Makita currently has four 18V compact vacuums that meet different needs for the professional. They vary in airflow, capacity, and static lift. This seems to give the Makita 18V Cordless vacuums the range needed to fit almost any application and price point.
Four Makita 18V Cordless Compact Vacuums
The four Makita 18V Cordless Compact Vacuums may look similar to each other, but appearances can be deceiving. Each model offers a specific tweak. Some feature more power for heavier-duty clean-ups. Others focus on run-time and/or capacity. The four 18V compact vacuums include:
Makita XLC03R1BX4 Compact Vacuum and XLC03R1WX4
The Makita 18V LXT Brushless Vacuum Kit (XLC03R1BX4) emphasizes value. The vacuum can be used with the trigger or locked-on with a slide switch mode for extended use. The vacuum is compact, weighing just 2.7 lbs. with a 2Ah 18V battery installed. It features a bagless cloth filtration system, making it easier to dump the canister and continue cleaning.
Like your other Makita tools, this vacuum and nozzle come in the familiar black and teal. The XLC03R1BX4 kit includes one fast-charging 18V LXT 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery and a Rapid Optimum Charger. You can get up to 13 minutes of run-time using a single 2 Ah battery.
For performance, you get up to 49 CFM of suction.
Makita XLC03R1BX4 and XLC03R1WX4 Features & Specs
- Model Number: (XLC03ZBX4 and XLC03ZWX4 Tool Only)
- Trigger with Lock
- Color: Black (XLC03R1BX4) or White (XLC03R1WX4)
- Capacity: 1.6 pints
- Airflow: 49 CFM
- Static lift: 25 in.
- Run time: 13 min.
- Weight (w/2 Ah battery): 2.7 lbs.
- Price: $179 (black bare), $179 (white bare), $289 (black kit), $289 (white kit)
Makita XLC04R1BX4 Upright Vac
The differences between the Makita XLC04R1BX4 cordless vacuum and the XLC03R1BX4 have to do with the controls and power. Instead of a trigger/switch combo, you get a three-speed push-button control system. This model also adds more CFM and static lift (suction) as well as additional run-time thanks to a Low power setting.
Makita XLC04R1BX4 Features & Specs
- Model Number: (XLC04R1BX4 and XLC04ZBX4 Tool Only)
- 3-speed push-button controls
- Color: Black
- Capacity: 1.6 pints
- Airflow: 53 CFM
- Static lift: 31 in.
- Run time (Low): 33 min.
- Weight (w/2 Ah battery): 2.8 lbs.
- Price: $289 (kit), $189 (tool only)
Makita XLC05R1WX4 Compact Stick Vac
This last vacuum reduces the capacity down to 1 pint but leaves the power, modes, suction, and run-time of the Teal and Black XLC04R1BX4.
Makita XLC05R1WX4 Features & Specs
- Model Number: (XLC05R1WX4 and XLC05ZWX4 Tool Only)
- 3-speed push-button controls
- Color: White
- Capacity: 1 pint
- Airflow: 53 CFM
- Static lift: 31 in.
- Run time (Low): 33 min.
- Weight (w/2 Ah battery): 2.8 lbs.
- Price: $299 (kit), $189 (tool only)
Conclusion
These vacs carry a hefty price and the market has lots of competition—even in cordless. Still, with four models to choose from, you should be able to choose a stick vac that meets your needs. For existing Makita users, picking up the bare tools models makes the most sense. These vacs may not have the power to skin paint off your garage floor, but they will handle small area cleanup just fine. We always like options and plenty exist here.
