Ready for some Makita Vs Metabo HPT impact-driven action? We have two of our favorite models for you. If you ask our team of professionals, voting is based on simply subjective opinion. So we pit them against each other 1 on 1 to see if we can declare a clear winner.
This isn't our average shootout. We take a point-by-point look at how the two 18V effects compare and name a winner for each test. Remember, everyone has different priorities. One might get you more points, but you might find that the other suits your needs better.
As always, we welcome your constructive comments and please let us know why you prefer Makita or Metabo HPT's flagship impact driver. Also, keep in mind that while we've invested hundreds of hours collecting face-to-face data, it's impossible for us to test every possible scenario.
Let's meet today's competitors.
In the teal corner we have the Makita 18V LXT Quick-Shift 4-Speed Brushless Impact Driver
- Model: Makita XDT16
- Power supply: Makita 18V LXT battery
- No-load speed: 0–3600 RPM
- Maximum Torque: 1600 in-lbs
- Impact rate: 3800 IPM
Read independent reviews here.
In the green corner, it's the Metabo HPT Triple Hammer 18V Brushless Impact Driver
- Model: Metabo HPT WH18DBDL2
- Power: Metabo HPT 18V or MultiVolt battery, Hitachi 18V battery
- No-load speed: 0–3300 RPM
- Maximum Torque: 1832 in-lbs
- Impact rate: 4000 IPM
Read independent reviews here.
Before the rebrand, Metabo HPT originally introduced its Triple Hammer impact driver under the Hitachi name. Notably, it also has a 36V version on its MultiVolt platform. This model is spec'd at 2900 RPM (400 less than 18V), 1859 in-lbs torque (27 in-lbs more) and 4100 BPM (100 BPM more). It's also compatible with Metabo HPT's MultiVolt AC Adapter, allowing you to use corded power as needed.
Read the full MutliVolt Triple Hammer Impact Driver Review here.
footprint
These two impact drivers are definitely compact. The Makita XDT16 measures 4.6 inches long and 7.4 inches tall without the battery. The Metabo HPT's triple hammer is 5.0 inches long and 7.8 inches tall.
Although the Metabo HPT's footprint is far from oversized, Makita still has a clear advantage. In fact, it has the shortest front-to-back length of the entire 18V class. Milwaukee's M18 Fuel 2857 is very close, only 1 mm longer.
Verdict: Makita
weight
We measured the impact drivers on bare digital scales and with the compact battery. Makita's compact pack is 2.0Ah, while Metabo HPT's is 3.0Ah.
The Makita weighs 1.99 pounds bare-bones and 2.85 pounds with batteries. The Metabo HPT comes very close, weighing 2.02 lbs bare and 2.90 lbs with batteries.
With less than an ounce difference in weight, it's a tie.
Verdict: Tie
feature set
Both of these impact drivers cover the basics of feature sets, but what about going one step further?
- Motor : Both tools have brushless motors.
- Hammers and Anvils : Makita has a traditional 2 hammer system specially designed by the product team. The Metabo HPT uses a 3-hammer system. They're the only brand we've seen with a third hammer.
- Collet : The Makita has one-handed bit insertion but no spring ejection. Metabo HPT has neither.
- Battery : Both models use a slide-in battery. (We'll discuss capacity differences later)
- Speed : Both tools use electronic speed control. The Makita has 4 speeds plus four assist modes and a programmable button for two modes. The Metabo HPT has 3 speeds and an assist mode.
- LED Lights : Makita uses 2 LEDs on both sides of the chuck. The Metabo HPT has an LED under the collet.
The Metabo HPT starts with the basics by using a 3-hammer system (hence the name Triple Hammer). We'll see how much of a difference it makes in our performance tests. In addition to customizable app-based controls, Makita has taken the XDT16's electronic controls a step further than anyone else.
You can argue that one feature or the other is more relevant, but it really depends on the work on your plate. In the end, Makita gets a few extra points for its LED lights and chuck design to come close to winning.
Verdict: Makita
strength
We have two methods for testing the power of an impact driver. In our tightening test, each impact driver tightens a hardened nut to a bolt, and we use a digital torque wrench to measure how much force it takes to break it.
This test method will not give the same results as the manufacturer's specification test, as rated impact drive torque is not an exact science.
An average of 2131 inch-pounds of torque is required to break Makita's XDT16 fasteners. On the other hand, the effort to break the Metabo HPT triple hammer required 1982 inch-pounds.
In our second test, we verified loading the same hardened nut at specific intervals and seeing how much breaking force (nut breaking torque) each impact driver had.
