Makita had a strong year for tool releases, with plenty of additions to the 18V LXT and 40V XGT systems. There were quite a few tools that really captured our attention in 2025, ranging from platform-firsts to welcome upgrades. I’m sharing the Makita tools that really impressed us in 2025.
Be sure to check out our Best New Makita Tools page to stay up to date on the latest Makita releases.
Makita 40V max XGT 16 5/16-inch Circular Saw
Why We Like It
The Makita GSH06 16 5/16-inch circular saw is, to put it plainly, a beast. Makita is one of the only brands that offers a saw this large, and this model is the only cordless one of this size. It provides a cut capacity of 6 1/4 inches at 90° and 4-3/16 inch at 45°, letting you cut through 6x and 4x material in a single pass.
The transition to the XGT platform from Makita’s previous corded iteration of this tool was a smart move. A single 5.0Ah 40V battery provides up to 75 cuts per charge in 6×12 lumber. This saw also delivers up to 30% faster cutting speeds over the corded model.
While the RPMs are slightly slower on paper (at 2100 RPM compared to the corded tool’s 2300 RPM), there’s more power behind the blade, letting it chew through material at a quicker rate.
There’s no question that this is a Pro-grade tool. However, if your jobsite requires a portable solution for cutting through thicker material, it’s worth the investment.
Price: $1049 bare, $1409 kit
Makita 40V XGT 2 1/4-inch Plunge Router
Why We Like It
As Makita’s first plunge router on the 40V platform, expectations were high when the GPR01 was released in 2025. And it certainly delivered, offering a significant step up in power to supplement the GTR01 trim router.
It features a 5-speed brushless motor that delivers 8,000 to 25,000 RPM. This is a broader speed range than its main cordless competitors, who generally offer around 11,000 RPM on the low end and 23,000-25,000 RPM, depending on the brand.
For ergonomics, we particularly appreciate the placement of the power button, lock-on button, and trigger on the plunge handle. This design keeps the vital controls within thumb’s reach, ensuring less hand movement while working.
With the addition of the GPR01 to the 40V platform, Makita rounds out the XGT system for woodworkers who are ready to cut the cord.
Price: $379 bare
Makita 40V max XGT 6-inch Pruning Saw
Why We Like It
In 2025, Makita introduced its first 6-inch pruning saw to the 40V lineup: the GCU07. While it shares similar specifications and design with its 18V LXT version (XCU14), the 40V battery allows for a higher power draw, resulting in up to 70% faster cutting speeds.
Many of Makita’s other OPE tools are already on the 40V platform, so offering a mini chainsaw on the same system lets existing XGT users avoid buying into another platform for medium-duty pruning tasks.
The design team went with a familiar blueprint, with convenience features to simplify cordless trimming for professional landscapers. If you’ve been waiting for a pruning saw to pop up on Makita’s XGT platform, this tool offers a nice performance boost over the 18V LXT model.
Price: $284 bare
Makita 40V max XGT Oscillating Multi-Tool
Why We Like It
This year, Makita released a 40V oscillating multi-tool update to its 18V counterpart. However, the GMT01 is anything but a direct port. It sports a 6-speed brushless motor that delivers 10,000 to 20,000 OPM. Combined with a 3.6° oscillating angle, its working speed is excellent and noticeably better than most value models.
However, what really sold us on this model was its vibration levels. The GMT01 produces perhaps the lowest vibration levels of any multi-tool we tested in its class.
Mitigating vibration is a big deal for oscillating multi-tool manufacturers, as excessive vibration can lead to hand fatigue and inaccuracy during crucial cuts. However, Makita’s AVT counterbalance design is one of the best on the market and effectively eliminates vibration.
This performance, coupled with its relatively compact size (for a 40V tool), really made the Makita GMT01 stand out to us this year.
Price: $269 bare
