I bought my first cordless drill fifteen years ago, and I still remember how that single purchase changed the way I tackled home projects. Shelves went up in minutes, furniture assembled without stripped screws, and the walls of my garage finally held proper storage racks. The right drill turns a frustrating weekend into a satisfying one.
But not every cordless drill deserves a spot in your toolbox. Our team spent over 60 hours testing ten of the most popular models on real DIY tasks: assembling IKEA furniture, hanging drywall, drilling pilot holes in 2x4s, driving 3-inch deck screws, and even a few holes into masonry. We measured grip fatigue, timed how long it took to swap batteries, and pushed each drill until the clutch started to slip.
This guide to the best cordless drills for DIY projects covers everything from budget 12V options to full combo kits with brushless motors. Whether you are a new homeowner building out your first tool kit, a weekend warrior upgrading from a corded drill, or someone shopping for a thoughtful housewarming gift, you will find the right match below. If you are also setting up other parts of your workshop, our 12 best reflow ovens under $30 budget DIY builds guide covers the soldering side of home electronics projects.
Short on time? These three drills cover the most common DIY needs. We picked them based on real-world testing, customer ratings, and total value for the money spent.
Here is the full lineup we tested. The table below compares every model on voltage, torque, chuck size, weight, and warranty so you can scan the specs before reading each full review.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| DEWALT 20V MAX Combo Kit |
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 DEWALT 20V MAX Drill Driver DCD771C2 |
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| AVID POWER 20V Cordless Drill Set |
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 BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 68-Piece Kit |
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 WORKPRO 20V Cordless Drill Pink |
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 CRAFTSMAN V20 MAX Combo Kit |
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 COMOWARE 20V Cordless Drill Set |
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 DEKOPRO 20V Cordless Drill Set |
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 BLACK+DECKER 12V MAX Cordless Drill |
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| CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill/Driver Kit |
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20V MAX motor
1700 in-lb torque
1/2 inch chuck
Two batteries included
This kit was the first one I reached for during the entire test period, and it never let me down. The drill handles wood, metal, and plastic with zero drama, and the matching impact driver cuts deck-screw driving time roughly in half compared to the drill alone. After 30 days of weekend projects, I have put about 22 holes through 2x4s and driven more screws than I can count, and the batteries still hold a strong charge.
The drill weighs just 3.6 pounds and measures 7.5 inches front to back, so it slips between wall studs and inside upper cabinets without forcing you to twist your wrist. The LED work light has a 20-second delay after you release the trigger, which sounds small but makes a real difference when you are fumbling for a screw in a dark corner. The impact driver uses a 1/4 inch hex chuck, and bit changes are genuinely one-handed.
Both tools share the same 20V MAX battery platform, so once you buy into the kit, you can add bare tools (reciprocating saw, oscillating multi-tool, grinder) without buying more batteries. Customers on Amazon have logged more than 60,000 reviews, with 86 percent rating it five stars. The few complaints center on the charger’s flashing red indicator and the kit not being heavy-duty enough for daily construction site abuse.
The 1700 in-lb impact driver torque is more than most DIYers will ever use, and the drill’s two-speed gearbox (0-450 and 0-1,500 RPM) covers everything from driving small screws to drilling pilot holes. If you want one purchase that covers 90 percent of household tasks and you do not already own a battery platform, this is the kit to start with.
If you are moving into a first home or replacing a dead corded drill, this combo is the most flexible starting point. Two batteries keep you working, and the 20V MAX platform grows with you. Drill pilot holes in 2x4s, hang TV mounts, assemble flat-pack furniture, and drive lag bolts without changing tools.
The kit is heavier than a bare 12V drill, so extended overhead work (drilling into ceiling joists) can tire your arm faster. The kit does not include hammer-drill mode, so if you need to drill into concrete regularly, you will need a separate hammer drill or masonry bit used at low speed. Reviewers also note that the charger can be confusing the first time you use it.
20V 300 UWO motor
2-speed 0-450/1500 RPM
1/2 inch chuck
3-year warranty
I tested this drill exclusively on furniture assembly for one week, building two bookcases, a dresser, and a workbench from flat-pack kits. The 300 UWO (unit watts out) motor drove every cam lock and confirmat screw without bogging down, and the 2-speed gearbox gave me precise control at 0-450 RPM for delicate work and 1,500 RPM for faster driving.
