A cordless drill does not need a power cable but is powered by a rechargeable battery.
There are only two basic designs of cordless drill drivers – right-angled and standard. It is vital that you work the smart way and purchase the best cordless drill.
To help you select the best cordless drill, we have spent countless hours doing extensive research and tested most of the drills. We have gathered 10 of the best cordless drills available today to determine which comes out on top.
Contents
- 1 Best Cordless Drills Review
- 1.1 1Dewalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion 1/2 inch Compact Cordless Drill and Driver
- 1.2 2Makita CT322W 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless Drills with 3-Pc
- 1.3 3BLACK+DECKER LDX120C 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill and Driver
- 1.4 4BLACK+DECKER LD120VA 20 Volt Max Lithium Drill & Driver with 30 Accessories
- 1.5 5DEWALT DCD777C2 20V Max Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Drill & Driver
- 1.6 6Tacklife PCD01B Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill / Driver
- 1.7 7Bosch 12-Volt Max Brushless 3/8-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver
- 1.8 8Milwaukee 2407-20 M12 3/8 Drill Driver
- 1.9 9Milwaukee 2606-20 M18 1/2″ Drill Driver
- 1.10 10BLACK+DECKER BDCDMT120C 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Matrix Drill/Driver
- 2 Best Cordless Drills: Editor’s Top 3 Picks Comparison Chart
- 3 Buying guide for the best cordless Drills
Best Cordless Drills Review
1Dewalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion 1/2 inch Compact Cordless Drill and Driver
4.6 / 5The Dewalt DCD771C2 Compact Cordless Drill and Driver Kit are compact for drilling in tight spaces for longer periods of time. It has a high-speed transmission which delivers 2-speed variations.
The drill allows users to choose the level of performance according to their requirement. It has a lightweight design and weighs 3.6 pounds.
The handle provides control and comfort as well. The tool contains a compact charger, a durable contractor bag, and two 20-volt Max compact Lithium-ion battery packs.
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Pros
- Cheaper than other models
- Small and lightweight
- Durable
Cons
- Makes weird sounds
- The battery may drain quickly
- Does not have a spare bit holder
Who Should Buy It?
The drill is ideal for DIY-ers and those who prefer tackling basic drilling jobs themselves rather than hiring a professional.
If you are a professional, it is better to use another drill which has more torque and power. However, the drill is perfect for a handyman and for doing the occasional repairs around the house.
2Makita CT322W 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless Drills with 3-Pc
4.5 / 5The Makita CT322W consists of a 1/2″ driver-drill with 480 in.lbs. of torque which weighs only 3.3 lbs. It also includes an impact driver with 1460 in.lbs. of torque weighing 2.8 lbs.
It also has a flashlight with 6 L.E.D. bulbs which provide 500 lumens brightness.
The Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries also have the quickest charge times and work for longer hours.
Makita uses Star Protection Computer Control to enhance tool performance, extend battery life, and protect the battery and tool from overheating, overloading, and over-discharging.
The drill can also be powered with Makita 18V LXT and Compact Lithium-Ion batteries which have a star symbol to increase versatility.
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Pros
- Small and practical
- Powerful unit
- Comfortable to use
- Longer life
Cons
- The drill doesn’t fit other batteries
- The battery may drain quickly
Who Should Buy It?
The Makita CT322W is ideal for a professional user who needs the best Lithium-Ion cordless tools for fastening, drilling and driving in a compact size.
The drill is also perfect for minor repairs and home use.
However, if you are a daily user, it is better to spend a little extra and go brushless.
3BLACK+DECKER LDX120C 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill and Driver
4.4 / 5The Black & Decker 20 Volt Lithium Battery is compatible with gardening tools and the 20-Volt MAX line of power.
The batteries have been developed for improved performance and longer runtime. They are also compatible with other cordless tool models.
The drill also has variable speeds, allowing you to countersink without damaging the material. It also allows you to drill in confined spaces.
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Pros
- Lightweight
- Great compatibility of the battery
- Durable and resilient
Cons
- No storage case included
- Not powerful enough for bigger jobs
- The battery doesn’t last long
Who Should Buy It?
The drill’s 11 position clutch provides excellent control for drilling into plastic, wood, metal, and all screw-driving tasks.
The drill is ideal for the home handyman and small renovations around the house.
