Best Mountain Bike Hydraulic Disc Brakes in 2023

Hydraulic disc brakes have made trail and gravity biking much safer and easier than in the past. These brakes are more efficient and accessible than mechanical brakes, letting you explore the tough trail and get some thrill out of speed with maximum confidence. To enjoy the ease of slowing down and ensure safe stopping on enduro, gravity, downhill, or trail rides, you need to pair your bike with the best hydraulic disc brakes.

The market is flooded with hundreds of options, but you need to choose the one that is dependable, long-lasting, and in line with your biking needs. Also, you need to check the brake’s compatibility with your MTB enduro bike. If you wonder what are the best mountain bike hydraulic disc brakes, take a look at this review of the 8 best options.

Best Mountain Bike Hydraulic Disc Brakes Overview

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS
Best Overall Best Overall Hope Tech 3 E4 Disc Brake
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 0.95 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 9×9 inches
  • Type: Lever
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Premium Pick Premium Pick SHIMANO Deore XT Disc Brake
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 0.95 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 9.5×9.1 inches
  • Type: Lever/adjustable
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Top Pick Top Pick Magura MT8 Pro Brake System
  • Material: Metal
  • Weight: 0.5 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 11.25×8.75 inches
  • Type: Lever
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Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice JGbike Shimano MTB Hydraulic Disc Brake Set
  • Material: Metal
  • Weight: 1.5 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 10.94×7.17 inches
  • Type: Hose
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Heavy Duty Heavy Duty SHIMANO SLX Disc Brake
  • Material: Alloy
  • Weight: 1.3 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 9.9×9 inches
  • Type: Lever
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Best Seller Best Seller Magura USA MT7 Pro Disc Brake
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 1.3 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 12×9 inches
  • Type: Lever
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Budget Friendly Budget Friendly Clark’s Cable Systems Front Hydraulic M2 Brake
  • Material: Alloy
  • Weight: 1.25 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 8.25×8.15 inches
  • Type: Lever
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CNC MTB Hydraulic Disc Brake Set
  • Material: Aluminum/Stainlessness Steel
  • Weight: 2.4 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 6.73×6.69 inches
  • Type: Lever
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Top 8 Best Mountain Bike Hydraulic Disc Brakes Review

Best Mountain Bike Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Featured Image

Choosing the right hydraulic disc brakes for your mountain bike is crucial for optimal performance and safety on the trails. With numerous options available, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect fit. In this review, I have carefully curated the top eight mountain bike hydraulic disc brakes, evaluating their braking power, modulation, durability, and overall performance, to assist you in making an informed decision for an exhilarating MTB riding experience.

1. Hope Tech 3 E4 – Best Downhill MTB Hydraulic Disc Brake

Best Overall

Best Mountain Bike Hydraulic Disc Brake - Hope Tech 3 E4 MTB Disc Brakes

9.9/10

Features

  • Material : Aluminum
  • Weight: 0.95 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 9×9 inches
  • Type: Lever

I’ve been mountain biking for the last three years, and during this time, I’ve mostly used hydraulic brakes and derailleurs by Hope Tech and Shimano. Both brands manufacture reliable and highly dependable hydraulic disc brakes, but what made me put Hope Tech 3 E4 on top of the list is the gradual and consistent power of these brakes.

I installed these brakes on my Norco Optic. It originally came with Shimano XT-4 Piston brakes. I got the brakes on the board since they’re full hydraulic brakes, are more lightweight, and offer better control. The gradual yet consistent barking power is the first thing I noticed when I trail-tested them for the first time. My biggest concern was the braking efficiency while coming downhill. The lever transfers the force efficiently to the caliper, and the brakes work more than impressive.

The brakes include everything that you need to install them on the bike. With a basic bike toolkit, it took me around 40 minutes to get these brakes on the board. I have an orange fork, so I got them in orange to get a little extra orange bling for the bike.

These brakes use two small pistons or brake pads. If you are using Shimano or any off-brand one-piece post-brake ads, it will not work with the brakes. You need to buy a fully compatible two-piston brake adapter for a smooth and uninterrupted barking experience.

