A drill and an impact driver may look interchangeable in a tool bag, but they solve different problems. The drill handles controlled holes and delicate fastening, while the impact driver is happier driving stubborn screws and hardware. Add hammer drills and SDS rotary hammers, and the choice gets even less obvious.
Our Best Dewalt and Milwaukee drills picks cover compact combo kits, heavy-duty brushless models, corded and cordless masonry tools, and a quiet hydraulic impact driver. The DEWALT DCK277D2 Brushless Combo is the best all-around starting point, while the rest are better for specific workloads.
Comparison table
| # | Product | Award | Motor or function | Chuck or drive | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DEWALT DCK277D2 Brushless Combo | Best overall | Brushless drill and impact driver | 1/2-inch chuck, 1/4-inch hex | General home and trade work |
| 2 | DEWALT DCK240C2 Combo Kit | Best compact combo | Cordless drill and impact driver | 1/2-inch chuck, 1/4-inch hex | Tight spaces |
| 3 | DEWALT DCD771C2 Drill Driver | Best basic drill kit | 300 UWO motor | 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck | DIY drilling and driving |
| 4 | Milwaukee 2691-22 Combo Kit | Best Milwaukee combo | 4-pole motor | 1/4-inch hex, compact chuck | Milwaukee tool users |
| 5 | DEWALT DCD806B Hammer Drill | Best cordless hammer drill | Brushless 2-speed motor | 1/2-inch metal chuck | Drilling masonry without a cord |
| 6 | DEWALT D25263K SDS Hammer | Best corded SDS hammer | 8.5-amp motor | SDS rotary chuck | Sustained concrete work |
| 7 | DEWALT DCD801B Drill Driver | Best bare drill | Brushless 2-speed motor | 1/2-inch metal chuck | Existing DEWALT battery owners |
| 8 | DEWALT DCF787D1 Impact Driver | Best single impact driver | Brushless motor | 1/4-inch hex | Fast screw driving |
| 9 | DEWALT DCH273B SDS Hammer | Best cordless SDS hammer | Brushless motor | SDS rotary chuck | Mobile concrete drilling |
| 10 | DEWALT DCF870B Hydraulic Impact | Best quiet impact driver | Hydraulic impact mechanism | 1/4-inch hex | Indoor fastening and cabinetry |
1. DEWALT DCK277D2 Brushless Combo: Best Overall
Pros
- Brushless drill and impact driver in one kit
- Compact 7.6-inch front-to-back design
- Variable-speed control
- LED work light with 20-second delay
- Includes two batteries and a charger
Cons
- Bare specifications do not include a hammer-drilling function
- The set is less suitable for concrete than an SDS hammer
- No 1/2-inch impact socket drive
Best for: homeowners and tradespeople who want one compact cordless set for everyday drilling and fastening.
The DEWALT DCK277D2 Brushless Combo is the set we would hand to someone who wants to stop thinking about which drill to buy. It includes the two tools most people actually reach for: a drill for holes and controlled screw work, plus an impact driver for longer fasteners and stubborn hardware. The compact body is easier to place between studs, inside cabinets, and above shoulder height than a bulky general-purpose drill.
The drill uses a brushless motor and a two-speed transmission, with no-load speeds listed at 0 to 650 and 0 to 2, 000 rpm. That spread matters. The slower setting gives better control when the bit first contacts the work, while the higher setting is more useful for drilling. Its variable-speed trigger lets the user ease into delicate surfaces instead of immediately applying full speed.
Both tools use LED lighting with a 20-second delay after the trigger is released. That is a small feature that becomes useful in dark corners, particularly when the bit blocks the view of the work. The quick-release hex chuck on the impact driver also makes one-handed bit changes straightforward. Two included batteries mean one tool can stay in use while the other charges.
The DEWALT DCK240C2 Combo Kit is also compact and includes the same basic drill and impact-driver pairing, but the DCK277D2 has the stronger brushless positioning and a more explicitly compact 7.6-inch front-to-back design. The weakness is scope. This is not a hammer drill, so it is the wrong set for regular masonry, and it does not include the batteries for DEWALT's larger standalone tools beyond the kit's own pair. Choose it for general construction, repairs, furniture, and maintenance rather than concrete.
2. DEWALT DCK240C2 Combo Kit: Best Compact Combo
Pros
- Compact drill and impact-driver pairing
- 5.55-inch impact driver
- 7.5-inch drill/driver
- Integrated LED lights
- Includes two batteries, charger, and bag
Cons
- Brushed motor design
- Not intended for concrete or masonry
- Heavier drill than the impact driver
Best for: DIY users who need a small two-tool kit for furniture, fixtures, and household repairs.
