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Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver vs Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Compact Drill/Driver

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Compact Drill/Driver comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.0 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about DIYers prioritizing driving performance and battery life — read the strengths below before deciding.

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver
Ranked #8 in Best Cordless Drills
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver
4 sources3 derived

The Black+Decker 20V Max PowerConnect LD120VA is a budget-friendly, lightweight drill designed for simple household tasks like hanging artwork or assembling prefabricated furniture. Reviewers noted it lacks the power for demanding jobs, with one test showing the drill smoking while drilling through a door. While it includes a full set of bits and a bit holder, its single-speed operation and underpowered performance make it unsuitable for serious construction work. It's best for occasional users who need a basic tool for light-duty projects.

Strengths
  • — Relatively lightweight at 2.6 pounds
  • — Comes with a complete set of drill bits including Phillips, flatheads, and twist sizes
  • — Includes a bit holder integrated into the body
Watch-outs
  • — Not built for tough work or heavy-duty tasks
  • — Only one speed setting
Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Compact Drill/Driver
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Cordless Drills
Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Compact Drill/Driver
3 sources2 derived$189as of Aug 3

Makita's XFD14Z is the compact 18V LXT drill/driver: brushless, two speeds, 65 Nm and a 21-position clutch in a 2.9 lb body. It is strongest driving fasteners and doing light drilling, where TechGearLab scored it 4 out of 5 and placed it near the top of its drill comparison, and its runtime is unusually good for a compact battery. Large hole saws are the exception; the drill drops into low gear, slows right down and empties the pack. Best for someone already on the 18V LXT platform who wants a small drill for fasteners and pilot holes rather than sustained heavy cutting.

Strengths
  • — Excellent performance driving fasteners with 21 torque settings for control
  • — Great battery life with 2Ah battery tested
  • — Short length design for use in confined spaces
Watch-outs
  • — Struggled with larger hole saw applications requiring lower gear
  • — Heavier than some competitors in the category
$189 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver

The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver is the lightest and most affordable in the group, but it's underpowered compared to the Milwaukee M18 FUEL or DEWALT 20V MAX XR. Unlike the Ryobi ONE+, it includes a bit holder and removable battery, but it's not suitable for serious construction work like the Makita 18V LXT or Bosch 18V.

Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Compact Drill/Driver

The Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Compact Drill/Driver excels in driving performance and battery life compared to the Bosch 12V Max or Ryobi ONE+, but it's heavier and less powerful than the Milwaukee M18 FUEL. Unlike the DEWALT 20V MAX XR, it struggles with larger hole saw applications, making it less versatile than the DEWALT hammer drill.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/DriverMakita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Compact Drill/Driver
Chuck Size⅜"1/2 inch
Battery Voltage20V Max18V LXT
Battery Capacity1.5 amp-hour—
Weight2.6 lb2.9 lb
Voltage20 volts18 volts
No-Load Speed—2-speed (0-500/0-2000 RPM)
Clutch Settings—21 torque settings
Motor Type—Brushless
Torque—65 Nm
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