Another thing that I loved was that these brakes were quiet. However, when they are wet, you may notice some noise, but when they are dry, there is no music at all. These brakes are really well-made and last for years.

The only downside of these brakes is that they require regular maintenance. The brakes trap some air when the lever is up. It requires regular bleeding for smooth braking performance. Also read a detailed comparison of hope tech 4 e4 vs v4 disc brakes.

What I liked

  • Made for downhill riding
  • Easy to install
  • Class-leading braking power

What I didn’t like

  • High maintenance requirements

Why I Recommended Hope Tech 3 E4 MTB Disc Brake

Hope Tech 3 E4 is one of the most dependable hydraulic disc brakes I’ve ever used for downhill trail biking. Efficient energy transfer, unbeatable braking power, noise-free operation, and effortless installation help them stand among the best mountain bike hydraulic disc brakes.


2. SHIMANO Deore XT M8100 M8120 MTB Disc Brake

Premium Pick

SHIMANO Deore XT M8100 M8120 MTB Disc Brakes

9.8/10

Features

  • Material : Aluminum
  • Weight: 0.95 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 9.5×9.1 inches
  • Type: Lever/adjustable

The Hope Tech 3 E4 is best for downhill riding, but when it comes to variable riding styles, nothing can beat the quality of Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. I’ve been using Deore XT M7 hydraulic disc brakes since they were released. The brakes use big levers, which makes them a little bulky. However, when it comes to barking power, they can outperform many ultra-powerful hydraulic disc brakes.

I purchased the brakes to make a hardtail setup. The brakes have very low travel and are extremely responsive. I love the smooth energy transfer and quick-stopping ability of these mountain bike hydraulic brakes. The adjustment level is also great. You can make a lot of adjustments to make them fully in line with your mountain bike riding needs. 

Before this, I used SRAM Guide RSC brakes for my fat tire bike. What sets them apart from all other MTB hydraulic disc brakes is the instant grabbing power. They ensure stopping even at the maximum speed and shortest time. If you love getting thrilled out of speed on challenging trails, you can trust the hydraulic brakes by Shimano. Like all other Shimano things, the brakes are very well made.

I’ve been using them heavily for the last two years, and they are working fine without any major maintenance requirements. The brakes come pre-bled, but you need to bleed them every 4 months to avoid the damage and get the best out of them in the long run.

The brakes are pretty easy to install. It takes less than an hour to bring everything down if you know how to replace the brakes. They come with levers and brake pads. There are no leakage issues.

The biggest downside of the brakes is that the pads are noisy. Also, these brakes are not made for long rides. They get hot earlier than Hope Tech 3 EX and Shimano XT8020.

What I liked

  • Rugged build quality
  • Quick power grab-responsive
  • Unbeatable stopping power

What I didn’t like

  • Get hot earlier

Why I Recommended SHIMANO Deore XT Disc Brake

Shimano Deore XT M7100 brakes are made for offensive riders who love exploring the hardest part of trails. Minimum maintenance requirements, smooth braking, and the ability to stop in the toughest conditions help them stand among the best hydraulic disc brakes.


3. Magura MT8 Pro Hydraulic Disc Brake – Best Enduro Brakes

Top Pick

Magura MT8 Pro Hydraulic Disc Brake - Best Enduro Brakes

9.7/10

Features

  • Material : Metal
  • Weight: 0.5 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 11.25×8.75 inches
  • Type: Lever

Magura MT8 Pro, with unmatched stopping power on Enduro trails, is next on the list. These brakes are more affordable than Shimano and Hope Tech’s high-end brakes but offer phenomenal braking power on tough enduro trails.

The thing that I love most about the Magura MT8 Pro brakes is the pads that are magnetically drawn to the piston. It makes brakes exceptionally responsive and ensures that pads always retract. The brakes are highly recommended for long rides. They don’t get hot quickly and maintain a gradual and consistent stopping power throughout the ride. The brakes are pretty easy to install.