The DEWALT DCK240C2 Combo Kit earns its place by being easy to live with. The impact driver is only 5.55 inches long and weighs 2.8 pounds, so it can reach into narrow cabinet runs and awkward framing gaps. The drill is 7.5 inches long and weighs 3.6 pounds, still manageable for overhead work and ordinary home repairs.
Its drill has a 1/2-inch single-sleeve ratcheting chuck. That gives it a more secure grip on standard drill bits than a small hex-only tool, and the single-sleeve design keeps changes simple. The impact driver takes 1/4-inch hex bits and accepts 1-inch bit tips with one-handed loading, which is exactly the arrangement that makes repetitive screw work less fussy.
Both tools have integrated LED work lights with a 20-second delay. That delay helps when the tool is moved away from the work before the light goes out. The ergonomic design is focused on tight spaces rather than maximum output, and the included two batteries make the kit practical for jobs that move between drilling and fastening.
Compared with the brushless DEWALT DCK277D2 Brushless Combo, this kit is the less ambitious choice. The DCK277D2 is the better fit for demanding, repeated work, while the DCK240C2 makes sense when compact handling and a complete starter set matter more. Its real limitation is the motor design and lack of masonry capability. Skip it if the work regularly includes concrete, hard brick, or long sessions of heavy fastening.
3. DEWALT DCD771C2 Drill Driver: Best Basic Drill Kit
Pros
- 300 unit watts out motor
- Two-speed transmission
- 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck
- Compact design
- Includes two XR 1.3Ah batteries
Cons
- Drill only, with no impact driver
- Not suitable for concrete or masonry
- Not intended for heavy industrial use
Best for: home repairs, light construction, wood, plastic, and light-metal drilling.
The DEWALT DCD771C2 Drill Driver is the straightforward pick for readers who want a conventional drill and do not need an impact driver. It is compact enough for tight areas, has an ergonomic handle, and avoids the extra bulk of a two-tool kit when drilling is the main task.
Its motor is rated at 300 unit watts out, a useful indication that it is aimed at ordinary repair and construction work rather than demanding industrial use. The two-speed transmission runs from 0 to 450 rpm in the low range and 0 to 1, 500 rpm in the high range. Low speed is easier to control for driving screws, while high speed suits common drilling in wood, plastic, and light metal.
The 1/2-inch single-sleeve ratcheting chuck holds regular bits and gives faster changes than a keyed chuck. Two XR 1.3Ah lithium-ion batteries and a charger are included, so the kit is ready to use without adding a separate battery platform. Its stated applications are sensible: home repairs, DIY, light construction, and screwdriving.
The DEWALT DCK240C2 Combo Kit is the better buy for someone who will drive many screws because its impact driver takes that strain away from the drill. The DCD771C2 remains the cleaner choice for drilling-focused work. Do not choose it for concrete or masonry, and skip it if heavy, continuous fastening is the central job. For readers comparing this with a different brand, the practical differences in compact cordless drills are laid out in how chuck size affects everyday drilling tasks.
4. Milwaukee 2691-22 Combo Kit: Best Milwaukee Combo
Pros
- Drill produces 400 inch-pounds of torque
- Compact impact driver produces 1, 400 inch-pounds
- Variable-speed triggers
- Built-in LED lights
- Battery fuel gauges
Cons
- Older compact platform
- Soft carrying case instead of a hard case
- Less attractive for users already invested in DEWALT batteries
Best for: Milwaukee users who want a compact drill and impact driver together.
The Milwaukee 2691-22 Combo Kit is the clear alternative for readers already committed to Milwaukee's 18-volt system. It pairs a compact drill/driver with a 1/4-inch hex impact driver, giving the user separate tools for boring holes and driving fasteners rather than forcing one motor to do both jobs.
The drill is listed at 400 inch-pounds of torque, weighs 4 pounds, and measures 7.75 inches long. Those figures put it in the same compact working class as the DEWALT combo kits, though the Milwaukee's extra stated torque gives it a little more authority for demanding drilling and fastening. The impact driver is listed at 1, 400 inch-pounds, enough to make long screws and stubborn hardware its natural work.
Variable-speed triggers help keep both tools controlled, and built-in LED lights make dark work areas easier to see. Battery fuel gauges are a useful touch when moving between tasks because they show the remaining charge before the tool is put under load. The kit includes two compact batteries, a charger, a belt clip, and a soft carrying case.
