Makita vs DeWalt | Which is Better? | 2023
Struggling to decide which power tool brand to buy from? There are dozens of options when it comes to power tools, with Makita and DeWalt being two of the biggest names out there. Both brands have long histories in the market, with both manufacturers offering a huge range of products that cater to the amateur and professional contractor alike. However, if you want to spend your money wisely, it makes sense to know a little more about both manufacturers. Read on for our comparison on these two industry leaders to ensure you get exactly what you want when making your next power tool purchase.
About Makita
If you are even vaguely aware of the power tool market, you will have no doubt encountered Makita products before. This Japanese brand has been around since the 1970s and has become a leader in the power tool world. Makita might be one of the more affordable options when it comes to power tools, but this manufacturer has constantly steered innovation in the market. In fact, Makita was a pioneer when it came to cordless power tool design and today produces a sizeable line of cordless drills, sanders, screwdrivers and more. It is also a very affordable supplier, especially when you compare it to the likes of DeWalt.
About DeWalt
DeWalt originated in the USA in 1915, although it didn’t really enter into power tool production in any big way until several decades later. This manufacturer has a reputation for producing heavy-duty machinery and durable power tools, largely thanks to its history in North America. In more recent decades, DeWalt has dramatically expanded its product line to include power tools for the consumer market. In addition to compact cordless power tools and manual tools, this brand also produces a great deal of products for the professional market. Although you will find plenty of budget-friendly power tool products on offer from DeWalt, this manufacturer also caters toward those looking for high-grade options.
Product Range
Both DeWalt and Makita offer a full power tool product line-up. Looking for a cordless screwdriver to assemble flat pack tables? Both manufacturers have plenty of suitable options. Need a sander to handle carpentry jobs? Makita and DeWalt will cater to your requirements. In addition to this, both brands have plenty of impact drivers and wrenches, reciprocating saws, rotary hammers and more on offer.
As Makita is a more budget-friendly choice of manufacturer, you will find the product range slightly more limited than DeWalt. Despite this, there is still a wealth of options to suit varying degrees of requirement. DeWalt is definitely the better choice of brand for those after advanced equipment that can handle job site applications.
Both brands now make use of interchangeable batteries, meaning you can use the same battery source to power multiple pieces of equipment. This saves you having to budget for the additional cost of multiple batteries. Both manufacturers also offer a significant line-up of accessories, ranging from drill bits and sockets to tool storage options and safety gear.
Power Tool Features and Technology
Even though Makita might be considered more entry-level than DeWalt, the brand offers some superb technology and product features. Many power tools from Makita boasts LXT lithium-ion batteries, making them particularly long-lasting. Many batteries can be swapped out between power tools, making the Makita power tool range particularly versatile. The majority of Makita power tools also use brushless motors, making them very efficient and capable of delivering impressive speeds and power.
Another standout feature of Makita power tools is Star Protection Technology. Although these innovation is only available with more recent products from Makita, it provides real-time tool monitoring. This ensures your tools rarely encounter overloading issues, battery discharge problems or overheating.
DeWalt also offers plenty of incredible features which give their power tools a real edge. The Max XR line of products from DeWalt brings you premium brushless motor performance, as well as improved battery performance for long-lasting operation. Tool Connect functionality is also supported with more recent additions to the product line. This feature allows you to connect to tools wireless via Bluetooth, granting you real-time monitoring updates.
If you want to use batteries between tool models, the Flexvolt feature of DeWalt products is particularly advantageous. This Flexvolt technology means that batteries automatically adjust their voltage when switched to a new tool, saving on power reserves and ensuring your tools perform for as long as possible. Larger power tools from DeWalt also benefit from Shocks-Active functionality. This design detail is intended to minimise the impact of vibration substantially when working. It is found on tools including rotary hammers, making them far more comfortable to handle.
Performance and Durability
Power and performance is impressive across the entire product range from both manufacturers. Makita’s product range will certainly satisfy the casual demands of a DIY enthusiast looking for power tools to undertake more basic jobs. More advanced power tools from Makita are also able to handle tougher jobs, although you will probably want to shop from another manufacturer if you need equipment to tackle particularly taxing construction and demolition jobs.
Makita power tools tend to be sleek in design, with compact housing making them particularly easy to operate. Despite being on the sleeker side, Makita tools are also surprisingly well balanced. Another great feature of Makita power tools is that they deliver decent battery times, as well as fast recharging.
While Makita power tools certainly deliver, they tend to pale in comparison to DeWalt products. If you are looking for maximum power and significant torque levels, DeWalt power tools are by far the better option. As they are designed for heavy-duty operation, DeWalt power tools are also far more durable. Useful features like anti-vibration controls are included with the largest of power tools from the manufacturer, allowing you to use them consistently without suffering from strains and fatigue.
Warranties
A solid warranty is often the deciding factor when it comes to choosing a power tool. Unfortunately, deciding between DeWalt and Makita is made rather difficult in this regard as both manufacturers offer a 3-year limited warranty with most of their products. This warranty is relatively standard when it comes to power tool products. For most purchases, this warranty should provide you with all the peace of mind you need.
Certain products from both manufacturers will come with a varying warranty attached. Some might include a shorter term warranty, while others may include one that covers you for far longer. DeWalt do have a better reputation when it comes to customer service after the point of sale, however. If you want to be able to access additional resources from a manufacturer long after purchasing a power tool, DeWalt is arguably the best brand to buy from.
Price Comparison
Here is another huge factor that will probably determine which brand you end up buying from. Makita is without doubt the cheaper of the two manufacturers. Even the most premium power tools offered by Makita are fairly affordable. As almost every product from the manufacturer comes with that 3-year extended warranty, you do should not have any reservations about spending less on a basic tool.
However, the lower cost of the products from this brand isn’t just because Makita want you to enjoy a better deal. Makita power tools are generally cheaper because they are inferior products to what you can expect from DeWalt. The overall power and performance of Makita tools is less than what you can expect from DeWalt, while there is also less scope for heavy-duty use.
DeWalt is considered a fairly pricey power tool brand, but you actually have a huge variety when it comes to pricing. The most expensive products offered by DeWalt are intended for the professional contractor slice of the market. These products are costly, but they are designed for constant use at high settings, hence the price.
They also tend to include better additional features, so the premium is completely justified. That being said, you don’t really get a better deal for your money as far as warranties and guarantees are concerned. If you only need a simple power tool for small jobs, go with Makita. If you expect to use your power tool frequently, bite the bullet and spend a bit more on a product from DeWalt.
The Verdict
These two manufacturers are clearly aimed at different slices of the power tool market. If you want reliable performance, an inexpensive price tag and user-friendly controls, Makita should more than suffice. Makita also provides you with plenty of choice when it comes to power tools, meaning you can continue to buy from the manufacturer as your tool requirements grow. You also get industry standard warranties to protect your purchases.
DeWalt is definitely the better of the two brands if you want the substantially more power, speed and durability when buying power tools. The product line is also more vast than what you can expect from Makita. Although DeWalt provides choice for the professional market, there is ample selection for those with less of a budget in need of standard tools for everyday tasks.
