Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Hammer 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 clear margin (4.1 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about occasional DIYers on a budget — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #7 in Best Cordless Drills

Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver

4.1

3 sources2 derived$179as of Aug 1

The Makita XPH07T 1/2" Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver earned a score of 8.6/10 in Pro Tool Reviews' extensive shootout, praised for its high torque output of 1,090 inch-pounds and smooth performance. Reviewers noted its stability under load thanks to the long side handle and minimal vibration. The tool's 21-position chuck and auxiliary handle enhance usability, though it's limited to 3-inch hole saws and weighs 5.1 pounds with a 5.0 Ah battery. While it performs well in value comparisons, some reviewers noted the weight could be a drawback for prolonged use.

Strengths

— Delivers 1,090 inch-pounds of torque, exceeding the 1000 inch-pounds barrier
— Features a long side handle that improves stability and control under load
— Smooth performance with minimal vibration transfer during operation

Watch-outs

— Only rated for 3-inch hole saws, limiting its use with larger cuts
— Weight of 5.1 pounds (with 5.0 Ah battery) may be cumbersome for extended use

$179 · 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 Hammer Drill/Driver

The Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver delivers more torque than the DEWALT 20V MAX XR or Ryobi ONE+, but it's heavier and less versatile than the Milwaukee M12 FUEL. It's not as powerful as the Milwaukee M18 FUEL, but it's more capable than the Bosch 12V Max for heavy-duty drilling tasks.

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 Hammer Drill/Driver	Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver
Chuck Size	21-position	1/2 inch
Battery Voltage	18V LXT	18V ONE+
No-Load Speed	2-speed	2-Speed Gearbox With 0 - 450 / 0 - 1,750 RPM
Torque	1,090 inch-pounds	515 in-lbs.
Weight	5.1 lb	—
Voltage	18 volts	18 volts
Motor Type	Brushless	—
Battery Capacity	—	1.5AH
Clutch Settings	—	24-Position Clutch

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