9 Best Milwaukee Cordless Drills (October 2026)

The best Milwaukee cordless drills include the Milwaukee M18 2606-21CT Compact Drill Driver Kit for a ready-to-go M18 kit, the Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver (Bare Tool) for drilling masonry, and the Milwaukee 2691-22 M18 Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit for two-tool value.

On this page (6 sections)

1. How we chose the best Milwaukee drills
2. Milwaukee cordless drill picks by use
3. How do you choose between Milwaukee M12 and M18 drills?
4. Should you buy a Milwaukee hammer drill or a regular drill?
5. Is a Milwaukee combo kit a better buy than one drill?
6. Which Milwaukee drill should you choose?

The best Milwaukee cordless drill for most buyers is the M18 2606-21CT Compact Drill Driver Kit, because it includes one battery and a hard case. For masonry, choose an M18 or M12 hammer drill; for two tools in one purchase, consider the 2691-22 combo kit.

Milwaukee's M12 and M18 lines include regular drill/drivers, hammer drill/drivers and kits with multiple tools. Choose based on your battery platform, the materials you drill and whether you need a battery in the kit.

Start with the cordless drill buying guide if you're comparing brands. For a closer look at Milwaukee's battery platforms, read Milwaukee M12 vs M18 drills.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for a ready-to-go M18 kit

   Milwaukee M18 2606-21CT Compact Drill Driver Kit

   8.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for drilling masonry

   Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver (Bare Tool)

   8.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for two-tool value

   Milwaukee 2691-22 M18 Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit

   8.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Milwaukee 2903-20 M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Drill/Driver (Tool Only)

   Best for high-load drilling
   Check it
5. 5

   Milwaukee 3404-20 M12 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver (Bare Tool)

   Best for compact masonry work
   Check it
6. 6

   Milwaukee 3601-20 M18 Compact Brushless Drill/Driver (Tool Only)

   Best for compact everyday drilling
   Check it
7. 7

   Milwaukee 3602-20 M18 Compact Brushless Hammer Drill/Driver (Tool Only)

   Best for compact M18 hammer drilling
   Check it
8. 8

   Milwaukee M18 Compact 1/2 in. Drill Driver (Tool Only)

   Best for a basic M18 spare
   Check it
9. 9

   Milwaukee M12 Subcompact Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver

   Best for tight spaces
   Check it

How we chose the best Milwaukee drills

We compared the products' stated features, tool types, platforms, kit contents and torque or speed figures where available. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

The list includes regular drill/drivers for drilling and fastening, plus hammer drills for masonry. It also includes a combo kit with a drill and impact driver.

A tool-only model can fit if you already own compatible batteries. If you're starting fresh, check what comes with the kit before you choose.

Milwaukee cordless drill picks by use

The M18 2606-21CT ranks first because it comes with a battery and case. Other picks suit hammer drilling, compact work, higher-load drilling or buyers who want a second tool.

1

Milwaukee M18 2606-21CT Compact Drill Driver Kit: Best for a ready-to-go M18 kit

8.7/10Our score

• 500 in-lb torque
• 0-400/0-1,800 RPM
• One battery and hard case included
• Fuel gauge

This compact drill kit includes a battery and hard case, so you have a more complete starting point than with a bare tool. Its stated 500 in-lb torque and two speed ranges suit common drilling and fastening.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Battery and hard case included
• Two speed ranges
• Fuel gauge

Cons

• Only one battery included
• Basic drill mode, not hammer drill mode

The 2606-21CT is the most complete single-drill option in this group. It includes one battery and a hard case, while several other choices are tool-only.

Its four-pole frameless motor delivers stated torque of 500 in-lb and speed ranges of 0-400 and 0-1,800 RPM. The fuel gauge shows battery charge, and REDLINK overload protection is designed to defend against abusive situations.

This is a regular drill/driver, not a hammer drill. It suits general drilling and screw driving, while the hammer models below are made for brick, block or concrete.

Buy it if you want an M18 drill kit with a battery included. If you already own M18 batteries and want a brushless compact tool, compare it with the 3601-20.

2

Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver (Bare Tool): Best for drilling masonry

8.6/10Our score

• Hammer drill mode
• 1/2 in. all-metal chuck with carbide teeth
• Mechanical clutch
• Battery sold separately

The hammer mode is designed for drilling into brick, block or concrete. Its all-metal chuck and mechanical clutch add useful control for demanding drilling and fastening.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Hammer mode for masonry
• All-metal chuck with carbide teeth
• Mechanical clutch

Cons

• Battery not included
• More tool than needed for simple screw driving

The M18 FUEL 2904-20 is the pick for buyers who need hammer mode for brick, block or concrete. It also has a 1/2 in. all-metal chuck with carbide teeth and a mechanical clutch.

This is a bare tool, so you need a compatible M18 battery separately. Its hammer mode suits masonry work, while a regular drill/driver is a simpler fit for wood, metal and household fastening.

Use a suitable bit for brick or other masonry, and avoid forcing the tool. Our guide explains how to drill into brick with a cordless drill.

