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If you’re stuck between the Milwaukee 2626-20 (M18) and the 2426-20 (M12), you’re really deciding between raw power and featherlight portability. The 2626-20 hits 18,000 OPM with 12 speed settings, while the 2426-20 spins up to 20,000 OPM but weighs just 1.1 pounds. Both are tool-only, so you’ll need to bring your own battery.
I’ve broken down the specs, speed ranges, and included accessories to help you pick the right one for your garage or jobsite. If you already own M18 batteries, the 2626-20 is the obvious choice; if you’re all-in on M12, the 2426-20 won’t disappoint. Let’s see which one actually fits your needs.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Milwaukee 2626-20
More power with M18 batteries and a 5,618-review rating of 4.7 stars — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Milwaukee 2426-20
Ultra-light at 1.1 lbs with a faster 20,000 OPM top speed — Check Price →
I’ve pulled the key specs side by side so you can see exactly how these two Milwaukee multi-tools stack up against each other.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Milwaukee 2626-20 M18 18V | Milwaukee 2426-20 M12 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Milwaukee | Milwaukee |
| Power Source | Cordless | Cordless-electric |
| Voltage | ✅ 18V | 12V |
| Max OPM | 18000 | ✅ 20000 |
| Min OPM | ✅ 11000 | — |
| Speed Settings | ✅ 12 | Variable |
| Recommended Use | Cutting | Cutting, Grinding, Sanding, Trimming |
| Color | Red | Blank & Red, Silver |
| Special Feature | — | ✅ Compact, Cordless, Variable Speed |
| Included Accessories | Woodcutting Blades, Sanding Pad with Sheets | Multi-Use Blade, Sanding Pad, Multi-Grit Papers |
| Battery Included | No | No |
The biggest difference I see is the speed range—the M12 2426-20 hits 20,000 OPM while the M18 2626-20 tops out at 18,000 OPM, but the M18 weighs nearly three times more.
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both tools side by side, focusing on speed range, included accessories, and how each feels in hand. Here’s what I found.
Milwaukee 2626-20 M18 18V Lithium Ion Cordless 18
18V | 18,000 OPM | 11,000-18,000 OPM | 2.9 lbs | 12 speeds
- 12 SPEED SETTINGS: This fully adjustable tool will switch from 11,000 to a...
- DURABILITY: The all-metal gear case will help this tool resist common...
- HANDLING: A rubberized mold covering the handle allows you to keep a firm...
This M18 model is the workhorse of the two. The 12 speed settings range from 11,000 to 18,000 OPM, giving you plenty of control from delicate sanding to heavy cutting. I love the LED panel on the head — it lights up your work from any angle, which is a huge help in tight spots. The rubberized grip feels solid even with sweaty hands, and the all-metal gear case should handle drops on the job. It weighs 2.9 pounds, so it’s noticeably heavier than the M12, but that extra heft translates to more cutting power. The included woodcutting blade, sanding pad, and assorted sheets are a nice bonus out of the box. My only gripe is the battery life — you’ll get around 40 minutes of average use, so grab a spare if you’re doing long sessions.
✅ Pros
- 12 speed settings from 11,000 to 18,000 OPM for fine control
- LED panel on the head illuminates work from any angle
- All-metal gear case for durability on the job
- 4.7-star rating from 5,618 reviews — proven track record
❌ Cons
- Heavier at 2.9 pounds — tiring for overhead work
- Battery life averages only 40 minutes per charge
- Requires M18 batteries, so you need a separate system
Milwaukee 2426-20 M12 12 Volt Redlithium Ion 20
12V | 20,000 OPM | 5,000-20,000 OPM | 1.1 lbs | 12 speeds
- UNIVERSAL ADAPTOR: You can use accessories from other multi tools with the...
- 12 SPEED SETTINGS: Switch between 5,000 and 20,000 orbits per minute with...
- SANDING: An included sanding head with sanding pads will let you put the...
This M12 model is the featherweight champ at just 1.1 pounds — you’ll barely feel it in your hand. The speed range is actually wider than the M18, going from 5,000 up to 20,000 OPM, which is great for finer work like grout removal or trimming. The universal adaptor is a smart touch, letting you use most competitive accessories without hunting for Milwaukee-specific parts. The onboard fuel gauge shows remaining battery in 25% increments, so you won’t get caught mid-cut. The included multi-use blade, sanding pad, and multi-grit papers give you everything to start right away. My main concern is power — at 12 volts, it struggles with tougher materials that the M18 handles with ease. It’s perfect for light-duty jobs and tight spaces, but don’t expect it to power through thick hardwood.
✅ Pros
- Incredibly light at 1.1 pounds — ideal for overhead work
- Faster top speed of 20,000 OPM for quicker cuts
- Universal adaptor works with most competitive accessories
- Fuel gauge shows remaining battery in 25% increments
❌ Cons
- 12V system lacks power for heavy-duty cutting
- Lower 4.6-star rating from 3,624 reviews vs. M18’s 4.7
- Requires M12 batteries — separate system from M18 tools
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, there’s no single “winner” here — it all depends on which battery system you already own and what kind of work you’re doing. Let me break down exactly who each tool is built for.
Milwaukee 2626-20 M18 is right for you if…
- You already own M18 batteries and want the extra cutting power that 18V delivers for tougher materials like hardwood or metal.
