Best Cordless Drills

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 31, 2024
A cordless drill is an irreplaceable helper of any handyman. The cordless drill is used for most repairing jobs at summer cottages, in garages and at home. This article will describe 5 best cordless drills and help you choose the best one. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Max Torque
Speed Range
Battery Type/Power
Maximum Drill/Bit Diameter
Tool Weight
Control System
Features
Package
Warranty
 
PROS

All new and upgraded BL™ motor doesn't utilize carbon brushes. This results in a much longer service life of the motor compared to drills with brush engines and eliminates heat up during operation.

CONS

A charger is rather heavy and bulky.

OUR VERDICT

Fitted with the Extreme Protection Technology (XPT™), this high torque cordless drill from Makita features improved moisture and dust protection that makes it a perfect choice for heavy-duty jobs at harsh job site conditions. It will become the best helper for any seasoned builder.

detailed parameters
Max Torque

530 in-lbs

Speed Range

0-400 / 0-1550 RPM

Battery Type/Power

1 x Lithium-Ion battery/ 3.0Ah

Maximum Drill/Bit Diameter

1/2"

Tool Weight

3.8 lbs

Control System

16 torque levels, Speed control trigger, Reverse button

Features

BL™ brushless motor, Extreme Protection Technology (XPT™), Built-in dual LED lights, Hammer drilling, Belt clip

Package

LXT® Battery Charger, Tool Bag

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Despite a high power motor, the tool weighs only 1.8 lbs, which, combined with a non-slip rubberized grip, makes this Bosch model a breeze to use, with no hand fatigue even under extended use.

CONS
Drilling hard materials requires some effort.
OUR VERDICT

Having demonstrated great performance and efficiency characteristics, the tool suits perfectly well for both domestic and industrial use. Bosch quality, portability, and comfort will be highly appreciated by true workmen.

detailed parameters
Max Torque
265 in-lbs
Speed Range

0-350 / 0-1300 RPM

Battery Type/Power
2.0 Ah Lithium-Ion
Maximum Drill/Bit Diameter
3/8
Tool Weight
2.14 lbs
Control System
20+1 clutch settings, Forward/reversing lever
Features
LED light
Package
2 batteries, Charger, Case
Warranty
1 year
PROS

The kit comes complete with 2 all-purpose 20V batteries distinguished by quick charging and prolonged service life. In addition, the batteries can be used with the majority of other Dewalt Max power tools. 

CONS

Rather noisy operation at maximum RPMs.

OUR VERDICT

Similar to all Dewalt tool, this cordless drill perfectly combines power, reliability, convenience of use, and functionality. It offers high-quality build and consistently flawless operation, all of this making it popular among professionals and suitable for DIYers as well. 

detailed parameters
Max Torque

300 in-lbs

Speed Range

0-450 / 0-1500 RPM

Battery Type/Power

2 x Lithium-Ion Batteries/ 1.3Ah 

Maximum Drill/Bit Diameter

1/2"

Tool Weight

3.6 lbs

Control System

16 torque levels, Speed control trigger, Reverse button

Features

LED light

Package

Battery Charger, Tool Bag

Warranty

3 years

PROS

The keyless 1/2" chuck construction makes changing bits on the fly fast and almost effortless, which is a big plus when working with different types of materials. And even at higher bit RPMs, the tool won't vibrate.  

CONS

There are only 11 torque levels available.

OUR VERDICT

Compact and extremely lightweight, the Black and Decker cordless drill is an optimal solution for woodworkers, joiners, cabinet-makers, and sheet rockers. It will let you conveniently work in tight spaces and the 650 RPM torque delivers enough power for working with the majority of basic materials (plywood, wood, metal, and brick).

detailed parameters
Max Torque

115 in-lbs

Speed Range

0-650 RPM

Battery Type/Power

1 x Lithium-Ion Battery/ 1.5Ah 

Maximum Drill/Bit Diameter

3/8"

Tool Weight

2.5 lbs

Control System

11 torque levels, Speed control trigger, Reverse button

Features

Compartment for bit storage, LED light

Package

Battery Charger

Warranty

2 years

PROS

The REDLINK™ Intelligence advanced overload protection guards against harmful applications and monitors the temperature to prevent the damage and maximize both the equipment and battery life.

CONS

The battery is not included in the package.

