Buying guide for best cordless drills
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A cordless drill is often the first power tool someone buys, and for good reason. It’s perfectly suited to household maintenance and can help craftspeople complete amazing projects. But cordless drills come in many forms, power levels and even motor types, so it’s important to do your homework to ensure you get the right one for your needs.
To help you narrow down your options, we researched dozens of drills, looking at features such as power, speed settings and ergonomics. To determine the best cordless drills, the BestReviews Testing Lab put our top contenders through a rigorous evaluation. We assessed their drilling and driving capabilities, along with factors like durability and the usefulness of any extra features.
In the end, we found the best cordless drill to be the DeWalt 20-Volt Max Cordless Drill/Driver Kit. Even without the extras, this drill is a top-performing tool. But where it truly shines is the unmatched value it offers. The included two batteries, charger, bits and travel bag make it an unbeatable package at this price point.
Our top picks
DeWalt 20-Volt Max Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
Best High-End Brand
Voltage: 20 | Battery Type: Lithium-ion | Chuck Size: 1/2" | Speed Settings: 16 | Weight: 3.64 lb
Our hands-down favorite, this drill is well-positioned to handle a huge range of tasks thanks to its versatility. The included 20-volt battery delivers an impressive 300 watts of power, ensuring it can handle practically whatever you throw at it. The DeWalt’s 16 variable speed options mean you always have precise control while drilling — that way you can prevent damage to your drill and the materials you’re working with, and reduce the risk of injury. The large, half-inch chuck lets you use a wide variety of drill bits, making the drill even more adaptable for various drilling tasks.
The rest of the kit includes a storage bag, a charger and two small batteries instead of just one. This makes the kit excellent for starting and maintaining a DeWalt tool collection.
Ryobi One+ 18-Volt Cordless Drill/Driver (Tool Only)
Best Budget Brand
Voltage: 18 | Battery Type: NA | Chuck Size: 1/2" | Speed Settings: 22 | Weight: 1.5 lb
The Ryobi drill delivers impressive drilling performance for its price. During testing, it tackled various drilling materials with ease. For instance, a 1-inch hole saw drilled through a two-by-four in 30 seconds, a half-inch bit made it through 16-gauge sheet metal in 13 seconds, a quarter-inch bit powered through metal in five seconds and a 1-inch paddle bit went through a two-by-four in just five seconds. Though we sometimes needed to apply more pressure to keep it steady, its driving performance was strong overall.
This Ryobi drill is part of the Ryobi ONE+ system, meaning the battery you use with this tool can be used with practically any other Ryobi power tool. This is a great money-saving advantage if you already own Ryobi tools or a charger, or plan to expand your Ryobi collection in the future.
While the LED work light could be brighter for improved visibility, this Ryobi drill impressed us with its exceptional durability in drop tests, showing minimal wear. We think, for the price, you won’t be disappointed.
DeWalt 20-Volt Max XR Hammer Drill (Tool Only)
Best Drill for Masonry
Voltage: 20 | Battery Type: NA | Chuck Size: 1/2" | Speed Settings: 11 | Weight: 4 lb
Carve through concrete as if it were butter with the DeWalt 20-Volt Max XR Hammer Drill. This top-rated drill boasts a dedicated third-gear hammer drilling mode that makes quick work of tough materials. Our tests revealed it blasted through a cinder block with a 3/8-inch bit in an impressive three seconds.
The DeWalt drill also tackled regular drilling tasks with ease, powering through a two-by-four with a hole saw in 15 seconds. It even cut through 16-gauge sheet metal in five seconds flat. While we encountered some catching with our paddle bit test in two-by-four lumber, it still completed the task in a mere five seconds. The drill's driving performance was equally impressive, effortlessly sinking 3-inch wood screws in about five seconds.
While the drop tests resulted in a minor cosmetic blemish on the tip, the DeWalt drill remarkably maintained full functionality. The drill's three-setting LED light provides exceptional illumination in any lighting condition, ensuring clear visibility for precise drilling. Lastly, it’s worth noting that the required battery is not included with this drill.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Drill/Driver (Tool Only)
Best Drill for Craftspeople
Voltage: 18 | Battery Type: NA | Chuck Size: 1/2" | Speed Settings: 14 | Weight: 2.02 lb
Milwaukee Tool has been in business for 100 years, and they’re continued commitment to quality shines with the Milwaukee M18. This drill dominated our speed tests, effortlessly powering through various materials. It blasted through a two-by-four with a 1-inch hole saw in just 13 seconds and a paddle bit in a mere three seconds. It consistently drilled through 16-gauge sheet metal with different bits in an average of only six seconds each. The driving performance was equally impressive, sinking 3-inch wood screws in five to six seconds.
