Which Makita Cordless Drill Should You Buy?
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Makita has built cordless drills for decades, and the brand is best known in this category for its 18V LXT battery platform, a single battery style that fits a very large family of drills, drivers, saws and yard tools. That shared battery is the reason many people stay with Makita once they buy their first tool: every new tool can run on the batteries already sitting in the garage. For a first-time buyer or someone shopping for a gift, though, the lineup can look confusing, because model names such as XFD10Z or XPH16Z say a lot to a contractor and very little to everyone else.
The six models below differ in three simple ways: whether they are sold as a bare tool or as a kit with batteries, whether they have a hammer mode for masonry, and whether they use a brushless motor or a traditional brushed one, plus one smaller 12V option for light jobs.
Makita Cordless Drills Compared
| Model | Voltage and chuck | Max torque | Hammer mode | Battery included |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XFD10Z | 18V, 1/2 inch | 480 in-lbs | No | No (tool only) |
| CT225SYX combo | 18V, 1/2 inch | 480 in-lbs (drill) | No | Yes, two 1.5Ah |
| XPH16Z | 18V, 1/2 inch | 970 in-lbs | Yes | No (tool only) |
| XPH12Z | 18V, 1/2 inch | 530 in-lbs | Yes | No (tool only) |
| XFD131 | 18V, 1/2 inch | 440 in-lbs | No | Yes, 3.0Ah kit |
| FD09R1 | 12V max, 3/8 inch | 250 in-lbs | No | Yes, 2.0Ah kit |
Makita XFD10Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless for Existing Battery Owners
Makita
Makita XFD10Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Driver-Drill, Tool Only, 1/2", Variable Speed
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Makita XFD10Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless
Best for: Existing 18V LXT battery owners
Pros
- 480 in-lbs max torque
- Two-speed gearbox
- XPT dust and water resistance
- Dual LED lights
Cons
- Tool only, no battery
- No hammer mode
The Makita XFD10Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless is a straightforward 1/2 inch driver-drill. “Driver-drill” simply means it drills holes and also drives screws, with a clutch to stop screws from sinking too deep. It is sold tool only, which is the most important thing a gift-giver needs to know: the box holds the drill, but no battery and no charger. The listing says the battery is sold separately.
Inside is a Makita-built 4-pole motor rated at 480 in-lbs of max torque, which is a measure of twisting force. A mechanical 2-speed transmission gives a low range of 0-600 RPM for driving screws and a high range of 0-1,900 RPM for drilling. The listing also names Extreme Protection Technology (XPT), engineered for better dust and water resistance, dual LED lights with an afterglow, and a rubberized soft grip. The description says it has 25% more speed than the previous model.
This model suits someone who already owns Makita 18V LXT batteries and just wants another reliable drill. If the recipient owns nothing from Makita, the CT225SYX kit below is the easier pick because it arrives ready to use.
Makita CT225SYX 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Combo for Complete Beginners
Makita
Makita CT225SYX 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit (1.5Ah)
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Makita CT225SYX 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact
Best for: First-time buyers wanting a complete kit
Pros
- Drill plus impact driver
- Two batteries and charger included
- Tool bag included
- Light 3.3 lb drill
Cons
- Small 1.5Ah batteries
- Brushed drill motor
The Makita CT225SYX 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact is a 2-piece combo kit, and it contains the XFD10Z driver-drill described above plus an XDT11Z impact driver. The listing includes two 18V compact 1.5Ah lithium-ion batteries, a DC18SD charger and a tool bag. In other words, it is the only 18V package in this list that holds everything needed to start working on day one.
The drill offers the same two speeds (0-600 and 0-1,900 RPM) and 480 in-lbs of max torque, is 7-1/4 inches long and weighs 3.3 lbs with a battery. The impact driver is a separate tool designed for driving screws and bolts with rapid hammering blows: it runs at 0-2,900 RPM and 0-3,500 IPM (impacts per minute) and delivers up to 1,460 in-lbs of max torque, while measuring 5-3/8 inches long and weighing 2.8 lbs with battery. Having both tools means you can keep a drill bit in one and a screwdriver bit in the other.
