# Brushless vs brushed cordless drills

Source: https://drillandbit.co.uk/blog/brushless-vs-brushed-drills
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Drill and Bit

**In short:** Brushless drills use electronics instead of carbon brushes to switch the motor, which wastes less energy, so you usually get more work per charge, more power for the size and no brushes to wear out. A brushed drill is still fine for light home use, but for regular work, big bits or long sessions, brushless is worth paying for.

Almost every cordless drill range now has a brushless model at the top, and many listings put the word in large type. It is a real improvement, not just a label, but it is not essential for everyone. This article explains what changes inside the motor, what that means for runtime, size and power, and when a brushed drill is still a sensible buy.

## What brushes do in a motor

A classic brushed DC motor has small carbon blocks, the brushes, that rub on a rotating commutator to switch the current through the coils as the motor turns. It is simple and cheap, but the rubbing causes friction, heat, sparking and wear. Over years the brushes wear down and need replacing.

A brushless motor flips the layout: magnets on the rotor, coils fixed around it, and a small electronic controller switching the current at exactly the right moment. There is no rubbing contact, so less energy turns into heat and there is nothing to wear except the bearings.

## Runtime, size and power

Because a brushless motor wastes less energy as heat, more of the battery's energy becomes work. Makers commonly claim noticeably longer runtime per charge than equivalent brushed models, though the exact gain depends on the tool and the job. The electronics also let the motor adjust to the load, holding speed under heavy work.

Efficiency lets makers build smaller, lighter motors for the same output, which is why compact brushless drills now match older full size brushed ones. Some brushless drills, such as the Makita DHP483 at a listed 726 g body only, are very light for an 18 V combi drill.

## Two Makita combi drills compared

The table compares a brushless Makita combi drill with an older LXT model whose listing does not describe the motor as brushless.

|  | Makita DHP483Z | Makita DHP453RFE |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Motor | Brushless (listed) | Not described as brushless |
| Max torque | 40 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Weight listed | 726 g body only | 1.8 kg |
| Torque settings | 20 plus drill | 16 |
| Protection | XPT dust and water, overload protection | Not stated |
| Supplied as | Body only | Kit: 2 x 3.0 Ah, charger, case |

Listing figures, Makita 18 V LXT

[Compare Makita LXT drills](https://drillandbit.co.uk/best/makita-18v-lxt-drills-compared)

## When a brushed drill is still enough

If you drill a few holes for shelves each year, assemble furniture and hang the odd picture, a brushed drill with a good clutch will serve you well for years. Runtime differences matter less when you only use a fraction of a charge per job, and brushed kits often come with batteries for less money.

Brushless earns its keep with regular use: decking projects, kitchen fitting, hole saws and augers, and anyone who wants a smaller tool or longer runtime from the same pack. It also tends to come with better electronics such as kickback control and overload protection.

- Light, occasional home jobs: brushed is fine.
- Regular DIY, renovations and outdoor projects: brushless is worth it.
- Trade use or large bits: brushless, ideally with a higher Ah battery.

## How to tell from a listing

Brushless models usually say so in the title or first bullet, and brand naming helps: DeWalt XR brushless tools often carry a BL or brushless note, Milwaukee Fuel is always brushless, and Makita and Bosch list it in the features. If a listing does not mention brushless at all, assume the motor is brushed until the maker's spec sheet says otherwise.

Look also at what comes with the motor. Brushless drills more often include electronic clutch features, kickback control, and overload and temperature protection. These are worth having, but compare them model by model rather than assuming every brushless drill has them.

## Batteries matter as much as the motor

A brushless drill on a small 1.5 or 2 Ah pack still runs out sooner than a brushed drill on a 5 Ah pack. Battery capacity in watt hours sets how much energy you carry. See [volts, amp hours and watt hours](https://drillandbit.co.uk/blog/volts-and-amp-hours-explained) and try our [battery energy calculator](https://drillandbit.co.uk/tools/battery-energy-calculator).

Our [combi drill kit guide](https://drillandbit.co.uk/best/best-combi-drill-kits) and [home use guide](https://drillandbit.co.uk/best/best-combi-drill-for-home-use) state the battery size in each kit.

Note: Whatever the motor, let a hot drill cool rather than forcing it, wear eye protection and follow the manual. Overheating shortens battery and motor life.

## Frequently asked questions

**Do brushless drills last longer?** They have no brushes to wear, so a common wear part is gone. Bearings, gears, switches and electronics still age, so lifespan depends on use and build quality.

**Is a brushless drill more powerful?** Often, for the same size and battery, because less energy is lost as heat. Compare torque figures in the listing rather than relying on the label alone.

**Can I replace the brushes on my brushed drill?** On many models yes, through an access cap or by opening the housing. Check the manual and use the maker's part, or ask a repair agent.

**Are brushless drills quieter?** Many are slightly quieter and smoother, but noise depends mostly on the gearbox and hammer mechanism. Wear hearing protection for long hammer drilling.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://drillandbit.co.uk/best/best-combi-drill-kits
- https://drillandbit.co.uk/best/best-combi-drill-for-home-use
- https://drillandbit.co.uk/best/makita-18v-lxt-drills-compared

## Sources

- [Makita UK](https://www.makitauk.com/)