This Milwaukee drill is crafted with high-quality materials, it’s comfortable to hold and has a useful onboard LED light. However, a battery is not included.
Makita 18-Volt LXT Driver/Drill Kit
Best Battery Efficiency
Voltage: 18 | Battery Type: Lithium-ion | Chuck Size: 1/2" | Speed Settings: 21 | Weight: 3.6 lb
The real joy of this drill is its excellent battery life. The 3-ah battery it comes with lasted about an hour and 10 minutes and was the only battery among the drills we tested to last over an hour. It’s also durable with a strong LED work light.
This drill impressed with its lightning-fast drilling speeds. It punched through a two-by-four in a mere five seconds, nearly completing the hole in one go (though we did need to finish from the other side). The paddle bit test was similarly quick, averaging three to four seconds with some occasional catching. Sheet metal drilling was also efficient, taking an average of seven seconds across two different bit sizes. The drill's power extended to driving tasks as well. It effortlessly handled getting a 3-inch wood screw into a sturdy four-by-four beam. So, if you’re looking for power — you found your match!
Black and Decker 20-Volt Max Drill/Driver Kit
Best Budget 3/8-Inch Drill
Voltage: 20 | Battery Type: Lithium-ion | Chuck Size: 3/8" | Speed Settings: 10 | Weight: 3.15 lb
When you’re in need of a 3/8-inch drill that can get the job done without spending a lot, this is it. While this Black and Decker drill's drilling speeds weren't the fastest in our tests (taking 1.5 minutes for a hole saw and 20 seconds for a paddle bit), it still tackled common home maintenance tasks effectively. The paddle bit did experience some catching during the test. For sheet metal, it averaged 12 to 13 seconds per hole. While driving 3-inch screws required a pilot hole, this is a common practice for larger screws.
Regardless, its affordability and compact design make it an accessible option for DIY enthusiasts. An additional perk is the impressive battery life, lasting nearly an hour on a single 1.5-ah battery.
Bosch 12-Volt Max Drill/Driver Kit
Best Drill Kit for Apartment Dwellers
Voltage: 12 | Battery Type: Lithium-ion | Chuck Size: 3/8" | Speed Settings: 20 | Weight: 1.8 lb
This itty-bitty drill is exactly what every small-apartment dweller needs for multiple reasons. Its compact size is perfect for getting into those minuscule spaces, plus even its storage bag, battery and charger are all only as large as they have to be. Its small chuck and low power isn’t enough for a workshop, but it’s more than enough for building premade furniture or doing little maintenance tasks around your home that your complex’s maintenance staff don’t handle. It offers 20 clutch settings in case you do need to perform the occasional difficult task.
It doesn’t skimp on the extra features either, despite a low cost. It has an LED work light that helps with dark places and a battery fuel gauge so you’re not surprised when your battery dies midtask.
What to consider when buying a cordless drill
Brushed vs. brushless motor
Brushed motors use coils that rotate around magnets. Due to friction, the motor’s carbon brushes gradually wear down over time and either the brushes or the motor itself will need to be replaced. Because brushed motors lack durability, few drills use them despite their lower cost. That said, drills with brushed motors are a fine choice for those who need a drill for occasional projects and minor repairs.
Brushless motors use a magnet that rotates around coils. This more popular, lightweight motor, which is ideal for professionals or anyone with heavy-duty tasks, provides greater power, efficiency and longevity, but it costs more.
Battery power
Battery power is measured in volts. The more volts, the more powerful the drill, and the more torque it can muster. The majority of cordless drills are 12-volt, 18-volt or 20-volt tools. The 12-volt models are sufficient for most household tasks, but if it’s within your budget, you can’t go wrong with the extra power offered by an 18-volt or 20-volt option. Many quality cordless drills come with two batteries, so one can charge while the other is in use.
Battery type
While you can still find drills powered by nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, they’re not as common as lithium-ion (Li-ion) models. In general, Li-ion batteries provide longer run time and more power. Plus, they don’t contain cadmium, an environmentally harmful metal. Li-ion batteries are also lighter than NiCd batteries.
