You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a reliable drill. Whether you are hanging shelves, building furniture, or tackling weekend repairs, a modern budget drill can handle the workload without breaking the bank.
While high-end brands dominate the job site, many affordable options now offer impressive torque, battery life, and durability for DIYers. We tested the market to find tools that balance performance with price.
Below, we break down five of the best budget drills available today. We analyzed them based on power, weight, features, and overall value to help you make the right choice for your toolbox.
- Cordless
- 46-piece set
- Battery lasts 1,000 charge cycles
- 30-piece accessory set
- 20V cordless drill
- Lithium-ion battery
- Brushless motor
- 350 in-lbf torque
- Interchangeable battery
Why Choose a Budget Drill?
Not everyone needs a heavy-duty tool built for concrete or daily construction work. If you are a professional contractor, investing in a high-end brushless drill makes sense for longevity and daily abuse.
However, for most homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, a budget drill handles 90% of tasks effortlessly. Driving screws, hanging drywall, or drilling into softwood doesn’t require top-tier voltage. By skipping the professional markup, you save money while still getting a capable tool for home projects.
Many reputable power tool brands like Black+Decker and SKIL specialize in this category, offering reliability at a fraction of the cost of pro-grade models.
How to Choose a Budget Drill
Saving money doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice utility. When shopping for an affordable drill, focus on these specific features to ensure you get the best bang for your buck:
Cordless Vs. Corded
Cordless drills offer unmatched convenience. You can work anywhere without hunting for an outlet. While battery technology usually drives up the price, modern budget cordless drills are surprisingly affordable. Just keep in mind that cheaper batteries may take longer to charge.
If you want maximum power for the lowest price, a corded drill is your best bet. You sacrifice mobility, but you never have to worry about a dead battery in the middle of a project.
Size and Ergonomics
A massive drill might look powerful, but it can be a pain to use in tight corners, like inside a cabinet. Compact drills allow you to work in awkward spaces with ease. Look for a model with a comfortable grip; it makes a huge difference during long assembly jobs.
Weight
Heavy tools lead to wrist fatigue. If you plan on holding the drill overhead, like when installing curtain rods, a lightweight model is essential. Corded drills are generally lighter since they don’t carry a heavy battery pack.
Keyless Chuck
Old-school drills required a special key to change bits, which was easy to lose. Ensure your budget pick has a “keyless chuck.” This allows you to loosen and tighten the chuck by hand, making bit changes fast and frustration-free.
Product Reviews
Finding a cheap drill is easy, but finding a cheap drill that actually lasts is the challenge. We’ve done the research to separate the toys from the tools. Here are five of the best budget-friendly drills that deliver solid performance, good ergonomics, and genuine value.
Bosch PS31-2A Drill/Driver
Best Budget Compact Drill
The Bosch PS31-2A proves that good things come in small packages. While it is a 12-volt tool, it punches well above its weight class with a professional-grade design perfect for electricians, plumbers, or serious DIYers.
It delivers 1,300 RPM and 265 inch-pounds of torque, which is plenty for cabinet installation and general household repairs. The real selling point is the size; at just 1.8 pounds, you can use this all day without your arm getting tired. The kit includes a soft carrying bag, a charger, and two batteries, ensuring you always have a backup ready to go.
What We Like
- Ultra-Compact Design: This drill fits where others can’t. It is perfect for working inside drawers, cabinets, or overhead spaces.
- Precision Clutch: With 20+1 torque settings, you have total control. This prevents you from stripping screws or driving them too deep into soft wood.
- Integrated Fuel Gauge: A handy light indicator on the side lets you know exactly how much juice is left, so you aren’t caught off guard by a dead battery.
What We Don't Like
- 12-Volt Limitations: While powerful for its size, it isn’t designed for heavy-duty tasks like mixing concrete or drilling large holes in hardwood with a hole saw.
- Thick Handle: Because the battery slides into the handle stem, the grip is slightly thicker than some 20V models, which might be noticeable if you have smaller hands.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 1.8 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 7 x 2.5 |
| Torque (in-lbf) | 265 |
| Accessories | Charger and battery |
| Voltage/Amps | 12 volts |
| Cost | $$ |
| Warranty | 3-year |
Our Ratings
Kimo 20V Cordless Drill/Driver
Best Budget Cordless Drill/Driver
Kimo has quickly become a favorite for homeowners looking for an all-in-one solution. This isn’t just a drill; it’s a complete starter kit. The unit pushes out 330 inch-pounds of torque and hits 1,350 RPM, making it versatile enough for most standard drilling and driving tasks.