OUR VERDICT

The Milwaukee ‎2801-20 M18 is ideal for a wide range of drilling and fastening applications. Its compact design provides good balance and control, allowing you to work even in tight spaces. The belt clip will make the use of this tool even more practical.

detailed parameters
Max Torque

530 in-lbs

Speed Range

0-500 / 0-1800 RPM

Battery Type/Power

1 x REDLITHIUM™ battery

Maximum Drill/Bit Diameter

1/2"

Tool Weight

2.5 lbs

Control System

18 torque levels, Speed control trigger, Reverse button

Features

LED light

Package

Belt clip

Warranty

5 years limited

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Makita XFD061

Built to Impress

The 18-volt model from Makita comes with an array of handy features and accessories that will be a real find for any professional builder or renovator. Providing cordless functionality, the drill features a 3.0 Ah battery that will deliver several hours of continuous use. Unlike many other competitive models with similar batteries that are rather heavy, the Makita drill weighs only 3.8 lbs and is pretty easy and convenient to handle causing no excess arm strain. Thanks to a charger base included in the package, you can easily charge the tool anytime when needed.

Despite the fact that it is not a super fast charging model, it takes the battery only about an hour to get fully charged which is a decent characteristic. Taking into consideration sheer numbers, the LXT base offers 3-time faster charging and the advanced battery system is securely protected from overloads, discharges, and overheat meanwhile prolonging the service life of the motor as well. Thus, this function alone makes this model one of the most reliable drills on the market. On top of that, the Star Protection technology allows monitoring the battery power level to keep it duly charged.

As for the heart of this heavy-duty cordless drill, the motor of the Makita XFD061 can generate the unmatched torque of 530 in-lbs and yield staggering 1550 revolutions per minute in just a few moments. Such torque to speed ratio makes this model a true power horse able to cope with various types of drilling jobs and perfectly perform on different materials ranging from softer wood and plastics to solid metal and bricks.

Powerful and fitted with the branded battery system, the Makita is by far the most powerful cordless drill delivering drilling performance comparable to that of corded models.

Review of Makita XFD061 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Driver-Drill Kit (3.0Ah)

Brushless Motor That Beats Any Other

Since the Makita XFD061 is a brushless model, its engine doesn’t wear out as quickly as brush engines. One of the main advantages of brushless tools is that they don’t have to deal with frictions or voltage drops wearing out the motor and greatly affecting its operation. Packed with a powerful Li-ion battery and heavy-duty motor on board, this LXT drill will serve you much longer than other models in its class and deliver failure-free operation year after year.

On top of that, made from plastic and rubberized materials, the tool features a special extreme protection technology preventing motor exposure to dust and moisture and further extending its service life. Meanwhile, two LED lights ensure convenient work under low-light conditions in dark spaces and pory lit areas with limited access to electrical outlets.

As reliable and efficient as it is, the Makita cordless drill with light is a perfect choice for professionals and all those concerned about wisely spending their time and resources on repair jobs and renovations.

Makita XFD061 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Driver-Drill Kit (3.0Ah) in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $172.50
Stock In stock
ASIN B074BLVBMF

 

Bosch PS31-2A

Light, Compact, and Convenient

Casting a quick look at the Bosch cordless drill, we were pretty much impressed at how small and compact its size is. Reaching 7 inches in length with the weight of 2.14 lbs only, it can be used during an extended period of time without tiring and straining your hands. The compact dimensions make the Bosch drill perfect for use in hard-to-reach and confined places too, and for those consumers who often need to hold a tool in outstretched hands when reaching, for example, a ceiling or roof. An ergonomic handle with rubber inserts provides users with a better grip. A powerful built-in LED light will illuminate the work area in dark or poorly lit places. The fuel gauge will timely remind of the battery recharging. That said, the Bosch PS31-2A really excels in the convenience of use.

Aside from its cordless capabilities and compactness, this drill successfully combines reasonable performance and usability. The tool features two speed ranges (0-350 RPM and 0-1,300 RPM), which are medium ratings for such models. The maximum torque of the drill is 265 in-lbs, and there are 21 torque settings provided for efficient drilling into any kind of material.

Review of Bosch PS31-2A Drill / Driver Kit

A Wide Range of Application

The drill's chuck capacity is about 3/8", which is considered to be sufficient for most of the home applications and to accommodate the majority of common drill bits. On top of that, this particular Bosch drill comes with 2 Li-Ion 12V batteries that offer long-lasting use with minimum stops for charging. By the way, each battery gets fully charged within just 60 min. The Bosch PS31-2A is a worthy tool for home, don't you agree?

To summarize this model's review, we'd like to say that the Bosch PS31-2A is the most lightweight and the smallest tool in its class, hence irreplaceable in cramped spaces. On purchasing this great tool, you'll get some great benefits too. Two speed settings allow using the cordless drill for various tasks. The compatibility with 3/8" drill bits offers an opportunity to drill large holes, and the keyless one-sleeve chuck will let you replace bits within seconds. The 20+1 settings are available for precise torque adjustment. An LED light comes in handy in darkness, and a battery charge indicator and a comfy handgrip will provide the maximum convenience of use. Any buyer will be glad to receive 2 batteries, a charger, and a case for storing and carrying the tool. Bosch delivers time-tested quality and dependability you'll never regret.

