Looking Beyond the Milwaukee 2696-24 M18 Cordless Compact? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How each alternative compares

DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Tool Combo Kit with 5.0 Ah Battery

The DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Tool Combo Kit includes five tools instead of four, adding an oscillating tool and circular saw. It uses a 5.0 Ah battery, which offers more runtime than the Milwaukee’s included batteries. This kit weighs 21.4 pounds, slightly lighter than the Milwaukee’s 21.6 pounds. You get brushless motor efficiency, which generally extends tool life. However, you switch to the 20V platform, so existing M18 batteries will not fit. This option suits woodworkers who need an oscillating tool for detail work. It is a solid choice if you value extra tool variety and high-capacity power over the Milwaukee’s specific hammer drill features.

Milwaukee M18 4-Tool Cordless Combo Kit

The Milwaukee M18 4-Tool Cordless Combo Kit shares the same 18V platform, allowing you to use your existing M18 batteries. It includes a hammer drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw, and work light. This kit focuses on masonry drilling and quick blade changes. It weighs only 3 pounds for the main tool, making it significantly lighter than the Milwaukee 2696-24’s 21.6-pound total kit weight. You get essential power for mixed-material tasks without the extra bulk. This option is ideal if you prioritize portability and masonry capability. It fits users who need quick blade changes and do not require the specific clutch features of the original Sawzall model.

CRAFTSMAN V20 7-Tool Cordless Combo Kit

The CRAFTSMAN V20 7-Tool Cordless Combo Kit provides seven tools, nearly double the count of the Milwaukee’s four. It operates on the 20V platform, which means you cannot use M18 batteries. This kit offers high torque and a wider array of tools for versatility. It weighs more due to the additional tools and batteries. You get a circular saw and other accessories not included in the Milwaukee kit. This option is best for users who need a broad tool range for various projects. It suits those who value having more tools in one package over the specific compact design and hammer drill features of the Milwaukee 2696-24.

DEWALT 20V MAX 3-Tool Woodworking Set

The DEWALT 20V MAX 3-Tool Woodworking Set includes only three tools, fewer than the Milwaukee’s four. It features a 5.0 Ah battery for extended runtime. This kit focuses on precision woodworking with features like variable sanding speeds. It weighs 14 pounds, significantly lighter than the Milwaukee’s 21.6 pounds. You get specialized control for detailed projects rather than general-purpose power. This option is not for heavy-duty construction tasks. It fits woodworkers who value precision and quick blade changes over raw torque or a larger tool count. It is a compact solution for hobbyists who do not need a reciprocating saw or work light.

RIDGID 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit

The RIDGID 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit includes six tools, offering more variety than the Milwaukee’s four. It uses 18V batteries, compatible with your existing M18 power source. This kit provides a broad tool range for general home maintenance tasks. It weighs 30 pounds, much heavier than the Milwaukee’s 21.6 pounds. You get a larger battery capacity with 4.0 Ah and 2.0 Ah options. This option suits users who value tool variety over peak power or weight savings. It is not for professionals needing heavy-duty standalone tools. It fits those who want a comprehensive kit for general repairs without switching battery platforms.

BLACK+DECKER MATRIX 20V MAX Multi-Tool Kit

The BLACK+DECKER MATRIX 20V MAX Multi-Tool Kit includes only a drill driver, significantly fewer tools than the Milwaukee’s four. It operates on the 20V platform, so M18 batteries will not work. This kit is designed for light DIY tasks and space saving. It is compact and suitable for hobbyists. You get a simple solution for varied light tasks without the complexity of multiple tools. This option is not for professional contractors needing heavy-duty standalone tools. It fits users who want a minimal setup for occasional repairs. It lacks the impact driver, reciprocating saw, and work light included in the Milwaukee 2696-24.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Milwaukee M18 Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit

Best for: Basic home repairs and general tasks

Number of Tools

4

Voltage

M18

Maximum Torque

1400 in-lbs

Chuck Size

1/2-inch

Included Accessories

Contractor bag

Power Source

Cordless

View on Amazon: Milwaukee M18 Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit Affiliate link

This kit includes a hammer drill, reciprocating saw, impact driver, and work light. The drill offers 550 in-lbs of torque, while the impact driver reaches 1400 in-lbs. It comes with two M18 XC batteries and a charger. The 21.6-pound package fits in a contractor bag. You get four essential tools for general tasks. The compact design suits tight spaces. It is a solid choice for basic home repairs.

Pros

• Impact driver delivers 1400 in-lbs of torque
• Hammer drill provides 0-1,700 rpm
• Includes two M18 XC batteries
• Reciprocating saw has gear-protecting clutch

Cons

• Only includes four tools in the set
• Heavy at 21.6 pounds total
• Drill torque is lower than brushless models

Good fit if

• You need a drill and impact driver
• You want two included batteries
• You prefer a contractor bag

Skip if

• You require brushless motors
• You need more than four tools
• You want a lighter kit

Verdict: Milwaukee M18 Compact 4-Tool Kit offers high torque for its class and includes two batteries. It fits users who need a drill, impact, and saw without extra weight.

