5 Best Makita Drills Reviewed

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  March 29, 2022
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Popular for manufacturing aesthetic and efficient drill machines, Makita is a known name among woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts. The company doesn’t make boring machines; they manufacture drills that are fun to work with.

If you are looking for the best Makita drill, you have come to the right place. Here we have listed the best of the bests just for you. Don’t worry, not all of our products here are expensive. You will definitely find something that fits your budget.

Makita is a wonderful company that has been manufacturing drill machines for a long time. Their machines are not only durable but also long-lasting. You can easily operate a Makita drill regardless of your skill level.

Best-Makita-Drill

Most of the drills manufactured by Makita are user-friendly and have an excellent ergonomic design. This means that you can use these drills for a long time without any issues.

So, what’s the wait? Read on to check out our list of the best drills by Makita.

Top 5 Best Makita Drills

There are hundreds of drills manufactured by Makita available in the market. But not all of them are up to the mark. We have narrowed down the number of good options to 5 so that you can pick one easily.

Makita XFD10R 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill Kit

Makita XFD10R 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2" Driver-Drill Kit

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Weight10.6 pounds
ColorTeal
Power SourceBattery Powered
Voltage18 volts
Speed1900 RPM
Warranty3 years

You can purchase this drill with the kit or without it depending on your preference. The drill runs on 18 volts Lithium-ion battery and is cordless. Maximum torque of this drill is 480-inch pounds, which is enough for working around the house and backyard projects.

This equipment can be used for a wide range of applications as it comes with two transmission speeds. One is 0 to 600 RPM, and the other is 0 to 1,900 RPM. The drill is designed to be used in harsh conditions as well. It comes with XPT or Extreme Protection Technology, which protects the machine from dust and water.

How to strip wire fast
How to strip wire fast

The dual LED lights attached to the drill make it easier to use, even in the dark. Users will be able to see narrow areas with the help of this light as well.

Handle of the drill is ergonomically designed and has rubber covered soft grip, which allows user to drill with this equipment for hours without feeling any kind of discomfort.

Total length of this machine is 7-1/4 inches. The compact drill can be easily handled by both professionals and amateurs. An 18V rapid optimum charger along with two Lithium-ion compact 2.0ah batteries comes in the package. You definitely won’t need to buy extra equipment for using this drill.

Highlighted Features

  • Tool case for convenient portability
  • Compact drill. Length is 7-1/4 inches
  • Ergonomically designed and rubber-coated handle
  • Dual LED lights
  • Comes with 2 transmission speeds

Check prices here

Makita XFD131 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2 In. Driver-Drill Kit (3.0Ah)

Makita XFD131 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2 In. Driver-Drill Kit (3.0Ah)

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Weight7.25 pounds
Dimensions10.16 x 15.08 x 6.06
MaterialSteel, plastic
Speed900 RPM
Voltage18V
Power SourceBattery Powered
Battery CellLithium Ion
Warranty3-year

This one comes with a strong build and excellent power. The motor is brushless, which allows users to be more flexible with their work. Brushless motor creates an integration between torque, speed, and power supply, which makes the drill more suitable for the task you are doing. This means the drill adjusts its settings depending on your task.

The drill has mechanical two transmission speeds; one is 0-500 RPM, and the other is 0-1, 900 RPM. This makes the drill suitable for a wide range of projects as it can rotate at different speed levels.

Maximum torque of this equipment is 440 inches pounds. The motor is controlled electronically and provides 50% more runtime for every charge. This motor eliminates carbon brushes as well, which contributes to its long life.

It’s a compact device with a length of 6-5/8 inches and a weight of 3.8 lbs. The weight is a battery included as the battery is very light as well. Handle of the drill is ergonomically designed and has a rubber-coated soft grip. The whole ensemble is user-friendly and eliminates chances of fatigue while in use.

Along with the LED lights and simple speed adjustment options, this is the best drill you can have in your toolbox.

Highlighted Features

  • Comes with LED lights so that user can work in the dark as well
  • Speed adjustment is simple and quick
  • Designed to be user-friendly and doesn’t put a strain on operator
  • The drill has mechanical 2 transmission speeds
  • Comes with brushless motor

Check prices here

Makita XFD12Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill

Makita XFD12Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Driver-Drill

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Weight2.89 pounds
Dimensions3.6 x 7.5 x 9.5
MaterialComposite
Power SourceBattery Powered
Voltage18 volts
Warranty3-year

You have the option of purchasing this drill with batteries and kit or without them. Obviously, the kit and batteries are a bit more expensive than just the tool.

The power to weight ratio of this particular equipment is outstanding. It can drive down into even the hardest of materials, including concrete and wood. Maximum torque of the tool is 530 inches.lbs. and it’s delivered by an excellent brushless motor. The motor creates communication between the power source and torque saving energy, which results in a 50% longer runtime per charge.

Brushless motors are excellent because they make tools last longer as well. For an avid user, brushless motor means fewer trips to the repairman and more power in drilling.

This tool comes with all the advanced technologies. XPT or Extreme Protection Technology protects it from dust and water; allows users to operate it in extreme conditions.

With a length of 6-3/4 inches and a weight of only 3.4 lbs, this ergonomic drill is the ideal tool for any professional. You won’t get tired, you won’t feel muscle, and you will be able to work for hours without any issues.

LED lights attached to this drill have afterglow features, which are a bonus for most users.

