How to Choose a Cordless Drill (or Impact Driver)

Drill specs are full of numbers that don't mean much on their own. This guide covers the handful of things that actually determine how a drill will feel and perform in your 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.