Best Cordless Drills of 2021 – Complete Review

| Last Updated: December 30, 2021

Gone are the days when drilling holes took extra effort.

This is the era of power drills and cordless machines. You no longer need to be worried about being restricted by even wires anymore. Just pick a cordless drill, and you’re good to go.

And if you’re confused about which unit to buy, then we’re here for you.

Comparison of the Best Cordless Drills

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • ½ inch compact design for better functionality
  • Provides users with a high power motor with 300 unit watts out
  • Best overall, with a design and a drilling power that is second to none
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  • Runner up unit with features that are almost as good as of the top one
  • High-performance motor to provide you with functioning like never before
  • ½ inch lithium-ion drill and driver model designed to provide great levels of efficiency
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  • Best for the money with a good worth for what you pay
  • Compact and lightweight design that ensures that you get an easy grip and functionality
  • 12-volt cordless drill driver model designed to accomplish the task with great proficiency
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  • Designed with a premium performance to size ratio to ensure the best functionality
  • Best 12 volts cordless drill for moderate tasks around the house and day-to-day use
  • A complete package for you to get all the items that you need for the perfect drilling experience
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  • High-performance DCD771 motor for better functionality
  • Best 20V Cordless drill that is designed for professional usage
  • Complete cordless drill combo kit that comes with 2 tools and accessories
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  • Ideal for use for a great variety of materials
  • 20 volts cordless drill driver unit with a ⅜-inch chuck
  • Best cordless drill under $50 for those who want to save good money
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  • Lithium-ion ½ inch compact design ensures a better functionality
  • Best cordless drill under $100 for those that look for a better package
  • High performance 300 watt motor for a great performance than the rest
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How Many Volts Do I Need? 

When it comes to the voltage for a given cordless drill, it may vary from one model to another. If you are dealing with a smaller, light-duty machine, like a cordless screwdriver, you don’t need higher voltages. About 4 to 8 volts would prove to be just enough. But when it comes to proper drills, those that guarantee satisfaction for all household jobs, you will require one that provides a higher voltage, that of about 12 to 18 volts at least.

It should, however, be kept in mind that as the voltage of a device increases, the battery gets bigger and heavier. So a greater voltage of the drill might affect its handling as well.

How to Choose a Cordless Drill

If you scour the market for cordless drills, you’ll find not a few, but an entire ocean of different types of products. Making your final pick from this list might be an overwhelming decision to make. But what can make the task easier is knowing how to choose the right product for yourself. If you don’t know how, let us help you out with a quick buying guide.

Weight

Drills are known to come with a certain amount of weight. What you need to ensure is that this certain amount is the least possible amount. Investing in a unit that is considerably heavy will only make the drilling job tough for you. So if you don’t want to deal with sore muscles later, it is better to look for a lighter unit.

Greater Versatility

We no longer live in times when a drill was just a drill. Technology has come a long way, and so have its outcomes. There are a number of units out there that provide you with not just one basic feature, but a great list of them. In order to make sure that you get the best out of your device, make sure that you get one that offers you great versatility.

Torque

In case you’re wondering what principle a drill works on, it’s torque. So to ensure that your drill gives you the best performance, the best way to do it is to get one that offers the best torque. The more torque your unit has to offer, the greater its drilling power will be. 

Review of the Best Cordless Drills

With the knowledge of how to pick a cordless drill, you can now finally do what you came here for, pick a drill for yourself! To save you from the painstaking task of combing through a large number of products to find a few good ones, we have listed and reviewed some of the best products for you to pick from.

Best Overall:
Dewalt DCD771C2

DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill/Driver Kit, Includes 2 Batteries and Charger (DCD771C2)

PROS

  • ½ inch ratcheting chuck allows users to maintain a firm and tight grip on the bit
  • Compact design ensures that you reach nook and corners that you couldn’t with other units
  • Allows users to switch between two different speeds, letting them complete a greater variety of tasks
  • Features a design that is enhanced to provide the operator with not just effectiveness, but comfort as well
  • With an initial voltage of 20 volts and a nominal voltage of 18 volts, the unit provides an ideal performance

CONS

  • Backed by very poor customer support that is not satisfactory at all
  • Not powerful enough to be considered for heavy-duty commercial tasks
  • Weighs 3.6 pounds, which may be considerably heavy for some users to operate

What Recent Buyers Report

If you need a better idea about the excellence of this unit, then you need to read what its users have to say about it. Almost everyone that has used it has found it to be an absolute masterpiece in terms of drills. It provides comfort as well as efficiency, and that is all the users can ask for.