The DEWALT DCK277D2 Brushless Combo is the more modern-feeling compact set, particularly for a reader starting from zero and weighing brushless construction heavily. Milwaukee's advantage is straightforward platform loyalty and the useful torque figures on both tools. Its weakness is that this is not a masonry kit, and the soft case offers less protection than a rigid tool box. Choose it when the Milwaukee battery ecosystem already owns the decision.
5. DEWALT DCD806B Hammer Drill: Best Cordless Hammer Drill
Pros
- Brushless two-speed motor
- Hammer-drilling function
- 0 to 650 and 0 to 2, 000 rpm settings
- Anti-rotation system
- Adjustable three-position 70-lumen LED
Cons
- Tool only
- Heavier and more specialized than a standard drill
- Not an SDS rotary hammer
Best for: cordless users who occasionally drill masonry but still need a standard 1/2-inch chuck.
The DEWALT DCD806B Hammer Drill is the step up when a normal drill is not enough but an SDS rotary hammer would be excessive. It keeps the familiar 1/2-inch chuck and drill-driver format, then adds hammer action for lighter masonry jobs. That makes it more versatile than the DCD801B, though less focused and less specialized than either SDS model below.
The brushless motor has two no-load speed settings, 0 to 650 rpm and 0 to 2, 000 rpm. The low range gives control for large bits and difficult starts, while the high range is suited to faster drilling. A variable-speed trigger helps manage the transition from a pilot hole to full drilling, and the 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck is designed to hold bits securely.
The anti-rotation system is a meaningful safety feature for a high-powered drill. It senses excessive rotational motion and shuts the tool down, with a red LED indicating that the system has engaged. The adjustable three-position LED produces 70 lumens and has an automatic shutoff, useful when the work is tucked behind pipe or inside framing.
This model is a more capable drilling tool than the DEWALT DCD801B Drill Driver, but the DCD801B is lighter and better for routine wood and metal work. The D25263K SDS Hammer is the proper choice for sustained concrete drilling, while the DCD806B is easier to use for mixed tasks. It arrives as a tool only, and users who need repeated deep masonry holes should skip it in favor of an SDS hammer.
6. DEWALT D25263K SDS Hammer: Best Corded SDS Hammer
Pros
- 3.0 joules of impact energy
- 8.5-amp motor
- Active Vibration Control
- Integral clutch
- Supports drilling dust extraction
Cons
- Requires a power cord
- Larger than a standard hammer drill
- Overkill for ordinary screwdriving
Best for: repeated drilling and chipping in concrete where continuous corded power is useful.
The DEWALT D25263K SDS Hammer is not a general-purpose cordless drill with a hammer setting. It is a dedicated rotary hammer for concrete work, and its shape, SDS format, and vibration controls all make more sense once the job involves repeated masonry drilling or chipping.
Its 8.5-amp motor produces 3.0 joules of impact energy. That is the sort of specification that matters when drilling anchors or breaking up hard material because impact energy, rather than drill speed alone, does the work. The corded design also avoids battery changes during long sessions, assuming a suitable outlet and extension arrangement are available.
Active Vibration Control reduces vibration felt at the handles, which can make a long masonry job less punishing. An integral clutch reduces sudden high-torque reactions if a bit jams. The rotating brush ring maintains power in forward and reverse, and the tool is compatible with the D25301D drilling dust extraction system.
The cordless DEWALT DCH273B SDS Hammer is more mobile and offers three application modes, but the D25263K is the better fit for a fixed work area and sustained operation. The DCD806B is easier to carry and more flexible for ordinary drilling, yet it is not a substitute for this tool when concrete is the main material. Skip the D25263K if cords are impractical or if the job is mostly wood, plastic, and metal.
7. DEWALT DCD801B Drill Driver: Best Bare Drill
Pros
- Brushless two-speed motor
- Anti-rotation system
- 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck
- Three-position 70-lumen LED
- Tool Connect chip ready
Cons
- Tool only
- No impact-driver or hammer function
- Best suited to existing DEWALT battery owners
Best for: DEWALT 20V MAX users who want a powerful standalone drill driver.
The DEWALT DCD801B Drill Driver is the focused version of the DCD806B. It keeps the brushless motor, compact drill-driver format, and control features, but drops the hammer function. For users who spend most of their time in wood, metal, plastic, and fastening tasks, that makes it a more direct tool.
Its two speed ranges run from 0 to 650 rpm and 0 to 2, 000 rpm, with a variable-speed trigger for controlled starts. The 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck is more appropriate for a professional drill than a small plastic chuck because it is designed around secure bit retention. The listed design weighs about 3.2 pounds, before adding a battery.
