Makita vs DeWalt Impact Drivers

If you’re thinking of upgrading your current impact driver or looking to invest in a model from one of the top power tool brands, you’ve likely explored the ranges of Makita and DeWalt.

Impact drivers are an essential piece of kit for professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts alike. They can drive screws, fasteners, and bolts into tough materials with ease, combining rotational force with impact force for high torque applications.

To help you decide on which brand to go for, we’ve put together a full comparison of Makita vs DeWalt impact drivers. We’ll be cross-examining everything from power and performance to value and features so you can make the most informed decision.

 

Brand overview: Makita vs DeWalt impact drivers

The Makita vs DeWalt debate is one of the big debates in the power tool world. We’re here to tell you, quite simply: Makita is not better than DeWalt, and DeWalt is not better than Makita.

It all comes down to how you apply your tool, what features you consider important, and what you prioritise in your equipment, whether that be power, reliability, or ergonomics.

Here’s how their impact drivers compare.

 

Makita impact drivers

With cordless convenience, Makita impact drivers have become a popular choice for professional tradespeople and DIYers who seek intuitive control, lightweight ergonomics, and ease of use.

With many models featuring variable-speed triggers, users can benefit from unmatched control over speed and torque — a bonus for a wide range of applications.

 

DeWalt impact drivers

DeWalt’s impact drivers are synonymous with power and durability. Their range is unapologetically rugged, bulky, and designed to deliver high torque where it matters most.

Whether for construction, framing, or masonry tasks, DeWalt impact drivers can stand up to the task.

 

Performance comparison

Let’s take a closer look at performance and power — an essential consideration for any power tool user.

 

Torque (Rotational Force), RPM (Revolutions Per Minute), and IPM (Impacts Per Minute)

As you can see from the table below, DeWalt impact drivers come out on top ever so slightly for torque and impact rate.

This makes sense given DeWalt is suited for tough materials and long, high-resistance fixings. However, where Makita impact drivers shine is in precise control.

 

Metric

Makita impact drivers

DeWalt impact drivers

Max torque

<170 Nm

< 206 Nm

RPM

< 3,400 RPM

< 3,400 RPM

IPM

< 3,600 IPM

< 4,200 IPM

 

 

Brushless vs brushed motor

Makita and DeWalt both offer brushless and brushed impact drivers across their ranges. The brushlessMakita DTD153Z andDeWalt DCF887Nare both top picks.

  • Brushed impact drivers: Best for budget DIY or reliable yet occasional use.
  • Brushless impact drivers: Best for runtime, temperature control, and lifespan.

 

Battery performance

Makita and DeWalt impact drivers are powered by each brand’s own innovative battery system. For Makita, it is the LXT System, and for DeWalt, the XR System.

 

Makita LXT System

Makita’s LXT System is renowned for fast charging capabilities and a long lifespan. The battery system offers cross-compatibility across 275+ different Makita tools for ultimate convenience.

 

DeWalt XR System

DeWalt’s XR System features high-capacity batteries designed for longer runtimes in high-torque applications. The main appeal of the XR System is its FlexVolt compatibility, allowing users to switch between 18V and 54V depending on the tool.

 

At a glance: LXT vs XR battery systems

Feature

Makita LXT System

DeWalt XR System

Battery life

Long and consistent

High-capacity, performs well under stress

Voltage

18V

18V

Battery range

1.5Ah to 6.0Ah

1.5Ah to 12.0Ah (including FlexVolt)

Tool compatibility

275+ LXT tools

250+ XR tools and FlexVolt cross compatibility (300+ in total)

Runtime (based on 5.0Ah)

Full day of moderate use

Full day of heavy-duty use

Quickest charge

30 to 45 minutes with a rapid charger

30 to 60 minutes with an XR fast charger

Features

Smart protection to prevent overheating and overload

Intelligent cell monitoring and thermal management

Best for

Every day trade and DIY work

Demanding jobs that require long runtimes

 

 

Ergonomics and design

Impact drivers are essential power tools that will come in handy for a variety of applications. It’s likely you could be using your impact driver for hours, sometimes in tight, awkward, or overhead positions.

With this in mind, ergonomics – the comfort of your impact driver, and how it feels and sits in your hand – is essential. How your tool feels in use can have an impact on comfort and productivity while you work.

 

Weight and balance

Makita impact drivers are typically lighter than DeWalt’s, with Makita’s ranging from 1.2 to 1.5kg (with a battery) compared to DeWalt’s slightly heavier bodies at 1.4kg to 1.7kg.

 

Grip and comfort

Designed with control in mind, Makita impact drivers are usually quite slim and contoured for a comfortable and controlled grip that reduces user fatigue and strain. They’re also well-balanced, which is ideal for prolonged use.

In comparison, DeWalt impact drivers feature a chunkier grip with a rubberised overmould due to their higher power and torque capabilities. 

