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A good cordless drill is perhaps the most indispensable tool in a workshop. Equally adept at drilling holes as it is driving screws, this must-have tool is a key player in projects as wide-ranging as building a bookshelf to installing a towel bar. If you want to add a new cordless drill to your tool arsenal, you have many options, like the CRAFTSMAN CMCD710C2, our best overall pick. There are affordable 12-volt drills for common household tasks and 18-volt powerhouses for pros and serious DIYers. It’s also important to consider such characteristics as torque, speed, and brand when shopping for a cordless drill. Read on to find more about this workshop staple and learn about some of the best cordless drills on the market.
- Best overall: CRAFTSMAN CMCD710C2
- Best 12V: Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit
- Best for pros: Milwaukee M18 18-Volt Brushless Cordless Drill
- Best compact: DeWalt DCD800B
- Best budget: BLACK+DECKER BDCDD120C
How we chose the best cordless drills
I regularly use a cordless drill to complete numerous home projects, large and small. I used that experience to review over a dozen cordless drills—five came out on top. Power is key when choosing a cordless drill, so I went with models that offer excellent speed and torque, whether selecting models for a 12-volt drill or an 18-volt model. A cordless drill should be easy to wield for short or long jobs, so I chose models with manageable weights and ergonomic grips. Some of our top cordless drills come at a premium price, while others are reliable, yet affordable.
The best cordless drills: Reviews & Recommendations
Whether you’re just getting started using tools or you’re a pro, a cordless drill is an important tool to have handy around the house. We’ve selected the best models to fit a variety of needs below.
Best overall: Craftsman CMCD710C2
Specs
- Power: 20-volt
- Torque: N/A
- Weight: 5.6 pounds
- Length: 11.68 inches
Pros
- Plenty of power
- Quiet even at its maximum speed
- Can be used to drive screws through any materials
Cons
- Heavy
- Price
The quality of Craftsman’s CMCD710C2 was apparent from the moment we took it out of its packaging, and my expectations were exceeded the first time we used it for a project. It drove screws through plaster and a wooden beam during a TV wall-mounting project like without a hint of strain. The drill worked so smoothly that I initially thought I’d missed the beam. Then, I heard the recognizable sound of a screw being driven through wood.
The CMCD710C2 was the most powerful cordless drill I tested, but it was also the heaviest. Theoretically, these two factors will cancel one another out since you’ll be able to get through your job before your arms and wrists get tired, which was my experience. However, this may not be the case for you, and you may find your body getting fatigued from holding that weight.
I expected the CMCD710C2 to be powerful based on Craftsman’s tech specs, but the cordless drill was also surprisingly quiet at full speed. It made roughly the same amount of noise (if not a little less) as other drills I tested at slower speeds. You’ll still be able to hear the drill when it’s on, but you won’t be blown away by a loud annoying whirring sound.
The CMCD710C2 has no performance flaws—though again, be mindful of its weight—but it is more expensive than our other recommendations. Craftsman does include a battery and charger, though. If you want top performance from a cordless drill and to be safe in knowing you’ll never need to upgrade again, this is the one to get.
Best 12V: Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit
Why it made the cut: Of the 12-volt drills I reviewed, this model offers more power in a streamlined design that makes it one of the easiest cordless drills to wield.
Specs
- Power: 12-volt
- Torque: 265 inch-pounds
- Weight: 2.1 pounds
- Length: 7 inches
Pros
- Best-in-class torque output
- Compact size for high power output
- Incorporates Bosch technologies that extend tool and battery life
Cons
- Smaller battery doesn’t supply as much power as other cordless drills
Despite its smaller battery, this 12-volt cordless drill packs enough punch to handle even larger projects around the house. It produces a respectable 1,300 rpm and maximum torque of 265 inch-pounds, all in a svelte frame that weighs a hair over 2 pounds.
While that may not cut it for framing a house, that’s enough juice to handle basic around-the-house jobs and even some bigger DIY projects. Bosch places the battery inside the handle of this drill, creating a more even balance than drills with large batteries hanging off the bottom of the handle.