They use a single-piece machined aluminum caliper. This single-piece caliper is more powerful, reliable, and stable than the two-piece caliper used in the high-end braking system. The caliper feels stiff, and energy transfer from the big lever to the caliper is very smooth, resulting in smooth and quick stopping.

The brakes use pistons featuring pure resin composition. You have to choose between three pad options depending on how and where you want to ride. Since I got these brakes for long rides, I chose stock 7 P pads that offer low friction levels and can resist heat for a long time. The brakes use a lightweight carbon lever that is slightly wider and longer than regular brakes. The lever is comfortable, but stopping power doesn’t feel good right out of the box.

You’re gonna get the optimum stopping power after a break-in period of 2 to 3 weeks. The brakes were delivered with a full-length hose. You need to cut the brake lines prior to installation. If you are not skilled enough, I recommend you go for professional installation.

The brakes don’t come pre-bled. Bleeding requirements are not high, but if you are using them three to four times a week on enduro trails, it’s recommended to use the MTB bleeding kit to bleed them every two months. You need to use Magura mineral oil for bleeding. The brakes are easy to bleed, and I’ve never faced leakage issues with the brakes.

My biggest knock on these brakes is that they are not backed by a warranty. The pads are highly prone to snapping, but unfortunately, the warranty only covers the leakage. If you are not interested in long rides, I recommend you go with C.R 7 comfort pads as they last longer than C.P 7.

What I liked

  • Competitively priced
  • Best for long rides
  • Steady stopping power

What I didn’t like

  • No warranty for snapped parts

Why I Recommended Magura MT8 Pro Disc Brakes

Magura MT8 Pro high-performance brakes are powerful and dependable brakes that perform really well on long enduro rides. With minimum maintenance requirements, instant grabbing power, and multiple pad options, these are among the best mountain bike hydraulic disc brakes that you can buy today.


4. Shimano MT200 – Best Brakes for Trail Riding

Editor’s Choice

Shimano MT200 - Best Brakes for Trail Riding

9.6/10

Features

  • Material : Metal
  • Weight: 1.5 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 10.94×7.17 inches
  • Type: Hose

JGBike Shimano MT200 is among the most powerful conventional mountain bike brakes. These brakes have been in use for around 2 years. I got them to replace the mechanical brakes on my fat tire bike as those were not cutting anymore. The brakes are ideal for anyone who is moving from mechanical to hydraulic brakes.

There is a short break-in period, but when they become fully aligned with the bike, and you get used to them, these brakes work like magic. This braking system comes with a three-finger lever. Though it isn’t as stiff as the advanced single-piece lever, it is the most ergonomic I’ve ever used. These brakes are highly accessible and responsive, making them ideal for people having small hands or who have just started trail biking.

The brakes are affordable, as you get a complete set of rear and front brakes, pads, and calipers. The resin pads are dependable and can outlast the lifespan of other parts in the system. Noisy pads and excessive pads rattling are the common issues that I’ve experienced with generic hydraulic brakes. However, these brakes are very well made, and I never noticed rattling or noise, even in the toughest conditions.

The brakes don’t get hot quickly and offer reliable performance throughout the ride. The brakes come in two sizes, 160 mm and 180 mm. The package includes hoses, rotors, and an adapter. However, they don’t come pre-bled, and you need to buy the fluid kit separately for these brakes. The brakes include everything that you need for installation, but still, it is a little tricky to get a perfect fit for the brakes.

It is a little hard to guess the right-left configuration and adjust the hose size. There is a specific bleeding method for MT200 disc brakes, and you need to buy Shimano mineral oil and a Shimano bleeding kit consisting of a funnel and syringe. These add extra cost to the package, but it is still very affordable considering its long-term performance and low maintenance requirements.

What I liked

  • Ultra quiet pads
  • No overheating issues
  • Great for beginners

What I didn’t like

  • Installation and bleeding are tough

Why I Recommended Shimano MT200 Disc Brake Set for Trail Rides

Shimano MT200 is the best replacement for mechanical brakes as they add immense braking power to the system without sacrificing control and accessibility. Top-notch construction, high-grabbing power, and ability to handle tough trails help them stand among the best mountain bike hydraulic disc brakes.