3

Milwaukee 2691-22 M18 Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit: Best for two-tool value

8.4/10Our score

• Compact drill/driver and impact driver
• Two compact batteries
• Charger and soft carrying case
• Built-in LED lights and fuel gauges

This kit pairs a compact drill/driver with a 1/4 in. hex impact driver. It is a practical choice when you want both tools and batteries in one set.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two tools in one kit
• Two compact batteries included
• Charger and carrying case included

Cons

• Bulkier kit than a single drill
• Impact driver may go unused for basic drilling

The 2691-22 kit includes a compact drill/driver and a 1/4 in. hex impact driver, along with two compact batteries, a charger and a soft carrying case. It suits buyers who want separate tools for drilling and driving fasteners.

The drill/driver delivers stated torque of 400 in-lb, while the impact driver delivers 1,400 in-lb. Built-in LED lights, battery fuel gauges and variable-speed triggers are also among its features.

A combo kit takes more storage space than a single drill, and its impact driver is useful when your projects call for frequent fastening. If you mainly make holes, a drill kit is a more direct fit.

4

Milwaukee 2903-20 M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Drill/Driver (Tool Only): Best for high-load drilling

8.3/10Our score

• Brushless motor
• Auto-Stop control mode
• Mechanical clutch
• Tool only, battery not included

The M18 FUEL 2903-20 is a brushless drill/driver for buyers who want a high-torque tool and already have an M18 battery. Auto-Stop control mode is intended to help limit over-rotation during a bind-up.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Brushless motor
• Auto-Stop control mode
• Mechanical clutch

Cons

• Battery not included
• No hammer mode

The 2903-20 is a brushless M18 FUEL drill/driver for buyers who want high stated torque and Auto-Stop control mode. It has stated torque of 1,200 in-lb and a mechanical clutch for driving a range of fasteners.

The tool-only package includes a side handle and belt clip, but no battery. Its LED light can help with visibility in low-light spaces, and the brushless motor is designed for drilling and driving under load.

This model does not have hammer mode. Choose it for demanding drilling and driving if you already have an M18 battery, and compare the 2904-20 if you need hammer mode.

5

Milwaukee 3404-20 M12 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver (Bare Tool): Best for compact masonry work

8.2/10Our score

• M12 platform
• Hammer drill mode
• 2.6 lb stated weight
• All-metal 1/2 in. chuck

This M12 FUEL hammer drill keeps the platform smaller while retaining a 1/2 in. chuck and hammer mode. It fits buyers who want a compact tool for occasional masonry holes and already use M12 batteries.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Hammer drill mode
• Compact M12 platform
• All-metal chuck

Cons

• Battery not included
• Less suited to buyers already committed to M18

The 3404-20 gives M12 users a compact hammer drill/driver with a 1/2 in. all-metal chuck. It is a bare tool, so you need an M12 battery separately.

Its listed features include a brushless motor and mechanical clutch. Milwaukee states that the tool weighs 2.6 lb and describes it as suited to tool-belt portability and less fatigue during a workday.

This is an M12 hammer drill option for buyers who already use M12 tools. For more on the platform choice, see our M12 and M18 comparison.

6

Milwaukee 3601-20 M18 Compact Brushless Drill/Driver (Tool Only): Best for compact everyday drilling

8.0/10Our score

• Brushless motor
• 5.7 in. length
• 550 in-lb torque
• Battery and charger sold separately

The 3601-20 combines an M18 battery platform with a compact brushless drill/driver body. Its 5.7 in. length and 550 in-lb torque make it a useful middle ground for everyday jobs in tighter spaces.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Compact 5.7 in. length
• Brushless motor
• 550 in-lb torque

Cons

• No hammer mode
• Battery and charger sold separately

The 3601-20 is a compact M18 brushless drill/driver with a stated 5.7 in. length and 550 in-lb torque. Its compact design is intended to provide balance and control in tight spaces or for overhead work.

This model has a 1/2 in. chuck and no hammer mode. The battery is sold separately, so it fits buyers already using M18 batteries who want a compact everyday drill.

Its compact size and stated torque suit routine drilling and fastening. Choose a hammer drill if you need masonry capability.

7

Milwaukee 3602-20 M18 Compact Brushless Hammer Drill/Driver (Tool Only): Best for compact M18 hammer drilling

7.7/10Our score

• Brushless motor
• Hammer drill mode
• 5.7 in. stated length
• Battery and charger sold separately

The 3602-20 adds hammer mode to a compact M18 brushless drill/driver. Choose it when you want that feature in a shorter tool and already have a compatible battery.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Hammer mode in a compact body
• Brushless motor
• 550 in-lb torque

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately
• May be more tool than needed for wood and basic fastening

The 3602-20 adds hammer mode to a compact M18 brushless drill format. It has a 1/2 in. metal chuck and stated torque of 550 in-lb.

The battery and charger are sold separately. This makes it a fit for existing M18 owners who want a compact hammer drill.

Pick it if you need a compact drill that can also handle occasional masonry drilling. If your work is limited to wood, metal and fasteners, the 3601-20 regular drill/driver may suit you better.

