6 Best Cordless Drills

You’d be amazed by how difficult it is to do any DIY or home improvement projects without a drill.

Hang a picture. Install a light fixture. Build a shelf. Put together a piece of furniture.

Sure, you can do it with a screwdriver, but that takes so much time and effort!

A drill will get you through the project in half the time, with a quarter of the effort, and far better precision.

Don’t bother with cables, plugs, or extension cords; go cordless, and let a battery power your drill for maximum convenience.

Cordless drills are smaller, lighter, and more easily maneuverable, not to mention much more portable.

No matter what size of home improvement, home remodel, or DIY job you’ve got in mind, a cordless electric drill will do the job.

Want to make sure you’ve got the best cordless drill for any task? Check out our Faves to find the ones that will do exactly what you need as efficiently as possible.

We’ve gone over hundreds of cordless drills and read thousands of cordless drill reviews to bring you only the best of the best for your next home project.

Best Budget Cordless Drill

BLACK+DECKER LDX120C 20V MAX Lithium Ion Drill / Driver

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Power		8.0
Performance		8.5
Battery Life		9.0
Value		9.0

Overall		86%

21 Bought

Why People Love it

The drill that will do most jobs without breaking the bank
Easy to use, comfortable, lightweight, beautifully compact
A great “everyday” drill for simple tasks

ProsCons

Super great price tag, decent power, good battery life, comfortable to grip, great for smaller jobs at home, small, lightweight, easily maneuverable, a great “starter drill”, 11 position clutch, and variable speeds.

Lacks power for any heavy-duty jobs.

Power

8.0 / 10

It’s by no means the most powerful drill—up to 115 pounds of torque, and just 650 RPMs—so don’t expect it to be the drill you use for heavy-duty jobs. But given its low price tag, it’s got more than enough power for most of your at-home tasks.

Performance

8.5 / 10

This drill is best-suited for simple, easy, quick jobs around your house! Don’t expect it to hold up to heavy-duty jobs or construction work, but if you’ve got a DIY that needs finishing or furniture that needs assembling, this is your tool of choice!

Anemic motor power aside, this little drill is a great tool to have at home. It’s lightweight, fairly compact, and beautifully maneuverable, so it’ll work perfectly for any task—from hanging pictures to assembling furniture to installing light fixtures even hanging sheet rock. The fact that it weighs so little means it’ll be easy to use for hours on end, and the ergonomic handle with its rubberized grip will ensure your wrist never gets strained.

Battery Life

9.0 / 10

The battery holds its charge very well even when not in use, and will deliver anywhere from 4-6 hours of continuous run time. Charge time is a bit longer than you might like—up to 8 hours for a full charge—but as long as you keep it charged regularly, the battery will last for years to come.

Value

9.0 / 10

At $50, this drill is a total steal, and worth every penny. It will handle all your light-duty drilling needs perfectly, and you’ll find it works beautifully for most tasks and fix-it jobs around your house.

Overall Editor Score

86%

Learn more:BLACK+DECKER LDX120C 20V MAX Lithium Ion Drill / Driver »

Best Cordless Screwdriver

Metabo HPT DB3DL2 3.6V Cordless Screwdriver Kit

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Power		8.0
Performance		8.5
Battery Life		9.5
Value		8.0

Overall		85%

18 Bought

Why People Love it

The perfect tool for putting in screws and finishers
Best-suited for electronics and appliances
Lightweight and super versatile

ProsCons

The perfect tool for quick and easy work, lightweight, super flexible, never bother with a screwdriver again, thrice the battery life of regular batteries, built-in LED light, 21 clutch settings, easy to manually loosen/tighten, and convertible handle.

Not powerful enough for real heavy duty drilling.

Power

8.0 / 10

Don’t expect massive power with this bad boy—it’s designed to screw in screws that have the holes already drilled. But, thanks to its 1.5Ah lithium ion battery, it will continue to run until it’s totally out of charge.

Performance

8.5 / 10

Appliances, home electronics, assembling furniture, finishing screws, and anything with pre-drilled holes? This is your best bet! It doesn’t have the power of a proper drill, but it will eliminate the need to use a screwdriver ever again.

It’s super lightweight (less than 1 pound) with a grip that can be adjusted from straight to pistol for maximum comfort. The multiple clutch settings give you total control over speed and power, so you can make sure you drive in those screws without stripping them.

Thanks to the quarter-inch chuck, you’ll find bit changes are a breeze. The built-in LED light illuminates your work surface, making it easier to see what you’re doing even if you’re working on a server bank, behind a TV, or inside a closet.

Battery Life

9.5 / 10

Thanks to the built-in battery, you’ll be counting in months rather than hours. Users have reported anywhere from 6 to 12 months of use before needing to replace the battery pack.

