Blog>Trade>Makita vs DeWalt - which is best in 2025?
Last updated: 6 January 2025
Makita vs DeWalt - which is best in 2025?
Everyone has an opinion, but which comes out on top in the battle of two of the biggest power tool brands, DeWalt vs Makita? Here's how our members voted along with a comparison guide of some of the most popular ranges.
When you're looking at upgrading or updating your tools, it is only natural to consider the Makita vs DeWalt debate.
They have a lot of similarities on the surface:
Goliaths in the power tool industry
Reliable and efficient
Known and trusted by tradespeople
Used by DIYers around the world to get the job done
Good availability of parts
When you combine a loyal following with decades of development and innovation in both brands, it’s tough to make a call on which is better purely on face value.
We need to go deeper into each aspect of what makes these power tools the powerhouses they are.
What Checkatrade members picked as their favourite
We asked our members what their favourite tools were when it came to DeWalt vs Makita. Here's a snapshot of their response.
The DeWalt tools mentioned:
DeWalt dch273
DeWalt heated jacket
DeWalt 54v cordless 9" grinder
DeWalt cordless Drill
DeWalt palm sander
DeWalt battery hammer drill
DeWalt impact screwdriver
DeWalt Impact drill
DeWalt Multi-tool
DeWalt green Laser Level vertical+ Horizontal
While Makita's votes included:
Makita Plunge saw - 'use with ease'
Makita DAB Radio
Makita 18v drill and the 100 accessories
Our verdict
When it comes to Checkatrade members, DeWalt do seem to have the edge over Makita.
As an added benefit, our members also get to save on the cost of their power tools, thanks to our partnerships with Wickes, Selco and Tradepoint. Sound good to you too?
Save money on DeWalt and Makita
Our members get money off on their tools, and so could you!
Comparing warranties - Makita vs DeWalt
Both brands offer a range of warranties and guarantees depending on the product you buy. These cover manufacturing faults and general unhappiness with the product.
General product warranty: Both Makita and DeWalt offer a three-year warranty on their power tools covering factory faults, but DeWalt have the edge here as they also offer a seven-year warranty on some tools.
Returns policy: If you're just not happy with the tool, DeWalt allow you to return it within 90 days for a full refund. Again they beat their rival here, as Makita offers a 30-day return and it's up to Makita whether you get a refund or exchange.
Full lifetime warranty: DeWalt win again here, they offer a full lifetime warranty for their tools if they fail due to a manufacturing fault. Makita don't have a similar policy.
Our verdict
DeWalt win this one. They offer their customers more comprehensive cover across the board and even cover the lifetime of the tool.
Batteries and chargers
Although you might think that power options for both brands would be the same, Makita vs Dewalt battery specifics should be compared. Differences in life, voltage, capacities and charging speed all play a part in the overall comparison.
Makita Batteries
While Makita do offer 12V options, 18V batteries are their mainstay with charge capacities from 2Ah to 6Ah.
They also have a line of tools that use two 18V batteries together, giving 36V and their latest range of 40V tools.
DeWalt Batteries
DeWalt out-powers Makita with its 20V and 60V lines, although there are plenty of articles online that state DeWalt's 20V is essentially the same as Makita's 18V.
The 20V batteries are available from 1.5Ah to 10Ah capacities, while the 60V come in 2.0Ah to 12.0Ah.
Charging speed
While DeWalt are ahead in the battery department, it's Makita that wins when it comes to charging. Their 18V tools come with a Rapid Optimum Charger that can take a battery from empty to full in just 45 minutes.
Our verdict
When it comes to batteries, Makita win this one. DeWalt can't get near this level of convenience at the moment.
Save money on DeWalt and Makita
Our members get money off on their tools, and so could you!
Makita vs DeWalt circular saw
Both DeWalt and Makita have a comprehensive range of circular saws to choose from, including cordless and corded.
