When you're comparing two 18V Milwaukee impact drivers, the price tags tell only part of the story. The 3650-20 M18 Brushless is the lower-cost listing, while the 2953-20 FUEL 4th Gen carries a higher listed price and a newer-generation label. Both are brushless 1/4" hex impact drivers, so the shared format lets you focus on what actually differs: condition, generation, and driver-friendly extras. If you're already comfortable with 1/4" hex bits, this head-to-head narrows down to how much you want to spend and which generation you prefer. This isn't a question of whether either driver can work; it's a question of which trade-off fits your budget and workspace.
Quick verdict
Pick the 2953-20 FUEL 4th Gen if you want the FUEL generation and are comfortable with a larger listed price. Pick the 3650-20 M18 Brushless if you'd rather start with a smaller upfront cost and are okay with the condition trade-off. Neither choice is wrong; the 3650-20 leans on affordability, while the 2953-20 leans on generation and condition.
At a glance
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar | Listed Condition | Battery Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 3650-20 M18 Brushless 1/4" Hex Impact Driver (Tool Only) | USD 54.99 | Open box | Tool only; battery not included | |
| Milwaukee 2953-20 FUEL 18V Li-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/4" Hex Impact Driver 4GEN | USD 109.99 | New | Battery not included |
Where each product wins
Milwaukee 3650-20 M18 Brushless
- Lower listed price than the FUEL model
- Same 18V brushless format and 1/4" hex impact driver layout as the costlier driver
Milwaukee 2953-20 FUEL 4th Gen
- New-condition listing
- Newer-generation FUEL design
- Keyless hex chuck
- Compact 3.9" body for tight spaces
- Listed top speed of 3,900 RPM
Product notes
Milwaukee 3650-20 M18 Brushless 1/4" Hex Impact Driver (Tool Only)
This is the more economical way into a brushless 18V Milwaukee impact driver without stepping up to the FUEL generation. It's listed in open-box condition, so you're paying less upfront than the FUEL model, and the 1/4" hex format is ready for standard driver bits. The M18 brushless motor gives you cordless power without a cord, and because the listing is for tool only, you'll need a compatible M18 battery and charger of your own. If you already have those, this open-box driver can be a practical addition to your kit; if not, add the cost of a battery and charger to your total spend.
Milwaukee 2953-20 FUEL 18V Li-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/4" Hex Impact Driver 4GEN
This is the 4th-generation FUEL choice in this head-to-head. The keyless hex chuck makes bit changes easy, and the compact 3.9" body is easier to position in tight corners. The listed speed reaches 3,900 RPM, and the listed color is red. The trade-off is the larger price tag: it's $55 more than the 3650-20, so you'll want that generation and convenience to matter in your work. That price difference is the single biggest barrier, but the design updates explain part of the gap. Think about how often a compact driver with a keyless chuck actually helps you on the jobs you do most.
Final choice by use case
Go with the 3650-20 M18 Brushless if your priority is the lowest listed price and you're focused on keeping the starting cost down. Go with the 2953-20 FUEL 4th Gen if you prefer the 4th-generation FUEL approach and the extra upfront amount is acceptable.
