A cordless combo kit is the cheapest way to get started with power tools. You get two or more tools, batteries and a charger in one box, usually for much less than buying them separately. But the real purchase is not the tools. It is the battery platform. Once you own DeWalt 20V MAX or Milwaukee M18 batteries, every tool you buy for the next ten years will probably be that brand.
So this guide works in two steps. First, it compares 12 combo kits sold on Amazon, from a $179 drill and impact driver set to a 9-tool kit. Second, it explains how to choose the platform behind them. Every kit’s contents, rating and seller were checked on the live Amazon listing.
Quick answer: For serious DIY and trade work, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3697-22 pairs a FUEL hammer drill and impact driver with two 5.0Ah batteries. For most homeowners, the DeWalt DCK240C2 is the best-selling kit on Amazon for a reason, with over 61,000 ratings. If you want a saw and more, the DeWalt DCK540D1 5-tool kit covers drilling, driving and cutting.
Quick Picks
| Kit | Best For | Platform | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3697-22 | Best Overall (Pro) | Milwaukee M18 | Check Price |
| DeWalt DCK240C2 | Best Value / Most Popular | DeWalt 20V MAX | Check Price |
| DeWalt DCK277D2 | Best Brushless Upgrade | DeWalt 20V MAX | Check Price |
| Makita XT269T | Best Makita | Makita 18V LXT | Check Price |
| Makita CT225SYX | Best Compact / Lightweight | Makita 18V LXT | Check Price |
| Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3497-22 | Best 12V | Milwaukee M12 | Check Price |
| Bosch GXL18V-27B22 | Best Bosch | Bosch 18V | Check Price |
| Ryobi ONE+ HP PSBCK02K2 | Best Ryobi | Ryobi ONE+ | Check Price |
| DeWalt DCK360D3 3-Tool | Best 3-Tool Kit | DeWalt 20V MAX | Check Price |
| DeWalt DCK540D1 5-Tool | Best 5-Tool Kit | DeWalt 20V MAX | Check Price |
| Craftsman V20 CMCK700D2 7-Tool | Best Budget Big Kit | Craftsman V20 | Check Price |
| DeWalt DCK940D2 9-Tool | Biggest Kit | DeWalt 20V MAX | Check Price |
Combo Kit Comparison Table
Contents come from the Amazon listings. “Not listed” means the listing does not state the battery capacity clearly.
| Kit | Tools | Brushless | Batteries | Amazon Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3697-22 | Hammer drill, impact driver | Yes | 2 x 5.0Ah | 4.8 (1,064) |
| DeWalt DCK240C2 | Drill/driver, impact driver | No | 2 x 1.3Ah compact | 4.7 (61,005) |
| DeWalt DCK277D2 | Drill/driver, impact driver | Yes | 2 x 2.0Ah | 4.8 (4,743) |
| Makita XT269T | Drill, impact driver | Yes | 5.0Ah | 4.7 (1,033) |
| Makita CT225SYX | Compact drill, impact driver | Not listed | 1.5Ah | 4.7 (1,086) |
| Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3497-22 | Hammer drill, impact driver | Yes | 2 x M12 | 4.8 (837) |
| Bosch GXL18V-27B22 | Compact drill/driver, impact driver | Yes | 2 x 2.0Ah | 4.7 (280) |
| Ryobi ONE+ HP PSBCK02K2 | Hammer drill, impact driver | Yes | 2 x 1.5Ah compact | 4.6 (10) |
| DeWalt DCK360D3 | Drill, impact driver, oscillating tool | Yes | 3 x 2.0Ah | 4.8 (943) |
| DeWalt DCK540D1 | Drill, impact, recip saw, circular saw, oscillating tool | See review | 1 battery (listed as 5Ah) | 4.7 (1,087) |
| Craftsman CMCK700D2 | 7 tools incl. drill, impact, 2 saws, oscillating tool | Not listed | 2 batteries | 4.6 (1,430) |
| DeWalt DCK940D2 | 9 tools incl. grinder, saws, right-angle drill | Not listed | 2 x 2.0Ah | 4.7 (2,930) |
The Best 2-Tool Combo Kits (Drill + Impact Driver)
1. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3697-22 – Best Overall (Pro)
This is the kit we would buy for heavy DIY and trade use. FUEL is Milwaukee’s top tier, with brushless motors and REDLINK PLUS electronics that protect the tool and battery under load. You get a 1/2-inch FUEL hammer drill, which handles masonry anchors as well as wood and metal, and a FUEL 1/4-inch impact driver. The kit includes two large 5.0Ah batteries, which is where much of the value is.
It holds 4.8 stars across more than 1,000 ratings. Owners praise the long-lasting 5.0Ah batteries, the power of the hammer drill, and tools that still run like new after a year of use. It is sold by a third-party seller. For a closer look at the drill, see our Milwaukee M18 FUEL hammer drill review.
