Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
DeWalt DCD996 20V MAX XR Brushless Hammer Drill
Best for ProfessionalsMilwaukee M18 2606-22CT 18V Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
Best Value Heavy-DutyPrice
$199-$350
$149-$179
Summary
DeWalt's flagship heavy-duty cordless drill is a job-site workhorse with 820 in-lbs of torque and three speed settings. Carpenters and general contractors consistently reach for yellow on tough framing and construction tasks.
The highest maximum torque rating (500 in-lbs) of any 18V brushed drill, and it crushed the competition in high-torque tests by completing 20% more bored holes than second place. Best-in-class performance at a mid-range price.
Pros
- 820 in-lbs of torque with three speed settings up to 2,250 RPM
- Brushless motor for longer runtime and tool life
- Three-level LED work light with afterglow
- Compatible with entire 20V MAX battery ecosystem (200+ tools)
- Tested to drill 1.5-inch holes in steel and masonry
- 500 in-lbs maximum torque — highest in its class per CNET testing
- Completed 20% more bored holes than second-place finisher in lab tests
- 5-year tool warranty, 2-year battery warranty
- Charger supports both M18 and M12 batteries
- Includes hard carrying case and two 1.5Ah batteries
Cons
- Heavier than Milwaukee at ~11 lbs with battery
- No AutoStop safety feature
- Doesn't include bits
- Most expensive 18V brushed drill in its category
- Only 1.5Ah batteries included — smaller capacity than some competitors
- Brushed motor (not brushless) means slightly shorter lifespan
Our take
DeWalt is the default choice for general construction and carpentry — it's what most framing crews run, and the DCD996 is the heavy-duty version that won't let you down on demanding sites.
CNET's lab testing showed this drill outperformed every other 18V brushed drill in torque tests — that's not marketing, that's measured results. For the price, nothing else comes close on raw power.
Buy
