Looking Beyond the Makita XFD10SY 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
Review 6 compact drill alternatives to the Makita XFD10SY. We compare published torque, weight, and voltage specs to help you choose the best tool for your projects.
By GaugeKit Editorial Team 5 min read
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Looking beyond the Makita XFD10SY 18V LXT Lithium-Ion? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look. If you need compact 18V power, this drill offers 480 in. lbs. of torque and Extreme Protection Technology. The 1.5Ah battery keeps it light, and the two-speed transmission handles most driving tasks. You get a reliable tool for tight spaces and light duty work.
You might want different specs. Some users need more torque for heavy materials. Others prefer brushless motors for longer life. Some need higher voltage platforms or larger batteries for all-day use. The alternatives listed here share key traits like 18V or 20V systems and compact form factors. They overlap in chuck size and power source. Each option brings a different balance of weight, speed, and included accessories. You can compare the motor type, battery capacity, and max torque to find the right fit for your specific job site requirements.
How Each Alternative Compares
Milwaukee M18 1/2-Inch Drill Driver Kit
The Milwaukee M18 Compact Drill Driver Kit matches the Makita XFD10SY at 18V with a 1/2-inch chuck, but it offers slightly higher torque at 500 in-lbs. It weighs 6.26 pounds, which is heavier than the Makita kit. This model is designed for cold-weather operation, making it a better choice if you work in freezing conditions. You lose the Makita’s XPT dust and water resistance, but gain a robust compact body suited for light-duty tasks where portability matters less than raw output.
Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Drill
The Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Drill features a brushless motor, which the Makita XFD10SY lacks. It shares the 18V voltage and 1.5Ah battery capacity, keeping the weight low for compact tasks. This drill includes an impact driver in the kit, offering more versatility than the Makita’s single drill driver. You trade the Makita’s mechanical two-speed transmission for brushless efficiency. This option suits DIYers who prioritize portability and tool variety over the specific durability features found in the Makita build.
FLEX 24V Brushless Compact Drill
The FLEX 24V Brushless Compact Drill Driver Kit operates on a 24V system, providing higher voltage than the 18V Makita. It delivers 650 in-lbs of torque, significantly more than the Makita’s 480 in-lbs. The included 2.5 Ah battery offers longer runtime than the Makita’s 1.5Ah pack. It weighs 8.97 pounds, making it noticeably heavier. This kit is ideal for users who need compact size but require more power and battery capacity than the Makita can provide for general tasks.
Metabo HPT 18V Compact Brushless Drill Driver
The Metabo HPT DS18DEX 18V Brushless Drill Driver is extremely light at 2.6 pounds, much lighter than the Makita XFD10SY. It features a brushless motor and reactive force control, which helps in tight spaces. The compact dimensions allow for better maneuverability. You give up the Makita’s XPT protection and two-speed transmission for a lighter, more responsive tool. This drill fits users who work in confined areas and value maneuverability and reactive control over the rugged durability of the Makita.
Makita 18V Compact Brushless Drill
The Makita XFD12R 18V Brushless Drill shares the same brand and 18V platform, ensuring battery compatibility. It upgrades to a brushless motor and includes a 2.0 Ah battery, compared to the XFD10SY’s 1.5Ah pack. It weighs 3.4 pounds, offering a balanced weight for light-duty tasks. This model sacrifices the XPT protection and two-speed transmission of the XFD10SY for brushless efficiency. It is a solid choice for users who value efficiency and existing battery compatibility over the specific rugged features of the base model.
DEWALT DCD801H1 20V XR Brushless Drill
The DEWALT DCD801H1 20V XR Brushless Drill operates on a 20V system, differing from the 18V Makita. It includes a 5.0Ah battery, providing much longer runtime than the Makita’s 1.5Ah pack. The brushless motor offers efficiency, and the kit includes anti-rotation safety features. It is larger and heavier than the compact Makita. This drill suits professionals who prioritize safety features and high-capacity battery life over the compact size and specific durability engineering of the Makita XFD10SY.
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Makita 18V Compact Driver-Drill Kit Best overall | Light duty compact drilling tasks | |
| 2 | Milwaukee M18 1/2-Inch Drill Driver Kit Also great | compact tasks in cold environments | |
| 3 | Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Drill Best premium | Light duty compact tasks | |
| 4 | FLEX 24V Brushless Compact Drill Best budget | Users needing compact 24V cordless power | |
| 5 | Metabo HPT 18V Compact Brushless Drill Driver Also great | tight spaces and reactive force control | |
| 6 | Makita 18V Compact Brushless Drill Best 2.0 ah | Light duty tasks and tight spaces | |
| 7 | DEWALT DCD801H1 20V XR Brushless Drill Best 20v | Users needing high-capacity battery and anti-rotation safety |
Makita 18V Compact Driver-Drill Kit
Best for: Light duty compact drilling tasks
- Voltage
- 18V
- Max Torque
- 480 in. lbs.
