Cordless drills are one of the must-have power tools for carpenters and household DIY repair people alike. They’re more portable, powerful, and versatile than ever before, and every home should have one in their tool closet, garage, or work truck. The best cordless drills can handle any of your fastening and hole boring needs, and they have convenient features like variable-speed triggers and belt clips to make your projects easier.
After reviewing dozens of cordless drills we have identified the best for tackling everything from minor household projects to heavy-duty repairs. As we examined each cordless drill we considered factors such as torque output, adjustable speed functionality, and convenience features to choose our top picks, and then we put together a detailed list of many more excellent cordless drills below for you to consider.
Once the research was compiled and all factors were thoroughly examined, we chose the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Set as our overall top pick. Quality, power, utility, and reliability all are traits of this cordless drill. There are also several convenient addons that can be bundled with this drill to further enhance your growing tool collection.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Cordless Drills
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Cordless Drill Overall | DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill | 4.7 |
| Best Brushless Cordless Drill | Makita Brushless Driver-Drill Kit | 4.8 |
| Best Budget Cordless Drill | GOXAWEE Electric Screw Driver Set | 4.6 |
| Best Cordless Hammer Drill | Makita LXT Brushless Hammer Drill-Driver | 4.6 |
| Best Cordless Impact Drill | Ryobi One+ Impact Driver | 4.8 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Cordless Drill Overall: DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill
The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill is a tried and true workhorse of a drill. Powered by a 20V lithium-ion battery that delivers electricity to the high-powered 300 UWO motor, this robust drill pumps out 373 inch-pounds of torque for low-end power and spins up to 1500 RPMs when speed is a priority. This powertrain is backed by a three-year warranty, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.
While this cordless drill doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles that some other drills are treated to, it’s got the goods where they count most. The two-speed transmission switch enables you to select the drill rotation rate you prefer, and the 16 selectable torque settings give you the bolt-busting precision you need to unstick a rusted bolt or lock in a tight fit on a keystone fastener.
The 1/2-inch keyless chuck works well with most of the common bits on the market. For a power tool, this cordless drill is fairly compact and lightweight. At 3.6 pounds you’ll feel comfortable using it for hours on end, and since this drill comes with two 20V batteries and a charger, you’ll be able to keep it powered throughout the day. When purchasing this drill, you can opt to add in various compatible screw bit sets and other DEWALT cordless power tools to bolster your tool collection.
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Key Features:
- 20V battery operation
- 373 inch-pounds of torque
- 16 levels of adjustable torque
- Three-year warranty
Best Brushless Cordless Drill: Makita Brushless Driver-Drill Kit
Comparable in nearly every aspect to our top overall pick, the Makita Brushless Driver-Drill Kit should certainly be a top consideration for anyone looking to purchase a new cordless drill. This device has great power output from its brushless motor which is a new technology in top-tier cordless power tools that optimizes battery life, motor life, and overall performance.
Other than being a few ticks lower on torque than our top DEWALT recommendation, this Makita drill has the power, functionality, and reliability we like to see in a cordless drill. With a two-speed transmission and 20 different torque levels, you will be able to dial in your desired power without hassle, and it features an LED battery level indicator so that you’re never caught by surprise when the battery drains in the middle of a project. The product’s three-year manufacturer warranty is a great boon as well.
Other notable features include a belt clip, LED work space illuminating light, and an ergonomic slip-resistant handle. This kit includes the cordless drill, two batteries, a battery charger, and a hardshell carrying case. Optionally, you can purchase only the bare tool for a lower price if you already have multiple compatible 12V batteries lying around.
Makita Brushless Driver-Drill Kit Key Features:
- 12V battery operation
- 280 inch-pounds of torque
- Tw0-speed transmission
- Three-year warranty
Best Budget Cordless Drill: GOXAWEE Electric Screw Driver Set
No matter which way you look at it, the GOXAWEE Electric Screw Driver Set abounds with value. This cordless drill has power that rivals our other topic picks, built-in hammer functionality that goes beyond what many more expensive drills can offer, and it comes packaged with a 100-piece drill bit and tool set. This drill is downright affordable on its own, but the entire package it’s included in is an incredible value that frugal folks simply should not miss.
