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10 Best Makita Drills 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Makita Xgt 40V Max Combo Kit 4Pc

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,166
Power Source
Battery Type and Voltage
Speed and Torque Settings

Most important from
27 reviews

Power Source
The 40-volt system delivers exceptional power, effortlessly cutting through tough materials like steel.
Battery Type and Voltage
This set offers more than double the performance of older 19.2-volt tools, making it a long-term investment.
Speed and Torque Settings
The drill stands out for its impressive torque and smooth operation, ideal for demanding projects.
Weight and Ergonomics
Despite its power, the combined weight can feel bulky during extended use or for delicate tasks.
Additional Features
The charging system is convenient and integrates well with the tools, enhancing overall usability.

The Makita Xgt 40V Max Combo Kit offers a powerful set of tools powered by a 40-volt lithium-ion battery system, delivering strong performance for demanding tasks. The hammer driver-drill features a brushless motor with two speed settings and up to 1,250 in.lbs. of torque, making it suitable for drilling into tough materials. The impact driver adds versatility with four-speed power options and even higher torque at 1,950 in.lbs., helping with fastening jobs that require more force. The kit also includes a reciprocating saw with adjustable speeds, expanding its usefulness for cutting tasks.

Weighing about 31 pounds in total, the combo is fairly heavy but still manageable for most users, especially with Makita's focus on ergonomics and comfort. Additionally, the tools have built-in LED lights to illuminate work areas and XPT technology for better resistance to dust and water, enhancing job site durability. On the downside, batteries are not included, so you'll need to purchase them separately unless you already have compatible Makita batteries.

The set's weight and size might feel bulky for extended use or delicate work. This combo fits those who need robust, versatile cordless tools for construction, remodeling, or heavy DIY projects, while casual users or those looking for lighter tools might find it more than necessary.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,166
Power Source
Battery Type and Voltage
Speed and Torque Settings

Most important from
27 reviews

Power Source
The 40-volt system delivers exceptional power, effortlessly cutting through tough materials like steel.
Battery Type and Voltage
This set offers more than double the performance of older 19.2-volt tools, making it a long-term investment.
Speed and Torque Settings
The drill stands out for its impressive torque and smooth operation, ideal for demanding projects.
Weight and Ergonomics
Despite its power, the combined weight can feel bulky during extended use or for delicate tasks.
Additional Features
The charging system is convenient and integrates well with the tools, enhancing overall usability.
#2

Makita XT297T 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit (5.0Ah)

Rating
9.4
Power Source
Additional Features

Most important from
65 reviews

Power Source
The brushless motors deliver a noticeable performance boost compared to standard motors, enhancing efficiency and power.
Additional Features
The 360° LED ring light significantly improves visibility in low-light environments, making detailed work easier.

The Makita XT297T 18V LXT combo kit offers a solid package of cordless tools, including a hammer driver-drill and a 4-speed impact driver, both powered by efficient 18V lithium-ion batteries with 5.0Ah capacity. These brushless motors help extend battery life by up to 50%, allowing longer work periods without frequent recharging. The hammer driver-drill provides strong torque (up to 1,250 in.lbs.) and two-speed settings (0-550 and 0-2,100 RPM), making it versatile for various drilling and fastening tasks. The impact driver delivers up to 1,590 in.lbs. of torque with four speed/power modes, ideal for tougher jobs. Both tools are lightweight—6.0 lbs for the drill and 3.4 lbs for the impact driver—helping reduce user fatigue during extended use. A useful feature is the 360° LED light ring on the impact driver, which brightens the work area and minimizes shadows. The kit also includes advanced protection such as Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) to resist dust and water, as well as Star Protection electronics to prevent battery overload or overheating. Charging is fast and battery-friendly due to the Rapid Optimum Charger with a cooling fan.

The kit weighs nearly 15 pounds in total with batteries and bag, which might be somewhat bulky for some users. Additionally, the drill has a 1/2 inch chuck size, which is standard but may not accommodate very specialized bits. This combo is suited for DIY enthusiasts and professionals seeking reliable, durable cordless tools for a variety of home improvement and construction tasks where mobility and power efficiency are important.

Rating
9.4
Power Source
Additional Features

Most important from
65 reviews

Power Source
The brushless motors deliver a noticeable performance boost compared to standard motors, enhancing efficiency and power.
Additional Features
The 360° LED ring light significantly improves visibility in low-light environments, making detailed work easier.
#3

Makita XT288T 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit (5.0Ah)

Rating
9.4
Battery Type and Voltage
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
729 reviews

Battery Type and Voltage
The batteries last a really long time, with some users having batteries that are 8 years old and still holding a decent charge.
Weight and Ergonomics
This drill is a bit heavier than older models, but it is sturdier and seems to be more durable.

