DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill vs Makita DDF484 18V LXT Compact Drill Driver (2026)
Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.
DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill
18V brushless, 2-speed, 65Nm, compact 174mm. The professional home DIY drill benchmark.
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Makita DDF484 18V LXT Compact Drill Driver
18V LXT, brushless, 54Nm, 167mm compact. Lightest professional brushless drill.
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| DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill | Makita DDF484 18V LXT Compact Drill Driver | |
|---|---|---|
| 247Verdict Score | 9.3/10 | 9.1/10 |
| Owner Rating | 4.7★ (12,400) | 4.7★ (7,800) |
| Verdict | Excellent | Excellent |
| Voltage | 18V XR | 18V LXT |
| Motor | Brushless | Brushless |
| Torque | 65Nm | 54Nm |
| Length | 174mm | 167mm |
Quick Verdict
Both are strong choices, but the DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill edges ahead with a 9.3/10 vs 9.1/10. 18V brushless, 2-speed, 65Nm, compact 174mm. The professional home DIY drill benchmark. That said, the Makita DDF484 18V LXT Compact Drill Driver is worth considering if 18V LXT, brushless, 54Nm, 167mm compact. Lightest professional brushless drill..
Pros & Cons Side by Side
DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill
- Brushless motor rated 100x longer lifespan than brushed equivalents
- 65Nm torque handles structural fixings and dense hardwood without binding
- 174mm length fits into tight spaces standard drills can't access
- 2-speed gearbox optimises for driving (speed 1) and drilling (speed 2)
- Compatible with entire DeWalt 18V XR battery ecosystem — 200+ tools
- Body-only pricing requires existing DeWalt batteries or kit purchase
- Heavier than Makita DHP484 at 1.7kg with battery
- Premium brand pricing vs Ryobi entry equivalents
Makita DDF484 18V LXT Compact Drill Driver
- 167mm length — the most compact professional brushless drill available
- Brushless motor for longevity in regular professional use
- 54Nm handles hardwood and structural fixings without slipping
- Compatible with entire Makita LXT ecosystem — 300+ tools on one battery platform
- 4.7★ from 7,800 reviews — consistent professional quality validation
- Body-only pricing — Makita LXT battery required separately
- 54Nm slightly less than DeWalt DCD778's 65Nm for the hardest applications
- Smaller chuck for the compact form — 13mm vs some 16mm alternatives
FAQ
Which is better, DeWalt DCD778 18V XR or Makita DDF484 18V LXT?
Both are strong choices, but the DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill edges ahead with a 9.3/10 vs 9.1/10. 18V brushless, 2-speed, 65Nm, compact 174mm. The professional home DIY drill benchmark. That said, the Makita DDF484 18V LXT Compact Drill Driver is worth considering if 18V LXT, brushless, 54Nm, 167mm compact. Lightest professional brushless drill..
Is the DeWalt DCD778 18V XR worth the extra cost?
Yes — DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill scores higher at 9.3/10 vs 9.1/10.
Also Worth Considering
DeWalt DCD778 18V Brushless Combi Drill
Brushless motor, 18V XR, hammer function, 2-speed, LED, 2 batteries. The DIY drill benchmark.
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Makita DHP484 18V LXT Brushless Combi Drill
18V brushless, 2-speed, 54Nm, 187mm. The lightest and most ergonomic professional combi drill.
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Makita DHP484 18V Brushless Combi Drill
Brushless, 18V LXT, 54Nm torque, hammer, all-metal chuck. The trade drill benchmark.
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