Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

Bosch 18V Cordless Compact 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 (4.1 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about professional tradesmen needing top-tier performance — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #6 in Best Cordless Drills

Bosch 18V Cordless Compact Drill/Driver

4.1

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 Amazon Full review →

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

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 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	Bosch 18V Cordless Compact Drill/Driver	Milwaukee M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver
Chuck Size	13mm keyless metal	1/2 inch
No-Load Speed	0-2100 rpm	500 RPM
Torque	64 Nm	1400 in-lbs
Motor Type	Brushless	Brushless
Voltage	18 volts	18 volts
Weight	1.95 lb	3.3 lb
Battery Voltage	18V	M18 FUEL
Clutch Settings	20 clutch settings	—
Battery Capacity	2 Ah	5.0Ah

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