The neck-to-neck Milwaukee vs. DeWalt comparison will not seem foreign to regular DIY tool users. Truth is, everyone seems to have an opinion as to which brand is best.
So when new power tool users start asking questions like, “Is Milwaukee better than DeWalt?” or “Is Milwaukee and DeWalt the same company?”, they end up getting misleading answers. Not because one brand is so bad, but because the opinions that mislead them are from ignorant brand loyalists.
Now, here is the good news: we've been victims of these ignorant opinions, and we desperately want you to avoid them. So, we got tools from both brands, put them to objective tests, and came up with this Milwaukee vs. DeWalt review to end your search and answer all your queries. It promises to do a world of good. Read up.
Home Maker Guide created for informational purposes only. Thus, we neither endorse you in any way to buy specific products in our reviews, nor making you act like it’s written in our guides. We are reserving the rights for you to make your personal decision.
ARCHIE ADAMS
Editor-in-Chief of the Home Maker GuideComparison Milwaukee vs. DeWalt is not as easy as it tends to seem on the surface. The Big Red family (Milwaukee) and the Yellow and black (DeWalt) manufacturer do the most. Just when consumers seem to have seen it all, these brands turn up with their next big innovation. It’s overwhelming.
Before we proceed to compare, let’s give you a brief overview of both brands.
Milwaukee Tool, based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a popular power tool brand. The brand started with an improved version of the Hole-Shooter. It has, however, grown to be a reliable force in the hand-tool industry.
The DeWalt power tool company is owned and operated by Stanley Black and Decker. The American Company started in the “1920s” and is popularly known for its products in the manufacturing, construction, and woodwork industries. For a fact, both brands are some of the best drill brands in the construction industry.
When it first started in 1924, Milwaukee introduced a light-weight, handy and portable version of the Hole-Shooter. Ever since, the company has lived up to its standard of quality, convenience, and reliability. Asides’ pioneering the Bluetooth tool technology with the Milwaukee One-Key, the brand is also known for putting the lithium-ion battery to special use. Milwaukee power tools and products like M12 and M18 FUEL products are second to none.
In 2011, DeWalt expanded its horizon to hand tools, and in 2013, it started manufacturing mechanics tools. The company later debuted the FlexVolt, a hybrid voltage battery pack that powers the best of DeWalt battery tools.
The answer to whether DeWalt or Milwaukee offers the best warranty options will depend largely on the consumer’s concept of best. DeWalt offers a 3-year limited warranty on cordless tools, a 90-day money-back guarantee, and a 1-year service free contract. Certain DeWalt tools reviews tend to believe the company offers the best, and Milwaukee tools reviews tend to tilt in favor of Milwaukee.
Milwaukee was founded by Albert F. Siebert after he lost his former company to a fire. In 2005 however, Techtronic Industries, a Chinese company acquired Milwaukee Electric Tools and they operate it to date. Well, if you have questions like “where are Milwaukee tools made?” you should know that their tools are made in the USA and Hong Kong.
Raymond E. DeWalt originally started the DeWalt Company in 1923. Now operated by Black & Decker Inc., the power tool brand is largely based in the USA, with its headquarters in Towson, Maryland.
Comparison Milwaukee vs. DeWalt will not be deemed complete without a side-by-side comparison of cordless drills and other products from both brands. So here goes something:
In a DeWalt vs. Milwaukee hammer drill debate, you should note that both brands are top in this category. Both brands have their hammer drills made of ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck with carbide inserts.
This Milwaukee electric tool model is a heavy-duty hammer drill made of nitro-carburized metal and is covered in plastic. It comes with a five-year warranty, in-built Lithium-Ion batteries, and a power drill replacement part.
This DeWalt electric tool model is a hammer brushless hammer drill that weighs about 4 pounds. It is known for its super drilling speed, maximum application speed, and 3-Mode LED lighting.
Milwaukee 2408-20 | DeWalt 20V MAX XR | |
Power Source | Battery | Battery |
Battery build | In-built | Separate from device |
LED Lightening | Yes | Yes |
Weight (pounds) | 4.5 | 4 |
Voltage | 18 volts | 20 volts |
Product Dimension(LxWxH) | 5x9x11inches | 4x10x8 inches |
Warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
In this category, our vote is for the Milwaukee 2408-20. Though it is slightly heavier than the DeWalt model, it also carries heavier duty. The cordless drill battery is made to last longer and is built with a battery-indicator for the duration of each charge.
For this category, we have Milwaukee vs. DeWalt impact drivers. Both brands are known to produce impact drivers with brighter lighting, variable speed triggers, and a one-handed easy grip sleeve.
This brushless impact driver is not only fast, but it is also safe. The grip sleeve made of rubber is soft textured, and you can still firmly hold on to it even in slippery conditions. This Milwaukee power tool also has a straight drive configuration and a no-load RPM of 0-250.
Milwaukee 2656-20 M18 | DeWalt 20V MAX XR | |
Power Source | Battery | Battery |
Battery build | In-built | Separate from device |
Torque capacity (inch-pounds) | 1500 | 200 |
Weight (lbs) | 2.3 | 2 |
Voltage | 18 volts | 20 volts |
Product Dimension(LxWxH) | 2.93×5.69×7.58 inches | 8x3x5.88 inches |
Drive size (inch) | 1/4 | 1/4 |
After placing this Milwaukee tool vs. DeWalt side by side, our verdict lies with DeWalt. It’s lighter, faster, is built with better lighting, and it even comes with a belt clip. Unlike it’s Milwaukee counterpart, this DeWalt model is designed with an adjustable variable trigger.
