Milwaukee vs Metabo HPT vs DEWALT Cordless Drill: Which First?

Last reviewed 2026-11-14

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Quick verdict

If you're hunting for cordless drill deals, these three drills suit different shoppers. Here's the short version of which to check first:

• Check the DEWALT first if you want the most complete starter kit. DEWALT DCD771C2 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit ships with two batteries, a charger and a contractor bag, plus a 3-year limited warranty.
• Check the Milwaukee first if you want the highest torque rating and a compact body. Milwaukee M18 1/2" Compact Drill/Driver (2606) is rated at 500 in-lbs and measures 7-1/4 in long. Its kit contents vary, so read the listing closely.
• Check the Metabo HPT first if you want a clearly defined kit and a detailed spec sheet. Metabo HPT 18V Cordless Drill Driver Kit (DS18DFX) includes a 2.0Ah battery, charger and bag, and it has a 22+1 position clutch.

A note on how we got here: we have not used any of these three drills. Everything below comes from manufacturer specifications and product listings, not our own hands-on testing. We also don't list prices, because they change. Compare the current price and kit contents on the listing yourself.

Side-by-side of the facts

Some points the table can't show:

• Torque ratings aren't directly comparable across all three. Milwaukee and Metabo HPT publish in-lbs figures. DEWALT lists 300 unit watts out, which is a different measure. Don't read it as higher or lower than the others.
• Milwaukee's specs are for the bare 2606 drill/driver. The Amazon link is the 2606-21CT kit. Milwaukee's figures cover the drill, not necessarily everything in the box, so check what batteries and charger come with it.
• DEWALT doesn't state battery capacity (Ah) on the manufacturer page. Check the listing before you buy.
• The Metabo HPT has a brushed motor, per its product listing. It's also the longest of the group at 8.4 in.

Who should choose each

Milwaukee M18 2606: for the shopper who wants the most torque in a compact body

Milwaukee M18 1/2" Compact Drill/Driver (2606) has the highest torque rating of the three at 500 in-lbs. It has a 1/2" metal chuck, an all-metal gear case and two speed ranges (0-400 and 0-1,800 RPM). Milwaukee also lists REDLINK Intelligence overload and temperature protection.

The tradeoffs are about the system and the kit. This drill is part of M18, so it only works with M18 batteries. That's fine if you already own some or plan to add other M18 tools. If you're buying your first cordless tool, it's a longer commitment. Kit contents also differ between 2606 variants, so a bargain on one listing may not be a bargain on another if the box holds less.

Metabo HPT DS18DFX: for the shopper who wants a defined kit and finer clutch control

Metabo HPT 18V Cordless Drill Driver Kit (DS18DFX) comes with a 2.0Ah battery, charger and bag, and the spec sheet is the most complete of the three. The 22+1 position clutch plus drill mode gives you fine control when you drive screws. It weighs 2.9 lbs without the battery. It also accepts MultiVolt 18V and 36V batteries, which could matter if you later add tools on that platform.

The downsides are the brushed motor and the 8.4 in length. If working in tight spaces is a priority, the Milwaukee's 7-1/4 in body may suit you better. It also ships with one battery, where the DEWALT kit has two.

DEWALT DCD771C2: for the first-time buyer who wants a spare battery

DEWALT DCD771C2 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit is a compact 20V MAX kit with two batteries, a charger and a contractor bag. Having a second battery on hand is useful on a longer project, because you can swap one in while the other charges. It has a two-speed transmission (0-450 and 0-1,500 rpm) and a 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck. The warranty is a 3-year limited warranty, with 1 year of free service and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.

DEWALT positions it for light to medium household work, not daily professional use. That fits hanging shelves, assembling furniture and typical home repairs. Because the Ah rating isn't on the manufacturer page, confirm the battery size on the listing so you know what you're getting.

How to compare a drill deal

Whichever drill you're leaning toward, a few checks help more than the headline number:

1. Count what's in the box. A drill with two batteries and a charger can be a better value than a cheaper listing for the bare tool, because you'd need to buy batteries separately.
2. Match the battery platform to your plans. Batteries for one brand won't fit another. If you might add a saw or impact driver later, think about which system you want to stay with.
3. Don't over-buy torque. For hanging pictures and building flat-pack furniture, any of these ratings is a reasonable starting point. A clutch and a low speed range matter more for driving screws without stripping them.
4. Confirm the exact model number on the listing, especially for the Milwaukee, where kits vary.

Final recommendation

For most bargain shoppers buying a first household drill, check the DEWALT DCD771C2 first. You get two batteries, a charger, a bag and a clearly stated warranty. That's the most to work with out of the box if the listing's price is right.

If you already own M18 batteries, or you want the highest torque rating and the shortest body, check the Milwaukee 2606 first. Confirm which kit you're looking at before you buy.

If you want a defined kit with a clutch you can tune closely, check the Metabo HPT DS18DFX. It's a reasonable pick if you're comfortable with a brushed motor and a longer body.

All three are recommended from manufacturer specifications and product listings rather than our own testing. Verify the current price, kit contents and battery details on each listing before you commit.