Bosch PS31-2A Drill / Driver Kit in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B003BEE2LU

What customers say about this product

Features

The charger fills the battery from totally drained to full up in less that half an hour.

Size & Weight

Drill is very powerful for the small size (very comparable to an older 18V drill I have). Because of the small size the drill fits in my tool box (and one of the pouches on my carpenters work belt).

Key Specs

This is the only powerful drill which actually fits in my electrician tool belt without falling out. It has the only clutch I know of which allows me to quickly replace cover plate screws without worrying about cracking delicate plates.
 

DEWALT DCD771C2

A Real Bargain

The DeWalt DCD 771C2 is a 20-volt model that holds a real punch inside its small engine which makes it an ideal choice for basic drilling and fastening tasks. Since the device is able to reach a stunning 1500 RPM in just a few seconds with a simple press of a trigger, it can become your best friend when it comes to all sorts of renovation jobs, be it decking, installing drywall, or attaching moldings.

Two powerful batteries that come with a tool, paired with a forceful driver, make this compact cordless drill a true workhorse and a real bargain. Out of the box, we recommend that you perform two charging cycles in order to not have issues with batteries charging in the future. If you do that, the batteries will serve you faithfully for a long time. The recharging takes about 2 hours, which is the average time typical of cordless tools, and the full charge provides up to 9 hours of continuous operation, long enough for most jobs. Like with many other tools, the batteries are fully compatible with other DeWalt tools, which makes the DCD 771C2 a very good value.

In addition to the tool, the package contains a carry bag where you can store the tool and all its accessories.

Review of DEWALT DCD771C2 20V MAX Cordless Lithium-Ion 1/2 inch Compact Drill Driver Kit

Simple yet Reliable Helper

In addition to excellent mechanical capabilities, the device features several convenience options enhancing its overall usability. 3 LED lights will let you conveniently work with dark wood species or facilitate the operation in case there are no other light sources around. What sets DeWalt LED light from others is a special stay-on function that keeps the lights on for another 15 seconds after you release the trigger. This feature will be really helpful when you decide to check out the drilled holes in the dark.

The quality of the tool construction is second to none as you would expect from DeWalt. All parts are made of metal and solid plastic contributing to the overall durability and wear-resistance of the drill. Additionally, the rubberized padding on the handle provides firm, secure, and comfortable grip adding stability and balance during operation, which is crucial for making accurate drill holes.

Though the device lacks some bells and whistles of more sophisticated premium packages, this powerful model will still be a perfect fit for professional construction workers and rookie handymen alike, since it does get the job done quickly and efficiently.

DEWALT DCD771C2 20V MAX Cordless Lithium-Ion 1/2 inch Compact Drill Driver Kit in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $99.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00ET5VMTU

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

The clutch is adjustable and also has a "fixed" position to obtain full torque. Though not as large or heavy duty as the red colored brand, this drill has never failed to provide me the torque needed to do what I had to do with it.

Features

Great product at a bargain price. Plenty of power, solid construction and good battery life. It comes with 2 batteries which is an important feature.

Size & Weight

Given the light weight of the battery, the drill does seem a shade top heavy but it's easy to get used to.
 

Black & Decker BDCDD120C

Light Weight and Decent Power Cleverly Combined

Being a budget-friendly option, the Black & Decker is a great choice for handling most basic tasks. It can drill through plywood, thin metal as well as brick and rocks of moderate density with ease. The BDCDD120C is one of few cordless drills that come with already charged battery, meaning you can try it out right after unpacking the box. Also, the BDCDD120C is one of the less expensive tools that have both a battery and a charger included. Of course, this drill might be not enough for daily drilling tasks but if you're only a weekend warrior and search for a good quality tool, this one will fit you fine. It's light in weight and has a comfy grip so you can hold it in hands comfortably. Despite such lightweight design, however, the BDCDD120C has a rather powerful 20V motor, capable of producing up to 650 revolutions per minute, which is nothing short of impressive given that the tool's weight is only 2.5 lbs. Compared to drills from the same price range, this is the fastest we've seen.

Ready-to-use right out of the box and so light in weight, this Black & Decker cordless drill is ideal for prolonged monotonous drilling tasks. It delivers sufficient power and drill different materials perfectly.

