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Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

Bosch 18V Cordless 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 (4.1 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about contractors needing a lightweight, durable tool — read the strengths below before deciding.

Bosch 18V Cordless Compact Drill/Driver
Ranked #6 in Best Cordless Drills
Bosch 18V Cordless Compact Drill/Driver
4 sources2 derived$99as of Jul 31

The Bosch GSR 18V-90 C is a professional-grade cordless drill driver designed for demanding tasks, featuring a compact form factor that excels in tight spaces. Reviewers praised its robust build quality, including a metal chuck and soft-grip handle, along with its brushless motor that delivers 64 Nm of torque. The precision clutch and kickback control are highlighted as standout safety and performance features. However, it lacks hammer functionality for masonry work and comes with a premium price tag of €170. While ideal for professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts, those needing masonry capabilities should consider alternatives like the GSB version.

Strengths
  • — Compact design with 163mm head length for tight space maneuvering
  • — Brushless motor offering improved efficiency, durability, and longer lifespan
  • — Metal chuck provides superior durability and secure grip compared to plastic alternatives
Watch-outs
  • — Not suitable for masonry work without hammer functionality
  • — Higher price point at €170 for the bare tool
$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 18V Cordless Compact Drill/Driver

The Bosch 18V Cordless Compact Drill/Driver is more powerful and durable than the Milwaukee M12 FUEL or Ryobi ONE+, but it's more expensive and lacks hammer functionality compared to the Makita 18V LXT or DEWALT 20V MAX XR. It's not as compact as the Bosch 12V Max, but it offers superior torque and safety features.

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 18V Cordless Compact Drill/DriverMilwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver
Chuck Size13mm keyless metalKey-less
No-Load Speed0-2100 rpmLow and high speed settings
Torque64 Nm350 in-lbs
Motor TypeBrushlessBrushless
Voltage18 volts12 volts
Weight1.95 lb2.6 lb
Battery Voltage18VXC4.0 4.0Ah
Clutch Settings20 clutch settings—
Battery Capacity2 Ah2.0 Ah
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