Every homeowner needs a capable cordless drill — and most renters would do right to own one too. In my house, it’s the power tool my wife and I reach for the most, and now that the kids are old enough, they use it as well for smaller projects around the house, like tightening loose doorknobs or hanging a bookshelf in their bedroom.
1
Best Overall Cordless Drill
RYOBI 18V Cordless Drill
Credit: Ryobi
Pros
- Excellent drilling and driving power
- Comfortable grip
- Integrated LED
Cons
- Not up for the toughest drilling and driving tasks
This Home Depot-exclusive was a favorite with our testers because its 18-volt platform has become so expansive, now covering more than 260 tools. That means the same battery for your drill can also power your leaf blower or tire inflator.
The Ryobi was among the best battery drills during a range of light- to medium-duty performance tests. “The drill had plenty of power for drilling into drywall and dimensional lumber,” noted one tester. The interchangeable battery was easy to insert and remove, while the lightweight design and the ergonomic controls minimized arm and hand fatigue. The built-in LED light is also a nice extra.
I’ve been using the drill at home for the last six months and it never disappoints. Though I do recommend reaching for a more heavy-duty drill when tackling the toughest tasks, like boring holes in concrete or driving large screws into dense tropical hardwoods.
- Battery power: 18 volt
- Maximum speed: 2,100 RPM
- Maximum torque: 750 in/lbs
- Weight: 2.7 lbs
- Chuck size: 1/2 in.
2
Best Value Cordless Drill
Black+Decker LD120VA 20-Volt Max
Credit: Black + Decker
Pros
- Custom speed options
- Long charge
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Not as powerful as other options
When first-time homeowners ask me for power tool recommendations, I usually steer them towards Black + Decker. The brand’s tools are approachable and easy to use, right out of the box. The 20-Volt Max cordless drill falls into the lightweight category; it weighs under 3 pounds and its 3/8-inch chuck can’t handle larger bits. But it comes with a 30-piece accessory set, including drill and screwdriver bits, plus nut drivers — a great deal to get you started on almost any project.
Custom speed options and 24 clutch positions help protect your project’s hardware. Our testers noted that the lithium ion battery can hold a charge for months, so the drill is always ready for you to use.
If you don’t need the bits and accessories, I also like Black + Decker Matrix 20-Volt Max Cordless Drill (pictured). It’s relatively high 800-RPM speed is great for light-duty drilling, for example boring holes in softwoods and plastic.
- Battery power: 20 volt
- Maximum speed: 750 RPM
- Maximum torque: 300 in/lbs
- Weight: 2.09 lbs
- Chuck size: 3/8 in.
3
Best Cordless Drill Kit
RIDGID Cordless Drill Starter Kit
Credit: Ridgid
Pros
- Starter kit offers excellent value
- Ergonomic design
- Superb power
Cons
- A bit heavy, given the larger 4.0 Ah battery
Cordless drill starter kits, which often include a second battery and carrying case, have a tendency to skimp on the performance of the actual tool. This kit from Ridgid, another Home Depot exclusive, is a clear exception. The 18-volt cordless drill was extremely impressive in our tests.
“Beyond powerful,” one reviewer noted. “I’m used to ‘prosumer’ products and this far exceeded any of them.” A second tester who works in the trades agreed, saying the Ridgid performed as well as brands aimed more squarely at professionals, like Milwaukee and Makita.
The fact that it comes with a long-running 4.0 Ah battery, plus the charger and carrying case, is the gravy on top of a cordless drill that’s ideal for beginner DIYers and more experienced weekend warriors alike. While it has an ergonomic design, keep in mind that the larger battery puts the drill on the heavier side.
- Battery power: 18 volt
- Maximum speed: 2,100 RPMs
- Maximum torque: 800 in/lbs
- Weight: 3.4 lbs
- Chuck size: 1/2 in.
4
Best Lightweight Cordless Drill
BOSCH PS31-2A 12-Volt Max
Pros
- Includes two batteries
- Quick charge
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Battery removal can be tricky at first
Though we’re calling it lightweight, this Bosch cordless drill can definitely hang in the general-use category. “It feels light in your hand, but it has plenty of power to drive screw after screw,” reported one expert tester. The Bosch is not meant to rip through metal or concrete, but the 12-volt battery and variable speed motor proved quick and effective for a variety of DIY projects in our tests.
