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Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

Bosch 12V Max Brushless Compact Drill/Driver vs Milwaukee M12 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 M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about contractors needing a lightweight, durable tool — read the strengths below before deciding.

Bosch 12V Max Brushless Compact Drill/Driver
Ranked #5 in Best Cordless Drills
Bosch 12V Max Brushless Compact Drill/Driver
4 sources1 derived$159.99as of Jul 31

The Bosch 12V Max EC Brushless Lithium Ion Drill and Driver is praised for its compact, lightweight design that makes it ideal for cabinet installation and fine finish work where larger tools would be cumbersome. Reviewers highlight the brushless motor's longevity and improved runtime, as well as the 20+1 clutch settings for precise screw driving. However, it's not recommended for heavy-duty applications, and some users noted that the bit storage mechanism degrades with use. This tool is best suited for professionals and DIYers doing detailed carpentry work rather than heavy construction tasks.

Strengths
  • — Compact size and lightweight design perfect for tight spaces and detailed work
  • — Brushless motor provides twice the lifespan of previous generation models
  • — 20+1 clutch settings allow for precise torque control during screw driving
Watch-outs
  • — Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks or driving thick screws
  • — Onboard bit storage wears down over time and no longer holds bits snugly
$159.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver
Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Cordless Drills
Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver
4 sourcesall derived$103.25as of Aug 1

The Milwaukee M12 FUEL ½ Inch Drill/Driver delivers impressive performance in a lightweight, compact design ideal for finish work and confined spaces. Reviewer Wayne Cormier praised its ease of use, rubber grip, and ability to handle demanding tasks like 2" hole-saws without slowing down. The tool's durability was confirmed through drop tests from 3 to 8 feet. While reviewers noted the battery removal could be improved, the drill's brushless motor and low weight make it a strong contender for professionals seeking a versatile 12V option. It's particularly suited for contractors who need a lighter alternative to M18 drills but still want substantial power.

Strengths
  • — Lightweight at 2.6 lbs, half the weight of larger M18 drills
  • — Key-less chuck accepts all standard bits
  • — LED indicators on top and below chuck for visibility
Watch-outs
  • — Battery removal mechanism feels awkward and could be easier
  • — Limited to 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah battery options
$103.25 · Check Price on AmazonFull 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

Bosch 12V Max Brushless Compact Drill/Driver

The Bosch 12V Max Brushless Compact Drill/Driver is more compact and lightweight than the Milwaukee M12 FUEL or Makita 18V LXT, but it lacks the torque and power of the Milwaukee M18 FUEL or DEWALT 20V MAX XR. It's not suited for heavy-duty tasks like the Black+Decker or Ryobi ONE+, making it ideal for detailed finish work only.

Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver

The Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver is lighter and more compact than the Makita 18V LXT or DEWALT 20V MAX XR, but it's less powerful than the Milwaukee M18 FUEL. It's not as versatile as the Bosch 18V or Ryobi ONE+, but it's more durable and better suited for finish work than the Black+Decker.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBosch 12V Max Brushless Compact Drill/DriverMilwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver
Chuck Size1/4 Hex Chuck (PS22-02)Key-less
Battery Voltage12V Lithium-ionXC4.0 4.0Ah
No-Load Speed0-1,300 rpmLow and high speed settings
Torque180 in. lbs (PS22-02)350 in-lbs
Clutch Settings20+1—
Battery Capacity2 Ah2.0 Ah
Motor TypeBrushlessBrushless
Weight1.6 lb2.6 lb
Voltage12 volts12 volts
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