Milwaukee vs Dewalt Cordless Drill: Specs, Differences & Price

Key Takeaways

• Milwaukee®'s M18 FUEL line leads on raw power, with the 2904-22 delivering sustained torque through concrete, masonry, and dense hardwood, making it the top choice for demanding professional use.
• Milwaukee®'s entry-level 2606-20 is a bare tool with no batteries or charger included, making it best suited for homeowners who already own M18 batteries and want an affordable way to expand their setup.
• DeWALT®'s DCD771C2 is the strongest pick for beginners; it ships complete with two 1.3 Ah batteries, a charger, and a tool bag, covering everything a first-time buyer needs to get started right away.
• The DeWALT® DCD778E1 POWERSTACK pairs a brushless motor with POWERSTACK battery technology in a 2.5 lb package, delivering genuine hammer drill capability for tradespeople who need compact performance in tight spaces.
• GenuineTools stocks all four drills, authentic and factory-sealed, up to 60% off MSRP, shipped from a US warehouse with 1-business-day handling and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Milwaukee® or DeWALT® Cordless Drills: Here's What You Need to Know

When choosing between Milwaukee® and DeWALT® cordless drills, the right pick depends on your budget, the materials you work with, and the battery platform you're building around.

Milwaukee® prioritizes raw power; its M18 FUEL 2904-22 tops this comparison with a brushless motor, 2,100 RPM, and two 5.0 Ah batteries included. The entry-level 2606-20 is a bare tool only, making it best for those already in the M18 ecosystem. DeWALT® offers a more beginner-friendly entry point with the DCD771C2, which ships complete with two batteries, a charger, and a bag. For compact hammer drill performance, the DCD778E1 POWERSTACK brings brushless power at just 2.5 lbs.

We'll cover all four drills in detail below: specs, pricing, and best-use cases, so you can match the right tool to your actual needs.

Authentic Professional Tools Up to 60% Off MSRP. Why Contractors & DIYers Choose GenuineTools! Get Milwaukee®, DeWALT®, Ring, etc tools at unbeatable prices. Highly rated by verified customers who trust authentic equipment. Why Choose GenuineTools: 100% authentic and factory-sealed tools Brand-new inventory in the original retail packaging Save up to 60% off retail (competitors offer only 10%–30% off) Bulk buyers are especially welcome with special incentives Personalized customer service from real tool experts 1 business day handling for all orders from our US warehouse 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Full refund for defective or unopened items; opened items may be subject to a restocking fee. Shop GenuineTools Now →

Milwaukee® Cordless Drills

Milwaukee® builds around one idea: maximum power in the most compact package possible. The M18 FUEL line pairs brushless motor technology with REDLINK PLUS intelligence to prevent damage from heat and over-discharge. Standard M18 drill/drivers offer the same battery compatibility at a lower price point for occasional home use.

Milwaukee® M18 Compact Drill/Driver (2606-20)

The Milwaukee® 2606-20 works best for homeowners who need a lightweight cordless drill for general drilling. 

The Milwaukee® 2606-20 is a tool-only bare unit built on the M18 platform, designed to deliver solid performance without the bulk of a full hammer drill. It punches above its weight class for a standard drill/driver, making it a smart pick for homeowners who already own M18 batteries or want an affordable entry into the ecosystem.

Specs

• Voltage: 18V (M18 platform)
• Chuck Size: 1/2 in. keyless
• Max Speed: 1,800 RPM
• Motor Type: Brushed
• Battery/Charger: Tool only (no battery included)
• Weight: 3.32 lbs
• Features: Keyless chuck, LED light, variable speed

Price

The 2606-20 is listed at $91.99 at GenuineTools, 34% off the $139.00 MSRP. If you already own M18 batteries, that price makes it one of the most cost-effective ways to add a capable drill/driver to your setup without paying for redundant batteries and a charger.

Best For

The 2606-20 is ideal for homeowners who need a lightweight, everyday drill for general drilling and fastening tasks, such as hanging shelves, assembling furniture, or tackling basic home repairs. It's not built for heavy masonry or drilling large-diameter holes, but for standard residential jobs, it delivers reliable, consistent performance.

Milwaukee® M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill Driver Kit (2904-22)

The 2904-22 model comes as a full hammer drill kit complete with batteries, a charger, and a hard case. 

This is Milwaukee®'s flagship hammer drill kit, and it earns that title. The 2904-22 is engineered for professionals and serious DIYers who need top-tier performance across tough materials  (concrete, brick, dense hardwood) without sacrificing maneuverability. At just 6.9" in length, it's the most compact hammer drill in its class while still delivering class-leading power.

Specs

• Voltage: 18V (M18 FUEL platform)
• Chuck Size: 1/2 in. keyless
• Max Speed: 2,100 RPM
• Motor Type: Brushless (POWERSTATE™)
• Batteries Included: Two 5.0 Ah batteries
• Charger Included: Yes
• Case: Hard case included
• Features: REDLINK PLUS™ intelligence, LED light, variable speed
• Weight: 4.91 lb

Price

The 2904-22 is listed at $239.99 on GenuineTools and ships brand new in original retail packaging, including two 5.0 Ah batteries, a charger, and a hard case. Buying those batteries separately would cost significantly more.

Best For

This drill is built for homeowners and tradespeople who regularly work with demanding materials. It can handle drilling into concrete footings, driving large lag screws, or doing frequent overhead work where fatigue is a real concern.

DeWALT® Cordless Drills

DeWALT® has dominated job sites and garages for decades, and its 20V MAX platform is one of the most widely adopted cordless tool ecosystems in the world. Where Milwaukee® leans into raw power density, DeWALT® focuses on balancing performance, ergonomics, and battery innovation, and most recently with POWERSTACK technology.

