Makita DUB185Z vs XBU05Z: Which Is Best In 2026?

Introduction

If you’re stuck choosing between the Makita DUB185Z vs XBU05Z, you’re not alone. These two cordless blowers look similar on the surface, but they’re built for completely different jobs. And here’s the thing – picking the wrong one means wasting money on a tool that won’t do what you need.

I’m going to break down exactly what makes each one different. By the end of this article you’ll know exactly which blower you should buy.

Quick Verdict:

The Makita DUB185Z wins at $89 with its dual blower/vacuum function and identical power specs to the XBU05Z. The XBU05Z costs $146 but only blows—no vacuum capability.

What You’re Really Choosing Between?

When you compare the Makita DUB185Z vs XBU05Z, you’re not just picking between two similar blowers. You’re choosing between:

• A lightweight vacuum-blower combo (DUB185Z)
• A powerful compact blower built for speed (XBU05Z)

They’re both 18V cordless blowers that run on Makita’s LXT battery system. They’re both handheld. But that’s where the similarities end.

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At-a-glance Specs: Makita DUB185Z vs XBU05Z

Features	DUB185Z 🏆	XBU05Z
Price	$89	$146
Air Velocity	219 MPH	219 MPH
Air Volume	113 CFM	113 CFM
Vacuum Function	Yes (with dust bag) ✓	No
Weight	2.9 lbs (tool only)	2.7 lbs (tool only)
Length	20-3/8"	20-3/8"
Speed Settings	3-speed dial + trigger	3-speed + trigger
Overall Rating	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5)	⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.5/5)

Why DUB185Z Is the Better Buy?

The DUB185Z costs $57 less and adds vacuum functionality. That’s rare—you usually pay more for extra features, not less.

1. You Get Vacuum Function for Free (Actually, $57 Less)

The DUB185Z converts to a handheld vacuum with an optional dust bag (sold separately for around $15). According to Amazon reviews, users praise this for:

• Sucking sawdust from workbenches
• Cleaning car interiors
• Vacuuming workshop debris
• Clearing garage corners

The XBU05Z only blows. No vacuum mode. Ever.

2. Identical Blowing Performance

Despite the lower price, the DUB185Z matches the XBU05Z exactly:

• 219 MPH air velocity (both models)
• 113 CFM air volume (both models)
• 18,000 RPM motor speed (both models)
• 3-speed settings plus variable trigger (both models)

Based on manufacturer specs and user reviews, there’s zero performance difference when blowing. Same power, same speed, same results.

3. $57 Cheaper Upfront

At $89 vs $146, the DUB185Z saves $57 immediately. Add the vacuum versatility, and the value gap widens.

For contractors clearing sawdust or homeowners who occasionally need a quick vacuum, the DUB185Z delivers two tools for less than the XBU05Z’s single function.

Real User Feedback

Based on Amazon review analysis:

• DUB185Z: 4.5/5 stars from 850+ verified buyers
• XBU05Z: 4.6/5 stars from 1,100+ verified buyers

Common praise for DUB185Z: “vacuum mode is surprisingly powerful,” “love the 2-in-1 functionality,” “great for workshop cleanup”

Common praise for XBU05Z: “perfect for job sites,” “powerful and compact,” “lighter than expected”

The 0.1-star rating difference is negligible. Both are well-reviewed, powerful blowers.

When XBU05Z Makes Sense?

The XBU05Z costs more and does less, but two scenarios justify buying it:

Choose XBU05Z if:

• You absolutely never need vacuum function (outdoor-only use)
• You prefer the slightly lighter weight (0.2 lbs difference)
• You’re buying the XBU05ST1 kit with battery/charger included (DUB185Z has no kit option)

At $146 bare tool, it’s a premium for blower-only functionality.

The XBU05ST1 Kit Exception:

The XBU05ST1 kit includes:

• XBU05Z blower
• 5.0Ah battery
• Rapid charger
• Storage bag

Kit price: ~$239-259

If you need batteries/charger and prefer buying complete kits, the XBU05ST1 makes sense. The DUB185Z only sells as a bare tool.

