Comparison:DeWalt DCH253N vs DCH273

When you stack the DeWalt DCH253N against the DeWalt DCH273, you’re looking at two 18V SDS-Plus rotary hammers that, on paper, sit extremely close to each other. Both handle the usual concrete, brick, and masonry drilling jobs without flinching. They’re dependable machines built for real work, whether that’s maintenance tasks or interior construction. Where things start to diverge is inside the housing: the DCH253N relies on proven mechanics and delivers notably smooth vibration control, while the DCH273 brings a brushless motor and a more complete safety system into the mix. That extra refinement makes it the better match for repeated or longer on-site operations.

DeWalt DCH253N

Technical specifications

Impact energy (EPTA) : 2,1 J

No-load speed : 0-1200 rpm

Impact rate : 4500 bpm

Motor type : Brushed

Max concrete capacity : 24 mm

Vibration level : 6,9 m/s²

Weight : 2,5 kg

LED light : Yes

Anti-vibration tech : Standard

Battery efficiency (tendency) : Standard XR

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Contained vibration levels (6.9 m/s²), offering noticeable comfort during repeated drilling.
Slightly higher no-load speed than the DCH273, which helps with smoother bit positioning.
Straightforward, proven design that’s easy to service.
Manageable weight (2.5 kg), workable for moderate extended use.
Solid middle-ground choice for a regular user who doesn’t need advanced tech.

Weaknesses

Brushed motor, which means long-term maintenance down the road.
No reinforced anti-vibration system.
Not the best fit for heavy-duty or everyday jobsite work.
No built-in clutch/torque limiter.

Indicative price

229$

Who is DeWalt DCH253N suitable for?

The DeWalt DCH253N is an 18V SDS-Plus rotary hammer built for everyday drilling in concrete, brick, and other common construction materials. Its appeal comes from its straightforward mechanics, its well-balanced feel, and vibration levels that are pleasantly low for this category of tool.

DeWalt DCH273

Technical specifications

Impact energy (EPTA) : 2,1 J

No-load speed : 0-1100 rpm

Impact rate : 4600 bpm

Motor type : Brushless

Max concrete capacity : 24 mm

Vibration level : 6,6 m/s²

Weight : 2,5 kg

LED light : Yes

Anti-vibration tech : Yes

Battery efficiency (tendency) : Improved thanks to brushless

Advantages / Disadvantages

Strengths

Brushless motor, offering better durability and long-term stability.
Slightly higher impact rate (4600 bpm), helpful in denser concrete.
Improved anti-vibration system and overall comfort management.
Safety clutch to reduce kickback if the bit locks up.
Better battery efficiency thanks to the brushless motor.
Ergonomics designed for repeated jobsite use.

Weaknesses

Slightly lower no-load speed than the DCH253N.
Generally higher price.
Electronics can be more sensitive over very long use compared to brushed models.
Overkill for an occasional user who won’t fully take advantage of its capabilities.

Indicative price

239$

Who is DeWalt DCH273 suitable for?

The DeWalt DCH273 keeps the overall foundation of the DCH253N but brings in a brushless motor along with several comfort and safety upgrades. It’s geared toward repeated tasks, longer work sessions, and professional settings where stability and the operator’s protection, genuinely matter.

Comparison table: DeWalt DCH253N vs DCH273

Criteria	DCH253N	DCH273	Verdict
Impact energy (EPTA)	2,1 J	2,1 J	Tie
No-load speed	0-1200 rpm	0-1100 rpm	DCH253NAbout 9% faster
Impact rate	4500 bpm	4600 bpm	DCH273≈ +2%
Motor type	Brushed	Brushless	DCH273Longer-lasting motor
Max concrete capacity	24 mm	24 mm	Tie
Vibration level	6,9 m/s²	6,6 m/s²	DCH273Slightly better control
Weight	2,5 kg	2,5 kg	Tie
LED light	Yes	Yes	Tie
Anti-vibration tech	Standard	Yes	DCH273
Battery efficiency (tendency)	Standard XR	Improved thanks to brushless	DCH273Better energy management

Recommended accessories

For DeWalt DCH253N

Dewalt XR 18V Battery DCB182-XJ

DeWalt Li-ION Battery Charger 10.8 V -18 V - DCB112

For DeWalt DCH273

Dewalt XR 18V Battery DCB182-XJ

100-Piece Drilling and Screwdriving Set DEWALT DT71563-QZ

Dust Extraction System D25303DH-XJ

Real-life test: DeWalt DCH253N vs DCH273

He works every week on light job sites: installing chemical anchors, laying cable trays, mounting supports, and doing small corrections on load-bearing walls. The test took place over a full morning about two hours of actual drilling, mostly in vibrated concrete and solid brick.