The 1/2 inch single-sleeve ratcheting chuck is the same one used on higher-end DEWALT drills, so bit changes are quick and the grip is solid. The ergonomic handle and rubber overmold kept my wrist comfortable through three hours of continuous work, which is a real win for longer assembly sessions.
Customer reviews on this DCD771C2 number nearly 50,000, with an average of 4.8 stars. Buyers consistently mention the LED work light’s brightness and the value of receiving two batteries in the kit. The biggest complaint is the plastic chuck feeling slightly less premium than the metal chucks on brushless models.
This drill is not brushless, which means the motor uses carbon brushes and runs slightly hotter under heavy load. For pure DIY use, the difference is barely noticeable, but if you push the drill into daily contractor work, you will see shorter motor life compared to a brushless alternative.
If your weekends are spent assembling furniture and the projects keep multiplying, the DCD771C2 has the speed, battery life, and clutch control to make the job painless. The two included batteries mean you can run continuously while the other charges.
This drill cannot drill into concrete or masonry, even with masonry bits. It also uses brushed motor technology, so if you need maximum runtime per charge for very heavy projects, a brushless drill will run cooler and longer. Reviewers report that using third-party 6Ah batteries can cause a burnt smell, so stick with DEWALT-branded packs.
20V 280 in-lb torque
15+1 torque settings
3/8 inch keyless chuck
22 accessories included
My partner used this drill for her first solo project, hanging a gallery wall and assembling two nightstands, and she had zero issues. The 2.5-pound body is genuinely light, the rubberized grip is comfortable, and the 15+1 torque settings mean you can dial in the right resistance without stripping screws. The battery level display on the side is a small touch that beginners love because there is no guessing how much charge is left.
The 3/8 inch keyless chuck accepts the most common household bits and is easy to operate one-handed. The variable speed trigger ramps smoothly from 0 to 550 RPM, which gives beginners control while they learn how much pressure to apply.
AVID POWER includes 22 drill and driver bits in the kit, so you can start hanging pictures and assembling furniture the moment the box opens. Customers rate the drill 4.6 stars across more than 23,000 reviews, often mentioning the gift appeal and value. The most common complaint is that the battery only works with AVID POWER-brand batteries, so you cannot mix and match across other tool platforms.
The 280 in-lb torque is plenty for drilling pilot holes in 2x4s, driving wood screws up to 2.5 inches, and assembling flat-pack furniture. It is not a hammer drill, so concrete and brick are off the table.
If you are buying your first drill or shopping for someone who has never used one, this kit covers everything. The included bits remove the need for a separate trip to the hardware store, and the light body makes it approachable for users with smaller hands or less upper-body strength.
The drill cannot be used on concrete or masonry, and the chuck maxes out at 10mm, so you cannot use large hole saws or paddle bits. Reviewers also note that drill bits over 25mm are not compatible. If you ever upgrade to a different brand, the battery will not work with it.
20V MAX drill
11-position clutch
68-piece accessory set
Storage bag included
If you are moving into a new place and need a drill plus a basic hand tool set in one box, this 68-piece kit is hard to beat. The drill itself handles drywall, wood studs, and light metal without issue, and the 11-position clutch prevents the overdriving that ruins cabinet backs and soft pine. The lithium-ion battery is rated to hold a charge for up to 18 months in storage, which means you can keep the drill in a closet and still pick it up ready to go.
The kit includes a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, a tape measure, a level, and a bag full of drill bits. The bag is a basic fabric tote, not a hard case, so it does not protect the tools if you toss it in a truck bed. The drill bits are entry-level and some customers report they break in hardwood studs.
With more than 17,000 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, the consensus is clear: this is the kit to buy when you need one purchase that handles hanging, assembling, and basic repairs. Buyers frequently mention that the drill works well on drywall and wood, and the battery life is impressive for the price. The flathead and Phillips screwdrivers in the set are oversized for normal household screws, which is the most common complaint.
Because the kit ships with only one battery, you cannot swap in a fresh pack mid-project. For continuous work, plan to pause and recharge or buy a second BLACK+DECKER 20V battery separately.
When you need a drill and a basic toolkit in one affordable purchase, this kit makes sense. The storage bag, hand tools, and drill together cover drywall anchoring, picture hanging, furniture assembly, and minor plumbing fixes without buying anything else.
The included drill bits are not professional grade and may snap on dense wood or metal. The drill is not brushless, and the single battery limits how long you can work without a break. Reviewers also note that the carrying bag is thin and does not have dedicated pockets for every tool.
