DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless vs Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8-inch Drill/Driver
Both made our Best Mini Cordless Drill 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 XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 if you want 265 in-lbs torque is enough for 1/2-inch wood drilling and most fastener driving. Choose the Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8-inch Drill/Driver Kit if you'd rather have 35% faster drilling and fastening than the prior generation Milwaukee compact drill. Overall we rank the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Mini Cordless Drill 2026 list.
Winner overall: DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2
DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 vs Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8-inch Drill/Driver Kit compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 8 in Best Mini Cordless Drill 2026 | #3 of 8 in Best Mini Cordless Drill 2026 |
| Pick label | Best Overall | Best Professional |
| Brand | DEWALT | Milwaukee |
| Key features | 12V MAX motor with 265 in-lbs torque; 3/8-inch chuck; 2-speed transmission | M12 brushed motor; 275 in-lbs torque; All-metal locking chuck |
| Biggest strength | 265 in-lbs torque is enough for 1/2-inch wood drilling and most fastener driving | 35% faster drilling and fastening than the prior generation Milwaukee compact drill |
| Main trade-off | 12V platform, less battery compatibility with 20V DEWALT tools | Higher price than DEWALT 12V equivalent |
| Best for | buyers who want the best overall package | Most buyers |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Best Overall
Choose the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 if…
- 265 in-lbs torque is enough for 1/2-inch wood drilling and most fastener driving
- 3/8-inch chuck handles most standard drill and driver bits
- 2-speed transmission: low for driving, high for drilling
Best for: buyers who want the best overall package
Prefer the alternative? See the Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8-inch Drill/Driver Kit section.
#3 pick · Best Professional
Choose the Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8-inch Drill/Driver Kit if…
- 35% faster drilling and fastening than the prior generation Milwaukee compact drill
- All-metal locking chuck is more durable than plastic alternatives on competitive compact drills
- Redlink Li-ion electronics protect against overload and overheating
Prefer the alternative? See the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 section.
Pros and cons of each
DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2
Pros
- 265 in-lbs torque is enough for 1/2-inch wood drilling and most fastener driving
- 3/8-inch chuck handles most standard drill and driver bits
- 2-speed transmission: low for driving, high for drilling
- Two batteries included, one working, one charging at all times
Cons
- 12V platform, less battery compatibility with 20V DEWALT tools
- Smaller battery capacity than 18V alternatives, shorter run time per charge
Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8-inch Drill/Driver Kit
Pros
- 35% faster drilling and fastening than the prior generation Milwaukee compact drill
- All-metal locking chuck is more durable than plastic alternatives on competitive compact drills
- Redlink Li-ion electronics protect against overload and overheating
- Milwaukee M12 platform, compatible with 100+ M12 tools
Cons
- Higher price than DEWALT 12V equivalent
- M12 batteries not compatible with M18, separate battery ecosystem
DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 vs Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8-inch Drill/Driver Kit: common questions
Which is better, the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 or the Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8-inch Drill/Driver Kit?
Choose the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 if you want 265 in-lbs torque is enough for 1/2-inch wood drilling and most fastener driving. Choose the Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8-inch Drill/Driver Kit if you'd rather have 35% faster drilling and fastening than the prior generation Milwaukee compact drill. Overall we rank the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Mini Cordless Drill 2026 list.
What is the difference between the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 and the Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8-inch Drill/Driver Kit?
The DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 stands out because 265 in-lbs torque is enough for 1/2-inch wood drilling and most fastener driving, while the Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8-inch Drill/Driver Kit stands out because 35% faster drilling and fastening than the prior generation Milwaukee compact drill. The trade-offs differ too: the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2's main caveat is that 12V platform, less battery compatibility with 20V DEWALT tools, and the Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8-inch Drill/Driver Kit's is that higher price than DEWALT 12V equivalent.
Is the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 worth it over the Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8-inch Drill/Driver Kit?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8-inch Drill/Driver Kit instead if 12V platform, less battery compatibility with 20V DEWALT tools is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8-inch Drill/Driver Kit instead of the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2?
The Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8-inch Drill/Driver Kit suits buyers whose priorities match its strengths, while the DEWALT XTREME 12V MAX Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD701F2 is best for buyers who want the best overall package.