Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver vs Milwaukee M18 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 M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.1 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about professional tradesmen needing top-tier performance — 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 #1 in Best Cordless Drills

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver

4.6

3 sources2 derived$296.71as of Jul 31

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver earned a 9.4/10 rating from Pro Tool Reviews, praised for its quick drilling, excellent low-speed torque, and consistent top-3 performance in testing against competitors like Makita, DeWalt, and Hilti. Reviewers noted its 1400 in-lbs torque, 33,000 BPM hammering rate, and AutoStop safety feature. While it excels overall, some individual tests showed it was narrowly beaten by other models. This drill is ideal for professional tradesmen and serious DIY users seeking high performance and durability.

Strengths

— Top-tier performance with 1400 in-lbs max torque
— 500 RPM low speed and 2100 RPM high speed
— 33,000 BPM hammering rate

Watch-outs

— High-capacity batteries can affect tool balance
— Not flawless in all individual tests compared to competitors

$296.71 · 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 M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver outperforms the DEWALT 20V MAX XR in torque and speed, and is more durable than the Ryobi ONE+ or Black+Decker models, but it's heavier and more expensive than the Makita 18V LXT or Bosch 12V Max. Its 33,000 BPM hammering rate sets it apart from competitors like the Bosch 18V or Makita 18V LXT.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver	Milwaukee M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver
Chuck Size	21-position	1/2 inch
Battery Voltage	18V LXT	M18 FUEL
No-Load Speed	2-speed	500 RPM
Torque	1,090 inch-pounds	1400 in-lbs
Weight	5.1 lb	3.3 lb
Voltage	18 volts	18 volts
Motor Type	Brushless	Brushless
Battery Capacity	—	5.0Ah

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