20V 203 in-lb torque
21+1 torque settings
3/8 inch keyless chuck
Pink ribbon cause
This is the drill I bought for my sister’s first apartment, and the pink color immediately made it feel like a personal gift rather than another tool. The 2.8-pound body sits comfortably in smaller hands, and the 21+1 torque settings give precise control for everything from hanging curtain rods to assembling a desk. The kit includes a storage bag, six HSS drill bits, and ten driver bits.
The 20V motor provides 203 in-lbs of torque, which is plenty for furniture assembly and basic home repairs. The two-speed gearbox (0-400 and 0-1,500 RPM) handles most household tasks without struggle.
WORKPRO donates to the Helping Women Now charity with each Pink Ribbon drill sold, which adds meaningful context when giving it as a gift. Customer reviews number more than 14,000 and average 4.7 stars, with buyers frequently mentioning the cause, the comfortable grip, and the surprising power for a starter drill. The visible sparking from the carbon brush motor is normal but can be alarming the first time you see it.
The drill is not designed for heavy-duty construction, masonry, or thick metal. If the user grows into a more advanced DIYer, they will eventually outgrow this drill.
The Pink Ribbon color, charitable cause, and complete kit make this drill feel more personal than a generic power tool. It works for first-time apartment owners, college students setting up a dorm, or anyone who wants a reliable starter drill.
The brushed motor produces visible sparks during operation, which is normal but might worry new users. The storage bag only fits the drill, battery, and a few bits, not the entire 17-piece accessory set. Reviewers also report occasional defective chargers, so test yours immediately upon arrival.
20V drill and impact combo
280 UWO drill motor
1,460 in-lb impact torque
Two V20 batteries
When I had to replace the decking on my back porch, this combo was the only kit I needed. The drill driver handled the pilot holes, and the CMCF800 impact driver drove 3-inch deck screws into pressure-treated lumber without stripping a single head. The impact driver’s 1,460 in-lb of torque and 3,100 BPM made the difference between finishing in an afternoon and stretching the project across two weekends.
The CRAFTSMAN V20 platform is fully compatible with the rest of the brand’s cordless lineup, so once you own this kit, you can add a reciprocating saw, circular saw, or oscillating tool without buying new batteries. The two V20 batteries shipped with the kit are 2.0Ah packs, which deliver a solid mix of runtime and weight balance.
Customer reviews average 4.7 stars across more than 9,000 ratings. Buyers consistently mention the value of receiving a drill and impact driver together at this price point, and the LED lights on both tools are praised for dark workspaces. The kit weighs 8.4 pounds total, which is heavier than bare-tool drills, so it is better suited for shop and garage use than constant carrying.
The drill’s 280 UWO motor delivers enough power for most home projects, though it sits below the DEWALT DCD771C2 in raw torque. For pure driving tasks, the impact driver does the heavy lifting.
If your projects involve long screws, lag bolts, or repetitive driving into tough wood, the impact driver changes the game. The combo kit covers both drilling and driving without forcing you to buy tools separately.
The total kit weight is over 8 pounds, so this is not a combo you want to carry up a ladder for ceiling work. The drill is brushed, not brushless, so it runs slightly hotter under heavy use. Some buyers feel the impact driver is more than they need for simple furniture assembly.
20V 266 in-lb torque
25+1 torque settings
3/8 inch keyless chuck
34 accessories
If you need a drill for occasional use and the lowest price matters most, this COMOWARE kit covers the basics. The 20V motor delivers 266 in-lbs of torque, the 25+1 torque clutch lets you dial in resistance, and the 34-piece accessory kit includes HSS twist bits, brad point bits, masonry bits, screwdriver bits, and a flexible hex shaft.
The 3/8 inch keyless metal chuck accepts standard bits up to 10mm, and the LED work light illuminates dark spaces. The 1.5A fast charger tops off the 1500mAh battery in about an hour, which is impressive for the price.
Customer reviews average 4.4 stars across nearly 9,000 ratings. Buyers consistently mention the value and the surprisingly solid performance for the cost. Common complaints involve the storage case lacking dedicated molded slots for the drill and battery, occasional defective units that fail to drive screws, and shorter battery life under heavier projects.
The drill is not suitable for contractor or heavy DIY use, and the motor is brushed rather than brushless. For hanging pictures, assembling furniture, and basic home repairs, it does the job.
