DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill vs Makita DHP484 18V Brushless Combi Drill (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill

9.3/10 Excellent

4.7★ (12,400 owners)

18V brushless, 2-speed, 65Nm, compact 174mm. The professional home DIY drill benchmark.

Full Review

Makita DHP484 18V Brushless Combi Drill

9.2/10 Excellent

4.8★ (6,800 owners)

Brushless, 18V LXT, 54Nm torque, hammer, all-metal chuck. The trade drill benchmark.

Full Review

At a Glance

	DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill	Makita DHP484 18V Brushless Combi Drill
247Verdict Score	9.3/10	9.2/10
Owner Rating	4.7★ (12,400)	4.8★ (6,800)
Verdict	Excellent	Excellent
Motor	Brushless	Brushless
Torque	65Nm	54Nm

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill: 18V brushless, 2-speed, 65Nm, compact 174mm. The professional home DIY drill benchmark. Makita DHP484 18V Brushless Combi Drill: Brushless, 18V LXT, 54Nm torque, hammer, all-metal chuck. The trade drill benchmark. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

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 DHP484 18V Brushless Combi Drill

54Nm torque handles demanding driving and large drill bits with ease
18V LXT platform — Makita's extensive cordless ecosystem of 250+ tools
All-metal chuck provides durability and grip superior to plastic alternatives
Brushless motor maximises efficiency and tool lifespan
Makita's trade reputation for reliability on professional sites

LXT battery platform lock-in for the tool ecosystem
Bare tool pricing common — batteries often sold separately
Premium positioning vs budget alternatives

FAQ

Which is better, DeWalt DCD778 18V XR or Makita DHP484 18V?

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 9.2/10.

Who is the DeWalt DCD778 18V XR best suited to?

18V brushless, 2-speed, 65Nm, compact 174mm. The professional home DIY drill benchmark.

Who is the Makita DHP484 18V best suited to?

Brushless, 18V LXT, 54Nm torque, hammer, all-metal chuck. The trade drill benchmark.

What are the main downsides of each?

DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill: Body-only pricing requires existing DeWalt batteries or kit purchase; Heavier than Makita DHP484 at 1.7kg with battery. Makita DHP484 18V Brushless Combi Drill: LXT battery platform lock-in for the tool ecosystem; Bare tool pricing common — batteries often sold separately.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill sits at 4.7★ from 12,400 verified Amazon owners, and Makita DHP484 18V Brushless Combi Drill at 4.8★ from 6,800.

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