Quick Buying Decision: 3 Questions

1. Will you ever need a handheld vacuum?

• Yes, for workshop/car/garage → DUB185Z (2-in-1 saves buying separate vacuum)
• No, outdoor blowing only → Either works (but DUB185Z still costs less)

2. Do you already own Makita 18V batteries?

• Yes → DUB185Z bare tool at $89 (save $57)
• No → Consider XBU05ST1 kit with battery/charger included

3. What’s your budget today?

• Can spend $140? → [GET DUB185Z – Vacuum function + saves $57 →]
• Need battery/charger? → [GET XBU05ST1 KIT – Includes everything →]

Detailed Specs Comparison

Power & Performance:

• Both: 219 MPH max air velocity
• Both: 113 CFM max air volume
• Both: 18V LXT lithium-ion battery system
• Both: 3-speed settings (low/medium/high) + variable trigger
• Both: 0-18,000 RPM motor speed

Physical Specs:

• DUB185Z: 2.9 lbs without battery, 20-3/8″ long
• XBU05Z: 2.7 lbs without battery, 20-3/8″ long
• Weight difference: 0.2 lbs (negligible)

Battery Runtime (with 5.0Ah battery):

• Both: ~17 minutes at high speed
• Both: ~130 minutes at low speed
• Identical efficiency and runtime

Features:

• DUB185Z: Converts to vacuum (requires separate dust bag)
• DUB185Z: Rubberized soft grip handle
• XBU05Z: Rubberized soft grip handle
• XBU05Z: Blower-only, no vacuum mode

Noise Level:

• DUB185Z: 83 dB(A)
• XBU05Z: Similar (Makita doesn’t publish exact spec)

Warranty:

• Both: Makita 3-year limited warranty

Best Use Cases: Makita DUB185Z vs XBU05Z

DUB185Z Excels At:

• Workshop cleanup (blow sawdust, vacuum benches)
• Job site debris removal
• Car detailing (vacuum interiors after blowing out)
• Garage and patio cleaning
• Indoor/outdoor versatility

XBU05Z Excels At:

• Outdoor-only blowing tasks
• Job sites where vacuum isn’t needed
• When buying the kit with battery/charger
• Users who prefer dedicated single-function tools

Both Handle Equally Well:

• Clearing leaves from driveways
• Blowing grass clippings off walkways
• Cleaning patios and decks
• Dusting off equipment
• Workshop air cleanup

Battery Compatibility & Runtime

Both blowers work with all Makita 18V LXT batteries:

With 2.0Ah battery:

• ~7 minutes high speed
• ~50 minutes low speed

With 5.0Ah battery:

• ~17 minutes high speed
• ~130 minutes low speed

With 6.0Ah battery:

• ~20 minutes high speed
• ~150 minutes low speed

For most homeowners, a 5.0Ah battery provides plenty of runtime. Professional users doing extended cleanup might prefer 6.0Ah batteries.

Bottom Line: Which Should You Buy?

For most people: The Makita DUB185Z at $89 delivers identical blowing power plus vacuum functionality for $57 less than the XBU05Z. That’s rare value—more features for less money.

Need a complete kit with battery? The XBU05ST1 kit at $239-259 includes the XBU05Z blower, 5.0Ah battery, rapid charger, and storage bag. Good value if you’re starting your Makita 18V collection.

Already own Makita batteries and only need blowing? The DUB185Z still makes more sense—same power, $57 cheaper, vacuum option if you ever need it.

Pro Tip: Even if you think you’ll never use the vacuum function, having it costs nothing extra (actually saves $57). Workshop dust, car interiors, and garage corners come up more often than you’d expect.

FAQs

Are the blowing specs really identical?

Yes. According to manufacturer specifications:

• DUB185Z: 219 MPH, 113 CFM
• XBU05Z: 219 MPH, 113 CFM

Exact same power output. The vacuum function on the DUB185Z doesn’t reduce blowing performance.

Does the DUB185Z include the vacuum dust bag?

No. The dust bag (part #123241-2) sells separately for around $15. The tool includes the blower nozzle only.

Why does the XBU05Z cost more if it does less?

Good question. The XBU05Z is Makita’s newer model marketed specifically as a compact blower. The DUB185Z is slightly older but offers more versatility. Sometimes newer doesn’t mean better value.

Can both use the same Makita batteries?

Yes. Both run on any Makita 18V LXT battery. If you own other Makita 18V tools, your batteries work with either blower.

Which one is better for leaves?

Identical performance. Both deliver 219 MPH and 113 CFM—plenty of power for dry leaves in driveways, patios, and small yards. Neither is designed for heavy-duty yard work (consider Makita’s 40V models for that).