Okay, so where can you really go wrong with a combo tool kit? If you don’t get something with the right quality, perhaps, but with Hitachi and Bosch, you won’t need to worry about that. Hitachi vs. Bosch Combo Kits is a fair comparison between two brands doing things the right way.
Known for producing great power tools, such as compound miter saws, hammer drills, cordless drills with lithium-ion batteries, orbital sanders, fixed-base routers, and more, these two companies will go head to head in this combo tools review.
Table of contents
Hitachi vs. Bosch: Brief Company History
Hitachi Company History
A company that’s a little younger but still very old is Hitachi, which was founded back in 1910. Starting with the five-horsepower induction motor, Hitachi has now expanded into a variety of different electronics, tools, and a whole lot more. You’re going to get great quality, long-lasting products that will definitely make sure you can get the job done.
Bosch Company History
When we go way back, we’ll find that Bosch is actually one of the oldest options for reputable tool brands. Started way back in 1886 (yes, that’s the 1800s), it began in the electrical engineering sphere and has continued to expand ever since. Now, over 130 years later, the company is making just about anything and everything. They’ve ventured into a whole bunch of different tools and components for your house, your vehicle, and anywhere else that can make your life easier.
Hitachi & Bosch Parent Companies
The Hitachi Group
The Hitachi Group is the parent company of Hitachi. They own a wide variety of brands:
- Hitachi Vantara
- Hitachi Metals
- Hitachi Rail
- Hitachi Astemo
- Hitachi High-tech
- Hitachi Construction Machinery
- Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe)
- GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (co-owned by General Electric)
- Hitachi Global Life Solutions
- Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning
- Hitachi Digital Media Group
- Hitachi Plant Technologies
- Hitachi Communication Technologies America
- Hitachi Solutions America
- Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems
- Hitachi Transport System
- Hitachi Energy
Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH
Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH is the parent company of Bosch. They own a wide variety of brands:
- Bosch Tools
- AutoCrew
- Bosch Car Service
- ITK Engineering
- Robinair
- HC Cargo
- Zexel
- ETAS
- Dremel
- Siemens (under license)
- Neff GmbH
- Gaggenau Hausgeräte
- Energy and building technology
- Dynacord
- Electro-Voice
- Telex
- Worcester Bosch
- Junkers
Hitachi vs. Bosch: Brand Reputation & Cost of Tools
Here we’ll go over the reputations and cost of the tools of each brand.
Hitachi Reputation and Tool Affordability
Hitachi products are likely some of the best out there. The general consensus about Hitachi tools is that they are fairly high-end.
In general, these are the kinds of tools that a tradesman would use on a daily basis for larger jobs. Hitachi tools are known for being durable and long-lasting, often using top-of-the-line materials and components in their construction.
Now, this doesn’t mean hobbyists and DIYers can’t use them. They are more than good enough for occasional and lightweight use. With all of that being said, Hitachi tools are not exactly cheap, which is why hobbyists and DIYers usually don’t go with them. On the flip side, you’re also getting what you pay for with Hitachi.
Bosch Reputation and Tool Affordability
Bosch has a long history of high-quality products. This can be seen throughout all of their technological advances. Not just the power tools. In recent years, Bosch is a global engineering company. They’re established in over sixty countries. They’ve moved away from power tools, power tools are still available for purchase, but they’ve shifted their focus. Their focus is on technological services like surveillance and automotive.
The prices between these two brands do vary. Bosch has overall cheaper power tools than Dewalt. Bosch is often the go-to for those looking for a budget-friendly drill/driver and impact driver. This is because they offer a versatile setup. Their highest-quality products often include a laser level.
Hitachi vs. Bosch: Warranty Comparisons
Hitachi Warranty
All Hitachi tools are inspected before they leave the factories to ensure the highest quality for customers. If you are not satisfied with the tool within 30 days of purchase, please return the product with a receipt to the original place of purchase for a refund or replacement. This guarantee covers power tools only.
Lifetime Warranty
A Lifetime warranty is defined as the serviceable life of the product. This is defined as the period during which all components are available.
- Cordless Lithium Ion Blowers
- Cordless Lithium Ion Circular Saws
- Cordless Lithium Ion Driver Drills
- Cordless Lithium Ion Hammer Drills
- Cordless Lithium Ion Impact Drivers
- Cordless Lithium Ion Impact Wrenches
- Cordless Lithium Ion Jig Saws
- Cordless Lithium Ion Reciprocating Saws
Two Year Warranty
The product categories listed below are warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years from the original purchase date.
- Band Saws
- Belt & Disc Sanders
- Benchtop Metal Dry-Cut Saws
- Drill Presses
- Lithium Ion Batteries
- Planers
- Scroll Saws
- Table Saws
One Year Warranty
The product categories listed below are warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the original purchase date.
- Air Compressors
- Chargers
- Concrete Cutters
- Corded Grinders
- Corded Hammer Drills
- Corded Rotary Hammers
- Cordless Gas Nailers
- Cordless Grinders
- Cordless Rotary Hammers
- Demolition Hammers
- Generators
- NiCd & NiMH Batteries
- Radios
90-Day Warranty
The product categories listed below are warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of ninety days from the original purchase date.