This is the kit to choose for a first home, a new homeowner gift or anyone building a tool collection from nothing. The trade-off is the small 1.5Ah batteries, which are light but will need recharging sooner than larger packs. Once you own these batteries, the same platform also runs tools such as a Makita cordless circular saw.
Makita XPH16Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact for Demanding Masonry Work
Makita
Makita XPH16Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Compact Brushless Cordless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill, Tool Only
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Makita XPH16Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact
Best for: Heavy drilling into masonry and concrete
Pros
- 970 in-lbs max torque
- Brushless motor
- Hammer mode up to 27,000 BPM
- All-metal gear housing
Cons
- Tool only, no battery
- More power than light jobs need
The Makita XPH16Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact is a brushless 1/2 inch hammer driver-drill, and it is the most powerful model here on paper. The listing rates it at 970 in-lbs of max torque, which Makita says is up to 70% more power than the previous model. Like the XFD10Z, it is tool only, so the battery and charger must be bought separately.
Two terms deserve a plain explanation. A brushless motor has no carbon brushes rubbing inside it; the listing says this lets it run cooler, last longer and use battery energy more efficiently, for up to 50% longer run time per charge. Hammer mode adds a rapid forward tapping action, measured in BPM (blows per minute), that helps a masonry bit break through brick and concrete. The XPH16Z offers 0-550 and 0-1,800 RPM, with 0-8,250 and 0-27,000 BPM, and the description mentions an all-metal gear housing for job site durability.
Choose it for drilling into brick walls, concrete floors or big-diameter holes in wood. For hanging shelves on drywall or assembling furniture, its extra power is more than most households need, and the XFD10Z or XFD131 will be lighter work.
Makita XPH12Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact for Occasional Masonry Jobs
Makita
Makita XPH12Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Brushless Cordless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill, Tool Only
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
Makita XPH12Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact
Best for: Occasional masonry work on a compact tool
Pros
- Brushless motor
- Hammer mode up to 30,000 BPM
- Top speed 2,000 RPM
- 7-1/8 inch long body
Cons
- Tool only, no battery
- 2 lbs with battery
The Makita XPH12Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact is also a brushless hammer driver-drill sold tool only, but with a more moderate 530 in-lbs of max torque. Its variable 2-speed design runs at 0-500 and 0-2,000 RPM, with hammer rates of 0-7,500 and 0-30,000 BPM, so its top drilling speed is actually a little higher than the XPH16Z.
The listing gives it a compact length of 7-1/8 inches and a weight of 4.2 lbs with a battery, even though no battery is included. It also names Extreme Protection Technology (XPT), Star Protection Computer Controls and an LED light. The description says it is built for drilling, driving and fastening in wood, metal and masonry, and like the XPH16Z it claims up to 50% longer run time per charge from its brushless motor.
This model suits a homeowner who mostly drills wood and metal but wants a hammer mode for the occasional anchor in brick or concrete. If you expect to drill masonry often or need maximum twisting force, the XPH16Z gives way more torque.
Makita XFD131 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Kit for Brushless on a Starter Budget
Best for: New 18V users wanting brushless in a kit
Pros
- Brushless motor
- Sold as a kit with 3.0Ah battery
- Two-speed gearbox
Cons
- 440 in-lbs, lowest 18V torque here
- No hammer mode
The Makita XFD131 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless is a 1/2 inch driver-drill kit with a 3.0Ah battery, according to its listing title. That makes it the only brushless model in this list that arrives as a kit rather than as a bare tool. The listing does not spell out exactly what else is in the box beyond the 3.0Ah kit description, so check the product box before buying.