However, if you’re a professional that needs it for daily use, the drill will only last a few days. It is better to purchase a drill which has more torque and more drilling speed.
4BLACK+DECKER LD120VA 20 Volt Max Lithium Drill & Driver with 30 Accessories
4.3 / 5The LD120VA Drill & Driver is lightweight; weighing only 4.06 lbs. The kit includes a charger and one 20-volt lithium-ion battery.
The batteries are ready to be used and hold a charge of up to 18 months. The 30 accessories include screw-driving and drill bits, magnetic bit tip holder, and nut drivers.
The 24 position clutch also gives an extra level of control which helps prevent stripping and overdriving screws. The soft ergonomic handle also provides additional comfort during use.
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Pros
- Excellent speed control
- Long battery life
- Durable
- Powerful unit
Cons
- Low-quality chuck
- No LED to light your work area
Who Should Buy It?
This drill is ideal for drilling and screw-driving through metal, plastic, and wood.
It is not powerful enough to build a house but is excellent for minor repairs and jobs around the house. If you have some heavy duty work, you should get another drill which is sturdier and powerful.
However, if you want a cheap drill which can do small projects, this unit is ideal.
5DEWALT DCD777C2 20V Max Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Drill & Driver
4.7 / 5The DCD777C2 Brushless Cordless Drill is compact for drilling in confined spaces for longer periods of time. It is lightweight and has a built-in LED to light up your working area.
Its high-speed transmission has 2-Speed variations and allows users to change the level of performance according to their requirements.
The kit includes one charger, 2 Li-ion batteries, and one kit bag as well.
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Pros
- Long battery life
- Easy to tighten and slack off the chuck
- High speed and power
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Drill bit chuck has a slight wobble
- The tool bag is a bit cramped
- Bit falls out if used at high speed
Who Should Buy It?
The DCD777C2 features 500 in-lb. of torque power which makes it suitable for both professionals and beginners. The drill is easy-to-use for a beginner but is still powerful enough for a professional.
Although the unit doesn’t have any fancy features of high-end models, it still has great specifications and is sure to get the job done.
6Tacklife PCD01B Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill / Driver
4.5 / 5The PCD01B is a lightweight unit which comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack. The battery can be fully charged within an hour while the charger can withstand instability or sudden change in the voltage.
The additional accessories include 6pcs driver bits, 6pcs of drill bits, and an extension bit holder. The drill is also equipped with LED lights to provide lighting for your working area.
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Pros
- Sturdy and durable
- Long battery life
- Easy to use
- Affordable price
Cons
- Bits are long and break easily
- Not powerful enough for heavier drilling
Who Should Buy It?
The drill is ideal for DIY-ers and small jobs around the house like tightening screws and putting together furniture.
It provides precise control for all screw-driving tasks and drilling into metal, plastic, and wood. Its maximum drilling capacity for metal is 25/64”(10 mm) and 1-1/8”(30mm) for wood.
Hence, if you need a drill for heavier drilling, it is better to purchase a more powerful unit.
7Bosch 12-Volt Max Brushless 3/8-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver
4.6 / 5The Bosch drill delivers 180 in-lbs. of torque and has 21 clutch settings, allowing for maximum range of applications.
It features a two-speed transmission – 0-1300 RPM high-speed drilling set and 0-400 RPM high-torque setting.
The kit includes two 12-volt lithium-ion batteries, one magnetic bit holder, a charger, a carrying case, and a belt clip.
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Pros
- Long battery life
- Lighter and smaller than other models
- Very low self-discharge rate of batteries
- Spacious carry case
- Easy to handle
Cons
- Substandard chuck
- Difficult battery removal
- Poor ergonomics
Who Should Buy It?
The drill is perfect for small household repairs and maintenance jobs like hanging mirrors and assembling furniture.
It can also drill holes in drywall or wood at the high-speed setting. It is powerful enough for jobs in a garage workshop and can fasten any type screw or anchor.
8Milwaukee 2407-20 M12 3/8 Drill Driver
4.6 / 5The 2407-20 M12 is lightweight and efficient. It has an all-metal single-sleeve ratcheting chuck which provides better grip, so you don’t lose bits.
The unit also has an LED light and a fuel gauge to help increase productivity.
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Pros
- Batteries charge quickly
- Comfortable and easy to use
- Durable
Cons
- No speed control with the trigger
- Chuck may wobble
Who Should Buy It?