5. Shimano SLX M7100 M7120 MTB Disc Brakes

Heavy Duty

Shimano SLX M7100 M7120 MTB Disc Brakes

9.4/10

Features

  • Material : Alloy
  • Weight: 1.3 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 9.9×9 inches
  • Type: Lever

If you are looking for a budget-friendly Shimano braking system for your mountain bike, take a look at the Shimano SLX M7100. These brakes with Servo Wave action technology ensure faster engagement with shorter free strokes for a smooth and safe riding experience.

I installed these brakes on my fat tire e-bike as an upgrade. The brakes are not made for aggressive downhill riding. This is a two-piston lightweight braking system that offers consistent and gradual stopping power on regular bike trails.

If you are not an aggressive downhill rider, this is the best option since brakes with 4 Pistons will add a lot of weight to the system. The brakes feel a little extra grabbing at the start. However, the break-in period is short, and you are gonna love the brakes once you adjust the grab reach. The stopping power is amazing, and they respond very quickly. I sometimes use these brakes for downhill riding too, and I’m quite happy with the performance.

These brakes use a long, stiff lever that adds exceptional stopping power to the system. Like all other Shimano, the energy transfer from the lever to the caliper is efficient. The brakes don’t come pre-assembled. Though the manufacturer says they are pre-bled, they are actually not. I was expecting it to be a quick swap, but it took me around 4 hours to install these brakes.

Installation is not very complex, but you require special tools to bleed and install brakes. If you are not highly skilled, you won’t be able to install the brakes. Overall, these are efficient and reliable brakes. I love these brakes since they work fine without any major maintenance requirements.

What I liked

  • Best price-performance ratio
  • Rugged build quality
  • A quick grab-smooth stopping

What I didn’t like

  • Hard to fluid and install

Why I Recommended SHIMANO SLX Disc Brake

If you’re looking for good working brakes without breaking the bank, Shimano SLX M7100 is the best option you can have. The brakes are responsive, have immense stopping power and last longer than the cheap disc brakes, making them the best mountain bike hydraulic disc brakes.


6. Magura USA MT7 Pro MTB Hydraulic Disc Brake

Best Seller

Magura USA MT7 Pro Disc Brake

9.3/10

Features

  • Material : Aluminum
  • Weight: 1.3 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 12×9 inches
  • Type: Lever

Magura USA MT7 Pro hydraulic disc brakes are next on the list. These are premium grade brakes that stand among the most competitive and powerful Enduro brakes in the USA. The brakes fit a wide range of mountain bikes. I got them for my Switchblade Race 29 XT to get some extra stopping power during the aggressive downhill riding. The best part of these brakes is that they are lightweight.

The brakes add immense stopping power to the system without adding extra weight to the mountain bike. The energy transfer of the brakes is smooth and uninterrupted. The brakes are responsive and ensure a safe and smooth stopping within seconds.

What sets them apart from all other brakes is their ability to stop in all dimensions. Therefore I prefer them for wetter conditions and slippery terrain. The pads engage really well and retract every time, making them super reliable for high-speed rides and challenging conditions.

These brakes support a wide range of adjustments making them easier to use with conventional MTB platforms. You can adjust the friction as per the terrain and riding style requirements. Unlike older models, these brakes are easy to install. The brakes come with everything that you need to install them on the bikes.

With a basic tool kit, you can install the brakes within an hour. The brakes worked with my existing post-brake adapter. However, it may not work with some adapters, and you need to check the compatibility before installing them. An installation guide on Youtube is also available that will make the installation even simpler.

The brakes don’t come with a bleed kit; you need to buy them separately. Bleeding is simple, and brakes work fine if you bleed them every 3 to 4 months. These brakes are made to last and have a nice comfortable feel, a short break-in period, and unmatched performance on tough trails. The only gripe that I have with brakes is that they are a little expensive.

