Is Milwaukee Better Than Dewalt? What The Pros Say

I’ve been using DeWalt power tools for nearly 20 years, and I keep coming back to them because of the trust I’ve built in the brand and the consistent quality of their tools. However, there’s a newer contender making waves in the UK market: Milwaukee. Although they’ve only been trading in the UK for a relatively short time, they’re offering a competitive range of power tools that many professionals are now choosing as the centrepiece of their toolkits.

Key take aways from this article:

• Milwaukee and Dewalt produce a very similar range of tools
• Milwaukee tends to hold the edge in terms of power, speed and torque
• Dewalt holds the edge in terms of reliability
• Dewalt price points are generally more attractive
• Milwaukee offer a longer standard warranty

Read on to find out what the professional prefer.

Milwaukee has been in the power tool industry since the early 1920s, with a solid reputation for designing innovative tools that meet the needs of professionals and serious DIYers.

DeWalt, founded in 1923, is known for its cutting-edge tools tailored to both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. However, DeWalt is generally more recognised in the UK, as it has been trading here for many years before Milwaukee entered the market. Visit the Dewalt history timeline here.

The ultimate question still remains. Is Milwaukee better than Dewalt?

My Power Tool Experience and History

I started out my professional handyman career as an AV technician installing digital signage and audio systems for the conference and events industry. I used my trusty Dewalt combi drill on a daily basis and relied on it to deliver when I needed it. My first ever professional quality power tool was the Dewalt DC727, and I live by it. It was like an extension of my arm. It went to every show with me for four years and then onto my next role as a self employed handyman. It eventually got retired after nearly 10 years when the battery finally died. That’s pretty impressive!

At the time, I had to decide whether to replace the battery or invest in a new drill. Switching to another brand never even crossed my mind. I was so impressed with DeWalt’s quality and durability that I bought another DeWalt drill, which I’ve now had for nearly eight years. Over time, my collection of DeWalt tools has grown, and they all conveniently run on the same batteries.

I have, however, strayed from DeWalt a few times, purchasing some Makita tools and renting various specialized Milwaukee tools for more complex jobs. My best friend is a die-hard Milwaukee fan, and we often have spirited debates over which brand is better. Here are the key points from our discussions, along with insights gathered from colleagues, friends, family, and other tradespeople.

Beyond brand performance, tool storage can make or break your workflow—read my in-depth modular tool storage comparison to see which system pros rely on.

Is Milwaukee Better Than DeWalt? A Comprehensive Look for Power Tool Buyers

If you’re in the power tool market, deciding between brands like Milwaukee and DeWalt can feel overwhelming. Both brands are well-respected in the industry and often compared side by side, particularly for their reliability, performance and range of tools. Whether you’re planning to use them for home improvement projects or more demanding tasks, choosing between Milwaukee and DeWalt depends on these key factors.

Milwaukee vs. DeWalt: The Ongoing Debate

Here is a roundup of all the points I’ve discussed with friends, colleagues and other likeminded users of these two brands.

1. Price

DeWalt tends to have the edge when it comes to pricing. Many people note that Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel tools, while high quality, often come at a steeper price than DeWalt’s 18V Max XR series. For example, a standard Milwaukee drill may be priced noticeably higher than a comparable DeWalt model. If you’re on a tight budget or looking for good value, DeWalt might be the more affordable option. Here’s a direct comparison between entry level impact drivers.

However, some tools from both brands are priced similarly depending on the type and platform. If you’re considering more specialised tools, such as DeWalt’s FlexVolt series, they can be more expensive than Milwaukee’s comparable products, depending on the specific tool.

