Head to head
Makita XFD13 vs DeWalt DCD771C2: Which Drill Kit Wins?
Ergonomics against value: comparing the Makita XFD13 and DeWalt DCD771C2 drill kits.
#3 in our rankings · Best ergonomics
Makita 18V LXT Drill Driver Kit (XFD13)
Best for: Long sessions, overhead work, and anyone who values comfort.
#1 in our rankings · Best overall
DeWalt 20V MAX Drill Driver Kit (DCD771C2)
Best for: DIYers buying a first serious drill that starts a tool collection.
Our recommendation
Makita for comfort, DeWalt for value. The Makita delivers 480 inch-pounds in the best-balanced body here, with a 0 to 2,100 RPM top speed that drills faster. The DeWalt kit costs less and includes two batteries against Makita's typically similar kit configuration. If you drill for hours, the Makita's ergonomics are worth the premium. If you drill for minutes at a time, the DeWalt's value is the smarter buy.
Ergonomics
The Makita's grip angle, balance, and compact head length are widely regarded as best in class. Long sessions, overhead work, and one-handed operation all favor the Makita noticeably.
Speed and torque
Makita: 480 inch-pounds and 0 to 2,100 RPM. DeWalt: 300 UWO and 0 to 1,500 RPM. The Makita drills faster and drives harder; the DeWalt is ample for standard DIY but a class below on raw numbers.
Price and kit
The DeWalt kit typically costs less with two batteries included. The Makita commands a premium for its ergonomics and performance. Both platforms (LXT and 20V MAX) are deep enough for long-term investment.
Choose Makita 18V LXT Drill Driver Kit (XFD13) if…
- Comfort during long drilling sessions matters
- You do overhead or awkward-angle work
- You want the highest drilling speed here
Choose DeWalt 20V MAX Drill Driver Kit (DCD771C2) if…
- Kit value is the priority
- Your drilling is intermittent, not marathon
- You are starting a 20V MAX collection
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Spec | Makita 18V LXT Drill Driver Kit (XFD13) | DeWalt 20V MAX Drill Driver Kit (DCD771C2) |
|---|---|---|
| Price tier | Premium | Mid-range |
| Torque | 480 in-lbs max | — |
| Speed | 0-550 / 0-2,100 RPM | 0-450 / 0-1,500 RPM |
| Chuck | 1/2" keyless | 1/2" single-sleeve ratcheting |
| Clutch | 21+1 positions | 16+1 positions |
| Platform | Makita 18V LXT | — |
| Power | — | 300 unit watts out |
| Batteries | — | Two 20V MAX 1.3Ah + charger |
| Best for | Long sessions, overhead work, and anyone who values comfort. | DIYers buying a first serious drill that starts a tool collection. |
| Skip if | Kit value matters more than ergonomics. | The drill will face daily professional punishment. |
Strengths and limitations
Makita 18V LXT Drill Driver Kit (XFD13)
Strengths
- 480 inch-pounds max torque
- Best-in-class balance and grip ergonomics
- 0-2,100 RPM top speed drills fastest here
- Huge 18V LXT platform
Limitations
- Premium pricing
- Kit battery configuration varies by retailer
- Less raw brand presence in some trade channels
DeWalt 20V MAX Drill Driver Kit (DCD771C2)
Strengths
- 300 unit watts out covers all normal DIY driving and drilling
- Two 1.3Ah batteries included: no downtime
- 1/2-inch single-sleeve ratcheting chuck
- Entry into the enormous 20V MAX tool platform
Limitations
- Brushed motor: less efficient than brushless rivals
- Out-torqued by Milwaukee and Makita compacts
- 1.3Ah batteries are small for heavy work
How they fit the wider field
- Makita 18V LXT Drill Driver Kit (XFD13): ranked #3 (Best ergonomics) in The Best Cordless Drill Kits.
- DeWalt 20V MAX Drill Driver Kit (DCD771C2): ranked #1 (Best overall) in The Best Cordless Drill Kits. Read the full DeWalt 20V MAX Drill Driver Kit (DCD771C2) review.
Neither one quite right? The full rankings cover 10 picks matched to different buyers.
Made your call?
Questions, answered
Is Makita's LXT platform as deep as DeWalt's?
Yes. Makita's 18V LXT is one of the three deepest cordless platforms, with hundreds of tools. You will not run out of options on either platform.
Which is better for a beginner?
The DeWalt: lower price, two batteries, and forgiving performance. The Makita's advantages (ergonomics, speed) matter more once you have the basics down.