Welcome to the ultimate brake battle: Akebono vs PowerStop! From their performance on the test track, to the quality and cost of their products.
We’ll delve into the pros and cons of each, and ultimately, help you determine which heavyweight champion reigns supreme in the world of automotive braking systems.
Let’s get ready to rumble!
Akebono vs PowerStop – Brand Comparison Table
| Akebono | PowerStop | |
| Country of Origin | Japan | United States |
| Year Founded | 1929 | 1995 |
| Made In | Japan, United States, China, France, Slovakia | mostly in United States, Canada, China |
| Founder | Sanji Osame | Arvin Scott |
| Parent | Stand-alone | TSG Consumer Partners |
| Overall Quality | cost-effective option that provides OEM quality | good brand for any brake part but there are different levels of quality |
Akebono PRO-ACT vs PowerStop Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated Brake Rotors Comparison
In this section, I’m going to compare the most popular Series – PRO-ACT and Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated 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 | PowerStop | |
| Series | PRO-ACT | Evolution Performance Drilled, Slotted & Plated |
| Material | Carbon | Cast Iron |
| Coating | High carbon | Zinc coated |
| Type | Vented | Vented |
| Durability | High resistance to thermal cracking and fade | OEM vane configuration and weight |
| Performance | Precision machined for optimal performance | Solid stopping power, drilled for better cooling and performance, 100% Mill balanced |
| Price | $118.09 | $60.00 – $1124.00 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 24 Months/24,000 Miles | cover defects in material and poor workmanship for 3 years or 36,000 miles of 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 PowerStop Z16 Clean Ride 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 | PowerStop | |
| Series | Performance Ultra-Premium Ceramic | Z16 Clean Ride 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. | Power Stop Z16 Clean Ride Ceramic Brake pads feature Evolution ceramic with a low dust formula, delivering superior braking power while keeping your wheels cleaner. The pad surfaces are thermal scorched for a quick break-in process. |
| Price | $49.00 – $137.00 | $17.34 – $77.96 |
| Warranty | covers defects in material and workmanship for 30 days from the date of installation | covers defects in materials or workmanship for 90 days from the purchase date or 3,000 miles of 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
When it comes to brake parts, both Akebono and PowerStop provide options that have received varied feedback from users. Here’s a comparison of the two brands:
Akebono:
- Akebono brake parts are known for reliability and consistency.
- They are often used as OEM parts for car manufacturers, including Mazda.
- Akebono brake pads produce less dust compared to other brands.
- Users find Akebono’s brakes excellent for street driving.
- However, some users feel that Akebono brake pads do not bite as hard as some other brands like Brembo.
PowerStop:
- PowerStop brake parts have received mixed reviews.
- Some users find them to be great, confirming they stop well and produce zero dust.
- However, other users reported issues like a weird clicky noise when braking.
- There’s a suggestion to go OEM on brake parts for longer life and guaranteed performance.
In conclusion, both Akebono and PowerStop have their strengths and weaknesses. It comes down to personal preference and specific vehicle compatibility.
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⁾ | PowerStop Rotors Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes from $45.72 | Power Stop Autospecialty OE Vented Front Brake Rotor goes from $16.18 |
| Most Expensive Rotors | Akebono Brake Disc goes for $232.47 | Power Stop Evolution Performance Drilled and Slotted 1-Piece Front Brake Rotors go for $1,240.35 |
Alternatively, you can see the brake pads prices for Akebono and PowerStop below:
| Akebono Brake Pads Prices⁽¹⁾ | PowerStop Brake Pads Prices⁽²⁾ | |
| Lowest Priced Pads | Akebono Pro-ACT™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $28.66 | Power Stop Euro-Stop Semi-Metallic Rear Disc Brake Pads go from $17.58 |
| Most Expensive Pads | Akebono EURO™ Ultra-Premium Ceramic Front Disc Brake Pads go for $143.04 | Power Stop Track Day Spec Advanced Front Brake Pads go for $209.14 |
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 |
PowerStop
| Pros | Cons |
| ✔ Good value for the price | ❌ Users are reporting annoying squeaking or grinding noises that can come from some of their brake pads |
| ✔ Availability | |
| ✔ Easy installation |
Which Is the Better Brand Overall?
Given the feedback, it seems Akebono and PowerStop both have their strengths.
However, considering the reliability, consistency, and less dust production of Akebono, coupled with the reported issues of noise from PowerStop, I’d lean towards Akebono as the better pick overall.
Their proven performance and reduced brake dust make them a favourable choice for many customers.