Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Compact Drill/Driver vs Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 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

Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about occasional DIYers on a budget — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #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 →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Cordless Drills

Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver

4.5

3 sources2 derived$65as of Aug 1

The Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver is praised for its lightweight, compact design and brushless motor that delivers good performance for home and hobby use. Reviewers noted the keyless chuck and included battery kit as significant advantages. However, it's not recommended for professional construction workers who need durability for extended daily use. Popular Woodworking's Collin Knoff called it a superior option to most 12V drills, suitable for 98% of tasks with lower fatigue. The tool is well-balanced and ergonomically designed, making it ideal for general DIY projects around the house.

Strengths

— Lightweight and compact design for reduced fatigue during use
— Keyless chuck allows quick bit changes without tools
— Includes two 1.5AH batteries and charger in the kit

Watch-outs

— Lacks power compared to full-sized 18V drills
— The tool is heavy

$65 · 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

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.

Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver

The Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver is lighter and more ergonomic than the DEWALT 20V MAX XR or Makita 18V LXT, but it's less powerful and lacks the torque of the Milwaukee M18 FUEL or Bosch 18V. It's a budget-friendly option compared to the Black+Decker, but not as robust for heavy-duty use.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Compact Drill/Driver	Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver
Battery Voltage	18V LXT	18V ONE+
No-Load Speed	2-speed (0-500/0-2000 RPM)	2-Speed Gearbox With 0 - 450 / 0 - 1,750 RPM
Clutch Settings	21 torque settings	24-Position Clutch
Motor Type	Brushless	—
Torque	65 Nm	515 in-lbs.
Weight	2.9 lb	—
Voltage	18 volts	18 volts
Chuck Size	1/2 inch	1/2 inch
Battery Capacity	—	1.5AH

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