The Best Cordless Drills in 2026: 7 Picks for Every Budget
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300 unit watts of power, two speeds and a 1/2 inch ratcheting chuck in a compact body.
Check Price on Amazon →Shopping Black Friday? See our Black Friday tool deals hub for the best picks across every category.
Quick answer: The DEWALT DCD771C2 is the best cordless drill for most people. Choose the DEWALT DCK240C2 combo if you also want an impact driver, or the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904 for professional work and masonry.
A good cordless drill is the first power tool most people buy, and the one they use most. The right choice depends on what you drill, how often you use it and which battery platform you want to grow into.
I’m Moses Washika, and I research and compare tools for Tool Expert Reviews. I compared the drills below on power, speed range, chuck, battery platform and what comes in the box, using manufacturer specs and Amazon listing details.
Quick Navigation: Best Overall | Best Combo Kit | Best for Pros | Best for Home Use | Best Value Platform | Best Compact | Best Budget
Find Your Drill in 30 Seconds
Which cordless drill fits you? 3 questions
We match you to one of the 7 drills below. Sticking with a battery you already own saves the most money.
Updated November 2026: we re-checked every Amazon listing on November 5. All 7 drills were available, though a few were low on stock.
Cordless Drill Comparison
| Drill | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 20V MAX DCD771C2 Drill Driver Kit | Drill driver kit | Best Overall |
| DEWALT 20V MAX DCK240C2 Drill and Impact Driver Combo | Drill + impact driver | Best Combo Kit |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 Hammer Drill | Brushless hammer drill | Best for Pros |
| CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCD700C1 Drill Driver Kit | Drill driver kit | Best for Home Use |
| RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Compact Drill and Impact Driver Kit | Brushless drill + impact driver | Best Value Platform |
| Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2-Tool Combo Kit | 12V hammer drill + impact driver | Best Compact |
| BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX POWERCONNECT Drill Kit with 100 Accessories | Drill driver + accessory kit | Best Budget |
1. DEWALT 20V MAX DCD771C2 Drill Driver Kit: Best Overall
The DCD771C2 is the drill most homeowners should buy first. It delivers 300 unit watts out, which handles everything from furniture assembly to drilling through studs, and the compact body fits into tight spaces.
A two speed transmission gives you 0 to 450 RPM for driving screws and 0 to 1,500 RPM for drilling.
Best for: Homeowners and DIYers who want one reliable drill
Key Features
- 300 unit watts out of power
- Two speeds: 0 to 450 and 0 to 1,500 RPM
- 1/2 inch single sleeve ratcheting chuck
- Kit includes two batteries and a charger
- Works with the DEWALT 20V MAX battery platform
Pros
- Proven reliability across a huge number of buyers
- Light and compact
- Joins a very large battery platform
Cons
- Brushed motor, so less runtime than brushless models
- No hammer mode for masonry
2. DEWALT 20V MAX DCK240C2 Drill and Impact Driver Combo: Best Combo Kit
If you drive a lot of screws, add an impact driver. This kit pairs the DCD771 drill with the DCF885 impact driver, which delivers up to 1,400 inch pounds of torque for lag screws and deck screws.
Both tools have LED lights with a 20 second delay, and the impact driver loads bits with one hand. Read our full DEWALT DCK240C2 review for a closer look.
Best for: Deck building, fencing and anyone who drives long screws
Key Features
- DCD771 drill driver plus DCF885 impact driver
- Impact driver delivers up to 1,400 in-lbs of torque
- 1/4 inch hex chuck with one handed bit loading
- LED lights with 20 second delay on both tools
Pros
- Two tools for most home projects
- Shares batteries with the DCD771
Cons
- Brushed motors
- Larger case to store
3. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20 Hammer Drill: Best for Pros
The M18 FUEL hammer drill is the pick for contractors and serious DIYers. It has a brushless motor, an all metal 1/2 inch chuck with carbide teeth and a hammer mode for drilling into brick, block and concrete.
A mechanical clutch keeps driving consistent across many fastener types. This listing is the bare tool, so you need an M18 battery and charger. See our Milwaukee 2904 review for details.
Best for: Contractors, remodelers and masonry drilling
Key Features
- Brushless motor
- Hammer drill mode for brick, block and concrete
- All metal 1/2 inch chuck with carbide teeth
- Mechanical clutch
- All metal belt clip
Pros
- Pro level power and durability
- Hammer mode included
- Huge M18 tool lineup
Cons
- Bare tool, battery sold separately
- Heavier than compact drills
4. CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCD700C1 Drill Driver Kit: Best for Home Use
The Craftsman V20 is a well rounded home drill with 280 unit watts out and a 1/2 inch keyless chuck. Two speeds cover both driving and drilling, and an LED light helps in dark cabinets and closets.
The kit includes a battery and a charger that refills it in 60 minutes or less.
Best for: Homeowners doing repairs, shelving and furniture
Key Features
- 280 unit watts out
- Two speed gearbox
- 1/2 inch keyless chuck
- LED work light
- Battery and 60 minute charger included
Pros
- Strong value for a name brand kit
- Easy bit changes
- Joins the Craftsman V20 platform
Cons
- Single battery in the kit
- Not built for daily jobsite use
5. RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Compact Drill and Impact Driver Kit: Best Value Platform
Ryobi ONE+ is the platform to choose if you plan to buy lots of tools, because the same 18V batteries run a very wide range of tools. This HP kit gives you brushless motors in compact, lightweight bodies.
The drill delivers up to 400 inch pounds of torque and the impact driver up to 1,700. Two 1.5Ah batteries, a charger and a bag are included.
