Which is better for tight spaces?

The Sub-Compact kit. Its body is 6.2 inches long and 2.7 lbs with the battery, against 8.4 inches and 2.9 lbs without a battery for the DS18DFX.

Which has more power?

The Sub-Compact kit, but only slightly: 485 in-lbs at 1,700 RPM versus 470 in-lbs at 1,250 RPM. The bigger gap is the brushless motor.

The Sub-Compact kit should, because brushless motors have no brushes to wear out. The DS18DFX's brushed motor is cheaper to replace but wears sooner.

Is the DS18DFX worth the same $99?

Only if you value the fuel gauge and vibration-reducing grip. At the same price the Sub-Compact kit gives you two batteries, a faster charger and a brushless motor.

Do both use the MultiVolt battery system?

Yes. Both run on Metabo HPT 18V MultiVolt batteries, and the DS18DFX can take the 18V/36V MultiVolt pack for longer runtime.

How many batteries do I get?

Two 1.5Ah batteries with the Sub-Compact kit, one 2.0Ah battery with the DS18DFX.

Metabo HPT 18V MultiVolt Sub-Compact Driver Drill Cordless Combo Kit vs Metabo HPT DS18DFX 18V Cordless Drill Driver 1/2-Inch 2.0Ah Li-Ion Battery Kit

Both kits cost $99 as of November 3, 2026: the Metabo HPT 18V MultiVolt Sub-Compact kit at Amazon and the DS18DFX at Zoro.com. Buy the Sub-Compact kit for a lighter, shorter, brushless drill with two batteries and a 40-minute charger. Buy the DS18DFX if you want a fuel gauge, a vibration-reducing grip and a brushed motor you can service cheaply. On paper the Sub-Compact wins on size, speed and battery count for the same money.

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