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If you are looking for new tools, our Bosch vs Makita power tools comparison will be invaluable to discover which brand is better.
There are a lot of different power tool manufacturers out there and it can be confusing trying to compare them against each other. This is why we are going to compare Bosch v Makita as they are two brands you have probably seen a lot.
We’ll explore the main differences between these two brands, their different features if any alternatives exist, and finally, we’ll find out which one is better to use.
The Makita Power Tools are necessary to do gardening, cleaning, carpentry, and drilling jobs rapidly. Each tool is used for a different purpose. 
Main Differences Between Bosch vs Makita
The main differences between Bosch vs Makita are:
- Makita offer a three-year limited warranty with their power tools, whereas Bosch only offers a one-year limited warranty
- Makita have been manufacturing power tools since 1959, whereas Bosch has been making power tools since 1932
- Makita only offers five 18V drill options, whereas Bosch offers eight 18V drill options
- Makita do not provide an SMS contact method, whereas Bosch does
Exploring Bosch and Makita features
At the end of this comparison we’ll decide which brand is better but let’s look at both of their features in depth.
The companies
Bosch has been making power tools longer than Makita.
Bosch was formed away back in 1886 in Stuttgart, Germany. They began making power tools in 1932 so they have been in the game for a long time. In fact, the first power tool that Bosch manufactured was a hammer drill and these days they produce a wide range of power tools that are sold across the world.
Makita is a bit newer than Bosch. They are a Japanese company that was founded in 1915. They didn’t make their first power tool until 1959 so a bit later than Bosch as well. These days their power tools can be found in many countries and they produce a wide variety of different equipment.
Warranty
Power tools tend to be quite durable in their construction. After all, they are used for a variety of tough jobs such as cutting up various materials, sanding and welding to name just a few. However, that doesn’t mean something can’t go wrong with them.
There is a bit of a difference in the warranty offered with the power tools from Bosch and Makita.
Bosch only offers a one-year limited warranty for its power tools. This is a bit limited and even though they do provide high-quality tools (we’ll look at this a little later on), we’d like to have a better warranty.
That being said, there is the option of a one-year service protection plan with Bosch which adds some further protection for parts that have become worn.
Makita provides a three-year limited warranty with its power tool collections. This is better than Bosch and does give you better peace of mind knowing your purchase is covered for three years.
Range of power tools
Both of these power tool makers provide a wide range of products however is there any difference between Bosch and Makita?
If you are searching for a specific power tool, you’ll likely find it from both Bosch and Makita. There isn’t a major difference in how many power tools these companies offer.
Bosch has a wide range of 12V, 8V, and 36V cordless power tools such as rotary hammers, drills and drivers. They also offer 18V drills and drivers and a decent selection of tools for woodworking as well.
Makita has an equally impressive range of power tools especially with 12V, 18V, 36V, and 7.2V products. They do have slightly fewer 18V drill options when compared to Bosch (Makita offers five 18V drills whereas Bosch has eight). Makita does have a bigger product catalog with different tools however the power tools that Bosch do stock tend to have more options.
So, there isn’t really a big difference between Bosch and Makita. Both offer a wide selection of tools with varying levels of power and that are designed for various purposes.
Check out our full guide on how to find the best Makita drill.
Quality
This is perhaps the biggest thing people look at when buying power tools – how good are they? If you are tied to one company over another you’ll likely have some bias but in reality, is Bosch better than Makita or vice versa?
Before we get into corded vs cordless tools, a quick word in durability. Many people prefer Makita because their power tools often last longer than Bosch.
Some people have Makita power tools for years and years without any problems. Bosch tools are durable too and will likely last you a long time but more people tend to find that the durability with Makita tools is better.
So, let’s compare them with their corded and cordless power tools.
Cordless power tools
Makita usually comes out on top when we compare the cordless power tools of both brands.
This is mainly down to battery performance. Makita cordless power tools often provide the best battery life when compared to Bosch. It isn’t to say that Bosch cordless power tools are going to run out of juice really quickly, just that Makita’s products tend to last a bit longer.
Much of this does depend on the tool you have and what you are doing with it. However, in general, Makita is more favorable when it comes to cordless power tools. Both offer high-quality tools in terms of their overall construction and build.
Corded power tools
There really isn’t much difference between Bosch and Makita corded power tools and we can’t reality determine if one is better than the other.
As we said above, they both offer good durability and construction. Some people will prefer Makita for corded tools and others will prefer Bosch – so it is really just down to your preference. We can’t say that one is particularly better than the other in terms of its quality.
When it comes to corded tools there is no reason you can’t mix and match. The difference in brands is usually down to battery length with cordless tools which we have looked at above.
Customer Service
The final feature to look at between Bosch and Makita is their customer service.
Bosch offers several ways in which you can get in contact with them if you have a query or a problem with one of their products. You can contact Bosch via phone as well as a handy contact form on their website. They also offer a pretty cool text messaging service where you can send a question via SMS and get an answer back.
You will also find a FAQ section on their website which is really handy.
You can easily get in touch with Makita too. They also have a contact form on their website or you can contact them via phone as well. Answers to common questions can be found in the FAQ section of their website.
So, both the customer service for these two companies other than Bosch does have a really good SMS service.
Some people have found that Makita provides better after-sale support for their products. Not only do they have a better warranty but getting customer support once you have made a purchase seems to be better with Makita.