What sets this apart is the value. It comes with a 20V battery, a fast charger, and a 33-piece accessory set including bits and brushes. If you are moving into your first apartment or home and have zero tools, this kit gets you operational immediately without extra purchases.
What We Like
- Complete Starter Kit: You get drill bits, driver bits, and cleaning brushes right in the box. It saves you the hassle and cost of buying accessories separately.
- Decent Power: With 20 volts and 330 in-lbs of torque, it handles typical DIY jobs like hanging TVs or assembling flat-pack furniture with ease.
- Lightweight Body: Despite the larger battery, the tool remains easy to maneuver, reducing strain during longer projects.
What We Don't Like
- Brushed Motor: It uses older brushed motor technology. This means it runs hotter and is slightly less efficient than newer brushless models.
- Durability Concerns: While great for light to medium work, it may struggle or overheat if you push it with heavy-duty lag bolts or continuous drilling.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 3 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 24 x 14 x 12 |
| Torque (in-lbf) | 330 |
| Accessories | 46-piece set including battery and charger |
| Voltage/Amps | 20 volts |
| Cost | $$ |
| Warranty | 2-year |
Our Ratings
Porter-Cable Corded 6-Amp Drill
Best Budget Drill for Metalworking
Sometimes you just need raw power, and that is where the Porter-Cable corded drill shines. By ditching the battery, this tool delivers consistent, high-torque performance indefinitely. It features a 6.5-amp motor capable of 2,500 RPM, making it significantly faster than most cordless options on this list.
This model is ideal for tougher materials like metal or hardwood where battery drills might bog down. If you have a workbench and don’t mind a cord, this tool offers professional-level reliability at a bargain price.
What We Like
- Unlimited Runtime: You never have to wait for a battery to charge. Plug it in and go, making it perfect for long drilling sessions.
- High RPM: The 2,500 RPM speed makes it excellent for drilling into metal, where high speed is crucial for clean holes.
- Robust Motor: The 6.5-amp motor provides consistent torque that won’t fade as you work, unlike a battery that loses pep as it drains.
What We Don't Like
- Tethered to Outlets: You are strictly limited by the length of your extension cord. It is not a good choice for outdoor fence repair or working in a detached shed without power.
- Single Speed Gearbox: While it has a variable trigger, it lacks a mechanical 2-speed gearbox (Low/High), which limits its finesse for delicate driving tasks.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 4 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 10.9 x 3.19 x 10.9 |
| Torque (in-lbf) | 140 |
| Accessories | None |
| Voltage/Amps | 6.5 amps |
| Cost | $ |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
Black+Decker 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver
Best Budget Drill for Home Use
Black+Decker is practically synonymous with home DIY. This 20V MAX drill is designed specifically for the casual user who needs a reliable tool for occasional repairs. It isn’t a speed demon, topping out at around 750 RPM, but it offers plenty of torque for household tasks.
The standout feature is the battery system; the lithium-ion cell holds a charge for up to 18 months when not in use. This means you can leave it in a drawer for a year, pull it out for a quick fix, and it will still be ready to work.
What We Like
- Hold-Charge Battery: The ability to hold a charge for 18 months is a game-changer for people who only use their drill a few times a year.
- User-Friendly: It is simple, lightweight, and intuitive. The 24-position clutch gives you great control for driving small screws into particleboard furniture.
- System Compatibility: The battery works with other Black+Decker 20V MAX tools, like their string trimmers and leaf blowers.
What We Don't Like
- Slow Speed: With a max speed of roughly 750 RPM, drilling holes takes longer than with competitive models. It is better suited for driving screws than drilling.
- Basic Chuck: The plastic chuck is functional but doesn’t have the heavy-duty grip of metal ratcheting chucks found on pricier models.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 4.25 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 8.94 x 4 x 7.75 |
| Torque (in-lbf) | 300 |
| Accessories | 30-piece |
| Voltage/Amps | 20 volts |
| Cost | $$ |
| Warranty | 2-year |
Our Ratings
SKIL PWRCore 12 Brushless Drill/Driver
Best Budget Brushless Drill
The SKIL PWRCore 12 brings premium technology to the budget aisle. It features a brushless motor, which is rare at this price point. Brushless motors run cooler, last longer, and provide more power per battery charge than standard brushed motors.
