Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall vs Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Recipro Saw Kit

The Makita is the better pick for most shoppers deciding between these two. It comes as a kit with a battery, charger and two blades, weighs 5.7 lbs with the battery, and is built for overhead and tight-space work. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall is the stronger tool for heavy demolition and daily jobsite cutting: it has a longer 1-1/4 in stroke, a brushless POWERSTATE motor, REDLINK PLUS electronics and an anti-vibration counterbalance. Buyers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across nearly 3,000 ratings, and owners praise its speed and durability. The catch is that it is a bare tool, so you need M18 batteries and a charger already.

• Choose the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Sawzall if you already own M18 batteries, cut metal and wood all day, and want the fastest, most durable full-size recip saw for demolition and pipe work.
• Choose the Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact if you want a ready-to-run kit, work overhead or in tight spaces, and value low weight and a slim handle over raw cutting speed.