Angle Grinders are used to cut and grindstone, concrete, masonry, and steel. To perform a task as tedious as this, you deserve a power tool brand to make your work easier. Here is a side-by-side comparison of two angle grinder models from the best cordless tool brands. A careful study should influence your choice.
This angle grinder model is designed to grind faster and last 10x than regular angle grinder batteries. It’s also built with an easy-to-use hex clutch for convenience at whatever angle. This Milwaukee Electric tool is built with Redlithium technology and is 100% tool-free.
This DeWalt power tool adds a switch up the angle grinder game. It is designed with a kickback brake and a power loss reset system for your safety. It’s also lighter than the Milwaukee counterpart and is battery powered.
Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 | DeWalt DCG405B | |
Power Source | Electricity | Battery |
Weight (lbs) | 5 | 4.48 |
Voltage | 18 volts | 20 volts |
Product Dimension(LxWxH) | 2.3×12.9×7.6 inches | 12.91×6.28×4.92 inches |
Tool warranty | 5 years | 3 years |
In our most candid opinion, the DeWalt brand has a better angle grinder. The kickback brake reduces the grinder’s speed in less than 2 seconds as soon as it senses a stall event. This cordless drill model combines safety and efficiency.
Cutting woods on a professional scale is a lot easier with table saws. It allows for finesse and easier cutting. Finding the best table saw on the market will save you unnecessary stress. That’s why this Milwaukee vs. DeWalt category will compare table saws from both brands.
This Milwaukee electric tool table saw model is a brushless motor designed with Redlink Plus Intelligence. This table saw can rip 4×8 plywood sheets. The OSB Rack & Pinion fencing system allows for square cuts & easy adjustments.
Like other DeWalt power tools, this model provides cutting at its best with all the safety you need. The table saw is designed with a metal roll-cage base, OSB rack & pinion telescoping fencing, and a power-loss reset feature.
Milwaukee 2736-21HD | DeWalt DCS7485B | |
Power Source | Battery | Battery |
Weight (lbs) | 55 | 45 |
Size | 8-1/4 | 8-1/4 volts |
Product Dimension(LxWxH) | 15x27x24 inches | 12.9×23.8×23.8 inches |
RPM | 6300 | 5800 |
In this Milwaukee tools vs. DeWalt category, it’s the Milwaukee model for us. It produces finer cuts, in a shorter time at a speed of 6300RPM.
For this Milwaukee vs. DeWalt contest, we’ll be placing circular saws from both brands side-by-side.
This circular saw has a brushless motor, electric brake, and an integrated rafter hook for easy storage. It is also built with an integrated dust port and LED light.
Unlike its counterpart, this DeWalt power tool is corded and powered by electricity. It optimized the Lithium-ion battery cell type and has a bevel capacity of 57degrees.
Milwaukee 2631-20 M18 | DeWalt DCS570B | |
Power Source | Cordless | Corded |
Blade size | 7-1/4” | 7-1/4” |
RPM | 5000 | 5200 |
Weight (lbs) | 7.5 | 7.5 |
Voltage | 18 volts | 20 volts |
Product Dimension(LxWxH) | 13x11x7 inches | 11x8x10 inches |
Though the DeWalt power tool brand is corded and has a higher voltage rating, it is still our preferred model. This is because it cuts at a faster speed, and we all need speed in our lives.
We are down to reciprocating saws, and like another comparison Milwaukee vs. DeWalt; we are still placing models neck-to-neck.
This Milwaukee electric tool is cordless and tends to deliver finer cutting compared to corded saws. It is built with onboard LED lights and a reduced heat system for extended life.
A peculiar feature of this DeWalt electric tool is its lightweight. It comes with LED Lights, a variable speed trigger, and an anti-slip comfort grip.
Milwaukee 2720-20 M18 | DeWalt DCS367B | |
Power Source | Cordless | Battery |
SPM | 3,000 | 0-2900 |
Weight (lbs) | 7.55 | 5 |
Voltage | 18 volts | 20 volts |
Product Dimension(LxWxH) | 5.8x17x3 inches | 14.5x6x7inches |
For us, it is the Milwaukee brand. Though it is slightly heavier than the DeWalt toolbox, it is more efficient.
In this category, we want to see if DeWalt or Milwaukee can do a better job at cutting that thick oak tree.
This wood router from one of the best drill brands serves you with easy and clean cuts, accurate depth, and optimum speed. It is built with a variable speed dial option and LED Lights for workspace illumination.
This cordless wood router is built with a plastic base and dual led lights for illumination. It cuts at a super-fast speed and is designed with a soft start motor.
Milwaukee 2723-20 M18 | DeWalt SCW600B | |
Power Source | Battery | Cordless |
RPM | 31,000 | 16,000-25,500 |
Weight (lbs) | 2.95 | 2.6 |
Voltage | 18 volts | 20 volts |
Product Dimension(LxWxH) | 4.79×3.23×6.86inches | 8.38×5.82×5.75inches |
Not so tough category, because the Milwaukee electric tool wood router outruns DeWalt in terms of cutting speed. DeWalt will, however, cut thicker oaks.
In all, this comparison Milwaukee vs. DeWalt should influence your decision and not dictate it. Both tools are good in their respect. DeWalt rules in terms of lightweight and product dimension. Milwaukee power tools do better in terms of speed. So go for which works for you. Enjoy.