Review of Black & Decker BDCDD120C 20V MAX Lithium Single Speed Drill/Driver

Designed With User Convenience in Mind

The BDCDD120C features a keyless chuck that offers an effortless bit changing. Simply turn the chuck and it will release a bit. Likewise, you can fix it in place by turning the chuck in the opposite direction. As for the housing, it is mostly made of sturdy plastic with some metal joints and rubber paddings for a more comfortable operation. Thanks to the rubberized inserts, the handle is soft to the touch and ensures firm and secure grip even when holding the unit with damp hands.

We have found one thing to be quite unusual in this model. Typically the drill LED lights are installed directly behind the chuck. However, this model’s LED light is installed directly on the bottom panel of the device and is facing the drill bit. This creative design might appear helpful in some cases, yet, there is no way to check how clean the drilled hole is. Albeit that minor inconvenience, the light is still bright and can be used quite effectively while performing power drilling and driving screws, especially at poorly lit work sites.

Though limited in speed options, this cordless drill with light from Black & Decker can easily surprise even the most sophisticated renovators with its convenience features.

Black & Decker BDCDD120C 20V MAX Lithium Single Speed Drill/Driver in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $49.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01EV57OGM

 

Milwaukee ‎2801-20 M18 1/2"

Fit for Any Project

Looking to find an efficient drill for work or DIY? The Milwaukee M18 may be your best choice as a durable, versatile, and user-friendly unit.

To begin with, this cordless drill/driver provides 500 in-lbs. of torque, covering a vast range of drilling/fastening jobs. Big construction, house renovations, woodwork; it’s all there on the list, and you won’t have to buy multiple devices for each and every task you face.

Being the most compact in its class, the drill is a real joy to work with. The balance is top-notch, and the control never disappoints; exactly what is needed to complete a project on time and with no extra effort. You’ll love to hold this 2.5 lbs. well-constructed unit, which feels handy – and works amazingly. The drill can be used for overhead jobs and in tighter spaces.

The REDLINK™ Intelligence protects the device from overloading and also monitors the temperature. This helps prevent the damage while boosting the tool’s durability and battery life. The gear case (all metal) and the chuck (1/2" metal) ensure that the drill serves for an extended period of time.

Review of Milwaukee ‎2801-20 M18 1/2" Drill Driver

A User-Centric Drill

This cordless unit eliminates the annoying, ever-tangling wires that only seem to waste your time. Although the battery doesn’t come in the package, you’ll only need to get the REDLITHIUM™ one – and be ready to try out the drill. This battery offers superior performance, allowing you to do more work on a single charge. Perfect for those planning to renovate the house or take up another large-scale project.

The smaller, more compact design of this drill doesn’t take away from its power – and makes it easier to use and store this tool. A convenient belt clip is all you need to carry it around with your hands completely free. What could be better if you’re working at a height and with nowhere to put the drill on?

The speed range of this practical device is 0-500 / 0-1800 RPM, and the maximum diameter stands at 1/2". The handy LED light will help you work in scarcely lit spaces and cover the tight spots. All the more reasons to stop borrowing tools from your friends and get this versatile unit.

Overall, the Milwaukee compact drill is your best partner for large-scale and one-off jobs.

Milwaukee ‎2801-20 M18 1/2" Drill Driver in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B07HMFXHH5

 

Infographics

Comparison of  Cordless Drills

What Is a Cordless Drill?

The standard drills generally are sought-after helpers at home or at the construction site. However, it is not always convenient to carry a bulky corded device that can weigh up to 20 lbs or even more.

This is when cordless drills come into play. Such drills are very flexible and feature all the main functions of the standard drill models (if not more). While the mobility and light weight are the main differences of a cordless drill, their motor power is often omitted.

While some cordless models are designed for smaller drilling or decorating projects, others can boast a brushless motor that can speed up the chuck of the device up to 1500 RPM in a matter of seconds. This makes them a great middle-ground solution for all kinds of drilling tasks, including but not limited to making holes in wooden and metal surfaces without breaking a sweat.

If you have to work for a long time and perform rather hard tasks, you need a powerful mains-operated tool. So, we advise you to take a glance at hammer drills and choose a tool according to your needs. Alternatively, a standard drill will be a good option in case you don’t need extra mobility and prefer drilling in an old-fashioned way.

Best Cordless Drills

What Features to Compare

Performance

Torque is the first thing which should be considered before purchasing a cordless drill. It is the torque that determines the force with which the drill will operate. Cordless drills with higher torque are more versatile and suitable for a greater variety of jobs and tasks – they can screw/unscrew fasteners and drill holes in dense materials with various thickness. Rotations per minute (RPM) is another essential parameter to look at. The higher this number is, the more powerful the drill will be. 500 RPM would be definitely enough for simple works like screwing while drilling would require at least 1000 RPM. Chuck size and drill speed are the main parameters that determine the diameter of a drilling hole. For the matter, the material also matters. Drilling into wood compared to drilling into a denser material will always result in larger drilling holes.