The anti-rotation system watches for excessive rotational movement and shuts the tool down when needed. A three-position 70-lumen LED helps illuminate the work, while the tool-connect-ready design allows a separately sold chip to work with DEWALT's Site Manager app for asset management and tool location.
The DEWALT DCD771C2 Drill Driver is the easier first purchase because it includes batteries, a charger, and a bag. The DCD801B is the stronger standalone choice for someone who already has compatible batteries and wants the brushless platform. Its bare-tool format and lack of hammer action are the reasons to skip it if you need a complete kit or regular masonry work. A separate fastening tool can make sense for users who also need a dedicated tool for long structural fasteners.
8. DEWALT DCF787D1 Impact Driver: Best Single Impact Driver
Pros
- Brushless motor
- Compact format
- 1/4-inch hex drive
- LED light with 20-second delay
- Includes 2Ah battery and charger
Cons
- Impact driver only
- No standard drill chuck
- Less versatile than a combo kit
Best for: users who already own a drill and need a compact screw-driving specialist.
The DEWALT DCF787D1 Impact Driver is the right answer when the missing tool in the bag is an impact driver, not another drill. Its brushless motor is built for repeated fastening, and the compact body is easier to place around framing, furniture, and confined repair areas than a drill with a standard chuck.
The 1/4-inch hex interface accepts common impact-rated driver bits and makes bit changes quick. An LED light stays on for 20 seconds after trigger release, giving the user a chance to inspect the fastener without immediately reaching for another light. The tool is compact and intended for hard-to-reach spaces.
This kit includes the DCF787 impact driver, a DCB203 20V MAX 2Ah battery, a DCB107 charger, and a belt hook. That makes it more immediately useful than a bare impact driver, although it still leaves drilling to a separate tool. The DCK240C2 Combo Kit is the better starting point for a new tool user because it includes both functions.
The DEWALT DCF870B Hydraulic Impact is quieter and has a more specialized feature set, including a nine-LED work light, but it is also a bare tool. The DCF787D1 is simpler and more self-contained. Skip it if you need to drill holes, and choose it when your existing drill already covers that job and fast, compact screw driving is the priority.
9. DEWALT DCH273B SDS Hammer: Best Cordless SDS Hammer
Pros
- 2.1 joules of impact energy
- Three application modes
- Brushless motor
- Active Vibration Control
- Supports dust extraction compliance
Cons
- Tool only
- Weighs 6.4 pounds
- More specialized than a standard drill
Best for: mobile concrete drilling, chipping, and installation work.
The DEWALT DCH273B SDS Hammer is the mobile masonry specialist in this group. It is designed for concrete drilling and installation work where a cord gets in the way, but it still offers enough flexibility to handle more than one kind of task.
Its brushless motor and German-engineered mechanism produce 2.1 joules of impact energy. The rotating dial selects drill, hammer drill, or chip mode. That distinction is important: drill mode handles rotary work, hammer drill mode adds impact for concrete, and chip mode lets the tool tackle light chiseling without trying to use a standard drill bit.
Active Vibration Control reduces vibration at the handles, a useful feature when the tool is held against masonry for repeated holes. The design is listed at 6.4 pounds, so it is not a featherweight, but that mass accompanies a tool built for rod hanging, seismic and safety attachments, cable tray mounting, strut mounting, clamp mounting, and rail mounting.
The corded DEWALT D25263K SDS Hammer has more stated impact energy at 3.0 joules and is better for sustained work near power. The DCH273B wins on mobility and three-mode flexibility. It is a bare tool, and users who only need occasional small masonry holes should choose the DCD806B instead. For concrete installation away from an outlet, this is the more convincing DEWALT option.
10. DEWALT DCF870B Hydraulic Impact: Best Quiet Impact Driver
Pros
- Hydraulic mechanism reduces operating noise
- Compact 1/4-inch impact-driver format
- Nine-LED work light
- Two optimized speed settings
- 20-minute work-light mode
Cons
- Bare tool
- Not a drill
- Specialized choice for users who prioritize quieter operation
Best for: indoor fastening, cabinetry, and work around noise-sensitive spaces.
The DEWALT DCF870B Hydraulic Impact takes a different approach to impact driving. Its hydraulic mechanism is designed to reduce the harsh noise associated with conventional impact drivers, making it more comfortable for indoor work and less disruptive around occupied spaces.
DEWALT describes it as up to 57 percent quieter than its comparison point and up to 40 percent faster for driving. The useful takeaway is not the headline alone. A quieter impact driver is easier to tolerate during cabinetry, trim, and repeated installation work, while the speed settings are optimized for installation tasks rather than left as a single uncontrolled output.
