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Updated March 2024
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
DEWALT 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion 1/2-Inch Drill/Driver Kit
DEWALT
20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion 1/2-Inch Drill/Driver Kit
Check Price
Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

A well-priced kit that is hugely popular, and for good reason.

Pros

Nothing beats it for torque output. Outstanding reputation for reliability. Lots of different kit variations, so you can choose the drill and accessories for your needs. Ergonomic handle and lightweight design make it easy to work with, even in tight spaces.

Cons

A bit heavier than the other drills we tested.

Best Bang for the Buck
BLACK+DECKER 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill/Driver
BLACK+DECKER
20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill/Driver
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

You get what you pay for, but many folks with only an occasional need to drill will be content with it.

Pros

Small and light. Very inexpensive. A popular drill that will come in handy for all sorts of home projects. Several kit options, so you get all the accessories you want without too many parts you don't need.

Cons

Low on power and battery life. Battery takes too long to recharge, and only 1 is included.

Avid Power 20-Volt MAX Lithium Ion Cordless Drill
Avid Power
20-Volt MAX Lithium Ion Cordless Drill
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Easiest to Use
Bottom Line

A basic but powerful drill that will make you feel in control, even with precise drill work.

Pros

Multifunctional battery pack can also charge other household devices like phones. Easy to drill with precision into numerous materials, from wood to metal. Ergonomic, lightweight design makes it easy to use. Has 10 drill bits and 10 driver bits included.

Cons

Some complaints of faulty battery chargers.

Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit
Bosch
Power Tools Drill Kit
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

A reliable and lightweight cordless drill from one of the most trusted brands in the power tool industry.

Pros

Battery is powerful and reliable, ensuring more work can be done before needing a charge. Lightweight and compact design allows for easy storage and transport. Comes with multiple screwdriver bits and 2 speed drivers for every task.

Cons

Comes with plastic chucks that are not very durable.

Makita 12V Max Cordless Driver-Drill Kit
Makita
12V Max Cordless Driver-Drill Kit
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Durable & Rugged
Bottom Line

A lightweight and compact drill with a powerful motor that's perfect for all kinds of DIY tasks.

Pros

It has a variable 2-speed design for various drilling tasks, and the motor delivers 250-inch pounds of torque. The ergonomic handle has a rubber grip for increased control and comfort and a slide battery design that lets it stand on its own.

Cons

Some users may prefer a larger drill.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

57
Models
Considered
169
Consumers
Consulted
24
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for best cordless drills

Cordless drills are the most commonly used power tools, and it’s easy to see why. They’re easy to operate and easy to understand, and with one in hand, you can finish basic yet time-consuming tasks with ease.

Even someone who has never set foot on a construction site will likely need to drive in a screw, drill a hole or loosen a bolt at some point. To that end, a cordless drill is an excellent option.

Despite the simplicity of the tool, it’s important to consider which drill would suit you best. People who regularly do repairs or work in contracting would likely appreciate a powerful, durable drill. Those who need a drill just once in a while would probably be happy with a less-robust option.

DeWalt’s 20-Volt Max Cordless Drill Kit offers power customization options that make it suitable for professionals and hobbyists alike. The included accessories provide much of what you need to get right to work, making it a convenient and affordable purchase.

Our list: The best cordless drills

DeWalt 20-Volt Max Cordless Drill Kit

DeWalt’s iconic yellow tools are worksite staples for good reason, and this cordless drill delivers on DeWalt’s reputation for tough, reliable equipment at a reasonable price. The kit includes the tool, two 20-volt lithium-ion batteries, a charger and a rugged carrying bag. The drill features a bright LED that illuminates when the trigger is depressed so you can easily see your work.

You can select from two drill speeds to accommodate a wide range of jobs and materials, and the tool’s ergonomic handle remains comfortable even during long periods of use. Its single-sleeve ratcheting chuck loosens and tightens by hand, making it easy to swap out bits. And, at under 4 pounds, this compact drill reaches into tight areas without hassle.

Black and Decker 20-Volt Max Cordless Drill and Driver

This drill is an incredible value thanks to Black and Decker’s penchant for manufacturing decent, no-frills budget tools. It includes a 20-volt lithium-ion battery, a reversible screwdriver bit and a compact charger. An LED above the trigger lights up as you work to make it easier to line up your bits in poorly lit spaces. 

The drill’s clutch features 11 speed settings, letting you customize its performance to match your work and help prevent screw stripping. While this drill may not be rugged enough for heavy-duty jobs or contract work, it’s great for property owners who occasionally make light repairs around the home and yard.

