Milwaukee vs Makita Impact Wrenches: Bare Tool or Kit
Last reviewed October 31, 2026. Prices were listed by the retailer as of Oct 30, 2026 and can change. Confirm the current price and availability on the retailer's page before you buy.
The first decision with a cordless impact wrench is whether you are buying a bare tool or a kit. A bare tool is listed as the tool only, with no battery or charger stated. A kit is a package that usually adds those parts, and the listing's in-the-box line is where that is spelled out. Because batteries are often the costliest part of a cordless setup, the same wrench can appear at very different prices depending on how it is packaged. This page compares how the catalog lists Milwaukee and Makita impact wrenches with that in mind, alongside battery platform, listed torque and price tier.
They sit on two platforms: M18 (58 models) and M12 (30 models). By configuration, 69 are kits, 15 are bare tools and 4 do not state it. About 95 percent state a brushless motor.
They split evenly across two platforms: XGT 40V (10 models) and LXT 18V (10 models). The listings are mostly bare tools: 18 bare tool and 2 kit. About 90 percent state a brushless motor.
Keep a few things in mind. The kit share differs sharply between the two sides, so a median price comparison mixes bare tools with kits and is not like for like. Drive size, such as 3/8 in., 1/2 in. or 1 in., sets which sockets fit. Max torque is a stated figure that describes how much rotational force the tool is listed to produce, and it is not a promise of real-world results. Battery platform decides which batteries and chargers you can share across tools. Some listings carry a battery capacity value even when the tool is sold alone, so always confirm the in-the-box line before assuming a battery is included.
At a glance
| Milwaukee | Makita | |
|---|---|---|
| Models listed | 88 | 20 |
| Price range | $229 to $1,769 | $242 to $1,469 |
| Median price | $461 | $359 |
| Battery platforms named in listings | M18 (58), M12 (30) | XGT 40V (10), LXT 18V (10) |
| Cordless models stating a brushless motor | 95% of 88 | 90% of 20 |
| Most common configuration | kit (69), bare tool (15) | bare tool (18), kit (2) |
| Listings stating batteries, charger or case | 30% | 0% |
| Tool types covered | Impact wrench (88) | Impact wrench (20) |
Bare tool listings (tool only)
Among the bare tool examples, Milwaukee's listings start at $229.00 for the M18 2668-20 3/8 in. right angle model, with M12 FUEL options from $249.00. The M12 2563P-20 lists 550 ft-lbs at 1/2 in. Makita's examples run higher, from $279.00 for the LXT XLT03Z (390 ft-lbs) up to the XGT GWT10Z 1 in. model at $1,049 to $1,469 and 2,950 ft-lbs. The LXT XWT19Z lists 960 ft-lbs. All of these are stated as tool only, with no battery or charger.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee M18 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8 in. 2-Speed Right Angle Impact Wrench (Tool-Only)
$229.00 · · Voltage: 18 V · Battery platform: M18 · Size / capacity: 3/8 in.
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Stubby 1/2 in. Impact Wrench with Pin Detent (Tool-Only)
$249.00 · · Voltage: 12 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M12 · Size / capacity: 1/2 in. · Max torque: 550 ft-lbs
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3/8 in. Right Angle Impact Wrench (Tool-Only)
$249 to $623 · · Voltage: 12 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M12 · Size / capacity: 3/8 in. · Battery capacity: 2.5 Ah
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Right Angle Impact Wrench with Pin Detent (Tool-Only)
$249 to $311 · · Voltage: 12 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: M12 · Size / capacity: 1/2 in. · Battery capacity: 2.5 Ah
Makita
Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench w/Detent Anvil, Tool Only w/18V Power Source, Tool Only
$276 to $589 · · Voltage: 18 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: LXT 18V · Size / capacity: 1/2 in. · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Makita 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3-Speed 1/2 in. Impact Wrench w/Detent Anvil (Tool Only)
$339 to $629 · · Voltage: 18 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: LXT 18V · Size / capacity: 1/2 in. · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Makita 40V XGT Brushless Cordless 4-Speed High-Torque 1 in. D-Handle Extended Anvil Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring, Tool Only
$1,049 to $1,469 · · Voltage: 40 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: XGT 40V · Size / capacity: 1 in. · Battery capacity: 5 Ah
Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless High Torque 3/8 in. Sq. Drive Angle Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring (Tool Only)
$279.00 · · Voltage: 18 V · Brushless motor: Yes (stated in the listing) · Battery platform: LXT 18V · Size / capacity: 3/8 in. · Max torque: 390 ft-lbs
Which one fits you
Choose Milwaukee if...
- You want a choice of two platforms, with 58 M18 models and 30 M12 models in the catalog.
- You prefer a kit-heavy catalog, since 69 of 88 models are listed as kits and 15 as bare tools.
- You want a large selection, with 95 percent of models stating a brushless motor across 88 listings.
Choose Makita if...
- You want to choose between LXT 18V and XGT 40V, which split evenly at 10 models each.
- You are happy buying a bare tool, since 18 of 20 listings are tool only and only 2 are kits.
- You want a smaller, easier-to-scan lineup of 20 models, with 90 percent stating a brushless motor.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a bare tool and a kit?
A bare tool is listed as the tool only, and the examples here state no battery or charger. A kit is a package that typically adds those items, but you should confirm the in-the-box line on each listing. In this catalog, 69 of 88 Milwaukee models are kits, versus 2 of 20 Makita models.
Which battery platforms does each brand use?
Milwaukee impact wrenches here are on M18 (58 models) and M12 (30 models). Makita impact wrenches are on LXT 18V (10 models) and XGT 40V (10 models). A platform determines which batteries and chargers fit, so sharing batteries across tools means staying on one platform.
How do the price ranges compare?
Because Milwaukee has far more kits and Makita far more bare tools, the medians are not a direct like-for-like comparison.
Do the listings say how much torque the wrenches produce?
Many listings include a stated max torque. Examples here include 550 ft-lbs on the Milwaukee M12 2563P-20, 960 ft-lbs on the Makita XWT19Z and 2,950 ft-lbs on the Makita GWT10Z 1 in. model. These are listed figures, and drive size and platform differ between models, so compare like with like.