2. Performance

When comparing power and torque between Milwaukee and DeWalt tools, particularly their drills and impact drivers, the results can vary depending on the specific tool models. However, here are some general insights:

Power (Voltage)

• DeWalt offers its tools primarily in the 18V Max and 60V FlexVolt systems. The 18V Max is equivalent to 18V in practice, while the FlexVolt tools can switch between 18V and 60V, offering more versatility and power for larger tools like miter saws and grinders.
• Milwaukee focuses on its M18 (18V) system, known for delivering high power, and its M12 (12V) system for more compact, lightweight tools. Milwaukee has also introduced the MX Fuel line, which provides power comparable to corded or gas-powered tools for larger industrial applications.

Torque

• Milwaukee tends to lead the pack for most of their tools in terms of torque, especially with its M18 Fuel line, which features brushless motors designed for high power and efficiency. For example, their M18 Fuel impact wrench (M18 ONEFHIWF34-502X FUEL 18V) delivers up to 1627Nm (Newton meters) of nut-busting torque, one of the highest in the industry.
• DeWalt also offers competitive torque, particularly in their 18V Max XR line, which includes high-performance brushless motors. There is one example in Dewalt’s range that does outpower Milwaukee, the DeWalt 1/2″ DCF900H2T-GB 18V High Torque Impact Wrench delivers up to 1,898Nm of breakaway torque, which is slightly higher than Milwaukee’s top models. Apart from this one model however, Dewalt impact drivers and drills tend to be slightly lower in speed and torque.

Bear in mind that the high torque examples above are for the specialist impact wrench users on heavy worksites, not general day to day use. Read on below for some more general impact driver results.

3. Tool Selection

Milwaukee is highly regarded for its innovation and breadth of tools, especially in tradesmen-specific categories. Its M18 and M12 platforms are incredibly versatile, covering a wide range of tasks. For those who work in trades such as plumbing or electrical, Milwaukee’s broad selection of specialty tools is appealing.

DeWalt also offers a vast range of tools and has been a long-time leader in the market. The company’s 18V Max XR platform covers most homeowner and professional needs, from drills and drivers to saws and grinders. One advantage DeWalt has is their FlexVolt line, which offers tools that can run on both battery and AC power, making them extremely versatile for high-demand tasks.

4. Durability and Build Quality

Many users believe that DeWalt tools are slightly more durable when it comes to withstanding abuse on the job. For example, I’ve heard stories of someone dropping a DeWalt miter saw from an eight-foot height, and it came away unscathed. I’ve also heard mention that Milwaukee tools have experienced issues with motors and broken handles, though these may be outlier cases rather than widespread problems. Overall, both brands manufacture durable, high-quality tools, but DeWalt may have a slight edge in certain cases of wear and tear.

5. Battery Life and Compatibility

Battery life is crucial for any power tool user. Milwaukee’s M12 line is considered the leader in the 12V market, and their batteries are known for their longevity. DeWalt, on the other hand, neglected the 12V market for a while, giving Milwaukee the advantage here. However, DeWalt’s 18V Max and FlexVolt systems are robust and provide long-lasting power.

Another thing to consider is the cross-compatibility of tools and batteries. Milwaukee’s M18 tools are not compatible with their M12 batteries, meaning you’ll need separate chargers and batteries for each line. DeWalt offers more flexibility here, as some of their accessories, such as radios and chargers, are compatible across their 12V and 18V Max platforms. This is something to keep in mind if you want a more streamlined battery system for all your tools.

6. Ergonomics and Feel

A recurring theme among power tool users is that ergonomics matter just as much as performance. You’ll be handling these tools for extended periods, so comfort and ease of use are essential. I would suggest visiting a hardware store and physically picking up the tools to see which fits your hand better. Milwaukee tools tend to have a more rugged, industrial feel, while DeWalt is known for slightly more comfortable, ergonomic designs.

7. Warranty

When investing in power tools, warranty coverage is something to consider. Milwaukee offers a 5-year warranty on most of its tools, while DeWalt offers 3 years. Depending on how often and intensely you use your tools, a longer warranty could be a deciding factor.

Newbie Drill Buyers: Milwaukee or DeWalt?

