Our Verdict
The Makita DHP484 is the joiner's drill — lightest in class, most ergonomic, Makita's precision engineering. 54Nm handles 95% of home and professional drilling. The LXT ecosystem's 300+ tools make it the most expandable professional platform. DeWalt wins on raw torque; Makita wins on weight and feel.
Pros & Cons
✓ Pros
- 1.6kg with battery — lightest professional brushless combi drill in its class
- 54Nm is adequate for all home DIY and most professional work
- Makita's ergonomic handle is the most comfortable for extended use
- 187mm length balances access and control better than shorter competitors
- Makita LXT 18V ecosystem covers 300+ tools — the largest professional platform
✗ Cons
- 54Nm trails DeWalt DCD778's 65Nm for the hardest materials
- 187mm is longer than DeWalt's 174mm for tight space access
- Body-only pricing requires existing Makita batteries
Key Specifications
| Voltage | 18V LXT |
|---|---|
| Motor | Brushless |
| Torque | 54Nm |
| Weight | 1.6kg (with battery) |
| Length | 187mm |
| Clutch | 16+1 positions |
Performance
The Makita DHP484 is the joiner's drill — lightest in class, most ergonomic, Makita's precision engineering. 54Nm handles 95% of home and professional drilling. The LXT ecosystem's 300+ tools make it the most expandable professional platform. DeWalt wins on raw torque; Makita wins on weight and feel. On paper the headline numbers are voltage of 18V LXT, motor of Brushless, torque of 54Nm, weight of 1.6kg (with battery), length of 187mm, clutch of 16+1 positions. Its standout is that 1.6kg with battery — lightest professional brushless combi drill in its class
Build Quality & Design
Beyond that, owners and the spec sheet point to a few more genuine strengths. 54Nm is adequate for all home DIY and most professional work. Makita's ergonomic handle is the most comfortable for extended use. We can't bench-test durability, but the depth of positive long-term owner feedback is the best available proxy for how it holds up.
Value for Money
It isn't flawless. 54Nm trails DeWalt DCD778's 65Nm for the hardest materials. 187mm is longer than DeWalt's 174mm for tight space access. Body-only pricing requires existing Makita batteries. Whether those matter depends entirely on how you'll use it. At the premium price point, the trade-offs are easy to live with for the right buyer. It's the right call for The Makita DHP484 is the joiner's drill — lightest in class, most ergonomic, Makita's precision engineering. 54Nm handles 95% of home and professional drilling. The LXT ecosystem's... Look elsewhere if you're among Those needing maximum torque for structural work — DeWalt DCD778 provides 65Nm vs Makita's 54Nm.
Final Verdict
The Makita DHP484 is the joiner's drill — lightest in class, most ergonomic, Makita's precision engineering. 54Nm handles 95% of home and professional drilling. The LXT ecosystem's 300+ tools make it the most expandable professional platform. DeWalt wins on raw torque; Makita wins on weight and feel.
Check Price on Amazon ↗FAQ
Is the Makita DHP484 18V LXT Brushless Combi Drill worth the money?
The Makita DHP484 is the joiner's drill — lightest in class, most ergonomic, Makita's precision engineering. 54Nm handles 95% of home and professional drilling. The LXT ecosystem's 300+ tools make it the most expandable professional platform. DeWalt wins on raw torque; Makita wins on weight and feel. The Makita DHP484 is the joiner's drill — lightest in class, most ergonomic, Makita's precision engineering. 54Nm handles 95% of home and professional drilling. The LXT ecosystem
Who should NOT buy the Makita DHP484 18V LXT Brushless Combi Drill?
Those needing maximum torque for structural work — DeWalt DCD778 provides 65Nm vs Makita's 54Nm.
Is the Makita DHP484 18V LXT Brushless Combi Drill available in the UK and US?
Yes — we list both Amazon UK and US links. Always verify voltage compatibility (UK 230V, US 120V).
Alternatives to Consider
DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill
9.3/1018V brushless, 2-speed, 65Nm, compact 174mm. The professional home DIY drill benchmark.
Check Price ↗
DeWalt DCD778 18V Brushless Combi Drill
9.2/10Brushless motor, 18V XR, hammer function, 2-speed, LED, 2 batteries. The DIY drill benchmark.
Check Price ↗
Makita DHP484 18V Brushless Combi Drill
9.2/10Brushless, 18V LXT, 54Nm torque, hammer, all-metal chuck. The trade drill benchmark.
Check Price ↗Or see full comparisons: vs DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill, vs DeWalt DCD778 18V Brushless Combi Drill, vs DeWalt DCE805 18V XR Brushless Angle Grinder