Cordless drills grant you the ability to work anywhere, making holes, driving screws, and much more with the right attachments. This makes them among the most versatile power tools you can buy.
There was a time that corded drills were more powerful and reliable but advances in technology have closed that gap. Modern cordless drills are excellent tools but there are so many to choose from that you might need some advice.
To help you find the right tool, we have reviewed ten of the best cordless drills that you can buy today. We chose these drills for their drilling power, battery life, and how user-friendly they are.
- Interchangeable battery
- Brushless motor
- 2 batteries
- Weighs just 2.14 pounds
- Energy indicator
- 1,300 RPM
- 2 in 1 kit
- Impact driver
- Includes 2 batteries and a charger
- Variable speed trigger
- 42-piece accessory kit
- 21+1+1 torque settings
- Brushless motor
- 3-hour battery use
- All-metal gears
- 30 accessories
- Long-life battery
- Battery holds charge for 18 months
- Brushless motor
- Carbide-coated inserts
- 38,250 BPM power
- 1,300 RPM
- Includes a bag
- Ideal for home DIY
- 68-piece set
- 11-position clutch
- 2-year warranty
- 500 in-pounds of torque
- 2 batteries
- 30-minute charge time
The Best Cordless Drills of 2024
Cordless drills are possibly the most popular power tool in the world today, which means you have plenty of models to choose from. After a lot of research, we have narrowed them down to our top 10 best cordless drills, which we chose for their size, weight, drilling power, comfort, and battery life.
DeWALT 20V Max Brushless Drill Driver Set
Best Brushless Cordless Drill
DeWALT is one of the leading power tool brands in the world, so it is probably no surprise to find their tools on our list. This brushless drill is an excellent model that is part of the company’s 20V group of products.
The brushless motor is ultra-efficient, which means your battery should last up to 30% longer than a traditional brushed drill. It uses a standard DeWALT 20V battery, which is interchangeable with other power tools from the same range.
This DeWALT drill features a keyless chuck, an LED light for improved visibility, and a no-load speed of between 500 RPM and 1,750 RPM.
What We Like
Interchangeable Battery
This drill is part of DeWALT’s 20V family. It has an interchangeable battery that can be swapped with various other DeWALT power tools, so you are less likely to be caught without power if you own more than one.
Brushless Motor
Brushless motors have longer lifespans and should help your battery’s charge last up to 30% longer. They also require less maintenance in general.
2 Batteries
This set contains two lithium-ion batteries. This means you can always have one battery charging while you use the other, so there shouldn’t be any interruptions to your work.
What We Don't Like
Small Battery Capacity
Although this drill includes two batteries, they are the smallest batteries that DeWALT produces. You can charge one battery while using the other, but if you want to go longer without charging, you might need to upgrade to a larger DeWALT battery.
Expensive Battery Replacement
DeWALT sells replacement batteries but you should expect to pay a lot of money for one. The cost of two replacement batteries is often higher than the price of this entire drill kit.
Product Specs
Weight | 2.6 pounds |
Brushless/Brushed | Brushless |
Key/Keyless chuck | Keyless |
Dimensions (inches) | 12.5 x 3.75 x 9.81 |
Max RPM | 1,750 |
Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit PS31-2A
Best Compact Cordless Drill
Bosch power tools regularly feature in our review lists as they are high-quality, efficient, and reliable. This drill driver is compact and weighs just over 2 pounds without its battery inserted.
It is professionally graded to provide a maximum of 1,300 RPM and it has an adjustable torque setting that will help you adapt it to different tasks.
Bosch boasts that this drill is 22% smaller, 15% faster, and delivers 25% more torque than the average compact cordless drill.
What We Like
Compact
This drill is ideal for working in tight spaces. It is also easy to handle and will place less of a strain on your hands and wrists during prolonged use.
Power Indicator
Typically, the first sign that a power tool’s battery is almost drained is a drop in performance. Thankfully, Bosch has fitted this model with an indicator that will give you a clearer sense of how much drilling time you have remaining.
Price
This drill is considerably cheaper than some similar sets from other leading brands, so it offers excellent value for money.
What We Don't Like
12 Volts
Bosch makes the most of this drill’s available power, but its voltage is still low. As voltage determines a drill’s power, this one has less drilling strength than 18-volt models.