- Chuck Size
- 1/2"
- Motor Type
- 4-pole
- Battery Capacity
- 1.5Ah
- Configuration
- Kit
This Makita compact driver-drill kit delivers 480 in-lbs of torque with a 4-pole motor. It features a 2-speed transmission for 0-600 and 0-1,900 RPM speeds. The 1/2-inch chuck and 1.5Ah battery make it a practical choice for general tasks. Its XPT technology adds dust and water resistance. You get dual LED lights and a soft grip for better control.
- 480 in-lbs max torque
- 2-speed transmission up to 1,900 RPM
- XPT dust and water resistance
- Dual LED lights with afterglow
- 480 in-lbs torque is lower than competitors
- 1.5Ah battery capacity is smaller than standard options
- You need a compact tool for tight spaces
- You value dust and water resistance
- You prefer a soft grip handle
- You require high torque for heavy-duty work
- You want a larger battery capacity
- You need brushless motor efficiency
Verdict: Makita XFD10SY 18V Compact Drill suits users who prioritize compact size and durability over raw power. It is ideal for light to medium tasks where portability matters.
Milwaukee M18 1/2-Inch Drill Driver Kit
Best for: compact tasks in cold environments
- Voltage
- 18V
- Max Torque
- 500 in-lbs
- Chuck Size
- 1/2 Inch
- Motor Type
- 4-Pole Frameless
- Maximum Speed
- 1,800 RPM
- Configuration
- Compact Kit
The Milwaukee M18 2606-21CT is a compact 18V drill driver kit. It features a 4-pole frameless motor delivering 500 in-lbs of torque and speeds up to 1,800 RPM. The kit includes one battery and a hard case. It operates down to -18C. This tool suits users who need reliable power in a compact form factor for general drilling and driving tasks.
- 4-pole frameless motor provides 500 in-lbs of torque
- Two-speed gearbox reaches 0-1,800 RPM
- Redlink Intelligence protects against overload
- Includes hard case and one battery
- 500 in-lbs torque is lower than competitors offering 650 in-lbs
- 18V platform has less power than 20V MAX or 24V options
- Single battery included limits continuous runtime
- You need a compact tool for tight spaces
- You want a kit with a protective case
- You work in cold environments down to -18C
- You require high torque above 500 in-lbs
- You prefer a 24V or 20V MAX system
- You need multiple batteries for long jobs
Verdict: Milwaukee M18 Compact Drill Driver Kit offers solid 500 in-lbs torque in a compact body. It fits users who value compactness and cold-weather operation over maximum power output.
Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Drill
Best for: Light duty compact tasks
- Voltage
- 18V
- Max Torque
- 400 in-lbs.
- Chuck Size
- 1/2 in.
- Motor Type
- Brushless
- Battery Capacity
- 1.5 Ah
- Configuration
- Kit
This Ryobi kit includes a compact 18V brushless drill and impact driver. The drill delivers 400 in-lbs of torque, while the impact driver reaches 1,700 in-lbs. It comes with two 1.5 Ah batteries. The tools are 30% more compact and 23% lighter than standard models. This setup suits users who need portable power for tight spaces.
- Brushless motor technology for efficiency
- 1,700 in-lbs max torque on impact driver
- Compact and lightweight design
- Includes charger and tool bag
- Drill torque is 400 in-lbs, lower than competitors
- Battery capacity is only 1.5 Ah
- You work in tight spots requiring compact tools
- You need a lightweight drill for overhead use
- You already own Ryobi 18V batteries
- You require high torque for heavy-duty drilling
- You need longer runtime with larger batteries
- You prefer a single tool over a kit
Verdict: Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Drill Kit offers compact power for light tasks. It fits DIYers who prioritize portability over raw strength.
FLEX 24V Brushless Compact Drill
Best for: Users needing compact 24V cordless power
- Voltage
- 24V
- Max Torque
- 650 In-Lbs
- Chuck Size
- 1/2-Inch
- Motor Type
- Brushless
- Battery Capacity
- 2.5Ah
- Configuration
- Kit with Battery and Charger
This FLEX kit offers 24V brushless power in a compact form. It delivers 650 inch-pounds of torque and includes a 2.5Ah battery. The tool features a two-speed transmission and a full-metal ratcheting chuck. It suits users who want reliable cordless performance for general drilling and driving tasks without needing maximum high-end torque.