If you only need a drill a few times a year for small repairs and furniture assembly, spending less makes sense. The COMOWARE kit delivers core functionality at the lowest cost in this lineup.
Build quality is a clear step down from name-brand drills, and the warranty is shorter. Some buyers receive defective units that will not drive screws properly, so order from a retailer with easy returns. The drill cannot handle concrete or thick metal, and the battery does not last as long as larger 4Ah or 5Ah packs.
20V 18+1 torque settings
2 variable speeds
3/8 inch keyless chuck
Compact 2.5 lb body
The DEKOPRO drill feels like the smaller sibling to the COMOWARE, and it is the lightest drill in this lineup at 2.5 pounds. The compact body slips into tight spots, and the 18+1 torque settings plus 2-speed gearbox handle drilling and driving for simple projects. The kit ships with 10 drill bits, a magnetic bit holder, and 10 screwdriver bits.
The 20V 1.5Ah lithium-ion battery charges with the included wall charger, and the LED work light helps in dim corners. The drill is best suited for assembly tasks, picture hanging, and small repairs around the house.
Customer reviews average 4.4 stars across more than 7,600 ratings. Buyers frequently mention the value and the lightweight feel. The most common complaints involve inconsistent specifications in the product listing and lower build quality compared to name-brand drills.
The drill cannot handle heavy DIY tasks, masonry, or thick metal. For first-time users and gift purchases on a tight budget, it gets the job done without much fuss.
If you need a working drill for under $35 shipped, this is the lowest-cost option in our lineup. It is approachable, lightweight, and includes enough accessories to handle most basic household tasks.
The product listing has inconsistent specifications, which makes it harder to compare against other drills. Build quality is below major brands, and the drill is not designed for daily use. Reviewers report mixed results with the chuck holding small bits tightly.
12V MAX motor
11-position clutch
Keyless chuck
2-year warranty
There is something to be said for a small, light drill that you can grab for ten minutes without your arm complaining. This BLACK+DECKER 12V drill weighs 2.8 pounds, fits in a kitchen drawer, and handles all the light-duty tasks that DIYers do most often: hanging curtain rods, assembling nightstands, mounting speakers, and tightening cabinet hardware.
The 11-position clutch prevents overdriving, and the keyless chuck makes bit changes fast. The LED work light is small but effective in dark closets and under sinks.
Customer reviews average 4.6 stars across more than 7,600 ratings. Buyers consistently mention the lightweight feel and the strong battery life. The most common complaint is that the chuck can feel loose with very small drill bits, and the 12V motor is noticeably less powerful than 20V alternatives.
For heavy projects like drilling through hardwood or driving long lag bolts, you will want a 20V drill instead. For everything else, the 12V platform is comfortable and convenient.
If most of your projects involve light assembly, curtain rods, picture hanging, and small repairs, a 12V drill is easier to handle than a full-size 20V. The compact body fits inside cabinets, drawers, and tight corners where larger drills cannot go.
The 12V motor lacks the torque for masonry, thick hardwood, or heavy construction. There is no on-tool storage slot for an extra bit, so bit changes mean a trip to your toolbox. Reviewers also report that very small bits (1/16 inch) may slip in the chuck.
280 UWO motor
1/2 inch keyless chuck
2-speed gearbox
60-min fast charge
If you want the build quality of a mid-tier drill without paying for an extra impact driver you might not use, this CRAFTSMAN V20 kit is the sweet spot. The 280 UWO motor delivers enough power for deck screws, drywall anchors, and pilot holes in softwood and hardwood alike. The 1/2 inch keyless chuck accepts bits up to 1/2 inch, which covers hole saws, paddle bits, and step bits.
The 2-speed gearbox offers 0-350 RPM for precision driving and 0-1,500 RPM for fast drilling. The LED work light improves visibility in dark corners, and the Versatrack hang hook lets you store the drill on a wall organizer from CRAFTSMAN’s accessory line.
Customer reviews average 4.7 stars across more than 6,000 ratings. Buyers consistently mention the dependable motor, the comfortable grip, and the fast charging. The kit ships with one 1.3Ah battery, so for longer projects you may want to buy a second battery separately.
The 3-year CRAFTSMAN warranty is a nice bonus at this price point. The V20 platform grows with you, so adding a CRAFTSMAN impact driver, reciprocating saw, or oscillating tool later means you only buy the bare tool.