Why it Stands Out to Us

For us, too, this cordless drill is no less than a masterpiece. If you ask us why, then there are a lot of features to talk about, but the one that stands out the most to us is its ergonomic design. Such a design allows the users to not only use the drill very comfortably but also allows them a firm grip.

Who Will Use This Most

This unit is one of those that is designed to provide users with a little bit of everything. From power to efficiency, and a good voltage to comfort, this product has everything to offer. For this reason, we consider it to be a perfect unit for just about anyone out there looking for a cordless drill, designed to perfection.

Bottom Line

You asked for the best. Well, here it is. With the outstanding performance that this unit provides, we assure you that there is no other that works better than this. It has everything a user could possibly ask for, which is why it stands to be our top-rated product for this list.

Runner-up:
 PORTER-CABLE PCC601LB

PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX* Cordless Drill/Driver, 1/2-Inch, Tool Only (PCC601LB)

PROS

  • Lightweight design allows you to handle it without any great effort
  • ½ inch keyless chuck is designed to provide you with greater performance
  • Features a 2-speed gearbox that allows you to switch between 0-350 RPM 0-1500 RPM
  • With the compact size, you can ensure that it reaches into every place that you want to use it at
  • Experience the power of 283 units watts out with the high-efficiency motor this unit is equipped with

CONS

  • When the trigger is released suddenly, it tends to get very noisy
  • Users may experience some trouble with the switch that may not turn on, on the first try
  • Does not come with a storage bag that could be very useful for keeping away the drill when not in use

What Recent Buyers Report

According to recent buyers, you should not waste your time on any other device and invest in this unit right away. They claim that it has been the ideal pick for them, providing them with functionality that they couldn’t be happier about. For them, it provides just the right amount of power to get the job done, without draining the battery too fast.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We love almost all the features that this unit has in store for its users, but what stands out the most for us is the lightweight design that makes the job so much easier. With this model, users do not need to worry about tiring themselves out just by holding up the drill into position.

Who Will Use This Most

This unit is one that is designed with a high power motor and two different speeds. This would allow it to carry out a greater number of tasks. Thus, we find it to be ideal for all those users looking for a cordless drill to help them around the house with multiple tasks.

Bottom Line

The final word on this unit is that it is absolutely perfect. So if you have a bone to pick with our top product, then we suggest that you go for this one instead. It has all the features that you want to get the job done, and they are all designed to ensure that you do not get disappointed.

Best for the Money:
TACKLIFE 12V Cordless Drill

PROS

  • Lithium-ion battery is 2000mAh with a smart management system
  • Comes with a big torque that allows to clum the bits tighter for better results
  • Designed ergonomically to ensure that you do not find yourself in discomfort while handling it
  • Compact, lightweight design ensures not only easier handling but also a greater reach for the unit
  • Gives the users a 2-year limited warranty that allows greater customer satisfaction in case of any issues

CONS

  • May be a little tricky to use when dealing with heavier tasks
  • Light turns off right after drilling, not allowing a better look
  • Does not feature enough power for heavy commercial tasks and is good only for light drilling jobs

What Recent Buyers Report

Those who have recently invested in this unit find it to be a great investment of money. In fact, they believe no other would provide them with a better value for money than this one does. Not only does it provide an ideal functionality, but it does so with great comfort and budget.

Why it Stands Out to Us

For users, what seems to stand out is its outstanding price point, but we think a little differently. What strikes us more is its 2000 mAh battery. This lithium-ion battery not only allows it to work for longer, but also charges considerably faster than other units, and that is what we think matters the most.

Who Will Use This Most

This is a 12-volt unit that provides good torque and battery at a price that is extremely affordable. This makes this product ideal for those who are looking for a cordless drill to use around the house but do not want to spend too much. It would allow them to experience the best of cordless drills, without compromising on the budget.

Bottom Line

All in all, if you want a product that gives you a run for your money, then this is the one you want to invest in. It allows you to stay within your budget and experience the features of a high-end drill. From functionality to design, everything is top-notch. What more can we ask for?