What I liked

  • Class-leading stopping power
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Effortless installation and bleeding

What I didn’t like

  • On pricier side

Why I Recommended Magura USA MT7 Pro Disc Brake

If you are not on a budget and looking for the best enduro mtb brakes, these are the best brakes you can have. The brakes are lightweight, ensure stopping in all conditions, and feel exceptionally responsive and aggressive in downhill rides, making them the best mountain bike hydraulic disc brakes.


7. Clark’s Cable Systems Front Hydraulic M2 Brake

Budget Friendly

Clark's Cable Systems Front Hydraulic M2 Brake

9.2/10

Features

  • Material : ‎Alloy
  • Weight: 1.25 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 8.25×8.15 inches
  • Type: Lever

Clark’s Cable 3-piston hydraulic brakes are another dependable option for enduro rides. The front brakes come at a very affordable price and offer unmatched performance in all weather conditions. The brakes are compatible with a 160 mm rotor. I purchased these bikes to replace cheap stock brakes on my enduro bike. The brakes are among the most economical options.

What I loved most was the lightweight construction. The brakes are super lightweight. They are much more comfortable and responsive than generic cable-pull brakes available in this price range. The brakes are definitely not made for tough trail rides.

However, these brakes perform really well for everyday commutes and smooth trail rides. They are compatible with most of the existing hydraulic braking systems, including Hope Tech and Shimano. Installation is not a big deal.

However, the cables that are included in the package are short. MTB with longer handlebars uses long pull cables. You need to buy a lengthy cable that adds extra cost to the overall package. The brakes are made to last. Full resin pad construction makes them super reliable. It makes it less noisy, and I never notice any rattling in the pad. The stopping power of the brakes is good. They don’t add extra weight to MTB.

Also, you can make a lot of adjustments for lever reach for maximum comfort and accessibility. Hydraulic works much better than cheap brakes available in local shops. It’s been only a month since I got these brakes on the board. Therefore, it’s quite early to say anything about the quality. Overall build quality is nice, but you cannot expect them to perform as long as premium-grade disc brakes by Shimano or Magura.

What I liked

  • Wide range of compatibility
  • Easy to install
  • Made to last

What I didn’t like

  • Short cable

Why I Recommended Clark’s Cable Systems Brake

Clark’s cable system brakes are an economical yet highly dependable option that works with almost any MTB brake system. Lightweight design, low maintenance requirements, and quiet pads make the best mountain bike hydraulic disc brakes.


8. CNC MTB Brakes – Best Budget Hydraulic Disc Brakes

CNC MTB Brakes - Best Budget Hydraulic Disc Brakes

9.1/10

Features

  • Material : Aluminum/Stainlessness Steel
  • Weight: 2.4 lbs.
  • Dimensions: 6.73×6.69 inches
  • Type: Lever

CNC MTB Hydraulic disc brakes are the final option on the list. These are the most affordable hydraulic disc brakes that offer decent stopping power on the trail and smooth sand rides. These brakes are highly ergonomic, offer good accessibility, and ensure safe stopping on wet and slippery terrains. These brakes cannot outperform single-piece hydraulic brakes. However, these brakes are much more responsive than mechanical brakes.

The brakes come with a high-quality long lever and aluminum caliper. This rugged construction ensures efficient energy transfer for quick and safe stopping. Also, these brakes are lightweight and more comfortable than cable-pull-type brakes. I didn’t use these brakes for aggressive gravity riding, but I’ve tested them on various trails in different weather conditions. The brakes perform well on steep and wet terrain.

Also, premium-grade construction makes them highly resistant to weather and lasts longer than your expectations. This braking system includes levers and calipers. They are compatible with all hydraulic disc brake pads and rotors. My bike had Shimano XT rotors, and these brakes offered a perfect fit right out of the box with the system.

