Best Cordless Drills

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Cordless drills have become an essential tool for both DIYers and professionals, offering the flexibility to tackle tasks without being tied to a power outlet. Whether you’re hanging shelves or assembling furniture, a quality cordless drill delivers the precision and power needed for a variety of jobs. Advances in battery technology and motor efficiency have made modern cordless drills more powerful, with longer run times and faster charging, making them perfect for quick tasks or extended projects. When choosing a cordless drill, key factors like battery voltage, motor type, and chuck size play a big role in performance, while weight and ergonomics affect comfort during prolonged use. After testing numerous models, we’ve found the best cordless drills to suit different needs and budgets.

  • Amazon Basics 4V Cordless Screwdriver

    10

    We recommend this affordable and versatile cordless screwdriver for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners looking for a reliable tool for small projects.

    10

    We recommend this affordable and versatile cordless screwdriver for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners looking for a reliable tool for small projects.

    Pros

    • Compact design fits in tight spaces
    • Built-in LED light for dark areas
    • USB-C charging for convenience

    Cons

    • Limited to 300 RPM max speed
    • Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
    • Lacks variable speed control

    We’ve put the Amazon Basics 4V Cordless Screwdriver through its paces, and it’s impressed us with its performance. This little powerhouse packs a punch for its size, making quick work of assembling furniture and tackling small home repairs.

    The slim body design is a standout feature. We easily reached into tight corners and awkward spots that would be tough for larger drills. The built-in LED light came in handy when working in dimly lit areas, lighting up our workspace with ease.

    We appreciate the three torque settings, which let us dial in the right amount of power for different jobs. It’s great for delicate work on electronics or hanging pictures, but don’t expect it to handle heavy-duty tasks. The 300 RPM max speed is fine for most home projects, but it might feel slow if you’re used to more powerful drills.

  • DEWALT 20V Max Compact Drill

    9.7

    We think this DEWALT drill is a top choice for most homeowners and DIY enthusiasts due to its power, versatility, and user-friendly design.

    9.7

    We think this DEWALT drill is a top choice for most homeowners and DIY enthusiasts due to its power, versatility, and user-friendly design.

    Pros

    • Lightweight and easy to handle
    • Powerful motor for various tasks
    • Two-speed settings for flexibility

    Cons

    • Batteries could have longer life
    • Chuck may loosen during heavy use
    • Not ideal for heavy-duty jobs

    We’ve put the DEWALT 20V Max Compact Drill through its paces, and it’s clear why it’s so popular. This drill feels great in our hands. It’s light enough that we didn’t get tired, even when working overhead. The grip is comfy, which made long projects much easier.

    The power surprised us. We drilled into wood and metal with no trouble. The two-speed setting came in handy. We used the lower speed for delicate work and the higher speed when we needed to get things done fast. It’s nice to have options.

    We like the LED light on the drill. It lit up dark corners and made it easier to see what we were doing. The battery life was okay, but we’re glad it comes with two batteries. We could keep working while one charged. The charger is quick, which is a big plus.

  • DeWalt 20V MAX Drill & Impact Driver Kit

    9.5

    We highly recommend this DeWalt combo kit for its versatility, power, and value.

    9.5

    We highly recommend this DeWalt combo kit for its versatility, power, and value.

    Pros

    • Compact and lightweight design
    • Powerful performance for various tasks
    • Long-lasting battery life

    Cons

    • Carrying case could be sturdier
    • Charger may run hot
    • Limited bit storage options

    We’ve put the DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit through its paces, and we’re impressed. The drill packs a punch with its two-speed transmission, easily handling tough materials. We found the 1/2-inch chuck grip to be secure, preventing bit slippage during use.

    The impact driver is a standout feature of this kit. Its one-handed loading chuck made swapping bits a breeze, and the LED light ring lit up our work area nicely. We appreciated how it fit into tight spaces, making it ideal for awkward angles.

    Battery life exceeded our expectations. We worked on several projects without needing to swap batteries. The included charger juiced them up quickly, getting us back to work in no time. While the carrying case isn’t the most robust we’ve seen, it does the job of keeping everything organized.

  • DeWalt 20V MAX XR Compact Drill

    9.4

    We highly recommend this powerful yet compact drill for both pros and DIYers looking for top performance in a smaller package.

    9.4

    We highly recommend this powerful yet compact drill for both pros and DIYers looking for top performance in a smaller package.