The drill itself has impressive torque and RPM numbers. This power is transferred through a two-speed transmission and 18 selectable torque settings. The standout feature is the hammer drill functionality which is a mode not found on most other cordless drills that allows you to drill into tough surfaces like concrete and brick with ease by adding concussive force to the drill’s power. A variable speed trigger, keyless chuck, and LED working light all add to this drill’s already amazing value.
Cordless drill aside, the 100-piece drill bit and tool kit is worth the price tag alone. The different drill bits, fastener adapters, socket wrench hex nut adapters, brushes, and other components all contribute to this drill’s functionality and versatility. Two batteries, a charger, and a hard shell carrying case are all included as well. This can be your one-and-done purchase for all of your household drilling and fastening needs.
GOXAWEE Electric Screw Driver Set Key Features:
- 12V battery operation
- 266 inch-pounds of torque
- Supportive side handle
- 100-piece bit and tool kit included
Best Cordless Hammer Drill: Makita LXT Brushless Hammer Drill-Driver
You can consider the Makita LXT Brushless Hammer Drill-Driver to be the big brother to our Best Brushless Drill pick, the much bigger brother who hits the gym hard seven days a week. The brushless motor inside of this beast of a drill pumps out 1090 inch-pounds of torque. It has the strength to tackle heavy-duty work, and the added hammer functionality does wonders for working with wood, masonry, and metal surfaces.
To achieve maximum output from this high-powered cordless drill, a detachable support handle has been included so that you can apply significant leverage to accomplish the most demanding of tasks. Though this drill is quite brawny and beefy, it is still capable of completing simple drilling and fastening tasks. Don’t let its power scare you. As this is a brushless motor, it engages different power levels as the power is needed rather than going full bore at all times like more traditional cordless drills do.
A two-speed transmission and a 21-step torque selector can tone down the 2100 max RPMs when all you need is a simple drill. Increasing the torque and engaging the hammer functionality is as simple as a twist of a dial. The power is there for when you need it, but it can be easily hidden away for when you don’t. This drill can do it all.
Makita LXT Brushless Hammer Drill-Driver Key Features:
- 18V battery operation
- 1090 inch-pounds of torque
- Quiet 26-decibel sleep mode
- Brushless motor
Best Cordless Impact Driver: Ryobi One+ Impact Driver
When push comes to shove, impact drivers, especially the Ryobi One+ Impact Driver, are bar none the best tool for fastening. Pound for pound, impact drivers provide much more torque than any comparable cordless drill could ever hope to offer. This Ryobi One+ Impact Driver is a leader in its segment because it boasts an earth-shattering 1600 inch-pounds of torque in its petite 2.5-pound frame.
Highlights of this impact driver include its tri-beam LED working lights, its plug-and-play keyless chuck, and the magnetic tray which rests underneath the trigger to conveniently hold drill bits and fasteners for easy access. Additionally, the anti-slip pistol grip has a notched texture for a secure grip even when your hands get sweaty, and its battery compartment is compatible with a host of other Ryobi 18V batteries shared by the brand’s other cordless tools.
This is the impact driver to get if you fasten screws, bolts, or any other fastener regularly. It’s also the right choice to make if you have other Ryobi One+ cordless power tools as the batteries will be interchangeable.
Ryobi One+ Impact Driver Key Features:
- 18V battery operation
- 1600 inch-pounds of torque
- Magnetic tray
- Tri-beam LED lighting
Who Should Buy a Cordless Drill
Homeowners, handy people, and do-it-yourselfers of all sorts should buy a cordless drill. Cordless drills are multi-use tools that make common household repairs much easier to complete, and those with a penchant for crafts will find a cordless drill to be an important tool in your creative kit. Every home should have one because their will certainly come a time when you will find yourself in need of a power drill.
A reliable cordless drill is also an essential tool for contractors, carpenters, and other skilled laborers. They’re a must-have item for any job site. Hard-wired power drills produce much more power that is required for extremely heavy-duty situations, but cordless power drills are much more convenient for lightweight drilling and fastening because of their portable nature. They will help you get the job done faster.