Speed
Typically, cordless drills have low-speed and high-speed settings. A lower speed provides more torque (twisting power) for driving screws, while a higher speed is used for drilling holes. Some models also have a variable speed lever so you can set a more specific speed.
Variable clutch
A cordless drill’s clutch stops the rotation of the drill bit once a set resistance is reached. This prevents stripping and over-tightening a screw. Variable clutch settings let you tailor the resistance to your needs. Usually, low resistance is for small screws and high resistance is for large screws.
Chuck size
The chuck is the part of the drill that holds the bit. Some less-expensive models only have a 3/8-inch chuck, but most cordless drills have a 1/2-inch chuck, which is far more versatile.
Extras
Some drills come with some small extra features to make your task easier. The most common of these is a built-in LED light that comes in handy when you’re drilling in a dark or recessed location. Another is a belt hook, which can be handy when you’re working on a ladder or walking around a project site.
Tips for using your cordless drill
- Drilling a hole to a specific depth? Wrap a bit of colorful tape around your drill bit at the desired depth. When the tape hits the hole, you’re there.
- Not sure what size drill bit you need? It’s better to err on the side of too small than too large. After all, you can always make the hole bigger, but it’s hard to make it smaller once you’ve over-drilled.
- Always start drilling at a low speed. Increase speed as needed.
- Typically, your drill will have a lever to set the direction forward (driving screws in) or reverse (unscrewing screws). If the lever is set in between the two directions, it’s locked. So, if you can’t figure out why your drill won’t spin, check the direction lever.
- Remember that the larger the drill bit, the more powerful the torque.
- Hold your drill so the bit is at a right angle to the work surface. This will prevent the bit from skittering or breaking as you work.
- Wear eye protection when you use any power tool. Dust from paint, wood, drywall or masonry can do serious damage to your eyes.
- If you’re drilling a deep hole, periodically pull the bit out, and dust or blow away the accumulated sawdust and grit.
- Unless you’re drilling into a wall or similarly fixed object, clamp the item before starting to drill.
- A good, basic set of drilling and driving bits should accomplish just about anything the average homeowner or casual DIYer needs to do. Common types of drill bits include:
- General purpose
- Phillips head for use with that type of screw
- Metal or high-speed steel (HSS) for drilling into metal
- Auger for deep holes
- Spur point for wood
- Tile or glass bits for working with those materials
- Spade bit for large holes in wood
- Hole saw for even larger holes in wood
- Masonry bit for concrete, brick or stone
- Countersink: These cut a tiny bit of extra space for the screw’s head
- Sanding bits: These are wrapped with sandpaper and are extremely useful for smoothing surfaces before painting, priming, and such
How we tested
To determine the best cordless drills for a variety of needs, we conducted a rigorous testing process on seven drills from six leading brands, encompassing a range of power levels. Each drill underwent identical tests designed to assess real-world performance. Here's a breakdown of our testing methodology:
Drilling performance: We evaluated drilling capabilities through tests using various bit types and materials. This included drilling small holes in wood with paddle bits and hole saws, simulating common DIY tasks.
Driving performance: The drills were put to the test by driving 3-inch wood screws and 5-inch lag screws, assessing their power and ability to handle demanding jobs.
Durability: We tested the toughness of each drill by subjecting them to controlled drop tests, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of everyday use.
Battery efficiency: Battery life is crucial for cordless tools. We measured the runtime of each drill to determine how long they can last on a single charge.
By analyzing the combined results from these tests, we were able to identify the top performers that offer exceptional drilling and driving capabilities, durability and battery efficiency.
FAQ
Q. Are cordless drills less powerful than corded drills?
A. Generally, yes. A corded drill delivers more torque than one running on batteries. However, this is typically only something to keep in mind if you plan to do heavy-duty jobs.
Q. Can I use a cordless drill to mix paint?
A. Yes. You can purchase bits that are specifically designed to mix paint. Simply attach the bit to your drill as you would any other, dip it into your bucket and mix as needed. Be sure to wear eye protection.
Q. Can I use a battery with a different voltage than the one my drill came with?
A. This practice should generally be avoided. Using a battery with a lower voltage than your drill will adversely affect the tool’s performance. In that same vein, using a more powerful battery than appropriate can overload your drill and ruin it.
