Quick verdict
These two are a wash on paper: similar torque, similar speeds, both hammer, both from platforms with full yard tool ranges. The Milwaukee is shorter; the Makita has a touch more speed and torque. Buy whichever platform is already in the shed. Starting fresh, pick the yard tools you want and let the drill follow.
Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill
The 2804-20 is the third-generation M18 FUEL hammer drill with 1,200 inch-pounds of peak torque, 0 to 2,000 RPM, a compact body around 6.9 inches long and a half-inch all-metal chuck. It is the drill a generation of M18 owners built decks and fences with, and it is still sold alongside the Gen 4.
Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL hammer drill versus Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT hammer driver-drill: torque, speed, size and platform compared from published specifications for yard and deck work.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score /100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill | Best Compact Power on M18 | 8.8 | Check price |
| Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Driver-Drill | Best Hammer Drill on LXT | 8.8 | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill
The 2804-20 is the third-generation M18 FUEL hammer drill with 1,200 inch-pounds of peak torque, 0 to 2,000 RPM, a compact body around 6.9 inches long and a half-inch all-metal chuck. It is the drill a generation of M18 owners built decks and fences with, and it is still sold alongside the Gen 4.
Reasons to buy
- 1,200 in-lbs in a short 6.9 inch body
- All-metal chuck
- Runs the M18 platform including yard tools
- Proven over years in the trade
Reasons to avoid
- Superseded by the 2904 on torque and AUTOSTOP
- Two speeds, 2,000 RPM top
- No bind protection
Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Driver-Drill
The XPH14Z is the top 18V LXT hammer driver-drill from Makita: 1,250 inch-pounds of max torque, 0 to 550 and 0 to 2,100 RPM, 31,500 BPM in hammer mode and a half-inch chuck. It is slightly longer than the Milwaukee and runs on the largest 18V battery platform in outdoor tools.
Reasons to buy
- 1,250 in-lbs max torque
- 2,100 RPM top speed
- Huge LXT battery platform including mowers and blowers
- Makita build and clutch feel
Reasons to avoid
- Longer body
- No bind protection
- Price similar to the Milwaukee
Where these two differ
Very little, on paper. The 2804-20 and the XPH14Z are the flagship compact hammer drills of their platforms with near-identical torque and speed. The Milwaukee is shorter; the Makita spins a little faster. The real difference is the battery each takes, and which mower, blower and trimmer you would rather own on that battery.
This comparison is based on the published specifications and manuals for both drills and on recurring owner feedback. We have not run either drill ourselves.
| Specification | 2804-20 | XPH14Z |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Milwaukee M18 | Makita 18V LXT |
| Torque | 1,200 in-lbs peak | 1,250 in-lbs max |
| Top speed | 2,000 RPM | 2,100 RPM |
| Hammer | Yes | Yes, 31,500 BPM |
| Length | About 6.9 inches | Longer |
| Bind control | No | No |
Power and speed
Fifty inch-pounds and a hundred RPM separate them on the spec sheet and nothing separates them in a post or a slab. Both drive a two-inch auger, bore a hole saw, hammer an anchor and run a mixing paddle for a homeowner job. Both lack the electronic bind protection of the newer Milwaukee 2904, so a hand braced on a big bit is sensible with either.
Size
The Milwaukee is one of the shortest full-power drills made, which helps between joists and inside a cabinet. The Makita is longer and balances well. On a ladder neither is a burden.
The platform decision
Makita LXT runs more outdoor tools than any other 18V system, including X2 36V mowers and blowers that take two packs. Milwaukee M18 runs a strong range of mowers, blowers, trimmers and chainsaws. A buyer who wants a specific mower should buy that mower and the matching drill. A buyer who already has packs has no decision to make.
Newer options
The Milwaukee 2904 adds torque and AUTOSTOP over the 2804 for a little more money, and is the drill to compare if buying new on M18. The XPH14Z is current on LXT.
Yard jobs this decides
Neither drill decides a yard job; both bore posts, hammer slabs, run augers and drive screws with the same result. What decides is the mower, blower and trimmer sitting on the same battery. Makita LXT offers the broadest outdoor range including two-battery 36V tools; Milwaukee M18 offers a strong range with the newer 2904 drill as an upgrade path. Buy the yard tools first.
Common owner complaints
2804 owners mention the lack of bind protection with big bits and the belt clip. XPH14Z owners mention the length and a stiff mode collar when new. Both drills have long reliability records.
Which one should you buy
Buy the 2804-20 if you are on M18 or want the shortest body, and consider the 2904 if buying new. Buy the XPH14Z if you are on LXT or want the Makita outdoor range. Neither choice is wrong on the drill alone.
Our verdict
A draw on the tools, decided by the platform. The Milwaukee edges it for compactness and the availability of the 2904 upgrade; the Makita edges it for the breadth of yard tools on its battery.
How we research
This comparison is built from the published specifications, manuals and warranty terms of both products and from recurring owner feedback. We have not run either product ourselves; where the makers do not publish a figure we say so rather than guess.
What to look for
Platform
Both brands make mowers, blowers, trimmers and chainsaws on these batteries. The yard tools you prefer should pick the drill.
Length
The Milwaukee is shorter for tight spots between joists.
Speed
The Makita tops out at 2,100 RPM to the Milwaukee 2,000; neither is noticeable in yard work.
Newer option
The Milwaukee 2904 adds AUTOSTOP and more torque for a little more money.
Our verdict
These two are a wash on paper: similar torque, similar speeds, both hammer, both from platforms with full yard tool ranges. The Milwaukee is shorter; the Makita has a touch more speed and torque. Buy whichever platform is already in the shed. Starting fresh, pick the yard tools you want and let the drill follow.
FAQs
Makita rates the XPH14Z at 1,250 inch-pounds and Milwaukee the 2804 at 1,200. In practice they are equivalent.
It has been joined by the 2904 with more torque and AUTOSTOP, but it remains a strong, compact drill and is often cheaper.
Makita LXT has the longest list; Milwaukee M18 has a strong outdoor range too. Both cover mowers, blowers, trimmers and saws.
Both are metal half-inch chucks with good grip. Neither is a weak point.
Related guides
Milwaukee 2904-20 vs Milwaukee 2804-20: Is the Gen 4 Hammer Drill Worth the Upgrade
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