Cordless Drill Buying Guide
A cordless drill is one of the most-used tools in a home workshop, which makes it worth taking a little time to understand the specs before buying one. Here is what actually matters.
Voltage Class
Cordless drills are commonly sold in 12V, 18V, and 20V (max) classes, among others. Lower-voltage drills are lighter and more compact, which suits smaller jobs, light assembly, and tighter spaces. Higher-voltage drills deliver more power and torque, making them better suited to drilling larger holes, driving longer screws, or working with denser materials. For most household use, mid-range voltage strikes a reasonable balance between power and manageable weight.
Brushless vs. Brushed Motors
Brushed motors are the older, simpler technology and tend to come in less expensive drills. Brushless motors run cooler, last longer since there are no brushes to wear down, and generally deliver more efficient power for a given battery charge, which translates into better runtime and often a more compact tool for the same output. Brushless drills cost more upfront but are usually worth it for anyone using a drill regularly rather than occasionally.
Chuck Size
Chuck size determines the largest bit shank the drill can hold. A 3/8-inch chuck is common on lighter-duty drills and covers most household drilling and driving needs. A 1/2-inch chuck accepts larger bits and is generally found on higher-torque drills meant for heavier work. Check that the chuck is keyless for quick bit changes, which is standard on nearly all modern drills.
Torque Settings
Most cordless drills include an adjustable clutch with multiple torque settings, letting you dial down the power for driving screws without stripping them or damaging the material, and dial it up for drilling. A wider range of settings gives more control across different tasks, from delicate work on soft wood to driving screws into denser material.
Battery Platform Compatibility
Most brands sell batteries and chargers as part of a wider tool platform, meaning one battery can often power a drill, an impact driver, and other tools in the same lineup. If you already own tools from a particular brand, buying a drill on the same battery platform can save money over time and reduce the number of chargers and batteries you need to keep track of. If starting from scratch, it is worth considering which platform has the range of tools you are likely to want down the road.
Product Comparison: Top Cordless Drills
Cordless drill choice often comes down to battery platform as much as the drill itself. These models represent some of the most established options.
| Product | Best For | Why It Stands Out |
|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Drill/Driver | Best Overall | One of DeWalt’s most recommended starter cordless drills, built on the widely supported 20V MAX battery platform. |
| Makita XFD131 18V LXT Drill/Driver | Best Battery Ecosystem | Runs on Makita’s LXT platform, one of the largest cordless tool ecosystems, which is a real advantage if you plan to add more tools later. |
| Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2803-20 Drill/Driver | Premium Pick | Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel brushless drill is frequently cited for strong torque and runtime, aimed at frequent or professional use. |
| Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Drill/Driver | Best Value | Ryobi’s ONE+ platform is known for an affordable entry point and one of the widest ranges of compatible tools on a single battery. |
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Bottom Line
For most home use, a mid-voltage, brushless drill with a keyless 3/8-inch chuck and a handful of torque settings covers the vast majority of tasks. Heavier or more frequent use justifies stepping up in voltage and chuck size, while occasional light use can get by with a smaller, lighter drill. Whichever specs you land on, an extra battery is often a worthwhile add-on so a dead pack never brings a project to a halt.
