10 Best Cordless Drills of 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

Cordless drills are arguably superior to their corded cousins based on convenience. Therefore, a cordless drill would make a great addition to any toolkit. Nonetheless, with there being so many models on the market today, identifying the most suitable one for your needs might not be a straightforward affair. You will have to evaluate each drill individually to identify its pros and cons.

To save you the hassle, we have looked at some of the top models available and compared their specs. We looked at design, durability, power, ease of use, and product warranty – among other features. Keep reading for our reviews of the 10 best cordless drills on the market today.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Black+Decker Max Lithium-Ion Drill	Long-lasting battery Compact and lightweight Equipped with LED lighting	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Black+Decker 20-Volt Max Lithium Drill/Driver	Powerful motor Ergonomic handle for enhanced grip and comfort 24-position clutch system	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		DEWALT MAX Cordless Drill / Driver Kit	Durable battery Dual transmission mode LED light	CHECK PRICE
		Pink Power Drill Driver Set For Women	Comfortable in small hands Decent power 16-position clutch system for greater control	CHECK PRICE
		Hitachi Cordless High Torque Driver Drill	Powerful brushless motor Keyless all-metal chuck Rugged for heavy-duty use	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Cordless Drills

1. Black+Decker 20v Max Lithium-Ion Drill – Best Overall

If you are looking for a high-performance, comfortable to use, and reliable drill, the LDX120C by Black Decker might just be it.

Considering the main advantage cordless drills bring to the table is their capability to work independent of a wall socket, the least you would expect from such a tool is for it to go for long periods without requiring a recharge. Thankfully, with its 20V lithium-ion battery, that is the assurance that you get from the LDX120C.

Thanks to its multiple clutch positions, the LDX120C allows you great control over your work. You can shift between 11 different clutch positions according to the requirements of your project. This enhances your precision tremendously, in addition to preventing your screws from stripping.

The LDX120C features a compact design in addition to being incredibly light. Its small dimensions allow you to use it in places that normal drills cannot fit while being light ensures that you can use it for longer without tiring.

This cordless drill is also equipped with LED lighting to allow you to drill in low-light conditions. However, the Black+Decker LDX120C is it might not be powerful and rugged enough for heavy-duty usage.

Nonetheless, with its versatility, ease of use, compact design, long-lasting battery, and attractive price point, it is arguably the best lithium-ion drill that one could have for most applications. Overall, this is the best cordless drill you can buy this year.

2. Black+Decker 20-Volt Max Lithium Drill/Driver – Best Value

The LD120VA by Black+Decker is a powerful, compact, lightweight, and versatile drill that can handle just about any type of work. It is also one of the most remarkably budget-friendly options on the market today, making it the perfect choice for someone looking for a reliable cordless drill without breaking the bank.

The LD120VA Black+Decker runs on a 20V MAX lithium-ion battery. This reliable battery can hold onto its charge for up to 18 months before you have to recharge it. What’s more, it features a short recharge time, thus allowing you to get back to work fast.

This drill is powerful as well, producing 300-inch pounds in torque and up to 750 RPM. With this kind of power, you should drill through most materials with relative ease. What’s more, it features a 24-position clutch system to allow you to fine-tune the machine to meet your project’s needs. It also prevents the screws from stripping.

The LDV120VA features a sleek design to make it easy and comfortable to use. Its compact size allows you to access narrow space, while the ergonomic soft grip reduces discomfort while using this tool.

This drill is also pleasantly versatile. It comes with 30 attachments to facilitate its use across a diverse array of surfaces and applications. This unit, however, only comes with one battery. Consider ordering a backup battery to prevent long unnecessary breaks while working.

All things considered, the LDV120VA by Black Decker is one of the best cordless drills for the money.

3. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill / Driver Kit – Premium Choice

If you are looking for a top-of-the-line cordless drill with all the features you need, the DEWALT DCD7712C2 is an excellent choice.

For starters, this unit runs on a powerful and reliable 20V lithium-ion battery to allow you to drill for extended periods without requiring a recharge.

