Comparison:Makita DHP481 vs DHP484

In the highly competitive 18V drill-driver segment, some models look very similar… until they’re put to a real-world test. That’s exactly the case with the Makita DHP481 and the Makita DHP484. Two tools from the same brand, same voltage, same promise of reliability but clearly different design philosophies once you start using them.

Makita DHP481

Technical specifications

Voltage : 18V Li-Ion

Motor : Brushless

Max torque : 115 Nm

Typical driving torque : 60 Nm (soft)

Speeds : 2 (0 - 500 / 0 - 2,100 rpm)

Impacts/min (hammer) : 31,500

Max drilling Ø (concrete) : 16 mm

Max drilling Ø (wood) : 76 mm

Max drilling Ø (steel) : 13 mm

Torque settings : 21 positions

Weight (tool only) : 2.7 kg

Length : 205 mm

Vibration (metal drilling) : 2.5 m/s²

Noise (Lpa) : 85 dB(A)

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Very high torque (115 Nm): Comfortable with long fasteners and heavy-duty drilling.
Superior drilling capacity: Up to 76 mm in wood and 16 mm in concrete.
Stability and control: Long handle, planted feel, and consistent behavior under load.
XPT protection: Better resistance to dust and moisture.
Precise torque adjustment: 21 settings plus drilling and hammer modes.

Weaknesses

Heavy weight (2.7 kg): Faster fatigue during extended use or overhead work.
Larger overall size: Less convenient in tight or confined spaces.
Not speed-focused: Can feel oversized for light, repetitive driving tasks.

Indicative price

169$

Who is Makita DHP481 suitable for?

The Makita DHP481 is an 18V hammer drill-driver built to take abuse. High torque, large drilling capacities, and a rugged construction define it. It’s clearly aimed at demanding applications where lighter tools start to reach their limits.

Makita DHP484

Technical specifications

Voltage : 18V Li-Ion

Motor : Brushless

Max torque : 65 Nm

Typical driving torque : 54 Nm (max)

Speeds : 2 (0 - 500 / 0 - 2,000 rpm)

Impacts/min (hammer) : 30,000

Max drilling Ø (concrete) : 13 mm

Max drilling Ø (wood) : 38 mm

Max drilling Ø (steel) : 13 mm

Torque settings : 21 positions

Weight (tool only) : 1.2 kg (1.6–1.9 kg with battery)

Length : 182 mm

Vibration (metal drilling) : 2.5 m/s²

Noise (Lpa) : 88 dB(A)

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Very compact format (182 mm): More comfortable in tight spaces and overhead work.
Significantly lighter weight (1.2 kg bare): Reduced fatigue over a full workday.
Well-designed ergonomics: Soft grip and good balance with the battery installed.
Efficient drivetrain: Smooth, consistent drilling and driving with no harsh jolts.
Electronic protections: Overload protection and automatic low-battery cutoff.

Weaknesses

Lower torque (65 Nm): Less suitable for long fasteners or very dense wood.
Reduced drilling capacity: Concrete and wood capabilities trail more powerful models.
Limited under heavy load: Reaches its limits when materials offer strong resistance.

Indicative price

149$

Who is Makita DHP484 suitable for?

The Makita DHP484 is an 18V hammer drill-driver designed for everyday work. Less impressive on paper, but clearly built for long hours in hand. Compact size, controlled weight, and smooth behavior. It favors pace and comfort over raw power.

Comparison table: Makita DHP481 vs DHP484

Criteria	DHP481	DHP484	Verdict
Voltage	18V Li-Ion	18V Li-Ion	Tie
Motor	Brushless	Brushless	Tie
Max torque	115 Nm	65 Nm	DHP481+77%
Typical driving torque	60 Nm (soft)	54 Nm (max)	DHP481
Speeds	2 (0 - 500 / 0 - 2,100 rpm)	2 (0 - 500 / 0 - 2,000 rpm)	DHP481+5%
Impacts/min (hammer)	31,500	30,000	DHP481
Max drilling Ø (concrete)	16 mm	13 mm	DHP481
Max drilling Ø (wood)	76 mm	38 mm	DHP481x2
Max drilling Ø (steel)	13 mm	13 mm	Tie
Torque settings	21 positions	21 positions	Tie
Weight (tool only)	2.7 kg	1.2 kg (1.6–1.9 kg with battery)	DHP484≈-55%
Length	205 mm	182 mm	DHP484
Vibration (metal drilling)	2.5 m/s²	2.5 m/s²	Tie
Noise (Lpa)	85 dB(A)	88 dB(A)	DHP481

