Makita vs. RYOBI vs. DEWALT: Which Brushless Cordless Drill Is Best?
A hands-on comparison of the Makita XFD11, RYOBI ONE+ HP, and DEWALT 20V MAX XR brushless drills — with clear picks for budget, lightweight handling, and heavy performance.
A cordless drill is one of the first power tools most DIYers buy—and one of the tools they end up using the most. From assembling furniture and installing shelves to drilling pocket holes and building outdoor projects, the right drill can make nearly every job easier.
For this comparison, we''re looking at three popular brushless drill options:
- Makita XFD11 18V LXT Brushless Drill
- RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Compact Drill
- DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
All three are compact, cordless, and capable of handling common drilling and fastening jobs. The biggest differences come down to power, battery platform, price, and the type of projects each drill is best suited for.
Quick Comparison
| Drill | Best For | Maximum Speed | Power Rating | Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RYOBI ONE+ HP Compact Drill | Budget-conscious DIYers | 1,700 RPM | Up to 450 in-lbs. torque | $ |
| Makita XFD11 18V LXT | Lightweight handling and tight spaces | 1,700 RPM | 350 in-lbs. torque | $$ |
| DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCD800P1 | Frequent use and demanding projects | 2,000 RPM | 900 UWO | $$$ |
Manufacturer power ratings are not directly interchangeable. DEWALT reports output in unit watts out, while Makita and RYOBI publish torque in inch-pounds.
Best Budget Pick: RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Compact Drill
The RYOBI ONE+ HP Compact Drill is the strongest value for most homeowners and casual DIYers.
Its brushless motor produces up to 450 inch-pounds of torque, while the two-speed transmission delivers up to 1,700 RPM. At approximately 6.1 inches long, it is compact enough for cabinets, furniture, shelving, and other projects where working space is limited.
What We Like
- Competitive power for its price
- Compact and easy to control
- Brushless motor
- Two-speed transmission
- Compatible with the large RYOBI 18V ONE+ battery system
- Good balance between DIY performance and affordability
What to Consider
RYOBI is positioned primarily toward homeowners and DIY users. It can handle regular projects, furniture building, repairs, and light remodeling, but it is not the option we would choose for continuous professional jobsite use.
Best For
Choose the RYOBI when you want an affordable first drill, already own ONE+ batteries, or need a dependable tool for weekend projects without paying for contractor-level performance.
Our rating: 4.6 out of 5 Best feature: Overall value Price range: $
⚠️ Affiliate placeholder — insert your RYOBI ONE+ HP Compact Drill affiliate product here.
Best Lightweight Pick: Makita XFD11 18V LXT Brushless Drill
The Makita XFD11 was designed around portability and control. It measures approximately 6⅜ inches long, weighs about 2.8 pounds with a compatible battery, and produces up to 350 inch-pounds of torque. Its two-speed transmission operates at 0–500 RPM and 0–1,700 RPM.
That makes it a good option for assembling cabinets, driving smaller fasteners, installing hardware, and working overhead. It is noticeably less focused on raw power than the DEWALT, but its lighter form factor can be more comfortable during longer projects.
What We Like
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Compact enough for confined work areas
- Brushless motor
- Dual LED work lights
- Compatible with Makita''s 18V LXT battery platform
- Good trigger control for detailed fastening work
What to Consider
The XFD11 is an older, discontinued model. Availability and kit contents can vary considerably between retailers. Some listings include a battery and charger, while others are for the bare XFD11ZB tool only.
Makita replaced it with the more compact XFD15 generation, so shoppers should compare the price of the older XFD11 against the current XFD15 before purchasing.
Best For
Choose the Makita when low weight, comfortable handling, and access to the Makita LXT system matter more than maximum drilling power.
Our rating: 4.3 out of 5 Best feature: Lightweight ergonomics Price range: $$
⚠️ Affiliate placeholder — insert your Makita XFD11 (or current XFD15) affiliate product here.
Best Performance Pick: DEWALT 20V MAX XR Drill/Driver Kit
The DEWALT DCD800P1 is the strongest performance-oriented option in this comparison.
Its brushless motor and two-speed transmission deliver up to 2,000 RPM, giving it more high-speed drilling capability than the Makita or RYOBI models. The drill is approximately 6.37 inches long and includes an all-metal ratcheting chuck designed for secure bit retention.
The DCD800P1 kit typically includes the drill, one 5.0Ah 20V MAX battery, charger, belt hook, and carrying bag.
What We Like
- Strong performance for demanding drilling
- Faster maximum speed
- Durable metal ratcheting chuck
- Adjustable LED with spotlight mode
- Large DEWALT 20V MAX battery ecosystem
- Better suited to frequent and heavier use
What to Consider
The DEWALT generally costs more, and the included 5.0Ah battery adds noticeable weight compared with smaller compact batteries. That extra capacity is useful for longer jobs, but it can be unnecessary for someone who mainly assembles furniture or completes occasional household repairs.
Best For
Choose the DEWALT when you regularly build furniture, drill larger holes, complete renovation work, or want a drill capable of growing with more demanding projects.
Our rating: 4.8 out of 5 Best feature: Power and professional-grade performance Price range: $$$
⚠️ Affiliate placeholder — insert your DEWALT DCD800P1 affiliate product here.
Which Drill Should You Buy?
The right choice depends less on the logo and more on how you plan to use the drill.
Choose the RYOBI if:
- You want the best value
- You are a beginner or casual DIYer
- You already own RYOBI ONE+ batteries
- Most of your projects involve furniture, shelves, repairs, and basic woodworking
Choose the Makita if:
- You prioritize a lightweight drill
- You frequently work overhead or in confined spaces
- You already own Makita 18V LXT tools
- You find the older model at a genuinely competitive price
Choose the DEWALT if:
- You want the strongest overall performance
- You complete projects frequently
- You drill larger holes or work with tougher materials
- You want a more jobsite-oriented tool and battery system
Our Final Verdict
For the majority of beginner and intermediate DIYers, the RYOBI ONE+ HP Compact Drill offers the best overall value. It provides enough power for most household and woodworking projects while keeping the initial investment reasonable.
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR is the best performance choice. It costs more, but its higher drilling speed, durable chuck, and larger included battery make it better suited to frequent use and demanding builds.
The Makita XFD11 remains comfortable and lightweight, but its discontinued status makes it harder to recommend unless it is heavily discounted or you already own Makita LXT batteries.
Comparison Winners
- Best overall value: RYOBI ONE+ HP
- Best lightweight option: Makita XFD11
- Best performance: DEWALT 20V MAX XR
- Best choice for most beginners: RYOBI ONE+ HP
- Best choice for frequent builders: DEWALT 20V MAX XR
The best drill is not necessarily the most powerful one. It is the drill that fits your projects, budget, and existing battery collection—because collecting three incompatible chargers is not a hobby anyone intentionally signs up for.