Battery Removal
Bosch has apparently made this drill’s battery slot so snug that it is extremely difficult to remove unless you are very strong.
Product Specs
Weight | 2.14 pounds |
Brushless/Brushed | Brushless |
Key/Keyless chuck | Keyless |
Dimensions (inches) | 12.5 x 3.75 x 9.81 |
Max RPM | 1,300 |
Warranty | 3-year limited plus 2-year battery warranty |
Our Ratings
DeWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill Combo Kit
Best Cordless Drill Driver Combo
This DeWALT kit includes both an impact driver and a cordless drill. If you need to complete a drilling or driving task around your home or on a small-scale project, it should contain what you need. It also includes two lithium-ion batteries that are interchangeable, so you shouldn’t run out of power while working.
The impact driver has a 0.25-inch hex chuck and the drill has a 0.50-inch universal chuck. This kit offers one-handed loading for greater convenience and the drill produces a maximum of 1,500 RPM.
What We Like
2 in 1 Kit
This combo kit contains an impact driver and a drill driver. Whatever the drilling or driving task, you should have the right tool to tackle it.
Impact Driver
An impact driver will enable you to work with a wider range of materials. Choosing this kit will make it possible to drill into concrete and masonry.
Price
This kit contains an impact driver, a drill driver, 2 batteries, and a charger, which can all be held in the included carry bag. It offers exceptional value for money.
What We Don't Like
Small Battery Capacity
These lithium-ion batteries are the smallest in the DeWALT range at 1.3 amp-hours (Ah). They will restrict the length of time you can work as they will drain relatively quickly, although they are interchangeable.
Expensive Replacement Batteries
DeWALT sells larger batteries that provide a longer runtime but buying two will likely cost more than this entire drill combo set.
Product Specs
Weight | 9.2 pounds |
Brushless/Brushed | Brushed |
Key/Keyless chuck | Keyless |
Dimensions (inches) | 15.6 x 6.38 x 9.88 |
Max RPM | 1,500 |
Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
KIMO Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
Best Cordless Drill for Woodworking
KIMO may not be a name you are familiar with but you shouldn’t let that put you off. This drill is relatively inexpensive, making it a great option for beginners, it has 21+1+1 torque settings, so it can penetrate hard and softwood, and an LED gives you a clearer view of your work.
It also has a variable speed trigger, a keyless chuck, and forward and reverse settings. The maximum RPM is 1,350 and it produces 350 inches to pounds of torque. This is a good all-around drill but it is best suited to working with wood.
This KIMO drill is sold with a 42-piece accessory kit, so you should have a suitable attachment for any task. Again, this is an excellent choice for beginners who don’t already have a set of drill bits.
What We Like
Competitive Price
This set offers excellent value for money. It includes a battery and charger, a case, and a 42-piece accessory kit, so you will have everything you need to start drilling.
Accessory Set
This drill’s 42-piece accessory kit includes brad point drill bits, twist bits, and an array of driver bits. These bits will help you make the most of the drill’s versatility.
Various Clutch Settings
This drill has 21+1+1 clutch settings to ensure you never strip or shear screws and other fixings. The clutch protects the drill motor by ensuring it doesn’t burn out when it encounters too much resistance.
What We Don't Like
Weak Hammer Drill
If you need to use this drill on harder materials than wood, it has a hammer setting. However, you shouldn’t expect great results, as many customer reviews mention that it is quite weak.
Product Specs
Weight | 3 pounds |
Brushless/Brushed | Brushed |
Key/Keyless chuck | Keyless |
Dimensions (inches) | 7 x 5 x 7 |
Max RPM | 1,350 |
Warranty | 2-year |
Our Ratings
Makita XFD061 Compact Brushless Drill
Best Cordless Drill for Metal
Makita drills are among the most respected and reliable you can buy. This drill might not have the brute force of impact drivers but, when drilling through metal, it is better to work slowly and to steadily build up speed.
It has a keyless chuck and generates 530 inches to pounds of torque. It includes a carry-case and a 3Ah battery, which should be enough to get you through all the drilling you require in a day’s work.
What We Like
Brushless Motor
A brushless motor makes this drill up to 50% more energy-efficient than similar models with brushed motors. This means you can use it for longer between charges. As you won’t need to charge it as frequently, this should also extend the overall lifespan of the battery.