Value

8.0 / 10

At $95, this is VERY pricey given that it’s little more than an electric-powered screwdriver. But if you’re an electrician, appliance repairman, or anyone who needs a small, compact tool to make your job easier, it’s well worth the price.

Overall Editor Score

85%

Learn more:Metabo HPT DB3DL2 3.6V Cordless Screwdriver Kit »

Best Compact Cordless Drill

PORTER-CABLE PCCK600LB 20-volt 1/2-Inch Lithium Ion Drill/Driver

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Power		8.0
Performance		8.5
Battery Life		8.5
Value		8.0

Overall		83%

22 Bought

Why People Love it

Perfect for light-duty home projects
Lightweight, compact, and very maneuverable
Good battery life, fast recharging time

ProsCons

Shorter and more maneuverable, lightweight, comes with two batteries, 2-speed gear box, built-in LED light, 20-Volt batteries deliver reliable power, battery gauge lets you know when it’s time to charge, and ergonomic design.

Not the most durable; will break if dropped.

Power

8.0 / 10

Though the 20-Volt batteries deliver decent power, the motor itself only produces around 300 pounds of torque—nowhere near as much as the higher-end motors. However, given that it’s designed for smaller, lighter-duty projects, it doesn’t need as much power if you’re only using it for simple jobs around your house.

Performance

8.5 / 10

Not only is it lightweight (at just 3.5 pounds), but it’s compact, with a shorter body than your average cordless drill—so very easy to fit into tight spaces (under sinks, inside cabinets, behind drywall, etc.). Use it for light-duty jobs around the house: hanging a picture, assembling furniture, building a shelf, or anything that doesn’t demand full-throttle power.

The ergonomic handle and rubberized grip are very easy on your hands, and you’ll find it’s comfortable to use for long hours at a time. There are some issues with the chuck wobbling, and it’s a drill that will definitely break if dropped. But overall, it’s a solid piece of machinery that will get the job done!

Battery Life

8.5 / 10

You get up to four hours of battery life with this cordless drill, and the lower speed gives it a longer-lasting charge. The fact that there are two batteries included means you can switch them out quickly to keep the drill running all day long.

Value

8.0 / 10

At $120, this drill is a bit pricey considering how light-duty it is. But if you want something compact and versatile, it’s well worth the price!

Overall Editor Score

83%

Learn more:PORTER-CABLE PCCK600LB 20-volt 1/2-Inch Lithium Ion Drill/Driver »

Best Cordless Impact Driver

DEWALT DCF885C1 20V Max 1/4" Impact Driver

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Power		9.5
Performance		9.0
Battery Life		9.0
Value		8.5

Overall		90%

22 Bought

Why People Love it

Powerful despite its small size
Highly versatile: great for nails, screws, bolts, and nuts
Great battery life—use it all day long

ProsCons

Compact, powerful, highly maneuverable, perfect for screws and bolts, built-in LED light, ergonomic design, 3-year limited warranty, excellent power, good battery life, fast-charging, and very good torque for such a small drill.

No dual speed settings for more precision.

Power

9.5 / 10

With its 20-Volt Max (18-V regular) battery, this little drill is deceptively powerful! It delivers up to 1,400 in-lbs of torque and spins at up to 2800 RPM. You’ll find it’s tough enough to do just about any job you throw at it!

Performance

9.0 / 10

Lightweight (at 2.8 pounds), compact, yet surprisingly powerful—that’s what this drill’s all about! With its ergonomic handle and rubberized grip, it’ll be easy to hold all day long. Battery life is solid, as is the power of the brushed motor. Backed by a 3-year limited warranty, it’s a tool that performs admirably and serves its purpose as a handyman’s best friend.

Definitely use this one for jobs that require more precision and power! Impact drivers are handy for mechanics (popping off lug nuts) or driving screws and nails into sheet rock. Not ideal for wood, but makes a great back-up tool for a carpenter.

Battery Life

9.0 / 10

Battery life on this bad boy is surprisingly good compared to other DeWalt tools! You can expect up to 12 hours of use per charge, and it will deliver consistent results right up until it runs out of juice. On the downside, the charge time is a bit longer than you might like, so it could be a good idea to get a second battery.

Value

8.5 / 10

At $100, this is excellent value for your money. Power, maneuverability, and durability, all at a price anyone can afford!