The DCD771C2 is an incredible performer too. It comes with a powerful motor that delivers up to 300 unit watts out (UWO) of power. Considering that it is manufactured by DeWalt, you can be sure that it will not fail you during high impact applications.

To enhance its versatility and performance, the DeWalt DCD771C2 has a dual transmission mode. This mode allows you to choose between low transmission speeds of 0-450 RPM for light-duty applications and 0-1500 RPM for heavy-duty applications. This increases the range of applications you can take on, as well as the ease at which you handle them.

The DCD771C2 also features an ergonomic handle design to facilitate its ease of use. The handle is rubber-covered in addition to having ridges to increase its grip and comfort. Moreover, it is long enough to allow wiggle room for your hand while working in unconventional spots.

Working in narrow or tight spaces should not be a problem when using this drill, thanks to its compact design.

The DEWALT DCD771C2 is an impressive cordless drill that checks every box on what a perfect cordless drill should be; it is powerful, loaded with features for versatility, easy and comfortable to use, and reliable.

Nonetheless, all that comes at a cost, as it is quite pricey.

4. Pink Power Drill Drill Driver Set For Women

The PP182 by Pink Power is a drill designed with women’s needs in mind. On average, women have smaller hands than men, which can make it difficult for them to use standard drills. The PP182 solves that problem without sacrificing performance and reliability.

For starters, it comes with a complete drill set to ensure that you have everything you need to embark on a drilling project. This set consists of the drill driver, a drill bit set, two NiCad batteries, a battery recharger, and a hard tool case.

The PP182’s handle features an ergonomic design to enhance its grip and comfort, especially for women. Moreover, weighing in at a little over 3 pounds, it is lightweight enough to allow for extended use.

Nonetheless, as mentioned, this unit does not compromise performance for comfort. It comes with a decent 0-550 RPM motor that delivers enough power for most DIY applications. What’s more, it has a 16-position clutch system, as well as a dual-mode transmission to allow for greater control over the drill’s functionality. The ⅜-inch keyless chuck on this drill makes changing the drill bits incredibly easy, thus enhancing your efficiency.

The PP182 is also equipped with LED lighting to allow you to work in dimly lit areas. Additionally, it also has a bubble level indicator to improve your accuracy, as the indicator lets you know whether you have the tool at the correct angle while working.

The Pink Power PP182 is neither rugged nor powerful enough for heavy-duty use. However, it was not designed for that purpose.  It is a small, lightweight, comfortable, easy to use, efficient, and reliable cordless drill that handles most DIY home tasks without a problem.

5. Hitachi 8V Cordless Lithium-Ion Brushless Driver Drill

As a brand, Hitachi is renowned for its high-end, rugged, durable performance tools. If you are looking for a powerful and reliable drill for heavy-duty use, the Hitachi DS18DBFL2S will make an excellent pick.

The DS18DBFL2S is powered by a 3-Amp lithium-ion battery that holds power for an exceptionally long period despite heavy use. It also has an all-metal chuck that makes bit changing a seamless task.

Performance-wise, this cordless drill is as game as they come. It sports a powerful brushless motor that delivers 620 inches per pound of turning torque and up to 1800 RPM. Moreover, it comes with a 22-position clutch setting to allow you to fine-tune this drill to meet the specific requirements of a broad array of projects.

Moreover, thanks to the motor being of the brushless variety, there is less wear and tear on the internal components. This is because motors with brushes cause a great deal of friction during operation. Additionally, this motor features a microchip that facilitates the efficient delivery of current to the engine, thus resulting in increased torque and performance.

The Hitachi DSa8DBFL25 cordless drill sports an ergonomic design for easy handling. It has a soft grip while weighing in at only 3.5 pounds to allow you to handle it for extended periods without fatiguing.

6. PORTER-CABLE Cordless Drill Combo Kit Impact Driver

If you are embarking on a project that requires high-level drilling, you will probably require an impact driver. Porter-Cable had that in mind when they designed this cordless drill and impact driver combo to facilitate an exceptional drilling experience.

