Welcome fellow auto enthusiasts! Today, we’re delving deep into the world of automotive brake systems, comparing two industry front-runners: Akebono and EBC.
We’ll examine performance, quality, cost, and weigh the pros and cons to guide you towards an informed choice.
So, buckle up as we embark on this journey to determine the ultimate brake brand.
Akebono vs EBC – Brand Comparison Table
| Akebono | EBC | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | United Kingdom |
| Year Founded | 1929 | 1978 |
| Made In | Japan, United States, China, France, Slovakia | United States and United Kingdom |
| Founder | Sanji Osame | Andy Freeman |
| Parent | Stand-alone | Freeman Automotive UK Ltd. |
| Overall Quality | cost-effective option that provides OEM quality | high-quality pads and slotted rotors |
Akebono PRO-ACT vs EBC Slotted Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – PRO-ACT and Slotted 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 | EBC | |
| Series | PRO-ACT | Slotted |
| Material | Carbon | Cast Iron |
| Coating | High carbon | Anti-corrosion Coating |
| Type | Vented | Solid |
| Durability | High resistance to thermal cracking and fade | When used with high-friction brake pads, the braking system demonstrates extended longevity |
| Performance | Precision machined for optimal performance | Gases are expelled through the slots, reducing brake fade and minimizing noise for improved performance |
| Price | $118.09 | $88.00 – $898.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months/24,000 Miles | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months or or 10,000 miles of highway use |
| 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 EBC Redstuff 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 | EBC | |
| Series | Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic | Redstuff 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. | EBC Redstuff Ceramic brake pads stand out with superior ceramic pad compounds that resist heat buildup, dust, and squealing. Moreover, they eliminate squealing even under extreme cold or hot temperatures, ensuring a quiet and efficient braking experience in all conditions. |
| Price | $49.00 – $137.00 | $56.00 – $310.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 30 days from the date of installation | covers defects in material and workmanship for 12 months or or 10,000 miles of highway use |
| 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
Let’s compare the performance and quality of two well-known brake parts manufacturers, Akebono and EBC:
Akebono
- Akebono’s brake parts are recognized for their reliability and consistency, often used as OEM parts for various car manufacturers, including Mazda.
- Customers appreciate Akebono brake pads for producing less dust compared to other brands.
- For street driving, Akebono’s brakes are considered an excellent choice.
- One user has praised Akebono ceramics for zero complaints over three years of use.
- However, some users feel that Akebono brake pads don’t bite as hard as other brands, although they’re close to the performance of OEM pads.
EBC
- Reviews for EBC brake parts are mixed. Some users highly recommend options like EBC Redstuff pads and slotted rotors.
- A user mentioned that EBC Yellowstuff pads are better than the stock pads on a 2022 WRX.
- For a Golf GTI, a combination of Stoptech slotted rotors and EBC Redstuff pads was recommended as a great upgrade.
- However, issues have been reported with EBC brake parts, such as screeching noise and brake pads not fitting OEM sport calipers, despite compatibility checks.
In summary, both Akebono and EBC have their strengths and weaknesses.
Akebono seems to be favored for its reliability and less dust, while EBC has specific products that some users prefer. However, some users reported issues with EBC parts.
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⁾ | EBC Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes from $45.72 | EBC RK Series Premium Plain 1-Piece Rear Brake Rotors go from $58.19 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes for $232.47 | EBC Fully-Floating Slotted 2-Piece Front Brake Rotors go for $1,581.80 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Akebono and EBC below:
| Akebono Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | EBC Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Akebono Pro-ACT™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $28.66 | EBC Ultimax2 OEM Replacement Rear Brake Pads go from $31.67 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Akebono EURO™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $143.04 | EBC RP-X Racing Front Brake Pads go for $438.72 |
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 |
EBC
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ EBC brake pads and rotors are often recommended for their solid performance | ❌ Some users have reported that EBC brake pads produce a lot of dust and noise |
| ✔ Range of options | |
| ✔ Good value |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
After considering the feedback and pros and cons of both brands, I would lean towards Akebono as the better pick overall.
Despite not biting as hard as OEM pads, its reliability, consistency, reduced dust production, and positive user recommendations outweigh EBC’s mixed reviews and reported issues with noise and dust.
However, both are viable options depending on personal preference.