Along with your new cordless drill, you can make your home improvements and projects all the more convenient with The Best Stud Finders and The Best Telescoping Ladders.
Important Features to Consider
There are a few important considerations to think through before purchasing a cordless drill.
- Battery voltage. If you have a growing supply of power tools for your home or business, you should know what battery types you already own for your other cordless power tools. Generally, batteries of the same voltage and brand are interchangeable between devices, and so it would be more convenient for you to choose a cordless drill that uses the same type of battery as your other devices. If this isn’t a concern, then all you need to know is that the higher voltage batteries tend to weigh more because they are larger and output more electricity to power stronger motors. A drill that uses a 20V battery will weigh more and likely have more torque than a drill with an 18V or 12V battery.
- Torque. If you were able to test two drills side by side, each with a different amount of torque, the drill with the highest amount of torque would feel like the more powerful drill, and that’s because it is. The more torque a drill has, the better it will be able to produce the low-end power that is needed to tighten bolts, drill through tough materials, and unfasten rusted screws. Drills also have different levels of torque to select from, and those with more options will be easier to use in a wider range of scenarios.
- Weight and size. The purpose of a cordless drill is its untethered mobility. There are no wires to hold it back, and so it can go anywhere, almost. Smaller, more compact drills will better fit into tight spaces where hard-to-reach screws can be frustrating to access. Lightweight drills will be more comfortable to use long-term because you will be able to hold them up longer with less effort.
- Chuck size. The chuck size is important to know if you already have a collection of drill bits. A 3/8″ chuck will not be able to accommodate 1/2″ drill bits because the bits will be larger than what the chuck can hold. If you reverse those numbers, a larger chuck can hold smaller drill bits, though the fit will be less than ideal. It’s important to properly match a drill chuck with the proper drill bits for the best experience.
- Impact drivers and hammer drills. Impact drivers and hammer drills are like specialized cordless drills. You can think of a cordless drill as a do-it-all drilling machine. Impact drivers are specifically designed for, and ultimately better at, fastening items to a surface. Hammer drills are designed for, and better at, drilling into tough surfaces such as brick and concrete. A traditional cordless drill can perform these functions as well, though not as efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cordless drill and how does it work?
Cordless drills are battery-powered drills that are most often used to fasten screws and bore holes into wood, sheetrock, brick, and other common household construction materials. They are equipped with adjustable drill chucks that secure drill bits and other tools to the drill.
Whereas traditional power drills are powered by a wired connection to an outlet, cordless drills have the advantage of freedom of movement due to their wireless design. Cordless drills are much better suited to household repairs and lightweight construction duties where the utmost power isn’t necessarily required. They can also easily be used in remote locations far away from power outlets so long as you remember to charge the batteries ahead of time!
What do the numbers mean on a cordless drill?
The dial near the head of the drill usually has a series of numbers that represent the different torque settings of the drill. As you raise or lower the amount of torque, you alter how the drill operates. The higher the torque the slower the drill will rotate, but it will have more low-end power that can be useful to unfasten rusty bolts or bore through thick materials. The lower the torque the faster the drill will rotate which can be useful to quickly fasten a series of screws, but there will be little low-end power to help power those screws through stubborn materials like a wood knot or concrete wall.
How do you use a cordless drill as a screwdriver?
It is as simple as selecting the correct drill bit to match the screw type you are looking to fasten. You will then place the drill bit you need into the drill chuck. Once you secure the proper drill bit in the chuck, your cordless drill will be ready to operate as a screwdriver.
What is the difference between a drill and an impact driver?
Impact drivers are most often used to drive fasteners into a surface. They are able to generate more torque by using quick rotary bursts to turn drill bits and fasteners with a series of short and sudden movements. If you have ever used a power drill on a stubborn screw in the past, you’ve likely tried to use the drill’s power in quick bursts with well-timed force applied by your own arms. An impact driver does all of that, but much more efficiently. Traditional drills are good at a number of applications, but impact drivers are specialized tools specifically for fastening.
Other Cordless Drills We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other cordless drills. Even though they didn’t make our five best air purifier list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for getting work done around the home or job site. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Cordless Drills
Fit with a dual-speed selector and a variable speed trigger, you can dial in the perfect torque and RPMs required whether your screwing or drilling with the Bosch Brushless Compact Drill. It has over 20 different clutch settings to match any situation, and its lightweight design means it is easy to transport and use wherever you need it.
