DEWALT vs Milwaukee: Which Power Tool Brand to Pick
DEWALT vs Milwaukee. This is the Ford vs Chevy of the power tool world, and people have strong opinions. Here's the honest take: both make excellent tools, and you won't go wrong with either. But they have different strengths that matter depending on what kind of work you do. DEWALT has the edge for DIYers and weekend warriors. Their 20V MAX line is massive — drills, saws, sanders, you name it — and the prices are generally a bit lower. The 20V MAX Drill/Driver Kit at $99 is one of the best entry points into cordless tools, period. DEWALT also tends to be easier to find at big box stores, which matters when you need something today. Milwaukee's FUEL line is where pros tend to land. The brushless motors run cooler and last longer under heavy daily use. Their M18 ecosystem is enormous, and the M12 compact line is genuinely brilliant for tight spaces. Milwaukee also wins on innovative features — their ONE-KEY app lets you track and customize tools digitally. But you'll pay more upfront. If you're building a deck once a year, DEWALT is the smart buy. If tools are your livelihood, Milwaukee is worth the investment.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit | Drill | Two batteries included | Buy on Amazon |
| Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Cordless Combo Kit (2-Tool) | Drill | Brushless motors for power and efficiency | Buy on Amazon |
| DeWalt 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit | Impact-Driver | Powerful 1400 in-lbs torque | Buy on Amazon |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-Tool Combo Kit | Combo-Kit | Seven professional tools | Buy on Amazon |
| DEWALT 20V MAX Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit | Multi-Tool | Quick-Change blade system | Buy on Amazon |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2-Inch Drill Driver | Drill-Driver | 1,200 inch-pounds of torque | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
Compact lightweight drill with 300 UWO of power handles drilling and fastening for home projects. Two-speed transmission with 15 clutch settings gives precise control for different materials. Includes two 20V MAX batteries, charger, and bit.
- Two batteries included
- Compact and lightweight
- 15 clutch settings
- Trusted DEWALT brand
- Not for heavy-duty construction
- LED light placement could be better
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Cordless Combo Kit (2-Tool)
Compact drill driver and impact driver combo kit powered by M12 FUEL brushless motors for professional performance in a sub-compact size. Includes two batteries, charger, and contractor bag. POWERSTATE brushless motors deliver more power than standard tools.
- Brushless motors for power and efficiency
- Sub-compact size fits tight spaces
- Two batteries included
- Professional-grade quality
- 12V less powerful than 18V for heavy jobs
- Battery compatibility limited to M12 line
DeWalt 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit
Compact and lightweight impact driver with 1400 in-lbs of torque. 3 LED lights with 20-second trigger release delay for work area illumination. One-handed bit loading with 1/4-inch hex chuck. Includes 20V MAX battery, charger, belt hook, and bag.
- Powerful 1400 in-lbs torque
- Compact and lightweight
- 3 LED lights
- Professional quality
- Only 1 battery included
- Loud during operation
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-Tool Combo Kit
Complete professional tool kit with drill, impact driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, grinder, multi-tool, and work light all on the M18 battery platform. POWERSTATE brushless motors deliver more power and longer runtime than brushed alternatives.
- Seven professional tools
- Brushless motors throughout
- Two batteries included
- M18 ecosystem compatibility
- Significant investment
- Heavy carrying bag
DEWALT 20V MAX Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
Versatile cordless oscillating tool for cutting, sanding, scraping, and grinding in tight spaces. Quick-Change accessory system swaps blades without tools. Dual- grip variable speed trigger for precision control. Battery and charger included.
- Quick-Change blade system
- Variable speed control
- Extremely versatile
- Battery and charger included
- Vibration can be fatiguing
- Blades are consumable cost
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2-Inch Drill Driver
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2803-20 drill driver uses a POWERSTATE brushless motor, REDLINK PLUS intelligence, and REDLITHIUM battery compatibility to deliver 1,200 inch-pounds of torque in a compact 7.28-inch length. All-metal ratcheting chuck provides repeatable bit tightening and the 60 clutch settings give precise control for delicate fastening tasks. The fastest drilling speed in its class at 2,000 RPM.
- 1,200 inch-pounds of torque
- Compact 7.28-inch length
- 60 clutch settings for precision
- Battery not included
- Premium price vs. entry-level drills
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a beginner, DEWALT or Milwaukee?
DEWALT, and it's not really close for beginners. The 20V MAX Drill/Driver Kit is affordable, reliable, and comes with everything you need to get started. Milwaukee's stuff is fantastic but it's priced for professionals. Start with DEWALT, and if you outgrow it, then consider switching.
Are DEWALT and Milwaukee batteries interchangeable?
Nope. This is the big catch with cordless tools — once you buy into a battery platform, you're kind of locked in. DEWALT uses 20V MAX, Milwaukee uses M18 or M12. There are third-party adapters out there, but we don't recommend them. Pick a platform and commit.
Which brand has more tool options?
It's roughly a tie for the common stuff. Both have drills, impact drivers, saws, sanders, and grinders. Milwaukee edges ahead in specialty tools — they make cordless versions of things you didn't know existed, like a cordless tire inflator and a heated jacket. DEWALT's lineup is plenty deep for most people though.
Do DEWALT tools go on sale often?
Yeah, DEWALT runs sales pretty frequently, especially during holiday weekends and Prime Day. You can often snag a drill kit with two batteries for well under $100. Milwaukee has sales too, but the discounts tend to be smaller. DEWALT is generally the better deal if you're price-sensitive.