Here, the Makita breaks through at 3,300 in-lbs (206.25 ft-lbs), while the Metabo HPT still lags behind at 2,760 in-lbs (172.5 ft-lbs).
Despite the lower torque on its spec sheet, the Makita showed more measurable tightening and breaking forces than the Metabo HPT in this test.
Verdict: Makita
fastening speed
With an impact driver, we are willing to run the fasteners to beam screws or wood screws before turning to an impact wrench for more power. Using 1/4" beam screws, we measured the RPM each impact driver could hold.
The Metabo HPT did a great job, averaging 573 RPM. However, the Makita leads the field in this test with 651 RPM. The Metabo HPT is the second fastest we've tested, so it's no slouch here.
Verdict: Makita
Fastening efficiency
Fastening efficiency is a measure of how easily the motor works under load. The closer its RPM is to the no-load speed we tested while tightening, the less stress the motor will experience.
In the same ledger screw test, the Makita maintained 21 percent of its test no-load speed. 24% of the Metabo HPT gives the green team the win.
It's worth noting here that the no-load speed tests for both impact drivers were significantly below their specifications. The Makita is 500 RPM low and the Metabo HPT is 915 RPM low. Both tools will speed up if you put a bigger battery in there, but they still don't live up to their claims.
Verdict: Metabo HPT
available battery
If you want to expand with batteries other than the ones in the kit, especially for longer runtimes, it's helpful to know what batteries are available.
Makita's 18V LXT series is available in a variety of 1P and 2P battery packs (1P = 1 pack of 5-cell Li-ion batteries, 2P = 2 packs of 5-cell Li-ion batteries).
- 2.0Ah (1P)
- 3.0Ah (2P)
- 4.0Ah (2P)
- 5.0Ah (2P)
- 6.0Ah (2P)
Metabo HPT's range gives you even more flexibility thanks to its MultiVolt battery compatibility.
- 1.5Ah (1P)
- 2.5Ah (1P)
- 3.0Ah (1P)
- 4.0Ah (2P)
- 5.0Ah (2P)
- 6.0Ah (2P)
- 8.0Ah Multi-voltage (2P)
Both brands have some old batteries that are still running or come with tools that are not as common as other brands. The secret sauce of the Metabo HPT scale is compatibility with MultiVolt batteries, giving you 8.0Ah of capacity if needed.
Hitachi 18V batteries are also suitable for Metabo HPT tools. However, Metabo HPT's 18V batteries are not forward compatible with their 36V MultiVolt tools.
Makita also has great benefits. Its 18V battery can power more powerful 18V X2 (36V) tools without the need for battery changes. However, the upcoming 40V max XGT series will be a different platform.
Verdict: Metabo HPT
compatible tool
Makita currently has around 225 tools that work with its 18V LXT batteries, an incredible amount. The Metabo HPT doesn't have as many individual products, but its lineup is deep enough to cover most of the tools a professional needs wirelessly.
Verdict: Makita
price
You can buy each of these tools, or the tools with batteries and chargers included. We encourage you to shop around for the best price. We do price checks at Acme Tools, Home Depot, and Lowe's. You can also find both on Amazon.
Makita 18V impact driver
- XDT16Z bare metal: $179
- XDT16R kit with two 2.0Ah batteries: $299
- XDT16T kit with two 5.0Ah batteries: $359
Metabo HPT Triple Hammer Impact Driver
- WH18DBDL2Q4M bare metal: $179
- WH18DBDL2M kit with two 3.0Ah batteries: $269 (currently listed for under $389 at multiple retailers)
amazon shopping
The two impact drivers are neck and neck in bare metal price, with the Metabo HPT having the edge on its kit price. It comes with two 3.0Ah compact batteries, so it has more capacity than Makita's 2 x 2.0Ah kit. However, the Metabo HPT's list price is $90 more than the Makita's. Metabo HPT looks better with current pricing, but we're not sure how long it will last.
It's also worth noting that there are no 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah kits available for the Metabo HPT.
Verdict: Metabo HPT
Warranty
Makita offers a 3-year warranty on its tools and batteries. The Metabo HPT gives you a year of battery life, but a lifetime warranty on its lithium-ion tools. This is very simple.
Verdict: Metabo HPT
final verdict
In this Makita vs Metabo HPT Impact Driver Pro Tool Reviews Thursday Throwdown match, Makita narrowly won 5-4 (1 draw). If neither tool dominates performance, the divide between our teams remains.
If you want the best combination of performance and size with an extra-deep compatible tool line, get the Makita XDT16 Impact Driver.
If you want solid performance at an even better price and with a warranty plan, get the Metabo HPT Triple Hammer Impact Driver.