Power Drill Buying Guide: How to Choose a Cordless Drill (2026)
This power drill buying guide cuts through spec-sheet numbers that don't mean much on their own, covering the handful of things that actually determine how a drill will feel and perform in your hands.
If grip size and weight matter more to you than raw power, skip ahead to our roundup of lightweight drills for small hands.
Drill vs. impact driver
A drill/driver spins continuously and gives you precise control, which makes it the right tool for drilling clean holes and driving small to medium screws without stripping them.
An impact driver adds rotational hammer blows that kick in under load, making it far better for driving long screws, lag bolts, and deck screws without camming out or straining your wrist. Most serious DIYers eventually own both.
Voltage isn't the whole story
18V and 20V MAX are functionally similar — the 20V MAX label just reflects peak (unloaded) voltage rather than nominal, and it's used mainly by DeWalt and a few other brands. Don't assume a 20V MAX tool is more powerful than an 18V one from a different brand.
What matters more is the specific tool's torque rating and the battery's amp-hour (Ah) capacity, which determines runtime, not power.
Brushless motors are worth the upgrade
Brushless motors run cooler, last longer since there are no brushes to wear out, and typically deliver more runtime per charge than brushed motors. If you're buying a tool you expect to keep for years, brushless is worth the extra cost.
Pick a battery platform, not just a tool
Most people end up buying several tools on the same battery platform over time, so it's worth choosing a brand with a broad lineup — DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Ryobi, and Bosch all have extensive 18V/20V ecosystems.
If you already own batteries from a prior tool, buying bare tools on that same platform is usually the cheapest way to expand your kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need more than one battery?
- For anything beyond quick jobs, yes. Having a second battery charging while you work with the first avoids downtime, and most kits are sold with two for this reason.
- What clutch setting should I use?
- Start on a low clutch setting for small screws in soft material and increase it gradually until the screw drives fully without stripping. Reserve full drill mode (no clutch) for actual drilling.