When it comes to cordless drills, few names carry the weight of Makita. Known for rugged durability and industry-leading battery technology, Makita’s 18V LXT line has become a staple on job sites and in home workshops alike. But how does the Makita ecosystem stack up against top competitors like DeWalt, Craftsman, and BLACK+DECKER? In this guide, we break down what makes Makita cordless drills special, compare them with the best alternatives on the market, and help you choose the right driver for your projects.
Whether you’re a professional contractor or a weekend DIYer, understanding the battery platform and drill performance is key. Let’s dive into the world of cordless drills and see how Makita’s lineup holds its ground.
Why Makita? The LXT Advantage
Makita’s 18V LXT lithium‑ion system offers over 275 tools that share the same battery platform. This ecosystem lets you start with a drill and expand your kit without needing new batteries or chargers. The brushless motors in modern Makita drills deliver up to 50% more runtime, longer motor life, and compact designs.
However, you don’t have to look far to find excellent alternatives. Brands like Dewalt Cordless Drills and Milwaukee Cordless Drills offer their own powerful ecosystems, often at competitive price points. Below, we compare some of the top‑rated cordless drills available today.
Top Cordless Drills Compared (Includes Makita Alternatives)
Because Makita products are not featured in our selected product list, we’ve gathered the best‑selling cordless drills from other leading brands to help you find the perfect tool. Each of these drills is backed by thousands of positive reviews and represents a specific price‑performance tier.
| Product | Price | Rating | Key Feature | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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$89.10 | 4.8 ⭐ | 2‑speed, high‑performance motor, 2 batteries | Buy on Amazon |
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$149.00 | 4.7 ⭐ | Drill + impact driver combo | Buy on Amazon |
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$59.00 | 4.7 ⭐ | V20 ½” drill/driver, great value | Buy on Amazon |
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$99.00 | 4.8 ⭐ | Drill + impact driver, LED work light | Buy on Amazon |
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$152.10 | 4.8 ⭐ | Brushless motors, 2‑tool kit | Buy on Amazon |
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$89.10 | 4.7 ⭐ | Brushless ½” 2‑speed, LED light | Buy on Amazon |
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$24.79 | 4.5 ⭐ | Budget‑friendly, basic DIY | Buy on Amazon |
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$35.99 | 4.5 ⭐ | 2 batteries, 30Nm torque | Buy on Amazon |
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$34.99 | 4.6 ⭐ | 12V compact driver | Buy on Amazon |
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$44.99 | 4.7 ⭐ | 20V, double‑sided bit | Buy on Amazon |
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$75.99 | 4.6 ⭐ | Hammer drill, 531 in‑lbs | Buy on Amazon |
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$39.99 | 4.6 ⭐ | 22‑piece accessory kit | Buy on Amazon |
Best Budget‑Friendly Cordless Drills
Not every project requires a $150 tool. For light household tasks – assembling furniture, hanging shelves, or drilling into drywall – affordable options deliver surprising performance.
DEKOPRO 20V Cordless Drill ($24.79)
With a 4.5‑star rating and over 6,700 reviews, the DEKOPRO 20V Cordless Drill punches above its weight. It includes a battery, charger, and variable speed trigger. Perfect for beginners who need a reliable drill without breaking the bank.
BLACK+DECKER 12V MAX BDCDD12C ($34.99)
Compact and lightweight, the BLACK+DECKER 12V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver is ideal for small jobs. Its ¾” keyless chuck and built‑in LED light make it easy to work in tight spaces. With 4.6 stars from 7,600 ratings, it’s a trusted choice.
PULITUO 20V Drill with 2 Batteries ($35.99)
The PULITUO 20V Cordless Drill/Driver comes with two batteries, so you’re never stuck waiting for a charge. Its 21+1 torque settings and 30Nm of torque handle most home DIY projects with ease.
Best Mid‑Range Drills for DIY Enthusiasts
Stepping up to $50–$100, you get more power, better build quality, and often a second battery.
CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCD700C1 ($59.00)
The CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill/Driver Kit delivers ¼” hex chuck convenience and a comfortable grip. With a 4.7‑star rating and 5,800 reviews, it’s a solid performer that shares batteries with other Craftsman V20 tools.
DEWALT DCD771C2 ($89.10) – Best Seller
A true classic, the DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill Driver Set has earned 4.8 stars from over 49,000 reviews. It includes two XR 1.3Ah batteries, a charger, and a contractor bag. The high‑performance motor delivers 300 unit watts out (UWO) of power – enough for most drilling and driving tasks.
DEWALT DCD777D1 Brushless ($89.10)
For the same price, the DEWALT 20V MAX Brushless Drill offers brushless efficiency. It’s lighter, runs cooler, and provides up to 57% more runtime than brushed models. The 2.0Ah battery gives you extra capacity out of the box.
Best Combo Kits: Drill + Impact Driver
Combining a drill with an impact driver saves time and money. If you frequently drive screws or lag bolts, a combo kit is the way to go.
CRAFTSMAN V20 MAX CMCK200C2 ($99.00)
The CRAFTSMAN V20 MAX Cordless Drill Driver and Impact Driver Set includes both tools, two batteries, a charger, LED work light, and a bag. With a 4.8‑star rating and 8,800 reviews, it’s one of the highest‑rated combos at its price point.
DEWALT DCK240C2 Combo ($149.00)
A step up in power, the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit comes with two batteries and a durable bag. The impact driver delivers 1,400 in‑lbs of torque – perfect for heavy‑duty fastening. Rating: 4.7 stars from nearly 60,000 reviews.
DEWALT DCK277D2 Brushless Combo ($152.10)
The DEWALT 20V MAX Brushless 2‑Tool Combo Kit upgrades you to brushless motors for longer runtime and compact ergonomics. Both tools are ¼” shorter than their brushed counterparts, making them easier to handle in tight spaces. 4.8 stars.
Makita vs. The Competition: What to Consider
Makita cordless drills are renowned for their smooth trigger control, compact brushless motors, and long battery life. But the ecosystem matters most. If you already own Makita LXT batteries, sticking with Makita saves money. Otherwise, you might prefer:
- Dewalt Cordless Drills – Robust 20V MAX system, wide accessory availability.
- Milwaukee Cordless Drills – High torque, M18 Fuel brushless models are industry leaders.
- Ryobi Cordless Drills – Affordable 18V ONE+ platform with 200+ tools.
- Bosch Cordless Drills – German engineering, excellent for precision work.
Check out our in‑depth comparisons of Milwaukee Cordless Drills and Ryobi Cordless Drills to see how they match up.
Final Verdict: Which Cordless Drill Should You Buy?
Your choice depends on your budget, existing battery platform, and workload.
- Under $30: DEKOPRO 20V is unbeatable for light DIY.
- Best value drill: CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCD700C1 at $59.
- Best all‑around drill: DEWALT DCD771C2 – 49,000+ reviews don’t lie.
- Best combo kit: CRAFTSMAN CMCK200C2 for $99 or DEWALT DCK240C2 for a step up.
If you’re already invested in a brand ecosystem like Makita, keep building on it. But if you’re starting fresh, the tools above offer proven performance and great value. Happy drilling!