A 20V MAX 1.3-amp professional-grade lithium-ion battery powers this unit. This battery not only delivers more runtime than conventional NiCd batteries but is also lighter in weight. As a result, it allows you to work for much longer without taking charging breaks.

The Porter-Cable PCCK604L2 features a compact design on both the drill and impact driver. The drill measures 8.25 inches with a weight of only 3.5 pounds, while the impact driver measures 6.9 inches while weighing 3.3 pounds. Thanks to that design, you can fit the tool in tight or narrow spaces, thereby making it ideal for building shelves and cabinets. Moreover, being lightweight means that it will take longer for fatigue to set in.

This unit is also incredibly user-friendly. It comes with a dual-speed transmission to allow you to change its transmission according to the task. For lighter duties, you can utilize the 0-350 RPM transmission while 0-1500 RPM is suitable for heavy-duty tasks. The impact driver has this technology, too, allowing you to alternate between 0-2800 RPM and 0-3100 RPM.

Changing the bits on this machine is a breeze, thanks to the quick-releasing ¼-inch hex head. In fact, you can change the bit using one hand, thus enhancing your efficiency.

The Porter-Cable PCCK604L2 comes with LED lighting to allow you to use the tool in low-light conditions.

The only issue with this cordless drill is that it could be a little too noisy.

7. Bosch Ps31-2A 12-Volt Max Drill/Driver Kit

The Bosch PS31 is a premium combo of drill and driver. This unit rates highly in every aspect of drill performance, such as functionality, durability, comfort, and reliability.

With its drill-driver combo, the PS31 is a versatile unit that can handle just about any kind of project. To add to that versatility, it features a dual-speed mode of transmission. The 0-350 RPM mode is ideal for thin surfaces, while the 0-1300 RPM transmission comes in handy when drilling thick and hard surfaces such as concrete and metal.

While the 12V 2-amp battery on this unit might not be as long-lasting as we would prefer, it comes with the benefit of charging up fast. Therefore, even when you run out of charge, it will not take long before you are up and running again. Nonetheless, consider purchasing a backup battery to avoid that hassle.

This cordless drill by Bosch features an ergonomic grip to facilitate support and comfort. This allows you to work for longer without compromising your form. It also has LED lighting to make sure that you can work even in dark conditions. However, the ⅜-inch chuck on this drill is quite small.

8. Makita XFD10R 18V Compact Cordless Drill Kit

Makita is renowned for its quality offerings, and this is yet another example of why they deserve their reputation. The Makita XFD10R is a heavy-duty cordless drill that will have your back in all kinds of tough situations. Despite its toughness and durability, it is quite comfortable and easy to use.

For starters, it comes with a powerful 4-pole motor that delivers up to 480 inches per pound of turning torque. Additionally, it supports a dual-transmission mode of 0-600 and 0-1900 RPM. As a result, this drill/driver allows you to handle everything from light-duty to heavy-duty applications with relative ease.

To avoid stalling during operation, this unit comes with a fast-charging lithium-ion battery. Moreover, the battery is equipped with a chip that monitors its voltage, temperature, and other conditions to ensure that it is always in optimal health.

The Makita XFD10R features Extreme Protection Technology that protects the machine from the effects of working in extreme conditions. This makes the XDF10R one of the most rugged cordless drills in production today, with the ability to work under just about any type of condition.

Nonetheless, despite its ruggedness, it is quite comfortable to use. It features an ergonomic handle with a rubberized grip to enhance comfort and grip. Moreover, it is equipped with LED lighting to allow you to work in dimly lit areas.

While the XDF10R’s batteries charge fast, they do not last long. As a result, you might need to have a backup battery.

9. Ryobi P208 One+ 18V Lithium-Ion Drill/Driver

It would be nothing short of a crime if this list did not have a Ryobi product because this manufacturer rarely disappoints with their offerings. The Ryobi P208 is a compact cordless drill with unbelievable performance. It is a great entry-level drill for new users.

This unit runs on a universal 18V lithium-ion battery. This means that it can run on a battery from any other 18V Ryobi power tool. It is also worth noting that it has a fast charging time, in addition to being quite reliable.

