Comparison:Makita DHP481 vs DHP458

The Makita DHP481 and Makita DHP458 are among the most powerful 18V combi drills in the brand’s lineup. Designed for drilling, screwdriving, and hammer drilling, they cater equally well to experienced DIYers and construction professionals. Both models feature a rugged build and impressive torque, yet they differ in technology, user comfort, and the balance between performance and weight.

Makita DHP481

Technical specifications

Motor Type : Brushless (no carbon brushes)

Voltage : 18 V

No-load Speed (L1/L2) : 0–500 / 0–2100 rpm

Impact Rate (L1/L2) : 0–8250 / 0–31500 bpm

Max Torque (hard/soft) : 115 / 60 Nm

Drilling Capacity (Concrete) : 16 mm

Drilling Capacity (Steel) : 13 mm

Drilling Capacity (Wood) : 76 mm

Torque Settings : 21 positions + drilling/hammer

Protection Technology (XPT) : Yes

LED Light : Yes

Weight (with battery) : 2,7 kg

Dimensions (L × W × H) : 205 x 79 x 266 mm

Vibration (metal drilling) : 2,5 m/s²

Vibration (hammer drilling in concrete) : 6,5 m/s²

Noise Level (Lwa) : 96 dB(A)

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Brushless motor – maintenance-free, more durable, and more efficient.
High torque of 115 Nm, perfect for powerful screwdriving and drilling into hard materials.
XPT technology provides effective protection against dust and moisture.
High impact rate (up to 31,500 bpm) for faster drilling progress.
Built-in LED light and battery level indicator for greater convenience.
Precise torque adjustment (21 settings) makes finishing work easier.

Weaknesses

Slightly heavier (2.7 kg), which can cause fatigue during prolonged use.
Relatively high noise level (96 dB(A)).
Often more expensive than models with a conventional motor.
Compact design but a long handle that can be cumbersome in tight spaces.

Indicative price

169$

Who is Makita DHP481 suitable for?

The Makita DHP481 is an 18V Brushless combi drill built for demanding tasks, whether in the workshop or on the job site. Its brushless motor delivers higher efficiency and longer lifespan, while its solid construction makes it ideal for heavy-duty use.

Makita DHP458

Technical specifications

Motor Type : Brushed motor

Voltage : 18 V

No-load Speed (L1/L2) : 0–400 / 0–2000 rpm

Impact Rate (L1/L2) : 0–6000 / 0–30000 bpm

Max Torque (hard/soft) : 91 / 58 Nm

Drilling Capacity (Concrete) : 16 mm

Drilling Capacity (Steel) : 13 mm

Drilling Capacity (Wood) : 76 mm

Torque Settings : 21 positions + drilling/hammer

Protection Technology (XPT) : No

LED Light : Yes

Weight (with battery) : 2,2–2,6 kg

Dimensions (L × W × H) : 225 x 79 x 259 mm

Vibration (metal drilling) : ≤ 2,5 m/s²

Vibration (hammer drilling in concrete) : 9,5 m/s²

Noise Level (Lwa) : 95 dB(A)

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Powerful 91 Nm torque, sufficient for most home and professional applications.
Lighter design (2.2–2.6 kg) for easier handling during extended use.
Ergonomic Soft Grip handle ensures excellent stability when driving screws.
High impact rate (up to 30,000 bpm) for fast drilling in concrete.
Includes a MakPac carrying case, compatible with standard stackable systems.
Generally more affordable than the Brushless version, making it a great option for regular use.

Weaknesses

Brushed motor requires more maintenance and offers less long-term durability.
Lower torque and speed compared to the DHP481.
No XPT technology, meaning reduced protection against dust and moisture.
Higher vibration levels during hammer drilling (up to 9.5 m/s²).
Slight loss of precision at high speeds compared to the Brushless motor.

Indicative price

129$

Who is Makita DHP458 suitable for?

The Makita DHP458 is an 18V combi drill with a traditional motor, offering a well-balanced mix of power, compactness, and user comfort. Versatile and reliable, it appeals to both experienced DIYers and professionals seeking a robust, affordable tool.

Comparison table: Makita DHP481 vs DHP458

Criteria	DHP481	DHP458	Verdict
Motor Type	Brushless (no carbon brushes)	Brushed motor	DHP481More durable and energy-efficient
Voltage	18 V	18 V	Tie
No-load Speed (L1/L2)	0–500 / 0–2100 rpm	0–400 / 0–2000 rpm	DHP481About 5% faster
Impact Rate (L1/L2)	0–8250 / 0–31500 bpm	0–6000 / 0–30000 bpm	DHP481Higher impact rate at high speed
Max Torque (hard/soft)	115 / 60 Nm	91 / 58 Nm	DHP481+25% more torque
Drilling Capacity (Concrete)	16 mm	16 mm	Tie
Drilling Capacity (Steel)	13 mm	13 mm	Tie
Drilling Capacity (Wood)	76 mm	76 mm	Tie
Torque Settings	21 positions + drilling/hammer	21 positions + drilling/hammer	Tie
Protection Technology (XPT)	Yes	No	DHP481Better resistance to dust and moisture
LED Light	Yes	Yes	Tie
LED Light	Yes	Yes	Tie
Weight (with battery)	2,7 kg	2,2–2,6 kg	DHP458100–500 g lighter
Dimensions (L × W × H)	205 x 79 x 266 mm	225 x 79 x 259 mm	DHP458Shorter overall length
Vibration (metal drilling)	2,5 m/s²	≤ 2,5 m/s²	Tie
Vibration (hammer drilling in concrete)	6,5 m/s²	9,5 m/s²	DHP481Lower vibration level
Noise Level (Lwa)	96 dB(A)	95 dB(A)	Tie

