Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver vs Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about contractors needing a lightweight, durable tool — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #7 in Best Cordless Drills

Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver

4.1

3 sources2 derived$179as of Aug 1

The Makita XPH07T 1/2" Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver earned a score of 8.6/10 in Pro Tool Reviews' extensive shootout, praised for its high torque output of 1,090 inch-pounds and smooth performance. Reviewers noted its stability under load thanks to the long side handle and minimal vibration. The tool's 21-position chuck and auxiliary handle enhance usability, though it's limited to 3-inch hole saws and weighs 5.1 pounds with a 5.0 Ah battery. While it performs well in value comparisons, some reviewers noted the weight could be a drawback for prolonged use.

Strengths

— Delivers 1,090 inch-pounds of torque, exceeding the 1000 inch-pounds barrier
— Features a long side handle that improves stability and control under load
— Smooth performance with minimal vibration transfer during operation

Watch-outs

— Only rated for 3-inch hole saws, limiting its use with larger cuts
— Weight of 5.1 pounds (with 5.0 Ah battery) may be cumbersome for extended use

$179 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Cordless Drills

Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver

4.3

4 sourcesall derived$103.25as of Aug 1

The Milwaukee M12 FUEL ½ Inch Drill/Driver delivers impressive performance in a lightweight, compact design ideal for finish work and confined spaces. Reviewer Wayne Cormier praised its ease of use, rubber grip, and ability to handle demanding tasks like 2" hole-saws without slowing down. The tool's durability was confirmed through drop tests from 3 to 8 feet. While reviewers noted the battery removal could be improved, the drill's brushless motor and low weight make it a strong contender for professionals seeking a versatile 12V option. It's particularly suited for contractors who need a lighter alternative to M18 drills but still want substantial power.

Strengths

— Lightweight at 2.6 lbs, half the weight of larger M18 drills
— Key-less chuck accepts all standard bits
— LED indicators on top and below chuck for visibility

Watch-outs

— Battery removal mechanism feels awkward and could be easier
— Limited to 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah battery options

$103.25 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver

The Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver delivers more torque than the DEWALT 20V MAX XR or Ryobi ONE+, but it's heavier and less versatile than the Milwaukee M12 FUEL. It's not as powerful as the Milwaukee M18 FUEL, but it's more capable than the Bosch 12V Max for heavy-duty drilling tasks.

Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver

The Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver is lighter and more compact than the Makita 18V LXT or DEWALT 20V MAX XR, but it's less powerful than the Milwaukee M18 FUEL. It's not as versatile as the Bosch 18V or Ryobi ONE+, but it's more durable and better suited for finish work than the Black+Decker.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver	Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver
Chuck Size	21-position	Key-less
Battery Voltage	18V LXT	XC4.0 4.0Ah
No-Load Speed	2-speed	Low and high speed settings
Torque	1,090 inch-pounds	350 in-lbs
Weight	5.1 lb	2.6 lb
Voltage	18 volts	12 volts
Motor Type	Brushless	Brushless
Battery Capacity	—	2.0 Ah

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