Drills are among the most popular and must-have power tools among DIYers and dedicated workmen everywhere. Drills are all-purpose tools that make quick work of practically any task. This is because drills can connect to a huge variety of different bits and attachments to complete virtually any task. Because the many types of drills out there, we've put together this list of the ten best cordless drills as a guide.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill / Driver Kit | Best Overall |  |
| DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set | Budget Pick |  |
| Makita XPH12Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill / Driver Kit
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight for great handling and control
- Easy to operate and user-friendly
- Greater power
- Adjustable RPM
- Comfortable grip
- Illuminated work light
Cons:
- Easy to get bogged down in tight spaces
- Warranty support is not as great as some others
The DEWALT 20V is a great purchase. It comes with two batteries so you have an extra one on hand. It is lightweight and powerful and can give you all the torque you need to handle a variety of tasks.
This is a convenient battery-powered drill/driver that can work in tight spaces. It has a torque mode control that helps to make drilling more positive and accurate. Not only is this cordless drill lightweight, but it is also easy to handle and user-friendly for an excellent drilling experience.
The machine has an adjustable RPM for a number of drilling and driving tasks. It has a 3-speed setting so you can use it for any drilling or driving you need to do. It also comes with 11 clutch settings so you can use it for multiple drilling and driving applications.
2. Milwaukee M12 12V 3/8-Inch Drill Driver
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- Bright LED light
- Solid and well-balanced
- Fast speed
- Operator-friendly features, such as power level selection, chuck key, and slide switch
Cons:
- Paint chips off quickly
- Unimpressive battery life
- Very limited battery type options
- No attached carry case
- Very small belt clip
The Milwaukee M12 12V 3/8-Inch Drill Driver is the best cordless drill to own. It features great ergonomics, portability, and simple controls. The lithium ion battery provides a long runtime, even when operating at the high speed setting. The battery is also very durable and can withstand multiple discharges and recharges without declining performance like many other batteries.
The variable-speed trigger coupled with the large and responsive trigger zone make this the preferred choice over many other cordless drills. When compared to the other drills on the market, this drill is 5x lighter and 2x more compact than the average drill. This makes it easy to grip for extended use and comfortably fits in your hand.
3. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill / Driver
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Brushless motor
- Compact and lightweight
- Rechargeable battery
- Quick-change chuck
- Variable speed trigger
- Retractable bit holder
- On-board battery and charger
- Impressive torque
The Black + Decker, 20V Max is a very compact and lightweight cordless drill. Its brushless motor helps it maintain optimum power for longer. Plus, its high-speed transmission offers the convenience of a choice between “high” and “reverse” speed without much hassle.
A quick-change chuck allows users to switch bits in seconds. The drill is also built with a torque of 800 in-lbs which is more than enough for most small projects around the home. It comes with a battery and charger, and you don’t need to deal with messy extension cords when you use it.
Bottom Line: The Black + Decker Cordless Drill is a good value for money and might be the perfect drill for you especially if you want a convenient but handy drill for your home projects.
4. DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set
Pros:
- 40 Replaceable FlexTorq bits
- T-shank design for easy use
- Quick change system
- Fully controllable RPM
- Impact ready
- Extra bits for wood and metal
- Stores bits in nice carrying case
- 20-volt MAX Lithium ion battery
- Professional
Cons:
- Batteries tend to dry out
- Some bits may break or chip
- Should have included some slotted pieces
When you have the best cordless drill available in your toolbox, you can take on any job with confidence knowing it will be finished quickly. If you’re looking for the best cordless drill, we recommend the 20-Volt MAX Lithium Ion FlexTorq screwdriver drill with its included 40-piece flexible bit set.
The FlexTorq screwdriver offers a patented flex-shaft design that allows the user to access those hard to reach places. It’s also perfect for working on wood and metal because you can use both Phillips and flat head bits.
In addition, you get a lot of extra bits for batter drills, although they’re not slotted bits. However, the screwdriver has a removable crank handle for precision when doing small-scale work.
