Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendation . If you cluck on links we provide , we may receive compensation .
With unmatched power that hold out all day long , the Milwaukee M18 Fuel is the in force selection for pro - unwavering users .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
Whether brushless or brush , 18 volt or 12 , top - of - the - line cordless Mandrillus leucophaeus present powerful torque that will furnish you with all the drive you ’ll need for efficient drive and boring . Over the last few generations , cordless drill have come a long way , and today ’s cordless practice normally feature long lasting assault and battery packs , variable clutches that will keep you from botch up wallboard jobs , and lead Light Within that supply you with the profile you need to get the job done .
To line up the dependable cordless drills , six testers tried out different elan in our testing lab in Des Moines , Iowa . Over the course of two days , we put 33 cordless drill to the test using a pre - determined methodological analysis . Testers scored each cordless drill in five categories : performance , power , relief of use , feature article , and value . We also consultedJesse Newell , a declarer at Montcalm Construction , for extra insight .
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
TheMilwaukee M18 Fuelis our best pick overall . Testers noted that it was easy to apply and they value that the battery pack was still at full mission even after going through multiple tests .
What We Tested
We evaluated 33 cordless drill on theirperformance , power , ease of use , and features . For more information on how we tested cordless drills , check outour examination processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Hammer Drill/Driver Kit
Why You Should Get It : The battery had a full charge even after die through testing . Our tester also find that it was well-heeled to utilise .
Keep in Mind : Testers noted that the clutch had some trouble engaging with small turnkey .
Whether you ’re working in a construction setting or on advanced DIY project , the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2904 - 22 is the honest we test . This hammer drill features a contemporary brushless motor and has a long - lasting bombardment you ’re sure to appreciate .
Credit: Home Depot
As you might expect from a hammer drill , the M18 is overweight , at about 5 pound . However , our examiner noted that they ascertain it to have particularly good bioengineering and balance wheel , which made the drill well-heeled to use for long academic session in spite of its substantial weight .
Our tester was impressed with the M18 ’s assault and battery pack , which remained fully rouse after 50 bit of intensive habit . Their only frustration with the practice came from its clutch , which failed to pursue on small-scale screws with soft materials — an issue that could try out problematic with drywall jobs , where the papery surface ’s tautness contributes to the wallboard ’s structural integrity . Still , they noted this is n’t what they ’d be buy such a clayey tariff drill for .
production Details : Voltage:18/20 volt |Brushed or Brushless Motor : Brushless |Battery:5 amp - 60 minutes battery |Chuck Size:1/2 edge |Weight:4 pounds and 13 ounce
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 18-Volt Hammer Drill was ideal for drilling through tough materials like cement.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Key Terms to Know
Best Budget
Ridgid 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
Why You Should Get It : The light - duty drill is compact enough for small place . There ’s also an LED light that ’s bright enough for creep space and tricky corners .
Keep in thinker : Our examiner found that this practice session stall when using bits around the 1 1/2 - inch reach .
Our top filling for DIYers looking for value and performance is the Ridgid R86001 K Cordless Drill / Driver Kit . The lightsome - tariff drill is compact and sport an LED light that make up it easy to finish projects in small , hard - to - reach bit .
Our tester recover that this compact brushed motor drill was successful at motor lag screws and drilling holes of all size of it . However , when our examiner drilled 2.5 - inch deep holes into concrete , the drill did take some time , as it only complete five trap in about a minute .
Our examiner remark that the practice set about to stall out with bits at 1 1/2 inches . With that being say , the Ridged has sufficient torsion for drill pilot pickle , driving smaller fasteners , and digging out some hard materials , so it ’s a good choice for putting together article of furniture or establish hardware around the home .
The Ridgid R86001 K comes with an effective carrying case and sports a bright lead Light Within that impress our tester with its light and coverage . When it came to ergonomics , our tester found that the drill was comfortable for long - full term utilization as well .