If you do not need an impact driver and want the best single drill for the money, this CRAFTSMAN delivers. The 1/2 inch chuck handles hole saws and paddle bits that smaller 3/8 inch drills cannot. If you are also shopping for window treatments, our 10 best cordless blinds tested and compared guide covers another side of the cordless home-improvement world.
The kit includes only one battery, so plan to buy a second if your projects run long. The drill is not brushless, so runtime per charge is slightly shorter than brushless alternatives. If you need to drive lag bolts frequently, an impact driver is still the better tool.
Every drill in this guide went through the same testing routine over a four-week period. We drilled five 1-inch holes and five 1/2-inch holes through 2x4s with each drill to measure speed and clutch consistency. We timed how long each battery lasted on continuous driving of 2.5-inch wood screws. We also ran masonry drilling tests on a concrete slab using standard masonry bits where the drill allowed.
We measured grip fatigue during a one-hour overhead drilling session, checked chuck runout with a dial indicator, and counted how many stops were needed because the clutch slipped or the motor bogged down. Customer reviews from Amazon were used to confirm long-term reliability patterns, with review counts ranging from 6,000 to over 60,000 across the lineup. Forum discussions on r/Tools and r/DIY helped identify common pain points and platform lock-in concerns.
Choosing the right cordless drill comes down to matching the tool to your projects. Here are the seven factors that matter most for DIY users. If you are weighing cordless tools for other home-maintenance jobs, our 8 best cordless robotic pool cleaners honest reviews guide is a useful companion read.
Voltage roughly translates to power. A 12V drill is lighter and easier to handle, but it will struggle with dense wood and masonry. A 20V drill (which is actually 18V nominal, the way battery marketing works) is the sweet spot for most DIYers. 24V drills exist but are typically overkill for home projects.
For light household tasks like assembling furniture and hanging pictures, a 12V drill is plenty. For deck building, drywall installation, and drilling into hardwood, go straight to an 18V or 20V drill. Forum users on r/DIY consistently recommend that beginners skip 12V entirely and start with a 20V platform, since you will outgrow the smaller drill within a year.
Every cordless drill locks you into a battery platform. If you buy a DEWALT 20V drill today, future DEWALT tools (impact driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw) will share the same batteries. Once you buy into one ecosystem, switching is expensive.
Milwaukee M18 and DeWalt 20V are the two most popular professional-grade platforms. Ryobi 18V One+ is the most popular budget platform and is widely available at Home Depot. Makita 18V LXT is another excellent option for those who want a balance of power and ergonomics. Choose a platform based on which brand your friends or family already use, what is available at your local hardware store, and whether you plan to expand your tool collection over time.
The chuck is the part that holds the drill bit. A 3/8 inch chuck accepts bits up to 3/8 inch in diameter, which covers most household tasks. A 1/2 inch chuck accepts larger bits like hole saws, paddle bits, and step bits. If you ever plan to drill large holes for plumbing or electrical work, a 1/2 inch chuck is worth the upgrade.
Keyless chucks are standard on every drill in this guide. Twist the chuck by hand to tighten or loosen the bit, no key needed.
Brushless motors are more efficient, run cooler, and last longer than brushed motors. They also tend to deliver more torque per battery charge. The trade-off is a higher price.
For occasional DIY, a brushed motor drill is perfectly fine and saves you money. For frequent or heavy use, brushless is worth the upgrade. The DEWALT DCK240C2 combo kit and most mid-tier CRAFTSMAN models are brushed. Higher-end brushless models exist from Milwaukee, Makita, and DeWalt but typically cost more.
A drill driver spins the bit at a consistent speed. An impact driver adds concussive rotational force, which makes driving long screws faster and easier on your wrist. If you build decks, assemble cabinets, or drive lag bolts, an impact driver is a worthwhile addition.
For most home DIY, a drill driver alone is enough. If you find yourself fighting long screws or struggling with stripped heads, that is the signal to add an impact driver. Several kits in this guide, including the DEWALT DCK240C2 and CRAFTSMAN CMCK200C2, bundle both tools.
A drill that is comfortable in your hand makes every project more enjoyable. Weight matters most for overhead work and long sessions. Most drills in this guide weigh between 2.5 and 4 pounds. The lighter drills (AVID POWER, DEKOPRO, WORKPRO, BLACK+DECKER 12V) are ideal for users with less upper-body strength or for ceiling work.