Highlighted Features

  • Option of purchasing this drill with batteries and kit or without them
  • Maximum torque of the tool is 530-inches/lbs.
  • Comes with brushless motor
  • 50% longer runtime per charge
  • Ergonomic drill

Check prices here

Makita XT335S 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3-Pc. Combo Kit

Makita XT335S 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3-Pc. Combo Kit

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Weight11.9 pounds
Dimensions9.76 x 14.8 x 10.43
MaterialPlastic
Warranty3-year

Like the ones we listed before, this one also comes with a brushless motor. These motors are accepted to be a standard for drills nowadays. The motors basically create a connection between the charger, power source, and torque of drill to establish an integrated network so that the machine can update itself according to the task.

Brushless motors also ensure 50% longer runtime per charge for drills. This saves time and makes working more efficient for workers. BL brushless motor in this drill also eliminates carbon brushes that allow the motor to stay cool and make the drill last longer.

The combo kit comes with two drivers and a flashlight; one is a ½ inch driver, and another one is an impact drill. Both the drills are of excellent quality, and many users buy them separately. Here you can buy them together and save some bucks.

½ inch driver has two speeds: 0 to 500 RPM and 0 to 1, 900 RPM. Maximum torque of this drill is 440-inch pounds, and it weighs only 3.6 pounds.

Impact driver of the kit comes with two speeds as well: 0 to 3, 400 RPM, and 0 to 3, 600 IPM. Its maximum torque is 1, 500-inch pounds, and it weighs only 3.3 pounds.

Flashlight in this kit comes with one xenon bulb, which provides 180 lumens. The tool can be charged fully in under an hour.

Highlighted Features

  • 3 different tools along with charger in one kit
  • Great value for money
  • Ergonomically designed
  • Flashlight comes with one xenon bulb which provides 180 lumens
  • Comes with brushless motor

Check prices here

Makita XT281S 18V LXT 2-Pc. Combo Kit

Makita XT281S 18V LXT 2-Pc. Combo Kit

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Weight10.48 pounds
Dimensions9.13 x 12.87 x 9.76
Voltage18 volts
Wattage54 watts
Battery Cell Lithium Ion

The last one on our list is also a combo kit. These kits are excellent because you get more tools at a lesser price. Unlike all the drills mentioned here, the drills in this also come with a brushless motor. So, you get longer runtime per charge along with better power and productivity while you work with these drills.

One of the drills is a 1/2inch driver-drill with 2 transmission speed: 0-500 RPM and 0-1, 900 RPM. The drill weighs only 3.6 lbs and delivers maximum torque of 440 in. Lbs.

Another one is an impact driver with 2-speed transmission; 0-3, 400 RPM and 0-3, 600 IPM. The driver weighs only 3.3 lbs and delivers maximum torque of 1, 500 in. Lbs.

This drill runs on Lithium-Ion 3.0Ah battery, which comes in the package along with a charger and tool case. Both the drivers have LED lights attached to them, which allows users to work in the dark.

The drills also come with Star Protection Computer Controls, which protects them from overheating, over-loading, and over-discharging. We definitely recommend this kit for both amateur and professional users. It has excellently built handles that don’t put stress on the operators’ arms and allow working for hours.

Highlighted Features

  • Combo kit; comes with charger, battery, carrying case, and two drills
  • Comes with brushless motor
  • Have 50% longer runtime which saves energy and time
  • This drill runs on Lithium-Ion 3.0Ah battery
  • Comes with Star Protection Computer Controls

Check prices here

Key Features in Makita drills

Makita drills have something in them that sets them apart from all the other companies. The drills are beautiful, yes, but when you are comparing tools, it comes down to performance. Below we have listed the key features in Makita drills that make them unique:

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Brushless Motor

All the products mentioned here come with brushless motors. These motors are a must for every drilling machine as they make the tools suitable for any task. The connection it creates between drill’s power source, charger, and torque establishes a network among them.

User-friendly

Makita drills are designed to be user-friendly. Whether you are a professional or a noob, you can definitely learn to use these drills within a few days of use.

The drills are ergonomically designed as well to be less stressful towards the operator. Sometimes it gets hard to control a drill machine as it vibrates a lot and is heavy; you won’t face that problem with Makita drills.

LED lights

Almost all Makita drills come with LED lights attached to them. This feature might seem unimportant to some, but it’s extremely handy for professionals. You don’t always have the luxury to work in a well-lit area, the LED lights will help you see better in these cases.

Innovative Tools

You will feature like Star Protection Computer Control and carbon brush elimination in Makita tools. The company constantly innovates and updates its products.

FAQs

Q: What does LXT mean?

Ans: LXT means Lithium-ion Xtreme Technology. This is actually a one-battery formula used as a solution for contractors who need cordless tools. The technology allows users to be more productive.

Q: Does a higher Ah battery increase the runtime of Makita drills?

Ans: Yes. The higher Ah battery can provide longer runtime on a single charge for Makita drills.

Q: Can I use one Makita drill’s battery on others?

Ans: In some cases, yes. Makita has formulated a ‘one battery fits all’ system. The drills that are compatible with this system have interchangeable batteries.

Q: Can my Makita drill’s battery fail?

Ans: Yes. Batteries can fail due to overheating or discharging. Fortunately, most of their products come equipped to prevent these instances from occurring.

Q: How would I know if my drill comes with the ‘STAR Protection Computer Controls’?

Ans: The battery of your drill will have a star on it. You can also check the manual.

Outro

Makita has been popular among woodworkers for a long time. The products they manufacture are simple and efficient; that is what people need. We hope that you have found the best Makita drill from our list of products. The drills here are all different, yet they all have some common features. 

We loved the versatility of each of these products. Makita sure does an excellent job of innovating new technologies and integrating them into something as simple as a drill machine.

Note down the features you are looking for and compare the products to narrow this list down further. Keep your budget in mind before ordering the tool. Good luck!

Milwaukee is also manufacturing great drills here are the top Best Milwaukee Drills, you may learn.

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.