3Ah Battery
This battery can be used for three hours before it needs to be recharged. This should comfortably be enough for a day’s work unless you drill almost constantly.
All-Metal Gears
If you are working with metal, you will need a drill that is robust enough to cope. This Makita drill has all-metal gears and housing to ensure it can withstand the rigors of heavy-duty use.
What We Don't Like
High Price
Makita makes high-quality tools and that is reflected in this drill’s price. This isn’t a budget-friendly drill, but is an excellent one.
Delivery Issues
We have read many complaints about damage to the boxes these drills are shipped in. It is unclear whether this is an issue with the boxes themselves or the manner in which they are delivered.
Product Specs
Weight | 3.8 pounds |
Brushless/Brushed | Brushless |
Key/Keyless chuck | Keyless |
Dimensions (inches) | 6.4 x 14.9 x 10.8 |
Max RPM | 1,550 |
Warranty | 3-year |
Our Ratings
Black and Decker 20VCordless Drill
Best Cordless Drill for Home Use
If you want a drill made by a company with unmatched experience and expertise, Black and Decker is an excellent option. The company produced the world’s first portable hand drill and this great model continues that legacy.
As an already affordable drill, this product offers even better value for money as it includes a 30-piece accessory set. That is why we have chosen it as our ideal cordless drill for use around the home.
This is a general-purpose drill that is well suited to drilling through wood, plastic, or metal. The lithium-ion battery will retain its charge for 18 months, so it is ideal for taking with you to work in locations where you don’t have access to an electrical supply.
What We Like
Low Price
This is one of the best budget-friendly cordless drills we have seen. If you only need a drill for occasional DIY tasks and repairs, this is an excellent choice.
30 Accessories
If you don’t have the right attachment for a job, your drill will be useless. Thankfully, this drill includes a 30-piece set, so you will be able to complete the vast majority of tasks around your home.
Battery
The drill’s lithium-ion battery will retain its charge for 18 months. This means you should be able to rely on it in an emergency, even if you haven’t charged it recently.
What We Don't Like
Low Power
This is a low-power drill designed for easier drilling jobs. It only generates 750 RPM, so you probably won’t be able to rely on it for heavy-duty work.
Product Specs
Weight | 4.74 pounds |
Brushless/Brushed | Brushed |
Key/Keyless chuck | Keyless |
Dimensions (inches) | 8.94 x 4 x 7.75 |
Max RPM | 750 |
Warranty | 2-year |
Our Ratings
DeWALT 20V Max XR Hammer Drill
Best Cordless Drill for Concrete
If you want a drill that will punch through tough materials, this DeWALT hammer drill might be the answer. It generates a very impressive 38,250 beats per minute to chew through even the hardest concrete.
DeWALT claims this drill is 82% more powerful than many of its competitors, and that the efficient brushless motor extends the battery’s runtime by up to 57%.
The 3-speed transmission is made of metal for greater durability. When you combine that with the carbide inserts in the chuck that provide extra grip, the result is a drill that is tough enough for challenging jobs.
What We Like
Brushless Motor
The brushless motor increases the drill’s efficiency and extends the battery’s runtime by up to 57%.
The Chuck
The chuck has carbide-coated inserts that ensure the drill bit is as secure as possible. This is important when drilling through robust materials as it will prevent the bit from slipping.
Power
When you are drilling through concrete, the most important aspect of your drill is its beats per minute. This is the number of times the drill bit strikes the surface of the material to create impact. This drill operates at up to 38,250 BPM, making it one of the fastest one-handed drills we have seen.
What We Don't Like
Battery and Charger Separate
DeWALT sells this drill without a battery or charger, which means you will need to buy them separately. This is partly because DeWALT batteries are interchangeable, so you might already have one that will fit.
Potentially Expensive
If you don’t already own a DeWALT battery and charger, buying them separately will increase the cost of this drill significantly. In this scenario, it might be better to choose a drill that includes a battery and charger
Product Specs
Weight | 4 pounds |
Brushless/Brushed | Brushless |
Key/Keyless chuck | Keyless |
Dimensions (inches) | 4 x 10 x 8 |
Max RPM | 2,250 |
Warranty | 3-year limited |
Our Ratings
Chantpower 12V Cordless Drill Driver
Best Budget Cordless Drill
If you have a limited budget, a high-end drill might be out of reach but that doesn’t mean you can’t still buy an effective model. This Chantpower drill is one of the cheapest we have seen during our search but it will still provide enough power for the majority of general drilling tasks.
