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Loyal to Makita teal? Here's the highest-ranked Makita in each of our top-10 lists, from 18V LXT cordless tools to corded grinders and sanders.
Makita owners usually stay on the 18V LXT battery platform, and Makita's corded tools have a strong reputation of their own. This page shows the best Makita in each of our ranked lists, whether it runs on LXT batteries or plugs into the wall. Every pick is scored on the same data as everything else on the site: Amazon star rating, number of reviews, and the features that matter for the job.
49 Makita tools made our top-10 lists, across 38 of 170 categories. Makita scores highest of any brand in 4 of them and is our Best Overall pick in 4. Below is the best Makita in each category, with an honest note wherever another brand ranked higher.
The Makita pick — a brushless 18V LXT jigsaw with a soft no-load start that ramps the blade up gradually for a cleaner starting cut, plus three orbital settings and a straight-cut mode. Bare tool on the LXT platform.
Top score from any brand: the DEWALT DCS334B (92/100), 4 points ahead.
A compact brushless Makita with 970 in-lb of torque and two speed ranges, for anyone on 18V LXT batteries. 3-year limited warranty.
Top score from any brand: the DCK KDJZ05-13 (96/100), 10 points ahead.
Makita's 18V angle drill with a short 2-5/8-inch head for close quarters and variable speed to 1,800 RPM.
Top score from any brand: the RYOBI PSBRA02B (89/100), 16 points ahead.
Makita's compact kit: a 3.3 lb, 7-1/4-inch 1/2-inch drill with 480 in-lb, an impact driver, two batteries and a charger, for Makita's huge 18V LXT lineup.
Top score from any brand: the DEWALT DCK250QQ2 (94/100), 8 points ahead.
The Makita LXT pick: a 4.8-star multi-tool with a wide 3.2° swing for faster cuts and a slim 2-3/8" grip. Ships with adapters for other brands' blades. Bare tool, so bring an 18V LXT battery.
Top score from any brand: the DEWALT DCS356C1 (98/100), 12 points ahead.
Makita's deep-cut 18V saw with a 4-3/4-inch capacity, variable speed and an over-torque warning light.
Top score from any brand: the Milwaukee 2529-20 (91/100), 2 points ahead.
The Makita pick — a BL brushless motor with Automatic Speed Change that adjusts speed and torque on the fly, plus Active Feedback-sensing Technology that cuts power if the wheel suddenly binds. 3,158 reviews at 4.7 stars.
Top score from any brand: the DEWALT DCG413B (89/100), 0 points ahead.
Makita's 18V LXT die grinder with a slim barrel grip and slide switch, for Makita owners.
Top score from any brand: the Milwaukee 2984-20 (91/100), 15 points ahead.
The highest-rated sander on this list at 4.8 stars across 2,850 reviews. Three fixed speed settings (7,000/9,500/11,000 OPM) switch with a one-touch control, a pad brake cuts down free-spin for a cleaner finish, and Makita rates it for up to 40 minutes of runtime per charge.
Top score from any brand: the DEWALT DCW210P1 (97/100), 14 points ahead.
Makita's brushless compact router with a wide 10,000-30,000 rpm range, electronic speed control under load, a lock-off button and a straight guide in the box. 3-year warranty.
Top score from any brand: the DEWALT DCW600B (93/100), 6 points ahead.
A sub-compact 10-3/4" hammer for overhead and tight-space anchor work on Makita batteries. It's the smallest tool on the list, and the least powerful.
Top score from any brand: the Bosch GBH18V-22N (89/100), 4 points ahead.
A 10-inch dual-bevel slider that runs on two 18V LXT packs, sold as a complete kit. It's the most capable saw here and priced like it.
This is also our Best Overall cordless miter saws pick, from any brand.
Makita's 21-degree full round head framer for 18V LXT owners, with a 3-year warranty. The listing claims up to 1,000 nails per charge, a 41-nail magazine and an anti-dry-fire lockout.
Top score from any brand: the Metabo HPT NR1890DRA (90/100), 12 points ahead.
Also in our top 10: XNB07Z (#9)
A Makita radio that runs on almost any Makita battery from 7.2V to 18V LXT. The listing claims up to 35 hours on an 18V 5.0Ah pack, with dust- and water-resistant construction.
Top score from any brand: the Milwaukee 2950-20 (95/100), 9 points ahead.
The only name-brand cordless gun here with variable temperature and two airflow speeds, and it comes with four nozzles in a case. It's the one to buy if you do vinyl, plastics, or paint work on battery power.
Top score from any brand: the WORKPRO W125372AE (90/100), 9 points ahead.
Makita's long-running 18V planer and, at 4.8 stars, the best rated of the well-reviewed planers here. A two-blade head with double-edge carbide blades gives a clean finish, and the click depth knob reads from 0 to 5/64 in.
Top score from any brand: the DEWALT DCP580B (94/100), 6 points ahead.
Makita's 5.5-amp 1/2-inch drill: variable speed to 3,000 rpm, a reversing switch, all-ball-bearing construction and 120 in-lb of torque, with a 1-year warranty.
Top score from any brand: the BLACK+DECKER DR260C (93/100), 19 points ahead.
A pro-grade corded classic — smooth, fast (5,800 rpm), and built to last, with twin LED lights on the cut line. A favorite of tradespeople who don't want a worm drive.
Top score from any brand: the DEWALT DWE575SB (95/100), 6 points ahead.
A complete pro kit: Makita's 12-amp plunge saw with variable speed, a 55-inch guide rail and a stackable case, so you can start cutting out of the box.
This is also our Best Overall track saws pick, from any brand.
Makita's cordless joiner with a rack-and-pinion fence and six depth stops, rated 4.8 stars.
