibration
Dust Production

Most important from
363 reviews

Friction Coefficient
Pairing these pads with quality, upgraded rotors significantly improves stopping distance and overall braking performance.
Noise and Vibration
Proper installation, including using the supplied grease and cleaning calipers thoroughly, eliminates noise issues.
Dust Production
They produce very low dust, maintaining cleaner wheels even during high-performance driving.
Heat Dissipation
The pads heat up quickly to deliver the braking power needed, especially after the initial bedding process.
Compatibility
The pads fit perfectly on various STI models and provide reliable street performance with some capability for autocross.

Buying Guide for the Best Ceramic Brake Pads

Ceramic brake pads are a popular choice for many drivers due to their durability, performance, and low noise levels. When selecting the right ceramic brake pads for your vehicle, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your driving needs. Understanding these specifications will help you make an informed decision and enhance your vehicle's braking performance.
Material CompositionCeramic brake pads are made from a mixture of ceramic fibers, nonferrous filler materials, bonding agents, and sometimes small amounts of metal. This composition is important because it affects the pad's durability, heat resistance, and noise levels. Higher quality materials generally offer better performance and longer lifespan. If you drive in demanding conditions, such as frequent stop-and-go traffic or mountainous areas, look for pads with a high-quality ceramic composition.
Friction CoefficientThe friction coefficient measures the brake pad's ability to generate stopping power. It is crucial because it directly impacts your vehicle's braking performance. Friction coefficients are typically categorized as low, medium, or high. Low friction pads are suitable for light, everyday driving, medium friction pads are ideal for a mix of city and highway driving, and high friction pads are best for performance or heavy-duty applications. Choose a friction coefficient that matches your driving style and conditions.
Noise and VibrationCeramic brake pads are known for their quiet operation, but some may still produce noise or vibrations. This specification is important for comfort and overall driving experience. Noise levels can be influenced by the pad's design and the presence of features like chamfers and slots. If you prioritize a quiet ride, look for pads specifically designed to minimize noise and vibration.
Dust ProductionBrake dust can accumulate on your wheels and affect their appearance. Ceramic brake pads typically produce less dust compared to other types, which is a significant advantage for maintaining clean wheels. If you prefer low-maintenance and cleaner wheels, opt for ceramic pads with low dust production.
Heat DissipationEffective heat dissipation is crucial for maintaining braking performance and preventing brake fade, especially during prolonged or aggressive braking. Ceramic brake pads generally offer good heat dissipation, but some may perform better than others. If you frequently drive in conditions that generate a lot of heat, such as towing or spirited driving, choose pads with excellent heat dissipation properties.
CompatibilityNot all brake pads are compatible with every vehicle. It's essential to ensure that the ceramic brake pads you choose are designed to fit your specific make and model. Compatibility affects installation ease and overall performance. Always check the manufacturer's specifications and recommendations to ensure a proper fit for your vehicle.

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