Skip this if: you hang shelves a few times a year. You will be paying for power and battery capacity you will rarely use.
Pros: Top-tier brushless FUEL tools; hammer drill for masonry; two 5.0Ah batteries; huge M18 tool lineup to expand into.
Cons: Most expensive 2-tool kit here; heavier than compact kits; not sold by Amazon.
2. DeWalt DCK240C2 – Best Value / Most Popular
With more than 61,000 Amazon ratings at 4.7 stars, this is one of the most popular power tool kits ever sold. It pairs a 20V MAX 1/2-inch drill/driver with a 1/4-inch impact driver, two compact batteries, a charger and a bag. The motors are brushed, which keeps the price low.
The batteries are DeWalt’s small 1.3Ah compact packs, which keep the tools light but limit runtime on bigger jobs. Owners say the tools are reliable, easy to use and powerful enough for everyday home projects. Battery life and long-term durability get mixed reviews. It is sold by Amazon.
Skip this if: you plan heavy, all-day work. Step up to the brushless DCK277D2 or the Milwaukee FUEL kit.
Pros: Low price; light; trusted DeWalt platform; enormous review base; sold by Amazon.
Cons: Brushed motors; small 1.3Ah batteries; regular drill, not a hammer drill.
3. DeWalt DCK277D2 – Best Brushless Upgrade
For about $20 more than the DCK240C2, the DCK277D2 gets you brushless motors and larger 2.0Ah batteries. Brushless motors run cooler and get more work out of each charge. The kit includes a compact drill/driver, an impact driver, two batteries, a charger and a bag.
It holds 4.8 stars across more than 4,700 ratings. Owners say it is good value with strong battery life, and one says it is more powerful than older DeWalt models. Several mention it is light and easy to handle. It is sold by a third-party seller, so check the seller before you buy.
Skip this if: you need a hammer drill for concrete and brick.
Pros: Brushless motors for the price; 2.0Ah batteries; light and compact; strong owner feedback.
Cons: No hammer function; not sold by Amazon.
4. Makita XT269T – Best Makita
Makita’s 18V LXT platform is known for well-balanced, lighter tools and one of the largest cordless lineups, including outdoor equipment. The XT269T pairs a brushless 1/2-inch drill with a brushless impact driver and comes with 5.0Ah batteries, so runtime is not a worry.
It holds 4.7 stars across more than 1,000 ratings. Owners describe it as pro quality with long battery life, handling dense materials like engineered lumber and hardwood. One says it survives drops from a roof on a daily basis. It is sold by Amazon.
Skip this if: you are already on DeWalt or Milwaukee batteries. Makita LXT is a separate system.
Pros: Brushless tools; 5.0Ah batteries; huge LXT lineup including yard tools; sold by Amazon.
Cons: Pricier than DeWalt’s entry kits; no hammer function on the drill.
5. Makita CT225SYX – Best Compact / Lightweight
This is the light, compact way into Makita LXT. It pairs a compact drill with an impact driver and small 1.5Ah batteries. For cabinet hardware, furniture assembly and light home repairs, a smaller tool is easier to handle and fits into tighter spaces.
It holds 4.7 stars across more than 1,000 ratings and is sold by Amazon. Owners call it high quality, light and easy to use. Battery life and value get mixed reviews, which fits the small 1.5Ah packs.
Skip this if: you drill big holes or drive long screws often. The small batteries will run down quickly.
Pros: Light and compact; same LXT batteries as Makita’s full lineup; sold by Amazon.
Cons: Small 1.5Ah batteries; mixed battery-life reviews; less power than full-size kits.
6. Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3497-22 – Best 12V
Milwaukee’s M12 FUEL line packs a lot of power into small, light tools. This kit includes an M12 FUEL hammer drill and an M12 FUEL impact driver with two batteries. A 12V tool is easier to use overhead, inside cabinets and under sinks, and plenty for most home repairs.
It holds 4.8 stars across more than 830 ratings. Owners say it puts a lot of power in a small package, drilling wood and sheet metal and handling most home repairs. It is sold by a third-party seller. Not sure whether 12V is enough? See our 12V vs. 18V drill guide.
Skip this if: you plan to add saws and yard tools. Those mostly live on M18.
Pros: Compact and light; FUEL brushless power; hammer drill included; strong owner feedback.
Cons: Less runtime and power than 18V; M12 is a separate battery system from M18; not sold by Amazon.
7. Bosch GXL18V-27B22 – Best Bosch
Bosch’s 18V kit pairs a GSR18V-400 compact brushless 1/2-inch drill/driver with a GDR18V-1800 brushless impact driver and two 2.0Ah batteries. Bosch covers its 18V tools and chargers with a 5-year limited warranty and its batteries for 3 years, one of the longer warranties here.