Comparing Bosch and Makita pricing
While the cost of a power tool shouldn’t be the only thing you take into consideration when making a purchase, sticking to a budget is important for many people. Durability, quality, battery length (if it is a cordless power tool) and functionality are vital things to think about but if you are on a strict budget, the pricing is important too.
Comparing Bosch and Makita products in general terms is a bit difficult as power tools vary widely in terms of features and what you get.
However, Makita does tend to be a bit more expensive than Bosch. It does depend on the exact power tool you are after as a general rule, you can normally find Bosch products slightly cheaper than Makita. It is something that many people find with Makita when compared to a lot of other brands like Bosch and DeWalt – while Makita tools are really good, they can be a bit expensive.
It is also quite hard to find Makita power tools on sale and at discounted prices while you’re much more likely to find other brands at a sale price. So, you’re more likely to find Bosch power tools at a sale price than Makita which means it is easier to get a bargain.
Bosch
Pros
- Offers a wide range of different power tools
- One of the oldest power tool manufacturers in the world
- Power tools tend to be a bit cheaper than some other brands
- Provide good customer service options including SMS contact
Cons
- Warranty is limited to one year
- Battery life on cordless tools isn’t as good as Makita
- After-sale customer support could be better
The Power Tools Division of the Bosch Group is the world market leader for power tools and power tool accessories. They are engineered for excellence. 
Makita
Pros
- Power tools can be a bit limited but still offer a wide range
- Cordless batteries usually last longer than Bosch
- Offer very durable power tools that are built to last
- Provide a 3-year warranty for their products
Cons
- Power tools can often be more expensive than other brands
- Don’t offer as many options for certain power tools such as drills
The Makita Power Tools are necessary to do gardening, cleaning, carpentry, and drilling jobs rapidly. Each tool is used for a different purpose.
Are there any alternatives?
DeWalt
You will probably have heard of DeWalt before even if you aren’t particularly experienced with power tools and DIY.
They are an American company (based in Pennsylvania) and have been producing power tools for a number of years.
If you are searching for an alternative to Bosch and Makita, it is hard to go wrong with DeWalt.
In many ways, they are cheaper than Makita and usually on par with Bosch (if not a bit less expensive) in their pricing structure. So, if you are on a tight budget for a new power tool, Dewalt are certainly worth having a look at.
That isn’t to say that their tools are of lower quality. They produce a large number of high end power tools that are durable and work very well indeed. Even though many people do prefer Makita for overall quality, DeWalt is definitely another manufacturer to take into consideration.
Dewalt offers a full range of corded and cordless drills to meet every drilling need. Designed to withstand the toughest jobsite conditions.
Milwaukee
Another good power tool alternative is Milwaukee.
The Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation is based in Wisconsin (although they are a subsidiary of a Hong Kong company) and is a well-known power tool manufacturer.
We have looked at several Milwaukee products in the past and they consistently produce high-quality power tools such as drills, band saws, die, and angle grinders amongst many others. A lot of people do favor Milwaukee over many other power tool brands.
In terms of pricing, they are on par with Bosch and certainly a bit cheaper than Makita across the board. One really good feature of Milwaukee is that they offer a 5-year warranty on their cordless power tools which is fantastic. It gives you great peace of mind and even though their tools are durable, the 5 year warranty is something we really like.
If you do find a Milwaukee power tool you like, we wouldn’t hesitate to buy one of their products and many people favor this brand over any other.
Check out how Milwaukee compares to Makita in our full comparison.
Complete each job with greater efficiency using the right Milwaukee tools. Shop Milwaukee drill sets, cordless tools, kits and more at Hardware World.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bosch and Makita
Answer: Bosch is a global company but their headquarters are based in Germany. They were founded in 1886.
Answer: Makita is a Japanese company and they were founded in 1915.
Answer: Bosch power tools generally come with a one-year limited warranty and the option of adding on a one-year service protection plan.
Answer: Makita provides a better warranty than Bosch. Most of their power tools come with a three-year limited warranty.
Answer: Yes. Both companies offer a varied and extensive power tool range. While Makita perhaps has a larger collection overall, you are more likely to find different versions of specific tools with Bosch.
Answer: Both companies produce power tools that are highly durable. The batteries on cordless Makita power tools tend to last longer than Bosch.
Our Verdict: Bosch vs Makita – Go with Makita if you don’t mind the extra cost
Comparing two power tool brands can be a bit difficult. They both offer a wide selection of different power tools which are ideal for home DIY projects and also professional use.
To pick one from either Bosch and Makita isn’t easy but we are going to choose Makita.
The one downside to Makita is that they are often a bit more expensive than Bosch and they are also pricier than other brands. However, for the cost, you get really well-made products and a wide selection of power tools to choose from.
Bosch also makes great tools however we do like the overall design and functionality of Makita.
Another good reason to choose Makita is that they offer a three year warranty on most of their power tools. This is a really great feature that gives you peace of mind and ensures your tool can be replaced if something goes wrong with it. Makita also has better after-sales support than Bosch as well.
The fact that the batteries on cordless Makita tools generally last a bit longer than their Bosch counterparts is another advantage.
So, in the end, Makita wins it for us. While you shouldn’t necessarily commit to one brand and only use their products without considering any others, we do feel that Makita is a bit better than Bosch.
The Makita Power Tools are necessary to do gardening, cleaning, carpentry, and drilling jobs rapidly. Each tool is used for a different purpose.