Best 12v Cordless Drill:
Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit - PS31-2A

BOSCH PS31-2A 12V Max 3/8 Inch Drill/Driver Kit with (2) 2 Ah Batteries and Charger, Variable Speed

PROS

  • Provides users with 20+1 clutch settings, allowing a drill of great precision
  • At two pounds, it is considerably lighter than most units available in the market
  • Being rated at 265 in. pounds of torque, this unit can also be used for professional tasks
  • Can be used for a number of materials such as drywall, wood or even those as hard as metal
  • With two different speeds to switch between, the drill allows the users a greater versatile use

CONS

  • Adjusting the positions of a few parts may be tough due to the stiff design 
  • The soft case that it provides for the drill is not as good as it is advertised to be
  • Pulling out the battery from the model itself can prove to be a tough task to accomplish

What Recent Buyers Report

Users, be it professional ones or otherwise, have found this unit to be highly operational and efficient at its job. It has definitely impressed the users with its great functionality and features that ensure the completion of all types of jobs, with no extra effort required.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This unit has a lot to offer. It is absolutely packed with features designed to impress the users, but what really impressed us is the durability that it provides. It is geared with a Bosch 12V battery that features two 12V lithium-ion batteries to ensure that you experience a better runtime.

Who Will Use This Most

One of the best features of this unit is its performance to size ratio that allows it to deliver great power, without being too heavy to handle. This particular feature makes it absolutely perfect for electricians, plumbers, and contractors who have to frequently use these machines to get heavy jobs done.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been searching for a good quality 12-volt cordless drill, then do not waste any more time. We assure you that this product is the best of its type. With a great number of features and accessories, you will surely have everything that you could ask for with a good 12V drill.

Best 20v Cordless Drill:
DEWALT DCK240C2

DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver, Power Tool Combo Kit with 2 Batteries and Charger (DCK240C2)

PROS

  • Equipped with an LED light for great illumination and convenience for users
  • Ergonomic grip allows users to maintain their own comfort while completing the task
  • Allows users to choose from a wider range of speed settings as compared to other products
  • Powerful 300-watt motor ensures that the users do not need to put in extra effort for heavier tasks
  • Inclusive package provides you with all the tools and accessories that you need to get the job done

CONS

  • LED is not bright enough to provide sufficient illumination
  • Considerably more expensive than other similar products
  • When dealing with bigger jobs, the battery tends to drain faster

What Recent Buyers Report

Those who have invested in this unit will tell you that it is a high-end unit that provides the best of all features. From the perfect design to a comfortable grip, it has everything to offer, and to impress its users. For this reason, they recommend it to anyone looking for a great 20V cordless drill

Why it Stands Out to Us

There are a number of features that we think make this unit worthy of being on this list, but the one that stands out the most is the 300-watt motor that it is equipped with. Such a motor ensures that the users do not need to put in extra efforts for heavier tasks and get the job done with no hassles.

Who Will Use This Most

Like we just said, this unit allows the users to drill through harder objects with lesser efforts. This feature can relieve long term users from the pain that standard drills give them from doing heavier tasks. This makes it ideal for all those that use these drills professionally for a longer period of time and suffer from chronic pain.

Bottom Line

All in all, this unit is the best 20v product that you are going to find in the market. Not only does it provide an ergonomic grip, but it also has a comfortable use with no extra force from your end. With this, you can rest assured that this is a cordless drill that does the whole job by itself, without requiring any effort from you.

Best Cordless Drill Under $50:
BLACK+DECKER LDX120C

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Driver, 3/8 Inch, With LED Work Light, Battery and Charger Included (LDX120C)

PROS

  • 11-position clutch allows greater precision for users than any other product
  • Lithium-ion technology not only makes the unit lighter but also gives it better runtime
  • Lightweight and compact to ensure it reaches all the tight corners, and it does so easily
  • Can be used for wood, metal, plastic and almost all tasks that are meant for a screwdriver
  • Allows users to switch between different speeds that allow countersinking without causing any damage to the material

CONS

  • Lacks an ergonomic design to provide a comfortable functionality
  • Does not provide enough power to make it good for heavy-duty use
  • Chuck is not reliable with holding the bit which may fall time and again

What Recent Buyers Report

If you had to read what recent users think about this unit, then you too would be convinced to invest in it. According to the users, it is a unit that not only saves them money but also provides functionality and performance that is just as good as any other high-end unit.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This unit allows the users to switch between a great number of speeds. Such a feature allows the countersinking of the device, all the while ensuring that no sort of damage is dealt with the material. Therefore, we think that this unit deserves a place on this list, along with all the other top-rated products.

Who Will Use This Most

This is a unit that comes at an extremely low price, with all the high-end features that you would find in a pricey cordless drill. This makes it ideal for all those looking for a cordless drill to provide them with the perfect functionality, but do not have a greater budget to spare for it.

