Not all brake pads are the same under the surface. The friction material bonded to the pad comes in a few main types, each with its own balance of bite, noise, dust, and life. Here are the brake pad friction material types.
Ceramic
Ceramic pads use ceramic compounds and fine fibers. They are quiet, produce light-colored low dust, are gentle on rotors, and last a long time - ideal for daily drivers; see ceramic vs semi-metallic. They can be a touch less aggressive when cold.
Semi-metallic
Semi-metallic pads contain a high fraction of metal. They bite hard, resist heat and fade, and suit trucks, towing, and performance - see brake fade - at the cost of more noise, more dust, and faster rotor wear.
Organic (NAO)
Non-asbestos organic pads use fibers like glass, rubber, and resin. They are soft, quiet, and cheap, and gentle on rotors, but wear faster and fade sooner under heat - best for light-duty, low-demand driving.
Choosing the right type
Match the material to your vehicle and driving: ceramic for quiet daily use, semi-metallic for heat and loads, organic for light budget use. Whatever you pick, bed it in and pair with fresh hardware. Browse quality brake pads.