Best for: Beginners building a home tool collection
Key Features
- Brushless drill driver and impact driver
- Drill up to 400 in-lbs, impact driver up to 1,700 in-lbs
- Compact and lightweight design
- (2) 1.5Ah batteries, charger and tool bag
Pros
- Brushless motors at a friendly price
- Huge ONE+ tool lineup
- Light for overhead work
Cons
- Small 1.5Ah batteries limit runtime
- Less rugged than pro brands
6. Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2-Tool Combo Kit: Best Compact
When size matters more than raw power, the M12 FUEL kit is the answer. It includes the 3404 M12 FUEL hammer drill driver and an M12 FUEL impact driver, both small enough for cabinets, ceilings and tight framing bays.
Electricians, plumbers and installers favor the M12 line for its light weight.
Best for: Electricians, installers and work in tight spaces
Key Features
- M12 FUEL 3404 hammer drill driver
- M12 FUEL impact driver
- Brushless motors
- Compact 12V platform
Pros
- Very light and compact
- Hammer mode in a 12V drill
- Strong M12 tool lineup
Cons
- Less power than 18V drills for big bits
- Check the listing for included batteries
7. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX POWERCONNECT Drill Kit with 100 Accessories: Best Budget
If you only need a drill a few times a month, this kit gets you started with everything in one box. You get a 20V MAX drill driver, a battery, a charger and a 100 piece set of bits and accessories.
A 24 position clutch helps you avoid stripping screws, and the battery works with other POWERCONNECT tools.
Best for: First apartments, light repairs and gifts
Key Features
- 20V MAX drill driver
- 24 position clutch
- 100 piece bit and accessory set
- Battery and charger included
Pros
- Everything needed in one box
- Light and easy to handle
- Great gift option
Cons
- Not for heavy drilling
- Lower power than pro brands
How to Choose a Cordless Drill
Drill driver, hammer drill or impact driver
A drill driver handles holes and screws in wood, metal and drywall. A hammer drill adds a pounding action for brick, block and concrete. An impact driver is not a drill, but it drives long screws and lag bolts far more easily, which is why combo kits are so popular.
Brushed or brushless motor
Brushless motors run cooler, get more work from each battery charge and usually last longer. Brushed drills like the DCD771C2 cost less and are still plenty for home use.
12V or 18V/20V
12V drills are smaller and lighter, which helps in tight spaces and overhead work. 18V and 20V MAX drills have more power for large bits and long jobs. Note that 18V and 20V MAX describe the same class of tool, measured differently.
Battery platform
Your first drill usually decides which batteries you will buy for years. DEWALT 20V MAX, Milwaukee M18, Ryobi ONE+ and Craftsman V20 all offer large tool lineups, so pick the one whose other tools you are most likely to want.
Kit or bare tool
A kit includes batteries and a charger, which is the right choice for a first drill. A bare tool costs less but only makes sense if you already own batteries for that platform.
Not sure about cordless at all? Read our guide to corded vs cordless drills.
Corded vs Cordless Drill: Which Do You Need?
| Cordless drill | Corded drill | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Most home jobs, working anywhere, ladders and attics | Long jobs at a bench, big holes, mixing paint or mortar |
| Power | Plenty for screws and most holes, strongest on 18V and 20V brushless | Steady power that never runs down |
| Run time | Limited by the battery, so a second battery helps | Unlimited while plugged in |
| Convenience | No cord to trip on or reach for | Needs an outlet or an extension cord |
For most homeowners a cordless drill is the better buy, because the batteries also run your other tools. If you need a heavy extension cord for a corded tool, our extension cord gauge calculator shows the right size.
Not sure whether you also need an impact driver? Read impact driver vs drill and our best impact drivers for homeowners.
Quick Decision Guide
- One drill for home projects? Get the DEWALT DCD771C2
- Drill plus impact driver? Get the DEWALT DCK240C2
- Pro use or concrete? Get the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904
- Simple home kit? Get the Craftsman V20
- Building a big tool collection? Get the Ryobi ONE+ HP kit
- Tight spaces? Get the Milwaukee M12 FUEL combo
- Lowest cost starter kit? Get the BLACK+DECKER POWERCONNECT kit
Related: Impact driver vs drill: which one do you need?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cordless drill for a homeowner?
For most homeowners, the DEWALT DCD771C2 offers the best mix of power, size and reliability. If you want a lower cost option, the Craftsman V20 is a strong alternative.
Do I need a hammer drill?
Only if you drill into brick, block or concrete. For wood, metal and drywall, a standard drill driver is lighter and easier to handle.
Is an impact driver worth buying with a drill?
Yes, if you drive many screws or build decks and fences. An impact driver sinks long screws with less effort and less wrist strain, so many people keep both.
How long do cordless drill batteries last?
Runtime depends on the battery size in amp hours and the job. A larger battery runs longer but adds weight, so many people keep one compact battery and one larger one.
Is a corded or cordless drill better?
For most homes a cordless drill is better, because it goes anywhere and its batteries run your other tools. A corded drill wins for long jobs at a bench and for mixing paint or mortar.
When do cordless drills go on sale?
Drill and combo kits are some of the biggest Black Friday tool deals. Black Friday 2026 is November 27, and our deals hub tracks them as they go live.
Final Thoughts
For most people the DEWALT DCD771C2 is the drill to start with, because it is compact, capable and backed by a huge battery platform. If you also want to drive long screws, step up to the DCK240C2 combo kit.
Questions? Send me a message and I will help you pick the right drill for your projects.
