Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

DeWalt DCD701F2 vs Milwaukee 3403-22

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

DeWalt DCD701F2 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Budget-conscious DIYers needing portability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Cordless Drills

DeWalt DCD701F2

4.6

7 sources1 derived$157.9as of Sep 20

The DeWalt Extreme 12V Max DCD701F2 delivers commendable drilling performance for its low voltage class, outperforming many 12-volt competitors in the review. It excels in compactness and convenience, making it ideal for tight spaces and extended use at arm's length. However, the battery insertion mechanism is awkward and the tool is priced higher than alternatives. This model suits users seeking a powerful yet portable 12-volt drill for light to medium-duty tasks.

Strengths

— Solid drill performance for a 12-volt model
— Good battery life among 12-volt versions
— Compact and lightweight at 2 lbs 6 oz

Watch-outs

— Stiff to insert battery into the tool
— Expensive compared to other models

$157.9 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #2 in Best Cordless Drills

Milwaukee 3403-22

4.5

3 sourcesall derived$166.74as of Sep 20

Consumer Reports reviewed the Milwaukee 3403-22 as a mid-tier M12 cordless drill and impact driver, noting its brushless motor delivers better efficiency than previous brushed models. The tool features a compact design that makes it suitable for detailed work in tight spaces, with a 1/4-inch hex chuck for versatile bit compatibility. While it offers lighter weight and easier handling thanks to the M12 voltage system, reviewers noted it lacks the power needed for heavy-duty construction tasks. This makes it well-suited for DIY enthusiasts and professionals who need a versatile, lightweight tool for general-purpose drilling and driving applications.

Strengths

— Brushless motor provides improved efficiency and runtime compared to brushed models
— Compact design suitable for tight spaces and detailed work
— Includes 1/4-inch hex chuck for versatile bit compatibility

Watch-outs

— Limited power output compared to higher-tier M12 models like 3404-20
— Not ideal for heavy-duty construction applications

$166.74 · 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

DeWalt DCD701F2

The DeWalt DCD701F2 is more compact and lightweight than the Milwaukee 3403-22 and M12 Fuel models, but it's more expensive and has a stiff battery insertion mechanism. Compared to the Skil Pwrcore, it lacks a hybrid chuck and USB charging, though it offers better performance. Unlike the Makita FD07R1, it's not as ergonomically designed and has less torque, but it's more affordable and efficient.

Milwaukee 3403-22

The Milwaukee 3403-22 stands out from the DeWalt DCD701F2 and DCD703F1 for its brushless motor efficiency, but it lacks the raw power of the Milwaukee M12 Fuel model. Unlike the Skil Pwrcore 12-Volt Cordless Drill Kit, it doesn't feature a hybrid chuck, and compared to the Makita FD07R1, it's less compact and ergonomic. However, it's more versatile than the Hercules HCB91K1 due to its 1/4-inch hex chuck and better overall performance.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	DeWalt DCD701F2	Milwaukee 3403-22
Voltage	12V	M12
Weight	2 lbs 6 oz	2.2 lbs
Chuck Size	Keyless	1/4-inch hex
Battery	12V Max.*	M12 FUEL
Torque	—	300 in-lbs
Battery Capacity	—	4.0Ah
Motor Type	—	Brushless
Speed	—	Fastest Speed Under Load

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