Best Overall
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hammer Drill/Driver Kit
HOME DEPOT
Why You Should Get It: The battery had a full charge even after going through testing. Our tester also felt that it was easy to use.
Keep in Mind: Testers noted that the clutch had some trouble engaging with small screws.
Whether you’re working in a construction setting or on advanced DIY projects, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2904-22 is the best we tested. This hammer drill features a contemporary brushless motor and has a long-lasting battery you’re sure to appreciate.
As you might expect from a hammer drill, the M18 is heavy, at about 5 pounds. However, our tester noted that they found it to have particularly good ergonomics and balance, which made the drill comfortable to use for long sessions in spite of its significant weight.
Our tester was impressed with the M18’s battery pack, which remained fully charged after 50 minutes of intensive use. Their only frustration with the drill came from its clutch, which failed to engage on small screws with softer materials—an issue that could prove problematic with drywall jobs, where the papery surface’s tension contributes to the drywall’s structural integrity. Still, they noted this isn’t what they’d be buying such a heavy duty drill for.
Product Details: Voltage: 18/20 volt | Brushed or Brushless Motor: Brushless | Battery: 5 amp-hour battery | Chuck Size: 1/2 inch | Weight: 4 pounds and 13 ounces
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Key Terms to Know
- Brushed Motor: A cordless drill with a brushed motor will apply all of its force, regardless of the project.
- Brushless Motor: If a model has a brushless motor, that means it'll adjust its force to the project you're working on.
Best Budget
Ridgid Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
AMAZON
Why You Should Get It: The light-duty drill is compact enough for small spaces. There’s also an LED light that’s bright enough for crawl spaces and tricky corners.
Keep in Mind: Our tester found that this drill stalled when using bits around the 1 1/2-inch range.
Our top pick for DIYers looking for value and performance is the Ridgid R86001K Cordless Drill/Driver Kit. The light-duty drill is compact and features an LED light that makes it easy to finish projects in small, hard-to-reach spots.
Our tester found that this compact brushed motor drill was successful at driving lag screws and drilling holes of all sizes. However, when our tester drilled 2.5-inch deep holes into concrete, the drill did take some time, as it only completed five holes in about a minute.
Our tester noted that the drill began to stall out with bits at 1 1/2 inches. With that being said, the Ridged has sufficient torque for drilling pilot holes, driving smaller fasteners, and digging out some harder materials, so it’s a good choice for putting together furniture or installing hardware around the home.
The Ridgid R86001K comes with an efficient carrying case and sports a bright LED light that impressed our tester with its illumination and coverage. When it came to ergonomics, our tester found that the drill was comfortable for long-term use as well.
Product Details: Voltage: 18/20 volt | Brushed or Brushless Motor: Brushed | Battery: 2 amp-hour battery | Chuck Size: 1/2 inch | Weight: 3 pounds and 8 ounces
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Best Splurge
DEWALT 20-Volt Drill/Driver Kit
AMAZON
Why You Should Get It: With a premium brushless motor, two included batteries, and an adjustable LED
light that can double as a flashlight.
Keep in Mind: The clutch wasn't sensitive enough for lightweight screws and may be too powerful for regular household use.
If you’re looking to invest in a drill, look no further than this model from Dewalt. The drill comes with two batteries, a charger, and a carrying case, so you’ll have everything you need to power it and keep track of all of its accessories. Our tester appreciated the drill’s light, which can be positioned and pointed to illuminate whatever project you’re working on.
During testing, the Dewalt XR drilled 2.5-inch holes into concrete at about 6.5 seconds per hole, which speaks to the significant overall power of this drill. Our tester found that it was powerful enough to drive a half-inch lag into the wood without a pilot hole, and noted the drill had no trouble with any screw or bit they tried. Its chuck was also successful at grasping and driving both large and fine bits.
We found that the clutch wasn't sensitive enough for smaller screws, offering more power than necessary for detailed jobs. However, this is made up for somewhat by the sensitivity of the trigger, which they found easy to feather between different speeds when working with small screws.
Product Details: Voltage: 18/20 volt | Brushed or Brushless Motor: Brushless | Battery: DCBP034 Dewalt powerstack batteries | Chuck Size: 1/2 inch | Weight: 3 pounds and 10 ounces
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Best Battery
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Drill/Driver Kit
ACME TOOLS
Why You Should Get It: Our tester appreciated that it was a compact and powerful option.
Keep in Mind: The thick, triangular handle may be difficult for some people to grip.