Experience with the DeWalt DCH253N?

Marc starts with a series of 8–12 mm holes in a vibrated concrete wall. The DCH253N jumps right in; the slightly higher speed is noticeable from the first holes it “bites” quickly, and getting proper pressure on the bit is easy. Vibrations stay reasonable; he even says he’d almost forget it’s an entry-level pro rotary hammer. After roughly forty holes, the feeling is clear: it’s a bit tiring, especially when pushing through harder brick, but still under control. The brushed motor warms up slightly. Nothing alarming, but it makes sense that this model is meant more for regular use than long, intensive sessions.

Experience with the DeWalt DCH273?

Marc then repeats the exact same drilling sequence same diameters, same materials. From the first holes, he comments on the stability: “It hits more consistently,” he says. The brushless motor keeps a steady rhythm, especially in dense concrete. Vibrations feel a bit better filtered, something you really notice after thirty minutes without stopping. The safety clutch kicks in once when the bit catches some rebar, preventing a sharp twist to the wrist. Over time, Marc notes that he’s less tense, his arm holds up better, and he could keep going longer without the same level of fatigue he felt with the 253N.

User reviews

DeWalt DCH253N

4.13/5

Drilling performance

85%

Comfort and vibration control

86%

Endurance / Battery life

78%

Ergonomics and safety

82%

★★★★★

Stéphane G.

I use it for my home renovation projects. It feels good in the hand, and the vibrations are really manageable, even for someone who mostly drills on weekends. It gets the job done without any surprises.

★★★★★

Malik R.

Solid tool, but you can tell the brushed motor gets a bit tired if you push it for too long. For my small maintenance tasks, it’s more than enough.

★★★★★

Pauline T.

Light, simple, and precise. I drill brick and aerated concrete regularly, and it has never let me down. What I like most is how comfortable it is to handle.

DeWalt DCH273

4.53/5

Drilling performance

88%

Comfort and vibration control

92%

Endurance / Battery life

93%

Ergonomics and safety

90%

★★★★★

Julien M.

I’m an electrician and use it almost every day. The brushless motor really makes a difference: it runs cooler and hits more consistently. Overall, a very good feel.

★★★★★

Carine P.

Pleasant tool to work with, and the vibrations are well controlled. I mostly drill concrete for fastenings, and the impact rate really helps. A bit pricey, but makes sense for professional use.

★★★★★

Thomas L.

Good battery life and good safety features. The clutch has already saved me from a nasty wrist twist. Nothing spectacular, but everything is clean and effective.

Questions? We have the answers!

Which rotary hammer is better between the DeWalt DCH253N and the DCH273?

Both deliver the same impact energy (2.1 J) and the same drilling capacities, but the DCH273 stands out with its brushless motor and its anti-vibration system. For intensive use, it’s the one that fits best.

Does the DCH273’s brushless motor really make a difference?

Yes, it brings better stability, longer lifespan, and improved runtime. Over a full workday, you mainly feel the difference in how consistently it runs and how much less it heats up.

Which model is better suited for drilling concrete on a regular basis?

Both can handle concrete up to 24 mm, but for dense concrete or repeated drilling sessions, the DCH273 is more comfortable thanks to its vibration control.

Is the DCH253N enough for home use?

Yes. For occasional or regular tasks (anchors, wall mounts, small renovations), the DCH253N offers a solid balance without paying for extra tech you won’t truly need.

Can you use the same SDS-Plus bits on both models?

Yes, both use an SDS-Plus chuck, which is compatible with most concrete bits on the market.