Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

DeWalt DCD703F1 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

Milwaukee 3403-22 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about DIY enthusiasts seeking efficiency and versatility — read the strengths below before deciding.

DeWalt DCD703F1
Ranked #3 in Best Cordless Drills
DeWalt DCD703F1
4 sources2 derived$144.7as of Sep 20

The DeWalt DCD703F1 is a compact, lightweight 12V drill driver that delivers surprising performance for its voltage class. Reviewers noted it excels in tight spaces and overhead work thanks to its four interchangeable heads, including an offset head that helps reach awkward areas. It outperformed higher voltage models in drilling tests and offers quick-release attachments. However, the single-battery inclusion and finicky attachment system are drawbacks. This tool is ideal for DIYers and professionals working in constrained environments where a compact, powerful 12V option is needed.

Strengths
  • Lightweight design weighing just under a kilogram with battery included
  • Four interchangeable heads including offset, right-angled, and standard heads for versatile use in tight spaces
  • Quick-release system allows fast head changes without tools
Watch-outs
  • Only one battery included in the kit
  • Attachments can be finicky to change and use
Milwaukee 3403-22
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Cordless Drills
Milwaukee 3403-22
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

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 DCD703F1

The DeWalt DCD703F1 excels in compactness and versatility with its four interchangeable heads, but it's less powerful than the Milwaukee M12 Fuel model. Compared to the Milwaukee 3403-22, it has a better motor and more features, but it's more expensive. Unlike the Skil Pwrcore, it lacks a hybrid chuck and USB charging, but it delivers better performance in tight spaces.

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

SpecDeWalt DCD703F1Milwaukee 3403-22
Voltage12VM12
Chuck Size3/8 inch1/4-inch hex
Battery Capacity2000 mAh4.0Ah
Weight1.6 lbs2.2 lbs
Speed2-speed transmissionFastest Speed Under Load
Motor TypeBrushlessBrushless
Battery12V MAX 2.0Ah LithiumM12 FUEL
Torque300 in-lbs
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