It has a keyless chuck, a 2-speed gearbox, a lightweight design, and a variable-speed trigger. Despite being a budget drill, it still generates 1,300 RPM, so it is no slouch. This is a great drill to keep in your home for general-purpose drilling.
What We Like
Budget-Friendly Price
The very low price is the most eye-catching thing about this drill. You could buy three of these drills for the cost of one of the more expensive drills we have seen.
1,300 RPM
Unlike some budget drills, this model still provides plenty of drilling power. At 1,300 revolutions per minute, it should be powerful enough to tackle the majority of everyday DIY tasks at home.
Bag Included
This drill includes various accessories that can be stored along with the drill in the included bag. This will make it much easier to store and transport.
What We Don't Like
12 Volts
This drill is not the most powerful on the list. Just remember that 12 volts is less than the standard 18 to 20 volts, and as we’ve said many times, more volts add up to higher power.
Product Specs
Weight | 5.52 pounds |
Brushless/Brushed | Brushed |
Key/Keyless chuck | Keyless |
Dimensions (inches) | 9.8 x 8.58 x 5.04 |
Max RPM | 1,300 |
Warranty | 2-year |
Our Ratings
Black and Decker 20V Cordless Drill Driver Tool Set
Best Cordless Drill for Beginners
Black and Decker is one of the oldest and most reliable power tool brands. The company produces high-quality drills at affordable prices, so they are excellent options for experienced and beginner DIYers alike.
This drill is made even better value for money by the accessory set that is included with your purchase. It will give you a 68-piece kit, including a hammer, various pliers and wrenches, and much more.
If you are looking to build your tool collection, this is a great option for your first drill. Its 11-position clutch means it is suitable for various drilling tasks and you won’t burn out the engine or overdrive screws, so it is very beginner-friendly
What We Like
Excellent Value
Considering how many accessories are included, this Black and Decker drill is remarkably affordable.
Accessories
This 68-piece set contains enough accessories to help you complete various DIY tasks, making it ideal for people who don’t already have an extensive tool collection.
11-Position Clutch
The 11-position clutch will prevent the drill from accidentally stripping screws or overheating the motor when encountering tough materials.
What We Don't Like
Low Power
Unsurprisingly for a budget drill, this model is suitable for general-purpose use around the home. However, it probably won’t be strong enough for heavy-duty work on a construction site.
Product Specs
Weight | 4 pounds |
Brushless/Brushed | Brushed |
Key/Keyless chuck | Keyless |
Dimensions (inches) | 19.5 x 3.63 x 13.63 |
Max RPM | 750 |
Warranty | 2-year limited |
Our Ratings
Milwaukee 2606-22CT M18 Drill Driver
Best High-Torque Cordless Drill
This Milwaukee model is a very powerful handheld drill with a maximum RPM of 1,800. It also produces a mighty 500 in-pounds of torque, so it is ideal for drilling concrete and other materials that are too hard for standard drills.
It has a 0.50-inch metal chuck that will hold your drill bits securely. A built-in light provides better visibility when drilling.
You can charge the battery completely in just 30 minutes, which is much faster than the majority of power tool batteries. Even if you do run out of power, you won’t have to wait long to continue your work.
What We Like
High-Torque
This drill provides very high torque, with 500 in-pounds. This makes it ideal for slow and steady drilling through tough materials such as metals and concrete.
2 Batteries
Two batteries are better than one. This means you can always have a spare battery charging while you work, so you should never run out of power.
30-Minute Charge Time
30 minutes is one of the fastest charge times we have seen in a power tool. Cheaper drills can take as long as 3 to 4 hours to charge, but these batteries should recharge fully during your lunch break.
What We Don't Like
Heavy
At 9 pounds, this drill is one of the heavier models on our list and could cause wrist and hand fatigue during prolonged use.
Imported
Although Milwaukee is one of the leading American power tool brands, this drill is manufactured in China. If you want your products made in the United States, you should look elsewhere.
