Makita Vs Bosch Cordless Drill [Which Brand is Better]

Based on the innovations we’re seeing in the power tools we’re seeing today, we can say there’s never been a better time to be a craftsman or contractor and start investing in these tools.

Both the Makita XFD131 and the Bosch PS32-02 demonstrate features and advantages we can be happy to strap up with on jobs.

Both of the tools feature brushless motors, guaranteeing both drill/driver boosts in performance and power and twice the product lifespans.

Their manufacturers also outfitted them with durable casings to both survive the punishments work sites will mete out to them.

It goes to show that Makita and Bosch have carefully engineered their products to serve their customer bases well.

Of course, the drill/drivers are not entirely alike and one of them will edge out the other in performance and user-friendliness. We’ll get to see which power tool comes out on top.

Quick Summary

Both kits we’re reviewing in this article are both cutting-edge products from their brands, Makita and Bosch.

The Makita XFD131 will appeal to users who are looking to collect different kinds of Makita power tools or who want upgradeable battery packs.

The Bosch PS32-02, however, serves as a good standalone drill/driver, boasting decent torque and speed while keeping things lightweight.

Makita XFD131 Vs. Bosch PS32-02: Which is the Better?

Makita XFD131 18V LXT Cordless Driver-Drill Kit

The Makita XFD131 weighs only 3.8 lbs and will satisfy long-time Makita fans who want a drill/driver kit to complement their collection of power tools from the brand.

Variable Speed

Users can set the Makita XFD131 to either its 0 – 500 RPM or 0 – 900 RPM settings to match the speed and the torque to the type of fastener and the depth of the application.

This assures buyers that the tool will get the job done without jittering and without stripping screws.

Brushless Motor Technology

The Makita XFD131 comes equipped with a brushless motor that generates energy through magnets in the rotor and stator.

Since it’s a brushless motor, there’s no wear and tear ruining the motor from the inside, giving it more years of operation than a standard motor.

Tough Form Factor

Makita manufactured the XFD131 with metal gears plus a metal gear housing so the drill/driver can take the blows of construction site use.

Longer Battery Time

Makita outfitted the XFD131 with intelligent electronics controls that fine-tune its energy output. This allows the Makita XFD131 to preserve its battery power to 50% more run time.

What We Like

• Nice rubberized grip for stress-free handling.
• The tool is lightweight at 3.8 lbs, making it ideal for older workers and women renovators.
• LED lights on the tool offer better work surface lighting.

What We Don’t Like

• The forward/reverse switch is placed right under the palm grip and may be accidentally triggered if you switch hands.

The Solution

Users should be a little careful when operating it in tight places and make sure they have toggled the tool in the right direction before setting it on the screw or fastener.

Bosch PS32-02 Cordless Drill Driver

For contractors who want a light drill/driver without any extras or gimmicks, the Bosch PS32-02 carries enough power in its compact size to please.

Power and Control

Users can utilize two-speed control settings for the Bosch PS32-02: a 0 – 400 RPM setting for smaller screws and shallower holes and a 0 – 1,300 RPM one for more intense drilling jobs.

Lightweight

Users who need to work overtime on creating pilot holes and drilling in screws will find the Bosch PS32-02 a good partner because it’s very light at 2 lbs. The lighter frame ensures users will encounter no fatigue despite handling the tool for longer periods of time.

Impact-Resistant

The Bosch PS32-02 can withstand falls from 10 feet multiple times thanks to its nylon composite housing. This impact-resistant case gives users a little more security that the tool won’t break down in case it gets dropped by accident.

Charge Indicator

The tool features a charge indicator just below the barrel and just above the trigger. Users will be able to recharge the battery before it completely drains and anticipate when they need a fresh pack.

What We Like

• Brushless motor for extra-power and longer motor life.
• Good vent design allows the tool to air out heat while keeping dust and moisture out.
• LED light just below the chuck will brighten up dark work surfaces.

What We Don’t Like

• The chuck has a poor hold of bits and bit slippage may occur frequently.

The Solution

You have to crank the bit manually every now and then to make sure the bit stays in the chuck.

Makita XFD131 Vs. Bosch PS32-02: Which is Better?

Although we’re longtime supporters of Makita and keep some of their tools in our own workshops, we’ll choose the Bosch PS32-02 in this review.

The Bosch PS32-02 performs amazingly well out of the box and does not require any other miscellaneous accessories.

First and foremost, what we’ve noticed is how light the Bosch PS32-02 is compared to the Makita XFD131. At 2 lbs, it’s literally half the weight of its Makita counterpart.

Both tools are compact at around 6 inches in length each but the Bosch PS32-02’s lighter frame will allow users to handle it over their heads with no issue.

The Bosch PS32-02 is no slouch despite possessing a small footprint. It can rev up to 1,300 RPMs max. That’s 400 more RPMs than the Makita XFD131.

Both of the tools here are almost similar except in these two areas but if we’re looking for better usability and power, we’ll go for the Bosch power tool this round

Final Thoughts

If we’re not going for anything lightweight and we’re looking to collect a wide array of hand tools or power tools, the Makita XFD131 is a good buy.

You’ll be able to swap the batteries that come with the Makita XFD131 with any of the other batteries in Makita’s product line of li-on packs.

The tool itself is a good investment and carries Makita’s hallmarks of durability and quality that a lot of customers have been raving about for years. Both the Bosch and the Makita power tools in this review deserve a space in your workshop.