The Ryobi P208 is one hell of a performer. It comes with a 24-position clutch system to allow you to adjust across a wide array of surfaces, materials, or projects. In addition, it features a two-speed transmission (0-400 and 0-1600 RPM) to ensure that you can take on most types of projects. Moreover, this cordless drill boasts of a turning torque of 350 inches per pound.

This unit has a striking design that enhances not only its aesthetics, but also its functionality. It is compact to allow you to drill in hard-to-reach places while being lightweight at only 3 pounds to allow you to work for longer without fatigue.

Unfortunately, the charger and battery are sold separately.

10. Milwaukee M18 2-Tool Combo Kit

In another reviewer’s list of best cordless drills, the American-made Milwaukee 2691-22 could easily be their top pick, and it would not be hard to see why. This ultra-rugged drill/driver combo is designed to take on the toughest of jobs with surgical precision. It is an invaluable cordless drill for heavy-duty applications.

For starters, it runs on an 18V REDLITHIUM™ battery that powers a 4-pole brushless motor. Thanks to the efficiency of a brushless motor and the high quality of its battery, the Milwaukee 2691 has one of the longest runtimes of any cordless drill on the market today.

The 4-pole motor delivers an outstanding 500 inch per pound of torque. Additionally, it features a dual-speed transmission consisting of 0-450 RPM and 0-1800 RPM. Consequently, this drill is at home, handling both light-duty DIY work and heavy-duty construction projects. Moreover, the M18’s ¼-inch hex compact impact driver has one of the highest performance-to-size ratios of any impact driver on the market today.

For durability, the M18 features the REDLINK™ Intelligence system that monitors the drill’s internal components to ensure they are always in optimal health. The body, on the other hand, consists of an all-metal kit to ensure that the machine can withstand the rough conditions that come with heavy-duty use.

Despite their effort, the batteries of the M18 do not last long, making it the only drawback to this tool.

Buyer’s Guide – Purchasing the Best Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill

Ensure to consider the following factors before buying a cordless drill to ensure that you make the right decision.

Battery Power and Runtime

Considering that a cordless drill relies on battery power to operate, your ideal drill should have a powerful battery than can keep the tool running for extended periods. Ensure to check out the maximum runtime that a battery offers you.

Variable RPM

Different surfaces require different drilling speeds. Therefore, consider buying a drill with variable speed transmission so that you can work on a wider array of projects.

Torque

Torque is the ultimate measure of power in a drill. Therefore, the higher the torque, the more powerful a drill is. As such, if you are looking to take on heavy-duty applications, ensure that your drill has adequate torque.

Comfort

Since it is a hand-operated tool, you want your drill to have a comfortable grip to allow you to work for longer without fatigue. The size and weight also matter. A compact and lightweight drill allows you to drill in narrow spaces, in addition to delaying the onset of fatigue.

Extra Features

The more features a drill comes with, the more convenience it allows you. Therefore, when evaluating your options, always look out for the features and accessories that a drill comes with.

Warranty

The warranty of a product can tell you a lot about its quality. High-quality products tend to have longer warranties since they are durable.

Conclusion:

Cordless drills are invaluable tools that everyone needs. However, the best battery powered drill is different for everybody. Therefore, ensure that you understand your needs first before you make your purchase. For example, if you are looking for a drill a few holes on your bathroom wall, getting an industrial-grade tool would obviously be overkill.

Most people will find the Black+Decker LDX120C to be the best cordless drill on the market, thanks to its versatility, ease of use, compact design, long-lasting battery, and attractive price point.

The LD120VA by Black+Decker is a powerful, compact, and versatile drill that hits the sweet spot in terms of price and features, making it our best value option.

The other items in these reviews are unlikely to disappoint you either. Also, make sure to consider the tips in our buyer’s guide when you go out shopping so that you can make an informed decision. Good luck!

• See Also: How Long Do Cordless Drill Batteries Last?
• Read Also: 10 Best Cordless Drill Combo Kits
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