The Best Cordless Drills

Perhaps the most versatile and useful power tool you can own is a drill, and if you want to add "convenient" to the list of descriptors as well, make that a cordless drill. Without a cumbersome extension cord attached, a cordless drill is easy to store, easy to carry, and easy to hold, which is especially important when using one in tight spaces. Better still, a cordless drill can be fitted to work as a screwdriver, an Allen wrench, and even a socket wrench, making it indispensable for home improvement and DIY projects. So, which cordless drill is right for you? Something with the power to drill holes into steel? Or just something that'll drive a screw into drywall? We charged up our batteries and went to work, and now we present you with the best cordless drills.

DeWalt Cordless Drill With 45-Piece Bit Set

A Little (Drill) Bit More

The DeWalt Cordless Drill with 45-Piece Screw Bit Set is an all-in-one solution that covers all the bases.
Best Overall

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If you’re a regular reader, you know that we’re big fans of DeWalt, a company that has been making quality power tools and accessories for almost a hundred years. The DeWalt Cordless Drill continues that tradition of excellence, and with the addition of a 45-piece bit set, this cordless drill earns our top award. With a 20V MAX lithium-ion battery, the drill delivers two speeds for a broad range of fastening and drilling applications. The 45-piece bit set includes 12 double-ended bits, a variety of Philips and standard screw bits, and a magnetic drive guide to reduce slipping and stripping. All of this comes in a hard plastic carrying case to keep even the smallest pieces organized. If you’re looking for a one-product solution for your cordless drill and drill bit needs, this DeWalt Cordless Drill is the winner, hands down.

Pros:

  • Ergonomic handle for comfort and control
  • Two batteries included
  • Comes with rugged nylon carrying bag

Cons:

  • Some bits are not magnetized
  • Long recharge time

Black & Decker Cordless Drill With 30-Piece Bit Set

It's Drill The One

Black & Decker is another standard-bearer in power tools, and their Cordless Drill with 30-Piece Bit Set is a classic in any home or workshop.
Best Classic

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If you’re looking for dependability and an absolute workhorse of a cordless drill, you can’t go wrong with Black & Decker. As a matter of fact, Black & Decker introduced the first cordless drill to the market back in 1961. Black & Decker’s 30-Piece Bit Set features a 24-position clutch (the mechanism that holds the bit in place), so even if you find yourself needing other bits not included with the package, the drill is adaptable enough to hold them. This rugged clutch also protects against stripping and overdriving screws. The lithium-ion battery can hold a charge up to 18 months, so you know the dill is ready when you are. In addition, the bit holder is magnetized to prevent drill bits from getting lost when you’re changing out. All in all, Black & Decker delivers a classic that will serve you well for years to come.

Pros:

  • 2-year limited warranty
  • Lightweight and ergonomically designed
  • 4-hour battery life

Cons:

  • Comes with a single battery
  • Max RPM is 750, which is a bit lacking

Avid Power Cordless Drill

"Screw" The Expense

Putting together a solid toolkit can be expensive, but the Avid Power Drill Set delivers quality and dependability without breaking the bank (or drilling holes in it).
Best Value

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If you’re looking for value in a cordless drill, look no further than the Avid Power. Using the same 20V MAX Lithium-Ion battery as costlier models and providing 15+1 torque settings, the Avid Power lives up to its “powerful” name. Best of all, there are two features to this drill that you don’t commonly find in other cordless drill models. For one, there’s a USB output on the battery, so you can use it as a backup charger for your iPhone or other USB-compatible mobile device. Secondly, it comes with a flexible shaft extension, allowing you to reach tight spots without having the drill placed directly in front of the the screw you’re removing or the hole you’re drilling. The package also includes a 22-piece drill and driver bit set, so your bases are covered for most standard sizes.

Pros:

  • Lightweight motor means less hand fatigue
  • Electric brake function
  • U.S.-based customer support

Cons:

  • 550 RPM max
  • Battery only lasts ~45 minutes

Teccpo Cordless Drill

The Torque Monster

For professionals, home rehabbers, or people who just like awesome tools, the Teccpo Cordless Drill delivers power beyond compare.
Best Power

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There are cordless drills, and then there are cordless drills. Sometimes, you need to drill through sheet metal, sink some concrete screws, then grind the rust off a metal flange. If you need the all the power, then you need the Teccpo Cordless Drill. Delivering 530 lbs of torque with a 24+1 clutch and 2-speed adjustment, there isn’t a job this cordless drill can’t do. Add to that two 20-volt, 2,000mAh large-capacity lithium-ion batteries, and you’ve got all the power you need for the toughest jobs. An upgraded 4-pole copper motor ensures 25% more stability and long-term operation, which you can monitor with the built-in power indicator light. Throw in a 33-piece bit set as well, and you’ve got a cordless drill set that’s ready to rock.

Pros:

  • Variable speed trigger
  • Ultra-fast 1-hour charging
  • Built-in LED work light

Cons:

  • Does not include extender
  • Not lightweight

Bosch PS31 Power Tools Drill Kit

Less Thrill, More Drill

For quick and light-duty tasks around the home, the Bosch PS31 is the perfect no-frills cordless drill.
Best Compact Drill

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At just over 2 pounds, the Bosch PS31 is one of the most lightweight cordless drills on the market, but provides one of the best performance-to-size ratios you’ll find. This is because this no-frills drill is actually loaded with features: an auto-lock chuck, an integrated LED work light, variable speed trigger, 20+1 clutch settings, 2-speed gearbox, 4x bit-tip holder, a soft slim grip, and a 2.0Ah battery pack. What’s more, the Bosch PS31 comes with two batteries, so you can keep one charging while you work with the other. You get all of this with a durable but lightweight carrying case, which makes the Bosch PS31 easy to store even in cramped quarters.

Pros:

  • 15% faster than similar drills
  • Backed by the ProVantage Warranty
  • 3/8-inch sleeveless chuck

Cons:

  • Comparatively short battery life
  • Cannot be stored upright

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you  get more power with a standard wired electric drill?

Not necessarily. Today’s electric transmissions are capable of providing a higher level of torque than they were just a decade ago. And with improvement in battery life, cordless drills are able to maintain high torque longer (torque is the measurement of force that causes an object to rotate). If you do a lot of drilling in your job, then an electric drill is probably better for you since it has no batteries and won’t run out of juice.

Do I need a special adapter to switch between regular drill bits and screwdriver bits?

Nope. All bits, regardless of the shape of the head, are manufactured with a hexagonal base. This universal base slips into the chuck of any drill, and you’re ready to go. The chuck, which is usually turned by hand, can be adjusted to be wider for large bits and narrow for smaller bits. No additional adapters are required.

If I get two batteries in my cordless drill package, should I just keep one charging all the time?

No. As a matter of fact, leaving a batter on the charger will degrade the capacity of the battery over time. Charge your battery fully, then take it off the charger. Most cordless drill batteries can hold a charge for months.