DEWALT DCK277D2 Drill & Impact Driver Kit vs Milwaukee M12 Subcompact 2-Tool Combo Kit

The Milwaukee M12 kit is the better pick for tight-space work and overhead jobs: its drill is 5.4 inches long and its impact driver is only 4.3 inches long, both lighter than the DEWALT pair. The DEWALT 20V MAX kit wins on raw power and on sharing batteries with the larger 20V line: 340 unit watts out on the drill and 1,500 in-lbs on the impact driver, against 350 in-lbs and 1,100 in-lbs for the M12. Owners of both rate the build well; the Milwaukee carries a 4.7 out of 5 from 559 ratings, and the DEWALT is the more common choice for general construction and deck work. Neither has a hammer mode, so skip both for concrete.

• Choose the DEWALT 20V MAX kit if you want more torque, a 1/2-inch chuck, and batteries that fit the rest of DEWALT's 20V lineup.
• Choose the Milwaukee M12 kit if you work overhead or in cabinets and tight spaces and want the smallest, lightest pair of tools.