Also, these brakes come with spacers that help you get them aligned with the existing rotors. Installation is super quick and easy. However, the installation manual is not included; if you are using hydro brakes for the first time, there is a learning curve for you. The brakes are good for casual use but aren’t made for high-speed or aggressive downhill riding. These brakes are highly prone to locking if you are riding downhill at a fast speed.

What I liked

  • Highly affordable
  • Quick and easy installation
  • Fits wide range of brakes

What I didn’t like

  • Prone to locking

Why I Recommended CNC MTB Hydraulic Disc Brake Set

If you are looking for a high-performance hydraulic disc brake for your MTB without breaking the bank, CNC hydraulic disc brakes are the best option you can have. Smooth performance and minimum maintenance requirements help them stand out among the best mountain bike hydraulic disc brakes.

How To Choose the Right MTB Hydraulic Disc Brakes?

Hydraulic disc brakes have made life easier, especially when you think of hard trail or enduro riding. However, there are certain factors that determine the performance, quality, and dependability of hydraulic disc brakes in various conditions.

To help you make a well-informed decision, I’ve composed this guide to help you make a wise decision.

How To Choose the Right MTB Hydraulic Disc Brakes

Four Piston vs Two-Piston Brakes

A few years back, only gravity riders preferred four-position brakes. Four-piston brakes are more powerful than two-position brakes, making them ideal for more challenging enduro rides and downhill riding. 4-position or 4-pot brakes are perfect for anyone who is interested in challenging adventures. If you ride at faster speeds and want a safe stopping in all dimensions, you definitely need 4-piston brakes.

However, 2-pot hydraulic disc brakes are quite powerful too. They are widely used on regular MTBs for conventional use. Maintenance requirements of 2-pot brakes are half as compared to 4-pot brakes. Also, these brakes are lightweight and more affordable than 4-piston brakes. Both 4-pot and 2-pot brakes have unique edges and knock, so it ultimately boils down to your personal preference, budget, and riding needs.

Level Of Adjustments

Another thing that you need to consider while buying hydraulic disc brakes is the level of adjustments. Adjustments allow you to mold the braking system as per your skill level and riding needs. The most common adjustment is the reach adjustment. Reach adjustment lets you adjust the lever distance from the brake.

You can adjust the distance as per your hand size for easy accessibility and a comfortable experience. Almost all advanced hydraulic disc brakes offer to reach adjustment. However, you can find free stroke or bite-point adjustment in premium grade options. These features allow you to adjust the amount of lever-free distance before the pad-rotor contact.

Pad Construction

Hydraulic disc brakes feature different materials like resin, glass, or rubber. These are called organic or non-metallic pads. These pads are preferred since they’re quiet and offer decent performance even at low temperatures. Most hydraulic disc brakes feature resin pads.

High-quality resin pads work quietly, don’t rattle, and resist extreme temperatures. However, organic pads are good for low temperatures but heat up quickly. For tough and long-distance rides, you can buy Sintered pads. These pads have more metal fragments, but they resist the heat really well.

FAQs about MTB Disc Brakes

Is hydraulic brakes worth it in MTB?

Yes, hydraulics brakes are definitely worth it in MTBs. These brakes are an undisputed winner in terms of performance, as they engage quickly and are more responsive than mechanical brakes. They efficiently transfer the force from lever to adapter, making them the best for MTBs.

Which company disc brake is best?

Shimano And Magura are the best companies to make disc brakes. All their brakes are known for efficient performance on hard trails, and they last longer with fewer maintenance requirements.

Are Shimano Deore’s hydraulic brakes good?

Shimano Deore, hydraulic disc brakes are among the best brakes for mountain bikes. These brakes offer a comfortable feel and quick responses for safe stopping in all conditions.

Wrapping Up Hydraulic Disc Brakes Review

I hope this review and guide will help you choose the best mtb disc brakes. All the options reviewed above are trail tested for quality and performance, and you will not regret them if you make a purchase.

Here are my top three picks from the list:

Ease of installation and ease of bleeding should be among your concerns while buying disc brakes. Also, you need to make sure that the brakes you are buying are compatible with the existing brackets for your MTB.


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