Makita vs Milwaukee:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Makita had more branded searches than Milwaukee among SDS Max brands in New Zealand. Makita had about 9,100 branded searches, while Milwaukee had 2,950. Makita made up 48% of all SDS Max brand searches we track, and Milwaukee accounted for 15.6%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about SDS Max brands, Makita appeared in all four answers and Milwaukee in three. Makita was mentioned before Milwaukee in every answer.
Who do people search for more?
Makita, about 3 searches for every 1 for Milwaukee
Who does AI mention more?
Makita, mentioned in every answer we collected
Who does AI recommend more?
Makita, named ahead of Milwaukee in every answer
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Top SDS Max brands in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and one Google AI Overview, Makita appeared in all four answers. Milwaukee was mentioned in three out of four: in two of the three ChatGPT answers and in the Google AI Overview. Makita was listed before Milwaukee in every answer.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
- Makita4 of 4Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 1 Google answers
Hilti4 of 4Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 1 Google answers
Bosch4 of 4Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 1 Google answers
Milwaukee3 of 4Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 1 Google answers
DeWalt2 of 4Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 1 Google answers
See every answer about SDS Max brands
4 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which SDS Max brand should I buy in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best SDS Max brands in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best SDS Max brand in New Zealand for heavy drilling?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“sds max drill bits”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“best rotary hammer”
Google showed no AI Overview for this search.
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in New Zealand on October 21, 2026.
Is Makita or Milwaukee more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for Makita and Milwaukee by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all five SDS Max brands we track, month by month, from searches in New Zealand.
Share of searches by month for Makita, Milwaukee. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Makita | DeWalt | Milwaukee | Hilti | Bosch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 46.3% | 25.5% | 13.4% | 14.6% | 0.06% |
| Nov 2025 | 41.2% | 32.5% | 13.3% | 13% | 0.05% |
| Dec 2025 | 48.5% | 27.6% | 13.6% | 10.2% | 0.06% |
| Jan 2026 | 48.7% | 27.3% | 11.5% | 12.4% | 0.07% |
| Feb 2026 | 47.2% | 27.2% | 13.6% | 12% | 0.06% |
| Mar 2026 | 43.7% | 26.2% | 13.2% | 16.9% | 0.06% |
| Apr 2026 | 46.2% | 25.9% | 13% | 14.8% | 0.06% |
| May 2026 | 44.6% | 25.4% | 15.9% | 14.1% | 0.06% |
| Jun 2026 | 43.3% | 30.1% | 15.8% | 10.8% | 0.06% |
| Jul 2026 | 45.9% | 26.5% | 15.9% | 11.7% | 0.06% |
| Aug 2026 | 41.6% | 27.3% | 20.5% | 10.4% | 0.05% |
| Sep 2026 | 48% | 26.3% | 15.6% | 10% | 0.05% |
How has the Makita and Milwaukee comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- Makita was ahead of Milwaukee in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Makita’s share of searches among SDS Max brands in New Zealand moved from 46.3% to 48%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 7.6K to 9.1K.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Milwaukee’s share of searches among SDS Max brands in New Zealand moved from 13.4% to 15.6%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 2.2K to 3K.
How did search popularity change for New Zealand SDS Max brands in September 2026?
2 changes
In September 2026, Makita gained share of searches among SDS Max brands in New Zealand, from 41.6% to 48%.
In September 2026, Milwaukee lost share of searches among SDS Max brands in New Zealand, from 20.5% to 15.6%.
How are branded searches counted?
7 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Makita’s and Milwaukee’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Other head-to-heads among SDS Max brands
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