    Pros

    • Compact size for tight spaces
    • Powerful brushless motor
    • Bright 3-position LED light

    Cons

    • Slightly pricey
    • May be overkill for light tasks
    • Batteries take time to charge

    This DeWalt drill packs a serious punch in a compact frame. We were impressed by how easily it handled tough drilling jobs while still fitting into tight spots. The brushless motor delivers plenty of power and speed options for different tasks.

    We love the adjustable LED light. It really helps when working in dark corners or cabinets. The metal chuck grips bits securely, though we did have to retighten it once in a while during heavy use.

    The kit comes with two batteries, which is great for longer jobs. They last a good while, but take some time to recharge. For most home tasks, one battery is plenty. Overall, this drill feels sturdy and well-made. It’s a bit pricey, but we think the quality and features make it worth it for frequent use.

  • BLACK+DECKER 20V Cordless Drill Kit

    9.3

    We think this drill is a solid choice for most homeowners tackling basic DIY projects.

    9.3

    We think this drill is a solid choice for most homeowners tackling basic DIY projects.

    Pros

    • Lightweight and easy to handle
    • Versatile 30-piece accessory kit
    • Compatible with other POWERCONNECT tools

    Cons

    • Not powerful enough for heavy-duty tasks
    • No built-in LED work light
    • Plastic chuck feels less durable

    We’ve put this BLACK+DECKER drill through its paces, and it’s a great fit for common household jobs. The 20V battery packs enough punch for drilling into wood and drywall without breaking a sweat. We liked how it felt in our hands – light enough for overhead work but still sturdy.

    The 24-position clutch came in handy when we were hanging shelves. It let us dial in just the right amount of torque to avoid stripping screws. The soft grip made long drilling sessions more comfortable too.

    We really appreciated the included 30-piece accessory kit. It had all the bits we needed for assembling furniture and minor repairs around the house. The drill’s compatibility with other POWERCONNECT tools is a nice bonus if you’re looking to expand your tool collection down the line.

  • DEKOPRO 20V Cordless Drill Set

    9.1

    We think this DEKOPRO drill set is a solid choice for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners seeking a versatile and affordable power tool.

    9.1

    We think this DEKOPRO drill set is a solid choice for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners seeking a versatile and affordable power tool.

    Pros

    • Lightweight and easy to handle
    • Comes with lots of accessories
    • Two speed settings for different tasks

    Cons

    • Battery life could be better
    • Plastic construction feels a bit flimsy
    • Included bits are basic quality

    We found the DEKOPRO 20V cordless drill to be a handy tool for tackling various home projects. At just 2.5 pounds, it’s light enough to use for extended periods without arm fatigue. The compact size let us work in tight spaces with ease.

    The drill offers two speed settings – 0-350 and 0-1350 RPM. We liked being able to switch between slower speeds for driving screws and faster speeds for drilling. With 18+1 torque settings, we could adjust the power for different materials.

    While the drill performed well overall, we did notice a few drawbacks. The 1.5Ah battery drained faster than we’d like during bigger jobs. The plastic body also felt less durable compared to pricier models we’ve used. Still, for basic home use, it should hold up fine.

  • FADAKWALT 20V Cordless Drill Set

    9

    We think this drill set is a solid choice for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners looking for a versatile tool at a reasonable price.

    9

    We think this drill set is a solid choice for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners looking for a versatile tool at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Powerful 20V motor with 30 N.m torque
    • 21+1 clutch settings for precise control
    • Comes with a variety of accessories

    Cons

    • May not be suitable for heavy-duty professional use
    • Plastic construction might affect long-term durability
    • Limited to 650 RPM maximum speed

    We’ve had the chance to test out this FADAKWALT cordless drill, and we’re impressed with its performance for everyday tasks. The 20V battery packs enough punch to handle most home projects with ease. We found the 21+1 clutch settings really useful when working with different materials, letting us dial in just the right amount of torque.

    The drill feels comfortable in our hands, and at 7.5 x 8.5 x 3 inches, it’s not too bulky for tight spaces. We like the LED light feature, which came in handy when working in dimly lit areas. The 3/8-inch keyless chuck made bit changes quick and easy.

    We appreciate the included accessories, especially the flexible shaft and extension bar. These add-ons boosted the drill’s versatility for our home repair jobs. While it may not stand up to constant, heavy-duty use, we think this set offers good value for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners tackling occasional projects.

  • BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Drill Kit

    8.7

    We think this BLACK+DECKER drill kit is a solid choice for homeowners who need a versatile tool for basic DIY projects.

    8.7

    We think this BLACK+DECKER drill kit is a solid choice for homeowners who need a versatile tool for basic DIY projects.