Key Features:
- 12V battery operation
- Three-stage filtration
- 180 inch-pounds of torque
Cost: $140
DEWALT Atomic 20V MAX Compact Drill Driver Kit
Heavy-duty power in a compact package, the DEWALT Atomic 20V MAX Compact Drill Driver Kit utilizes a two-speed brushless motor capable of up to 1650 RPMs. Its compact dimensions are easy to fit into tight spaces where most high-powered drills fail. This drill comes with two batteries, a charger, and a carry bag.
Key Features:
- 20V battery operation
- Built-in LED light and belt hook
- Three-year warranty
Cost: $133
Makita 18V Cordless Driver-Drill Kit
The Makita 18V Cordless Driver-Drill Kit strikes a useable balance between power and size. It’s 900 RPM and 440 torque numbers are substantial, though not class-leading. The power potential has been cut to accommodate its lightweight 3.8-pound (with 3.0Ah battery) carry weight. It’s a well-balanced household power tool that everyone in the family will be able to use.
Key Features:
- 18V battery operation
- Brushless motor
- 440 inch-pounds of torque
Cost: $110
Milwaukee M18 Brushless Cordless Drill
Amping up the power output closer to what a professional contractor would prefer, the Milwaukee M18 Brushless Cordless Drill pumps out up to 500 torque and 1800 RPMs to accomplish a wide range of drilling tasks. Its internal workings are protected by the REDLINK overload protection which keeps the device safe from abuse and excess heat.
Key Features:
- 18V battery operation
- REDLINK overload protection
- 500 inch-pounds of torque
Cost: $95
The Porter-Cable Cordless Drill is a lot like the aforementioned Milwaukee drill. It has comparable power, features, and capability. This unit comes packaged with two batteries and a charger, plus it comes backed by a three-year warranty.
Key Features:
- 20V battery operation
- 1800 RPM
- Three-year warranty
Cost: $115
The V VONTOX Cordless Power Drill is packaged with a long list of drill bits and other useful accessories. It has a high power output that can be controlled via a two-speed switch and 18 different torque settings. Two replacement batteries are included.
Key Features:
- 20V battery operation
- 1600 RPM
- Suite of accessories included
Cost: $60
WORKPRO Cordless Drill Driver Set
Lightweight, compact, and quite adjustable, the WORKPRO Cordless Drill Driver Set is a top-notch household choice. This drill has a two-speed switch and over 20 different torque settings. An array of drill bits and other accessories are included like a carry case, battery wall charger, and a belt clip.
Key Features:
- 20V battery operation
- Two-year warranty
- 203 inch-pounds of torque
Cordless Hammer Drills
KIMO Cordless Hammer Drill Set
Perhaps the best value hammer drill on the market, the KIMO Cordless Hammer Drill Set provides enough punch to drill through brick and concrete without supplying the brute force needed to jackhammer paved roads. It’s a lightweight hammer drill set that combines the functionality of a household cordless drill with enough hammering force for most uses.
Key Features:
- 20V battery operation
- Hammer, drill, and driver functionality
- 330 inch-pounds of torque
Cost: $60
Makita Hammer Driver-Drill Kit
The Makita Hammer Driver-Drill Kit is exceptionally compact and lightweight. Weighing in at 2.4 pounds, this hammer drill can be easily held in place for long durations, and its small dimensions enable it to fit into tight spaces. The hammer functionality gives the drill enough force to drill into brick and concrete.
Key Features:
- 12V battery operation
- Three-year warranty
- 280 inch-pounds of torque
Cost: $180
Milwaukee Compact Hammer Drill
If you’re looking for a compact hammer drill, finding the right balance between size and power is key. The Milwaukee Compact Hammer Drill may not be quite as small as some other compact drills, but its power is more substantial with 1800 max RPMs and an 18-position clutch that allows you to find just the right amount of torque for the job.