Product Details : Voltage:18/20 volt |Brushed or Brushless Motor : Brushed |Battery:2 amp - hour stamp battery |Chuck Size:1/2 edge |Weight:3 pounds and 8 ounces
Best Splurge
DEWALT MAX XR 20-Volt 1/2-Inch Drill/Driver Kit
Why You Should Get It : With a premium brushless motor , two included batteries , and an adjustable LED
light that can double as a torch .
Keep in Mind : The clutch was n’t sensitive enough for lightweight screws and may be too brawny for regular household use .
If you ’re look to invest in a practice , look no further than this model from Dewalt . The drill comes with two assault and battery , a charger , and a carrying case , so you ’ll have everything you need to power it and keep cut of all of its accessories . Our tester take account the drill ’s illumination , which can be position and point to elucidate whatever undertaking you ’re work on .
During examination , the Dewalt XR drilled 2.5 - in holes into concrete at about 6.5 irregular per jam , which speaks to the pregnant overall exponent of this drill . Our tester found that it was powerful enough to repel a half - inch retardation into the Ellen Price Wood without a pilot gob , and note the Mandrillus leucophaeus had no trouble with any screw or morsel they try . Its chuck was also successful at grasping and drive both large and fine bits .
We get hold that the hold was n’t sensitive enough for smaller screwing , offer more force than necessary for detailed job . However , this is made up for fairly by the sensitivity of the gun trigger , which they find easy to fledge between different upper when go with small screws .
Product detail : Voltage:18/20 volt |Brushed or Brushless Motor : Brushless |Battery : DCBP034 Dewalt powerstack batteries |Chuck Size:1/2 inch |Weight:3 pound and 10 ounces
Best Battery
Milwaukee M12 Fuel 12-Volt 1/2-Inch Drill/Driver Kit
Why You Should Get It : Our tester appreciate that it was a compact and powerful selection .
Keep in Mind : The thick , triangular handgrip may be hard for some people to grip .
Two battery ingroup are proficient than one , especially when they ’re design and burthen for different uses . That ’s what makes this Milwaukee good example well worth deliberate . The M12 ’s 2 - amp battery yield the drill a smaller and tripping profile that ’s easy to match into pocket-sized spaces , while the 4 - amp barrage fire give you all the power you could need for mix , and holds out for the polish line of work .
“ It ’s nice to have the calorie-free one , especially if you ’re doing a tidy sum of drilling , because it ’s a lot of extra weight on your wrist joint , ” says Newell .
The M12 is n’t all about its shelling , however . The 12 - V exercise drives screws with an office that ’s similar to what you ’d bear from an 18/20 volt . According to our tester , the practice present so much power that you could terminate up spraining your articulatio radiocarpea if it stop suddenly .
Our tester found that meanwhile and 1 - inch maw were not an return . They also note that the drill was even capable of 1.5 - inch holes with a spade bit , though it did drag one’s heels on occasion . tester were overall impressed with the drill ’s carrying into action , peculiarly since it has such a compact size of it .
The chuck was peculiarly well calibrated , grasping even the low morsel without trouble . However , like many other drills we tested , the drill ’s clutches did run into some trouble with tiny plaque screws and from time to time violate them or drove them too far .
During testing , it was noted that the drill ’s triangular handgrip was comfortable for our examiner to utilise , however they did contemplate that the thick , triangular cast may not exercise for everyone . Otherwise , our quizzer feel that the responsive initiation , LED light , and an easy - to - use switching for speeds made this pick user - friendly .
Product contingent : Voltage:12 V |Brushed or Brushless Motor : Brushless |Battery:2 amp - hour battery and 4 amp - hour battery|Chuck Size:1/2 column inch |Weight:2 pounds and 8 snow leopard
Best Accessories
DeWalt Xtreme Max* 12-Volt 5-in-1 Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
Why You Should Get It : It comes with four dissimilar attachment , so you may choose which one suits the project you ’re doing best .
Keep In brain : It ’s not ideal for heavy - responsibility Job .