Lighting is a major part of this model. Nine LEDs provide a broad work area, and the tool offers up to six times brighter illumination than the comparison cited in its listing, along with a 20-minute work-light mode. The body is designed for tight spaces and weighs about 2.6 pounds before a battery is attached.
The DEWALT DCF787D1 Impact Driver is the more practical first impact driver because it includes a battery and charger. The DCF870B is the more interesting specialist, especially for indoor fastening where noise matters. It is still an impact driver rather than a drill, arrives as a bare tool, and may be unnecessary for occasional screw work. Choose it when quiet operation and controlled installation work justify its narrower role.
How to choose best dewalt and milwaukee drills
The right tool depends less on the brand printed on the housing than on the material, fastening job, battery platform, and amount of work expected.
Drill, impact driver, or combo
A drill driver uses a standard chuck and is the flexible tool for holes, pilot work, and controlled screws. An impact driver uses a 1/4-inch hex drive and handles long screws and stubborn fasteners with less strain on the user's wrist. Combo kits such as the DEWALT DCK277D2 Brushless Combo cover both jobs without asking one tool to compromise.
Hammer and SDS functions
A hammer drill such as the DEWALT DCD806B Hammer Drill adds impact to a conventional chuck and suits occasional masonry work. An SDS rotary hammer is a different class of tool. The D25263K and DCH273B use SDS formats and dedicated impact energy for concrete drilling and chipping.
If concrete is the main material, skip the standard drill and start with an SDS rotary hammer.
Chuck and drive format
A 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck accepts regular drill bits and offers broad compatibility. A 1/4-inch hex drive makes rapid bit changes easy, but it is not a substitute for a drill chuck. Check the bits already in the tool box before choosing between the DCD801B, DCF787D1, and a combo set.
Motor and speed control
Brushless motors appear across the stronger DEWALT models and are paired with features such as two speed ranges and variable triggers. Speed control matters more than a headline power claim for delicate surfaces, large holes, and screw starts. The DCD771C2's 0 to 450 and 0 to 1, 500 rpm ranges are enough for many home tasks, while the DCD806B and DCD801B reach 0 to 2, 000 rpm.
Battery and tool format
A kit with batteries and a charger is ready to work, while a bare tool makes more sense for someone already using the matching battery system. The DCD801B, DCD806B, DCH273B, and DCF870B are tool-only options. Corded tools such as the D25263K avoid battery changes but require a dependable power connection.
Frequently asked questions
Is a drill or impact driver better for home repairs?
Neither replaces the other. A drill is better for making holes and driving smaller screws with control, while an impact driver is better for long screws and stubborn fasteners. A combo kit is the simplest way to cover both jobs.
Can the DEWALT DCD806B drill concrete?
It can handle masonry drilling as a hammer drill, but it is not an SDS rotary hammer. For repeated or demanding concrete work, the D25263K or DCH273B is a more appropriate tool.
What is the difference between an SDS hammer and a hammer drill?
An SDS rotary hammer uses a dedicated SDS bit system and stronger impact action for concrete drilling and chipping. A hammer drill keeps a conventional chuck and adds a lighter hammer function for occasional masonry work.
Are the bare-tool DEWALT models complete kits?
No. The DCD806B, DCD801B, DCH273B, and DCF870B are listed as tool-only products. They require a compatible battery and charger unless those are already available.
Is the Milwaukee 2691-22 compatible with DEWALT batteries?
No. The Milwaukee combo uses Milwaukee's 18-volt battery system, while the DEWALT cordless products use the DEWALT 20V MAX platform. Choose a brand platform carefully if you expect to add more tools later.
Why choose a hydraulic impact driver?
A hydraulic impact driver is intended to reduce the sharp noise and harsh feel associated with conventional impact mechanisms. The DCF870B is especially suited to indoor fastening and cabinetry, though it remains a specialist impact driver rather than a general drill.
The bottom line
The Best dewalt and milwaukee drills choice for most people is the DEWALT DCK277D2 Brushless Combo. Its drill and impact driver cover the widest range of household and trade tasks, the compact design works in confined spaces, and the included batteries make it a usable starting point.
For masonry, choose the DEWALT DCH273B SDS Hammer when mobility matters or the DEWALT D25263K SDS Hammer when corded endurance and higher stated impact energy matter more. The Milwaukee 2691-22 Combo Kit remains the sensible alternative for users already invested in Milwaukee tools.
If you are undecided, buy a drill and impact-driver combo unless concrete is your main material. That single choice avoids the most common tool-bag limitation.
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