A forward plate compactor vibrates a flat plate and walks itself ahead, packing gravel, sand and soil in layers a few inches thick. Small 79cc plates weigh about 110 to 120 lb and suit a walkway or shed pad; 196cc and Honda GX160 plates weigh about 130 to 240 lb and handle patios and driveway bases. A wheel kit makes loading far easier, and a water tank is needed for hot asphalt.
Prices were last checked November 3, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Full ranking 19
- WEN 56012#1 of 19Full review
A wide plate for homeowners and small crews doing driveways and large patios on a budget. Expect the force to be lower than the box says.
Amazon $749.99$749.994,496 lbf17.7 x 21.3 in205 lb - YARDMAX YC1390#2 of 19Full review
A solid mid-price plate for homeowners who want a name-brand engine. It is slower than most, but its force claim is believable.
Amazon $696.90$696.903,000 lbf21 x 16.5 in185 lb - Stark 61006 6.5HP Plate Compactor#3 of 19Full review
A big, cheap plate with a water tank for driveways and asphalt patches. Plan for a ramp, since it has no wheels.
Amazon $609.95$609.954,000 lbf18 x 25 in218 lb - Tomahawk TPC90H#4 of 19Full review
A pro plate for asphalt and paver crews who want a long warranty. Homeowners will get more for the money from a budget plate.
Amazon $2,499.99$2,499.993,372 lbf20 x 22 in240 lb - SuperHandy GUO090 7HP#5 of 19Full review
A low-cost plate with a water tank for small asphalt patches as well as gravel. Buy it knowing the warranty terms are not stated.
Amazon $749.99$749.994,200 lbf15 x 20 in- - Multiquip MVC82VHW#6 of 19Full review
A rental-yard standard for crews that compact every week. It costs more, but its force rating is honest and the warranty runs three years.
Amazon $2,394.95$2,394.953,080 lbf17.7 x 22.4 in181 lb - Multiquip MVC88VTHW#7 of 19Full review
A heavy pro plate for paving crews. Homeowners will not need this much machine.
Amazon $3,348.05$3,348.053,372 lbf19.7 x 20.7 in229 lb - MechMaxx PC90Z#8 of 19Full review
A mid-price plate with a believable force rating for landscapers and serious homeowners. The warranty is short.
Amazon $899$8993,600 lbf18 x 21 in196 lb - SuperHandy GUO118 7HP#9 of 19Full review
A budget plate with a big force claim for patio and walkway bases. Little is published about it, so treat the numbers with care.
Amazon $634.99$634.994,200 lbf15 x 20 in- - MechMaxx PC90H#10 of 19Full review
The PC90Z with a Honda engine, for buyers who want easy engine service. It costs $600 more for the same plate.
MechMaxx $1,499$1,4993,600 lbf18 x 21 in199 lb - WEN 56096#11 of 19Full review
A light, low-cost plate for homeowners laying a patio or walkway base. It rolls on its own wheels and carries a two-year home warranty.
Amazon $599.99$599.993,350 lbf13.8 x 17.8 in132 lb - VEVOR CNP20-2#12 of 19Full review
A wide budget plate for larger patios and driveway bases. Plan on a ramp or two people, since no wheels come with it.
Amazon $752.90$752.904,440 lbf18 x 23 in168.7 lb - Tomahawk TPC80H#13 of 19Full review
A Honda-powered plate for contractors and landscapers who use it every week. Homeowners doing one patio will not need to pay this much.
Amazon $1,899.99$1,899.992,923 lbf17 x 21 in176 lb - YARDMAX YC0850#14 of 19Full review
A light, cheap plate for homeowners setting pavers or a shed pad. It is small, so work in thin lifts.
Amazon $399$3991,850 lbf20 x 12.5 in110 lb - BILT HARD TL-G-PC10#15 of 19Full review
A cheap plate for a one-time patio or shed base. The 90-day warranty makes it a poor pick for repeat work.
Amazon $499.99$499.992,500 lbf14.5 x 21 in126 lb - Wacker Neuson WP1550AW#16 of 19Full review
A pro-grade asphalt plate for crews that already run Wacker gear. Confirm the warranty with the dealer before buying.
Amazon $2,775.95$2,775.953,372 lbf19.7 x 22.9 in- - VEVOR CNP80S-2#17 of 19Full review
A cheap plate for one-off paver and patio bases. The force claim is well above what a 142 lb plate delivers.
Amazon $599.90$599.904,047 lbf16 x 21 in142.2 lb - Stark 61014 79cc Plate Compactor#18 of 19Full review
A cheap, small plate for walkways and paver patches. Bigger jobs need a bigger plate.
Amazon $379.95$379.952,000 lbf11.8 x 17 in121.1 lb - VEVOR 78.5cc Plate Compactor#19 of 19Full review
A small, cheap plate for a walkway or shed pad. Larger bases go much faster with a bigger plate.
Amazon $419.90$419.901,920 lbf11.8 x 18.7 in114.6 lb
