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The best cordless drill for you depends on what you drill into and how often. A brushless 18V/20V drill handles decks, framing and masonry anchors, while a 12V model is lighter and easier in cabinets and tight spots. We compared specs, expert testing and owner reviews to narrow the field to nine drill/drivers worth buying in 2026, from budget DIY kits to pro-grade hammer drills.
Part of our Home Comfort, Backup Power & Tool Guides.
Quick picks
Price ranges: $ under $100, $$ $100 to $200, $$$ over $200 (kit prices vary by battery size and retailer).
| Product | Best for | Price range | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCD800E2 | Best overall | $$$ | See price |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-22 | Heavy-duty and masonry | $$$ | See price |
| Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless 3601-22CT | Compact 18V runner-up | $$ | See price |
| Ridgid 18V SubCompact R87012K | Best value brushless | $$ | See price |
| DeWalt XTREME 12V MAX DCD701F2 | Best lightweight | $$ | See price |
| Milwaukee M12 2407-22 | Light-duty 12V kit | $$ | See price |
| Bosch 12V Max PS31-2A | Occasional household use | $$ | See price |
| Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLHM102 | Ryobi battery owners | $$ | See price |
| Black+Decker 20V MAX LDX120C | Budget starter drill | $ | See price |
1. DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCD800E2: Best Overall
DeWalt’s compact XR drill/driver hits the sweet spot between power, size and comfort. HGTV named it the best overall drill after it bored dozens of holes on a single charge and still had battery left after a long run of 3-inch screws. The short 6.4-inch head fits between joists, the grip is well balanced, and the three-mode LED is one of the brightest on any drill in its class. DeWalt rates it by power output (UWO) rather than inch-pounds, claiming a large jump over the older DCD791.
Key specs
- 20V MAX (18V nominal), brushless motor
- 1/2-inch ratcheting metal chuck
- 2 speeds: 0-650 and 0-2,000 RPM
- About 3.5 lb with battery; 6.37-inch head length
- Kit includes compact POWERSTACK batteries and charger
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Buyers like how light and compact it feels for the power, and the LED gets frequent praise; the most common complaint is price, especially when the kit goes up at some retailers.
2. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-22: Best Heavy-Duty Hammer Drill
If you drill large holes, mix mortar or set anchors in concrete, the M18 FUEL hammer drill is the one to beat. Outdoor Life ranked it fastest and most powerful in its test group, and Pro Tool Reviews scored it near the top of its hammer-drill shootout while noting it is surprisingly compact for the class. The trade-off is cost and some front-heaviness with large batteries.
Key specs
- M18 FUEL (18V) brushless platform
- Up to 1,400 in-lbs of torque
- 0-500 and 0-2,100 RPM
- About 3.2 lb bare tool; all-metal chuck; hammer mode
- Kit includes 2 batteries, charger and hard case
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Tradespeople praise its raw power with hole saws and spade bits and its durability on job sites; some owners say it is more drill than a homeowner needs and feels heavy overhead.
3. Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless 3601-22CT: Best Compact 18V
This is the more affordable way into Milwaukee’s huge M18 battery system. HGTV’s testers rated it runner-up, calling out its comfortable handle and solid build, though the DeWalt DCD800 edged it in drilling and driving speed. It is a smart choice if you plan to add other M18 tools later.
Key specs
- 18V brushless motor
- 1/2-inch chuck
- About 3.2 lb
- Kit includes two 2.0Ah batteries, charger and case
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Owners like the balance and the price for a name-brand brushless kit; a few wish the light were brighter.
4. Ridgid 18V SubCompact R87012K: Best Value
Ridgid’s subcompact kit gives you a brushless motor and long runtime at a mid-range price. In HGTV’s test it bored more holes per charge than the DeWalt, though it was slower doing it. Ridgid also offers a lifetime service agreement on registered tools, which adds long-term value.
Key specs
- 18V brushless motor
- 1/2-inch chuck
- About 2.94 lb
- Kit includes two 2.0Ah batteries, charger and bag
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Owners appreciate the weight and the warranty program; complaints center on speed under heavy load and the bulk of the battery.
5. DeWalt XTREME 12V MAX DCD701F2: Best Lightweight
At under 2.5 pounds, DeWalt’s XTREME 12V drill is easy to hold overhead or inside cabinets. HGTV found it strong for a 12V tool when driving screws, though it drills noticeably slower than 20V models. The thin handle is a plus for smaller hands.
Key specs
- 12V MAX platform
- 3/8-inch chuck
- About 2.39 lb
- Kit includes 2.0Ah batteries and charger
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Buyers love it as a second drill or for overhead work; some say it struggles with large spade bits and wish the light were brighter.