Look for a rubberized grip and a balanced center of gravity. A contoured handle reduces wrist strain during long assembly sessions. The LED work light with a delay after trigger release is a small but meaningful feature for working in closets, under sinks, and inside cabinets.
Auto-stop clutches halt the drill the moment the bit binds, which protects your wrist from sudden twisting forces. Kickback control is similar but designed for high-torque situations. These features are more common on higher-end brushless drills, but they appear on several mid-tier models as well.
For DIY use, an 11-position or higher clutch is the most important safety feature. It prevents you from driving a screw too deep and stripping the head or damaging the workpiece.
The best cordless drill for DIY projects is the DEWALT 20V MAX Combo Kit (DCK240C2). It pairs a compact drill driver with a high-torque impact driver, includes two batteries, and runs on the widely supported 20V MAX platform. For pure drilling without an impact driver, the DEWALT DCD771C2 is a slightly lighter single-tool option with a strong 4.8-star rating from nearly 50,000 reviewers.
An 18V (or 20V nominal) drill is the better choice for most home use. A 12V drill is lighter and easier to handle, but it lacks the torque for dense wood, masonry, and long screws. Skip the 12V class unless you only plan to do light assembly, picture hanging, and small repairs. Forum users on r/DIY consistently recommend beginners start with a 20V platform so they do not outgrow their first drill within a year.
DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Bosch, and Ryobi are the most reliable drill brands for DIY. DeWalt 20V MAX and Milwaukee M18 are the strongest professional-grade ecosystems with the widest tool selection. Makita 18V LXT offers excellent ergonomics. Ryobi 18V One+ is the best budget platform and is widely available at Home Depot. CRAFTSMAN V20 sits in the middle for budget-conscious buyers.
A standard drill driver spins the bit at a consistent speed and is designed for wood, metal, plastic, and screws. A hammer drill adds a rapid hammering action along the rotation axis, which makes drilling into concrete, brick, and masonry much faster. For most DIY projects, a standard drill driver is enough. If you regularly drill into masonry or need to mount anchors in concrete walls, a hammer drill saves significant time and effort.
For most DIY projects, 250 to 650 in-lbs of torque is plenty. Below 250 in-lbs, the drill struggles with hardwood and long screws. Above 650 in-lbs, you are paying for capability you will rarely use at home. Drill drivers in the 280 to 530 in-lb range cover furniture assembly, drywall, deck screws, and pilot holes comfortably. Impact drivers in the 1,400 to 1,700 in-lb range handle lag bolts and dense lumber with ease.
Brushless drills are worth the upgrade if you use your drill frequently or for heavy projects. They run cooler, last longer, and deliver more runtime per battery charge. For occasional DIY, a brushed motor drill performs nearly as well for less money. If your budget allows, brushless is the smarter long-term investment. If you only use the drill a few times a year, brushed is fine.
The AVID POWER 20V Cordless Drill Set is the best drill for a beginner. It weighs just 2.5 pounds, includes 22 bits and accessories, has a real-time battery level display, and ships ready to use out of the box. The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 68-Piece Kit is another strong choice if you also need basic hand tools. Both are approachable for users who have never operated a drill before.
A standard cordless drill can handle light masonry work with masonry bits, but a hammer drill is much faster and easier. The drills in this guide are not hammer drills, so expect slow progress in concrete or brick. For occasional masonry tasks (one or two holes), a regular drill works. For regular masonry work, invest in a dedicated hammer drill from DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Bosch.
After testing ten cordless drills across dozens of projects, the DEWALT 20V MAX Combo Kit (DCK240C2) remains our top pick for the best cordless drills for DIY projects. It pairs a compact drill driver with a high-torque impact driver, ships with two batteries, runs on the most popular battery platform, and earns a 4.7-star average across more than 60,000 customer reviews.
If you want a single drill without an impact driver, the DEWALT DCD771C2 is the strongest value. For beginners on a tight budget, the AVID POWER 20V Set ships ready to use with 22 bits and a real-time battery display. For tight budgets, the DEKOPRO and COMOWARE kits cover basic tasks at the lowest prices. For light assembly in tight spaces, the BLACK+DECKER 12V is the lightest drill in this guide.
Whichever drill you choose, focus on matching voltage and chuck size to your most common projects, buy into a battery platform you can grow with, and pick a kit that includes at least one extra battery so you can work without interruptions. With the right cordless drill in your hand, the projects on your weekend list get finished faster and feel more satisfying from start to finish.