- 650 inch-pounds of max torque
- Brushless motor for efficiency
- Includes 2.5Ah battery and charger
- Full-metal ratcheting chuck
- 650 inch-pounds torque is lower than competitors offering 750 to 1400 inch-pounds
- 2.5Ah battery capacity is smaller than kits including 5.0Ah options
- You need a compact tool for tight spaces
- You want a complete kit with battery and charger
- You prefer 24V voltage systems
- You require over 750 inch-pounds of torque
- You need high-capacity batteries for extended runtime
- You are already invested in 18V or 20V ecosystems
Verdict: FLEX 24V Brushless Compact Drill Driver Kit provides solid mid-range torque and a complete kit for general tasks. It fits users who prioritize compact size and brushless efficiency over raw power or larger battery options.
Metabo HPT 18V Compact Brushless Drill Driver
Best for: tight spaces and reactive force control
- Voltage
- 18V
- Max Torque
- 620 in-lbs
- Motor Type
- Brushless
- Maximum Speed
- 2,000 RPM
- Battery Capacity
- 2.0Ah
- Configuration
- Kit with 2 Batteries and Charger
The Metabo HPT DS18DEX is a compact 18V brushless driver-drill kit. It delivers 620 in-lbs of torque and 2,000 RPM. The tool weighs 2.6 lbs and measures 6.1 inches long. It includes two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger. This setup suits users needing a lightweight, high-torque option for tight spaces.
- Brushless motor provides extended runtime and durability.
- Compact 6.1-inch length fits tight spaces.
- Includes two 18V 2.0Ah batteries in the kit.
- Reactive Force Control stops rotation during overload.
- Lifetime warranty on the tool body.
- Lower maximum torque at 620 in-lbs compared to the 650 in-lbs offered by the FLEX 24V.
- Smaller battery capacity at 2.0Ah versus the higher capacities found in many competitor kits.
- Single-speed motor limits versatility compared to the two-speed options available from Makita and DEWALT.
- You need a lightweight drill for overhead or confined work.
- You want a kit that includes two batteries for extended use.
- You value reactive force control for added safety.
- You require maximum torque exceeding 620 in-lbs.
- You prefer a two-speed transmission for varied material drilling.
- You need batteries with higher than 2.0Ah capacity.
Verdict: Metabo HPT DS18DEX 18V Brushless Drill offers a compact, high-torque solution for users prioritizing maneuverability and included battery value. It fits those who work in tight spaces and need reactive force control.
Makita 18V Compact Brushless Drill
Best for: Light duty tasks and tight spaces
- Voltage
- 18V
- Max Torque
- 530 in.lbs.
- Chuck Size
- 1/2"
- Motor Type
- Brushless
- Maximum Speed
- 2,000 RPM
- Battery Capacity
- 2.0Ah
This Makita compact driver-drill kit includes a 2.0 Ah battery and features a brushless motor. It delivers 530 in.lbs. of torque and reaches 2,000 RPM through a two-speed transmission. The tool weighs 3.4 pounds and measures 5.5 inches in length. You get efficient energy use and longer run times per charge. This setup suits users who want a reliable, lightweight option with standard 18V compatibility.
- Brushless motor for efficient energy use
- 530 in.lbs. of maximum torque
- Two-speed transmission (0-500 & 0-2,000 RPM)
- Includes 2.0 Ah battery in the kit
- Lower maximum torque of 530 in.lbs. compared to competitors offering 650 in.lbs.
- Smaller 2.0 Ah battery capacity limits run time versus 5.0 Ah options
- You need a compact tool that fits in tight spaces
- You already own Makita 18V LXT batteries
- You prefer a lightweight drill under 3.5 pounds
- You require high torque above 600 in.lbs. for heavy-duty applications
- You want a brushless drill with a larger 5.0 Ah battery included
- You need a 24V or 20V MAX system for higher power
Verdict: Makita XFD12R 18V Brushless Driver-Drill is a solid choice for light to medium tasks where weight and compact size matter most. It fits users who value efficiency and existing battery compatibility over raw power.
DEWALT DCD801H1 20V XR Brushless Drill
Best for: Users needing high-capacity battery and anti-rotation safety
- Voltage
- 20V MAX
- Chuck Size
- 1/2 in.
- Motor Type
- Brushless
- Maximum Speed
- 2,000 rpm
- Battery Capacity
- 5AH
- Configuration
- Kit with Battery and Charger
This DEWALT 20V MAX XR kit includes a brushless drill driver and a 5.0Ah POWERSTACK battery. It offers 2,000 rpm across two speed settings and features an anti-rotation system for control. The 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck ensures secure bit retention. The included 70-lumen LED light aids visibility in dim areas. This setup suits users who need robust power and advanced safety features in a compact form.