Though the smaller 12-volt battery gives this drill a shorter run time, Bosch makes up for it by including two batteries in the kit. There are also two speed options and 20 clutch settings, plus one for drilling, adding the versatility needed to handle various jobs.
Other thoughtful features include an LED work light and a battery gauge. The Bosch 12-volt cordless drill set’s price tag is also on the lower end of the spectrum, making it a good buy for those who may only use a cordless drill for a few projects a year.
Best for pros: Milwaukee M18 18-Volt Brushless Cordless Drill
Why it made the cut: We couldn’t find a cordless drill that produces more raw power than Milwaukee’s M18 cordless drill.
Specs
- Power: 18-volt
- Torque: 500 inch-pounds
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
- Length: 6-1/2 inches
Pros
- Best-in-class torque output
- Compact size for high power output
- Uses technologies that extend tool and battery life
Cons
- Expensive
Milwaukee’s M18 may be the most expensive cordless drill on the market, but its performance makes it the choice for professionals and serious weekend warriors. Its ability to produce 500 pounds of torque with a max speed of 1,800 rpm, a benefit of its brushless motor, positions it firmly at the top of the industry regarding raw cordless drilling power.
Despite its large 18-volt battery, the drill maintains a lightweight of just 3.4 pounds and a compact length of 6-1/2 inches. A molded grip and large pressure-sensitive trigger make the M18 easy to control.
With a Milwaukee brushless tool, you also benefit from its RedLINK and RedLithium technologies. RedLink is a technology that allows the battery to communicate with the tool to prevent the battery from overloading or the tool from overheating by regulating RPM when it reaches levels that could cause excessive wear. RedLithium is Milwaukee’s proprietary rechargeable battery, which regulates battery temperature and output to increase run-time power and the number of charges you’ll get before the battery quits. These technologies add to the drill’s cost but also extend its life, helping to offset its high price tag.
Best compact: DeWalt DCD800B
Specs
- Power: 20-volt
- Torque: N/A
- Weight: 3.1 pounds
- Length: 6.37 inches
Pros
- Balanced power and weight
- Robust ecosystem of accessories
- Compact
Cons
- Price
If you’re short on space in your workshop, DeWalt’s DCD800B offers the right balance of performance and price in a compact package. This cordless drill handled every job we threw at it, from putting together furniture to driving screws through the tops of storage bins to keep them secure during a move. It’s not as powerful as our top recommendation, but we never felt as though we were held back from doing any task. Additionally, DeWalt’s accessory ecosystem propels it ahead of its competitors’ tools.
Our tests also included taking DeWalt’s USB-C charging kit, for a spin. This optional accessory was a game-changer. Charging a drill’s battery using a common cable (USB-C) and power adapter (DeWalt includes both in the kit) was very helpful. If either the cable or power adapter broke (unlikely, as they’re both well constructed), those pieces could be inexpensively replaced while the actual charger could continue to be used.
The DCD800 B has a slightly more compact body than most cordless drills sets, which made it easier to maneuver in tighter spots. We didn’t Immediately notice the difference, but it became apparent when comparing this small drill to other models we tested. It’s a little pricer than many of our other recommendations, but there’s more than enough here to justify the DCD800B’s cost.
Best budget: BLACK+DECKER BDCDD120C
Specs
- Power: 20-volt
- Torque: N/A
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
- Length: 10 inches
Pros
- Very light
- Easy to hold
- Price
Cons
- Reduced maximum speed
BLACK+DECKER’s BDCDD120C has been our go-to budget cordless drill recommendation for a while because of its lightness and price. This combination makes it the ideal choice for beginners with modest needs. This cordless drill’s key feature is its ease of use thanks to its weight. If your wrists or arms get fatigued easily, picking up the BDCDD120C will feel feather-light. This battery-powered drill’s weight reduction comes courtesy of the materials BLACK+DECKER used and its less powerful motor. These design decisions also helped the company get this drill’s price down below $60.
