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Best Compact Brushless

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Brushless Drill/Driver

Don't let the 12V rating fool you — the M12 FUEL punches like an 18V drill in a package half the size. The Spruce called it 'a beast in disguise' after two years of real-world use.

$180-$220
Pros
  • 400 in-lbs torque matches many heavier 18V drills
  • Only 5.95 inches long — fits in the tightest spaces
  • Brushless motor with exceptional battery life per The Spruce's 2-year test
  • Includes 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah batteries in the kit for flexible runtime
  • LED worklight, metal belt clip, and fuel gauge included
Cons
  • Handle may feel too large for users with smaller hands
  • Stiff speed selector switch reported by testers
  • Lags slightly when drilling holes deeper than 1.5 inches with spade bits
  • More expensive than comparable 12V brushed options
Why we recommend it

This is the drill I'd recommend to anyone who works in tight spaces or hates arm fatigue. At 2.5 lbs with 400 in-lbs of torque, it matches many 18V drills on performance while being dramatically easier to handle all day.

What the community says

I've had a brushless M18 non-fuel drill and impact driver for probably 10-ish years, and they've been great.

r/MilwaukeeTool · read thread →
What the experts said

Over the past two years, we've used it to hang a wall mirror, replace a bathroom fan, install new shades, fix a sofa with a bracket, assemble a bed frame, and more, all without any issues. This drill has always gotten the job done, and its performance is exactly the same as when it first arrived.

The Spruce · read full review →

The 1/2-inch chuck provides a maximum of 400-inch pounds of torque, which is in line with many much heavier 18-volt drills.

The Spruce · read full review →

You can tell when you have a Milwaukee tool in your hands by its weight, sturdy feel, ergonomics and power.

Good Housekeeping Institute · read full review →