8 Best Drill Bits for Porcelain Tile in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

Porcelain tile is attractive and inexpensive. It’s also quite durable and will likely last many years. However, putting a hole in it for pipes can be difficult because it cracks and shatters easily. So, if you are looking to make a hole in your tile but aren’t sure which drill bits are best, keep reading as we provide reviews of the top brands, along with the pros and cons of each so you can see the differences between them. There’s also a buyer’s guide of things to look for to help you make an informed purchase.

A Quick Comparison of Our Winners of 2023

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		BOSCH HDG14 1/4 In. Diamond Hole Saw	Vacuum-brazed diamond grit Segmented teeth Quick-change adapter	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		QWORK 5 Pcs Set	U-groove Anti-skid handle Low cost	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Drilax Diamond Drill Bit Diamond Hole Saw	Several pieces Smooth surface Carrying case	CHECK PRICE
		NEIKO 00823A Diamond Hole Saw	Electroplated diamond surface Solid steel construction Easy removal	CHECK PRICE
		Baban Diamond Drill Bits	Several bits High-speed steel	CHECK PRICE

The 8 Best Drill Bits for Porcelain Tile

1. BOSCH HDG14 1/4 In. Diamond Hole Saw — Best Overall

The BOSCH HDG14 1/4 In. Diamond Hole Saw is our pick as the best overall drill bit for porcelain tile. It has a vacuum-brazed diamond grip tip, which helps it easily cut through porcelain tile, leaving a smooth hole. The segmented teeth help reduce debris and heat, increasing lifespan, and the bit even includes a quick-change adapter to help speed up the time that it takes to change bits.

The only downside is that it can be slow to cut through the tile, requiring longer than more expensive brands.

2. QWORK 5 Pcs Set — Best Value

The QWORK 5 Pcs Set is our pick as the best drill bit for porcelain tile for the money. The pack comes with five bits, so you’re more likely to find the size that you need, and the U-groove helps remove dust while keeping the temperatures down. The anti-skid handle helps reduce slippage while working, for more efficient cutting action.

The QWORK is a great value, but the carbide tips are not as long-lasting as diamond ones, so you won’t be able to make many holes before you need a replacement.

3. Drilax Diamond Drill Bit Diamond Hole Saw — Premium Choice

The Drilax Diamond Drill Bit Diamond Hole Saw is our premium choice. The pack comes with 10 bits and is more than suitable for most home jobs. The thick diamond coating creates holes with a smooth surface fairly quickly, and the bit has a long lifespan that can make several cuts in the tile before you need a new one. It also comes with a handy carrying case that will keep the bits in good shape while you store them.

The only problem is that these bits are expensive and might be too many if you need only one or two holes.

4. NEIKO 00823A Diamond Hole Saw

The NEIKO 00823A Diamond Hole Saw is a multi-piece set with several bits to help you create a properly sized hole in your porcelain tile. The CNC machined tip is smooth and accurate, with an electroplated surface that won’t wear out. The bits are easy to remove and have a solid steel construction.

The only downside is that cutting through the tile is a little slow.

5. Baban Diamond Drill Bits

Baban Diamond Drill Bits are great drill bits for any home workshop. They are made of high-speed steel to help keep temperatures down while increasing lifespan. Each bit has a high-quality diamond coating that helps produce a smooth cut through porcelain tile and many other hard materials.

The downside to the Baban brand is that it doesn’t come with a carrying case to hold the bits when you aren’t using them. Also, the drill bits are slow to cut through tile.

6. BLENDX Diamond Drill Bits

BLENDX Diamond Drill Bits are attractive chrome bits that will look great in any workshop. They are perfect for many surfaces, including porcelain tile. Its construction includes high-speed steel that helps keep temperatures down, and each bit is nickel plated to help prevent rust. The bits also have a thick diamond coating at the tip to help extend life.

The downside to the BLENDX is that there’s no center bit to help you get started, and they wear out quite quickly after only a few holes.

7. DEWALT Tile Drill Bit, Diamond Tip

The DeWalt Tile Drill bit is a fantastic bit by a company known for making great tools. It has a reverse spiral thread that helps deliver water to the project while you’re using it and the core ejection slide helps remove the plug so you can make holes faster. It has a welded diamond tip, which helps increase durability.

The downside to the DeWalt bit is that it tends to move along the surface slightly when getting started, making it harder to make accurate holes. We also found that it gets dull after just a few cuts.

8. SHDIATOOL Diamond Core Drill Bits

SHDIATOOL Diamond Core Drill Bits are attractive and effective. You get a two-pack, so you can work longer, and the vacuum-brazed diamond surface cuts through tile quickly and the wax center helps reduce temperatures while you work. Despite the hollow core, the bit remains stable and won’t bend while using it.

The downside to this brand is that there are no grooves to help remove material, and the diamond surface wears off after just a few cuts.

Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Drill Bit for Porcelain Tile

Consider Your Project

Before you purchase drill bits for porcelain tile, we recommend taking the time to consider how much work you will need to do with them. If you only need to make one or two holes, you won’t need a large set. However, if many areas in your home have porcelain tile, you may be better off with several bits to make a range of hole sizes.

Tip Material

In almost every case, a diamond tip is what you’ll need to cut through porcelain tile effectively. Diamond is extremely hard and can get through the tile and produce a smooth cut. It also tends to last longer than other drilling materials. However, if you are on a tight budget and only need one or two holes, a tungsten carbide bit can help you get the job done.

How to Make Better Holes in Porcelain Tile

Conclusion

When choosing a drill bit for porcelain tile, we highly recommend our pick as the best overall, as the BOSCH HDG14 1/4 In. Diamond Hole Saw is perfect for a small job. It’s a durable bit that will last for several cuts and has a quick-change adapter that helps speed up bit changes. Another great option is our pick as the best value. The QWORK 5 Pcs Set is ideal if you need to make several cuts but want to keep the cost down. Each bit in the five-piece set has a U-groove that helps remove material while keeping the bit cool.

Featured Image Credit: Russ Ward, Unsplash