Comparison:Makita DDF484 vs DDF485

The Makita DDF484 and Makita DDF485 are two compact and powerful 18V drill drivers, designed for professional or heavy-duty use. They share many features in common: an energy-efficient brushless motor, a durable metal construction, dual LED work lights, and 2 mechanical speeds. The DDF484 stands out with its higher maximum speed (2,000 RPM) and slightly greater torque, making it ideal for demanding tasks and heavy-duty job sites. The DDF485, lighter and a bit more compact, focuses on versatility for assembly, maintenance, and everyday applications. This comparison helps you determine which model best fits your needs.

Makita DDF484

Technical specifications

Max. torque (hard / soft) : 54 / 30 Nm

Maximum torque : 65 Nm

Max. speed : 0-2000 RPM

Weight with battery : 1,5 – 1,8 kg

Dimensions (L) : 172 mm

Max. drilling Ø in wood : 8 mm (76 mm Forstner bit)

Max. drilling Ø in steel : 13 mm

Torque settings : 21 positions

Noise level : 76 dB(A)

Motor technology : Brushless

Electronic protection : Not specified

Gear housing : Aluminium

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Maximum torque of 65 Nm, suitable for demanding tasks
Higher maximum speed (2,000 RPM) for faster drilling
Aluminum gear housing, resistant to jobsite conditions
All-metal construction for long-lasting transmission
Dual LED lights for poorly lit areas
XPT technology limiting water and dust ingress

Weaknesses

Slightly heavier than the DDF485
Noise level a bit higher (76 dB vs. 74 dB)
No explicit mention of electronic overload protection

Indicative price

124$

Who is Makita DDF484 suitable for?

The Makita DDF484 is a compact and robust 18V drill driver designed for professional and heavy-duty use. It stands out with its high speed and superior torque, while maintaining a convenient, easy-to-handle format.

Makita DDF485

Technical specifications

Max. torque (hard / soft) : 50 / 27 Nm

Maximum torque : 60 Nm

Max. speed : 0-1900 RPM

Weight with battery : 1,4 – 1,7 kg

Dimensions (L) : 169 mm

Max. drilling Ø in wood : 38 mm (76 mm self-feed bit)

Max. drilling Ø in steel : 13 mm

Torque settings : 21 positions

Noise level : 74 dB(A)

Motor technology : Brushless

Electronic protection : Yes (overload)

Gear housing : Metal

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Lighter weight (1.4 – 1.7 kg), reducing fatigue during prolonged use
Slightly more compact design (169 mm in length)
Electronic overload protection for added safety
Good versatility with 2 mechanical speeds and a maximum torque of 60 Nm
Low noise level (74 dB), reducing auditory discomfort
Dual LED lights for working in dark areas

Weaknesses

Lower torque and speed compared to the DDF484
Less optimized for very intensive tasks or heavy jobsite environments
Gear housing less robust than solid aluminum

Indicative price

104$

Who is Makita DDF485 suitable for?

The Makita DDF485 is a lightweight and versatile 18V drill driver, built for everyday professional use and maintenance work. It focuses on compactness and ease of use, while still delivering solid performance for most applications.

Comparison table: Makita DDF484 vs DDF485

Criteria	DDF484	DDF485	Verdict
Max. torque (hard / soft)	54 / 30 Nm	50 / 27 Nm	DDF484+8% in hard torque
Maximum torque	65 Nm	60 Nm	DDF484+5 Nm
Max. speed	0-2000 RPM	0-1900 RPM	DDF484+5% faster
Weight with battery	1,5 – 1,8 kg	1,4 – 1,7 kg	DDF485About 100g lighter
Dimensions (L)	172 mm	169 mm	DDF485-3 mm
Max. drilling Ø in wood	8 mm (76 mm Forstner bit)	38 mm (76 mm self-feed bit)	Tie
Max. drilling Ø in steel	13 mm	13 mm	Tie
Torque settings	21 positions	21 positions	Tie
Noise level	76 dB(A)	74 dB(A)	DDF485-2 dB
Motor technology	Brushless	Brushless	Tie
Electronic protection	Not specified	Yes (overload)	DDF484Increased safety
Gear housing	Aluminium	Metal	DDF484Jobsite-grade robustness

Recommended accessories

For Makita DDF484

2–13 mm keyless chuck

Carrying case

Makita side handle

For Makita DDF485

MAKPAC 2 set

Hole saw set for wood and metal (14 pcs)

Drill and screw bit set in case (256 pcs) - MAKITA

Real-life test: Makita DDF484 vs DDF485

Uses drills daily for custom furniture assembly and interior fittings. Typical tasks: drilling and driving in solid wood, particle board, and occasionally thin steel. Test carried out over two full working days.

Experience with the Makita DDF484?

During drilling sessions in oak, the DDF484 provides enough torque to go through thick boards without strain. The motor stays consistent at low speed, which adds precision. After several hours, however, the weight becomes noticeable, especially during overhead work.

Experience with the Makita DDF485?

Lighter in hand, the DDF485 is easier to handle during long sessions. In particle board and pine, it remains precise and produces little vibration. On harder woods, you sometimes need to apply more pressure compared to the DDF484. Its compact size is a real advantage in tight spaces, such as inside cabinets.

User reviews

Makita DDF484

4.48/5

Power and Torque

92%

Compactness and Lightness

88%

Versatility

90%

Value for Money

89%

★★★★★

Marc D.

Used on the jobsite almost every day, it has never let me down. Plenty of torque, even in hardwood. A bit heavier than some models, but very solid.

★★★★★

Sophie L.

For my renovation work, it’s been very helpful. Good grip and the LED light is handy in dark areas. During long sessions, you can feel the weight a little.

★★★★★

Julien P.

In industrial maintenance, it keeps up with the pace. The high speed saves time. Chose it for its durability, and I don’t regret it.

Makita DDF485

4.53/5

Power and Torque

87%

Compactness and Lightness

93%

Versatility

92%

Value for Money

91%

★★★★★

Nadia R.

Lightweight and pleasant to use, even for an occasional DIYer. I use it for assembling furniture and light drilling. Good battery life with a 3Ah pack.

★★★★★

Olivier T.

Compact, perfect for working in tight spaces. The torque is sufficient for my electrical work. The electronic protection is a real plus.

★★★★★

Patrick B.

Used regularly for small projects, it’s easy to handle and quiet. Less powerful than higher-end models, but more than enough for versatile use.

Questions? We have the answers!

Makita DDF484 vs DDF485: which drill driver should you choose for heavy-duty use?

For heavy-duty applications, the Makita DDF484 is the better choice thanks to its higher maximum torque (65 Nm) and faster speed (2,000 RPM). It also features an aluminum gear housing, offering greater durability on the jobsite.

Makita DDF484 or DDF485: which one is lighter?

The Makita DDF485 is slightly lighter, weighing between 1.4 and 1.7 kg—about 100 g less than the DDF484. This difference helps reduce fatigue during prolonged work.

Makita DDF484 and DDF485: what are the torque differences?

The DDF484 delivers 54 Nm of hard torque and a maximum torque of 65 Nm, compared to 50 Nm and 60 Nm for the DDF485. The difference is small but noticeable in demanding applications.

Can the DDF484 or DDF485 be used to drill thick metal?

Yes, both models can drill up to 13 mm in steel, thanks to their brushless motor and metal construction. For intensive use on thick metal, the DDF484 provides a slight power advantage.

Are the Makita DDF484 and DDF485 sold with battery and charger?

Depending on the version, these drill drivers may be sold bare (without battery or charger) or as a kit with accessories. It’s important to check the exact reference (suffix Z indicates the bare version).

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