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 DHP484

2–13 mm keyless chuck

Makita multi-purpose drill bit set

Wall mount for Makita 18V tools

Real-life test: Makita DHP481 vs DHP484

Installing a timber frame, drilling concrete for anchors (Ø 8 to 12 mm), driving long wood screws, occasional overhead work. Identical 5 Ah batteries used on both tools.

Experience with the Makita DHP481?

From the first screws, the torque is immediately noticeable. Dense wood doesn’t slow the tool down, even with long fasteners. In concrete drilling, the hammer action is firm and stable, without excessive vibration. The weight makes itself felt after about two hours, especially with arms raised nothing prohibitive, but it does affect pacing. In return, the sense of control is constant. When resistance increases, it keeps going, no questions asked.

Experience with the Makita DHP484?

The handling feels lighter and more responsive. In tight spaces and overhead work, the difference is clear: less fatigue and more precise movements. For standard driving and drilling, it runs smoothly without hesitation. However, on larger sections or long screws, you need to support the tool more and sometimes slow down. Nothing abnormal just a different working logic. It encourages speed and efficiency in everyday tasks, not brute force.

User reviews

Makita DHP481

4.03/5

Power & torque

95%

Handling & ergonomics

70%

Job versatility

90%

Comfort during extended use

68%

★★★★★

Marc D.

The torque is noticeable right away, especially with large screws and hardwood. It doesn’t flinch, even under heavy load. A bit heavy by the end of the day, but reliable.

★★★★★

Julien R.

I use it for all structural work and concrete drilling. The tool stays stable, which is reassuring. The weight is noticeable, but I’d rather have that than a lack of power.

★★★★★

Olivier P.

Very effective, maybe even too much for my needs. It gets the job done without issue, but it feels a bit bulky for small projects.

Makita DHP484

4.25/5

Power & torque

72%

Handling & ergonomics

92%

Job versatility

82%

Comfort during extended use

94%

★★★★★

Sophie L.

Lightweight, well balanced, and comfortable to use for long periods. I can work overhead without tensing up. For everyday tasks, it does more than enough.

★★★★★

Antoine M.

Good responsiveness, clean driving, no jerky behavior. You can feel the limit in very hard materials, but for standard installation work, it’s spot on.

★★★★★

Thomas B.

Easy to handle and not tiring. It lacks a bit of power for certain jobs, but otherwise it’s comfortable and reliable.

Questions? We have the answers!

What is the main difference between the Makita DHP481 and the DHP484?

The key difference lies in torque and weight. The DHP481 delivers up to 115 Nm, compared to 65 Nm for the DHP484, but it is also significantly heavier. The DHP484 focuses on compactness and user comfort.

Is the DHP484 sufficient for professional use?

Yes, for fastening, general drilling, and maintenance tasks, the DHP484 performs without issue. However, for very demanding or repetitive work in hard materials, the DHP481 remains the better choice.

Can the same batteries be used on both models?

Yes. Both tools run on Makita 18V LXT batteries. Runtime depends solely on the battery capacity (Ah) used.

Which model is better for concrete drilling?

The DHP481 has the edge with a drilling capacity of up to 16 mm in concrete, versus 13 mm for the DHP484. That said, for occasional and small-diameter holes, the DHP484 is still sufficient.

Is the price difference between the two models justified?

Yes, insofar as the DHP481 offers more power and capability, at the cost of added weight. The DHP484 is generally less expensive and better suited to versatile, long-duration use.