Milwaukee M12 vs M18 Drills: Which System Fits? (October 2026)

On this page (6 sections)

1. Milwaukee M12 vs M18 drills: which system fits your work?
2. What comes with each Milwaukee combo?
3. How do M12 and M18 differ in size and handling?
4. When does an M12 hammer drill make sense?
5. Which system should you choose for your next tool?
6. Milwaukee M12 vs M18: what is the simplest decision rule?

Choose M12 for a two-tool combo with 2 batteries, or M18 for the higher torque figures of the 2691-22 combo. The Milwaukee M12 vs M18 choice depends on which tools and features fit your projects.

The M12 combo includes a drill/driver, an impact driver and 2 batteries. The M18 2691-22 combo also includes both tools and 2 batteries, with higher listed torque figures.

A separate M12 FUEL option is the 3404-20 hammer drill/driver. It is a bare tool, with no battery or charger included.

Milwaukee M12 vs M18 drills: which system fits your work?

Pick M12 for a drill/driver and impact driver pair; pick M18 when the 2691-22's higher torque figures fit your work. These kits include different drill/driver and impact driver specifications, so compare the features you need.

The M12 combo's drill/driver delivers up to 275 in-lb of torque, and its impact driver also delivers up to 275 in-lb. The M18 2691-22 drill/driver delivers 400 in-lb, while its impact driver delivers 1,400 in-lb.

Those figures describe these particular tools. They do not mean every M18 tool is a better choice for every task, or that every M12 tool has the same output as this combo.

If you are choosing your first drill, our plain cordless drill buying guide can help you sort out basic features before settling on a battery platform.

What comes with each Milwaukee combo?

Both combo kits include a drill/driver, an impact driver and 2 batteries. The M18 kit also includes a charger, belt clip and soft carrying case.

The M12 combo pairs a 3/8 in drill/driver with a 1/4 in hex impact driver. Its description notes built-in battery fuel gauges and an ergonomic handle design.

The M18 2691-22 includes a compact 1/2 in drill/driver, a 1/4 in hex impact driver, 2 compact batteries, a charger, a belt clip and a soft carrying case. It also has LED lights, battery fuel gauges and variable-speed triggers.

A combo suits work that calls for both drilling holes and driving fasteners. For a broader look at paired tools, see our cordless drill combo kit guide.

How do M12 and M18 differ in size and handling?

The M12 combo is a 12 volt kit, and the M18 2691-22 drill/driver is described as compact and weighs 4 lb. The available weight details use different units and do not support a direct comparison between the complete kits.

The M12 combo description notes an ergonomic handle and battery fuel gauges. The M18 kit includes LED lights, battery fuel gauges and variable-speed triggers.

If you work overhead or in tight spaces, compare the tool dimensions and weight before you buy. Battery size can also affect how the drill feels in your hand.

Want to compare Milwaukee with another platform? Our guide to Milwaukee M18 vs DeWalt 20V drills looks at a separate system choice.

When does an M12 hammer drill make sense?

Choose the M12 FUEL 3404-20 if you want a hammer drill/driver with a 1/2 in chuck. Its hammer function is for masonry drilling, while its drill/driver functions can handle other drilling and driving tasks.

The 3404-20 has a brushless motor, mechanical clutch and all-metal chuck. Its maximum torque is 400 in-lb.

This model is a bare tool, with no battery or charger included. You need a compatible M12 battery and charger to use it.

For a closer look at that model, read our Milwaukee 3404-20 review. If your work involves concrete or brick, our guide to using a hammer drill at home explains when the hammer function helps.

Which system should you choose for your next tool?

Choose the battery system that fits the tools and projects you have. If you already own Milwaukee tools, check which battery system they use before adding another drill.

Choose the M12 combo if you want a drill/driver, an impact driver and 2 included batteries in a 12 volt kit. Choose the M18 2691-22 combo if its higher torque figures and included charger and case fit your work.

Choose the M12 FUEL 3404-20 if you need a hammer drill/driver and already have a compatible M12 battery and charger. If you are comparing Milwaukee drills, our guide to the best Milwaukee cordless drills covers more options.

Milwaukee M12 vs M18: what is the simplest decision rule?

Pick the M12 combo for its two tools and 2 batteries; pick the M18 2691-22 when its higher torque figures suit your jobs. The 3404-20 is a separate M12 hammer drill/driver sold without a battery or charger.

If your work calls for drilling holes and driving fasteners, a combo kit includes a drill/driver and impact driver. For masonry drilling, choose a hammer drill/driver and a bit suited to the material.

Check battery compatibility before ordering. Choose the system that fits the tools you plan to use.

Frequently asked questions

Is Milwaukee M12 or M18 better for home use?

M12 can suit home use when its 3/8 in drill/driver and impact driver fit your jobs. The M18 2691-22 combo offers higher listed torque for both tools.

Match the choice to your projects and the tools you want.

Can M12 batteries fit M18 tools?

M12 and M18 are separate Milwaukee battery systems. Choose batteries made for your tool's system, and check compatibility when adding a bare tool to a kit you already own.

Is the M12 FUEL 3404-20 a regular drill?

The Milwaukee 3404-20 is an M12 FUEL hammer drill/driver with a 1/2 in all-metal chuck and a mechanical clutch. It is sold as a bare tool, with no battery or charger included.

Should I buy a drill and impact driver combo?

A combo pairs a drill/driver with an impact driver. The M12 and M18 kits here both include those 2 tools, while the 3404-20 is a hammer drill/driver sold by itself.

Choose based on the tool types your jobs call for.