Makita 18V LXT 2-Piece Combo Kit CT225SYX vs DeWalt 20V MAX XR Drill & ATOMIC Impact Combo Kit

The DeWalt kit is the stronger two-tool set for most shoppers. Its brushless motors, 20V batteries and 1,700 in-lbs impact driver beat the Makita's brushed motors and 1,460 in-lbs driver on power and runtime. The Makita CT225SYX is the lighter, more compact pick and taps Makita's huge 18V LXT battery line, but its 1.5 Ah packs and brushed motors trail here. Owners of both rate the tools as reliable workhorses; the DeWalt edges ahead on modern motor tech.

• Choose the Makita 18V LXT kit if you already own Makita LXT batteries and want a light, compact drill and impact driver that share them.
• Choose the DeWalt 20V MAX XR kit if you want brushless motors, more driving torque and 2.0 Ah batteries in a two-tool set.