The Best Cordless Drills of 2024
Our round-up includes the most powerful DIY go-to's, pro favorites and everything in between.
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Every homeowner needs a capable cordless drill — and most renters would do right to own one too. In my house, it’s the power tool my wife and I reach for the most, and now that the kids are old enough, they use it as well for smaller projects around the house, like tightening loose doorknobs or hanging a bookshelf in their bedroom.
Given the utility of cordless drills, our team in the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute tests them continuously. We also send models out for hands-on consumers tests and into to the field for evaluation by professionals, the way we do with all power tools, including circular saws, paint sprayers and pressure washers.
Over the past three years, we’ve reviewed more than 30 models, ranging from lightweight drills aimed at novice DIYers to heavy-duty models built for the job site. This round-up includes the top picks available now at home centers, hardware stores and online retailers.
Pros
- Excellent drilling and driving power
- Comfortable grip
- Integrated LED
Cons
- Not up for the toughest drilling and driving tasks
This Home Depot-exclusive was a favorite with our testers because its 18-volt platform has become so expansive, now covering more than 260 tools. That means the same battery for your drill can also power your leaf blower or tire inflator.
The Ryobi was among the best battery drills during a range of light- to medium-duty performance tests. “The drill had plenty of power for drilling into drywall and dimensional lumber,” noted one tester. The interchangeable battery was easy to insert and remove, while the lightweight design and the ergonomic controls minimized arm and hand fatigue. The built-in LED light is also a nice extra.
I've been using the drill at home for the last six months and it never disappoints. Though I do recommend reaching for a more heavy-duty drill when tackling the toughest tasks, like boring holes in concrete or driving large screws into dense tropical hardwoods.
- Battery power: 18 volt
- Maximum speed: 2,100 RPM
- Maximum torque: 750 in/lbs
- Weight: 2.7 lbs
- Chuck size: 1/2 in.
Pros
- Custom speed options
- Long charge
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Not as powerful as other options
When first-time homeowners ask me for power tool recommendations, I usually steer them towards Black + Decker. The brand's tools are approachable and easy to use, right out of the box. The 20-Volt Max cordless drill falls into the lightweight category; it weighs under 3 pounds and its 3/8-inch chuck can't handle larger bits. But it comes with a 30-piece accessory set, including drill and screwdriver bits, plus nut drivers — a great deal to get you started on almost any project.
Custom speed options and 24 clutch positions help protect your project’s hardware. Our testers noted that the lithium ion battery can hold a charge for months, so the drill is always ready for you to use.
If you don't need the bits and accessories, I also like Black + Decker Matrix 20-Volt Max Cordless Drill (pictured). It's relatively high 800-RPM speed is great for light-duty drilling, for example boring holes in softwoods and plastic.
- Battery power: 20 volt
- Maximum speed: 750 RPM
- Maximum torque: 300 in/lbs
- Weight: 2.09 lbs
- Chuck size: 3/8 in.
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Pros
- Starter kit offers excellent value
- Ergonomic design
- Superb power
Cons
- A bit heavy, given the larger 4.0 Ah battery
Cordless drill starter kits, which often include a second battery and carrying case, have a tendency to skimp on the performance of the actual tool. This kit from Ridgid, another Home Depot exclusive, is a clear exception. The 18-volt cordless drill was extremely impressive in our tests.
"Beyond powerful," one reviewer noted. "I'm used to 'prosumer' products and this far exceeded any of them." A second tester who works in the trades agreed, saying the Ridgid performed as well as brands aimed more squarely at professionals, like Milwaukee and Makita.
The fact that it comes with a long-running 4.0 Ah battery, plus the charger and carrying case, is the gravy on top of a cordless drill that's ideal for beginner DIYers and more experienced weekend warriors alike. While it has an ergonomic design, keep in mind that the larger battery puts the drill on the heavier side.
- Battery power: 18 volt
- Maximum speed: 2,100 RPMs
- Maximum torque: 800 in/lbs
- Weight: 3.4 lbs
- Chuck size: 1/2 in.
Pros
- Includes two batteries
- Quick charge
- Comfortable grip
Cons
- Battery removal can be tricky at first
Though we're calling it lightweight, this Bosch cordless drill can definitely hang in the general-use category. "It feels light in your hand, but it has plenty of power to drive screw after screw," reported one expert tester. The Bosch is not meant to rip through metal or concrete, but the 12-volt battery and variable speed motor proved quick and effective for a variety of DIY projects in our tests.
