Festool makes four main dust extractor sizes: CT Mini, CT Midi, CT 26, and CT 36. All use the same 27mm hose system and all are HEPA-certified. The differences are capacity, physical size, price, and which jobs each handles best.
This guide is specifically for people deciding between models. It assumes you have already decided to buy a Festool CT. If you are still deciding between Festool and a standard shop vac, read our separate guide on that.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Capacity | Noise | Weight | Auto-Clean | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CT Mini | 3.3 gal / 12.5L | 62 dB | 10.8 lbs | No | $400-450 |
| CT Midi | 3.7 gal / 14L | 60 dB | 11.5 lbs | No (option) | $450-500 |
| CT 26 | 6.9 gal / 26L | 64 dB | 16.5 lbs | No (option) | $550-600 |
| CT 36 AC | 9.5 gal / 36L | 65 dB | 21 lbs | Yes (built-in) | $700-800 |
All four models: 27mm hose, HEPA H13 filtration, Systainer-stackable, auto-start via power-through socket.
CT Mini: Best for Traveling Light
The CT Mini is the smallest unit Festool makes. It is designed for job site work where you carry tools in and out of a client's home. At 10.8 lbs with the handle, it is easy to carry in one hand.
The 12.5-liter bag fills up quickly on heavy sanding jobs. If you sand floors or panel goods for hours, you will empty the bag multiple times per session. For finish carpentry and detail work, it is fine.
The CT Mini is the right choice if:
- You do mobile work (client homes, remodels)
- Weight and pack size matter more than capacity
- Your longest jobs are under 2 hours of sanding
- You want the lowest-cost Festool CT entry point
CT Midi: The Mini with More
The CT Midi is very close to the Mini in size and weight. The bag is slightly larger at 14 liters. The main difference versus the Mini is that the Midi is available in an "I" version with the auto-clean function.
Auto-clean pulses a burst of air through the filter to knock dust off the pleats. This keeps suction strong during long sessions without stopping to shake the filter. If you do long sanding runs, the CT Midi I is worth the extra cost over the base Midi.
The CT Midi is the right choice if:
- You want Mini-like portability but with auto-clean (Midi I version)
- You run a ROS or DEROS sander for 3 to 4 hours at a time
- You are in tight spaces and a larger unit would be awkward
CT 26: The Most Balanced Model
The CT 26 is the most popular Festool dust extractor for shop use. The 26-liter bag means you rarely empty it during normal work days. The unit is larger and heavier than the Mini or Midi, but it sits stable on a shop floor and rolls well on its wheels.
At around $550 to $600, it is priced between the Midi and CT 36. Most woodworkers who use Festool tools primarily in a shop (not on job sites) end up with the CT 26.
The CT 26 is the right choice if:
- You use Festool tools in a home shop more than on job sites
- You want to go all day without emptying the bag
- You run multiple Festool tools through the same extractor
- The auto-clean of the CT 36 AC is not worth the premium to you
CT 36 AC: Best for Production Work
The CT 36 AC has two features the others lack. First, the Auto-Clean (AC) function is built in, not an option. Second, the 36-liter capacity is the largest in the range. If you sand cabinets, doors, or flooring all day, the CT 36 AC is the professional choice.
The auto-clean fires every 15 seconds during use. You never notice a suction drop. Filter life is much longer because the pleats never get fully loaded.
The downside is weight. At 21 lbs, it is significantly heavier than the CT 26. It is not something you want to carry up a flight of stairs regularly.
The CT 36 AC is the right choice if:
- You sand production volumes (10+ cabinet doors per day)
- You want truly maintenance-free filtration during long sessions
- You have one dedicated shop station and portability is not a concern
Can I Use These with Non-Festool Tools?
Yes. All Festool CT extractors use a 27mm hose end. Non-Festool tools with 32mm, 35mm, or 36mm ports need an adapter to connect. GulpDust makes adapters from all common tool port sizes to the Festool 27mm hose end. The adapter goes on the tool side. The hose and extractor stay the same.
This lets you run Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, or Bosch tools through a Festool CT extractor. You get HEPA filtration and auto-start on any brand.
What About the CT 48 and CT MIDI I?
The CT 48 is a commercial-grade unit with 48-liter capacity and higher CFM. It is used in drywall finishing and flooring where dust volumes are extreme. For woodworking, it is overkill and heavy.
The CT MIDI I is the auto-clean version of the CT Midi. If the price difference between the MIDI and MIDI I is under $100, the auto-clean version is almost always worth it.