5. Hitachi DS18DGL 18-Volt Cordless Lithium-Ion 1/2 Inch Compact Drill Driver Kit
Pros:
- No load speed of 0-450-0 rpm
- Great for professional use
- Slim design for better grip
- Small footprint for storage
- Durable
- Comfortable to hold
- Battery lasts for long periods of time
- Durable
- Suitable for heavy duty work
- Powerful
Cons:
- Heavy
- Pricey (but worth the price)
- Small size makes it hard to apply even pressure
- Plastic housing
- No gas filler hole on tank
Bottom-line: When it comes to cordless drills, everyone has their own preferences. Sometimes cordless drills are not powerful enough and then there are times when cordless drills are overkill for the type of work you’re doing. But if you are willing to spend a little bit more than your average cordless drill, which is why it has made it to this list of the top 10 cordless drills in the market.
6. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill / Driver
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Works great with larger drills
- Best for home use
- Durable
- Has variable speeds
You can have this drill to work for you within minutes instead of hours. The easy change attachments combined with the 20-V MAX Lithium-Ion battery will give you the performance that you have been looking for.
What Is The Black & Decker LD120VA?
This tool is a cordless drill that is powerful and light at the same time. That combination is what makes this the best cordless drill. The tool has a 20-V Lithium-Ion battery. For those of you who have other Black & Decker cordless tools, you already know how amazing they are. The Lithium-Ion batteries in Black & Decker cordless tools are easily rechargeable and hold a charge a long time.
7. TACKLIFE 12V 2.0Ah Cordless Drill
Pros:
- Reliable lithium power source
- Easy to charge and use – no cord or fumes
- Lightweight and compact – perfect for home use
- Great warranty
Cons:
- Not ideal for professionals
- Not versatile and lacks power
- Motor may overheat quickly
We listed the best cordless drills in accordance with several factors: power, durability, motor speed, weight, and versatility.
The first two drills featured on our list are from the TACKLIFE brand, the most popular of which is their 12V cordless drill. The drill comes with a host of impressive features that make it suitable for use both indoors and outdoors. It contains a slim, ergonomically designed grip so that you can work for extended periods of time without it hurting your wrist.
When it comes to the quality of the drill, it is built from machined steel and ABS plastic for a durable finish. It also features an anti-slip handle made from rubber for extra grip. However, the rubber wears off quickly according to several reviews. The drill features a 1-hour fast charger for easy charging without the need for taking out the battery. However, it takes a while to get enough charge for most projects.
8. DEWALT DC970K-2 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver Kit
Pros:
- Has a dual speed switch for switching between high and low speeds, which is not present in other drills
- Compact design
- Lightweight
- Decent battery life
- Material is made of high-quality plastic
- Dewalt provides free battery replacement up to 3 years
- Durable case made of hard plastic is a bonus
- Speed and torque are just right for any kind of woodwork
- Woodworking is easier with 2 speeds rather than single speed drill
Cons:
- Plastic carry case is weak
- Can be used only for light duty home purposes
DEWALT DC970K-2 is an 18-volt, compact drill/driver with a high performance motor that will let you work on light duty tasks. It will let you work on smaller projects. You will get about 90 minutes of continuous runtime from this drill driver.
It is lightweight and compact and hence it will fit into narrow spaces. Dewalt DC970K-2 might be a little light on power, but it features a couple of helpful features like two speed switches (0 to 450 and 0 to 1900 rpm), a variable speed trigger, a compact design, and an ergonomic handle. These features make the drill a great addition to your workshop.
9. Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit
Pros:
- Powerful yet lightweight
- Comes with two batteries
- Drill-driver features two speeds
- Delivers a great power-to-weight ratio
- Very easy to use
- All-around great cordless drill
Cons:
- Might not have enough power for some users
- Cordless driver isn’t very compact
- Power switch can be hard to locate at times
In our research on the best cordless drills, we’ve noticed that a lack of battery life is really a common complaint for owners of handheld power tools. However, having a second backup battery that is always charged and ready to go can solve that problem altogether. And that’s just what the Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit has to offer. This kit comes with two complete drill-driver kits, one with a two-speed setting for both drilling and driving, and another that has two driving speeds. Both drills also feature Electronic Motor Protection, which Bosch states adds an extra layer of protection against electrical shorts that can burn out motors.
