Which is better for heavy drilling?

The Milwaukee. It delivers 500 in-lbs of torque at up to 1,800 rpm with a brushless motor. The DeWalt lists 300 unit watts out and tops out at 1,500 rpm.

Which is better for home use?

The DeWalt is enough for hanging shelves and assembling furniture, and it costs far less. Its 1.3 Ah batteries run down faster, so keep the charger handy.

Is the Milwaukee worth the extra money?

Yes if you use a drill often or on a jobsite. The brushless motor, metal gear case and higher torque justify the gap for regular work. For occasional tasks the DeWalt saves about $118.

The Milwaukee is built for it, with a brushless motor and all-metal gear case. DeWalt reviews are split, with some owners reporting failures and others reporting years of hard use.

The DeWalt, at 2 lb against 2.5 lb for the Milwaukee. That matters for overhead work, though the Milwaukee's LED light helps in dark spaces.

Do both kits include batteries and a charger?

Yes. The DeWalt includes two 1.3 Ah batteries, a charger and a bag. The Milwaukee includes two 2.0 Ah batteries, a charger and a carrying case.

DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit vs Milwaukee M18 Cordless 1/2" Drill/Driver Kit (2801-20)

Buy the Milwaukee 2801-20 if you want more torque, a brushless motor and a metal gear case for regular jobsite work. Buy the DeWalt DCD771C2 if you want a light, cheap second drill for home tasks. The Milwaukee is $199.90 at Amazon as of November 5, 2026, against $81.57 for the DeWalt at GPS Tools & Equipment. The DeWalt has sold as low as $39.00, so watch its price history before paying full price.

Today the DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit costs $118.33 less at its best price.

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