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The best Makita drill for most buyers is the 18V LXT XPH14Z if you already own LXT batteries; choose the 40V XGT GPH01Z when demanding, repetitive work makes its extra power worth buying into a larger, more expensive platform. Both are hammer drills, so either can drive screws and drill wood or metal, with hammer mode available for masonry. The right pick depends less on a headline torque figure than on your materials, workload, and the batteries you already have.
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Makita XPH14Z vs. GPH01Z: the practical differences
The XPH14Z is Makita’s 18V LXT brushless hammer driver-drill; the GPH01Z is its 40V XGT brushless counterpart. The XGT model is built for higher-demand applications, but it is also heavier with its larger battery. For cabinetry, general repairs, framing, and occasional masonry holes, LXT is typically the more manageable choice. XGT makes more sense for frequent large-hole drilling, long work sessions, or a shop standardizing on the 40V system.
| Specification | Makita XPH14Z (18V LXT) | Makita GPH01Z (40V XGT) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | 18V LXT | 40V XGT |
| Maximum torque | 1,250 in-lb, hard; 1,250 in-lb, soft | 1,250 in-lb, hard; 1,250 in-lb, soft |
| No-load speed | 0–550 / 0–2,100 RPM | 0–550 / 0–2,200 RPM |
| Hammer rate | 0–8,250 / 0–31,500 BPM | 0–8,250 / 0–33,000 BPM |
| Chuck capacity | 1/2 inch | 1/2 inch |
| Maximum drilling capacity | 2 inches in wood; 1/2 inch in masonry | 2-9/16 inches in wood; 5/8 inch in masonry |
| Tool length | 7 inches | 7-1/8 inches |
| Tool weight | About 4.9 lb with a 5.0Ah battery | About 6.2 lb with a 4.0Ah battery |
Specifications can vary by market and configuration; check Makita’s current product documentation before purchase. The listed capacities describe the manufacturer’s limits, not a promise that every bit, material, or work position will feel comfortable. The near-matching torque ratings are a useful reminder: platform voltage alone does not tell you which drill will feel better in a specific job. Bit choice, clutch control, battery condition, and how long you can comfortably hold the tool matter too.
Which one fits your work?
- Choose the XPH14Z for household repairs and mixed woodworking. It has ample capacity for common pilot holes, fasteners, and occasional hammer drilling, while its lower battery weight helps during overhead or repeated one-handed work.
- Choose the GPH01Z for frequent heavy drilling. Its greater rated wood and masonry capacities and higher top speed suit demanding jobs. That extra capability is most useful when the drill is working hard regularly—not just because the 40V label sounds more powerful.
- Stay with the platform you already own. An LXT owner can often get better value from a bare-tool XPH14Z than by buying a complete XGT setup. Batteries and chargers do not interchange between the two platforms.
- Consider a drill-driver instead of a hammer drill if you never drill masonry. Hammer mechanisms add a function and can make a drill less refined for delicate screwdriving. A regular drill-driver or impact driver may be a better companion for a woodworking bench.
Torque, control, and comfort in real use
Both drills have two mechanical speed ranges and a clutch for limiting screw-driving force. Use low gear for larger bits or high resistance; use high gear for smaller bits and faster drilling. Set the clutch low at first when working with cabinet hardware, softwood, or short screws, then increase it only as needed. For drilling, switch to the drill setting rather than leaving the clutch engaged.
Maximum torque is not a sensible target for ordinary screwdriving. A long structural screw can bind suddenly, twisting the tool and your wrist. Drill a pilot hole where appropriate, keep the bit aligned, and use two hands for demanding work. For repetitive fastening, an impact driver is usually more comfortable and efficient than using either drill at its torque limit.
For woodworking, the XPH14Z’s lighter battery setup is a meaningful advantage when drilling overhead, working inside cabinets, or making many pilot holes. The GPH01Z’s additional capacity is attractive when using larger auger or hole-saw bits, but its battery adds weight. If possible, handle a loaded drill before choosing: balance and grip circumference can matter more than a small difference in tool-only length.
Kit value: bare tool or complete set?
Makita sells these models in bare-tool and kit configurations, though included batteries, chargers, and cases differ by package and region. General market pricing varies with promotions; as a broad guide, bare tools commonly fall around $150–$300, while battery-and-charger kits can range from roughly $250–$500 or more. Confirm what the specific package includes rather than comparing prices by model name alone.
A makita drill kit is usually the better buy if you are entering that platform and need a battery and charger. If you already own compatible batteries, the bare tool is often less wasteful. Compare the kit’s battery capacity as well as its count: a compact battery keeps the drill lighter, while a larger one can help on sustained work. More capacity adds weight and does not guarantee a fixed runtime; material, bit size, pressure, and battery age all change consumption.
As a simple value check, divide the added kit cost by the number of compatible tools you expect to power. If a kit costs $120 more than the bare tool and you will use its battery on three tools, that is about $40 of battery-and-charger cost allocated per tool. If you need only one drill and already have batteries, the bare tool may still be the better choice. That calculation is a comparison aid, not a claim about exact retail pricing.
Ownership notes that affect the decision
Drill bits and batteries are the recurring wear items, not the platform nameplate. Dull bits cut slowly, create more heat, and encourage users to push harder. Use sharp bits matched to the material, clear chips from deep holes, and let the bit do the cutting. In masonry, use a proper masonry bit and hammer mode; for clean woodworking holes, turn hammer mode off.
Keep the chuck jaws clean and fully tightened around the bit shank, and remove dust from the vents with a soft brush or dry air used carefully. Avoid storing lithium-ion batteries in extreme heat or leaving them discharged for long periods. Do not force a binding bit: release the trigger, secure the workpiece, and back the bit out safely. These habits reduce strain on the drill and make either platform more reliable over time.
Bottom line
For most homeowners and woodworkers choosing a first makita drill, the 18V LXT XPH14Z is the sensible starting point: it handles common drilling and driving, costs less to build into when bought as a kit, and is easier to manage with a battery attached. Pick the 40V XGT GPH01Z if your work regularly pushes into larger holes and sustained heavy drilling, or if you are already investing in XGT tools. The best makita drill is the one whose capacity you will use—and whose battery platform you can support without paying twice for chargers and batteries.