Product Specs
Weight | 9.02 pounds |
Brushless/Brushed | Brushed |
Key/Keyless chuck | Keyless |
Dimensions (inches) | 13.58 x 14.8 x 4.72 |
Max RPM | 1,800 |
Warranty | 5-year limited |
Our Ratings
Product | Best | Weight | Brushless/Brushed | Dimensions (inches) | Max RPM | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DeWALT 20V Max Brushless Drill/Driver | Brushless | 2.6 lbs | Brushless | 12.5 x 3.75 x 9.81 | 1,750 | 3-year limited |
Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit PS31-2A | Compact | 2.14 lbs | Brushless | 12.5 x 3.75 x 9.81 | 1,300 | 3-year limited |
DeWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill Combo | Drill Driver | 9.2 lbs | Brushed | 15.6 x 6.38 x 9.88 | 1,500 | 3-year limited |
KIMO Cordless Drill/Driver Kit | Woodworking | 3 lbs | Brushed | 7 x 5 x 7 | 1,350 | 2-year |
Makita XFD061 Compact Brushless Drill | Metal | 3.8 lbs | Brushless | 6.4 x 14.9 x 10.8 | 1,550 | 3-year |
Black and Decker 20VCordless Drill | Home Use | 4.74 lbs | Brushed | 8.94 x 4 x 7.75 | 750 | 2-year |
DeWALT 20V Max XR Hammer Drill | Concrete | 4 lbs | Brushless | 4 x 10 x 8 | 2,250 | 3-year limited |
Chantpower Cordless Drill Set | Budget Drill | 5.52 lbs | Brushed | 9.8 x 8.58 x 5.04 | 1,300 | 2-year |
Black and Decker 20V Cordless Drill Set | Beginners | 4 lbs | Brushed | 19.5 x 3.63 x 13.63 | 750 | 2-year limited |
Milwaukee 2606-22CT M18 Drill Driver | High-Torque | 9.02 lbs | Brushed | 13.58 x 14.8 x 4.72 | 1,800 | 5-year limited |
Why Buy a Cordless Drill?
Unlike corded drills, which require you to stay within range of an electrical outlet, a cordless drill will allow you to work anywhere. If you are a construction worker, this means you won’t need to trail hazardous power cords, so cordless drills are much safer and more convenient. When in your workshop or working around your home, a cordless drill will be much easier to maneuver wherever you need it.
You will also be able to work outdoors without needing to plug in an extension cord. As long as your cordless drill’s battery is charged, you will be able to take it anywhere it is needed.
Are Cordless Drills as Good as Corded Drills?
Historically, cordless drills couldn’t compete with corded drills in terms of power and torque. When they were first introduced, they were limited to 9.6 volts, which meant they were unsuitable for drilling anything other than soft materials.
Thankfully, technological advancements mean cordless drills have largely caught up to their corded counterparts and can now utilize as much as 18 volts. While there is still a difference in power, it is unlikely to be enough to impact your drilling. This is why cordless drills are now far more widespread on construction sites than corded ones.
As cordless drills need to accommodate a battery, they weigh more than corded drills. The battery is usually placed at the base of the handle. T-bar handles provide a better grip and help centralize the pressure directly behind the bit.
How to Choose a Cordless Drill
Cordless drills are among the most popular and versatile power tools you can buy today, which means you will have a huge variety of models to choose from. You can narrow your options significantly by taking the time to consider a few key aspects of your drill.
What Is the Best Battery for Cordless Drills?
The most popular battery type is currently the lithium-ion battery. It is the most efficient type and will retain its charge for the longest. Lithium-ion batteries are safe and robust, which means they can be used across many charging cycles before wearing out.
Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) batteries are increasingly popular but it will take a while for them to catch up. For now, lithium-ion batteries are still the best option for your cordless drill.
Are Cordless Drill Batteries Interchangeable?
Your cordless drill might use interchangeable batteries but this depends on the power tool brand. DeWALT’s batteries are interchangeable and can be used by any of the company’s power tools. Various other brands also use a universal battery for all of their tools, which could help you save money.
However, you won’t be able to insert a battery into a tool made by a different brand. For example, a DeWALT battery will not fit a Makita drill and vice versa, so they are not completely interchangeable.