To ensure long-term operation, the drill should come with a high-performance battery. Usually, the battery life is predetermined by a few factors - the material the drill is used for and work duration. So if you often use the drill and do that for heavy-load jobs, it may a sensible decision to purchase one more battery to keep at hand.

Control System

Every cordless drill features its own control system suitable for various drilling needs. A trigger to control the speed of drilling will ensure convenient operation while a reverse switch used to change the direction of a drill bit will find use in domestic applications, such as screwing and unscrewing dowels, fasters and so on.

Features

Next, it's important to consider the usability features of a cordless drill as well. These include the size of the tool - the drill should not be too bulky or heavy to complicate its use - its build, and whether it has an ergonomic grip so that you can operate it comfortably without twisting and straining your wrist. That said, keep in mind that a tool that is too small in size won't work with hard materials, making it unsuitable for a range of jobs.

Check out the chuck of the drill too. Its size will determine the size of bits it can work with. Skipping tech details, the larger the chunk is, the larger shank diameter the drill will accept. So, if you plan to drill quite large holes, larger than 20mm in diameter, we recommend considering models with 1/2 chunk size to accommodate larger bits.

Additional Functions

Those consumers who’ve already done some research on the Internet could probably see that all cordless drills differ in this or that way. To find the best-suited tool for your needs, consider the additional functions of different drills as well. A cordless drill with hammer drilling capabilities will come in handy if you’ve got no puncher at hand. Built-in lights are great for working in dimly lit workspaces. The clutch will not let the motor burn or overheat when used on dense materials.

Did you know?

How Brushless Drills Work and What Are Their Benefits

Brushless motors are not a novelty nowadays, especially in the world of portable hand tools used in the construction. Many companies have a full line-up of such tools to meet the market needs and satisfy the most exacting users.

Normally, brushless cordless drills are slightly more expensive than their standard counterparts, yet they will quickly pay off as they work by 30% more efficiently. Since brushless drills apply advanced electronics in order to operate properly, they also come packed high-quality lithium-ion batteries. In order to achieve an impressive boost in power, these cord-free tools utilize permanent magnets creating no physical contact and no power loss. On top of that, there are no metal brushes that get in contact with the magnet and thus, the armature of the engine is located in between two magnets that spin the rotor itself.

A simple, yet highly effective way to make the drill driver spin is to use electronic switches that accordingly control response rotations. With that in mind, brushless models usually consume more power, and thus, need a battery with a much higher capacity instead of average-capacity batteries used in standard models. At the same time, however, they also provide a much longer continuous runtime as well as ensure a prolonged service life as compared to other cordless drills. Additionally, a better engine performance also offers more output force and power when it comes down to the high-efficiency drilling.

Today, with an array of different models available, many brushless models (even those falling into a budget-friendly price-tag) can provide a corded-like experience, even on medium-to-low speed settings, which is quite impressive. That was achieved, thanks to considerable progress in the Li-ion battery technology in the last decade.

Details aside, the brushless cordless drills proved to be more functionally versatile and that can be the key factor when it comes down to heavy-duty jobs that require all or nothing.

The First Cordless Models Ever Built

The history of portable hand tools spans over 100 years and there are a lot of features that still can be improved today. Initially, a portable drill was created and designed to be operated single-handedly by one person. However, with that being said, in 1916 it was far from the truth. The hand tools of that time were rather bulky, heavy, and extremely hard to operate.

A lot of things changed since that time and the first cordless drill was finally created. The first-ever cordless model was manufactured by Black & Decker back in 1961. The prototype featured a well-known design of a trigger switch to operate the drill and was powered by nickel-cadmium batteries. Surprisingly enough, the first drill with the trigger switch was also created by B & D company in 1917.

The main purpose of the power drills of that time was the industrial and commercial use. Since then, the technology was thoroughly improved during the following decades and many other companies tried to capitalize on the success of the cordless design. And eventually, many succeeded by introducing more and more new upgraded designs that were intended to significantly ease the drilling process, extend the tool applicability, and improve drilling results to the maximum.

Sources:

1. Cordless drill buying guide, Bunnings Warehouse.

2. Drill, Wikipedia. January 12, 2017.

3. Michael Duty How Does a Cordless Drill Work? eHow.

4. Everything you need to know about buying a drill, realestate. May 20, 2014.

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