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DeWalt 20V Drill/Driver Combo Kit vs Milwaukee M12 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit

Buy the DeWalt if you want one kit that covers full-size drilling and heavy fastening, with a 1/2-inch chuck and 20V power. Buy the Milwaukee M12 if you work overhead, in cabinets or in tight spaces and want the lightest tools that still drive screws hard. The DeWalt is the more conventional, proven brushed system with a huge battery ecosystem; the Milwaukee is brushless, smaller and lighter, and its impact driver out-torques the DeWalt's. Both hold 4.7 ratings, but the DeWalt has far more owner feedback behind it.

  • Choose the DeWalt 20V kit if you need a 1/2-inch chuck for big bits and hole saws, and want to stay in the widely available 20V MAX battery line.
  • Choose the Milwaukee M12 kit if you mostly drive screws and drill small holes in tight or overhead spots and want the smallest, lightest tools.

Prices

  • DeWalt 20V Drill/Driver Combo Kit: $149.00 at The Home Depot (last seen Nov 8)
  • Milwaukee M12 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit: $127.49 at West Marine (last seen Nov 2)
  • Difference: the Milwaukee M12 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit is $21.51 cheaper than the DeWalt 20V Drill/Driver Combo Kit at the latest prices (Nov 2 and Nov 8)
DeWalt
DeWalt 20V Drill/Driver Combo Kit

DeWalt 20V Drill/Driver Combo Kit

4.7(5,186 ratings)
$149.00at The Home DepotChecked 21 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit The Home Depot
Pros
  • 1/2-inch chuck takes large bits and hole saws
  • 20V MAX batteries share with a large DeWalt tool line
  • 15 clutch settings give fine control for driving
  • Two-speed gearbox with high top RPM
  • Long track record with thousands of owner ratings
Cons
  • Brushed motor wears faster and runs less efficiently
  • Heavier and longer than the M12 for overhead work
  • Bulkier in cabinets and tight framing
Milwaukee
M12 Subcompact Brushless 2-Tool Combo Kit

Milwaukee M12 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit

M12 Subcompact Brushless 2-Tool Combo Kit

4.7(559 ratings)
$127.49at West MarineChecked Nov 2
See all prices and details
Visit West Marine
Pros
  • Brushless motors for longer life and more runtime per charge
  • Drill under 2 lbs with battery; impact 1.7 lbs
  • Very short bodies for tight spaces and overhead work
  • Impact driver hits 1,100 in-lbs and 3,000 RPM
  • REDLINK overload and temperature protection, plus fuel gauge
Cons
  • 3/8-inch chuck limits big-bit drilling
  • 12V platform has less raw power for heavy drilling
  • Fewer owner ratings than the DeWalt kit

What separates them

DeWalt 20V Drill/Driver Combo KitMilwaukee M12 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit
MotorBrushedBrushless (FUEL)
Battery platform20V MAX, 1.3-1.5 Ah packsM12 12V, CP2.0 packs
Drill chuck1/2 in. ratcheting chuck3/8 in. metal chuck
Drill speedTwo speed, 0-600 / 0-2,000 RPMUp to 1,550 RPM
Impact torqueAbout 1,400 in-lbs1,100 in-lbs
Size and weightDrill 2.8 lbs bare; larger bodyDrill under 2 lbs with battery, 5.4 in. long; impact 4.3 in.
Clutch15 clutch settingsSingle-speed clutch collar
Owner feedback4.7 from 5,186 ratings4.7 from 559 ratings

Price history

$369.00$119.00
Nov 1Nov 10
  • DeWalt 20V Drill/Driver Combo Kit: lowest $119.00 on Nov 9 at Amazon; $369.00 on Nov 10.
  • Milwaukee M12 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit: lowest $127.49 on Nov 3 at West Marine.

