Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

Bosch 18V Cordless Compact 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 (4.1 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about DIYers prioritizing driving performance and battery life — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #6 in Best Cordless Drills

Bosch 18V Cordless Compact Drill/Driver

4.1

4 sources2 derived$99as of Jul 31

The Bosch GSR 18V-90 C is a professional-grade cordless drill driver designed for demanding tasks, featuring a compact form factor that excels in tight spaces. Reviewers praised its robust build quality, including a metal chuck and soft-grip handle, along with its brushless motor that delivers 64 Nm of torque. The precision clutch and kickback control are highlighted as standout safety and performance features. However, it lacks hammer functionality for masonry work and comes with a premium price tag of €170. While ideal for professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts, those needing masonry capabilities should consider alternatives like the GSB version.

Strengths

— Compact design with 163mm head length for tight space maneuvering
— Brushless motor offering improved efficiency, durability, and longer lifespan
— Metal chuck provides superior durability and secure grip compared to plastic alternatives

Watch-outs

— Not suitable for masonry work without hammer functionality
— Higher price point at €170 for the bare tool

$99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Cordless Drills

Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Compact Drill/Driver

4.4

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 Amazon Full 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

Bosch 18V Cordless Compact Drill/Driver

The Bosch 18V Cordless Compact Drill/Driver is more powerful and durable than the Milwaukee M12 FUEL or Ryobi ONE+, but it's more expensive and lacks hammer functionality compared to the Makita 18V LXT or DEWALT 20V MAX XR. It's not as compact as the Bosch 12V Max, but it offers superior torque and safety features.

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

Spec	Bosch 18V Cordless Compact Drill/Driver	Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Compact Drill/Driver
Chuck Size	13mm keyless metal	1/2 inch
No-Load Speed	0-2100 rpm	2-speed (0-500/0-2000 RPM)
Torque	64 Nm	65 Nm
Motor Type	Brushless	Brushless
Voltage	18 volts	18 volts
Weight	1.95 lb	2.9 lb
Battery Voltage	18V	18V LXT
Clutch Settings	20 clutch settings	21 torque settings
Battery Capacity	2 Ah	—

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