- 2,000 rpm maximum speed for high-efficiency drilling
- 5.0Ah POWERSTACK battery provides extended runtime
- Anti-rotation system shuts down excessive rotational motion
- 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck for secure bit retention
- 70-lumen adjustable LED with auto-shutoff
- Lower maximum speed of 2,000 rpm compared to the FLEX 24V's 650 in-lbs torque focus
- Heavier and bulkier build due to the included 5.0Ah battery and charger kit
- You need a complete kit with a high-capacity 5.0Ah battery
- You value the anti-rotation safety system for precise control
- You work in dim areas requiring a bright 70-lumen LED
- You prefer a lighter, more compact tool without a battery
- You require higher torque than the 20V MAX XR provides
- You already own a compatible DEWALT 20V MAX battery system
Verdict: DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Drill is a solid choice for professionals who prioritize safety features and high-capacity battery life. It fits users who want a ready-to-use kit with robust control mechanisms.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Makita 18V Compact Driver-Drill Kit | Milwaukee M18 1/2-Inch Drill Driver Kit | Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Drill | FLEX 24V Brushless Compact Drill | Metabo HPT 18V Compact Brushless Drill Driver | Makita 18V Compact Brushless Drill | DEWALT DCD801H1 20V XR Brushless Drill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 18V | 18V | 18V | 24V | 18V | 18V | 20V MAX |
| Max Torque | 480 in. lbs. | 500 in-lbs | 400 in-lbs. | 650 In-Lbs | 620 in-lbs | 530 in.lbs. | – |
| Chuck Size | 1/2" | 1/2 Inch | 1/2 in. | 1/2-Inch | – | 1/2" | 1/2 in. |
| Motor Type | 4-pole | 4-Pole Frameless | Brushless | Brushless | Brushless | Brushless | Brushless |
| Maximum Speed | – | 1,800 RPM | – | – | 2,000 RPM | 2,000 RPM | 2,000 rpm |
| Battery Capacity | 1.5Ah | – | 1.5 Ah | 2.5Ah | 2.0Ah | 2.0Ah | 5AH |
| Configuration | Kit | Compact Kit | Kit | Kit with Battery and Charger | Kit with 2 Batteries and Charger | Kit | Kit with Battery and Charger |
| Included Tools | – | Drill Driver | Impact Driver | Drill Driver | – | – | Drill Driver |
| Speed | – | – | – | Two-Speed | – | – | – |
| Power Source | Cordless | Cordless | Cordless | Cordless | Cordless | Cordless | Cordless |
| Form Factor | Compact | Compact | Compact | Compact | Compact | Compact | – |
| Dimensions | 6.06 × 15.1 × 9.29 inches | 6 × 3 × 9 inches | – | 5.9 × 3 × 8.2 inches | 6.1 × 3.1 × 9.2 inches | 5.5 × 15.8 × 13.2 inches | 9.92 × 3.98 × 12.8 inches |
| Weight | – | 6.26 pounds | – | 8.97 pounds | 2.6 pounds | 3.4 pounds | – |
| Color | Teal | Red | – | Grey/Black | Green | Teal | Black, Yellow |
| Model | XFD10SY | 2606-21CT | PSBCK01K | FX1131-1A | DS18DEX | XFD12R | DCD801H1 |
| Size | – | – | – | 650 In-Lbs | DS18DEX (Next Gen Model) | – | – |
Frequently asked questions
Which compact drill offers the highest torque in this list?
The FLEX 24V Brushless Compact Drill provides 650 in-lbs of torque, the highest rating among these alternatives. It uses a 24V system and includes a 2.5 Ah battery. This makes it suitable for users needing more power than the 18V options while maintaining a compact form factor for tight spaces.
Are there brushless motor options available as alternatives?
Yes, several models feature brushless motors for improved efficiency. The Ryobi ONE+ HP, FLEX 24V, Metabo HPT, Makita XFD12R, and DEWALT DCD801H1 all use brushless technology. These motors generally offer longer runtimes and durability compared to brushed versions, fitting various light to medium duty tasks.
Which kit includes the largest battery capacity?
The DEWALT DCD801H1 20V XR Brushless Drill includes a 5.0Ah battery, the largest capacity in this selection. This high-capacity cell supports longer runtime for demanding jobs. It is ideal for users who prioritize extended battery life over the lighter weight found in kits with smaller batteries.
Can I find a drill lighter than 3 pounds?
The Metabo HPT DS18DEX weighs 2.6 pounds, making it the lightest option listed. Its compact design and low weight aid maneuverability in tight spaces. This model is best for users who prioritize portability and reactive force control during extended use in confined areas.
Is there a 24V option in these alternatives?
The FLEX 24V Brushless Compact Drill operates on a 24V system, distinct from the 18V and 20V options. It delivers 650 in-lbs of torque and includes a 2.5 Ah battery. This higher voltage platform suits users seeking mid-range power in a compact, brushless package.
Which models are best for tight spaces?
The Metabo HPT DS18DEX and Makita XFD12R are optimized for tight spaces. The Metabo model weighs only 2.6 pounds and features reactive force control. The Makita XFD12R offers a compact 18V brushless design with a 2.0 Ah battery, prioritizing weight and size for confined work areas.
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