Two battery packs are better than one, especially when they’re designed and weighted for different uses. That’s what makes this Milwaukee model well worth considering. The M12’s 2-amp battery gives the drill a smaller and lighter profile that’s easy to fit into small spaces, while the 4-amp battery gives you all the power you could need for mixing, and holds out for the finish line.
“It's nice to have the lighter ones, especially if you're doing a lot of drilling, because it's a lot of extra weight on your wrist,” says Newell.
The M12 isn’t all about its batteries, however. The 12-volt drill drives screws with an authority that’s similar to what you’d expect from an 18/20 volt. According to our tester, the drill delivers so much force that you could end up spraining your wrist if it stops suddenly.
Our tester found that lags and 1-inch holes were not an issue. They also noted that the drill was even capable of 1.5-inch holes with a spade bit, though it did stall on occasion. Testers were overall impressed with the drill’s performance, especially since it has such a compact size.
The chuck was particularly well calibrated, grasping even the smallest bit without trouble. However, like many other drills we tested, the drill’s clutch did run into some trouble with tiny brass screws and occasionally broke them or drove them too far.
During testing, it was noted that the drill’s triangular handle was comfortable for our tester to use, however they did speculate that the thick, triangular shape may not work for everyone. Otherwise, our tester felt that the responsive trigger, LED lighting, and an easy-to-use switch for speeds made this pick user-friendly.
Product Details: Voltage: 12 volts | Brushed or Brushless Motor: Brushless | Battery: 2 amp-hour battery and 4 amp-hour battery | Chuck Size: 1/2 inch | Weight: 2 pounds and 8 ounces
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Best Lightweight
Bosch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
AMAZON
Why You Should Get It: It comes with two batteries and features a responsive clutch that works well with driving smaller screws.
Keep in Mind: The drill stalled frequently on tougher substances and heavier gauge bits.
If you prefer a lightweight option, this Bosch PS31-2A is for you. The cordless drill is just over 2 pounds, which could be easier for some to use.
Our tester found that the PS31-2A delivers decent power and excellent precision. The combination makes it a great choice for driving screws, especially since it has a clutch that's sensitive to setting screws at the correct depth.
Due to the 3/8-inch chuck, the driver is incompatible with some larger bits. However, it makes up for that with a responsive clutch that our tester felt worked perfectly. It’s a feature that stands out, as many of the more powerful drills that were tested were less responsive when using light gauge screws and had a tendency to drive them too far.
According to our tester, a built-in LED light, a carrying case, and a trigger that’s sensitive to feathering make the PS31-2A one of our top picks. Plus, our tester found the triangular handle to be comfortable, even if it may be a little too large for some users.
Product Details: Voltage: 12 volt | Brushed or Brushless Motor: Brushed | Battery: 1.3 amp-hour | Chuck Size: 3/8 inch | Weight: 2 pounds and 1 ounce
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Best Accessories
DeWalt 5-in-1 Cordless Drill
LOWES
Why You Should Get It: It comes with four different attachments, so you can choose which one suits the project you’re doing best.
Keep In Mind: It’s not ideal for heavy-duty jobs.
The Dewalt Xtreme 5-in-1 DCD703F1 is our choice if you’re working on a variety of projects. The drill comes with four attachments, so you can transition from one task to the next with ease. Plus, it features a handy bag that consolidates these accessories for storage.
The cordless drill comes with a hex right angle attachment, a hex quick release offset accessory, a hex quick release add-on, and a ratcheting chuck attachment. Each can be mounted onto the head at 360 degrees.
The Xtreme 5-in-1 is handy, that’s for sure, but it’s also powerful. While its 10.8/12-volt power won’t match an 18-volt style, its brushless motor still does an excellent job at driving screws and drilling. Our tester found the drill to be effective at drilling up to 1 1/2-inch spades, and seating 5/8-inch fasteners, both of which made the Dewalt stall. You won’t want to pick this drill for drilling into concrete, but it’s a great pick for driving standard screws.
With an LED light that fires on when the trigger is pulled, a comfy grip, and a balanced profile, it’s a well-made drill that our tester found to be an excellent pick both as a primary drill for homeowners that get deep into DIY projects and pros who need versatility.
Product Details: Voltage: 10.8/12 volt | Brushed or Brushless Motor: Brushless | Battery: 2 amp-hour battery | Chuck Size: 3/8 inch | Weight: 2 pounds and 9 ounces
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Best Compact
Bosch 18-Volt Cordless Drill
AMAZON
Why You Should Get It: This drill has an extra sensitive clutch that ensures you won’t overdrive a screw. It also comes with two batteries.