The Dewalt Xtreme 5 - in-1 DCD703F1 is our choice if you ’re ferment on a assortment of labor . The exercise comes with four attachments , so you may transition from one job to the next with relaxation . Plus , it features a handy bag that consolidate these accessories for storage .
Credit: Amazon
The cordless practice comes with a hex right slant attachment , a whammy quick release offset accessory , a whammy spry dismission add - on , and a rachet up eats attachment . Each can be climb onto the head at 360 degrees .
The Xtreme 5 - in-1 is handy , that ’s for sure , but it ’s also herculean . While its 10.8/12 - V power wo n’t match an 18 - volt style , its brushless motor still does an excellent occupation at driving screws and oil production . Our tester find the practice to be effective at drill up to 1 1/2 - inch spades , and seat 5/8 - inch fasteners , both of which made the Dewalt stall . You wo n’t want to pick this drill for drilling into concrete , but it ’s a not bad pick for driving standard screws .
With an LED light that fires on when the trigger is pulled , a comfortable grasp , and a balanced visibility , it ’s a well - made drill that our tester found to be an excellent pick both as a primary drill for homeowners that get deep into DIY labor and pros who postulate versatility .
The Ridgid 18V drill had sufficient torque for drilling holes and driving small fasteners, making it a great choice for installing hardware or putting together furniture.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Product Details : Voltage:10.8/12 V |Brushed or Brushless Motor : Brushless |Battery:2 amp - hour electric battery |Chuck Size:3/8 in |Weight:2 Ezra Pound and 9 ounces
Best Heavy Duty
Dewalt MAX XR 20-Volt Cordless Hammer Drill
Why You Should Get It : This is a dead on target hammer drill that has no fuss digging into cementum and wood , making it a undecomposed fit for contractor and construction workers , and can go all Clarence Day .
Keep In Mind : This 18/20 volt has so much force that it overtake the clench at some speeds and may expect feathering for delicate piece of work .
If you ’re working on heavy - duty projects , the Dewalt XR DCD996P2 is our pick . This 18/20 V brushless practice can drill through asphalt and Sir Henry Joseph Wood likewise . Plus , it has a decent touch with place fasteners even if its torsion can prove too much for its clutch bag .
A right hammer exercise , the XR drilled into concrete remarkably quickly , drilling five holes in only 20 seconds . Our tester establish the drill capable of boring through Ellen Price Wood and driving fasteners reliably well , even carve up a board when a 5/8 - inch lag fathom out .
It ’s deserving noting that our quizzer find that this high king think that the drill often drove smaller hardware too far into surfaces before the clutch engaged — at least at low hurrying — and that the clutch did a better job activating at medium and high speeds . all , they found that the practice session had too much power for the clutch bag to activate when using the smallest of screws and required feathering to be capable to get the job done . Thankfully , the drill ’s trigger is extremely reactive and is in full capable of tender feather oeuvre .
The Dewalt XR comes with two shelling and is built for all day use as you’re able to charge one battery while you exercise with the next .
Product inside information : Voltage:18/20 volt |Brushed or Brushless Motor : Brushless |Battery : Two 5 adenylic acid - hour batteries |Chuck Size:1/2 inch |Weight:4 pound sign and 14 ounce
The Bottom Line
Our pick for best overall is theMilwaukee M18 Fuel 2904 - 22 . This cordless practice session , which is ideal for heavy - tariff projects , had a long - endure battery that kept a full charge even after undergoing testing .
What to Know About Cordless Drills Before Shopping
Brushed and Brushless Motors
When it comes to the best cordless drills , there are brushless and brushed motor . brush motors hold all of their military force all of the time , while brushless motors adapt their force play to the job at hand .
Brushless motors use electromagnets within their rotor that are monitor by detector . By implement the amount of military force necessary , they are capable to save barrage charge . However , they ’re not only an Department of Energy - saving gimmick , they also deliver more force out than classical brushed motors . Brushless motor often require few repairs .