2 Also great

DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Tool Combo Kit with 5.0 Ah Battery

Best for: Woodworking and general repair tasks

Number of Tools

5

Voltage

20V MAX

Motor Type

Brushless

Battery Capacity

5 Ah

Battery Included

5 Ah battery and charger

Maximum Torque

1,500 in-lbs. (impact driver)

View on Amazon: DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Tool Combo Kit with 5.0 Ah Battery Affiliate link

This DEWALT kit includes five cordless tools powered by a 20V MAX system. It features a brushless drill driver, an impact driver with 1,500 in-lbs of torque, a circular saw, a reciprocating saw, and an oscillating tool. The set comes with a 5.0 Ah battery and charger. It suits users who need a versatile woodworking and general repair set with high-performance motors and a substantial power source.

Pros

• Brushless motor delivers 340 unit watts out in the drill driver
• Impact driver provides 1,500 in-lbs of torque in a compact form
• Includes a 5.0 Ah battery for extended runtime
• Oscillating tool offers a 3-speed selector for different applications

Cons

• Only one battery is included in the kit
• Circular saw cuts 2x4s at a 45-degree angle in a single pass only
• No third-party battery compatibility mentioned in specifications

Good fit if

• You need a reciprocating saw for tight spaces
• You want a brushless motor for efficiency
• You require a 5.0 Ah battery capacity

Skip if

• You need more than five tools
• You prefer a hammer drill function
• You require multiple batteries included

Verdict: DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Tool Combo Kit is a solid choice for woodworkers who value brushless efficiency and a high-capacity battery. It fits those who need a reciprocating saw and an oscillating tool in one package.

3 Also great

Milwaukee M18 4-Tool Cordless Combo Kit

Best for: Users needing masonry drilling and quick blade changes

Number of Tools

4

Voltage

18V

Battery Capacity

3 amp hour

Battery Included

2 batteries and charger included

Chuck Size

1/4 INCH HEX

Included Accessories

Charger, tool case

View on Amazon: Milwaukee M18 4-Tool Cordless Combo Kit Affiliate link

This Milwaukee M18 kit includes a hammer drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw, and work light. It uses two 3 amp-hour batteries and an 18-volt system. The hammer drill handles masonry with 18 torque settings. The reciprocating saw features a Quik Lok blade system. This set suits users who need durable tools for mixed materials and overhead work.

Pros

• Includes a hammer drill for masonry and wood
• Two 3 amp-hour batteries with Redlink Intelligence
• Reciprocating saw with one-handed Quik Lok blade change
• Work light with sealed aluminum adjustable head

Cons

• Only four tools in the kit
• 3 amp-hour battery capacity is modest
• No brushless motors in the listed tools

Good fit if

• You need a hammer drill for masonry
• You want a reciprocating saw with quick blade changes
• You prefer a compact four-tool set

Skip if

• You require a five-tool or larger kit
• You need high-capacity batteries over 3 amp-hours
• You prefer brushless motor technology

Verdict: Milwaukee M18 4-Tool Combo Kit provides essential power for mixed-material tasks. It fits users who value masonry drilling and quick blade changes over a larger tool count.

4 Best 7-tool

CRAFTSMAN V20 7-Tool Cordless Combo Kit

Best for: Users needing seven tools with high torque

Number of Tools

7

Voltage

20V MAX

Battery Included

2 batteries and charger included

Chuck Size

1/2 in. chuck, 1/4 in. hex

Included Accessories

Charger

Power Source

Cordless

View on Amazon: CRAFTSMAN V20 7-Tool Cordless Combo Kit Affiliate link

This Craftsman V20 kit includes seven cordless tools powered by 20V MAX batteries. It features a drill with 280 UWO power, an impact driver delivering 1,460 in lbs of torque, and a circular saw with a 6 1/2 inch blade. The set comes with two batteries and a charger. It suits users who need a broad range of tools for general construction and home improvement tasks.

Pros

• Includes seven distinct tools for varied applications
• Impact driver provides 1,460 in lbs of torque
• Circular saw features a 6 1/2 inch blade
• Grinder operates at 8,500 RPM for aggressive grinding
• Oscillating tool offers variable speed from 8k to 18k OPM

Cons

• Drill speed maxes out at 1,500 RPM
• Circular saw lacks brushless motor technology
• Battery capacity is not specified in the data

Good fit if

• You need a comprehensive set of seven tools
• You prefer the 20V MAX voltage platform
• You require high torque for heavy-duty fastening

Skip if

• You need brushless motors for extended runtime
• You require high-capacity batteries for all-day work
• You prefer a smaller six-tool configuration

Verdict: Craftsman V20 7-Tool Combo Kit offers a wide array of tools for users who need versatility. It fits those who value torque and blade size over brushless efficiency.

