ConsFirst / Cordless drills / Compare
DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit (PowerStack) vs DeWalt Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit (PowerStack) ranks higher (#2 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on power, battery & charging. DeWalt Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit wins on size & handling, kit value.
The biggest complaint about the DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit (PowerStack) is expensive; for the DeWalt Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit it's not built for heavy, all-day work. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit (PowerStack) | DeWalt Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in cordless drills | #2 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Drill/driver | 12V compact |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 4% | 3% |
| Overall score | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Power | 5.0 | 3.5 |
| Size & handling | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Battery & charging | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Kit value | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Durability | 4.0 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $80 · $$ $80–180 · $$$ over $180. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit (PowerStack)
- Expensive
HGTV lists its price as the main drawback; it isn't the cheapest drill on its list.
Source: HGTV - Soft bag, not a hard case
HGTV says the included bag could be bigger and better and would have preferred a hard case.
Source: HGTV - A bit bulkier than the Milwaukee
Wirecutter, which previously recommended it, says it is a little larger than the Milwaukee M18 compact and that the movable LED adds bulk without adding much in long-term use.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
DeWalt Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit
- Not built for heavy, all-day work
Wirecutter says it isn't powerful enough for all-day aggressive work and can't drill masonry. Its 18V upgrade pick drilled five 1-inch holes in 20 seconds; this drill took a full minute and often bound up. HGTV lists slow drilling and driving as a con.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), HGTV - 3/8-inch chuck limits bit size
HGTV lists the 3/8-inch chuck as a con. HGTV also says the LED could be better, but Wirecutter found its low-mounted LED lit the work better than most.
Source: HGTV, Wirecutter (NYT) - Battery and early-failure reports
Amazon's review summary rates battery life as mixed, with some owners reporting charging problems. Several 1-star Walmart reviews describe batteries that wouldn't hold a charge, a drill that stalled or started smoking, and a slow mail-in warranty process.
Who should pick which
Pick the DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit (PowerStack) if
Demanding DIY jobs with big bits and long screws
Working in dim spaces (aimable 20-minute LED)
Owners of DeWalt 20V batteries
Skip it if: You're on a budget; You want a hard case; You want the shortest possible 18V/20V drill
Pick the DeWalt Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit if
Most home repairs and furniture assembly
Smaller hands or overhead work
A first drill that stands up on its own
Skip it if: You'll build decks or drill lots of big holes; You need a 1/2-inch chuck or masonry drilling; You already own 18V/20V batteries from another brand
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.