These drills also include a convenient carrying bag with spots to hold two spare batteries. And both kits have multiple settings for torque and speed, including a drill mode and an electronic pulse setting.
10. Ryobi P208 One+ 18V Lithium Ion Drill/Driver
Pros:
- Lightweight and portable
- 20+ clutch settings for maximum comfort and optimal control
- LED light for dark work spots
- High-quality battery management system keeps the battery in great shape for years to come
- Compact and ideal for handling a variety of tasks
- Performs at top speed and is capable of driving screws to a depth of around 2-inches
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Perfect for DIY projects and general home repairs
Ryobi presents the P208 cordless drill that boasts of a compact size of only 7-inches long and weighing a light 3-lbs. The drill has a ¼ inch chuck capable of taking 1/8 to 3/8-inch bits. It likewise has a power of 1.5 amps with a brushless motor rated for up to 15,000 RPM and inordinately delivers an astounding torque of 330 unit watts out.
The drill is powered by a 18-volt battery which is capable of going cool without getting visibly warm. In addition, the drill contains LED lights that help with dark work areas. The drill requires no bags or belts and once charged, it works at full capacity up to three full hours, as noted by the manufacturers.
The One+ is compatible with:
11. Makita XPH12Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill
Pros:
- Exceptional power
- Charges very fast
- Lightweight drill with excellent grip
- Has a 3 year warranty
- Brushless motor
- Powerful battery
- Reliable battery charges a lot of devices
- Professional quality
- Uses high power batteries
- Variable speed setting
Cons:
- Gear and clutch are not adjustable
- Some people report that it is a little on the heavy side
- The batteries are not included with the drill
- Does not come with a battery charging kit
- There are some quality issues with Makita batteries
Makita is one of the most respected cordless drill manufacturers in the world. The Makita XPH12Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill, Tool Only is an impressive drill that is both powerful and easy to use. It uses a brushless motor to produce 4,000 RPMs, which is the perfect speed for most drilling applications. It also comes with a lot of variable speed settings so you can create a variety of precise drill speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best cordless drills on the market?
The DeWalt DCD777C2 20V max Lithium drill/driver and impact driver combo kit is the top pick and our main recommendation for homeowners and contractors alike.
It comes with two power tools, a belt hook, a brushless motor, and two batteries for a total of 290 in-lbs. of torque.
While 290 in-lbs. is less than the DeWalt DCD970KL's 350 in-lbs. of torque, the 20 V battery drive gives superior battery life and allows contractors to work for longer periods of time.
What volt drill is best?
What you want is something with enough power to do what you want it for but not enough to break your wrists. Differences in how the motors connect to the brush shafts is a good indication that two similarly priced drills will have different quality motors. Brushless motors are increasingly popular and tend to be more efficient and quieter than brushed ones.
What's the best cordless impact drill?
If you are in need of both a drill driver and an impact driver, you should go with a cordless combo kit.
In our opinion, the Makita XPH102W, 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2 in. Driver-Drill Kit with Two Batteries and Charger is the best cordless impact drill kit for the price.
What is the best drill to get?
The best drill for you depends on: your budget, your mechanical skill, and the projects you want to do. For many DIYers, a lightweight 18V cordless drill will be more than enough for laboring tasks, and they will find that many cordless drills provide everything they need.
For professionals, one of the heavy-duty cordless models will be needed.
Although cordless drills aren’t used that much in carpentry, it is still an important tool for you to own. Cordless drills are also used in carpentry and in a few other applications including plumbing and automotive repair.
Cordless drills may not be the first tool that comes to mind when we think of carpentry, but they have several different features that make them a viable option for many DIY home improvement projects.
Conclusion
If you’re planning on or just about to start a home project related to painting, wallpapering or even hanging a picture, you will no doubt need a good cordless drill. There are so many quality options to choose from, they can be pricey, but they make the job so much easier.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill / Driver Kit | Best Overall | |
| DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set | Budget Pick | |
| Makita XPH12Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill | Upgrade Pick | |