6. Milwaukee M12 2407-22: Best Light-Duty 12V Kit
Bob Vila picked this M12 kit as the best light-duty drill. Its all-metal 3/8-inch chuck holds bits as firmly as many bigger drills, and the 2.4-pound body is comfortable for long sessions. It is ideal for hanging shelves, assembling furniture and electrical box work, but concrete and thick steel take patience.
Key specs
- 12V M12 platform
- 3/8-inch all-metal chuck
- 0-400 and 0-1,500 RPM
- About 2.4 lb
- Kit includes two 1.5Ah batteries, charger and soft case
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Electricians and DIYers alike call it a do-everything light drill; the usual complaint is short runtime with the included batteries.
7. Bosch 12V Max PS31-2A: Best for Occasional Use
If you only grab a drill a few times a year, Bosch’s PS31-2A is simple and easy to control. HGTV liked it for basic maintenance tasks but noted it is slow, and because the battery slides into the handle, the grip is thicker than on most 12V drills.
Key specs
- 12V Max platform
- 3/8-inch chuck
- About 2.15 lb
- 2.0Ah battery
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Owners describe it as a reliable household drill for pictures and furniture; some find the grip bulky and the light dim.
8. Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLHM102: Best for Ryobi Owners
Pro Tool Reviews called this brushless hammer drill the best for the money, and it is a big step up from older Ryobi drills. If you already own ONE+ batteries, the bare tool is an inexpensive way to get brushless power and a hammer mode. It trails the premium brands on raw power, and the grip is large.
Key specs
- 18V ONE+ HP brushless motor
- Up to 850 in-lbs of torque
- 0-700 and 0-2,150 RPM
- About 3.1 lb bare; hammer mode
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Ryobi users like the jump in power over older brushed models and the low cost of adding a bare tool; the main gripe is the bulky grip. Ryobi is sold mainly at Home Depot, so Amazon listings are often third-party sellers; check the seller before buying.
9. Black+Decker 20V MAX LDX120C: Best Budget Drill
For a first apartment or a light-duty toolkit, Bob Vila called the LDX120C the best bang for the buck. It has 11 clutch settings and a variable-speed trigger, which is all most people need for hanging curtains and assembling furniture. It is not built for big auger bits or long sessions.
Key specs
- 20V MAX, brushed motor
- 3/8-inch keyless chuck
- Up to 650 RPM; 11 clutch settings
- About 3.3 lb; 1.5Ah battery and charger included
👍 Pros
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👎 Cons
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What owners say: Buyers call it a great starter drill and gift; the most common complaints are limited power and needing to recharge often.
How to choose the best cordless drill
- Voltage: 12V vs 18V/20V. 12V drills are lighter (roughly 2 to 2.5 lb) and great for household jobs. 18V/20V drills add torque for large bits, decks and framing. Note that “20V MAX” and “18V” describe the same nominal battery voltage.
- Brushless or brushed. Brushless motors run cooler, last longer and squeeze more work from each charge. Brushed drills are cheaper and fine for occasional use.
- Chuck size. A 1/2-inch chuck accepts bigger bits and hole saws; a 3/8-inch chuck keeps the drill smaller and lighter.
- Hammer mode. You only need it for brick, block and concrete. For wood and metal, a standard drill/driver is lighter.
- Battery platform. The battery is the expensive part. Pick a brand whose other tools you will want later, such as an impact driver or circular saw.
- Kit contents. Two batteries let you charge one while using the other. A hard case protects the tool in a truck or garage.
- Weight and grip. If you work overhead or in cabinets, a lighter tool and slimmer handle matter more than peak torque.
Installer tip from our crew: keep the clutch on a low setting when driving screws into drywall, trim or cabinet boxes, and only switch to the drill setting when you are boring holes. It prevents stripped screw heads and split wood, and it saves your wrist if a bit binds.
FAQ
Should I buy a drill or an impact driver?
A drill/driver bores holes and drives screws with a clutch that limits torque. An impact driver uses rapid rotational blows to sink long screws and lag bolts and takes 1/4-inch hex bits. Many people start with a drill, then add an impact driver; combo kits bundle both.
Is a brushless drill worth the extra money?
If you use a drill often or for heavy jobs, yes: brushless motors are more efficient and last longer. For occasional household tasks, a brushed drill does the job for less money.
How long does a cordless drill battery last?
Runtime ranges from roughly 15 minutes to an hour of steady use depending on battery capacity (Ah) and the load. A second battery is the easiest way to avoid downtime.
Do I need a hammer drill?
Only if you drill into masonry. Most homeowners working with wood, drywall and metal will never use hammer mode.
Related guides
- The Best Cordless Power Tool Combo Kits
- The Best Impact Drivers
- The Best Tool Chests
- The Best Shop Vacs
- Home Comfort, Backup Power & Tool Guides
Sources
We compared expert testing and specs from HGTV, Bob Vila, Pro Tool Reviews, Outdoor Life and DeWalt. Owner feedback is summarized in our own words from public reviews. Photos courtesy of Unsplash.