Makita's tend to be more lightweight and comfortable to use, whereas DeWalt's will cut faster owing to that extra poundage.
Comparison of two cordless circular saws:
Looking at the two, the Makita is slightly heavier, the DeWalt has a higher RPM, although the blade size is exactly the same for both.
If it's not all about speed for you, then Makita's range of circular saws tend to deliver a smother operation and produce a cleaner edge. Price-wise, if you're comparing like-for-like then there's little in it.
Our verdict
For speed, buy DeWalt.
For comfort and cleaner cuts, go for Makita.
Impact drivers and cordless drills
With higher torque on impact drivers, and more options with a combi drill, it pays to have a good selection of power tools generally.
When you're working on site, you want the right tools to hand so you can finish the job quicker, no matter what needs doing.
That's why in the Makita vs DeWalt debate, you definitely need to consider these popular hand tools.
Makita vs DeWalt impact drivers
In the impact driver stakes, Makita takes the lead over DeWalt in terms of RPM and impact rate, while the DeWalt has the edge in terms of torque. The Makita teams its power with a slightly lighter weight and more compact size, which makes for a potent package.
Both units have four speeds, with the DeWalt controlled through the accompanying app, while Makita sticks to on-device controls, including a button to switch between your favourite modes.
Our verdict
Makita wins this one for us, across the board.
DeWalt drill vs Makita
Makita's drill is smaller than the DeWalt, enabling you to get into tighter areas. It's lighter too, which can make it feel less substantial but it does mean it's easier on the arms if you're drilling for a period of time.
The DeWalt motor is brushless and gives the user more control over the RPM than the Makita, however it does use up its battery quicker and the batteries are slower to refill.
Our verdict
For power and control, go for the DeWalt.
For ease of use and price, it's Makita all day long.
Price-wise, the DeWalt is quite a bit more expensive that the Makita. But don't forget that Checkatrade members can make great savings with Selco, Tradepoint and Wickes. If you haven't come on board yet, what are you waiting for?
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Makita vs DeWalt summary
You should now have a clearer idea of whether your next power tool purchase is going to be Makita or DeWalt. Both have their advantages, with the right one for you ultimately coming down to what you prioritise in a tool.
What are you looking for when it comes to your equipment?
Power?
Comfort?
Lightness?
Durability?
Size?
Battery performance?
On the whole, if price and comfort is a big deal to you, then it'll be Makita. Whereas if you value power and warranty protection, then DeWalt is the right choice.
What’s clear from this comparison is that both Makita and DeWalt are at the top of their game, bringing a range of powerful and innovative tools to the market.
Of course, there are a range of other tool brands on the market to consider. For example, Stanley, Bosch and Milwaukee are all producing equipment of high quality that are finding more loyal fans among the trade community.
Want to grow your business in 2025?
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Enjoy quality tools for less as a Checkatrade member
If you want to get new (or more tools), and can't decide between Makita vs DeWalt vs Milwaukee vs Bosch, then a Checkatrade membership could be for you.
We're always looking at ways to help our growing base of tradespeople, and with a variety of offers and discounts available through our Member's Area, you could start saving on your tools as well!
On top of that, there are a number of other benefits to consider:
Existing customer interest(over 22 million job searches in 2024)*
Dedicated trades app - for job management, quoting tool and more
Your jobs are guaranteed when booked through us (T&Cs apply)
Savings on public liability insurance through Superscript
Your own business profile and reviews page
Trade on the trust that we've built with customers
Still not convinced if we're the right fit for your trade business?
Is a Checkatrade membership worth it?
One way to figure out whether the cost of something is worth it is to look at ROI (Return on Investment). In its most basic sense, this is how much something costs compared with the income it generates. Working out the ROI of a Checkatrade membership is definitely a must-do for any trade business
* Internal search data from users of the Checkatrade.com website in 2024
Tell us your favourite - DeWalt or Makita
Don't agree with this guide? Tell us your favourite out of the two in the comments and why.