It holds 4.7 stars across 280 ratings and is sold by Amazon. Owners praise its quality and reliability, with one saying they have never had a Bosch tool or battery fail, and call it a good deal.
Skip this if: you want the widest choice of add-on tools. Bosch’s 18V lineup is smaller than DeWalt’s or Milwaukee’s.
Pros: Brushless tools; 2.0Ah batteries; 5-year tool warranty; sold by Amazon.
Cons: Smaller tool lineup to expand into; smaller review base.
8. Ryobi ONE+ HP PSBCK02K2 – Best Ryobi
Ryobi ONE+ has the biggest range of affordable tools of any platform, which is why so many homeowners start there. This HP compact brushless kit includes a 1/2-inch hammer drill rated at 400 in-lb of torque, an impact driver rated at 1,700 in-lb, two 1.5Ah compact batteries and a charger.
There is a catch on Amazon. Ryobi’s main retailer is Home Depot, and on Amazon its kits are sold by third-party sellers. This one had only 10 ratings at 4.6 stars when we checked, and Ryobi’s classic 6-tool kit was unavailable. If you are set on Ryobi, compare the price at Home Depot before you buy.
Skip this if: you want the backing of an Amazon return. This kit is sold by a third-party seller.
Pros: Brushless HP tools; hammer drill included; huge, affordable ONE+ lineup.
Cons: Small 1.5Ah batteries; very small review base on Amazon; third-party seller only.
The Best Multi-Tool Combo Kits
9. DeWalt DCK360D3 3-Tool Brushless – Best 3-Tool Kit
This kit adds an oscillating multi-tool to the usual drill and impact driver, which is the most useful third tool for remodeling. It cuts flush, plunges into drywall, trims door casing and scrapes. All three tools are brushless, and DeWalt includes three 2.0Ah batteries so you can keep one charging. The impact driver is rated at 1,500 in-lb.
It holds 4.8 stars across more than 940 ratings and is sold by Amazon. Owners say it is excellent value and handles most tasks. Battery life and durability get mixed feedback, though some owners like the fast charging time.
Skip this if: you need to cut lumber. You will still need a circular saw.
Pros: Three brushless tools; three batteries; oscillating tool is very useful for remodeling; sold by Amazon.
Cons: No saw for cutting lumber; 2.0Ah batteries are mid-size.
10. DeWalt DCK540D1 5-Tool – Best 5-Tool Kit
This is the kit for someone setting up a home workshop from scratch. It includes a 1/2-inch drill, a 1/4-inch impact driver rated at 1,500 in-lb, a reciprocating saw, a circular saw and an oscillating tool, plus a charger. That covers drilling, driving, demolition, cutting lumber and detail work.
Check the battery count before you buy. The listing includes one battery, which Amazon describes as 5Ah. With five tools, one battery means you will be swapping it a lot, so plan on a second pack. It holds 4.7 stars across more than 1,000 ratings and is sold by Amazon. Owners say it is good quality and worth the price, with mixed durability feedback.
Skip this if: you only need to drill and drive. You will pay for saws you do not use.
Pros: Five useful tools including two saws; large battery; trusted platform; sold by Amazon.
Cons: Only one battery for five tools; mixed durability feedback.
11. Craftsman V20 CMCK700D2 7-Tool – Best Budget Big Kit
Craftsman’s 7-tool kit gives you the most tools for the money here. It includes a 1/2-inch drill with a 2-speed gearbox, an impact driver rated at 1,460 in-lb, a reciprocating saw, a 6-1/2-inch circular saw and an oscillating tool, plus two more tools, two batteries and a charger.
It holds 4.6 stars across more than 1,400 ratings and is sold by Amazon. Owners like the assortment and say it is good value. The concerns are battery and charging problems reported by several owners and mixed durability feedback. Craftsman V20 has a smaller lineup than DeWalt, but it is widely sold.
Skip this if: you want pro-grade durability. This is a homeowner kit.
Pros: Seven tools; two batteries; low cost per tool; sold by Amazon.
Cons: Battery and charging complaints; mixed durability; smaller platform.
12. DeWalt DCK940D2 9-Tool – Biggest Kit
This is the “buy it once” kit. It includes a drill/driver, a DCF885 impact driver, a DCS381 reciprocating saw, a DCS393 circular saw, a DCS355 oscillating tool, a DCG412 angle grinder, a right-angle drill, a DCL040 LED work light and a Bluetooth speaker, plus two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger.
It holds 4.7 stars across more than 2,900 ratings and is sold by Amazon. Owners call it excellent value with a great assortment and say everything works as expected. Battery life and durability get mixed reviews. Nine tools on two 2.0Ah batteries means you will want larger packs for saw and grinder work.
