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Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit vs DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit (PowerStack)
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on size & handling, kit value, durability. DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit (PowerStack) wins on power.
The biggest complaint about the Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit is bulky battery, basic led; for the DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit (PowerStack) it's expensive. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit | DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit (PowerStack) | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in cordless drills | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Type | Drill/driver | Drill/driver |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 5% | 4% |
| Overall score | 4.3 | 4.1 |
| Power | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| Size & handling | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Battery & charging | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| Kit value | 3.5 | 3.0 |
| Durability | 4.5 | 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
Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit
- 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.
- Not the strongest in its class
In HGTV's drilling and driving tests the DeWalt DCD800 outperformed it; HGTV placed it second.
Source: HGTV
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)
Who should pick which
Pick the Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit if
Bigger DIY projects (decks, framing, remodels)
Lots of large holes and long screws
Starting on the Milwaukee M18 platform
Skip it if: You only hang shelves and assemble furniture; You want the lightest possible drill; You need a hammer mode for concrete
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
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