DeWalt vs Makita Impact Driver
DeWalt and Makita both build professional impact drivers that will last for years. They differ in feel, features and how easy their batteries are to find in US stores.
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In the DeWalt vs Makita impact driver choice, DeWalt's DCF845 and DCF850 have higher rated torque (1,825 in-lbs) and the DCF850 is shorter at 4.0 in, while the Makita XDT16 (1,600 in-lbs) offers the more refined controls: 4 speeds, Quick-Shift assist and reverse auto-stop. Pick DeWalt for wider US retail availability and frequent kit deals. Pick Makita for finish work, comfort and a deep LXT outdoor line.
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DeWalt vs Makita impact driver: the quick verdict
DeWalt's mainstream 20V MAX impact drivers carry more rated torque and, in the DCF850 Atomic, a shorter head than Makita's XDT16. Makita answers with a smarter control package and a famously comfortable grip. The best choice depends less on the tools than on how you work and where you buy batteries.
This page compares manufacturer-published specifications and patterns in owner feedback. It does not rely on hands-on testing. Torque ratings are measured differently by each brand, so a 225 in-lb gap on paper is a hint, not proof. See impact driver torque explained for why.
Spec comparison: DCF845 vs DCF850 vs XDT16
| Spec | DeWalt DCF845 XR | DeWalt DCF850 Atomic | Makita XDT16 (18V LXT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rated torque | 1,825 in-lbs | 1,825 in-lbs | 1,600 in-lbs |
| Speeds (RPM) | 1,500/2,800/3,400 | 1,000/2,800/3,250 | 1,100/2,100/3,200/3,600 |
| Max impacts per minute | 4,200 IPM | 3,600 IPM | 3,800 IPM |
| Length | 5.1 in | 4.0 in | 4-9/16 in |
| Weight | 2.0 lb bare | 2.1 lb bare | about 3.4 lb with battery |
| Control features | 3 speeds | 3 speeds, Precision Drive in speed 1 | 4 speeds, Quick-Shift assist, reverse auto-stop, 2 tightening modes |
| Warranty | 3-year limited, 1-year free service, 90-day satisfaction | 3-year limited | |
Manufacturer-published figures. DeWalt weights are bare tool; the Makita figure includes a battery. Confirm warranty terms on each brand's site before buying.
How they differ in use
Driving power and speed
The DCF845 is the fastest of the three, with the highest blow rate (4,200 IPM). It is the pick for decking, fencing and framing screws in volume. The DCF850 and XDT16 are close to each other in blow rate. On 1/2-inch lag screws, the DeWalt models' higher rating may help a little, but pilot holes make far more difference than the brand.
Control on small fasteners
Makita leads here. The XDT16's 4 speeds give a gentle 1,100 RPM start, and Quick-Shift assist mode starts the screw slowly before speeding up. Reverse auto-stop halts the tool once a fastener is loose, so screws do not drop into a cabinet or fly off. DeWalt's DCF850 has Precision Drive in speed 1, which is genuinely useful for hinges and hardware. The DCF845's lowest speed is a brisker 1,500 RPM, so it is less forgiving on small screws.
Size and reach
The DCF850's 4.0-inch head is the shortest here and fits between joists and inside cabinets where the others struggle. The XDT16 at about 4.56 inches is in the middle. The DCF845 is the longest. Remember that a big battery adds height and weight, so pair compact tools with compact packs.
Feel
Owner feedback often describes Makita's grip, balance and trigger as the more comfortable for long days. DeWalt's tools are well balanced too, and the DCF845 is the lightest bare tool here. Hold both in a store if you can, because comfort is personal.
Batteries, availability and warranty
- Voltage labels: DeWalt 20V MAX and Makita 18V LXT are the same nominal voltage. The "20V" is a maximum-voltage label. See 18V vs 20V MAX.
- Battery range: DeWalt offers compact packs, POWERSTACK pouch-cell packs and FLEXVOLT packs that also fit 20V MAX tools. Makita LXT offers a wide range of packs and many outdoor tools that run on two 18V packs together. Our DeWalt 20V battery guide covers which DeWalt packs suit an impact driver.
- US retail availability: DeWalt is sold at more large US home centers, so batteries and kits are easy to find and promotions are frequent. Makita is sold through fewer big-box chains, plus tool dealers and online stores.
- Warranty: both offer a 3-year limited tool warranty. DeWalt adds 1 year of free service and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. Check current terms and battery coverage before you buy.
- Cost: batteries for both are expensive bought alone. Kits and seasonal bundles are the cheapest way to build either platform.
