DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 vs Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18
Both made our Best Brad Nailer 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only if you want cordless 20V Max -- no hose drag for trim work throughout a house or shop. Choose the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) if you'd rather have milwaukee FUEL brushless motor provides the most consistent drive power of any cordless nailer. Overall we rank the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Brad Nailer 2026 list.
Winner overall: DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only
DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only vs Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 8 in Best Brad Nailer 2026 | #3 of 8 in Best Brad Nailer 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | Best Milwaukee |
| Brand | DeWalt | Milwaukee |
| Key features | 20V Max battery; 18-gauge; Tool-free depth adjust | M18 battery; 18-gauge; FUEL motor |
| Biggest strength | Cordless 20V Max -- no hose drag for trim work throughout a house or shop | Milwaukee FUEL brushless motor provides the most consistent drive power of any cordless nailer |
| Main trade-off | Bare tool only -- requires 20V Max battery purchased separately or as a kit | Bare tool only -- requires M18 battery |
| Best for | buyers who want the best overall package | Most buyers |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Best Overall
Choose the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only if…
- Cordless 20V Max -- no hose drag for trim work throughout a house or shop
- Dry-fire lockout prevents the tool from operating when the magazine is empty
- Tool-free depth adjustment for different material hardness
Best for: buyers who want the best overall package
Prefer the alternative? See the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) section.
#3 pick · Best Milwaukee
Choose the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) if…
- Milwaukee FUEL brushless motor provides the most consistent drive power of any cordless nailer
- M18 battery ecosystem for Milwaukee tool users
- Tool-free jam clearing -- rotate the nose to access and clear a jammed brad
Prefer the alternative? See the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only section.
Pros and cons of each
DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only
Pros
- Cordless 20V Max -- no hose drag for trim work throughout a house or shop
- Dry-fire lockout prevents the tool from operating when the magazine is empty
- Tool-free depth adjustment for different material hardness
- The most recommended cordless brad nailer by finish carpenters and woodworkers
Cons
- Bare tool only -- requires 20V Max battery purchased separately or as a kit
- Battery weight adds heft vs a pneumatic nailer
Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only)
Pros
- Milwaukee FUEL brushless motor provides the most consistent drive power of any cordless nailer
- M18 battery ecosystem for Milwaukee tool users
- Tool-free jam clearing -- rotate the nose to access and clear a jammed brad
- The most recommended Milwaukee cordless nailer by finish carpenters
Cons
- Bare tool only -- requires M18 battery
- Higher price than DeWalt equivalent
DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only vs Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only): common questions
Which is better, the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only or the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only)?
Choose the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only if you want cordless 20V Max -- no hose drag for trim work throughout a house or shop. Choose the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) if you'd rather have milwaukee FUEL brushless motor provides the most consistent drive power of any cordless nailer. Overall we rank the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Brad Nailer 2026 list.
What is the difference between the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only and the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only)?
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only stands out because cordless 20V Max -- no hose drag for trim work throughout a house or shop, while the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) stands out because milwaukee FUEL brushless motor provides the most consistent drive power of any cordless nailer. The trade-offs differ too: the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only's main caveat is that bare tool only -- requires 20V Max battery purchased separately or as a kit, and the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only)'s is that bare tool only -- requires M18 battery.
Is the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only worth it over the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only)?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) instead if bare tool only -- requires 20V Max battery purchased separately or as a kit is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) instead of the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only?
The Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) suits buyers whose priorities match its strengths, while the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only is best for buyers who want the best overall package.