Our experts like that the drill comes with a charger and two quick-charging batteries, so there’s little down time on longer projects (though one tester noted that the battery can be a little tricky to remove until you get the hang of it). At a a shade over 2 pounds, it’s comfortable to grip and easy to handle and carry. If you’re looking for a lot of punch in a small package, this is the drill for you.
- Battery power: 12 volt
- Maximum speed: 1,300 RPMs
- Maximum torque: 265 in/lbs
- Weight: 2.14 lbs
- Chuck size: 3/8 in.
5
Best Heavy-Duty Cordless Drill
Milwaukee M18 18V Cordless Drill/Driver (Tool-Only)
Credit: Milwaukee
Pros
- Compact, but powerful
- Ergonomic grip
- Built-in LED light
Cons
- On the pricier side
If you’ve spent any time on a construction sites, you know the name Milwaukee. As one of our outside experts, homebuilder Fernando Pages, put it, “You can tell when you have a Milwaukee tool in your hands by its weight, sturdy feel, ergonomics and power.” Though Milwaukee’s line of cordless drills includes brawnier models, our testers liked that this one is relatively lightweight and compact while still packing plenty of power.
Testers gave the variable speed drill perfect scores for power and control. “The lightweight design makes it easy for me to feel comfortable using the tool, but is also powerful enough for my husband’s project of building a deck,” one reported.
Users also found the integrated LED to be extremely useful in low-light conditions, while the comfortable grip and compact size helped when maneuvering in tight spaces. Though you’ll pay a premium for the Milwaukee, its rugged housing and brushless motor should ensure many years of service.
- Battery power: 18 volt
- Maximum speed: 1,700 RPMs
- Maximum torque: 265 in/lbs
- Weight: 2.3 lbs
- Chuck size: 1/2 in.
6
Best Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo
Worx WX960L Nitro 20V
Credit: Worx
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comes with both drill and driver
- Quick charging
Cons
- Not suited to heavy-duty drilling
While a cordless drill should be most people’s first power tool, our experts also like combo kits that add in an impact driver. The second tool is good for more advanced DIYers whose project lists might include repairing a deck, since the added torque helps when drilling and driving into tough wood. The dynamic duo included in Worx’s combo kit do a solid job balancing price and performance.
Our experts like Worx tools for their compact design, which makes the brand a good fit for people who might succumb to arm fatigue when handling heavy-duty equipment. The lightweight, quick-charging combo is comparatively powerful for its size, though even with its 20-volt battery, our experts say the tools are better suited for small- to mid-size jobs.
- Battery power: 20 volt
- Maximum speed: 3,000 RPM
- Maximum torque: 531 in/lbs
- Weight: 3.4 lbs
- Chuck size: 1/2 in.
7
Best Cordless Drill on Amazon
Craftsman CMCD701C2 V20 20-Volt Max
Pros
- Comfortable hold
- Easy to control
- Built-in LED light
Cons
- Only two speed settings
Craftsman is popular with DIYers, especially those who shop at Lowe’s, since the big-box giant is one of the brand’s biggest buyers. But you can also find Craftsman online, including Amazon, where over 90% of reviewers who tried this 20-volt drill gave it four or five stars. Many talked about its the exceptional value in addition to its power, with one reviewer who noted, “The torque is great on this drill.”
Our testers were also enthusiastic on the whole. Weighing less than 3 pounds with a rubberized grip, the drill is easy to handle. It’s quick and efficient to switch out bits.
The Craftsman only has two speeds versus the 10 or more that we see with other drills. But that shouldn’t be an issue for most general tasks. The 16 clutch settings give you more control to prevent overdriving delicate hardware and the built-in LED work light makes it safer to work in poorly lit project areas.
- Battery power: 20 volt
- Maximum speed: 1,800 RPM
- Maximum torque: 230 in/lbs
- Weight: 5.85 lbs
- Chuck size: 1/2 in.