5 Best budget

DEWALT 20V MAX 3-Tool Woodworking Set

Best for: Detailed woodworking projects requiring precision

Number of Tools

3

Voltage

20V MAX

Battery Capacity

5 Ah

Battery Included

Battery and charger

Oscillations Per Minute

8,000 to 12,000 opm

Power Source

Cordless

View on Amazon: DEWALT 20V MAX 3-Tool Woodworking Set Affiliate link

This DEWALT kit focuses on woodworking with three cordless tools and a 5.0 Ah battery. It includes a jigsaw with three speeds and a Quick-Change system, a sander with variable speed from 8,000 to 12,000 opm, and a circular saw with a keyless bevel shoe. The 5.0 Ah battery supports longer runtime. It suits users who need precise control for detailed projects rather than heavy construction.

Pros

• 5.0 Ah battery capacity for extended runtime
• Jigsaw features three speeds and Quick-Change system
• Sander offers variable speed from 8,000 to 12,000 opm
• Circular saw has a keyless bevel shoe with detents

Cons

• Only includes three tools compared to larger kits
• Sander speed range is limited to 12,000 opm maximum
• No brushless motor technology mentioned in specs

Good fit if

• You need specialized tools for fine woodworking
• You prefer a compact three-tool set
• You want a higher capacity 5.0 Ah battery

Skip if

• You require a hammer drill for masonry
• You need more than three tools in your kit
• You prioritize brushless motors for maximum efficiency

Verdict: DEWALT 20V MAX 3-Tool Woodworking Kit provides specialized control for detailed projects. It fits woodworkers who value precision features like variable sanding speeds and quick blade changes over raw power or a larger tool count.

6 Best premium

RIDGID 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit

Best for: General home maintenance tasks

Number of Tools

6

Voltage

18V

Battery Capacity

2.0 Ah, 4.0 Ah

Battery Included

2.0 Ah battery, 4.0 Ah battery, charger

Chuck Size

1/2 in. chuck

Power Source

Cordless

View on Amazon: RIDGID 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit Affiliate link

This RIDGID kit includes six cordless tools powered by 18V batteries. You get a 2.0 Ah and a 4.0 Ah battery with a charger. The set covers drilling, driving, cutting, sanding, and oscillating tasks. It weighs 30 pounds total. This bundle suits users who need a wide range of functions in one package.

Pros

• Includes 6 distinct power tools
• Comes with 2.0 Ah and 4.0 Ah batteries
• Features a 1/2 in. drill chuck
• Includes a carrying tool bag

Cons

• Heavier at 30 pounds total
• Smaller 2.0 Ah battery option included
• Lower voltage than 20V MAX competitors

Good fit if

• You need a versatile set for various jobs
• You prefer the RIDGID brand ecosystem
• You want a bag included for storage

Skip if

• You require maximum battery runtime
• You need a lighter, more portable kit
• You prefer 20V MAX platform tools

Verdict: RIDGID 18V 6-Tool Combo Kit offers a broad tool range for general tasks. It fits users who value variety over peak power or weight savings.

7 Also great

BLACK+DECKER MATRIX 20V MAX Multi-Tool Kit

Best for: Light DIY tasks and space saving

Voltage

20V MAX

Included Tools

Cordless Drill, 12 Attachments

Included Accessories

Storage Case

View on Amazon: BLACK+DECKER MATRIX 20V MAX Multi-Tool Kit Affiliate link

The BLACK+DECKER MATRIX 20V MAX kit centers on a single cordless drill driver. It includes 12 attachment heads and a storage case. This system allows you to swap heads quickly for various tasks. It suits DIYers who need one power unit for multiple jobs. The compact design saves space in your home. It is ideal for light decorating, repairs, and inflating tires.

Pros

• 20V MAX cordless power source
• Includes 12 attachment heads for versatility
• Quick Connect system for fast head changes
• Comes with a stackable storage case

Cons

• Single tool base limits simultaneous use
• No hammer drill function for masonry
• Attachments are specialized rather than standard

Good fit if

• You need one tool for many light tasks
• You have limited storage space for tools
• You perform general home decorating and repairs

Skip if

• You require a hammer drill for concrete
• You need multiple tools for heavy construction
• You prefer standard drill bit chucks

Verdict: The BLACK+DECKER MATRIX 20V MAX Multi-Tool Kit fits hobbyists who want a compact solution for varied light tasks. It is not for professional contractors needing heavy-duty standalone tools.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• milwaukee m18 magnetic drill alternatives
• milwaukee 0880 20p m18 wet dry vacuum alternatives