Overall Editor Score

90%

Learn more:DEWALT DCF885C1 20V Max 1/4" Impact Driver »

Most Powerful Cordless Drill

DEWALT DCH273B 20v Max Brushless SDS Rotary Hammer Drill

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Power		9.0
Performance		9.0
Battery Life		9.0
Value		8.5

Overall		89%

22 Bought

Why People Love it

The perfect tool for concrete or masonry drilling
Excellent power, amazing torque
Comfortable for long hours of heavy-duty use

ProsCons

Punch through any masonry or concrete with ease, excellent battery life, designed to reduce vibration and protect your wrists, 3-year warranty, top-of-the-line power and torque, powerful brushless motor, and excellent power-to-weight ratio.

Heavy and pricey.

Power

9.0 / 10

The brushless motor delivers incredible power—up to 4,600 hammer blows per minute, with 2.1 joules of energy being transferred into the drill bit. Talk about heavy duty! Running at up to 1,100 RPMs and with an SDS+ chuck system, it’s a drill that can punch through even the toughest concrete and masonry.

Performance

9.0 / 10

If you need to drive holes in concrete, masonry, or tile, this is the tool for you! It’s far too heavy for carpentry work or smaller tasks, but it’s a heavy-duty rotary hammer drill that will punch through even the most solid wall or floor.

In addition to its high-powered motor, the drill is designed to reduce vibration on your hands, thereby protecting your wrists. The built-in vibration control will prevent carpal tunnel and keep you comfortable for long hours of work. Though it’s too heavy to use for smaller tasks, it’s got enough power in its cordless motor to be a beast of a machine.

Battery Life

9.0 / 10

Despite its huge size, the battery life is surprisingly good—anywhere from 6 to 10 hours, depending on its use. With a good 1-hour charger and a spare battery, you’ll never run out of juice!

Value

8.5 / 10

Yes this is the priciest of our drills, but it’s definitely worth considering if you need something to power through solid masonry or concrete. If your regular, lightweight drills aren’t cutting it, this beast of a drill may be your go-to.

Overall Editor Score

89%

Learn more:DEWALT DCH273B 20v Max Brushless SDS Rotary Hammer Drill »

Best Cordless Drill Overall

DEWALT 20V Max Lithium-Ion Brushless Compact Drill

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Power		9.5
Performance		9.5
Battery Life		8.0
Value		9.0

Overall		90%

28 Bought

Why People Love it

An all-around excellent cordless drill
Lightweight, yet good driving power
The perfect balance of reliability, versatility, and maneuverability

ProsCons

Built for user comfort, easily maneuverable, lightweight, good power rating, 2-speed transmission, good battery life, built-in light, ergonomic design, rubberized grip, 3-year limited warranty, and two batteries included.

Too lightweight for heavy-duty construction jobs.

Power

9.5 / 10

With 20-volt batteries powering the drill, you know you’re getting good power for all but the heaviest tasks. The 2-speed transmission allows you to choose from 450 or 1500 RPMS—the former for better control, the latter for more driving power.

Performance

9.5 / 10

If you’ve got to work on overhead or high-up jobs, the light weight (just over 4 pounds)of this drill makes it easy to work for hours without arm and shoulder fatigue. And its compact design makes it perfect for fitting in tight spaces.

The drill packs a pretty good punch for driving in screws, and drilling through wood and concrete. Though it’s not the heaviest-duty drill—it’s far better for home DIY jobs than using at a construction site—you’ll find it keeps up with any carpentry, electrician, or home improvement task.

With its rubberized grip and ergonomic handle, you’ll be comfortable holding it for hours at a time. Plus, with the built-in light, you can always see what you’re doing.

Battery Life

8.0 / 10

Battery life is the primary complaint on this drill—it tends to run out within a couple of hours. However, the battery charger will get your batteries juiced up within an hour, so anytime you run out of power, you can switch out the battery for a new one and keep working, no sweat!

Value

9.0 / 10

At $165 for a 2-battery unit, you’ll find this is excellent value for your money! It’s lightweight, powerful, easy to use, and delivers results—everything you need in a cordless drill for use at home.

Overall Editor Score

90%

Learn more:DEWALT 20V Max Lithium-Ion Brushless Compact Drill »

Article Staff

By Andrew Peloquin

Fitness has come hard for Andy; he's had to work for it. But, his trials have led him to becoming a martial artist, a NFPT-certified fitness trainer, and a man passionate about exercise and healthy living. That’s why he’s our resident fitness expert.

His favorite food is lettuce-leaf steak tacos – though he’ll admit to a love of hot wings if you leverage the right pressure.

We know him as the guy who understands British humor and wishes everyone was as passionate about life as he is. His previous forays into the worlds of international business and education have left him wildly optimistic. And, if that wasn’t enough, he's also a best-selling, award-winning author of fantasy novels! Can you say renaissance?

Editor Jenna Holtz

Researcher Ronnie Langston

Art Director Cherry Barbacena

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