Milwaukee vs Makita Drills: Which Is Better in 2026?
The Milwaukee 2804-22 (Milwaukee, $249) and Makita XFD131 (Makita, $139) are two of the most compared drills in 2026. This head-to-head comparison covers specs, price, battery ecosystem, and real-world use cases.
Two respected brands, one category. We compare the Milwaukee 2804-22 against the Makita XFD131 on specs, real-world performance, price, and long-term value so you can pick the right tool for your projects.
Reviewed by the ToolRecon Review Board
Our editorial team compares tools on standardized criteria: build quality, power output, ergonomics, battery ecosystem, and value for money. No sponsorships, no bias — just honest tool comparisons.
✓ Smart move comparing these two head-to-head. We break down exactly where each one wins — specs, price, and real-world trade-offs — so you can trust your decision with data, not just brand loyalty.
Both tools earn 4.5+ stars across thousands of owner reviews — you're choosing between two great options.
Milwaukee 2804-22
249
Check Price on Amazon
→
- voltage18V (M18)
- max torque1,200 in-lbs
- speed settings2-speed (0-550 / 0-2,000 RPM)
- chuck size1/2"
- weight4.4 lbs
- battery includedYes (2.0Ah)
Best for: professional contractors, heavy-duty drilling, driving large fasteners
Makita XFD131
139
Check Price on Amazon
→
- voltage18V LXT
- max torque440 in-lbs
- speed settings2-speed (0-500 / 0-1,900 RPM)
- chuck size1/2"
- weight3.9 lbs
- battery includedYes (2.0Ah)
Best for: budget-conscious DIYers, apartment living, general household tasks
Milwaukee Pros & Cons
- ✓Industry-leading torque output
- ✓Brushless motor for longer runtime
- ✓Auto-stop mode prevents wrist injury
- ✓Metal gear case for durability
- ✗Heavier than competitors
- ✗Premium price point
- ✗M18 battery ecosystem can get expensive
Makita Pros & Cons
- ✓Great value for money
- ✓Lightweight and balanced
- ✓Wide LXT battery lineup (200+ tools)
- ✓Quiet operation
- ✗Lower torque than competitors
- ✗No hammer drill mode
- ✗Battery indicator on battery only
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Milwaukee | Makita | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| voltage | 18V (M18) | 18V LXT | See details |
| max torque | 1,200 in-lbs | 440 in-lbs | See details |
| speed settings | 2-speed (0-550 / 0-2,000 RPM) | 2-speed (0-500 / 0-1,900 RPM) | See details |
| chuck size | 1/2" | 1/2" | Tie |
| weight | 4.4 lbs | 3.9 lbs | See details |
| battery included | Yes (2.0Ah) | Yes (2.0Ah) | Tie |
| Price | $249 | $139 | B |
| Rating | 4.8\u2605 | 4.6\u2605 | A |
A = Milwaukee wins this spec \u00B7 B = Makita wins this spec \u00B7 Tie = identical values
The Verdict
For most buyers, the choice between Milwaukee and Makita drills comes down to which battery ecosystem you already own (or want to invest in). Both tools deliver professional-grade performance at competitive prices.
Choose Milwaukee if you value industry-leading torque output and professional contractors.
Choose Makita if you prioritize great value for money and budget-conscious diyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which drills should a beginner buy?
Both Milwaukee and Makita are beginner-friendly. Look at which brand your friends or family use — sharing batteries across households is a real benefit. Both offer excellent starter kits under $200.
Is the more expensive option always better?
Not necessarily. Price differences often reflect included accessories (extra batteries, carrying cases) rather than build quality. A bare tool comparison is more honest than kit pricing.
Can I use both brands in my workshop?
Absolutely. Many professionals use tools from multiple brands. The downside is managing separate battery systems and chargers. If you are just starting out, picking one platform keeps things simpler.
Related Comparisons
The Worksite Loadout
These 3 items cover the jobsite essentials.
Impact Driver Kit — 20V Brushless
A brushless impact driver is the backbone of any jobsite. More torque than a drill, faster than a wrench — this is the one tool that speeds up every fastening task.
Find the Right Impact Driver Kit →Extra Battery Pack — 20V Compatible
Downtime kills productivity. A spare 20V battery means you swap and keep working instead of waiting on a charge. Works across most major tool brands.
Grab a Spare Battery →Driver Bit Set — Magnetic Phillips & Torx
Stripped screws waste time and money. A quality magnetic bit set with Phillips, Torx, and hex covers 95% of what you encounter on the jobsite.
Get a Bit Set That Actually Holds →Still deciding?
Compare real prices and read thousands of owner reviews on Amazon.
⚖️ How We Compare Tools
Our comparison methodology:
- • Specs come from manufacturer-published data sheets
- • Star ratings are weighted averages from verified purchase reviews across major retailers
- • Price data is updated monthly from publicly available retail listings
No tool brand sponsors or pays for placement on this site. "Winner" designations are based solely on the comparison criteria shown. Updated May 2026.
Holt C. Bridger
Master Carpenter · Tool Testing Specialist · 18yr Residential & Commercial Construction
Holt spent 18 years in residential and commercial construction before transitioning to full-time tool testing and reviews. He has hands-on experience with hundreds of power tools across every major brand and battery platform. His comparisons focus on real jobsite performance — not spec sheets.
About Holt & ToolRecon →