Keep In Mind: This model stalled on tougher jobs with a spade bit.
The Bosch GSR18V-190B22 is a highly sensitive compact drill that still packs an 18/20 volt brushed motor. Delivering many of the details you’d expect in a standard size, this compact is distinguished by its clutch, which our tester found to be sensitive enough to drive screws into lightweight materials with no issue.
The drill is ideal for installing thin fasteners into drywall without punching through the surface or for drilling into plywood, thanks to its good balance of sensitivity and power.
We found that the GSR18V had no trouble driving any of the hardware during testing and could sink even larger lags without stalling. The drill only began stalling with the spade bit, but we found we were still able to get through the 2 x 4 regardless. It did a middling job drilling into concrete, where it took about five seconds on each 2.5-inch hole.
As far as ergonomics, the drill is comfy to hold and use. It’s somewhat weighty for its size, but we found the weight to be well-balanced and stable.
The GSR18V also ships with two lithium-ion batteries, making it a versatile pick that you can use all day. With its remarkably sensitive clutch, two batteries, and 18-volt power in a compact pick, it offers all the performance a DIY builder could need and might do a good enough job for some contractors. Among compact cordless drills, it’s the best for power.
Product Details: Voltage: 18/20 volt | Brushed or Brushless Motor: Brushed | Battery: Two 1.5 amp-hour batteries | Chuck Size: 1/2 inch | Weight: 3 pounds and 8 ounces
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Best Heavy Duty
DEWALT 20-Volt Hammer Drill
AMAZON
Why You Should Get It: This is a true hammer drill that has no trouble digging into cement and wood, making it a good fit for contractors and construction workers, and can go all day.
Keep In Mind: This 18/20 volt has so much power that it overpowers the clutch at some speeds and may require feathering for delicate work.
If you’re working on heavy-duty projects, the Dewalt XR DCD996P2 is our pick. This 18/20 volt brushless drill can drill through asphalt and wood alike. Plus, it has a decent touch with placing fasteners even if its torque can prove too much for its clutch.
A proper hammer drill, the XR drilled into concrete remarkably quickly, drilling five holes in only 20 seconds. Our tester found the drill capable of boring through wood and driving fasteners reliably well, even splitting a board when a 5/8-inch lag bottomed out.
It’s worth noting that our tester found that this high power meant that the drill often drove smaller hardware too far into surfaces before the clutch engaged—at least at lower speeds—and that the clutch did a better job activating at medium and high speeds. Altogether, they found that the drill had too much power for the clutch to activate when using the smallest of screws and required feathering to be able to get the job done. Thankfully, the drill’s trigger is highly responsive and is fully capable of sensitive feathering work.
The Dewalt XR comes with two batteries and is built for all day use as you can charge one battery while you drill with the next.
Product Details: Voltage: 18/20 volt | Brushed or Brushless Motor: Brushless | Battery: Two 5 amp-hour batteries | Chuck Size: 1/2 inch | Weight: 4 pounds and 14 ounces
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Best for Homeowners
DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Drill/Driver
TOOLBARN
Why You Should Get It: This subcompact drill features a sensitive clutch that will ensure you place fasteners safely every time without damaging surfaces.
Keep in Mind: The batteries have less power than some other styles.
This subcompact style from Dewalt is the choice for homeowners because it offers good power, a sensitive clutch, two included batteries, and a comfortable design.
At 18/20 volts, this drill delivers power that can go head to head with drills twice its price. Our tester found that it had no trouble with fasteners and bits of all make, from small to large, and while it did take longer drilling into concrete than many hammer drills, our tester didn’t report any problematic stalling.
While its brushless motor delivers ample power, the Atomic is also sensitive, with a clutch that activates on even the smallest hardware and prevents the drill from sinking screws too deeply.
At 3 pounds, the Atomic is a little heavy. However, this weight is well-balanced with comfortable ergonomics. The battery lock mechanism is easy to use, as is the chuck, which opens and closes smoothly and grips bits of all types.
The batteries provide 1.3 amp hours each, which is less than some other options. However, our tester found the Atomic to be a good value overall, citing that it was easy to use, versatile, and worked well.
Product Details: Voltage: 18/20 volt | Brushed or Brushless Motor: Brushless | Battery: Two 1.3 amp-hour batteries | Chuck Size: 1/2 inch | Weight: 3 pounds
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON