DIY Handy Gear

Best Cordless Drills

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A good drill/driver is the one tool almost every home workshop builds around, so it pays to get the fit right rather than just grabbing whatever's on sale.

The drills below span budget DIY picks to pro-grade brushless drivers, all from brands with a track record of parts and battery support for years after purchase.

How we picked: We focused on drills with proven reliability track records, readily available batteries and service parts, and clear differentiation in power, size, or price so this list actually helps you choose rather than overwhelm you. We weighed manufacturer specs, chuck and clutch quality, battery platform breadth, and long-term owner feedback rather than running our own lab tests.

At a glance

#PickWhy it stands outPrice
DeWalt DCD791 20V MAX XR Brushless Drill/DriverTop Pickoverall for most DIYers - Brushless motor gives strong runtime and torque for its sizeCheck Amazon
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2803-20 Drill/DriverRunner-uppower users and small pros - One of the most powerful compact drills in its classCheck Amazon
Makita XFD131 18V LXT Brushless Drill/DriverBest Valuebalance of size, weight, and power - Noticeably lighter and shorter than most competitorsCheck Amazon
Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLDD01 Brushless Drill/DriverAlso greatbudget pick for casual DIY use - Excellent value if you already own ONE+ batteriesCheck Amazon
Bosch GSR18V-190B22 18V Compact Drill/DriverAlso greattight spaces and overhead work - Very compact and light, easy to use one-handed overheadCheck Amazon
Kobalt XTR K18 Brushless Drill/DriverAlso greatif you're already on Kobalt's 24V Max platform - Strong torque numbers for a homeowner-focused lineCheck Amazon

The picks in detail

DeWalt DCD791 20V MAX XR Brushless Drill/Driver

Top Pick

Best overall for most DIYers

  • Brushless motor gives strong runtime and torque for its size
  • Compact head length fits in tight framing bays and cabinets
  • Part of DeWalt's huge 20V MAX battery ecosystem

Watch out Bare tool pricing only makes sense if you're already invested in 20V MAX batteries.

Check price on Amazon

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2803-20 Drill/Driver

Runner-up

Best for power users and small pros

  • One of the most powerful compact drills in its class
  • POWERSTATE brushless motor stays cool under repeated heavy loads
  • Milwaukee's M18 lineup is the deepest cordless platform on the market

Watch out Costs more than most homeowners need to spend for occasional projects.

Check price on Amazon

Makita XFD131 18V LXT Brushless Drill/Driver

Best Value

Best balance of size, weight, and power

  • Noticeably lighter and shorter than most competitors
  • Variable 2-speed gearbox handles both driving and drilling well
  • Makita LXT batteries are widely available and reasonably priced

Watch out 3-speed rivals from other brands offer a bit more low-end control.

Check price on Amazon

Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLDD01 Brushless Drill/Driver

Also great

Best budget pick for casual DIY use

  • Excellent value if you already own ONE+ batteries
  • Brushless motor is a real step up from older Ryobi drills
  • Comfortable, lightweight for long projects around the house

Watch out Not built for daily jobsite abuse the way pro-tier drills are.

Check price on Amazon

Bosch GSR18V-190B22 18V Compact Drill/Driver

Also great

Best for tight spaces and overhead work

  • Very compact and light, easy to use one-handed overhead
  • Solid metal chuck holds bits securely under load
  • Bosch 18V batteries also power a broad line of yard and shop tools

Watch out Torque tops out lower than the Milwaukee and DeWalt options here.

Check price on Amazon

Kobalt XTR K18 Brushless Drill/Driver

Also great

Best if you're already on Kobalt's 24V Max platform

  • Strong torque numbers for a homeowner-focused line
  • Comfortable grip and low vibration during extended use
  • Kobalt's Lowe's availability makes replacement parts easy to find

Watch out Smaller accessory and battery ecosystem than the major pro brands.

Check price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a brushless drill?
Brushless motors run cooler, last longer, and squeeze more runtime out of each battery charge, so we recommend them whenever the budget allows. Brushed drills like the entry Ryobi and Black+Decker lines still work fine for occasional light use.
What's the difference between a drill/driver and a hammer drill?
A standard drill/driver spins continuously and is best for driving screws and drilling wood or metal. A hammer drill adds a rapid hammering action for drilling into masonry and concrete. If you only work with wood and drywall, a standard drill/driver is all you need.
Should I buy a drill bundled with a battery or as a bare tool?
If this is your first tool on a given battery platform, buy the kit. If you already own batteries and a charger from the same brand, the bare tool option saves real money.

Keep reading

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Cordless Drill Buying Guide