Voltage
In regards to cordless recitation , electric potential refers to power . Drills in the 10.8/12 - volt category do a dandy problem with lighter - weight jobs and will broadly do fine with sink fasteners and practise archetype mess . Many of these lighter - weighting drills are still capable of driving spade bits into concrete but will often stall on the most rigorous work .
practice session that are 18/20 - volt , on the other handwriting , are unremarkably the good for drilling into concrete with little problem , quickly and expeditiously sinking meanwhile and screw of all types . The smaller size of a 12 - V drill often makes it highly appealing for work that requires sleight .
“ It ’ll fit in tighter spaces and in a smaller pouch ; memory - fresh it ’s a lot better … there are so many positivist things in a 12 - volt , it just wo n’t last as long and wo n’t give you as much world power , ” says Newell .
It ’s also significant to remember that 18/20 - volt drill are the same as 20 - volt drills in real emf . In this case , 20 volts represents peak potential difference .
Battery
When it comes to a cordless drill , the battery life is an important point to keep in mind . Otherwise , you may terminate up with an option that wo n’t last you through the project you ’re work on . Newell more often than not uses a 3- or 4 - amp choice , though he noted that options with smaller amp numbers do incline to be lighter .
While you snitch , pay attention to the amp hour military rating as it comprise the amps that a barrage can provide across an hr . The mellow the amp turn , the more power the drill will render for a longer amount of clock time .
In ecumenical , different amp hour batteries should n’t involve power yield too much . However , gamey amp hr barrage fire can give a drill an edge when drill into concrete or rousing cement mix .
Chuck Size
A drill ’s chuck obligate the bits for the exercise . All of the drills on our list sport a 1/2 - inch or 3/8 - inch eats size . Drills with 3/8 - inch chucks hold the majority of scrap sizes without fuss ; 1/2 - inch chucks are compatible with larger overweight - duty bits . Some light drills andelectric screwdriversalso feature 1/4 - inch eats which will only be compatible with minor bit .
Weight
exercising weight is a major factor in any power tool , and drills are no dissimilar . However , sometimes when you ’re looking for the best cordless drill , more exercising weight is n’t a risky thing . Some of the higher torsion drills are so sinewy that they can alternate when they ’re digging into a surface , and more weight can give you the stableness you need to control the recitation .
At the same time , higher weight drills can have on out your branch as you use them throughout the day . Many of the heavy obligation drills come with large battery packs , if you ’re look for a lighter - system of weights exercise , look for one with a smaller barrage fire pack .
Other Cordless Drills We Tested
Black & Decker BDCDD12C
Overall , our testers found that theBlack & Decker BDCDD12Cwas lightweight , comfortable , and easy to expend . It ’s best for making small or medium - sized holes , so it was noted that it ’s not idealistic for heavy - responsibility job . Our testers also regain that it lost thrill quickly and was slow to reload .
Makita FD09R1
TheMakita FD09R1is the drill to consider if you need to practice modest fucking . Though it was lightweight and sluttish to use , our tester establish that it did n’t hold the bit well and they would have opt that the built - in LED igniter was more centered .
Ryobi ONE+ PDD209K
TheRyobi ONE+ PDD209Konly sport one stop number , so testers note that it ’s idealistic for someone doing lightweight projects or is n’t using it very often . Though they find that the controls worked well , it was noted that the chuck would not lock well and several second add up loose .
Bosch 12-Volt Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
We consider theBosch 12 - Volt Cordless Drill / Driver Kitwas a great lightweight option that go well for drive belittled screws . Even though it matter less than 2 pounds , we thought the drill had comely magnate and splendid precision . However , the drill stall frequently on tougher substances and heavier calibre bit . The gadget driver is also incompatible with some with child bit due to the ⅜ eats .
DeWalt Atomic DCD708C2
TheDeWalt Atomic 20 - Volt Max Drill / Driver Kithas decent power , a sensitive clench , and a comfortable build that make it a good fit for homeowners . It also includes two batteries that furnish 1.3 amp hours each .