Bottom Line

We assure you that the low price of this unit will not let you down with cheap features. It may go light on your pocket, but it still requires no compromise on the features that it provides. Such a unit is ideally designed to impress its users, and that is exactly what it does.

Best Cordless Drill Under $100:
Dewalt DCD771C2

DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill/Driver Kit, Includes 2 Batteries and Charger (DCD771C2)

PROS

  • Features an ergonomic design that ensures your comfort above all
  • ½-inch sized chuck ensures that you can keep a firm grip on the bit
  • With the compact design, you will be sure to reach all the nooks and corners in the house
  • Provides an initial voltage of 20 volts and a nominal voltage of 18 volts for ideal functionality
  • Lets you switch between two different speeds to ensure that you can get greater uses out of it

CONS

  • May not be powerful enough to be used for heavier jobs
  • Unit may prove to be considerably heavier than the rest, making it harder to use
  • Manufacturers do not provide sufficient and satisfactory customer care in case of problems

What Recent Buyers Report

This is one of those units that users find nothing bad to say about. Everyone that has used this model has only sung its praises and commented on its absolute excellence. With its high functionality and comfort of use, it has managed to impress all of its users greatly.

Why it Stands Out to Us

If we had to single out one of the many features that this unit provides, we would choose its comfort of use. It not only allows you to maintain a firm and comfortable grip over the device itself, but also a good grip over the bit, which makes the use considerably easier.

Who Will Use This Most

This is a unit that comes with a great set of features and would prove to be an ideal investment for everyone. However, it is not as cheap as the last product. Therefore, we consider this to be a better unit only for those that can spare themselves a slightly greater budget for a cordless drill.

Bottom Line

If you’re speaking of the best, you might as well mention this unit. It has a whole list of features to impress its users, out of which its ergonomic design and reliable functionality win over the rest. No other unit would provide you with such excellent features at such a reasonable price.

Best Cordless Drill for Ice Auger:
Milwaukee 2704-22 M18

Milwaukee 2704-22 M18 Fuel 1/2' Hammer Drill/Driver Kit

PROS

  • With three different modes of use, you can find greater use for your device
  • Metal casing construct makes it highly durable, and good to last for a longer time
  • Lightweight design makes it extremely easy to handle and hold in place while working
  • Designed to provide easy use for everyone, including those who have never used it before
  • Ergonomic design is easy as well as comfortable to hold, ensuring better use of the product

CONS

  • May not be perfect to be used for heavy-duty jobs
  • Dovetail is quite weak and may break with rough usage
  • Some users might find the metal stripping off of the casing

What Recent Buyers Report

According to those that have recently invested in this unit and tried it for themselves, it is one of the best units one could invest in. Users say it has the perfect design and functionality and works just the way they had expected it to. Such an ideal unit, for them, is hard to miss out on.

Why it Stands Out to Us

Of all the reasons this unit gives us for it to be our favorite, what stands out to us is the metal case design. A drill needs to go through some rough use, and this model is designed to ensure that it does so for a long period of time without wearing out too much.

Who Will Use This Most

This unit can be used for a number of reasons, but one that we find the most appropriate for it, given its features, is for those who go ice fishing. If you, too, love the activity and need a cordless drill for an ice auger, then we can assure you that this is the best one for you.

Bottom Line

This may be the last product on the list, but it is definitely not the least. It is designed with an ideal functionality and design that does nothing but impress. With all the features that it has, there is no way you would be disappointed with it. So waste no more time and invest in this unit right away.

Best 18v Cordless Drill:
Bosch Power Tools Drill Driver Kit DDB181-02

Bosch Power Tools Drill Driver Kit DDB181-02 - 18V Cordless Drill/Driver Tool Set with 2 Lithium Ion Batteries, 18 Volt Charger, & Soft Carry Contractor Bag

PROS

  • Has a compact design that allows it to reach the tightest of spaces
  • With 350 pounds of optimized torque, it provides great speed and power 
  • With two speeds to switch between, users can find a great number of uses
  • Lightweight design allows users to use the drill easily with no trouble holding it in place
  • Equipped with an LED light that allows better illumination of the spot that has to be drilled

CONS

  • ½ inch chuck on this unit is not as good as it is for other units
  • Not designed for long time use, and may wear out in a little over a year
  • No fuel gauge for the battery that would help determine how much longer it would last

What Recent Buyers Report

Users have reported that this unit is nothing less than absolute perfection. Some have used it for heavy-duty tasks, while others used it for lighter jobs. But all of them found its working to be the same. It was nothing less than absolutely proficient. Its design and functionality have managed to impress its users completely.