Our experts like that the drill comes with a charger and two quick-charging batteries, so there’s little down time on longer projects (though one tester noted that the battery can be a little tricky to remove until you get the hang of it). At a a shade over 2 pounds, it's comfortable to grip and easy to handle and carry. If you're looking for a lot of punch in a small package, this is the drill for you.
- Battery power: 12 volt
- Maximum speed: 1,300 RPMs
- Maximum torque: 265 in/lbs
- Weight: 2.14 lbs
- Chuck size: 3/8 in.
Pros
- Compact, but powerful
- Ergonomic grip
- Built-in LED light
Cons
- On the pricier side
If you’ve spent any time on a construction sites, you know the name Milwaukee. As one of our outside experts, homebuilder Fernando Pages, put it, “You can tell when you have a Milwaukee tool in your hands by its weight, sturdy feel, ergonomics and power.” Though Milwaukee's line of cordless drills includes brawnier models, our testers liked that this one is relatively lightweight and compact while still packing plenty of power.
Testers gave the variable speed drill perfect scores for power and control. "The lightweight design makes it easy for me to feel comfortable using the tool, but is also powerful enough for my husband's project of building a deck," one reported.
Users also found the integrated LED to be extremely useful in low-light conditions, while the comfortable grip and compact size helped when maneuvering in tight spaces. Though you'll pay a premium for the Milwaukee, its rugged housing and brushless motor should ensure many years of service.
- Battery power: 18 volt
- Maximum speed: 1,700 RPMs
- Maximum torque: 265 in/lbs
- Weight: 2.3 lbs
- Chuck size: 1/2 in.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comes with both drill and driver
- Quick charging
Cons
- Not suited to heavy-duty drilling
While a cordless drill should be most people's first power tool, our experts also like combo kits that add in an impact driver. The second tool is good for more advanced DIYers whose project lists might include repairing a deck, since the added torque helps when drilling and driving into tough wood. The dynamic duo included in Worx's combo kit do a solid job balancing price and performance.
Our experts like Worx tools for their compact design, which makes the brand a good fit for people who might succumb to arm fatigue when handling heavy-duty equipment. The lightweight, quick-charging combo is comparatively powerful for its size, though even with its 20-volt battery, our experts say the tools are better suited for small- to mid-size jobs.
- Battery power: 20 volt
- Maximum speed: 3,000 RPM
- Maximum torque: 531 in/lbs
- Weight: 3.4 lbs
- Chuck size: 1/2 in.
Pros
- Comfortable hold
- Easy to control
- Built-in LED light
Cons
- Only two speed settings
Craftsman is popular with DIYers, especially those who shop at Lowe's, since the big-box giant is one of the brand's biggest buyers. But you can also find Craftsman online, including Amazon, where over 90% of reviewers who tried this 20-volt drill gave it four or five stars. Many talked about its the exceptional value in addition to its power, with one reviewer who noted, "The torque is great on this drill."
Our testers were also enthusiastic on the whole. Weighing less than 3 pounds with a rubberized grip, the drill is easy to handle. It's quick and efficient to switch out bits.
The Craftsman only has two speeds versus the 10 or more that we see with other drills. But that shouldn't be an issue for most general tasks. The 16 clutch settings give you more control to prevent overdriving delicate hardware and the built-in LED work light makes it safer to work in poorly lit project areas.
- Battery power: 20 volt
- Maximum speed: 1,800 RPM
- Maximum torque: 230 in/lbs
- Weight: 5.85 lbs
- Chuck size: 1/2 in.
How we test cordless drills
My team and I in the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab stay on top of the marketplace to identify the makes and models that you’re most likely to find on store shelves and online. That includes attending trade shows and industry events, like the National Hardware Show and International Builders Show, to keep up with the latest innovations.
From there, we zero in on power tool brands that have performed the best and proven the most reliable through years of testing at the Good Housekeeping Institute. The top picks in our current round-up were culled from more than 30 models tested over the last five years. Our team spent hours analyzing hundreds of technical and performance data points, including manufacturer claims around battery power output, speed, torque, weight and more.
Hands-on testing took place in the Institute’s Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab, as well as in the field, where we got drills into the hands of more than 20 consumer and professional testers.
To measure performance, testers used different drill bits to bore holes into pieces of lumber. They also drove screws of varying lengths, again using a mix of hard and soft woods. To assess battery life, they recorded the number of drills holes and screws driven on a single charge. They also assessed ease of use, taking into account such factors as handle comfort, weight, noise and feature set.