    Pros

    • Comes with a wide variety of bits and accessories
    • Lightweight and easy to handle
    • Long-lasting battery compatible with other tools

    Cons

    • Not powerful enough for heavy-duty tasks
    • Storage case could be more durable
    • Some users may find the chuck size limiting

    We tested this BLACK+DECKER drill kit on various household tasks. The 20V MAX battery gave us plenty of runtime for small to medium jobs. We liked how compact and light it felt in our hands, making it easy to use in tight spaces.

    The 24-position clutch came in handy when we were driving screws. It helped us avoid stripping screw heads or sinking them too deep. The soft-grip handle made the drill comfortable to use, even during longer projects.

    We appreciated the 100-piece accessory set. It covered most of our drilling and driving needs without having to buy extra bits. The included ratcheting screwdriver was a nice bonus for quick tasks. While the storage case isn’t top-notch, it keeps everything organized.

  • JayLene 21V Cordless Drill

    8.7

    We recommend this drill for homeowners looking for a versatile tool at a budget-friendly price.

    8.7

    We recommend this drill for homeowners looking for a versatile tool at a budget-friendly price.

    Pros

    • Two batteries included
    • Versatile 3-in-1 working modes
    • Comes with many accessories

    Cons

    • Not as powerful as some other drills
    • May struggle with tougher jobs
    • Build quality could be better

    We tested the JayLene 21V Cordless Drill and found it to be a solid choice for basic home tasks. The drill feels light in hand, which makes it easy to use for extended periods. We liked the soft rubber grip that helped reduce vibrations during use.

    The three working modes – drill, driver, and hammer – give this tool good range. We used it to hang shelves, assemble furniture, and even drill into some concrete. While it handled most jobs well, we noticed it struggled a bit with tougher materials.

    One standout feature is the inclusion of two batteries. This meant we could keep working without waiting for a recharge. The fast charger is also a plus, getting us back to work quickly when both batteries ran low.

    The 59-piece accessory kit is a nice touch. It has most of the bits and pieces a typical homeowner might need. We found the carrying case handy for keeping everything organized.

    While not the most powerful drill we’ve used, it’s a good value for its price. It’s best suited for light to medium home projects rather than heavy-duty work. If you need a basic drill for occasional use, this JayLene model could be a good fit.

  • DEWALT 20V MAX Compact Drill

    8.6

    We think this DEWALT drill is a great choice for most homeowners and DIYers who need a reliable, powerful cordless drill.

    8.6

    We think this DEWALT drill is a great choice for most homeowners and DIYers who need a reliable, powerful cordless drill.

    Pros

    • Compact and lightweight design
    • Powerful brushless motor
    • Comfortable ergonomic grip

    Cons

    • Only includes one battery
    • May lack power for heavy-duty jobs
    • Plastic chuck feels less durable

    This DEWALT drill packs a punch in a small package. We found it easy to use in tight spaces thanks to its compact size. The drill feels light in hand, which helped reduce fatigue during longer projects.

    The brushless motor impressed us with its power and efficiency. We drilled through wood and drove screws with ease. The two-speed settings came in handy for different tasks. On high speed, we quickly drilled pilot holes. Switching to low speed gave us more control for driving screws.

    We liked the built-in LED light, which helped us see clearly in dark corners. The battery lasted through several projects before needing a charge. While we wish it came with a second battery, the included charger worked fast. The drill felt sturdy and well-made, though we noticed the chuck is plastic rather than metal.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a cordless drill, we recommend focusing on a few key factors:

Power and Voltage

Look for drills with higher voltage ratings (18V or 20V) for more power. These are better suited for tougher jobs.

Battery Life

Opt for lithium-ion batteries. They last longer and charge faster than older nickel-cadmium types.

Chuck Size

A 1/2-inch chuck allows for larger bits, giving you more versatility in your projects.

Speed Settings

Multiple speed settings let you adjust for different materials and tasks. Two or three speeds are typical.

Weight and Ergonomics

Consider how the drill feels in your hand. A well-balanced, lightweight model reduces fatigue during long jobs.

Additional Features

Look for built-in LED lights, belt hooks, and magnetic bit holders for added convenience.

Brand Reputation

Choose established brands known for quality and good customer service.

Here’s a quick reference table for key features:

Feature What to Look For
Voltage 18V or 20V
Battery Lithium-ion
Chuck Size 1/2 inch
Speed Settings 2-3 speeds
Weight Under 4 lbs

We suggest trying out drills in person if possible. This helps you get a feel for their weight and balance before buying.