If you’re specifically in the market for a drill, both brands have excellent options. Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel line is often touted as the best in terms of power and innovation, especially with features like One-Key for tracking and managing tools. However, DeWalt’s 18V Max XR drills are well-known for their reliability and slightly lower price point, making them great for those who want high performance without breaking the bank.

Let’s take a quick look at the impact drivers as an example of power and speed.

In head-to-head comparisons, Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel impact drivers often outperform DeWalt’s 18V Max XR impact drivers in torque, speed and power. The highest torque impact driver from Dewalt, the DCF887N-XJ 18V, delivers a maximum torque of 205Nm (Newton meters) and an impact rate of 3800ipm compared to Milwaukee’s, M18FID2-0 18v M18 impact driver which delivers 226Nm of torque and 3900ipm.

Without me going into a science lesson, you can find our what a Nm (Newton meter) is here. IPM stand for impacts per minute. It’s the number of times the hammer hits the anvil in one minute. You can read my other article about impact drivers here.

In terms of reliability, common themes that user’s point out is that DeWalt seems to take more hits and keep working, while Milwaukee has more frequent issues with motors and plastic parts breaking. For a new buyer, especially if you’ll be using the tool around the house with occasional heavy work, DeWalt offers an affordable and durable solution.

Final Verdict: Which is Better?

Deciding between Milwaukee and DeWalt ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you value cutting-edge technology, high power, and don’t mind paying a premium for specialized tools, Milwaukee might be the better option. Milwaukee’s tools tend to offer more power, speed, and torque, making them ideal for demanding projects and tradespeople.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for reliability, affordability, and a solid range of tools that stand the test of time, DeWalt may be a better fit. DeWalt is a well-established brand with a long history in the UK, offering excellent durability and more attractive price points. Their tools are known for being robust and long-lasting, which is why I, along with many other professionals, continue to trust DeWalt after decades of use.

For those just starting out, DeWalt provides a great balance of performance and value, especially with their reliable 18V Max XR series. However, if you’re already planning future projects or need specialized tools, Milwaukee’s M18 and M12 platforms offer unmatched versatility and cutting-edge innovation. Milwaukee’s longer standard warranty is another factor that might sway your decision.

In the end, both Milwaukee and DeWalt are reputable brands that produce high-quality tools. You can’t go wrong with either—just choose based on what feels best in your hands, fits your budget, and aligns with your long-term goals. Whether you prioritize Milwaukee’s power and torque or DeWalt’s durability and affordability, both brands are worthy contenders in the power tool market.

Reader Feedback

It’s important to share our experiences as a community. So, I’ve dedicated this section to include feedback from my readers and like-minded professionals.

Feedback from Philip C on 15/09/2025 via email:

“Hi Ben, if you google Dewalt vs Milwaukee your article comes up quite high on the list, which makes it quite important.

For general DIY use, in general, I agree with what you say. I have a DeWalt 1/2″ impact, angle grinder, drill and the screwdriver impact thing, and really like them.

However, there is one exception, and that is serious car mechanics.

For car mechanics you really can’t beat the Milwaukee M12 line. Whoever specified that line of tools really, really understands car mechanics. I think that they are only bettered by SnapOn, but they are silly money.

I have the M12 Fuel 3/8″ impact, and the 3/8″ extended fuel ratchet, and they are outstandingly good for working on cars.”

My response:

Philip makes a great point here. While DeWalt is a solid choice for general DIY and construction use, the Milwaukee M12 line really shines in automotive work. The compact size, torque, and thoughtful design make these tools especially well-suited for mechanics. If you’re working on cars regularly, Milwaukee is hard to beat unless you step up into Snap-On territory, which, as Philip rightly points out, comes with a much steeper price tag.

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Ready to find out which modular storage system comes out on top in 2025? Dive into my Milwaukee PACKOUT vs. DeWalt ToughSystem: Best Modular Tool Storage Compared article for expert insights.