Last Updated on March 28, 2023 by Barry Gray
When I think of both Bosch and DeWalt, I see two power tool brands producing high-quality tools across their range. However, while they have some obvious similarities in their approach and products, I must admit that both brands also have their differences.
Now, you would expect different brands to go and tackle their market in their own way. That’s absolutely fine, but comparing the brands and seeing how they line up against one another is interesting.
Of course, what I’m doing here is comparing two massive names that pretty much everyone is familiar with. So, I think you will also find it interesting to see where this takes us.
Oh, and at the end, I’ll tell you which one of the two brands I prefer and why they stand out compared to the other.
Which Brand is Best?
Choosing between these two names is relatively straightforward when you know your intentions when it comes to your power tools. This is thanks to the markets that each brand targets.
While Bosch tools are good, I prefer what DeWalt offers, thanks to what I hope to achieve when using my power tools.
I feel DeWalt tools are more robust and provide greater power and torque, so they don’t struggle with even the toughest of jobs.
But don’t get me wrong, I still believe Bosch tools can perform admirably with a vast array of projects. However, I feel you can push DeWalt tools that bit harder, and they will still perform to the same high standard.
In saying that, I just think that having a clear understanding of your DIY skills and what you want to achieve with your projects makes the actual selection significantly easier. As long as you know what a tool can and cannot do, I think you would be pretty content with a power tool from either brand. Just as long as it meets your own individual criteria.
The History of Bosch
Bosch is a German company that launched in 1886, so they certainly have an extensive history. Founded by Robert Bosch, they did begin their life developing tools even though it took until 1932 for them to make the switch to developing power tools.
But that later start developing power tools did mean they had to try to catch up with other companies, one of which was DeWalt. However, they were up to the task by investing a sizeable amount of time, money, and effort into creating their first tool, a power drill.
From the outset, it became clear that their tools were loved by people in Germany. That led to them seeking to increase their product range as quickly as possible.
As their popularity continued to increase, it led Bosch to take the decision to really separate their power tools into two categories. This resulted in the now familiar blue and green versions that most people are aware of today.
In short, Bosch wanted to make it as easy as possible for people to find the perfect tool for their experience and skill level. So, that resulted in their green range being developed for your typical home DIY’er while the blue range focused more on tools aimed at the professional or serious hobbyist.
It was an approach that certainly worked, leading to them enjoying substantial success over the decades.
It’s also worth noting that Bosch is still privately owned, which is relatively rare in the power tool industry.
The Manufacturing Process
At the outset, every part of a Bosch tool was manufactured in Germany. However, that has changed quite considerably.
Today, various parts and tools under the Bosch moniker are manufactured in different locations worldwide. However, even here, you must be careful when contemplating where a Bosch tool is manufactured.
If you check out the box, it may state that the tool was manufactured in China. While that may be primarily true, it doesn’t tell the whole story.
Instead, the tool may have been effectively assembled in a factory in China, but it can easily contain parts manufactured in another three or four countries. So, Bosch tools use the entire world to create their power tools.
Why Buy Bosch Tools?
Before I delve into areas where I can provide a direct comparison, why would you buy Bosch tools, and what market does the company concentrate on?
Their Target Market
Bosch targets two different markets via their blue and green tools, but I think it’s fair to say their primary market is the home DIY’er who doesn’t need those heavy-duty tools on a regular basis.
That is why you will find differences in their product range with a preference for producing a 12V tool over a 20V tool. That slight reduction in power does limit what the tools can do, but not to an extent where the tools become incapable of doing anything.
Reasons to Purchase Bosch Tools
I also see a multitude of reasons why people would want to purchase a Bosch tool, including the following.
The Quality
Even though Bosch tools are not heavy-duty, that doesn’t mean they are of poor build quality. Instead, I think these tools are excellent and manufactured to such a high standard.
They come across as reliable and sturdy when in use, and you get a sense of that even when holding the tool. You feel that it won’t let you down, and there’s a good chance that won’t be the case.
Design and Development
Bosch is well-known in the industry for spending a vast amount of time and effort on the design and development of its tools. I think that bodes well for each tool appearing on their product range; as you know it has been through some strict tests.
Bosch seeks to constantly allow its tools to evolve and perform better via innovation, which is a great thing about the company. It means each new version has been improved in even some subtle way.
Also, I find Bosch tools easy to hold, and they tend to be quite comfortable as well. That’s another crucial point, as the balance of a tool influences even how much fatigue you suffer. I generally don’t see that as a problem with a Bosch tool.
Usability
As Bosch tools focus on your average home DIY’er, they ensure that usability is not an issue. Basically, I see Bosch as trying to ensure it’s never difficult to go ahead and actually operate one of their tools.
I like this about them as it does make their tools far more appealing to their target market. They ensure you don’t sit there having to waste time trying to understand how some aspect of the tool operates or even what it is supposed to do.
Generally, I see Bosch tools as the sort of thing where you take it out of the box and get started on your project. They keep everything nice and straightforward.
Affordability
Bosch tools are actually very affordable, and once again, that ties in with the market they wish to target. I see Bosch tools as genuine value for money. You get a lot of tool for your cash, and I believe their tools are worth more than they tend to charge.
But again, remember that Bosch tools have slightly lower capabilities than their DeWalt counterpart, which is reflected in their price. Yet I don’t see that as a problem considering the market they tend to target.
Overall, I just feel that Bosch tools are excellent, and they can make a huge impact on your project once you become aware of their potential limitations or capabilities.
The History of DeWalt
DeWalt is an All-American company founded by Robert DeWalt in 1924, who first created a radial arm saw which ultimately had some amazing success. This radial arm saw led to the company having a real foundation to build upon, and it did continue to build upon this both in the lead-up to the war and immediately after.