Top score from any brand: the DEWALT DCW682B (91/100), 0 points ahead.
Also in our top 10: PJ7000 (#6)
A pro-grade Makita with a big 1-1/4" stroke and a tool-less blade clamp — a longtime favorite of tradespeople for tearing through framing and metal. Sold here in a renewed listing.
Top score from any brand: the DEWALT DWE305 (95/100), 15 points ahead.
The one to buy if you want the whole package. It's the highest-rated grinder on the list at 4.8 stars, and it ships as a real kit: the tool, a diamond blade, five grinding wheels, both a grinding and a cut-off guard, and a case. Labyrinth-sealed motor and a metal gear housing back up the price.
This is also our Best Overall corded angle grinders pick, from any brand.
The one to buy if you sand for a living or just want the best. It's the highest-rated sander on the list at 4.8 stars, with the widest speed range here (4,000 to 12,000 OPM), a rubberized palm grip that kills vibration, and a hard case. You pay for it, but Makita build quality is why it lasts.
Top score from any brand: the Bosch ROS20VSC (96/100), 2 points ahead.
The pro's 3x21: an 8.8A motor with a variable speed dial, an auto-tracking belt you never adjust, and a body that sands flush to a wall on the nose and side. Rated at only 85 dB.
Top score from any brand: the VEVOR 9926 (92/100), 6 points ahead.
The highest-rated planer here: a 17,000 rpm two-blade cutter head, a spring-loaded stand, an easy blade-setting system, a guide rule and a tool case.
Top score from any brand: the SKIL PL2012-00 (91/100), 9 points ahead.
A cordless brushless masonry saw with a built-in adjustable water feed for OSHA Table 1 dust compliance, automatic speed change and an electric brake.
Top score from any brand: the DEWALT D24000S (97/100), 13 points ahead.
The compact router trim carpenters reach for: 1.25 HP in a slim aluminum body with electronic speed control, soft start and a rack-and-pinion depth adjuster. Takes standard template guides.
Top score from any brand: the Bosch 1617EVSPK (97/100), 7 points ahead.
The pro's pick if dust matters. A 6.5-amp Makita with a through-the-body dust port that hooks to a vacuum, a counterbalance system that keeps vibration low, and tool-less blade changes. Three orbital settings plus a straight-cut mode, and it comes in a tool case.
Top score from any brand: the SKIL JS314901 (97/100), 6 points ahead.
Makita's pro kit: push-button temperature control from 122 to 1,202°F in 50°F steps with an LCD readout, a three-position airflow switch (cool, low, high), and a case with four nozzles. Built for vehicle wraps, tinting, and daily trade use.
This is also our Best Overall corded heat guns pick, from any brand.
Makita's AVT counterweight cancels much of the hammering vibration, and a torque-limiting clutch protects the gears if the bit binds. A pro-grade D-handle with three modes and 40 chisel angle settings.
Top score from any brand: the ENEACRO ENRH3201 (96/100), 5 points ahead.
Makita's 10-inch slider with a two-rail system that runs flush to a wall. It handles 6-5/8-inch nested crown, the same as a typical 12-inch saw.
Top score from any brand: the DEWALT DWS780 (98/100), 2 points ahead.
Also in our top 10: LS1040 (#9)
The only big-brand demolition hammer here: Makita's 11 lb SDS-Max hammer with constant speed control that holds speed under load, soft start, and a tool case.
Top score from any brand: the VEVOR 1400W 2900 BPM (95/100), 9 points ahead.
The paddle-switch version of the GD0601, with the same 3.5 A motor, 25,000 rpm, 73 dB(A) rating and AC/DC switch.
Top score from any brand: the DEWALT DWE4887 (90/100), 2 points ahead.
The pick for impact driver owners: 14 TiN-coated bits from 1/16 to 1/2 inch on 1/4 inch hex shanks rated for impact use, with 135-degree split points. Makita rates them for stainless steel and cast iron as well as wood.
Top score from any brand: the DEWALT DW1361 (98/100), 8 points ahead.
Makita's Impact XPS bits have torque-absorbing shoulder rings and an optimized torsion zone, and Makita claims up to 100 times the life of its standard impact bits. 45 one-inch and 10 two-inch bits, two magnetic nutsetters and a Mag Boost magnet.
Top score from any brand: the DEWALT DWA2FTS100 (97/100), 2 points ahead.
The highest-rated saw here at 4.6 stars. Makita adds a soft-start trigger and a current limiter that cuts power before the motor burns out under load.
Top score from any brand: the Oregon CS1500 (95/100), 14 points ahead.
An aluminum-body Makita (body, magazine and cylinder) with a narrow nose for tight spots and a built-in air duster to blow sawdust off the line before you nail.
Top score from any brand: the BOSTITCH BTFP12233 (98/100), 13 points ahead.
Makita's narrow crown stapler with tool-less depth adjustment and a built-in air duster to clear the work surface.
Top score from any brand: the BOSTITCH SX1838K (94/100), 8 points ahead.
No Makita product made these lists when we last checked. Here are the best picks from any brand:
No. They're three separate platforms, and each battery fits only its own line of tools. 18V LXT is Makita's largest platform, and it's the one every Makita cordless tool on this page uses.
It means tool only: no battery or charger in the box. For example, XAG04Z is the bare angle grinder. That's the cheaper way to buy if you already own LXT batteries.
Our lists are built from Amazon's best-selling, most-reviewed products, and no Makita drill or impact driver made those top 10s when we last checked. See our cordless drill and impact driver lists for the best from any brand.
Because that's where Makita scores best in our data. Its corded angle grinder, random orbit sander, and jigsaw rank near the top of their lists, and corded tools don't tie you to any battery platform.