Why it Stands Out to Us

If you ask us why this unit deserves a place on this list, the answer would be simple. It has a great number of features, but the convenience that it offers beats all others. It is equipped with an LED light that works to illuminate the area of drilling, making the jobs considerably easier for the users.

Who Will Use This Most

The most commonly available drills in the market are those of 12 volts. Finding an 18 volt unit with good functionality can prove to be a great task. But this unit makes that task easier. It is perfect for those that have failed to find a good 18-volt drill as this functions better than all others.

Bottom Line

No matter it is for professional use or that at home, you will find that this cordless drill provides the ideal experience in either case. It functions not only efficiently, but also comfortably, ensuring your convenience at every point. Can we really ask for more?

Best Cordless Hammer Drill:
Milwaukee 2607-20

PROS

  • All-metal gear casing ensures a strong built that is designed to last over time
  • Comes with an LED light to keep your work illuminated for a better idea and precision
  • Allows users to manipulate harder materials like softwood, hardwood, masonry and some of the metals too
  • Features three different drilling modes that you can switch between, including driving, drilling and hammer drilling
  • With the ambidextrous belt clip, you do not need to worry about being left-handed or right-handed, since both work well

CONS

  • May be on a constant clutch mode that may be hard to change
  • Users may notice that the chuck doesn’t tighten around the bit very well
  • Weighs considerably more than a standard unit and may prove to be a little hard to handle for some users

What Recent Buyers Report

For those that have recently invested in this unit, no other unit that they used before worked as good as this one does. This goes to say that it is considerably better than all others. Users find no bone to pick with this model, saying that does for them all that they could ask for from a cordless hammer drill.

Why it Stands Out to Us

One of the reasons that we think this unit stands out more than any other is the hammer drilling feature that it provides. Most drills only allow a driving and drilling mode; it has something extra for its users. The addition of a mode in the product can allow a greater number of uses for it.

Who Will Use This Most

A lot of users look for a drill that can give them more than just the standard driving and drilling modes, but not a lot of them do. And even if they do, they are not as efficient as this one. Thus, we think that it is absolutely perfect for everyone that is looking for a cordless hammer drill.

Bottom Line

Why be stuck with less, when you can get more from your cordless drill, like this one? It will allow you not only the comfort and functionality that you look for but also an additional mode, which will allow you to put your cordless drill to more uses.

Types of Cordless Drills

If you think that all cordless drills are the same, then we have some news for you. These units, in fact, come in different variations and offer different uses. In order to help you understand these types better, here is a small overview of each type.

Cordless Drill Drivers

If you are looking for the most common type of cordless drill, then this is it. It usually provides users with two different modes, a drilling and driving mode. They come with either ⅜ or ½ inch chucks and are perfect for any sort of use around the house.

Wireless Compact Drills

These drills are a smaller version of the normal drill driver type. They usually feature a smaller size and are considerably lighter in weight. While they may be extremely easy to use, they are often not found to be very suitable for heavy-duty tasks.

Hammer Drills 

Unlike the drill driver model that provides the users with two different modes, this one has one additional mode, the hammer drilling mode. This is considered to be more powerful than the other two types, and can be used for any sort of light and heavy work and can be used for various materials.

Conclusion

Cordless drills are one of the most useful products that you will find in the market. For professional use or use at home, one can find a great number of tasks for it. All you need to do is make the right considerations and pick the right unit for yourself. This will make any task considerably easier for you.

People Also Ask

There are always some questions left in the minds of users. And to ensure the perfect use, it is important to have these questions cleared. In order to ensure that you, too, are left with no questions, here are some of the queries that are frequently made by users.

What is a Good Torque For a Cordless Drill?

Different drills are designed to provide you with different torque, and the torque itself determines the power of the drill. The amount of torque required from a drill depends upon the task that is required of it. Those that need a heavier use from the drill require a greater torque. But for lighter use, a lesser torque would work just fine.

Are Cordless Drills as Good as Corded Drills?

Cordless drills and corded drills both have their own unique features. There are some things that one is good at and vice versa. While a cordless drill allows you no limitations of cord and great convenience, a corded drill will provide you with greater power. It is up to you to determine which feature you need more.

Are Cordless Drill Batteries Interchangeable?

No, the batteries used in cordless are not interchangeable between two different brands. The different batteries from different brands are geared differently, and they work differently, too. This is why batteries from one brand of a cordless drill will not be suitable for use for another one.