Its brushless motor delivers 440 in-lbs of max torque, and the mechanical 2-speed transmission runs at 0-500 and 0-1,900 RPM. The description says the motor delivers up to 50% more work per charge and highlights adjustable torque settings in driver mode, which help you stop a screw at the right depth. The listing’s spec table also shows a “Speed” value of 900 RPM that conflicts with the 1,900 RPM top speed stated elsewhere; the feature list and title point to 1,900 RPM as the top speed.
The XFD131 is a smart first 18V drill for someone who wants the efficiency of brushless without buying a battery separately. It gives way to the XPH12Z or XPH16Z if masonry drilling is on the list, and to the CT225SYX if an impact driver is wanted too.
Makita FD09R1 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion for Light Household Tasks
Best for: Light household jobs and small hands
Pros
- Compact 7 inch body
- Stands on its slide battery
- Sold as a 2.0Ah kit
Cons
- 250 in-lbs max torque
- 3/8 inch chuck, 12V system
The Makita FD09R1 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion is a 3/8 inch driver-drill kit with a 2.0Ah battery. It belongs to a different battery family, the 12V max CXT line, so its batteries do not swap with the 18V LXT models above. The smaller 3/8 inch chuck accepts bits with shanks up to 3/8 inch, which covers most everyday drilling around the house.
The listing names a variable 2-speed design (0-450 and 0-1,700 RPM), a Makita-built motor with 250 in-lbs of max torque, a rubberized soft grip and a compact 7 inch length. Its slide-style battery lets the tool stand upright on its own, a small convenience when working on a counter. The listing does not specify the weight or the full kit contents.
This is the pick for light tasks such as putting together flat-pack furniture, installing curtain rods or hanging pictures, and for users who find full-size drills heavy. For bigger holes, masonry or long days of work, any of the 18V models is the stronger choice.
How to Choose the Right Makita Cordless Drill
Tool only or kit. “Tool only” (the XFD10Z, XPH16Z and XPH12Z) means no battery and no charger. That is perfect for existing Makita 18V LXT owners but a disappointing gift for anyone else. The CT225SYX, XFD131 and FD09R1 are sold as kits with batteries.
Voltage. The 18V LXT models share batteries with a large range of tools, from drills to a Makita string trimmer. The 12V max CXT FD09R1 is lighter and smaller but uses its own battery family and has much less torque.
Hammer mode. If the job involves brick, stone or concrete, choose a hammer drill: the XPH16Z for the most power, the XPH12Z for a lighter-duty balance. For wood, metal and drywall, a standard driver-drill is enough.
Brushless or brushed. Brushless motors (XPH16Z, XPH12Z, XFD131) are listed as running cooler and getting more work from each charge. The XFD10Z and the FD09R1 do not claim brushless motors, and the CT225SYX drill is the XFD10Z. If you want a simpler comparison of entry-level tools, our guide to a basic cordless drill driver explains the basics further.
Do you need an impact driver. Only the CT225SYX combo adds one. It is worth it for anyone driving many long screws, such as deck building.
FAQ
Which Makita drill should I buy as a first drill?
For most first-time buyers, the CT225SYX combo is the easiest answer because it includes a drill, an impact driver, two batteries, a charger and a bag. If you only want one tool with a brushless motor, the XFD131 kit is the alternative.
What does “tool only” mean on a Makita listing?
It means the box contains only the drill. The battery and charger are sold separately, which is why tool-only models make sense mainly for people who already own Makita 18V LXT batteries.
Do the 12V and 18V Makita batteries interchange?
No. The FD09R1 uses the 12V max CXT battery family and the other five models use 18V LXT batteries. They are separate systems.
What is the difference between the XPH16Z and the XPH12Z?
Both are brushless hammer driver-drills sold tool only. The XPH16Z lists 970 in-lbs of max torque and an all-metal gear housing, while the XPH12Z lists 530 in-lbs, a slightly higher top speed of 2,000 RPM and a 4.2 lb weight with battery.
Do I need a hammer drill for drywall?
No. Drywall, wood and most metal need only a standard driver-drill such as the XFD10Z or XFD131. Hammer mode matters for masonry materials like brick and concrete.