Don’t worry, I could still get this battery-operated drill to expedite common tasks like tightening screws on dresser and drawer handles. However, wall-mounting a TV a couple of years back was more of a struggle. Yes, this drill still got the job done, but it required more time and effort than it would on a more robust model. That said, the drill includes a battery, charger, and double-sided bit, so you can start using it immediately.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive power drill to help you assemble furniture or take on larger DIY or home repair projects more often, BLACK+DECKER’s BDCDD120C is all you’ll need.
What to consider when buying the best cordless drills,
There are many factors to consider when deciding which cordless drill is right for you. Below are the factors we considered most important when writing this guide.
Voltage and power
Regarding cordless tools, it’s important to pay attention to the battery voltage and amperage. Cordless drills generally come in 20-, 18-, and 12-volt varieties, with some smaller models. A 12-volt drill suits smaller household projects, such as constructing prefabricated furniture or mounting a coat hook on a wall. Larger 18- and 20-volt models are used by pros and avid DIYers who engage in more advanced carpentry projects, such as building a bookcase.
Don’t be confused by the 18-volt and 20-volt batteries, which are technically the same thing. When a drill first fires up, it briefly reaches an output of 20 volts before quickly dropping to a sustained 18 volts. Some manufacturers label their drills with 18 volts, while others use the peak burst of 20 volts.
In addition to voltage, it’s also important to pay attention to amp hours, which determine how long a battery will run. Most cordless drills come with 1.3- to 1.5-Ah batteries, which provide adequate battery life. Larger 3.0- to 4.0-Ah batteries provide longer-lasting performance but add weight to the drill.
Speed and torque
A real measure of a drill’s might is its speed and torque. Speed is given in revolutions per minute (rpm), while torque is measured in inch-pounds. A drill’s maximum torque is the amount of turning power it has at lower speeds. Torque is how well a drill can drive a screw or drill bit through thicker material, such as a 2×4. RPM determines how fast a drill will drive a screw or drill a hole, which is key for projects requiring a lot of screws or drilling numerous holes.
Size and weight
Cordless drills range in weight from 2 pounds to 3.5 pounds. They also have heads ranging from around 5.5 inches for the most compact to 7 inches. Weight determines how easy a drill is to handle, while size is important when working in tight spaces.
Brushed vs. brushless
Like many cordless power tools, cordless drills come in both brushed and brushless models. Cordless tools with brushless motors run with less friction. This allows them to produce more speed and torque, plus run longer on a single battery charge. They are also subject to less wear and tear, so they don’t wear out as quickly as brushed motors.
FAQs
The highest torque cordless drill is the Milwaukee M18 18-Volt Brushless Cordless Drill, which boasts 500 inch-pounds of torque. Keep in mind that hammer drills, which are different types of cordless drills, can produce torque as high as 1,200 inch-pounds.
An 18-volt battery is just as powerful as a 20-volt battery. In fact, they are the same thing. When an 18-volt battery first cranks up, it produces 20 volts before quickly dropping to a constant 18 volts. When labeling their batteries, some manufacturers use the 20-volt peak power while others use the constant 18-volt power output.
The Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit, with its 12-volt battery, is a great option for performing most tasks around the home and lighter DIY projects.
No. Electric screwdrivers are smaller and less powerful, though still useful for many common tasks like tightening screws on door handles.
This depends on their power and price. Our recommendations range from $58 to $140.
Final thoughts on the best cordless drills
- Best overall: CRAFTSMAN CMCD710C2
- Best 12V: Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit
- Best for pros: Milwaukee M18 18-Volt Brushless Cordless Drill
- Best compact: DeWalt DCD800B
- Best budget: BLACK+DECKER BDCDD120C
When purchasing a cordless drill, it’s important to consider how it will be used, especially considering the large price range for these power tools. While you don’t want to purchase a 12-volt drill that lacks the capacity for bigger jobs, paying a heavy-duty price tag for a cordless drill that will only see light duty around the house wastes money. Consider the type of jobs you plan on using that cordless drill for, and purchase one that meets those needs while remaining within your budget.