Comparison: Makita DDF484 vs DHP484

There are days when you just need an 18V drill driver that won’t quit on you halfway through the job. Pros know the drill: two machines can look like twins, yet they’re not built for the exact same mission. That’s exactly what’s going on with the Makita DDF484Z and the DHP484 compact, punchy, and tough as nails. One focuses purely on precision and durability, the other adds hammer action to take on harder materials.

Makita

Makita DDF484

4.21

124$

OUR #1 PICK

Makita

Makita DHP484

4.40

149$

OUR #1 PICK

Technical specifications

Tool type : Drill-driver (no hammer mode)

Voltage : 18 V

Motor : Brushless

Max no-load speed : 0 - 500 / 0 - 2000 rpm

Max torque (hard) : 54 Nm

Max torque (soft) : 30 Nm

Advertised max torque : 65 Nm

Clutch settings : 21 positions

Max drilling diameter in wood : 38 mm (76 mm with Forstner bit)

Max drilling diameter in steel : 13 mm

Max drilling diameter in concrete : -

Impacts per minute : -

Dimensions (L × W × H) : 172 × 79 × 261 mm

Weight with battery : 1.5 - 1.8 kg

Sound level (Lpa) : 76 dB(A)

Vibration level in metal : ≤ 2.5 m/s²

XPT dust/water protection : Yes

LED light : Yes

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Compact build (172 mm), ideal in tight spaces
Efficient brushless motor, suited for heavy-duty use
Aluminum gear housing with metal gearing
Low noise level (76 dB(A))
Moderate weight: approx. 1.5–1.8 kg depending on battery
Precise clutch adjustment (21 settings)
Excellent wood capacity, especially with Forstner bits (up to 76 mm)
Dual LED lighting for dark or confined areas
XPT protection against dust and water

Weaknesses

No hammer mode, limiting drilling in harder materials
No electronic brake specified
Slight variation in size and weight depending on the battery
Same torque as the hammer model, without added benefit
Cannot drill concrete, unlike the DHP484

Who is Makita DDF484 suitable for?

The Makita DDF484Z is a compact 18V brushless drill-driver designed for consistent work where precision matters just as much as durability. No hammer mode here: the focus is on solid gearing, steady rotation speeds, and a stable grip to keep you working comfortably without fatigue.

Technical specifications

Tool type : Hammer drill-driver

Voltage : 18 V

Motor : Brushless

Max no-load speed : 0 - 500 / 0 - 2000 rpm

Max torque (hard) : 54 Nm

Max torque (soft) : 30 Nm

Advertised max torque : 65 Nm

Clutch settings : 21 positions

Max drilling diameter in wood : 38 mm (all bits)

Max drilling diameter in steel : 13 mm

Max drilling diameter in concrete : 13 mm

Impacts per minute : 7,500 / 30,000 IPM

Dimensions (L × W × H) : 182 × 79 × 261 mm

Weight with battery : 1.6 - 1.9 kg

Sound level (Lpa) : 88 dB(A)

Vibration level in metal : ≤ 2.5 m/s²

XPT dust/water protection : Yes

LED light : Yes

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Integrated hammer mode for concrete and masonry
High impact rate: up to 30,000 IPM
Long-lasting brushless motor with no maintenance
Electronic brake for quicker stopping
Refined ergonomics with soft-grip handle
Consistent drilling capabilities: wood, steel, concrete (13 mm in concrete)
Metal chassis and transmission, built for daily use
Dual LED lighting for low-visibility work areas
Electronic overload protection
Same rotation speed as the DDF484Z (up to 2000 rpm)

Weaknesses

Slightly longer (182 mm) and a bit heavier
Higher noise level (88 dB(A), up to 99 dB(A) max sound)
Increased vibration in hammer mode
Wood capacity slightly less versatile than the DDF484Z with specific bits
Hammer action leads to more fatigue during extended sessions

Who is Makita DHP484 suitable for?

The Makita DHP484 builds on the same mechanical foundation as the DDF484Z but adds hammer action. That single difference changes everything if you frequently switch between wood, metal, and denser materials. Same general footprint, same brushless motor, but expanded versatility making it a go-to option for installers and field technicians.