 

Other user-friendly features

Both brands’ impact driver ranges feature user-friendly additions, including LED ring lights, variable speed triggers, belt hooks, and secure, durable casing for convenience and usability.

 

Price and value for money

Makita and DeWalt impact drivers are available at different price points, ranging from budget-friendly to premium, to suit every potential user.

 

Average price ranges of Makita and DeWalt impact drivers

If we look at price alone, Makita’s impact drivers offer more value for money, especially if you’re looking for an impact driver for occasional DIY use. On the other hand, DeWalt tends to have a higher price point for its impact drivers, as they deliver extra power.
 

  • Makita body-only tools: £65 to £120
  • Makita impact driver kits with batteries: £150 to £235
  • DeWalt body-only tools: £65 to £140
  • DeWalt impact driver kits with batteries: £180 to £300

 

Average price range of Makita and DeWalt impact driver accessories

Don’t forget, you’ll also need to consider the cost of impact driver accessories, such as batteries, chargers, impact bits, and protective cases.

  • Impact driver batteries: £40 to £100 depending on Ah (Amp hour)
  • Battery chargers: £30 for standard chargers and up to £60 for rapid chargers
  • Impact-rated bits: £10 for basic bit sets to £50 for trade-rated sets with storage
  • Cases and storage: £10 to £20 for basic compact carry cases to £50+ for heavy-duty or stackable storage cases

 

Warranty and after-sales support

Makita and DeWalt both offer strong and extendable UK warranty policies for all their tools, including impact drivers. At ToolStore UK, all of our Makita and DeWalt impact drivers are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty up to one year

 

DeWalt’s tool warranty

‘If your DeWalt product becomes defective due to faulty materials or workmanship within 12 months from the date of purchase, DeWalt may replace all defective parts free of charge, or at their discretion, replace the unit free of charge.

To facilitate this, DEWALT will collect your machine/battery or charger for inspection, repair or replacement through their direct service. 

The standard guarantee can be extended to three years from the date of purchase on the official DeWalt website, subject to terms and conditions.’

 

Makita’s tool warranty

‘All Makita products purchased from ToolStoreUK come with a standard 1-year warranty. 

By registering your product within 30 days at Makita UK, you will receive a two-year extended warranty in addition to the one-year factory warranty, as long as your product is CE marked. 

If, on inspection, it is discovered to be a non-warranty fault, there will be a £24.00 charge for the collection and inspection, and a quote for the repair will be provided.’

 

In summary: Pros and cons

Feature

Makita impact drivers

DeWalt impact drivers

Battery Platform

PROS:

Wide compatibility with LXT (18V) system with fast charging capabilities.

CONS:

No FlexVolt capabilities like DeWalt.

PROS:

XR (18V) intelligent battery management system with extra FlexVolt support and flexibility.

CONS:

Slightly bulkier and heavier battery sizes due to increased power.

Torque

PROS:

High torque, ideal for precision and everyday trade tasks.

CONS:

Slightly less power, not best suited for heavy-duty use.

PROS:

Extremely high torque for tasks requiring tough, robust tools.

CONS:

May be too powerful for light, everyday DIY tasks.

Weight

PROS:

Lightweight and easier to handle in overhead or awkward spaces.

CONS:

May feel a little too light or less robust for heavy-handed users.

PROS:

Heavier with a robust, solid, and well-balanced in-hand feel.

CONS:

May be too heavy for some, potentially causing user fatigue with extended use.

Ergonomics

PROS:

Comfortable, well-balanced, slim contour grip.

CONS:

May not be ideally suited to larger hands or gloved work.

PROS:

Rugged grip ideal for use with gloves.

CONS:

Chunky handles may be less comfortable for some users.

Price

PROS:

Competitive pricing structure with a great selection of entry-level and mid-range impact drivers.

CONS:

Impact driver range offers fewer high-end features than those found with DeWalt.

PROS:

Offer high-value kits that are abundant in innovative features.

CONS:

A more premium pricing range which features higher upfront costs for the benefits.

Best For

Best impact driver for tradesmen focusing on precision tasks like joinery, cabinetry, and electrical work. Makita impact drivers excel in precision and versatility.

Best impact drivers for full-time tradespeople working on-site. DeWal impact drivers are renowned for their sheer power and durability.

 

 

Shop Makita and DeWalt impact drivers with ToolStore UK

It just goes to show, there’s no better impact driver brand. Both offer some incredible, industry breaking impact driver models, but it all comes down to the job at hand and your priorities. So, don’t stress too much, there’s no right or wrong!

Explore our range of Makita impact drivers and DeWalt impact drivers today we’ll help you find the best impact driver for your needs.

Need some advice? Feel free to get in touch with our friendly team for recommendations.

9th December 2025

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