Are you in the market to buy new power tools?
Then, if you’re like me, you want to make sure that any tools you buy are durable, high-performing, and easy to use.
There’s no point in wasting your hard-earned money on power tools that won’t get the job done without a hitch for years on end.
That’s why I always go with a well-respected, reputable brand that has a strong history in the industry.
Though there are many companies that meet these requirements, few are better than Milwaukee and Makita.
I’ve always had great experiences with both brands, so I decided to pit them head-to-head in several different categories to see which comes out on top overall.
Today, I’m going to put Milwaukee vs Makita to see which company’s impact drivers (impact wrenches), reciprocating saws, and circular saws take the cake.
Related: Makita vs DeWalt
Milwaukee vs Makita: Impact Drivers
A staple of most tool bags and tool boxes is none other than the impact driver.
An impact driver must have a powerful, heavy-duty motor to drill through dense, hard woods without a problem.
When I put the Milwaukee 2704-20
Related: Porter Cable vs Dewalt
The Milwaukee impact driver simply has more power. And when it comes to an impact driver, power is where it’s at.
The Milwaukee boasts 1,200 in-lbs of torque while the Makita only boasts 480 in-lbs of torque.
Beyond this, both impact divers are very easy and convenient to use. They both utilize brushless technology for extended battery life.
Other highlights include their lightweight construction, ergonomic handles, and multiple speed modes.
The Winner: Milwaukee
Milwaukee vs Makita: Reciprocating Saw
Those that work in construction know just how important a high-quality reciprocating saw is to a job well done.
Both Milwaukee and Makita make excellent reciprocating saws that perform well and comes with a lot of features.
In my head-to-head testing, I found that I personally prefer the Milwaukee 2720-20. It’s an 18-volt cordless model with a 3,000 SPM brushless motor.
Related: Rotozip vs Dremel
This Milwaukee reciprocating saw cuts through material extremely well without much effort. It weighs just a tad over 7 pounds so you can use it for long periods of time without wearing down your arms.
The Makita XRJ04Z
The Makita reciprocating saw clocks in at just over 8 pounds with a 2,800 SPM cordless, brushless motor.
The one benefit of the Makita vs Milwaukee reciprocating saw that I did notice was much less vibration when cutting through certain materials.
The Winner: Milwaukee
Milwaukee vs Makita: Skill Saw
Another one of the most common power tools is none other than a circular saw.
These tools are used to cut a variety of materials, including wood, with their powerful circulating blades.
I’ve used both Milwaukee and Makita circular saws before, so I decided to put them in a head-to-head showdown: Makita vs Milwaukee.
Once again, the results were almost immediately noticeable. The Milwaukee 2730-20 came out on top, largely because of its more powerful motor.
Compared to the Makita XSS02Z
Related: Hypoid saw vs Circular Saw
Look at it like this: the Milwaukee boasts 5,000 RPM compared to Makita’s 3,700 RPMs.
That said, both of these circular saws are lightweight and very easy to use. They have comfortable rubberized grips to further prevent operator fatigue. They also offer a number of different cut settings so you can achieve the exact cut you want.
The Winner: Milwaukee
Final Thoughts
When it comes to Makita vs Milwaukee, the best of the two brands largely depends on your personal needs and preferences.
Both brands create great quality power tools that more than get the job done. However, they each have their own pros and cons in a tool-to-tool comparison.
In my opinion, Milwaukee slightly edges out Makita in most regards. Their tools are typically more powerful and more rugged.
Milwaukee power tools generally stand up to more abuse than their Makita counterparts, making them a great choice for professional trades people.
Homeowners and hobbyists also benefit from the durability of Milwaukee power tools
That’s not to say that Makita tools aren’t great as well. Their long list of power tools will also get the job done for tradesmen and homeowners alike.
What about you? What’s your personal preference when it comes to Makita vs Milwaukee?
How do you think they stack up to other brands? Is Makita or Milwaukee your favorite, or is it another brand altogether?
Let me know what you think in the comments below. I’m also happy to answer any questions you might have about these two companies and their products.
And please feel free to share this post with your friends!
