Three jobsite radios cover most of what tradespeople buy: the Milwaukee M18 PACKOUT Radio + Charger (2950-20), the DEWALT 12V/20V MAX Bluetooth radio (DCR028B) and the Makita 40V max XGT Bluetooth radio (GRM03). This comparison rests on each maker’s own product page and on Pro Tool Reviews, which tested the Milwaukee and described the DEWALT. Torque Digest did not test any of them.

What each maker lists

Milwaukee says the 2950-20 has 10 speakers: four tweeters, four full range speakers and a subwoofer with a passive resonator. It streams over Bluetooth 4.2 from more than 100 feet away, tunes AM/FM with 18 presets, and has a USB output rated at 2.1A. It charges M18 batteries and mobile devices, and it fits PACKOUT storage. Milwaukee lists a 1 year warranty and calls the radio water and debris resistant, without giving an IP rating.

DEWALT’s DCR028B runs on 12V MAX, 20V MAX or FLEXVOLT batteries, or on its detachable AC cord. Its quad speaker layout uses dual 3.5-inch woofers and 1-inch tweeters with a bass reflex port. DEWALT lists AM/FM with 6 presets per band, a USB charging port, an auxiliary port, a roll cage, a handle that stores the antenna and Bluetooth range of up to 100 feet. The warranty is 3 years, and the battery and charger are sold separately. A DEWALT product graphic gives the weight as 8.25 lbs.

Makita’s GRM03 is a 40V max XGT radio that also accepts 12V max CXT and 18V LXT batteries. It has two 2.5-inch side firing speakers and a 4-inch bottom firing subwoofer, seven sound modes, FM tuning, a backlit display, a USB port and an auxiliary port. Makita says its XPT seals add dust and water resistance, lists 9.92 lbs without a battery and gives a 3-year limited warranty. Its page does not list a Bluetooth range or a runtime.

What the reviewers report

Pro Tool Reviews scored the Milwaukee 2950-20 at 9.0/10, praising punchy bass, clean highs at maximum volume and flawless pairing, and recording a pass in its 350-ft Bluetooth test. Its listed downsides were bass limited by driver size and the weight of the unit. It listed the price as $299.

For the DEWALT, Pro Tool Reviews described a beefier bottom end and a roll cage built for drops, but it repeated DEWALT’s 100 feet Bluetooth claim without testing it. It listed the price as $149. These are US prices from the reviewer, not Canadian ones.

Prices in Canada

At the time of writing, the Canadian retailer Prime Fasteners lists the Milwaukee 2950-20 at CA$429.99, on sale from a regular CA$449.99. The DEWALT page we checked at Source Atlantic showed no price, and we did not find a Canadian price for the Makita. Prices change, so confirm with the store before you buy.

Who it suits

  • Professional tradesperson on the Milwaukee platform: the 2950-20 charges M18 packs and fits PACKOUT, so it travels with the rest of the kit. Check the weight and the higher price.
  • Someone already on 20V MAX or FLEXVOLT: the DCR028B is the lower priced route and uses batteries you may already own. Check that you have a battery and charger, because they are sold separately, and note that no IP rating is listed.
  • Makita XGT owner: the GRM03 uses your 40V max packs and also accepts 18V LXT and 12V max CXT batteries. Check that you are comfortable without a listed Bluetooth range.
  • Homeowner on a budget: the DEWALT is listed below the Milwaukee on the reviewer’s US prices. Compare Canadian prices first.
  • Crew lead buying for a team: match the radio to the battery platform the crew already carries, since the radio then needs no extra charger system.