Best Metabo HPT Drills 2026: Five Models Weighed and Compared

Introduction

Metabo HPT makes some of the more affordable cordless drills on the market, and the lineup now spans everything from featherweight sub-compacts to a full-size MultiVolt hammer drill. Picking the right one depends mostly on how much weight you want in your hand every day and whether you ever need to drill into concrete.

We compared five current models: the new DV18DC hammer drill, the sub-compact DS18DD, the DS18DX, the older DV18DFL2 hammer drill, and the 36-volt DV36DA. Each was weighed on a scale, measured for length, tested in hammer mode at high speed, and used for everyday drywall screw driving to judge comfort and ergonomics.

The Quick Comparison: Weight and Size

Weight is where these drills separate themselves. The DS18DD sub-compact comes in at just 2 pounds 11.6 ounces, making it one of the lightest and most affordable options around. The DS18DX, which is dressed up to look like a mid-range or upper-level drill but is still essentially a sub-compact, weighs 3 pounds 6.7 ounces with the standard 2.0Ah batteries.

The older DV18DFL2 hammer drill registers 3 pounds 11.6 ounces, while the new DV18DC lands at 4 pounds 11.2 ounces, almost a full pound heavier than the outgoing version. The 36-volt DV36DA tops the scale at 5 pounds 3.5 ounces, and notably that is with a much larger battery attached, barely more than the new 18-volt drill.

Length follows the same pattern. The DV36DA is about half an inch longer than the DV18DC, which in turn is roughly a quarter inch longer than the DV18DFL2. The sub-compact models are close to a full inch shorter than the full-size drills, which matters a lot in tight spaces.

Reactive Force Control: The Safety Feature Worth Paying For

Reactive Force Control, or RFC, is one of the standout features on the higher-end Metabo HPT drills. If a bit grabs while you are drilling, for example into something large or knotty, the tool detects the twist and stops the drill before it can rip out of your hands or injure your wrist.

This is not a theoretical benefit. A drill bit catching while drilling in a home can snap the tool right out of your grip, and it happens more often than most buyers realize. RFC is included on the newer DS18DX and the new DV18DC, as well as some of the MultiVolt tools, but many older drills in the lineup do not have it. If you are choosing between models, it is worth making sure the drill you buy includes it.

Metabo HPT DS18DD: The Everyday Bargain

The DS18DD is not a hammer drill, but it earned its place in the comparison because it is the most affordable of the group by a wide margin. It has been available for around $97 as a kit with an impact driver and two batteries, making it easily one of the best deals in the lineup.

In high-speed drilling tests it performed remarkably well for a non-hammer drill, finishing quickly and cleanly. For everyday use, it is a genuinely good choice, and as a dedicated daily driver paired alongside a hammer drill for occasional concrete work, it is hard to argue with the value.

Metabo HPT DS18DX: The Dressed-Up Sub-Compact

The DS18DX looks like a mid-range drill but sits close to sub-compact territory in size and handling. It includes Reactive Force Control, which is rare at this level, and it runs on the standard 2.0Ah batteries that most Metabo HPT tools use.

In screw-driving tests it felt phenomenal in the hand, with the motor barely bogging down. The main criticism is noise: it is rather loud compared to a lot of competitors. Beyond that, the earlier version of this drill was widely regarded as one of the best drill-and-impact kit values available, and this updated model carries that reputation forward.

Metabo HPT DV18DFL2: The Proven Workhorse

The DV18DFL2 is the older hammer drill in the lineup, and it has earned a reputation as an absolute workhorse. It rides the line between a hammer drill and a regular drill: not super compact, not super powerful for its class, but versatile enough to do a bit of both.

In hammer mode it feels quick and powerful, and in regular screw driving it performs well, though the RPM feels a bit lower than some competing drills tested to date. If you want a tried-and-true hammer drill at a reasonable weight, it remains a solid pick.

Metabo HPT DV18DC: The New Sweet Spot

The new DV18DC is the most interesting drill here. Despite its model number suggesting a top-end 36-volt replacement, it is actually slotted into the upper mid-range, effectively stepping in for the DV18DFL2. It sells for around $120, and like most Metabo HPT tools it will likely go on sale before long.

Its biggest advantage is battery versatility. It runs on standard 18-volt batteries, which are cheap and compact, but can also use MultiVolt batteries if you want more runtime. The 36-volt platform, by contrast, only accepts the larger MultiVolt batteries. This flexibility is exactly why this class of drill hits the sweet spot in the lineup.

Performance-wise, it is very snappy with plenty of speed, and it feels similar in character to the much larger DV36DA, just in a lighter package. It is not a super-powerful hammer drill and not a sub-compact either; it is a well-balanced in-between tool with a durable feel, an easy-to-use metal chuck, and conventional clutch settings.

The downsides are modest. It is a little heavy at 4 pounds 11.2 ounces, and the work light sits near the battery gauge, which can shine into your eyes when you glance down at the tool. Neither complaint is a dealbreaker.

Metabo HPT DV36DA: The Big MultiVolt Hammer

The DV36DA is essentially a giant hammer drill. It delivered the fastest, most torque-heavy performance of the group in hammer drilling, with tons of power on tap. It also has all-metal gearing and a metal chuck, which adds durability at the cost of weight.

The catch is that it is big, heavy, and expensive to buy and maintain, since it requires the larger and pricier MultiVolt batteries. For anything other than hammer mode, its size works against it. This is a specialist tool: buy it if you regularly need serious concrete drilling power, otherwise the 18-volt options cover most needs.

Buying Advice

All five drills felt very similar when driving regular screws; the real differences come down to weight, size, and whether you need hammer mode. A practical setup for many people is a lightweight sub-compact like the DS18DD as the everyday drill, paired with a hammer drill for occasional concrete anchors.

If you want a single do-everything drill, the DV18DC is the standout: it offers 18-volt battery versatility, a durable feel, and performance close to the 36-volt flagship without the battery cost. Watch for sales, since Metabo HPT tools routinely see discounts. If RFC safety matters to you, prioritize the DS18DX or DV18DC over the older models that lack it.

Conclusion

Metabo HPT’s current drill lineup offers something for nearly every buyer: unbeatable value in the DS18DD, a refined sub-compact with RFC in the DS18DX, proven versatility in the DV18DFL2, a new sweet-spot performer in the DV18DC, and raw concrete-chewing power in the DV36DA. Match the tool to how often you actually need hammer mode, and you will be happy with any of them.