Comparison table: Makita DDF484 vs DHP484

Criteria	DDF484	DHP484	Verdict
Tool type	Drill-driver (no hammer mode)	Hammer drill-driver	DHP484More versatile thanks to hammer mode
Voltage	18 V	18 V	Tie
Motor	Brushless	Brushless	Tie
Max no-load speed	0 - 500 / 0 - 2000 rpm	0 - 500 / 0 - 2000 rpm	Tie
Max torque (hard)	54 Nm	54 Nm	Tie
Max torque (soft)	30 Nm	30 Nm	Tie
Advertised max torque	65 Nm	65 Nm	Tie
Clutch settings	21 positions	21 positions	Tie
Max drilling diameter in wood	38 mm (76 mm with Forstner bit)	38 mm (all bits)	DDF484Wider capacity with Forstner
Max drilling diameter in steel	13 mm	13 mm	Tie
Max drilling diameter in concrete	-	13 mm	DHP484Only one capable of drilling concrete
Impacts per minute	-	7,500 / 30,000 IPM	DHP484Hammer mode
Dimensions (L × W × H)	172 × 79 × 261 mm	182 × 79 × 261 mm	DDF48410 mm shorter
Weight with battery	1.5 - 1.8 kg	1.6 - 1.9 kg	DDF484About 100 g lighter
Sound level (Lpa)	76 dB(A)	88 dB(A)	DDF484Significantly quieter
Vibration level in metal	≤ 2.5 m/s²	≤ 2.5 m/s²	Tie
XPT dust/water protection	Yes	Yes	Tie
LED light	Yes	Yes	Tie

Recommended accessories

For Makita DDF484

2–13 mm keyless chuck

Carrying case

Makita side handle

For Makita DHP484

2–13 mm keyless chuck

Makita multi-purpose drill bit set

Wall mount for Makita 18V tools

Real-life test: Makita DDF484 vs DHP484

Mounting heavy shelves, drilling into laminated pine, repetitive screw-driving in metal studs, and a few anchors in aerated concrete. A 3-hour session with no extended breaks.

Experience with the Makita DDF484?

Christophe starts by securing a set of brackets onto a pine cabinet. The DDF484Z immediately feels pleasant: compact, quiet, and without harsh vibration. He likes the strong but easily controlled speed increase, especially to avoid damaging screw heads. In metal studs, it keeps enough torque to get through cleanly without forcing. However, the moment he hits a slightly denser spot in the wall, he feels the limit: it progresses, but slowly, and he avoids pushing too hard so the tool doesn’t struggle. Overall, he finds his pace easily with it.

Experience with the Makita DHP484?

For wall anchors, Christophe switches to the DHP484. Now the behavior shifts. The hammer function is noticeable: fast, strong blows, and the bit goes in without much resistance. He notes that the drill is a bit longer and noisier, but in this situation that doesn’t matter much. On wood and metal, it offers the same smooth control as the DDF484Z, although fatigue sets in sooner due to extra weight and vibration in hammer mode. During the same work session, he realizes he naturally reaches for it for “hard” tasks, then switches back to the DDF for precision screw-driving.

User reviews

Makita DDF484

4.21/5

Power / Performance

85%

Comfort / Ergonomics

88%

Versatility

78%

Weight / Handling

86%

"I use the DDF484Z almost every day for cabinet installations. It’s compact, which makes a huge difference in tight areas. The only thing I sometimes miss is hammer mode, but for my work it’s more than enough."

Achat vérifié

Julien M.

★★★★★

"I do a lot of small DIY work at home, and this drill is genuinely pleasant to handle. It’s quiet and stays accurate even with slightly larger bits. I also really appreciate the LEDs, especially in the garage where the lighting is mediocre."

Achat vérifié

Sophie L.

★★★★★

"Solid, consistent, and not too heavy. I use it in industrial maintenance and it keeps up well. Too bad there’s no electronic brake, but it’s still a reliable machine."

Achat vérifié

Marc T.

★★★★★

Makita DHP484

4.40/5

Power / Performance

92%

Comfort / Ergonomics

82%

Versatility

95%

Weight / Handling

83%

"I needed a versatile drill for job sites. The hammer function is truly efficient and it doesn’t flinch in concrete. Yes, it’s louder, but that was expected."

Achat vérifié

Romain G.

★★★★★

"For home renovations, it helped a lot. The grip is comfortable, and the electronic brake prevents overshooting when driving screws. I just find it a bit heavy after a long session."

Achat vérifié

Élodie P.

★★★★★

"Good machine, no question about the power, but the noise level took me by surprise. When drilling masonry, it really hits hard. Fine for occasional use, but I’m unsure for full-day work."

Achat vérifié

Hakim D.

★★★★★

Questions? We have the answers!

What’s the difference between the Makita DDF484Z and the DHP484?

The DHP484 includes hammer action, allowing it to drill into concrete and masonry. The DDF484Z focuses on standard drilling and driving tasks, with lower noise output and a slightly more compact design.

Is the Makita DHP484 suitable for drilling a load-bearing wall?

It can drill concrete up to 13 mm thanks to its hammer mode. For denser structural walls, it’s safer to confirm the exact material or use a dedicated rotary hammer.

Is the Makita DDF484Z sufficient for professional use?

Yes, as long as hammer drilling isn’t required. It delivers solid speed, a brushless motor, and a metal transmission suitable for repetitive work on site.

Which model is lighter?

The DDF484Z is lighter, ranging from about 1.5 to 1.8 kg depending on the battery. The DHP484 ranges from about 1.6 to 1.9 kg.

Are both drills compatible with 18V LXT batteries?

Yes, both models operate with Makita 18V LXT batteries.

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