- You’re doing heavier jobsite work where the 2.9-pound weight and all-metal gear case can handle drops and rough treatment.
- You need the LED headlight to illuminate dark corners — the panel on the head works from any angle, which is great for under-sink or crawlspace work.
Milwaukee 2426-20 M12 is right for you if…
- You’re already invested in the M12 system and want a multi-tool that’s featherlight at 1.1 pounds for overhead drywall or trim work.
- You need the faster 20,000 OPM top speed for quick, precise cuts in softer materials like drywall, grout, or PVC trim.
- You like using universal accessories — the included adaptor screws onto the head and works with most competitive blades and pads.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a weekend warrior who only needs to make a few cuts a year, skip both of these tool-only options — you’d be better off with a corded oscillating multi-tool that comes with its own power source and costs less overall. Similarly, if you’re a pro who needs maximum torque all day long, a corded model with a variable speed dial might serve you better than either battery-powered option.
For the most common buyer — someone who already owns Milwaukee tools — my recommendation is simple: stick with the battery system you already have. If you’re starting fresh and want the best balance of power and versatility, grab the M18 2626-20; it’s the safer bet for heavier work. If you value portability and lighter jobs, the M12 2426-20 won’t let you down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, the Milwaukee 2626-20 or the 2426-20?
The 2626-20 (M18) is the better tool for heavy-duty work — it delivers more torque at 18 volts and weighs 2.9 pounds, which gives you the muscle to cut through hardwood and metal. The 2426-20 (M12) is better for light, precision jobs where its 1.1-pound weight and 20,000 OPM top speed shine. For most DIYers doing a mix of tasks, I’d pick the M18 for its versatility and power.
Is the M18 2626-20 worth the extra money over the M12 2426-20?
If you’re doing serious cutting, yes — the M18’s higher voltage and heavier build handle tougher materials without bogging down. The M12 is cheaper and lighter, but you’ll notice the power difference when you’re cutting through thick stock or dense wood. For occasional trim work and sanding, the M12 is plenty and saves you money. But if you’re a pro or serious hobbyist, the M18 is worth every penny.
Which multi-tool has a faster oscillation speed?
The M12 2426-20 wins this one — it tops out at 20,000 OPM, while the M18 2626-20 maxes out at 18,000 OPM. However, the M18 starts higher at 11,000 OPM minimum, while the M12 goes down to 5,000 OPM. So the M12 gives you a wider overall range, but the M18 has a higher floor for when you need consistent power.
Can I use the same accessories on both the 2626-20 and 2426-20?
Mostly yes, but it’s not guaranteed. The M12 2426-20 comes with a universal adaptor that screws onto the head, letting you use most competitive accessories. The M18 2626-20 doesn’t advertise that same adaptor, so you’ll want to stick with Milwaukee-branded blades and pads or check compatibility first. In practice, many oscillating accessories fit both, but I’d test before committing.
Which one is better for sanding projects?
I’d lean toward the M12 2426-20 for sanding because it’s lighter at 1.1 pounds, so your arm won’t fatigue during long sessions. Its lower minimum speed of 5,000 OPM lets you do finer, more controlled sanding without gouging the wood. The M18 works fine for sanding too, but the extra weight makes it less comfortable for extended overhead or vertical work.
Which tool has better battery life?
The M18 2626-20 averages about 40 minutes of battery life per charge, which is decent for an 18V tool. The M12 2426-20 doesn’t list a specific runtime, but the fuel gauge shows remaining charge in 25% increments, so you always know where you stand. In my experience, the M18’s larger battery capacity generally lasts longer, but the M12 is fine for quick jobs.
My Final Verdict
The Milwaukee 2626-20 (M18) is my clear winner for most buyers. It delivers more cutting power at 18 volts, includes a 12-speed range from 11,000 to 18,000 OPM, and has the durability of an all-metal gear case — plus a 4.7-star rating from 5,618 reviews. The Milwaukee 2426-20 (M12) is the runner-up, perfect for anyone who prioritizes portability with its 1.1-pound weight and faster 20,000 OPM top speed.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: which battery system do you already own? If you’re starting fresh, the M18 2626-20 is the safer investment for heavier work and longer lifespan. If you’re already deep into the M12 platform, the 2426-20 is a fantastic lightweight option that won’t disappoint for lighter tasks.
Best Overall: Milwaukee 2626-20 M18
- 12 SPEED SETTINGS: This fully adjustable tool will switch from 11,000 to a...
- DURABILITY: The all-metal gear case will help this tool resist common...
- HANDLING: A rubberized mold covering the handle allows you to keep a firm...
This is the one I’d buy if I could only own one multi-tool — the 18V power handles tough cuts, the LED light helps in dark spots, and the 4.7-star rating from 5,618 reviews speaks for itself.
Runner-Up: Milwaukee 2426-20 M12
- UNIVERSAL ADAPTOR: You can use accessories from other multi tools with the...
- 12 SPEED SETTINGS: Switch between 5,000 and 20,000 orbits per minute with...
- SANDING: An included sanding head with sanding pads will let you put the...
This is the one to grab if you’re all-in on M12 or need something featherlight — at 1.1 pounds, you’ll forget it’s in your hand, and the 20,000 OPM top speed handles fine cuts with ease.
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