UK Head-to-Head · Tools
DeWalt vs Makita Cordless Drill UK: Which Is Better in 2026?
The short answer
The DeWalt DCD777C2 is the better all-round cordless drill for UK buyers who want one tool that handles everything from flatpack assembly to garden decking.
Best on features
DeWalt DCD777C2 18V Cordless Drill
Best on value
Makita DF333DZ 10.8V Cordless Drill
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This comparison contains Amazon affiliate links, and we may earn a commission — but it never changes our verdict.
DeWalt and Makita are the two most trusted power tool brands among UK tradespeople and serious DIYers. The DeWalt DCD777C2 is an 18V brushless drill with a full kit (charger + two batteries) aimed at users who want professional-grade torque out of the box. The Makita DF333DZ is a compact 10.8V drill sold body-only, targeting users who already own Makita batteries or prefer a lightweight tool for precision tasks. Both are sold at Screwfix, Toolstation, and Amazon UK — but they serve very different use cases. This comparison breaks down which drill is the right fit for your workshop, skill level, and project ambitions.
Specs Comparison
| Spec | DeWalt DCD777C2 18V Cordless Drill | Makita DF333DZ 10.8V Cordless Drill |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 18V (winner) | 10.8V (CXT) |
| Max Torque | 42 Nm (winner) | 30 Nm |
| Chuck Size | 13 mm (winner) | 10 mm |
| Weight | 1.5 kg (body only) | 1.1 kg (body only) (winner) |
| Battery | 2 × 1.3 Ah Li-ion included (winner) | Body only (battery not included) |
| Motor | Brushless (winner) | Brushed |
| Speed Settings | 2 (0–550 / 0–1750 rpm) (winner) | 2 (0–450 / 0–1500 rpm) |
Pros & Cons
DeWalt DCD777C2 18V Cordless Drill
Pros
- Full kit with charger and two batteries — ready to use immediately
- 42 Nm torque handles masonry anchors, decking screws, and hardwood without stalling
- 18V platform compatible with 200+ DeWalt XR tools
- Brushless motor lasts up to 50% longer than brushed equivalents
Cons
- At 1.5 kg it is heavier than the Makita — noticeable during extended overhead work
- 1.3 Ah batteries drain quickly on demanding tasks (2.0 Ah upgrade recommended)
- Overkill for light-duty tasks like assembling flatpacks or hanging pictures
Makita DF333DZ 10.8V Cordless Drill
Pros
- Incredibly light at 1.1 kg — ideal for overhead work and tight spaces
- Compact body fits into kitchen cabinets, under sinks, and electrical boxes
- The body-only price of around £49–65 is exceptional value if you already own CXT batteries
- Precise 10 mm chuck suits furniture assembly and electronics work
Cons
- Body-only — battery and charger cost an additional around £50–70
- 30 Nm torque struggles with long screws into hardwood or masonry
- 10 mm chuck cannot accept larger drill bits needed for some jobs
- Brushed motor has shorter lifespan than DeWalt's brushless
Our Verdict
The DeWalt DCD777C2 is the better all-round cordless drill for UK buyers who want one tool that handles everything from flatpack assembly to garden decking. Its 18V brushless motor and included batteries mean you are ready for serious work immediately. The Makita DF333DZ is the superior choice for light-duty precision work, tight spaces, and users already invested in Makita's 10.8V CXT battery platform. For a first cordless drill, the DeWalt kit offers unbeatable value. For a second drill to complement a heavier tool, the Makita's portability is unmatched.
Best for Budget
Makita DF333DZ 10.8V Cordless Drill
Best for Features
DeWalt DCD777C2 18V Cordless Drill
Our process
How we choose our picks
We don’t lab-test products ourselves. Instead we synthesise the strongest independent evidence — current Amazon UK listings, verified-buyer feedback, published specs and UK pricing — into clear, honest recommendations. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, but that never changes which products we rank.
Current UK availability
We only shortlist products actively listed and in stock on Amazon UK, checked against live catalogue data — not last year’s models.
Publicly visible buyer feedback
We look at how each product is received by UK shoppers — its overall rating standing and the praise or complaints that recur in public reviews — rather than relying on a single reviewer’s opinion.
Published specs & value
We compare manufacturer specifications, typical UK price bands, warranty and running costs so each pick is right for a real budget and use-case.
UK-specific fit
We factor in UK voltage, plug/fitting standards, CE/UKCA marking and Consumer Rights Act cover — details that generic global lists miss.
More about our standards on the About page.
Buying Guide
- 1Decide between body-only and full kit — the DeWalt includes batteries and charger; the Makita body-only needs a separate around £50–70 battery investment.
- 2Match voltage to your project ambitions — 18V handles decking, masonry, and renovation work; 10.8V suits furniture, shelving, and light repairs.
- 3Consider your existing battery platform — if you own other DeWalt XR or Makita CXT tools, staying within the same family saves money on batteries.
- 4Check the chuck size — the DeWalt's 13 mm chuck accepts all standard bits; the Makita's 10 mm chuck limits you to smaller drill bits.
- 5Try the weight in-store — the 400g difference between 1.1 kg and 1.5 kg becomes significant during a full day's work overhead.
Editor's Note
For UK DIYers buying their first serious cordless drill, the DeWalt DCD777C2 kit at around £129–149 is the standout recommendation. It arrives ready to work, the 18V platform has room to grow into impact drivers and circular saws, and the brushless motor will outlast the drill's useful life. The Makita DF333DZ is a brilliant tool — but its value proposition depends entirely on whether you already own compatible batteries. Buying the body, battery, and charger separately totals around £100–130, at which point the DeWalt full kit is the smarter spend.
Our Take
On UK building sites, this is essentially a tribal allegiance — DeWalt yellow versus Makita teal, with both camps equally convinced they chose correctly. For home use, Makita edges it on battery life and weight; DeWalt edges it on raw power and build robustness. Screwfix stocks both brands extensively and the staff are refreshingly neutral; Toolstation leans slightly toward Makita in their stocking, which can mean better Makita deals. The shared battery platform is the real lock-in — once you own three Makita batteries, switching to DeWalt costs hundreds.
Honourable Mentions
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions
Is DeWalt or Makita better for UK DIY?
Are DeWalt and Makita batteries interchangeable?
How long do cordless drill batteries last?
Do I need a brushless cordless drill?
Further Reading
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This comparison contains affiliate links. If you purchase via our links, UKPicks may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our rankings.