DeWALT® DCD771C2 20V MAX Drill/Driver 

The DCD771C2 is an entry-level drill kit that comes with a tool bag, a charger, and a pair of batteries. 

The DCD771C2 is DeWALT®'s entry-level kit, and it's one of the most popular cordless drills on the market for good reason. At approximately 3.6 lbs, it comes fully loaded with two 1.3 Ah batteries, a charger, and a tool bag, everything a homeowner needs to get started without hunting for accessories separately.

Specs

• Voltage: 20V MAX (lithium-ion)
• Chuck Size: 1/2 in. keyless
• Max Speed: 1,500 RPM
• Motor Type: Brushed
• Batteries Included: Two 1.3 Ah batteries
• Charger Included: Yes
• Bag Included: Yes
• Power Output: 300 UWO (unit watts out)
• Features: Keyless chuck, variable speed, 2-speed transmission

Price

The DCD771C2 is listed at $107.99 on GenuineTools and ships brand new in original sealed retail packaging with two 1.3 Ah batteries, a charger, and a tool bag. Every battery you add from here works across 200+ DeWALT® 20V MAX tools.

Best For

The DCD771C2 is the go-to pick for first-time homeowners, renters, or anyone tackling light-to-medium DIY projects. This drill handles everyday home tasks (such as assembling furniture, hanging curtain rods, and drilling pilot holes) cleanly and reliably.

DeWALT® DCD778E1 POWERSTACK 20V MAX Brushless Hammer Drill

The DCD778E1 runs on DeWALT®'s POWERSTACK battery, delivering serious performance. 

The DCD778E1 pairs a brushless motor with DeWALT®'s POWERSTACK battery. At just 2.5 lbs, it delivers genuine hammer drill capability in a compact package. The two-speed transmission handles both high-torque fastening and fast drilling through wood and metal.

Specs

• Voltage: 20V MAX (lithium-ion)
• Chuck Size: 1/2 in. keyless
• Max Speed: 1,650 RPM
• Motor Type: Brushless
• Battery Included: One POWERSTACK 1.7 Ah (DCBP034)
• Charger Included: Yes (DCB107)
• Bag Included: Yes
• Weight: 2.5 lbs
• Features: LED light, variable speed, 2-speed transmission, hammer drill mode

Price

The DCD778E1 is listed at $159.99 on GenuineTools and ships brand new in original sealed retail packaging, with one POWERSTACK 1.7 Ah battery, a charger, and a kit bag included. For extended heavy-duty use, pairing it with a higher-capacity 20V MAX battery is worth considering.

Best For

The DCD778E1 is the right tool for homeowners and tradespeople who need hammer drill performance in a compact package. It performs things like drilling anchor bolts into concrete, punching through brick, or driving heavy fasteners into dense lumber, which are tasks where a standard drill/driver runs out of steam fast.

Milwaukee® vs DeWALT® Cordless Drills: Comparison Table

Get Your Milwaukee® & DeWALT® Cordless Drills from GenuineTools

Milwaukee® and DeWALT® both build drills worth owning; the right choice comes down to your work, your materials, and the battery ecosystem you're committing to. GenuineTools stocks authentic Milwaukee® M18 and DeWALT® 20V MAX cordless drills at up to 60% off MSRP, all factory-sealed and shipped from a US warehouse with 1-business-day handling.

A verified customer review praising GenuineTools for fast shipping, quality products, and excellent customer service.

Every order arrives in original retail packaging, so you know exactly what you're getting. Thousands of contractors and DIYers trust GenuineTools for authentic tools at prices competitors simply can't match. Browse the full cordless drill lineup and find the right tool for your next project at GenuineTools today.

Shop for cordless drills at GenuineTools!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Milwaukee® More Powerful Than DeWALT®?

Milwaukee®'s M18 FUEL line leads in raw power, with the 2904-22's POWERSTATE™ brushless motor built for sustained performance through concrete, brick, and dense hardwood. DeWALT®'s DCD778E1 with POWERSTACK closes the gap for everyday tasks. Power only becomes a deciding factor when drilling large-diameter holes through concrete repeatedly.

Can I Use Milwaukee® Batteries on DeWALT® Drills?

No, Milwaukee® M18 batteries are not compatible with DeWALT® 20V MAX drills, and vice versa, because each brand uses a proprietary connection system. Whichever platform you start with, you're committing to that battery ecosystem for every tool you add afterward. If you already own batteries from one brand, staying in that ecosystem almost always makes more financial sense than switching.

Is DeWALT® or Milwaukee® Better for Beginners?

DeWALT® has a slight edge for beginners, as kits like the DCD771C2 ship with two batteries, a charger, and a bag at an accessible price. Milwaukee®'s entry-level 2606-20 is sold as a bare tool, so first-time buyers need to budget for batteries separately.

What Does Brushless Motor Mean and Why Does It Matter?

A brushless motor removes the carbon brushes traditional motors use to transfer electrical current, resulting in less friction, less heat, and less wear over time. In practical terms: more runtime per charge, longer tool lifespan, and stronger performance under load. For harder materials or longer work sessions, the brushless option is worth the extra cost.

Does GenuineTools Stock Milwaukee® and DeWALT® Lineups Beyond Cordless Drills?

Yes, GenuineTools carries both brands well beyond drills, including impact drivers, circular saws, reciprocating saws, batteries, chargers, and complete combo kits across both the M18 and 20V MAX platforms. Building out either ecosystem from one trusted source also simplifies warranty tracking and order management as your collection grows. Visit GenuineTools to browse the full range and find the right tools for your next project.

*Note: Pricing and/or product availability mentioned in this post are subject to change. Please check the GenuineTools website for current pricing and stock information before making a purchase.