The Festool CT Mini and CT Midi are the two most popular dust extractors in Festool's CT lineup. Both are excellent. The difference is size, capacity, and price.
Here is the full comparison.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | CT Mini | CT Midi |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 3.3 gallons (12.5 liters) | 3.7 gallons (14 liters) |
| Filtration | HEPA M-class (0.3 micron) | HEPA M-class (0.3 micron) |
| Auto-start | Yes | Yes |
| Self-cleaning filter | No | No (CT Midi AC has it) |
| Noise level | ~67 dB | ~67 dB |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs | 12.6 lbs |
| Dimensions | 13.5 x 12.5 x 16.5 in. | 14 x 13 x 19 in. |
| Price (approx) | $350 | $450 |
What Is the CT Mini Best For?
The CT Mini is the right choice if you work in tight spaces or move your setup frequently. It is lighter and more compact than the CT Midi. For trim carpenters, finish woodworkers who work on-site, or home shops with limited floor space, the CT Mini fits better.
The CT Mini handles sanders, jigsaws, and routers well. For a Festool ETS 125 or ETS 150 orbital sander, the CT Mini provides more than enough suction. For a Festool track saw (TS 55 or TSC 55), the CT Mini is sufficient but the CT Midi provides better chip transport at higher feed speeds.
What Is the CT Midi Best For?
The CT Midi is the better choice if you spend more time at a stationary bench or workshop. The slightly larger capacity means fewer bag changes during long sanding or routing sessions.
For track saw work on large panels (4x8 sheets of plywood or MDF), the CT Midi handles the chip volume better. The higher air volume keeps the chips moving through the hose at full speed even on long cuts.
If you work with the Festool OF 1400 router or other high-chip-volume tools, the CT Midi is the better fit.
The CT Midi AC: Auto-Clean Version
The CT Midi AC adds a self-cleaning filter function. Every time the tool stops, the extractor gives the filter a shake to dislodge collected dust back into the bag. This keeps the filter resistance low and suction strong throughout a session.
For extended sanding sessions (more than 1 to 2 hours of continuous use), the AC version maintains more consistent suction. For shorter sessions or light use, the standard CT Midi is fine.
Can I Use Either with Non-Festool Tools?
Yes, with an adapter. The Festool hose is built for Festool tools, so a tool from another brand needs an adapter between its port and the Festool hose end. Tool makers change port sizes between models, so do not trust a chart. Measure your tool port and the end of your Festool hose, and we print the adapter to those two numbers. The size guide shows how, and Build My Adapter takes it from there.
That lets you use Festool HEPA extraction with tools from other brands. Many woodworkers do this for the filtration quality. The 1-1/4 in. size page, the 36mm size page, and the 35mm size page show what we print at each size if you want a starting point.
Which One Should You Buy?
If portability and price matter: CT Mini. It does 90 percent of what the CT Midi does at a lower price and in a smaller package.
If you do long sessions, work with track saws on large panels, or use a router frequently: CT Midi. The extra capacity and airflow capacity pay off.
If you sand for hours and want zero filter maintenance: CT Midi AC. The auto-clean feature is worth it for dedicated finish sanders.