By 1949, the company was sold to the American Machine and Foundry Company, which sought to continue building upon that early success. Indeed, the new owners worked at increasing the product line, with DeWalt becoming one of the major players in the industry.
This continued success was partly responsible for the DeWalt brand being sold again in 1960, with Stanley Black & Decker taking ownership. They continue to own the brand to this day, with it forming part of their stable of names within this industry.
The Manufacturing Process
DeWalt uses factories in several countries around the world to produce their tools. They are clearly not alone in this approach, but they still operate several factories within the United States.
But a key difference with DeWalt is that every single power tool is assembled within the United States. It means different parts are shipped to the United States before everything is finalized for the final tool. It’s an approach that works well for them.
Why Buy DeWalt Tools?
Considering DeWalt is one of the most respected names in the industry, why would you buy them aside from that fact? Well, just as with Bosch, I do have several reasons as to why DeWalt tools do indeed stand out from the crowd.
Their Target Market
DeWalt focuses more on the professional or serious DIY’er as their market, which is then reflected in the capabilities of their tools. I’m talking about them having more power and abilities to perform additional tasks compared to the equivalent Bosch tool.
DeWalt produces tools suitable for more heavy use, which means improved battery performance and reliability. You feel you can take them anywhere, and they will still perform just as you expect, and that’s a huge deal when you work in the industry.
But that’s not to say your average DIY’er cannot then use DeWalt tools. They will still work exceptionally well with smaller projects. It’s just that their general capabilities far outweigh what you would need for those types of projects.
Reasons to Purchase DeWalt Tools
Unsurprisingly, I do have several reasons why DeWalt tools manage to stand out from the crowd.
Capabilities
As I’ve mentioned before, the capability of your general DeWalt tool will surpass what you would get with the equivalent tool from Bosch. They generally have a superior power to torque ratio, and their battery performs better for longer.
The motor in a DeWalt power tool is also one of the best around. It requires little maintenance, thanks to primarily being brushless, and I know from personal experience how hard you can push the tool without it failing.
Accessories
DeWalt currently has over 800 accessories for their main 20V line, which means you can change the tool to fit your individual needs. I love that fact, as I know how frustrating it can be when you cannot get the correct blade or bit to perform that task just as you need.
Well, I see that as rarely a problem with DeWalt, thanks to their range of accessories.
Innovation
DeWalt also spends a tremendous amount of money on research and development to ensure its tools are innovative. You will appreciate this as a serious hobbyist or professional when you realize your tools have better capabilities than you ever thought possible.
You always get the impression that DeWalt is never fully content with how a tool operates. They always seek to improve some area, if possible, in their quest to produce the perfect power tool.
Functionality
Finally, there is the general functionality of DeWalt tools, and that’s all thanks to their extensive product range. They try not to make things too complicated while ensuring their performance level is out of this world, which is a great thing.
From a functional perspective, I think they are one of the easiest ‘professional’ tools to operate on most occasions.
Overall, DeWalt tools are fantastic, and if you want to own a power tool that will last for some time with little in the way of complications, then this is a brand to seriously consider.
Comparing Bosch and DeWalt
Product Range
I must admit that both Bosch and DeWalt produce an extensive range of products, so it’s tough to determine which brand would win when comparing.
If you check DeWalt and their 20V MAX cordless range, you have over 200 different tools at your disposal, which doesn’t even mention the 800 or so accessories. Bosch then kind of matches them for the number of tools for their own particular flagship range, but the big difference is that their range is 18V rather than 20V.
You will also note that both brands produce a more powerful version of power tools thanks to the FLEXVOLT range by DeWalt and the 36V range by Bosch. Both ranges are significantly smaller than their flagship range, but they still offer enough tools to make things interesting.
But I must admit that Bosch wins over DeWalt regarding the 12V range. With Bosch, you have a vast number of tools to choose from, whereas DeWalt only offers a minimal choice. However, this is due to the market DeWalt focuses on, where a 12V power tool does not have the same appeal to their market.
So if you want a power tool for basic DIY projects, then Bosch could be your best option. However, if you want a more powerful tool that can change bits and get the tool to work precisely as you wish, then DeWalt is the better option.
Price
There is no real comparison when it comes to price, as Bosch works out to be less expensive than DeWalt. However, it ties in with their abilities and who they wish to target with their tools.
If you plan on sticking to a low budget with your tools, then Bosch is the brand you need to go with. DeWalt is undoubtedly more expensive, but the cost is not out of this world either. I feel they are the better tool overall, so if your budget can push to owning a DeWalt, then that’s what I would suggest.
Warranty
I constantly implore people to use the warranty that comes with their power tools, and not taking that opportunity is only asking for trouble. However, I understand that companies will generally do what they can to avoid carrying out any actions regarding the warranty.
It’s also not helped by companies adopting different approaches with their warranty.
When comparing both Bosch and DeWalt, I see only one winner with the warranty aspect: DeWalt. Honestly, Bosch is something of a letdown regarding their warranty as they only offer a one-year warranty that is also extremely limited.
DeWalt is better regarding this aspect of their business. They provide you with a three-year warranty on their cordless tools, but that’s not all they offer.
You also get a 90-day money-back guarantee if you are not happy with your purchase, and that’s something you don’t generally get anywhere else.
In addition, they do provide a one-year service option, but each part does come with a series of stipulations.
For example, both brands ensure only a clear manufacturing issue is covered by the warranty. You get nothing if it’s thanks to general usage or even if you drop the tool. If that happens, then you will be on your own.
However, I still believe DeWalt offers the better warranty out of the two brands. That is partly due to the market they target with their tools and the expectations of that market.