This unit is an around the house tool and is not suitable for everyday construction use.
The drill is not powerful enough to drill screws through wet pressure treated deck boards. Aside from that, it’s excellent for most of a drill’s tasks.
If you want to build a deck or do heavier drilling, you should purchase a more powerful tool.
9Milwaukee 2606-20 M18 1/2″ Drill Driver
4.2 / 5The Milwaukee 2606-20 is lightweight and allows you to work in the tightest work spaces.
The all-metal gear case and metal chuck improve durability, even in the most challenging worksites.
The unit also has advanced protection and better temperature control, providing maximum life. However, the quality of the chuck can be improved.
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Pros
- Fast charging batteries
- Affordable price
- Durable
- Powerful unit
Cons
- Low-quality chuck
- Speed selector is stiff to switch
Who Should Buy It?
This unit is small but powerful and can drill a hole 6’x3/4”s in diameter. It can be used to install wires and drill 3/4” holes in plywood.
It can also be used to build walls, decks, install windows, and hang drywall. However, it is not powerful enough to drill through concrete or serious-duty drilling.
10BLACK+DECKER BDCDMT120C 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Matrix Drill/Driver
4.6 / 5The BDCDMT120C is lightweight but can easily carry out most of the drilling and driving tasks in tight spaces. Its 20-volt max motor is powerful enough for a full range of attachments and applications.
The drill has a lightweight Lithium battery that can hold a charge for up to 18 months. It can be used for any household task while the attachments can easily be changed according to the project.
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Pros
- Lightweight and powerful batteries
- Affordable price
- Powerful bit magnet on top
- Long lasting batteries
Cons
- Not the most ergonomic
- Difficult to change accessories
- Not enough torque
Who Should Buy It?
The drill is ideal for the weekend DIY person and is a light to medium duty tool. It is also great if you want to own different power tools but is limited by budget and space.
The unit can install screws and drill holes in drywall. However, it is not powerful enough to drill through any real hardwood and is not suitable for everyday construction use.
Best Cordless Drills: Editor’s Top 3 Picks Comparison Chart
| Best of the Best | Best Value | Also Great | |
 |  |  | |
| 4.6 / 5 | 4.5 / 5 |  3.5 / 5 | |
RPMs 0-450 and 0-1500 | RPMs 0-600 and 0-1900 | RPMs 0-650 | |
Chuck size 1/2 inch | Chuck size 1/2 inch | Chuck size 3/8 inch | |
Torque 373 in/lbs | Torque 1460 in/lbs | Torque 115 in/lbs | |
20 Volts | 18 Volts | 20 Volts | |
No LED Light | LED Light available | LED Light available | |
Durable, powerful, and cost-efficient. | Durable, easy to use, ergonomic, and provides the best value for money at the same time | Resilience, durability, and compatibility. |
Buying guide for the best cordless Drills
A cordless drill is a vital power tool you need to purchase. It’s a tool needed for both big projects like remodeling a kitchen and smaller tasks like assembling furniture. It is important to look at some key features before choosing the best cordless drill.
Decide what type you need
Before comparing individual models, you need to figure out how you’ll use the drill. Cordless drills are divided into three categories: Light-duty, General-use, and Heavy-duty.
Handling
Before you choose the best cordless drill, insert the battery and grip it to test the handling. You can also see if you can hold the drill and tolerate the weight for longer projects.
Chuck size
Chuck size is closely related to a drill’s capability and power. Powerful drills generally have larger chucks and vice versa.
Charger
The latest battery chargers prevent overcharging batteries, ensuring the longest possible battery life. New chargers also have an indicator light.
Lithium-ion batteries
Voltage is directly related to power while amp hours indicate runtime. A 4-amp-hour battery runs longer than a 2-amp-hour battery but is also twice as heavy.
Some batteries also charge within 25 minutes so it may be better to have two smaller batteries.
Brushless motor
Brushless motors reduce friction and adjust the amount of power they drain from the battery when they sense resistance. This results in more power, longer product life, and longer runtimes.
Trigger and speed control
The speed control should be easy to operate and should provide precise control from barely rotating to full speed. It is better to have a range of gears to achieve the best results.
Useful additional features
Most cordless drills feature a built-in LED work light, belt clips, a single Phillips but, and other extras. However, some brands stand out for additional useful features.