Finally, our engineers used a drop test machine (pictured), as well as general observations from the field, to say how likely each drill is to stand up to wear and tear over time.
Check out this TikTok for a behind-the-scenes look at cordless drill testing.
What to look for when choosing the best cordless drill
Cordless drills fall into three basic categories: lightweight, general-use and heavy-duty. Think about how you plan to use your drill — not just today, but down the line as your skills and confidence grow, and along with them the scope of your DIY projects. Lightweight drills are basically a step-up from a power screwdriver. General-use drills can handle a wide array of drilling and driving tasks. Heavy-duty drills deliver the professional-grade power needed to bore through thick lumber, metal and masonry.
You can differentiate between the three categories by weighing the following factors.
✔️ Battery power: Measured in volts, this spec will be clearly listed on the box and website, often as part of the cordless drill’s model name. Lightweight drills are typically in the 8- to 12-volt range, enough to assemble flat-pack furniture. General-use drills are usually 18- or 20-volt, which can drill into most materials. The batteries on heavy-duty drills are 24 volts and up, good for driving larger lag bolts.
- Note: While we’re talking batteries, it’s important to include that many brands have expansive battery platforms, meaning the same battery can be used across many power tools. This is helpful when building up your tool collection. It’s also why you often see cordless drills sold as “bare tool only,” meaning the battery is not included. This is for those shoppers who already have the battery from other power equipment from the same brand.
✔️ Speed vs. torque: These two specs, which are usually listed on the packaging and website product page, are key indicators of overall performance. Measured in RPMs, (short for "revolutions per minute"), speed tells you how fast the drill motor can spin. Torque, measured in inch pounds, indicates how much force the motor generates as it spins. Speed is good for drilling into softer materials (think: DIY projects), while torque is good for driving into harder materials (think: heavy-duty construction). Drills with adjustable-speed settings are the most versatile, since they let you adjust the ratio or speed to torque as needed.
✔️ Weight: When it comes to handheld power tools, the difference between a couple pounds can add up, especially over the course of a long project. Lightweight drills cause the least fatigue, weighing 3 pounds or less. General-use drills are in the 3- to 6-pound range. Heavy-duty drills, with their beefy motors and more rugged construction, usually weigh 7 pounds and up.
✔️ Chuck size: The chuck is the three-pronged clamp at the tip of the drill that holds the drill bit. The larger the chuck, the bigger the bit it can hold and the more tasks it can handle. Chuck sizes on lightweight drills start at 1/4-inch, general-use drills have 3/8- to 1/2-inch chucks and heavy-duty drills have chuck sizes that are 1/2-inch and up. One more point on chucks: Most cordless drills these days have a “keyless chuck,” meaning you can tighten them by hand. But some heavy-duty drills still use a key, a small tool that’s used to tighten and loosen the jaws of the chuck.
✔️ Price: Though there are plenty of exceptions to the rule, generally speaking, the more you spend on a drill the more power and performance you can expect. Quality lightweight cordless drills range from $75 to $150. The best general-use drills are between $150 and $250. And top-performing heavy-duty drills are $300 and up.
✔️ Feature set: Many of the features that our experts say matter most can be found in all three categories of cordless drills.
- Contoured grip: Whether made of plastic or rubber, a molded grip can help reduce hand fatigue when you have a lot of holes to drill or screws to drive.
- LED light: The integrated LED is helpful when you’re working in low-light situations.
- Side handle: Good for heavier construction, the handle can be attached and removed as needed. It comes in handy when boring larger or deep holes through framing lumber or other thick material.
- Rapid charger: Some drills are sold with a second rapid charger that can replenish the battery charge in a matter of minutes.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
I've covered the power tool market for more than two decades for brands like This Old House and Consumer Reports before joining the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022. In my role as director of the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab, I oversee the testing of all power equipment, working closely with our team of engineers and product analysts.
Before I started writing about home improvement and testing products, I worked on various roofing and remodeling crews, where I spent all day, every day wielding cordless drills, along with impact drivers, pneumatic nailers and other heavy-duty equipment. I've also managed several remodeling projects, most recently the gut renovation of a 19th-century Brooklyn brownstone. I'm a regular at trade shows, such as the National Hardware Show and the International Builders' Show, where I keep up with the latest innovations around cordless drills and other power tools.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
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