Best Cordless Drills for Homeowners (10 Drills Tested)
The Short Answer
I’ve reviewed 10 cordless drills on this site since 2020, and I’m a licensed general contractor in Florida. This is what I’d buy for a house, and what I carry myself.
Best overall: DeWalt DCD777. I keep two in my daily toolbox.
If you drill block or concrete: a DeWalt hammer drill. I use the DCD785; the DCD805 is the one you can buy now.
Light jobs only: Black+Decker BDCDD120C.
Star ratings come from each original review. The picks also weigh how the drills have held up and whether you can still buy them.
Disclosure
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Quick Picks
| Drill | Best for | Motor | Top speed | Power | Weight | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCD777 | Best overall | Brushless | 1,750 RPM | 340 UWO | 2.6 lbs | 4.7 |
| DeWalt DCD785 | Block, concrete, Tapcons | Brushed, hammer | 2,000 RPM | 350 UWO | 3.5 lbs | 4.5 |
| Makita XFD10 | Premium compact | 4-pole | 1,900 RPM | 480 in-lbs | 3.3 lbs* | 4.8 |
| Metabo HPT DS18DBFL2 | Most torque for the money | Brushless | 1,800 RPM | 620 in-lbs | 3.5 lbs* | 4.7 |
| Kobalt KDD524B | Best warranty | Brushless, 24V | 2,000 RPM | 650 in-lbs | 4 lbs* | 4.6 |
| Black+Decker BDCDD120C | Light jobs around the house | Single speed | 650 RPM | — | 2.7 lbs* | 4.5 |
*Weight with battery. DeWalt rates power in unit watts out (UWO) and the others in inch-pounds of torque, so those numbers don't compare directly. Prices change; check the current price before you buy.
Best Overall: DeWalt DCD777
I keep two DCD777s in my daily toolbox. Six years of jobsite use, beat up, and still completely functioning. That’s the best test a drill can pass.
It’s compact, brushless and about 2.6 lbs, with a good ergonomic design that feels sturdy without being heavy. The kit comes with two batteries.
Watch for: the chuck sleeve is plastic, and top speed is 1,750 RPM, a little below some competitors. Neither has been a problem in six years.
Best for Block, Concrete and Tapcons: DeWalt DCD785
I’ve used the DCD785 for a year and a half as my general-purpose drill driver: Tapcons, masonry drilling, wood drilling and wood auger bits. The hammer mode means one tool covers wood and block.
Two speeds (0–600 and 0–2,000 RPM), hammer mode up to 34,000 BPM, and a 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck. It’s a brushed motor and about 3.5 lbs.
Note: the DCD785 is discontinued on Amazon. The button goes to the DCD805, DeWalt’s newer brushless compact hammer drill. For a lot of large holes in concrete, use an SDS rotary hammer instead.
Best Premium Compact: Makita XFD10
A workhorse drill in a compact design, and our top-rated drill when we tested them in 2020. The ergonomics are excellent and the chuck doesn’t slip once it’s tight.
480 in-lbs of torque, two speeds up to 1,900 RPM, all-metal gears and about 3.3 lbs with a battery. The kit comes with two batteries, and Makita’s charger fills them in about 25 minutes.
Watch for: it won’t take older Makita batteries, and it’s not the cheapest kit. Amazon’s price has been running high from third-party sellers, so compare before you buy.
Most Torque for the Money: Metabo HPT DS18DBFL2
A stout drill. It handled every test we ran without hesitating, and it has a balanced, powerful feel.
Brushless, 620 in-lbs of torque, up to 1,800 RPM, 22 clutch settings, a base-mounted LED and a battery level indicator. The speeds are labeled High and Low right on the drill.
Watch for: the base kit comes with one battery, so factor in a second. The direction switch on ours felt slightly loose.
Best Warranty: Kobalt KDD524B
This was my first time using a Kobalt drill for any length of time, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well built it is. It ran through hardwood, masonry and steel in our testing.
Brushless, 24V, 650 in-lbs of torque and up to 2,000 RPM, with an LED, belt hook and battery indicator. The warranty is the standout: five years on the drill and three on the batteries.
Watch for: the drill doesn’t start until the trigger is pulled about halfway, and it shuts off if it overheats. Kobalt is Lowe’s house brand, so batteries are easiest to find there.
Best for Light Jobs: Black+Decker BDCDD120C
My favorite small-projects drill. I keep it in the house for quick door and cabinet adjustments, picture hanging and ceiling fan swaps.
Light at 2.7 lbs with the battery, with an LED and bit storage, for about $70.
Watch for: it’s single speed and tops out at 650 RPM, with a 3/8-inch chuck and one battery. It won’t be the only drill you ever need, but it’s handy to have around.
Also Tested
- Ryobi ONE+ P215K: a good mid-level drill with a slight edge on the Porter-Cable in power and comfort. Rated 4.9 in 2020, but the kit is unavailable on Amazon right now.
- Ridgid R860052K: solid mid-tier drill backed by Ridgid’s free lifetime parts and service with registration. Also unavailable on Amazon right now.
- Porter-Cable PCC621LB: an affordable everyday hammer drill with two batteries. Advertised as 20V, but it’s really an 18V-class tool.
- Kimo 13811: a starter kit loaded with accessories. Good value for basic jobs, limited by a 3/8-inch chuck and 1,350 RPM.
How to Choose
- Brushless vs. brushed: brushless motors run longer per charge and wear less. Worth it if the drill gets regular use.
- Drill or hammer drill: if you’ll ever drill concrete, block or brick, or set Tapcons, get a hammer drill. Otherwise a regular drill/driver is lighter.
- Chuck size: a 1/2-inch chuck takes bigger bits like augers and hole saws. 3/8-inch is fine for light work.
- Pick a battery platform: the batteries are the expensive part. Choose a brand you’ll stick with so every tool you add later runs on the same batteries.
For a head-to-head, read DeWalt DCD777 vs DCD785.