The Makita XT288T 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit is designed for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals who require reliable and versatile drilling and driving tools. With its high-performance brushless motor, the Hammer Driver-Drill offers impressive speed settings (0-550 and 0-2,100 RPM) and a strong torque of 1,250 in.lbs., making it suitable for a variety of tasks from light to heavy-duty applications. Weighing in at just 6.0 lbs. with the battery attached, it's also lightweight enough for prolonged use without causing fatigue.

The impact driver included in the kit adds further versatility, with four-speed power settings and a maximum torque of 1,590 in.lbs. This feature allows users to adjust the tool's power to meet the needs of different tasks effectively. Both tools are equipped with Makita’s Extreme Protection Technology (XPT), providing added durability in challenging conditions by resisting dust and water.

One of the standout features is the efficient BL Brushless motor, which optimizes battery energy use, extending run time by up to 50% per charge—great for longer projects without frequent recharging. With two included 5.0Ah Lithium-Ion batteries, users can easily switch between tools without downtime. This combo kit has many strengths, but some users may find the higher torque and speed capabilities a bit overwhelming if they're looking for simpler tools for basic tasks. Additionally, while the lightweight design is generally beneficial, it might not provide the heft some users prefer for stability during use. The price point could also be a consideration for those on a tight budget, as it may be higher than basic drill options available on the market. The Makita XT288T is a powerful and reliable choice for varied applications, particularly in demanding environments.

Rating
9.4
Battery Type and Voltage
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
729 reviews

Battery Type and Voltage
The batteries last a really long time, with some users having batteries that are 8 years old and still holding a decent charge.
Weight and Ergonomics
This drill is a bit heavier than older models, but it is sturdier and seems to be more durable.

Buying Guide for the Best Makita Drills

When choosing a Makita drill, it's important to consider your specific needs and the types of projects you'll be working on. Makita offers a wide range of drills, each designed for different tasks and user requirements. By understanding the key specifications and how they relate to your needs, you can make an informed decision and select the best drill for you.
Power SourceThe power source of a drill can be either corded or cordless. Corded drills are typically more powerful and provide a constant power supply, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks and prolonged use. Cordless drills, on the other hand, offer greater mobility and convenience, as they are powered by rechargeable batteries. If you need a drill for light to medium tasks and value portability, a cordless drill might be the best choice. For more demanding projects, a corded drill could be more suitable.
Battery Type and VoltageFor cordless drills, the battery type and voltage are crucial factors. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common and preferred due to their longer lifespan and lighter weight. The voltage of the battery determines the power of the drill; common voltages range from 12V to 20V. Lower voltage drills (12V) are suitable for light tasks like assembling furniture, while higher voltage drills (18V or 20V) are better for more demanding tasks like drilling into masonry or metal. Choose a voltage that matches the intensity of your typical projects.
Chuck SizeThe chuck size of a drill determines the maximum diameter of the drill bit that can be used. Common chuck sizes are 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch. A 3/8 inch chuck is sufficient for most household tasks and light-duty work, while a 1/2 inch chuck is better for heavy-duty tasks and larger drill bits. Consider the types of projects you will be working on and choose a chuck size that accommodates the drill bits you will need.
Speed and Torque SettingsDrills come with variable speed and torque settings, which allow you to adjust the drill's performance based on the task at hand. Higher speeds are useful for drilling into softer materials, while lower speeds with higher torque are better for harder materials and driving screws. Look for a drill with multiple speed and torque settings if you need versatility for different types of projects. If you primarily work with one type of material, a drill with fewer settings may suffice.
Weight and ErgonomicsThe weight and ergonomics of a drill affect how comfortable it is to use, especially for extended periods. Lighter drills are easier to handle and reduce fatigue, making them ideal for overhead or prolonged use. Ergonomic designs with comfortable grips and balanced weight distribution can also enhance user comfort. If you plan to use the drill frequently or for long durations, prioritize models that are lightweight and ergonomically designed.
Additional FeaturesSome drills come with additional features such as built-in LED lights, belt clips, and brushless motors. LED lights can be helpful for working in low-light conditions, while belt clips provide convenient storage when not in use. Brushless motors offer increased efficiency and longer lifespan compared to brushed motors. Consider which additional features would be beneficial for your specific needs and choose a drill that includes those enhancements.

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