Skip this if: you will not use a grinder, right-angle drill or speaker. A 5-tool kit plus a second battery is better value.
Pros: Nine tools in one box; includes a grinder and right-angle drill; huge review base; sold by Amazon.
Cons: Only two 2.0Ah batteries for nine tools; most expensive kit here; some tools you may never use.
How to Choose a Cordless Combo Kit
Choose the Platform First
Batteries do not cross brands. DeWalt 20V MAX packs will not fit Milwaukee tools, and Makita LXT will not fit Bosch. That makes your first combo kit a long-term decision. Ask three questions:
- What tools will you add later? DeWalt, Milwaukee and Makita have the largest lineups. Makita and Ryobi are strong in yard tools.
- Where will you buy? DeWalt, Makita and Bosch kits are widely sold by Amazon itself. Ryobi is mainly a Home Depot brand.
- What do friends or coworkers use? Sharing batteries on a job site is a real advantage.
Our DeWalt vs. Milwaukee vs. Makita platform guide covers this in depth, and our best cordless power tool brands article compares the wider field. DeWalt owners can check which packs fit which tools in our DeWalt 20V battery compatibility chart.
Hammer Drill vs. Drill/Driver
A drill/driver handles wood, metal and screws. A hammer drill adds a hammering action for drilling into brick, block and concrete. If you hang anything on masonry walls, choose a kit with a hammer drill, like the Milwaukee M18 FUEL, M12 FUEL or Ryobi HP picks.
Brushless vs. Brushed
Brushless motors run cooler, last longer and get more work from each charge. Brushed kits like the DeWalt DCK240C2 cost less and are fine for occasional use. For a full breakdown, see brushless vs. brushed drills.
Battery Size Matters as Much as the Tools
A kit with two 1.3Ah or 1.5Ah compact batteries is light but runs down quickly with saws or big drill bits. Kits with 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah packs cost more but last much longer. Our guide to 2Ah vs. 5Ah tool batteries explains the trade-off. Always check how many batteries a kit includes. Some multi-tool kits include only one.
2-Tool vs. Big Kits
A big kit is only good value if you will use the tools. A drill, an impact driver and a circular saw cover most home projects. Add a reciprocating saw for demolition and an oscillating tool for remodeling. Grinders, right-angle drills and speakers are nice extras, not essentials.
How to Spot a Real Deal
Combo kits are among the biggest discounts during Prime Big Deal Days, Black Friday and Father’s Day. To judge a deal, divide the kit price by the number of tools and batteries, and compare it with buying the bare tools plus a battery and charger. Also check the battery size in the listing, not just the photo. Some kits show large packs in photos but ship with compact ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a combo kit cheaper than buying tools separately?
Almost always. A kit bundles batteries and a charger, which are a large part of the cost. Buying the same tools as bare tools plus batteries usually costs more.
DeWalt or Milwaukee: which combo kit is better?
Both are excellent. Milwaukee’s FUEL kits are often considered the stronger pro tier, while DeWalt has more affordable entry kits and is widely sold by Amazon. Choose based on which lineup has the tools you will add and what your coworkers use.
Can I use DeWalt batteries in Milwaukee tools?
No. Batteries are brand-specific. Third-party adapters exist, but they are not supported by the tool makers and can void warranties.
Is DeWalt 20V MAX more powerful than 18V?
No. DeWalt’s 20V MAX is the same nominal 18V as Milwaukee M18 and Makita LXT. “20V” is the peak voltage with no load. The real difference comes from the motor and electronics, not the label.
What is the best combo kit for a beginner?
A drill and impact driver kit like the DeWalt DCK240C2 or DCK277D2 covers most home projects. Add a circular saw or step up to a 5-tool kit once you start building things.
When are combo kits cheapest?
Prime Big Deal Days in October, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and Father’s Day bring the biggest discounts on combo kits. Prices also drop when brands launch new versions.
Bottom Line
- Serious DIY and trades: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3697-22.
- Best value for homeowners: DeWalt DCK240C2, or the brushless DCK277D2.
- Makita fans: XT269T, or the lighter CT225SYX.
- Tight spaces and light work: Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3497-22.
- Longest warranty: Bosch GXL18V-27B22.
- Ryobi users: Ryobi ONE+ HP PSBCK02K2 (compare with Home Depot).
- Remodeling starter set: DeWalt DCK360D3 3-tool.
- Home workshop from scratch: DeWalt DCK540D1 5-tool, or the Craftsman 7-tool on a budget.
- Everything at once: DeWalt DCK940D2 9-tool.
If you only need a drill, see our best cordless drill for home use guide. DeWalt shoppers can also read our DeWalt 20V MAX drill and impact driver review.
