Finding a tool brand that you can trust can be a difficult thing to do, especially when there are so many options to choose from. Milwaukee and Dewalt are two trusted brands that have been making power tools for years. They both provide excellent power tools but they have different approaches when it comes to their lineups – after all you need the best tools for whatever result you’re trying to get – whether it be renovating your bathroom or even building an outdoor kitchen.
In this article, we will be looking at both of these brands and finding out which one is better for you based on your individual needs. Let's dive deep into this topic.
Milwaukee or DeWalt – which brand is better?
Milwaukee and Dewalt are both known for making excellent power tools, but still, there is a huge difference between the two brands.
The first thing we have to mention is that DeWalt specializes in cordless power tools while Milwaukee focuses on corded ones. This means that if you're looking at buying a cordless tool, Milwaukee is the better choice.
However, as we mentioned earlier both companies make great corded tools and they can be used for a variety of purposes.
When it comes to durability and strength you won't go wrong with either brand, but if you need something that's going to last or if you're looking at applications for heavy-duty use, we would suggest going with Milwaukee.
One thing that you might not know is that Milwaukee's corded tools come with brushless motors. This means less power loss, increased durability, and a longer lifespan.
Another difference between the two brands is the range of prices they offer to their consumers. In terms of price, Milwaukee offers lower-end products so if you're looking at buying a cheap but good-quality tool for your home or light-duty work, then this brand should be enough for you. Although DeWalt has some cheaper models as well on average their products are more expensive.
If it comes down to design and ergonomics, both companies have designs on most of their tools that are so comfortable to use. But at the end of the day, we would have to go with DeWalt in this category as well because Milwaukee's smaller and lighter tools are not as ergonomic.
We also want to mention that both brands make great products for different budgets, but if you're looking for the best possible tool within your budget range, then Dewalt is the way to go.
For our article, we decided to focus on corded tools and cordless ones to be able to see which brand makes the better tools.
Milwaukee vs DeWalt – cordless tools comparison
The first thing we want to mention in this round is that DeWalt specializes in cordless power tools while Milwaukee focuses on corded ones. That means if you're looking for a good quality tool with no power source, then Dewalt is the perfect choice for you. However, not all of their tools work without an electric outlet. Let's find out what they have to offer:
Milwaukee has 3 different kits available:
M18 FUEL Super Hawg Sawzall Recip Saw And Demolition Blade Kit
The first one is a kit that consists of an orbital jigsaw and a reciprocating saw. Both tools are cordless so you will have to use them with batteries. Secondly, Milwaukee has an 18v pack, but it includes both the drill and the flashlight so it can come in handy if you're looking for a tool that doesn't need any other power source.
M18 FUEL 18V Li-Ion Cordless 1/2 Sheet Orbital Jig Saw-Tool Kit
The second package from Milwaukee is made for those who want two strong cordless tools at once. This set consists of an impact driver which as its name suggests is a driver, not just a regular drill. So if you're looking for something to take out screws or bolts, you will be delighted to hear that this package is one of the best Milwaukee tools out there.
M18 & M12 Multi-Voltage Charger Starter Kit
The last package includes most of what you need if you're looking for some cordless power tools. It consists of an impact driver, flashlight, and charger. All in all, these are great sets with different purposes and features as well. However, one of the sets comes with two strong cordless tools and both can be used for heavy-duty work. These are perfect for construction workers or any person who might want to use their power tools in hard conditions. The other set is also good but it lacks the drill from the previous one because it's included in the first one. So if you already have this powerful drill, buying only an impact driver and the charger would be enough for you.
Milwaukee vs Dewalt – corded tools comparison.
One of the most important things in a power tool is its battery so let's take a look at what each company has to offer.
On average Dewalt offers more batteries with their tools than Milwaukee does. For example, Dewalt offers 3 different packs: two 20v Max ones and one 18v pack. However, this doesn't mean that all of Dewalt's tools work with any of their batteries. Not all of their tools can be used with any battery. That's because some of them are only compatible with certain packs.
M18 Fuel 5-Tool Combo Kit
This is a great kit containing all that you might need from Dewalt. It has 3 different drills/drivers, one impact driver, and a flashlight. Also, it includes two 20v Max batteries which make it perfect for those who already have some other Dewalt tool using the same kind of battery.
On the other hand, this kit doesn't include an impact wrench which is one of the best Dewalt tools out there, or at least according to most customers' reviews. So if you're looking for something more versatile, this package might not be for you.
Dewalt 20v Max 5-Tool Combo Kit
If you don't already own a Dewalt tool then this might be the best choice for you because it has everything that you might need from Dewalt. Like the previous one, this package includes 3 different drill/drivers and one impact driver, but it also adds an impact wrench which is much more powerful than the previous kit's impact wrench. It also includes two batteries so you will have all that you need. The only drawback would be its price.
This is one of their most expensive kits, but in return, you get great features that work with almost any other Dewalt tool out there. This way even if you later want to buy another tool, these batteries will still work with it.
Milwaukee 20v Max M18 Fuel 5-Tool Combo Kit
This is another great package that offers almost everything that you might need from Milwaukee and that's why we recommend this kit for those who already have some other Milwaukee tools. This way all the batteries from this kit are compatible with other tools which makes them very versatile. Also, it has one of their best tools included – the impact wrench.
It includes three different cordless drills/drivers, but there is no flashlight included in this package. Although, most customers won't mind it because even without a flashlight they feel like there is enough power for any job out there. The only drawback would be its price because on average these sets cost about $50 more than Dewalt's sets.
In short, this is another tough battle between the companies. The reason why we chose Milwaukee's set as a winner in this comparison is that it has everything that you might need from one cordless kit and it also includes one of their best tools – the impact wrench.
So if you already own some other Milwaukee power tool, buying only this kit would save you around 50 bucks and it will give you enough power for all kinds of tasks out there thanks to its two large batteries.
Makita vs DeWalt – Cheap cordless combo kits comparison.
Now let's take a look at some cheap yet still very powerful cordless combos.
Dewalt 20v Max 5-Tool Combo Kit
This is one of DeWalt's most popular cordless kits because it has everything that you might need from their drills and drivers. It includes three different drills/drivers plus an impact driver which makes this kit very versatile. Also, you get two large batteries for the whole package so even if you want to buy another power tool in the future, these batteries will still work with it. On average this package costs around $300.
Makita LCT200W Cordless Combo Kit
Although this is Makita's cheapest combo kit, it still offers a lot for its price. For example, all four tools are brushless which ensures great battery life and also performance. You get two small batteries which should be enough for some small tasks. All tools are very compact and lightweight which makes them great for people who need to use them all day long. This package costs around $200 on average.
Final thoughts on Dewalt vs Milwaukee
These two companies give exceptional strength in their products so you can get things done fast. While the choice between Milwaukee and DeWalt is not always an easy one, it helps to know the subtle difference between these two companies.
We hope that in this article, you got an insight to help you make a good choice when choosing the right tools for your specific needs.
Finally, check out this article on how to organize your tools in order to get the most out of them.