Avid Power 20-Volt Max Lithium-ion Cordless Drill Set

This kit comes with everything a DIYer needs to get to work. It includes the drill, a 20-volt lithium-ion battery, a compact charger, an extension bit for lengthening the drill’s reach, a set of 10 drill bits and a set of 10 driver bits. Additionally, it comes with a flexible shaft that lets you drive screws in corners and areas that are too tight for the tool itself to reach. 

Its battery features three LEDs that indicate its power level. A USB port lets you also use the battery as a power bank for your phone or other device. The tool itself features an LED light, a built-in driver bit holder and 15 torque settings you can select by twisting its chuck by hand.

Bosch 12-Volt Max Drill Kit

This ultra-compact cordless drill from Bosch weighs less than 2 pounds and comfortably fits in the palm of your hand thanks to its sleek, ergonomic design and 7-inch length. Despite its size, it still manages to deliver enough power to tackle most drilling and driving projects. 

The drill features 20 torque settings, offering the flexibility you need to prevent over-tightening and stripping your screws. This set includes a tough carrying bag, two 12-volt lithium-ion batteries and a charger. The drill has an LED light to illuminate your work as well as indicator LEDs on its side that display battery life. It’s an apt choice for homeowners and pros who need a smaller tool to take over when their primary drill won’t reach.

Makita 12-Volt CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill Kit

This cordless drill from Makita is packed with features, including an LED light, a rubberized ergonomic grip and a built-in belt clip. Two speed settings and adjustable torque make it a great all-purpose tool. It weighs only 2.4 pounds with the battery installed, and its 7-inch length maneuvers easily in cramped areas. 

This set is a bargain. With your purchase, you get the drill, a pair of lithium-ion batteries to keep you working, a charger and a hard plastic tool case to keep everything safely organized. The drill can be stood up on its handle, making it easy to grab as needed. The included batteries feature LED lights that conveniently indicate their charge level.

Ryobi 18-Volt Cordless Drill Kit

With 18 volts of power, this affordable cordless drill from Ryobi is superb for light to medium property maintenance and fix-it jobs. It comes with a battery, charger, and reversible driver bit that can be stored using a built-in clip below its handle. It features an LED light and textured rubberized grips to prevent the tool from slipping, even if your hands are sweaty or you’re wearing gloves. 

A small magnet above the battery slot lets you keep screws, nuts and bolts accessible without the risk of dropping them. Its 24-position clutch lets you adjust the power according to the task at hand, preventing you from drilling too deep or damaging the heads of your screws.

Milwaukee M18 Cordless Drill Kit

This rugged 18-volt drill comes with a charger that fully refreshes your battery in 30 minutes. A pair of 18-volt batteries give you the extended run time you need to tackle big projects without stopping for a recharge, and a built-in LED sheds light on your project while you work. The batteries themselves also feature LED indicators so you know how much power they have left. 

The accessories all fit in the bright red tool case made of hard plastic that’s easy to spot, even in the most cluttered work environments. Milwaukee’s Redlink intelligence feature prevents the drill from performing in ways that could overload its motor and shorten its lifespan. 

What to consider when buying a cordless drill

Usage 

You might think the uses for a cordless drill are limited, but it’s actually a highly versatile tool for many situations. Here are just a few of the capabilities you’ll find in a cordless drill:

  • Driving screws: A good set of screw-driving bits allows you to work with traditional Phillips head screws as well as specialty screws, such as Pozidrivs and triple-squares.
  • Drilling holes: Cordless drills can turn drill bits as easily as screw-driving bits.
  • Nuts and bolts: With a set of socket-driving bits, you can work with all manner of fasteners.
  • Sanding and polishing: Many types of sanding attachments are available, making your cordless drill an excellent tool for smoothing furniture or even restoring car headlights.
  • Gardening: Believe it or not, you can actually till soil, dig holes and pull weeds with a cordless drill.
  • Cleaning: There are plenty of brush and sponge attachments. Let your drill put the elbow grease into cleaning. 

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.

LED light

A built-in LED light comes in handy when you’re drilling in a dark or recessed location.

Belt hook

Some cordless drill kits include 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

FAQ

Q. How much do cordless drills cost?

A. You can purchase cordless drills for as little as $75. However, if you want extra power, accessories and an included tool case, you will likely have to spend $100 to $200 for more professional options.

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. How long does it take to charge a cordless drill battery?

A. This largely depends on the battery itself. Some can be charged in as little as 30 minutes; others take three or more hours to reach full capacity. Consult the instructions included with your drill for specific information.

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.