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Milwaukee

Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit: the downsides first

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#1 of 8
$$$Drill/driverScore 4.3/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (478 ratings). The Amazon listing is the bare tool (3601-20), not the 2-battery kit. The 2-star row read 0%.

A short, comfortable 18V drill that works far faster than 12V models and lasted Wirecutter's tester a full day on one battery. It costs more, and HGTV found the battery bulky and the LED basic.

In the box: 2 x M18 REDLITHIUM CP2.0 batteries, multi-voltage charger and contractor bag (Milwaukee)

Top complaints

  • Bulky battery, basic LED

    HGTV liked it a lot but says the wide battery spoils its sleek, compact frame and the LED is basic.

    Source: HGTV
  • Chuck operation

    Chuck operation is a mixed aspect in Amazon's review summary.

    Source: Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Not the strongest in its class

    In HGTV's drilling and driving tests the DeWalt DCD800 outperformed it; HGTV placed it second.

    Source: HGTV

What owners love

  • Much faster than 12V drills

    It drilled five 1-inch holes in 20 seconds versus a minute for the DeWalt 12V, and Wirecutter calls it the drill it reached for over all the others during a kitchen remodel.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Very short and comfortable

    At 5.625 in. it is one of the shortest drills Wirecutter has tested, at 3 lb 3 oz with a battery, and it has an excellent handle and belt hook. HGTV says it feels like a high-quality product.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), HGTV
  • All-day battery

    Wirecutter's tester drilled 83 1-inch holes on one charge and framed a wall, installed a pocket door and hung five sheets of drywall on a single battery.

    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
Good for
  • Bigger DIY projects (decks, framing, remodels)
  • Lots of large holes and long screws
  • Starting on the Milwaukee M18 platform

Scores (tap for why)

  • Power4.5
    Why 4.5?About three times faster than a top 12V drill (Wirecutter); HGTV calls it extremely powerful but a step behind the DeWalt DCD800.
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), HGTV
  • Size & handling4.5
    Why 4.5?Extremely short at 5.6 in. with great ergonomics (Wirecutter), though the battery is bulky (HGTV) and it weighs 3.2 lb.
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), HGTV
  • Battery & charging4.5
    Why 4.5?83 holes on one charge, nearly three times the DeWalt 12V, and among the best of the 18V/20V drills Wirecutter tested.
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
  • Kit value3.5
    Why 3.5?About $199 for two batteries, a charger and a bag (Wirecutter, Milwaukee): more than 12V kits but in the normal compact 18V range.
    Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Milwaukee official product page
  • Durability4.5
    Why 4.5?Feels high quality (HGTV), durability is an Amazon positive, and it carries a 5-year tool warranty.
    Source: HGTV, Amazon.com product page, Milwaukee official product page

What experts say

  • Wirecutter (NYT): Upgrade pick for tougher jobs: much faster with far longer battery life than 12V drills, while keeping great ergonomics.
  • HGTV: Runner-up (tested as the 3601-20 with a 2Ah battery): compact, comfortable and powerful. The battery is bulky and the LED is basic.
Check price on AmazonMaker's pageWe don't list prices — they change daily. Paid link.

If that catch is a deal-breaker

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#2 in cordless drillsDeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit (PowerStack)

HGTV's most powerful and most comfortable drill, with a uniquely useful adjustable LED. It is pricey, comes with a soft bag, and Wirecutter found it a bit larger than the Milwaukee M18 compact.

Its catch: expensive#3 in cordless drillsMakita 18V LXT Brushless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver 2-Piece Combo Kit (4.0Ah)

A pro-grade kit with huge battery stamina, a hammer mode for masonry and an impact driver included. It's heavy and bulky for small jobs, costs more, and some owners report the mode selector sticking.

Its catch: bulky, heavy and expensive#4 in cordless drillsDeWalt Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit

Experts call it the most comfortable small drill they've tested, with enough power for nearly any household job. Its limits are a 3/8-inch chuck, slower drilling than 18V/20V drills, and some owner reports of battery or motor failures.

Its catch: not built for heavy, all-day work

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