8

Milwaukee M18 Compact 1/2 in. Drill Driver (Tool Only): Best for a basic M18 spare

7.5/10Our score

• 500 in-lb torque
• Up to 1,800 RPM
• 1/2 in. keyless chuck
• Tool only

This basic M18 drill/driver offers a 1/2 in. keyless chuck and stated 500 in-lb torque. It can make sense as a second drill for someone who already has an M18 battery.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 1/2 in. keyless chuck
• 500 in-lb torque
• Up to 1,800 RPM

Cons

• Battery not included
• Basic drill/driver without hammer mode

The M18 2606-20 is a drill/driver with a 1/2 in. keyless chuck, 500 in-lb torque and speed up to 1,800 RPM. It is sold as a tool only, so it suits an M18 owner looking for a second drill.

The keyless chuck supports quick bit changes. There is no hammer mode, so choose a hammer drill if your projects include brick or concrete.

This model is a straightforward option for drilling and fastening. Compare it with the 2606-21CT if you need a battery and case.

9

Milwaukee M12 Subcompact Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver: Best for tight spaces

7.4/10Our score

• M12 platform
• Brushless motor
• 3/8 in. keyless chuck
• 12 clutch settings

The subcompact M12 drill/driver has a 3/8 in. chuck and 12 clutch settings for controlled fastening. Its small chuck and M12 platform suit tighter spaces and lighter jobs.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Subcompact design
• Brushless motor
• 12 clutch settings

Cons

• 3/8 in. chuck limits bit size
• Battery not included

The M12 subcompact 3401-20 has a 3/8 in. keyless chuck and 12 clutch settings. Its brushless motor and 350 in-lb stated torque suit lighter drilling and controlled fastening.

The 3/8 in. chuck holds smaller bits than the 1/2 in. models above. This tool does not include a battery, so you'll need an M12 battery separately.

Choose it for tighter access and lighter jobs where a compact body matters more than a larger chuck. For heavier work, consider an M18 option or the M12 hammer drill.

How do you choose between Milwaukee M12 and M18 drills?

Choose M12 if a smaller drill platform fits your jobs and you already own M12 batteries. Choose M18 if you want one of the full-size drills or kits in this roundup, or already have M18 batteries.

The 3404-20 is the M12 hammer drill here, while the 3401-20 is a drill/driver with a 3/8 in. chuck. M18 choices include regular drill/drivers, compact brushless models, hammer drills and the 2691-22 combo kit.

M12 and M18 batteries belong to different platforms. Our Milwaukee M12 vs M18 drills guide compares the choices in more detail.

Should you buy a Milwaukee hammer drill or a regular drill?

Buy a regular drill/driver for wood, metal and common fastening. Choose a hammer drill for holes in brick, block or concrete.

Hammer mode adds a pulsing action while the bit turns. It can help with smaller masonry holes when paired with the correct bit.

The 2904-20 and 3602-20 are M18 hammer drills, while the 3404-20 is an M12 hammer drill. For a regular drill/driver, compare the 2606-21CT kit or 3601-20.

Is a Milwaukee combo kit a better buy than one drill?

A combo kit suits you if you'll use both a drill and an impact driver. The 2691-22 includes both tools, two batteries, a charger and a soft carrying case.

An impact driver uses a hex collet and is built for driving fasteners, while a drill/driver uses a chuck and also handles drilling. If you only need to make holes and drive a few screws, a single drill may be enough.

Read our guide to impact drivers versus drills before choosing a two-tool set.

Which Milwaukee drill should you choose?

Choose the 2606-21CT if you want a general M18 drill kit with a battery and case. Pick the 2904-20 for M18 hammer drilling, the 3404-20 for M12 hammer work, or the 2691-22 when you want a drill and impact driver together.

If you're comparing brands or drill types, use the cordless drill buying guide to match the tool to your projects, battery needs and materials.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for a ready-to-go M18 kit

   Milwaukee M18 2606-21CT Compact Drill Driver Kit

   8.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for drilling masonry

   Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver (Bare Tool)

   8.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for two-tool value

   Milwaukee 2691-22 M18 Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit

   8.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Is Milwaukee M12 or M18 better for a drill?

M12 suits buyers who want a smaller tool system for lighter work, while M18 offers a broader fit for buyers who want more full-size drill choices. Compare the specific tool and battery kit, since M12 and M18 batteries are different platforms.

Our Milwaukee M12 vs M18 drill guide breaks down the tradeoffs.

Do I need a Milwaukee hammer drill?

Choose a hammer drill if you plan to drill into brick, block or concrete. For wood, metal and screw driving, a regular drill/driver is usually the simpler choice.

See our guide to using a hammer drill at home for setup and technique.

What is the difference between a Milwaukee drill/driver and an impact driver?

A drill/driver uses a chuck for drill bits and many driver bits, while an impact driver uses a hex collet and is built for driving fasteners. The 2691-22 kit includes both tool types.

Our impact driver vs drill comparison explains which one to buy first.

Are Milwaukee bare tools sold with batteries?

No. Bare tools and tool-only models do not include a battery, so check what you already own before buying.

The 2606-21CT kit and 2691-22 combo kit include batteries, while several picks here are tool-only.

Compare kit contents before deciding between a bare tool and a complete set.