Bosch 12V Max Drill/Driver Kit vs Bosch 18V Brushless Drill/Driver Kit

The Bosch 18V GSR18V-400B12 is the stronger drill: 400 in-lbs of torque, a 1/2 in all-metal chuck and 1,900 RPM against the 12V PS31's 265 in-lbs, 3/8 in chuck and 1,300 RPM. The PS31 wins on size and kit value: it weighs about 1.8 lbs, has a 7 in head length, and ships with two 2.0 Ah batteries, while the 18V kit lists one battery despite a spec sheet that says two. Owners of both report solid build and smooth triggers; the 12V is the one people reach for overhead and in cabinets, and the 18V is the one that drives long screws and bores holes without stalling.

• Choose the Bosch 12V Max PS31 if you want a light, compact driver for cabinet work, electrical and overhead jobs, and you value getting two batteries in the kit.
• Choose the Bosch 18V GSR18V-400B12 if you need more torque, a 1/2 in metal chuck and faster drilling, and you mostly work at a bench or on framing.