The Best Cordless Drills – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide 2024

Our choice for best pick amongst cordless drills goes to the DEWALT DCD991B. It features an extremely powerful 20V brushless motor that delivers 820 UWO and a heavy-duty ½’’ ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck for exceptional bit grip strength.

While most cordless drills are capable of two speeds the DCD991B features a three-speed gearbox that can produce speeds of 0 – 450, 0 – 1,300 and 0 – 2,000 RPM. This allows for improved run times and quick application for a variety of tasks.

The 3 mode LED lighting function is up to 20x brighter than previous models to help illuminate those dark and confined working conditions. Along with the drill itself, you get a belt hook and 360-degree side handle. Battery sold separately and it can get hot at sustained high speeds.

The unquestionable power of the DeWalt DCD991B backed by the stand out 3 speed all metal transmission and comprehensive LED system make it a great fit for all skill levels. It certainly lives up to the DeWalt brand name!

The Craftsman CMCD700C1 strikes the perfect balance between affordability and performance. The 20V lithium-ion drill delivers 280 UWO and features a ½’’ keyless chuck for quick and easy bit changes.

The two gear speeds vary from 0 – 350 and 0 – 1,500 RPM with several clutch positions to select the ideal setting for your project. LED light feature with 3 LEDs improves visibility in dim work conditions.

Quick charging battery with a charging time of 60 minutes or less. Comes with a 20V max lithium-ion battery with high-performance cells and a charger. Weighs slightly more than other cordless drills and the included battery is only 1.3Ah.

If you’re a tradesman or homeowner in need of a good value cordless drill, the Craftsman CMCD700C1 will not let you down. You won’t find a better assortment and quality of features for the price.

If you’re in the market for the best budget cordless drill possible, you’ve found it with the BLACK+DECKER LDX120C. The 20v max lithium-ion powered drill comes with an 11 position clutch to prevent stripped screws and offer precise control while drilling into wood, plastic and metal.

Chuck size of 3/8’’. The variable speed feature allows countersinking without damaging the material you are working with. Lightweight and compact design for longer use and reduced user fatigue.

Included with the drill is a 20v max lithium-ion battery, 1-Lcs20 charger and a double-ended bit. There are more powerful cordless drills out there and as such isn’t suited to heavy use.

The BLACK+DECKER LDX120C is perfect for DIY home projects and for the price you won’t find anything that comes close. There is a reason why this drill is a hit with thousands of customers, why not find out for yourself!

The Kobalt 24-Volt Max Lithium Ion can produce 650lbs of peak torque and the two speed gearbox is capable of speeds from 0 – 550 and 0 – 2,000 RPM allowing for a variety of applications. 23 clutch settings allow you to adjust force output to match the job at hand.

Chuck size of ½’’.Includes a 24V max 2.0Ah Li-ion battery and charger, bit holder, auxiliary handle, belt clip, double-ended driver bit and a soft bag. The included battery takes a while to charge and doesn’t last for a long duration.

If pure power and torque are top at your list of priorities the Kobalt 24-Volt Max Lithium Ion won’t let you down. However, the tradeoff is a reduction in battery life, and with the long charge times, this can become an issue. Having a couple of compatible batteries for this drill would be a smart idea.

Optimized for efficiency, the Milwaukee M18 2801-20 is an 18v lithium-ion brushless cordless drill capable of delivering 500lbs of peak torque. Two variable speed options of 0 – 450 and 0 – 1,800 RPM open up a wide variety of drilling and fastening options.

Coming in at just 2.5lbs the M18 is a great choice for individuals intending on using it for overhead applications and long projects. An all-metal gear case and ½’’ metal chuck offers superb durability.

The LED light provides sight when the drill is powered on. Left-handers may struggle to operate the reserve switch and the drill would benefit from greater battery capacity.

The Milwaukee M18 2801-20 is a smooth running cordless drill ideal for a variety of applications both around the home and work sites.

The brushless motor of the DEWALT DCD791B delivers up to 57% increased run time over a traditional brushed motor. High-speed transmission with 2-speed settings of 0 – 550 and 0 – 2,000 RPM.

You get brilliant bit gripping strength from the ½’’ metal ratcheting chuck and the ergonomic handle provides excellent tool control and grip.

Also included is a 3 mode LED lighting function which proves essential for working in dark and confined areas. 3-year limited warranty. Comes with a belt hook. Batteries are sold separately. The chuck can occasionally stick.

The DEWALT DCD791B is slightly more affordable than our top pick the DEWALT DCD991B. Although not quite at the same level it maintains plenty of features to keep a lot of people happy. See our list of the best Dewalt drills here for more options.

The brushless motor of the Makita XFD12Zproduces up to 530lbs of max torque and is electronically controlled for optimal battery usage and run times. A two-speed transmission allows for a wide range of drilling with speeds of 0 – 500 and 0 – 2,000 RPM.

In-house LEDs with afterglow illumination your work environment to ensure you don’t make a single mistake. The extreme protection technology (XPT) results in brilliant dust and water resistance, great for working in a variety of harsh conditions.

A rubberized handle offers added comfort during those longer jobs. Take care tightening the drill bit into the chuck, even on the slow speed setting the drill is quick to respond upon touching the trigger. Batteries sold separately.

The Makita XFD12Z has you covered when it comes to power. Need to drill ½’’ holes into some 4×4 posts, no problem. The efficient power of the XFD12Z is supported by an ergonomic, lightweight and well-balanced design that makes it a dream to use for first-time cordless drill owners.

You’re getting a lot for your money with the PORTER-CABLE PCC608LB. It features a high torque20V brushless motor with a power output of 360 MWO. The transmission generates speeds of up to 1,700 RPM for quick fastening and drilling.

The LED light feature is positioned for optimal illumination in those dark working conditions. Chuck size is ½’’. Compact and lightweight design allows it to be used in tight work areas. Comes with 2 x PCC681L 20v batteries, charger and double-sided bit.3 year limited warranty. Does not have a battery gauge.

The PORTER-CABLE PCC608LBis a great entry-level cordless drill for beginner to intermediate users looking for a well-priced cordless drill. It packs sufficient power for any job that may crop up around the house and the light compact design allows every job to run smoothly.