Recommended accessories

For Makita DHP481

Makita Tool Set (104 pieces)

Makita 66-piece accessory set in MakPac case

Makita carrying case for tools and accessories

For Makita DHP458

Makita P-44046 Drill and Bit Set (216 Pieces)

Makita BL1850B-2 Battery 18V Li-Ion LXT 5.0Ah – Charge Level Indicator

2–13 mm keyless chuck

Real-life test: Makita DHP481 vs DHP458

He mainly works on renovation projects, where a drill driver is part of his daily toolkit. Building wooden frames, anchoring plugs into concrete, assembling custom furniture, these are all tasks he performs with method and precision.

Experience with the Makita DHP481?

During a kitchen renovation, Thomas used the Makita DHP481 for nearly four hours to drill about twenty holes into a load-bearing wall and to fasten the supports for a countertop. From the very first turns, the torque power is impressive: the drill never weakens, even in the densest concrete. The Brushless motor provides consistent performance with no loss of speed, even as the battery runs low. On the downside, the weight becomes noticeable after several hours, his forearm tires, especially during overhead drilling. Still, in terms of stability and precision, there’s nothing to complain about: the long side handle and well-balanced design offer excellent control.

Experience with the Makita DHP458?

The next day, Thomas continued his work with the Makita DHP458, this time assembling cabinets and installing wooden battens. While less powerful than the DHP481, it turned out to be ideal for this type of task. Its lighter weight makes handling smoother, particularly during repeated screwdriving at shoulder height. The brushed motor performs well, though slightly noisier, and vibrations are more noticeable when drilling into concrete. However, the Soft Grip handle adds real comfort, and the tool is easy to maneuver in tight spaces. For finishing work or medium-intensity jobs, it offers an effortless mix of efficiency, maneuverability, and reliability.

User reviews

Makita DHP481

4.48/5

Power and Performance

96%

Ergonomics and User Comfort

86%

Battery Life and Motor Durability

92%

Value for Money

85%

★★★★★

I use it almost every day for drilling into wood and concrete. The power is impressive, even after several hours of use. A bit heavy, but the long handle makes it easy to keep control.

Pascaline F.

★★★★★

Excellent drill, fast and precise. The Brushless motor really makes a difference when it comes to battery life. Only downside: it gets slightly warm after intensive use.

Julien R.

★★★★★

The most reliable one I’ve ever owned. It handles dusty worksites without any issues thanks to the XPT protection. The 115 Nm torque is a real advantage when working with concrete.

Nicolas T.

Makita DHP458

4.31/5

Power and Performance

84%

Ergonomics and User Comfort

92%

Battery Life and Motor Durability

77%

Value for Money

92%

★★★★★

I use it for home projects, furniture assembly, small fixings. It’s easy to handle and not too heavy. Perfect for regular use without any hassle.

Sophie L.

★★★★★

Good power for wood and long screws. The MakPac case is practical and sturdy. I also appreciate the battery’s endurance, even after several hours of work.

Yann P.

★★★★★

Does the job well, though it feels a bit less punchy than the DHP481. Vibrations are more noticeable in hammer mode, but for the price, it’s still a reliable drill.

Clément G.

Questions? We have the answers!

What is the main difference between the Makita DHP481 and the DHP458?

The key difference lies in the motor. The DHP481 features a Brushless motor, which is more durable, more powerful, and more energy-efficient. The DHP458, on the other hand, uses a brushed motor, a more traditional design that requires a bit of maintenance over time.

Which Makita drill is the most powerful?

The Makita DHP481 takes the lead with a maximum torque of 115 Nm, compared to 91 Nm for the DHP458. It’s therefore more effective for demanding tasks and drilling into hard materials.

Which drill is the lightest?

The DHP458 weighs between 2.2 and 2.6 kg, depending on the battery used, while the DHP481 reaches around 2.7 kg. It is therefore slightly easier to handle for extended work sessions or in hard-to-reach areas.

Are both models compatible with Makita 18V LXT batteries?

Yes, both belong to the Makita 18V LXT range, meaning they share the same interchangeable batteries and chargers.

Which drill should you choose for home use?

For occasional or household projects, the Makita DHP458 is a solid choice, offering excellent value for money. However, for regular or professional use, the DHP481 stands out with its robust build and Brushless motor, designed to handle intensive workloads.

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