- Bumpers
- Driver Blades
- Hammer Tackers
- Mallet Rubber Caps
- O-Rings
- Piston Cushions
- Ram Rubber Caps
- Ram Rubber Washers
- Shoe Base Pads
30-Day Warranty
The product category listed below is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of thirty days from the original purchase date.
- Accessory Products
Warranty coverage is conditioned upon the purchaser furnishing Hitachi or its Authorized Service Center with adequate written proof of the original purchase date.
Bosch Warranty
With Bosch, you get a 1-year limited warranty that says nothing is going to happen to your tools because of a manufacturer’s defect in the workmanship of the product.
They also stand behind their products for things like normal wear that causes defects in the unit (which they also attribute to a manufacturer defect). That’s not quite as long as you’re going to get with Makita, however.
Hitachi vs. Bosch: Tool Comparison
Hitachi Combo Kit
The Hitachi kit comes with three different tools, including a driver drill, an impact driver, and a flashlight. You’ll also get the bits you need, two different batteries, and a charger that gives you quick charging capabilities. In fact, you’re able to get back to work in just 40 minutes with this charger. On top of that, you’re getting a lifetime warranty, which not a lot of companies actually offer, and a bag to carry everything with you when you travel.
Bosch Combo Kit
The Bosch kit comes with a driver drill, impact driver, charger, and two batteries, plus a carrying case. If you have to travel anywhere and still need to work on any projects you’ll be able to do it easily. The warranty is short, at only one year, but you are going to get some great features to the tools themselves, including an 18-volt system that gives you a bit more power and capability overall.
Head to Head: Features and Benefits of Each Tool
Okay, we’ve figured out a little more about each of the tools, but what is it that’s really going to set them apart from one another? How do you know which one to go for?
Power
You’re going to get a good amount of power with the Hitachi at 12 volts, but it’s not quite as strong or powerful as the Bosch we’ll get to in a minute. It gives you an impact driver with up to 955 in. lbs. of torque as well as a driver-drill with 21 different torque settings.
It’s going to be a good amount of power, and, for most purposes, that’s definitely going to be what you need.
The Bosch set actually provides you with 18 volts of power as well as an impact driver with up to 1,500 in. lbs. of torque and a driver-drill with 600 in. lbs. of torque.
That means you’re definitely getting more power, and you’re going to have absolutely no problem with just about anything you want to do.
Price
You may actually be surprised at the pricing for either one of these tools because they’re both pretty great for that aspect.
They’re really close to the same price overall and they definitely come in toward the lower end of the price range for most tool sets like this. You’ll have plenty of quality for the price no matter which way you go as well.
Tool Options
Okay, so with the Hitachi set you’re getting three different tools, which are the impact driver, the driver drill, and the flashlight.
These three things are going to give you the versatility that you need for a number of different purposes and just about any kind of project.
You’ll also get the batteries you need to operate two of them at the same time (or get one charging while you use the other).
With the Bosch set, you’re going to have two tools, the impact driver and the driver drill, but you’re not going to get a flashlight. It’s still going to give you a pretty great amount of versatility, and flashlights aren’t that big of a deal to pick up somewhere else.
You’re still getting the two batteries, so you can use both of these tools at the same time or start the charging process right now and be ready when you need to swap out the battery.
Wrap Up
All right, so where does that leave us? We believe that Hitachi is definitely delivering something superior with this system. They’re going to give you three tools instead of one.
They’re also giving you a lifetime warranty, which is rare for a lot of tool brands. Plus, you’re getting a decent amount of power (though not quite as much as the Bosch and you’re getting a slightly lower price.
If the power is important to you, though, you’re not going to pay much more to get that Bosch system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hitachi and Bosch the same company?
No, Hitachi and Bosch are not the same company. They’re owned by separate parent companies.
Is Bosch good quality?
Bosch is often seen as one of the best tool brands that you can purchase today. They offer both brushless and brushed options, and the quality is great for DIYers and home use.
Are Hitachi tools worth buying?
Some Hitachi tool tests have found that their tools underperform when compared to other top tool brands. However, Hitachi offers incredible value for its tools.
Are Hitachi tools as good as Bosch tools?
For the most part, Hitachi has several tools that are right on par with Bosch tools, but there are some Bosch tools that are of higher quality than the Hitachi version.
Is Hitachi better than Bosch for cordless hand tools?
There isn’t a direct answer to this question. Bosch tools are of good quality and perform well. Hitachi tools are cheaper but can get the job done. However, one is technically better performance-wise. But Hitachi may be better for you if you’re just performing tasks around the house. Bosch makes excellent tools for heavy-duty projects and jobs, but if you don’t need that, why pay the extra money?
Do Bosch batteries fit Hitachi?
Although Bosch and Hitachi are in the same market space, they each have their own accessories, including batteries, to fit their tools. This is how companies ensure customer loyalty.
