Best Makita 18V LXT cordless drill driver kits

Start here: the Makita 18V LXT Brushless 1/2" Driver-Drill Kit. It's the purest "drill driver kit" of the bunch — brushless motor, two speed ranges, compact 6-3/4" body at 3.9 lb with the battery on, so it's the one to grab for cabinet work, deck screws and all-day overhead drilling. If you mostly drill and drive, this is all you need.

Who the others suit:

• Two-tool combo kits (drill + impact driver): the better buy if you also drive long screws or lag bolts — the impact driver does that faster and with less wrist strain. The XT288T is the strongest all-rounder of these, with a hammer-drill mode for brick and masonry.
• The basic 1/2" driver-drill kit: for occasional DIY where budget matters more than brushless efficiency or size.
• The sub-compact kit: for tight spaces and lighter weight over raw power.

Rule of thumb: one tool if you're drilling and assembling; a combo kit if you're building or renovating.