Makita 18V LXT Brushless Driver-Drill Kit vs DeWalt 20V Drill/Driver Combo Kit

Buy the Makita XFD131 if you want one strong, light drill that will last: brushless motor, 440 in-lb of torque, 1,900 rpm, XPT dust and water resistance, and a 3.0 Ah battery that charges in 30 minutes. Buy the DeWalt 20V combo if you need two tools: the kit adds a 1/4 in impact driver for driving long screws and lag bolts, which the Makita alone cannot match. The Makita is the better-built single tool; the DeWalt is the better starter set. Owners of both lines praise durability, but the DeWalt's brushed motors and small 1.3-1.5 Ah batteries mean more charging and shorter motor life than the Makita's brushless setup.

• Choose the Makita 18V LXT if you want one brushless drill with more torque, faster charging and better dust and water resistance.
• Choose the DeWalt 20V combo if you need an impact driver as well as a drill and want two batteries in the bag.