Makita XT288T Specialty Review
Our verdict
The Makita XT288T is the highest-demand cordless combo kit in this batch, with 200 units bought last month, 744 reviews, and a 4.7-star rating that positions it as a leading choice among 18V two-tool kits at $299.99.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Tradespeople and advanced DIYers who want a proven 18V Makita combo kit with strong battery capacity, high RPM, and one of the best review-to-demand ratios in this category.
Skip if
Users who already own Makita 18V batteries and would save money buying individual tools, or those who do not need 5-amp capacity and can get by with a lighter, lower-cost option.
- Power Source Battery Powered
- Voltage 18 Volts
- Amps 5 Amps
- Speed 3600 RPM
- Weight 16 ounces
- Priced 23% above the category median ($244.00 across 60 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.7/5
4.7 average across 744 owner ratings
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Popularity3.0/5
744 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other power tools and workshop machinery we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Makita XT288T earns its place at the top of the demand rankings with 200 units purchased last month, the highest figure in this combo-kit batch. At $299.99, it occupies a mid-to-premium price point backed by 744 reviews at 4.7 stars, a combination that reflects both volume of use and owner satisfaction. The 5-amp battery is among the largest in this group, providing runtime that suits full workdays in trade and remodel environments.
The 3600 RPM speed is the highest in this batch, giving the XT288T an edge on drilling and driving tasks where velocity matters, such as boring through softwood, sheet goods, or repetitive fastener driving. Based on specs and verified owner reviews, the kit delivers the kind of performance that keeps it in active circulation among professionals who make purchasing decisions based on proven track record.
The weight listed in the product data is 16 ounces, which appears to reflect a component rather than the full kit. Buyers should confirm total assembled weight with current retailer listings. What the data does confirm is that this kit is actively chosen by a large and satisfied buyer base, and the 18V Makita platform is among the most broadly supported cordless ecosystems on the market.
Pros
- 200 units bought last month is the highest demand signal in this combo-kit batch
- 3600 RPM is the fastest speed listed across all products in this group
- 5-amp battery capacity supports extended runtime for trade-level use
- 4.7 stars from 744 reviews reflects deep, sustained owner satisfaction
- 18V Makita LXT platform connects to a large ecosystem of compatible tools
Cons
- At $299.99, it costs more than several 20V alternatives with comparable or higher amperage
- Weight data in the listing (16 ounces) appears incomplete; buyers should verify full kit weight
- Higher price may not suit occasional homeowners who need lighter, less frequent use
Specifications
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 18 Volts |
| Amps | 5 Amps |
| Speed | 3600 RPM |
| Weight | 16 ounces |
Performance notes
The XT288T operates on Makita's 18V LXT platform with 5-amp batteries and reaches 3600 RPM. The combination of high speed and high amperage makes this kit well-suited to sustained drilling and fastening across wood, metal, and composite materials. Power source is battery only.
What buyers say
Owners praise the runtime of the 5-amp batteries and the responsive feel of the tools at high RPM. The most common positive feedback references professional-grade durability and consistent performance across repeated job-site sessions. Critical reviews are sparse and tend to focus on price relative to platform lock-in.
More from Makita
Similar power tools and workshop machinery to consider
Frequently asked questions
Will the 5-amp batteries in the Makita XT288T work with older Makita 18V LXT tools?
Makita's 18V LXT platform is broadly cross-compatible. The 5-amp batteries are designed to work with tools across the LXT line. Confirm compatibility with specific older models on Makita's product pages.
Is the Makita XT288T worth the price over a cheaper 18V or 20V combo kit?
Based on verified owner reviews and demand data, the XT288T commands a premium primarily for the 5-amp battery capacity and 3600 RPM speed. If sustained runtime and high-speed drilling are priorities, the price difference is justified compared to 1.5 to 2-amp budget alternatives.
Questions about which Makita kit fits your work?
Contact the ToolGalaxy research team at hello@toolgalaxy.com for a straight answer based on your use case.