Use Our Cordless Drill Ratings to Find the Best Model for You

A corded drill may be more powerful, but a cordless model offers more convenience and the ability to work in tighter spaces. Lightweight and compact in design, cordless drills are often smaller in size, but boast enough power to take on most household tasks.

Dewalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Cordless Lithium-Ion 1/2 inch Compact Drill Driver Kit	Our favorite for 2017
BLACK+DECKER LDX120C 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver	A great value option
Black & Decker LDX220SBFC 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill/Driver with Fast Charger	Lightweight but powerful to handle serious work

If you’re in the market for a new cordless drill (whether it’s your first, or a replacement), you may be wondering which model to choose. We’re going to review some of the top models on the market. Keep the following points in mind when comparing them:

• Power: The first and most important thing to consider is the drill’s power. How much power do you need? That depends on how you’ll be using the drill. The power of the motor is listed in UWO (unit watts out). Most models will deliver between 300 and 350 UWO. A higher UWO will allow you to take on tougher tasks, but for everyday use, a 300 UWO model should suffice.
• Speed: Many cordless models offer variable speed, so you can choose a speed that suits the task and maximizes battery life. If efficiency is important to you, look for a model that offers multiple speeds.
• Durability: Tools are an investment. Even if you choose a budget model, you expect it to give you more than just a few months of use. Opt for models that have a reputation for being reliable and durable. User reviews are a great place to start when searching for this information. If the drill stops working prematurely, you’re sure to find buyers complaining about it somewhere.

The Best Cordless Drills Reviews

Dewalt DCD771C2 – Compact and lightweight, the Dewalt DCD771C2 can fit into tight areas with ease, and is fitted with ergonomic handles for the utmost in control and comfort.

Featuring a high-performance, 300UWO motor, this drill can take on a wide range of tasks. The high-speed transmission allows you to choose between two speeds: 0-1,500 rpm and 0-450 rpm. With variable speeds, the DCD771C2 can be used for a variety of drilling and fastening applications.

And with a weight of just 3.6 pounds, this drill won’t weigh you down.

For the everyday homeowner, the DCD771C2 is a great option. And as an added bonus, the drill comes with two batteries.

BLACK+DECKER LDX120C – Powered by a 20V lithium ion battery, the LDX120C from Black & Decker is powerful, compact and great for use in small, tight spaces. Whether you’re drilling into metal, wood or plastic, this model is ideal for all screw driving tasks.

An 11-position clutch gives you precision drilling control, while the 20V battery gives you enough power to get the job done quickly. If you’re working in a tight, dimly-lit space, you’ll appreciate the built-in LED light.

Boasting 650 rpms, 115 inches-per-pound torque and 3/8” chuck size, the LDX120C is ideal for most home improvement tasks.  While this is certainly not a high-end drill (most Black & Decker products aren’t), it easily stands up to most drilling tasks and holds a charge well.

PORTER-CABLE PCC606LA – The PCC606LA from Porter-Cable is a high torque cordless drill that’s powerful enough to tackle even the toughest drilling jobs. From metal to wood and fastening, this drill can take on just about any task.

The 330 UWO motor features dual-speed capability (0-400 rpm or 0-1,600 rpm), which gives you precision control and maximizes battery efficiency. The convenient battery gauge also alerts you when it’s time to recharge.

The PCC606LA packs a lot of power into a small package, with this compact cordless drill weighing just 3.5 pounds.

If you’re in need of a more powerful drill that maximizes battery efficiency, the Porter-Cable PCC606LA is a smart buy.

Black & Decker LDX220SBFC – Black & Decker’s LDX220SBFC is similar to the LDX120C, but features an ultra-quick charger, so you can get back to work in a snap.

The 35-minute fast charger cuts down recharge time, while the 20V battery holds a charge for longer and boasts a longer overall battery life.

For precision drilling control, this drill has an 11-position clutch and variable speed (low speed: 0-400rpm; high speed: 0-1,400rpm).

From assembling furniture to installing shelves, this drill can take on just about any screwdriving task. And while it’s lightweight at 5.2 pounds, it’s powerful enough to take on serious household jobs – even in tight spaces.

DEWALT DCD785C2 – For more demanding projects, the Dewalt DCD785C2 cordless drill is a great choice. Featuring a 20V lithium ion battery, this model’s compact and lightweight design allows for use in tight spaces.

The high-speed transmission offers two speeds: 0-600rpms and 0-2,000rpms. The variable speed function gives you precision control while maximizing battery efficiency.

The ergonomic handle allows for maximum comfort and further enhances control, so you can work in tight spaces with ease. And the 1/2″ ratcheting chuck delivers stronger bit gripping.

The built-in LED light greatly improves visibility as you drill, while the 3.5-pound weight makes this drill a pleasure to use.

Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Right 20V Drill for You

Buying a drill – or any tool for that matter – is a decision that shouldn’t be rushed or taken lightly. While it may seem like an insignificant purchase, safety, quality and performance have to be considered when choosing a model.

We already discussed a few key things to look at when comparing models. Here are some other things to keep in mind when sifting through your choices:

• Weight and Size: The size and weight of the drill is an important consideration. Heavy, large drills will be difficult to use in tight spaces, and typically require frequent recharging. Lightweight and compact models are preferred because they’re easier to work with.
• Comfort: Consider whether the drill’s handle is ergonomically designed, or if any other comfort-enhancing features are offered. If the drill is uncomfortable to use for long periods of time, you’ll dread or put off household projects.
• Extras: What does the drill come with? Some models come with a case, multiple batteries and a charger. Others have minimal accessories (if any). Decide if having these extras is worth the cost (in some cases, it is).
• Price: The cost of the drill is one of the most important factors, but shouldn’t be the only The most expensive model isn’t necessarily the best, and the cheapest model won’t necessarily break after a few uses. Do your research and pay attention to what other people are saying about the drill. If the drill has good ratings and fits in your budget, then you may want to give it serious consideration.