Bare tool or kit: reading the model codes
Both brands use suffixes to tell you what is in the box. Learn them and you avoid paying for batteries you do not need, or buying a bare tool when you have nothing to run it.
| Suffix | DeWalt meaning | Makita meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Bare tool | B (DCF845B, DCF850B) | Z (XDT16Z) |
| Small-battery kit | C or D (compact or 2.0 Ah packs) | R (2.0 Ah packs, e.g. XDT16R) |
| Large-battery kit | P (5.0 Ah packs) | T (5.0 Ah packs) |
| Number of packs | 1 or 2 after the letter (P1, P2) | Check the kit contents |
Suffixes are conventions, not guarantees. Always read the listing's "what's included" section.
For an impact driver, small packs are the better match on both brands. A 2.0 Ah or compact pouch-cell battery keeps the tool light and short, and an impact driver rarely needs the runtime of a 5.0 Ah pack unless you are driving deck screws all day. If you are new to a platform, a kit with two packs and a charger is usually better value than a bare tool plus separate batteries. If you already own the batteries, buy the bare tool.
One common mistake: buying a cheap kit on one platform, then discovering the other tools you want live on another. Before you commit to either brand, list the next three or four cordless tools you expect to buy and check that the platform covers them well.
Which job, which tool
| Job or user | Better pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Decks, fences, framing | DeWalt DCF845 | Highest blow rate for long screws |
| Cabinets and tight spaces | DeWalt DCF850 | 4.0 in head plus Precision Drive |
| Trim, hardware, mixed small screws | Makita XDT16 | 4 speeds and assist mode |
| Machinery and disassembly | Makita XDT16 | Reverse auto-stop |
| Yard and outdoor tools on the same battery | Makita | Deep LXT outdoor range |
| Buying batteries locally in a hurry | DeWalt | Wider US big-box presence |
Who should buy each
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Impact Driver (DCF845)
Best for: high-volume screw driving and DeWalt owners.
- Torque
- 1,825 in-lbs
- Impacts
- 4,200 IPM
- Length
- 5.1 in
Strengths
- Fastest blow rate here
- Lightest bare tool
- Easy to find in US stores
Weaknesses
- Longest head here
- Brisk low speed for small screws
DeWalt ATOMIC 20V MAX Impact Driver (DCF850)
Best for: cabinets, remodels, tight framing bays.
- Torque
- 1,825 in-lbs
- Length
- 4.0 in
Strengths
- Shortest head in the comparison
- Precision Drive mode
Weaknesses
- Lower blow rate than the DCF845
- Needs a compact battery to stay small
Makita 18V LXT Brushless 4-Speed Impact Driver (XDT16)
Best for: finish work, mixed fasteners and comfort.
- Torque
- 1,600 in-lbs
- Speed
- 0-3,600 RPM, 4 speeds
- Length
- 4-9/16 in
Strengths
- Best control features here
- Reverse auto-stop
- Comfortable grip in owner feedback
Weaknesses
- Lowest rated torque
- Fewer US big-box stockists
Full lineups: DeWalt impact drivers and Makita impact drivers. Considering Milwaukee too? Read Milwaukee vs DeWalt, or see our best impact drivers across all brands.
Verdict
Pick DeWalt if you want the higher rating, the shortest full-power head (DCF850) or the fastest driver for volume work (DCF845), and if easy local battery access matters. Pick Makita XDT16 if you value control features, comfort and the LXT outdoor range. If you already own either battery, stay with it. Wear eye and hearing protection, and finish spec'd bolts with a torque wrench.
Frequently asked questions
Is DeWalt 20V stronger than Makita 18V?
No. DeWalt's 20V MAX is the maximum initial voltage of the same 18V nominal battery chemistry Makita labels as 18V. The difference in tool output comes from motor and electronics design, not the label. Read the tool specs, not the battery voltage.
Which lasts longer, DeWalt or Makita?
Both have long track records with professionals, and owner feedback does not point to a clear durability winner between their current brushless impact drivers. Batteries and how you treat them matter more than the brand. Both offer a 3-year limited tool warranty; DeWalt adds 1 year of free service.
Why is Makita harder to find in stores?
In the US, DeWalt is stocked by more of the large home centers, while Makita is sold through fewer big-box chains plus tool dealers and online retailers. That affects how easily you can grab a battery on a Saturday, and how often you see in-store kit promotions.
Does Makita make a 20V impact driver?
Not under that label. Makita's equivalent is the 18V LXT line, which matches DeWalt 20V MAX in nominal voltage. Makita also sells the higher-output 40V max XGT GDT02 and 12V max CXT compact drivers.
Is the DeWalt DCF850 better than the Makita XDT16?
For tight spaces and raw rating, yes: it is shorter and rated higher. For control on small screws and repetitive fastening, the XDT16 has more useful modes. Neither is clearly better for everyone.