Welcome to the ultimate duel in the automotive world: Akebono vs Duralast!
As an autoparts enthusiast, I’ll be digging deep into these titans of brake systems, examining their performance, quality, pricing and more.
Let’s brace ourselves as we dive into the pros and cons to determine which emerges as the reigning champion in the brake system arena.
Akebono vs Duralast – Brand Comparison Table
| Akebono | Duralast | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | United States |
| Year Founded | 1929 | 1979 |
| Made In | Japan, United States, China, France, Slovakia | mostly in United States, China, Mexico |
| Founder | Sanji Osame | Pitt Hyde |
| Parent | Stand-alone | AutoZone, Inc. |
| Overall Quality | cost-effective option that provides OEM quality | great quality if you opt in for their Gold series |
Akebono PRO-ACT vs Duralast Gold Brake 55097DG Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – PRO-ACT and Gold Brake 55097DG from both brands by various product specs & features, prices, warranty, durability, performance, stopping power and noise levels.
Here is a detailed comparison table showcasing what each brand has to offer:
| Akebono | Duralast | |
| Series | PRO-ACT | Gold Brake 55097DG |
| Material | Carbon | Iron Alloy |
| Coating | High carbon | Fully coated |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | High resistance to thermal cracking and fade | Smooth stopping with no pedal pulsation and enhanced durability |
| Performance | Precision machined for optimal performance | The high-carbon steel formulation effectively reduces noise and dissipates heat |
| Price | $118.09 | $106.99 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months/24,000 Miles | 3-year, full-replacement warranty |
| Stopping Power Rating (More Stars = More Stopping Power) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Noise) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Performance Over Stock Rating (More Stars = More Performance) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Akebono Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic vs Duralast Elite Copper Free Ceramic Brake Pads Comparison
In the following section, I’m going to compare the most renowned Brake Pads series from both brands by various product specs & features, prices, warranty, performance, stopping power, brake dust accumulation and noise levels.
Here is a detailed comparison table showcasing what each brand has to offer:
| Akebono | Duralast | |
| Series | Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic | Elite Copper Free Ceramic |
| Material | Ceramic | Ceramic |
| Performance | These brake pads, formulated with specific applications in mind, guarantee a quiet and smooth braking experience. Designed by experts to endure even the toughest braking conditions, they are the perfect replacement for noisy and dusty semi-metallic pads. | These next-generation pads are designed to last up to three times longer, ensuring exceptional durability for your vehicle. The patented transfer layer technology safeguards both the brake pads and rotors, minimizing wear and tear. |
| Price | $49.00 – $137.00 | $38.99 – $81.49 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 30 days from the date of installation | Limited-Lifetime |
| Dust Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Dust) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Stopping Power Rating (More Stars = More Stopping Power) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Noise Levels Rating (Fewer Stars = Less Noise) | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Performance Over Stock Rating (More Stars = More Performance) | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
Differences
1. Overall Performance and Quality
Akebono
- Akebono brake pads are recognized for their reliability and consistency. They are often selected as Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts for car brands like Mazda.
- Users report that Akebono brake pads produce less dust compared to other brands. This is beneficial for maintaining clean wheels and reducing wear on brake system components.
- For street driving, Akebono brakes receive high recommendations due to their reliable performance over the years.
- Despite the praises, a point of contention among some users is that Akebono brake pads may not bite as hard as other brands such as Brembo.
Duralast
- Opinions on Duralast brake parts are mixed. While some users find them suitable for daily use, others suggest brands like Centric or Powerstop as superior options.
- Duralast Gold ceramic brake pads received appreciation for their smoothness and quick response. Users believe they provide good value for a low price.
- However, there have been instances where users reported that Duralast Gold rotors and pads squeal badly when coming to a stop.
To summarize, both brands have their strengths and drawbacks. Akebono performs well in terms of reliability and dust control, but may not provide the biting power some drivers prefer. Duralast offers value for money and is suitable for daily use, but has mixed reviews regarding noise and performance.
2. Rotors and Brake Pads Prices
I’ve gathered some interesting information regarding the brake rotor prices for both brands. You can take a look at them in the table below:
| Akebono Rotors Prices⁽¹⁾ | Duralast Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes from $45.72 | Duralast Brake Rotor 31263 goes from $22.99 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes for $232.47 | Duralast Brake Rotor 70172DL goes for $1001.99 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Akebono and Duralast below:
| Akebono Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | Duralast Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Akebono Pro-ACT™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $28.66 | Duralast Ceramic Brake Pads D223 go from $15.49 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Akebono EURO™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $143.04 | Duralast Gold Ceramic Brake Pads DG1897 go for $162.99 |
3. Pros and Cons
In this section, I’ve tried to showcase the most noticeable advantages and disadvantages for these two experts in brakes.
Akebono
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Low dust | ❌ May not bite quite as hard as OEM pads |
| ✔ Quiet | |
| ✔ Cost-effective |
Duralast
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Good for daily use | ❌ Users report that Duralast Gold brake pads may produce more brake dust than other models |
| ✔ Affordable | |
| ✔ All Auto Zone (Duralast Brand) brake pads have a limited lifetime warranty |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Considering the feedback, it seems Akebono takes the lead for its reliability, consistency, and reduced brake dust production.
Though Duralast offers affordability and a lifetime warranty, the mixed reviews and reports of increased brake dust tip the scale in Akebono’s favor.
Therefore, Akebono is my choice as the better overall brake brand.