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Power tools with brushless motors have become extremely popular in recent years, catching up to the more traditional brushed types. That’s because the tools with brushless motors, like cordless drills, tend to be more efficient and run cooler. They also last longer with little need for maintenance.
Are brushless tools actually better, though? Not necessarily. Many brushed tools might be a better fit for lighter projects.
Read on to learn about the difference between brushed and brushless motors, the advantage of brushless motors, and what is a brushless motor. We also cover the questions you should ask yourself when choosing between a brushless versus brushed motor.
Brushed vs. Brushless Power Tools: Definitions
Brushed tools use carbon brushes to deliver electricity to rotating electromagnetic coils. Because these brushes spin while working and are in constant contact with slip rings, they can create a lot of friction.
By contrast, brushless tools don’t have brushes. Instead, they use magnets and a complex electronic system to generate power.
Advantages of Brushless vs. Brushed Motors

Each tool type has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the kind of work your project requires. Here are a few of the major differences we found.
Brushless Models Have Less Friction and More Power
Unlike a brushed motor, which creates a lot of friction, the brushless kind produces less of it because they don’t use brushes to transmit electricity. Friction leads to energy loss. Because brushless motors don’t generate friction, they’re more energy-efficient and are more powerful than their brushed counterparts.
Brushless Motors Have a Longer Battery Life
Brushless motors don’t lose energy to friction, resulting in a longer battery life. Many models can run for hours on end, enabling you to work on your projects without downtime.
Aside from having a longer battery life, brushless motors also:
- Require Less Maintenance. Brushless motor tools last longer because there aren’t any brushes to replace. By contrast, brushed motor power tools often require you to buy new replacement brushes because the friction causes the soft brush material to quickly wear down.
- Are Quieter. Brushless motor power tools produce less noise than brushed ones, making them great for quiet working environments. Certain tools, like circular saws, routers, and drills are extremely loud, so if you don’t want to wear earmuffs or make noise while working on your projects, consider getting brushless versions of these tools.
Brushed Motor Tools Are Affordable and an Ideal Solution for Simple Jobs
Although brushless tools offer more benefits, brushed tools may be a better choice for certain projects. Most brushless tools are in the general use or heavy-duty categories, making them unsuitable for light DIY projects like crafting.
There are many brushed motor tools specifically made for DIY projects, though, including brushed drills. So if you want a tool to create something simple, like a candle holder or bird feeder, you might want to consider buying a brushed power tool.
Key Differences Between a Brushless and Brushed Type of Motor
Brushless and brushed power tools operate differently because of their motors. Here are the key differences we found between these two motor types.
A Lack of Brushes
The key difference between a brushless and brushed type of motor is the presence of brushes, which are vital for the proper functioning of jackhammers, hedge trimmers, grinders, and drills.
To create torque, for example, the rotor needs to spin. Brushed motors create torque by using a sliding electrical switch, which consists of a commutator and fixed carbon brushes. These brushes are installed on the fixed section of the motor to transmit optimal power to the rotor. As the rotor spins, brushes are in constant contact with graphite slip rings, creating friction — and that can deplete power.
Brushless motors, by contrast, don’t use brushes to deliver electromagnetic currents. Instead of using brushes and mechanical commutators, they use magnets and electrical systems to generate power.
Price Difference
Brushless motors are typically 30% more expensive than brushed ones. Manufacturers need to manually install complex electrical systems inside the stator due to restricted space. This is a time-consuming and challenging job, which is why manufacturers sell these motors for higher prices.
Choosing a Brushed or Brushless Motor: Which Is Better for You?
To determine which type of power tool is better for you, you need a good sense of what your project involves. Ask yourself:
- What percentage of my projects are heavy-duty jobs, requiring complex control and high performance? Heavy-duty jobs include home improvement projects that involve circular saws, grinders, and table saws. Projects that require cutting metal are also generally heavy-duty.
- What percentage of my projects are light-duty jobs that don’t require high performance? Examples of light-duty jobs include crafting — like building miniature models or creating decorations — and assembling furniture.
If you tackle heavy-duty jobs and tasks frequently, you should consider using a brushless motor power tool. Brushless motors are more powerful, have longer battery life, and require less maintenance. They’re also less noisy, making them perfect for quiet environments and workplaces like your apartment.
A brushed motor power tool might be a better choice, though, if you only work on light DIY projects that don’t require much power. For example, if you only need to build a desk, a brushed drill should do the trick. Because you’re using it for a simple project that doesn’t require much power, you won’t notice the difference. The power difference between brushless and brushed motors only becomes clear if and when you work on complex projects.
Brushed motor power tools are also more budget-friendly, so if you have a limited budget and you don’t do heavy-duty work, consider buying a brushed motor power tool.
Check out our posts of brushed and brushless motor power tools.
- 2804-20 hammer drill: POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers up to 60% more power, is the most compact in its class at 6.9 in. L, and provides up to 2X faster speed under heavy load 2804-20 hammer drill delivers up to 1,200 in./lbs. of torque Compatible with all M18 batteries and tools
- 2853-20 impact driver delivers up to 25% more torque with up to 2,000 in./lbs. to complete more demanding applications 2853-20 impact driver: most compact impact driver at 4.59 in. L providing more access in tight spaces M18 FUEL SAWZALL is the fastest cutting reciprocating saw in its class and leverages a POWERSTATE brushless motor to provide users with 3,000 SPM with a 1-1/4 in. stroke length for faster material removal
- 2730-20 6-1/2 in. circular saw: POWERSTATE brushless motor provides increased cutting speed and power through the toughest applications M18 FUEL 1/2 in. mid-torque impact wrench with friction ring delivers the best power to weight ratio, most access in tight spaces, and faster removal speed, it provides 650 ft. lbs. of nut-busting torque and only weighs 5.1 lbs.
- 4-1/2 in./5 in. grinder with paddle switch: POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers maximum sustained power to complete the toughest grinding, surface prep and cutting applications
- Tools includes: M18 FUEL 1/2 in. hammer drill (2804-20), M18 FUEL 1/4 in. hex impact driver (2853-20), M18 FUEL SAWZALL reciprocating saw (2821-20), M18 FUEL 6-1/2 in. circular saw (2730-20), M18 FUEL 1/2 in. mid-torque impact wrench (2962-20), M18 FUEL 4-1/2 in./ 5 in. grinder paddle switch, M18 LED work light (2735-20), 2 M18 REDLITHIUM XC 5.0 battery, 1 M18 and M12 multi-voltage charger
- Efficient BL Brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for up to 50% longer run time per charge
- The BL Brushless Motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL Motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life
- The electronically-controlled BL Brushless Motor efficiently uses energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application
- Variable 2-speed 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill (0-550 & 0-2,100 RPM) with BL Motor delivers 1,250 in.lbs. of Max Torque; weighs only 6.0 lbs. with battery for a wide range of drilling, fastening and hammer drilling applications
- Impact Driver features 3-speed power selection switch (0-1,100 / 0-2,100 / 0-3,600 RPM & 0-1,100 / 0-2,600 / 0-3,800 IPM) provides 1,550 in.lbs. of Max Torque; weighs only 3.3 lbs. with battery
- DCD791 in the cordless tools combo kit has a DEWALT built brushless motor which delivers up to 57% more run time
- DCD791 in the cordless tool set has 3-Mode LED lights with a spotlight mode
- DCF887 in the drill/ impact driver combo kit has 3-speed settings for versatility with Precision Drive for added control
- DCF887 has 3-speed settings for versatility with Precision Drive for added control
- DCS570 uses a 7-1/4-inch blade to provide 2-9/16-inch cutting capacity at 90 degrees