Key Features:
- 18V battery operation
- 1800 RPM
- 18-position clutch
Cost: $80
You’ll know if your hammer drill is ready for some serious boring duty when it comes packaged with a detachable support handle like this Ridgid Hammer Drill. This tool has a whopping 780 torque and its non-slip support handle gives you the leverage to put that power to the pavement, or concrete, or whatever you happen to be drilling into.
Key Features:
- 18V battery operation
- 780 inch-pounds of torque
- Detachable support handle
Cost: $95
With three different speed settings and 24 different clutch positions, the Ryobi Cordless Hammer Drill is a hardcore piece of portable machinery. The support handle can be screwed into either side of the tool, giving you the leverage where you need it no matter which hand you prefer.
Key Features:
- 18V battery operation
- 750 inch-pounds of torque
- 24-position clutch
Cordless Impact Drivers
The DEWALT Impact Driver Kit includes a compact drive, two batteries, a charger, a belt clip, and a carrying bag. The tool provides 3400 impacts per minute, and its small frame enables you to drill straight every time despite tight nooks and small spaces so that you never break a bit by driving at an awkward angle.
Key Features:
- 12V battery operation
- 79 inch-pounds of torque
- Three-year warranty
Cost: $105
HYCHIKA Cordless Drill and Impact Driver
This combo HYCHIKA Cordless Drill and Impact Driver kit covers all of your bases for the price of a single drill. The impact driver is larger and heavier than many of the other compact models on our list partly in thanks to its powerful 20V battery. This is a choice value pick for those beginning to build their household toolset.
Key Features:
- 20V battery operation
- 160 inch-pounds of torque
- Included power drill
Cost: $110
Makita Quick-Shift Impact Driver
The Makita Quick-Shit Impact Driver may come at a premium price, but those dollars translate into a chart-topping 1600 inch-pounds of torque that is controlled through a four-speed selector. Users praise this impact driver because of its immense power and reliability.
Key Features:
- 18V battery operation
- Brushless 4-speed motor
- 1600 inch-pounds of torque
Cost: $165
Meterk Impact Driver and Drill Set
There’s a lot to like about the Meterk Impact Driver and Drill Set. This drill is a solid unit with over 20 torque settings and a tw0-speed transmission. The Impact driver features good torque numbers and a 1/4″ hex head chuck that makes for easy bit changes. A fast charger and two batteries are included with the set.
Key Features:
- 20V battery operation
- 150 inch-pounds of torque
- Included power drill
Budget Cordless Drills
If all you want is a classic cordless drill from a classic hardware brand, the BLACK+DECKER Matrix Drill is an excellent option. It is a part of the brand’s Matrix Quick Connect System which has interchangeable parts between its various power tools. Consider this option for a well-rounded, basic drill that could be part of an ecosystem of utility products if you decide to purchase more tools from the same brand.
Key Features:
- 20V battery operation
- Variable speed trigger
- Two-year warranty
Cost: $50
KIMO Cordless Drill Driver Set
The KIMO Cordless Drill Driver Set is a fantastic all-around cordless drill set fit with an impressive drill and dozens of useful bits and pieces. This device was very nearly chosen as our top budget pick, only losing out because we felt it was priced a tad high to receive the top nod. If you can afford the extra few bucks, however, you should definitely consider this above all of our other budget-friendly listings.
Key Features:
- 12V battery operation
- 280 inch-pounds of torque
- 48-piece kit
Cost: $55
A solid option for those needing an adequately powerful drill with a warranty to back it up, the MAIBERG Cordless Drill Driver is an unassuming drill without flashy features or extras piled on to add visual worth. It’s got power where it counts and is as reliable as they come. No muss, no fuss. It’s a simple tool that’ll get the job done.
Key Features:
- 20V battery operation
- 250 inch-pounds of torque
- Two-year warranty
Cost: $55
Milwaukee Hex Shank Impact Driver
As the only impact driver to make it onto our budget list, the Milwaukee Hex Shank Impact Driver is a terrific value option for coin-conscious consumers. It packs in a fantastic 1000 inch-pounds of torque within its 2500 RPM power potential. Users love it for its compact dimensions, affordable price, and surprising low-end power.
Key Features:
- 12V battery operation
- 1000 inch-pounds of torque
- LED fuel gauge
Cost: $50