Prices at every store

DeWalt 20V Drill/Driver Combo Kit

  • Northern ToolNew

    In stock

    $169.00Free shippingChecked 19 h ago
    Visit Northern Tool
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by mait_4087 (98.8% positive, 156 ratings)Ships from Japan · duties may applyReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $145.95Free shippingChecked 4 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • The Home DepotNew

    Availability unknown

    $149.00Free shippingChecked 21 h ago
    Visit The Home Depot
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $149.00Free shippingChecked 21 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 26 stores and price history →

Milwaukee M12 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit

  • Red Tools for ProsNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $149.00Checked 58 min ago
    Visit Red Tools for Pros
  • West MarineNew

    Availability unknown

    $127.49Checked Nov 2
    Visit West Marine
  • The Home DepotNew

    Availability unknown

    $149.00Checked Nov 2
    Visit The Home Depot
  • Platt Electric SupplyNew

    Availability unknown

    $159.00Checked Nov 2
    Visit Platt Electric Supply

Also available at

  • Quality Industrial SafetyCheck price at Quality Industrial Safety
  • Howard's Hardware HankCheck price at Howard's Hardware Hank
  • Magnuson LumberCheck price at Magnuson Lumber
All 7 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecDeWalt 20V Drill/Driver Combo KitMilwaukee M12 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit
Power SourceBattery, CordlessCordless
Number Of Tools22
Tool ComponentsImpact DriverM12 FUEL 12V Cordless Li-Ion 2-Tool Combo Kit
Battery Voltage20V12 Volts
Battery TypeLithium IonLithium Ion, Li-Ion
Number Of Batteries22
Motor TypeBrushedFUEL
Included AccessoriesChargerM12 Charger, Contractor Bag
Case IncludedYesYes
Case TypeContractor bagContractor Bag
Weight2.8 lbs (DCF885)3.65 Kilograms
Soft CaseYesYes
Show all 18 specsShow fewer specs
SpecDeWalt 20V Drill/Driver Combo KitMilwaukee M12 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit
SpeedTwo speed transmission (0-450 / 0-1500 RPM)—
MaterialBlend—
ColorsMulticolor—
Intended ApplicationDrilling—
Typical UsersProfessionals—
With Multiple Batteries—Yes

What reviewers say

DeWalt 20V Drill/Driver Combo Kit

  • 4.7 / 55,186 ratings

Rated 4.7 out of 5 across 5,186 ratings, buyers generally treat this as a solid compact kit. Praise centers on the small drill footprint, the impact driver's power and having two batteries on hand. Complaints tend to be about battery runtime on bigger jobs and the brushed drill motor.

What people mention
  • SizePraisedOwners like how short the drill head is for cabinets and tight framing.
  • PowerPraisedThe impact driver is described as strong enough for long screws and lag bolts.
  • Battery lifeMixedThe 1.3 Ah packs are fine for light work but run down fast on big jobs.
  • MotorCriticisedSome buyers wish the drill were brushless like DeWalt's higher-tier models.

Milwaukee M12 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit

  • 4.7 / 5559 ratings

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 559 ratings, buyers mostly praise the size, weight and power of both tools for everyday work. Complaints center on the small batteries running down under load and the kit shipping in a bag rather than a hard case.

What people mention
  • SizePraisedOwners say both tools are short enough to reach into cabinets and tight framing.
  • WeightPraisedBuyers report low fatigue, especially when working overhead.
  • PowerMixedThe impact is strong for 12V, but users say the drill struggles with large bits and heavy material.
  • Battery lifeCriticised

Questions and answers

Which is better for driving screws all day?
The Milwaukee. Its impact driver is lighter, shorter and brushless, so it is easier on the wrist overhead and runs cooler. The DeWalt impact has more torque, which helps on long lags and deck screws.
Which drills bigger holes?
The DeWalt. Its 1/2-inch chuck and 20V power handle hole saws and large bits that the M12's 3/8-inch chuck and 12V motor struggle with.
Which lasts longer?
The Milwaukee's brushless motors should outlast the DeWalt's brushed motors, and REDLINK protects against overload. The DeWalt's brushed motor is a wear item, though its batteries are cheap to replace.
Is the Milwaukee worth stepping up to?
Only if size and weight matter most. If you need one kit for framing, decking and big holes, the DeWalt covers more ground; the M12 is a compact complement, not a full replacement.
Can I use one battery line across both?
No. DeWalt uses 20V MAX packs and Milwaukee uses M12. Pick the platform whose other tools you already own or plan to buy.
Which is better for cabinet and trim work?
The Milwaukee. The short drill body and narrow impact fit inside cabinets and between studs where the DeWalt kit is too bulky.

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Buying guides that pick them

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The included CP2.0 packs run down fast under continuous load, so owners often buy larger M12 batteries.