The other massive benefit is the “PWRJump” charging. The battery can go from 0% to 25% in just 5 minutes. If your battery dies mid-project, you can get enough juice to finish the job just by taking a short break. With 350 inch-pounds of torque, it is surprisingly stout for a 12V tool.
What We Like
- Brushless Efficiency: You get longer runtime and a more durable motor compared to other budget drills. It is a smarter long-term investment.
- PWRJump Charging: The rapid charge feature eliminates the frustration of waiting hours for a battery to charge when you just need to drive a few more screws.
- Compact Power: It delivers excellent torque (350 in-lbs) in a compact body, making it great for overhead work or tight cabinetry.
What We Don't Like
- 12V Platform: While powerful, it is still on a 12V platform. It won’t have the sheer grunt of a high-end 18V or 20V tool for heavy structural lag bolts.
- Quality Control: Some users have noted that the forward/reverse switch can feel a bit stiff or finicky compared to premium brands.
Product Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 4.23 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 7.76 x 2.64 x 7.09 |
| Torque (in-lbf) | 350 |
| Accessories | Battery and charger |
| Voltage/Amps | 12 volts |
| Cost | $$ |
| Warranty | 5-year limited |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | Torque in-lbf | Volts/Amps | Warranty |
| Bosch PS31-2A Drill/Driver | Compact | 2 lbs | 7 x 2.5″ | 265 in-lbf | 12V | 3-year |
| Kimo 20V Cordless Drill/Driver | Cordless | 3 lbs | 24 x 14 x 12″ | 330 in-lbf | 20V | 2-year |
| Porter-Cable Corded 6-Amp Drill | Metalworking | 4 lbs | 10.9 x 3.19 x 10.9″ | 140 in-lbf | 6.5A | 3-year limited |
| Black and Decker 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver | Home Use | 4 lbs | 8.94 x 4 x 7.75″ | 300 in-lbf | 20V | 2-year |
| SKIL PWRCore 12 Brushless Drill | Brushless | 4 lbs | 7.76 x 2.64 x 7.09″ | 350 in-lbf | 12V | 5-year limited |
FAQs
How Can You Tell How Strong a Drill Is?
Check the voltage and the torque rating. Voltage (V) generally indicates raw power potential, 20V is stronger than 12V. Torque, measured in inch-pounds (in-lbs) or Newton-meters (Nm), tells you how much twisting force the drill has. Higher torque means it can drive larger screws into harder materials.
How Many Volts Does a Drill Need?
For most DIY tasks, a 12V drill is surprisingly capable and lightweight. However, if you plan to build a deck or drill into masonry, you should opt for an 18V or 20V model. Note that “20V MAX” and “18V” usually refer to the same power level; 20V is the initial surge, while 18V is the nominal running voltage.
Are Brushless Drills Worth the Money?
Yes, if you use the drill frequently. Brushless motors use magnets instead of friction-causing brushes. This makes them cooler, more powerful, and more energy-efficient. If you only hang a picture frame once a year, a cheaper brushed motor is fine, but for regular use, brushless is the better buy.
How Much Torque is Good for a Budget Drill?
For light tasks like assembling IKEA furniture, 200 inch-pounds (approx 22Nm) is plenty. For general home repairs and drilling into wood studs, look for at least 300 inch-pounds (approx 34Nm). If you are driving large lag screws, you’ll want something closer to 400 inch-pounds.
Which Budget Cordless Drill Is Best for Home Use?
The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX is widely considered the best reliable option for casual home use. It balances price, power, and battery retention perfectly for the average homeowner who isn’t a professional tradesperson.
Is an Impact Driver Better Than a Budget Drill?
They serve different purposes. An impact driver has massive torque and is designed specifically for driving screws, not drilling holes. A drill is more versatile because it has a chuck that accepts smooth drill bits. For a first tool, buy a drill; it can drive screws and make holes.
What Is the Best Budget Drill to Buy for DIY?
The Bosch PS31-2A offers the best balance of professional features and budget pricing. Its compact size, high torque, and excellent build quality make it a tool that won’t feel “cheap” as your skills improve.
Can I Use a Budget Drill for Concrete?
Generally, no. Standard budget drills lack the “hammer” function required to pulverize concrete. If you need to drill into brick or concrete, look for a “Hammer Drill,” which adds a punching motion to the rotation. Some budget brands offer hammer drills, but they are slightly more expensive.