The Mandrillus leucophaeus had no hassle with fasteners and turn during testing , but it did take longer to drill into concrete than most hammer drills . At 3 pounds , we also suppose the drill was a bit operose , although the weight was well - balanced .
Bosch 18-Volt Cordless Drill
During testing , we found theBosch 18 - Volt Cordless Drillto have an extra sensitive clasp that help assure we did n’t overdrive a jailer . We appreciated that the practice was raw enough to ram jailer into lightweight material like drywall or plywood with no issue .
However , we ground that the practice stall on tougher jobs with a spade mo . We still recollect it ’s a good alternative if you opt a compact drill , but it might not be brawny enough for knotty materials like concrete .
Our Testing Process
To find oneself the best cordless drill , six testers strain out different styles in our testing lab in Des Moines , Iowa . Over the course of two sidereal day , we put 33 cordless drills to the trial using a pre - driven methodology . tester scored each cordless drill in five categories : performance , powerfulness , relief of use , features , and value . The testers did not know the toll of each drill while testing .
To determine each cordless recitation ’s execution military rating , quizzer study if the Mandrillus leucophaeus was able to drill kettle of fish of any size without any issue . A drill ’s military rank decreased if it was slow or shin with sealed sizes . Power was measured by whether or not it could ride and invest the turgid tested nooky without stall .
When it came to ease of use , the rating was base on whether or not the drill could grip all the flake , as well as how easygoing it was to constrain or loosen it . tester also took into consideration how well the clutch limited the amount of torque , as well as how leisurely it was to instal and remove the battery .
In term of features , our testers took into consideration if the exercise and its accessories could be stored in the provided bag or case . They also noted any included accessory , as well as if there was an light-emitting diode light .
Once testing conclude , quizzer were given the price of the merchandise and determined value based on whether or not they felt the price was appropriate given testing results . They also took into consideration if they ’d buy the cordless practice themselves as well as recommend it to a friend .
Your Questions, Answered
How much does a cordless drill cost?
Most of the cordless Mandrillus leucophaeus on this list price between $ 100 and $ 300 . outlier can cost more , and some cordless drill cost less , however , we imagine the ideal alternative for most people generally hang within the $ 100 to $ 300 price chain .
What size cordless drill do I need?
For most people , the idealistic cordless drill is a compact , normal , or hammer recitation that is between 10.8/12 V and 18/20 volts . pounding drills include a hammering mechanism and are generally larger than standard and heavyset size . call back that your drill ’s battery pack can often add significant sizing and weight . Eighteen/20 V drills are often compatible with magnanimous 4 or 5 - adenylic acid - hour batteries . low amp - hour battery clique are often smaller and can replace heavy battery packs if you find that your recitation is too bulky .
Who We Are
Gabriel Morganis a writer for Better Homes and Gardens . He writes about outdoor gear , goods for the family and garden , and technology . This clause includes research collect from the testing of 34 different cordless drill by our team in Des Moines Iowa . He supplement this information with personal research on cordless drills and their mechanisms . He also consultedJesse Newell , a declarer at Montcalm Construction in Nashville , Tennessee .
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list , you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approving . Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to check that they ’re worth a spot in your home . We buy most of the products we test ourselves , but on occasion we are provided sample by companies if buying is n’t an choice . In these cases , we apply the same testing criteria we use to prove the purchase products .
Credit: Amazon
During testing, we found that the Dewalt drill was powerful enough to drive a half-inch lag into wood without a pilot hole.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Acme tools
We were extremely impressed with the Milwaukee M12 Fuel drill’s performance during testing, especially with its compact size. We found that it drives screws with the power you’d expect from an 18/20 volt drill.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Lowes
Although we wouldn’t recommend it for drilling into concrete, the drill’s brushless motor drove standard screws with ease.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
Drilling five holes into concrete in just 20 seconds, the DeWalt XR DCD996P2 20-Volt Hammer Drill has plenty of power for heavy-duty jobs.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
