Bosch 18V Brushless Drill/Driver Kit vs Makita 18V LXT Driver-Drill

The Makita 18V LXT Driver-Drill is the stronger tool: 480 in-lb of torque against Bosch's 400, a ratcheting all-metal chuck, and the widest battery platform in the trade. The Bosch GSR18V-400 kit wins on what comes in the box and on size, with a 6.3-inch head length and a battery and charger included. Owners of both call them well-built and reliable; the real split is whether you want a bare tool that plugs into an existing Makita battery collection or a complete compact kit.

• Choose the Bosch 18V kit if you want a complete, compact drill with battery and charger in the box and a short head for overhead and tight-space work.
• Choose the Makita 18V LXT if you already own LXT batteries, want more torque and a ratcheting chuck, and plan to add other tools to the same platform.