Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver vs Milwaukee M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.0 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about professional tradesmen needing top-tier performance — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #8 in Best Cordless Drills

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver

4.0

4 sources3 derived

The Black+Decker 20V Max PowerConnect LD120VA is a budget-friendly, lightweight drill designed for simple household tasks like hanging artwork or assembling prefabricated furniture. Reviewers noted it lacks the power for demanding jobs, with one test showing the drill smoking while drilling through a door. While it includes a full set of bits and a bit holder, its single-speed operation and underpowered performance make it unsuitable for serious construction work. It's best for occasional users who need a basic tool for light-duty projects.

Strengths

— Relatively lightweight at 2.6 pounds
— Comes with a complete set of drill bits including Phillips, flatheads, and twist sizes
— Includes a bit holder integrated into the body

Watch-outs

— Not built for tough work or heavy-duty tasks
— Only one speed setting

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Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Cordless Drills

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver

4.6

3 sources2 derived$296.71as of Jul 31

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver earned a 9.4/10 rating from Pro Tool Reviews, praised for its quick drilling, excellent low-speed torque, and consistent top-3 performance in testing against competitors like Makita, DeWalt, and Hilti. Reviewers noted its 1400 in-lbs torque, 33,000 BPM hammering rate, and AutoStop safety feature. While it excels overall, some individual tests showed it was narrowly beaten by other models. This drill is ideal for professional tradesmen and serious DIY users seeking high performance and durability.

Strengths

— Top-tier performance with 1400 in-lbs max torque
— 500 RPM low speed and 2100 RPM high speed
— 33,000 BPM hammering rate

Watch-outs

— High-capacity batteries can affect tool balance
— Not flawless in all individual tests compared to competitors

$296.71 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver

The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver is the lightest and most affordable in the group, but it's underpowered compared to the Milwaukee M18 FUEL or DEWALT 20V MAX XR. Unlike the Ryobi ONE+, it includes a bit holder and removable battery, but it's not suitable for serious construction work like the Makita 18V LXT or Bosch 18V.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver outperforms the DEWALT 20V MAX XR in torque and speed, and is more durable than the Ryobi ONE+ or Black+Decker models, but it's heavier and more expensive than the Makita 18V LXT or Bosch 12V Max. Its 33,000 BPM hammering rate sets it apart from competitors like the Bosch 18V or Makita 18V LXT.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver	Milwaukee M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver
Chuck Size	⅜"	1/2 inch
Battery Voltage	20V Max	M18 FUEL
Battery Capacity	1.5 amp-hour	5.0Ah
Weight	2.6 lb	3.3 lb
Voltage	20 volts	18 volts
No-Load Speed	—	500 RPM
Torque	—	1400 in-lbs
Motor Type	—	Brushless

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