Makita Cordless Drills – Get 2020 Reviews & Ratings

As a brand, Makita has a wide range of cordless drills that get the job done at every turn. From drilling holes into walls for hanging picture frames to sinking bolts into concrete, Makita cordless drills have found a place in many American homes, and the most discerning handymen will tell you that having one in your arsenal of tools is always a good idea. The thing about big, household name brands like Makita is that they offer you a wide array of options in almost every category. Makita cordless drills are not an exception to this rule. What you do you know for sure is that with this brand, you will be getting a quality tool that will last a long time all the while offering you reliable service. What you probably don't know is why the cordless drill is ideal for your specific needs. Today, we are going to look at several options just so you get a clearer picture of the varieties available and, as such, be better equipped to make the right choice.

1. Makita CX200RB Cordless Drill Set - Rating 9/10

The Makita CX200RB Cordless Drill Set gets such a high rating simply because it deserves it. This small and lightweight drill/driver combo is tough and can handle even the most problematic of drilling jobs from drywall to framing, cement board, and even flooring. It features a screw assist on the impact, which makes it highly ideal for long screws. The drill starts off slowing driving in the screw, and once the driver impacts, it rapidly increases the rotation, thus setting the screw in perfectly without stripping it. Couple that with the fact that it comes with two fast-charging batteries, and you have a cordless drill that won't make you wait to get the job done.

PROS

  • Lightweight and effective
  • Lots of power
  • Lots of torque
  • Fast-charging batteries

CONS

  • The speed control gets erratic sometimes
If you want something lightweight yet full of power and torque, this is the cordless Makita drill for you.

2. Makita XFD061 Drill - Rating 8/10

The Makita XFD061 Drill gives you the best value for money. It is a 1/2″ Driver-Drill Kit that is Brushless and Cordless. Delivering 530 pounds of torque, it has a strong motor that is effective yet quiet. It also comes with a variable speed feature for your convenience. As far as cordless drills go, this option is very smooth, well balanced, and very comfortable to use. The variable speeds transition very smoothly with almost no noticeable increments. This drill is designed for light-duty work, and because it is so affordable, the company had to make a few compromises. The most notable of which is the fact that the single 3Ah battery takes about an hour to charge as well as giving it a hard plastic chuck as opposed to metal.

PROS

  • Variable speeds that transition smoothly
  • Very quiet
  • Excellent power and torque

CONS

  • Extended battery charging time
If you want something for light drilling work at an affordable price, this is the right cordless drill for you.

3. Makita XPH102 - Rating 7/8

This 18V Makita XPH102 is a highly effective and powerful tool. It has an impressive power output with a 430-pound torque capacity. Capable of giving you up to 28,500 bpm and 1,900 rpm, this drill will be your reliable partner even through the most difficult of drilling jobs. Designed to last, this drill comes with a minimum 90-day warranty. It has been tested as well as professionally inspected by an array of qualified suppliers meaning that you are getting a tool that is nothing short of battle-hardened. Weighing in at only 3.9 pounds complete with a rubberized grip, this tool is not only light but also ergonomically designed for your comfort when using it.

PROS

  • It is light
  • Delivers 430 pounds of torque
  • Rubberized soft grip for your comfort

CONS

  • The 430 pounds of torque isn't as much as the rest on this list
This is a light, easy, and comfortable to use drill that is ideal for even the toughest drilling jobs around the house.

4. Makita Drill XFD11ZB - Rating 7/10

The Makita Drill XFD11ZB is a compact yet powerful cordless drill that delivers excellent speeds of up 1500 rpm. Couple that with the 350 pounds of torque you get from it, and you have a drill that can drive a 6" decking screw into pinewood without giving you any problems. The fact that it's lightweight and compact makes it the perfect tool for drilling overhead and in tight spaces. Furthermore, it features a strong LED that does a good job of illuminating your work.

PROS

  • Compact
  • Lightweight
  • Good speed and torque

CONS

  • The selector switch tends to be a bit difficult to use
There is a bit of issue with the torque selector switch, which kind of recesses back into the body, but other than that, this is an excellent drill for tight spaces and overhead drilling jobs.

5. Makita XPH12Z Hammer Drill - Rating 6/10

This Makita XPH12Z Hammer Drill gets a slightly lower rating not because it offers poor performance but because it's a "tool only" package. Makita sells the battery as well as the charger separately, and the kind of raises the overall price. Despite that slight disadvantage, this is an excellent drill that offers you an impressive array of useful features. For starters, its Brushless motors pack 530 pounds of torque. It also eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the drill motor to run much cooler than most. This also makes it one of the most efficient as well as long-lasting. It has two variable speeds, and the BL Brushless motor is electronically controlled, allowing you to optimize battery energy, thus giving you up to 50% more running time per charge.

PROS

  • Easy to use
  • Electronically controlled motor gives you 50% more battery run-time per charge
  • 530 pounds of torque

CONS

  • Might get stuck in hammer mode sometimes
All in all, this is one of the most efficient and easy to use drills. These are all excellent Makita cordless drills that are not only cost-effective but easy to use and feature rather ergonomic designs. Any one of them would be an excellent addition to any home toolbox.