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DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 vs Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18

Both made our Best Brad Nailer 2026 shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.

✎ PickHonest Research Desk▦ Updated October 15, 2026◷ 5 min read

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports.

DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool OnlyDEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool OnlyView on Amazon VS
Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only)Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only)View on Amazon

Quick verdict

Choose the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only if you want cordless 20V Max -- no hose drag for trim work throughout a house or shop. Choose the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) if you'd rather have milwaukee FUEL brushless motor provides the most consistent drive power of any cordless nailer. Overall we rank the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Brad Nailer 2026 list.

Winner overall: DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only

DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only vs Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) compared

Every difference that matters, in one table.

Keep researching

  • Best Brad Nailer 2026
  • DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only review
  • Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) review
  • All woodworking

Bottom line

Choose the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only if you want cordless 20V Max -- no hose drag for trim work throughout a house or shop. Choose the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) if you'd rather have milwaukee FUEL brushless motor provides the most consistent drive power of any cordless nailer. Overall we rank the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Brad Nailer 2026 list.

DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only
Best Overall

DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only

DeWalt

Cordless 20V Max -- no hose drag for trim work throughout a house or shop

  • 20V Max battery
  • 18-gauge
  • Tool-free depth adjust
  • Dry-fire lockout

Pros

  • Milwaukee FUEL brushless motor provides the most consistent drive power of any cordless nailer
  • M18 battery ecosystem for Milwaukee tool users
  • Tool-free jam clearing -- rotate the nose to access and clear a jammed brad
  • The most recommended Milwaukee cordless nailer by finish carpenters

Cons

  • Bare tool only -- requires M18 battery
  • Higher price than DeWalt equivalent
Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.View on Amazon
Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only)
Best Milwaukee

Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only)

Milwaukee

Milwaukee FUEL brushless motor provides the most consistent drive power of any cordless nailer

  • M18 battery
  • 18-gauge
  • FUEL motor
  • Tool-free jam clearing

Pros

  • Milwaukee FUEL brushless motor provides the most consistent drive power of any cordless nailer
  • M18 battery ecosystem for Milwaukee tool users
  • Tool-free jam clearing -- rotate the nose to access and clear a jammed brad
  • The most recommended Milwaukee cordless nailer by finish carpenters

Cons

  • Bare tool only -- requires M18 battery
  • Higher price than DeWalt equivalent
Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.View on Amazon

FAQ

Common questions

Which is better, the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only or the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only)?

Choose the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only if you want cordless 20V Max -- no hose drag for trim work throughout a house or shop. Choose the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) if you'd rather have milwaukee FUEL brushless motor provides the most consistent drive power of any cordless nailer. Overall we rank the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Brad Nailer 2026 list.

What is the difference between the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only and the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only)?

The DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only stands out because cordless 20V Max -- no hose drag for trim work throughout a house or shop, while the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) stands out because milwaukee FUEL brushless motor provides the most consistent drive power of any cordless nailer. The trade-offs differ too: the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only's ma in caveat is that bare tool only -- requires 20V Max battery purchased separately or as a kit, and the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only)'s is that bare tool only -- requires M18 battery.

Is the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only worth it over the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only)?

For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) instead if bare tool only -- requires 20V Max battery purchased separately or as a kit is a deal-breaker for you.

Who should buy the Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) instead of the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only?

The Milwaukee 2746-20 M18 FUEL 18 Gauge Brad Nailer (Tool Only) suits buyers whose priorities match its strengths, while the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer (DCN680B), Tool Only is best for buyers who want the best overall package.

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