7 Best Cordless Drills That Are Worth Buying

Cordless drills have almost replaced corded ones in the past ten years. They are now lighter, stronger, and use energy much more . After comparing 7 models and drilling 100 holes, I’ve found the best cordless drills that provide amazing results to use for both DIY projects and professional work.

Modern cordless power drills offer features that seemed impossible not long ago. Many top-tier models now deliver over 2,000 inch-pounds of torque alongside speeds greater than 2,000 RPM. One example is the Flex 24V Brushless Hammer Drill, which earned 95 points in testing and produces up to 1,400 inch-pounds of torque.

The power of your drill depends on its voltage. Smaller household tasks like putting furniture together or making holes in drywall can be done with light-duty drills. Heavier tasks require drills with 18 to 20 volts or higher. A few standout models such as the Makita with its impressive 40-volt battery, can even be used alongside outdoor tools like lawn equipment.

If you’re looking to save money or need high-end tools, this guide lists best cordless drills for home projects and more. It covers everything from the lightweight Milwaukee that’s just 2 pounds to heavy-duty options that drill 30 one-inch holes in a 2-by-10 on one charge. You’ll find honest recommendations backed by thorough lab tests.

Disclaimer

DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme 12V Max Drill

Image Source: DeWalt

The DeWalt DCD701F2 earns recognition as a small yet mighty option among 12V drills. Its smart ergonomic design and strong performance secured its spot at the best cordless drills of the list.

DeWalt DCD701F2 Key Highlights

This drill measures 5.97 inches in length and weighs 2.4 pounds with the battery attached. It includes a 3/8-inch ratcheting chuck, offers a 2-speed transmission with speeds of 0-425 and 0-1500 RPM, and has 15 clutch settings to adjust. Its smart LED light at the base reduces shadows more than other models in the market.

DeWalt DCD701F2 Functionality

Packing 250 UWO of power, this drill provides 32% more power than older versions. In testing, it managed to drill 30 holes, each 1-inch wide, into a 2-by-10 board on one full charge while also driving more than 100 screws that were 3 inches long. It even worked with a 1-3/8″ spade bit when set to low gear.

DeWalt DCD701F2 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Comfortable grip with a well-designed handle shape
• Stays upright due to its sturdy battery “foot” base
• Battery includes a gauge to check charge
• Lightweight build without losing power

Cons:

• A bit tall compared to other 12V tools
• Lacks the power needed to handle heavy DIY jobs all day
• Struggles with drilling through masonry

DeWalt DCD701F2 Pricing

The kit has a $149 MSRP, but you can sometimes find it for $123, which saves you about 17%. It comes with two 2.0Ah batteries, a charger, a belt clip, and a tool bag.

DeWalt DCD701F2 Best Use Case

This drill shines when you need precision such as making small pilot holes. It’s great for fixing things around the house and can also tackle bigger projects like building garage shelves when needed. Its compact build lets you use it in tighter spots with ease.

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Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 Fuel Hammer Drill

Many professionals call the Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 Fuel Hammer Drill “the monster” because it packs powerful performance into a small design. This fourth-generation model brings solid strength along with new safety enhancements.

Main Features of the Milwaukee 2904-20

The 2904-20 crams an impressive 1400 in-lbs of torque into a compact 6.9-inch design. Its POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers reliable performance even in high-heat scenarios. One standout feature is the AutoStop Control Mode, which stops over-rotation during bind-ups faster than any other in the industry. The drill’s all-metal chuck with carbide teeth offers solid durability and strong bit grip.

How the Milwaukee 2904-20 Performs

This drill uses a two-speed setup hitting 0–500 RPM on low gear and up to 0–2100 RPM on high gear. Its hammering feature reaches a powerful 33,000 BPM making it great to drill into materials like brick, block, and concrete. In tests, it ranked among the best in most drilling tasks when paired with high-output batteries.

Milwaukee 2904-20: Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Small size for its class of power tools
• weighs 3.3 pounds without a battery
• AutoStop feature provides excellent kickback protection
• Works with the full line of M18 batteries

Weaknesses:

• Costs more than some competitors
• Heavy batteries might throw off balance
• Overkill for simple home projects

Milwaukee 2904-20 Pricing

The 2904-20 bare tool sells for $199. You can get it as part of a kit with two 5.0Ah batteries and a charger for about $299. If you want advanced inventory control, the One-Key version (model 2906-20) costs $249.

Milwaukee 2904-20 Ideal Uses

This hammer drill works great to drill 2-9/16″ self-feed holes in tough woods and to drill into masonry using its hammer feature. That makes it a solid choice for contractors, construction jobs, or DIY enthusiasts handling big remodeling tasks. Its mix of strength and AutoStop safety tools adds value when making large holes in hard-to-drill materials.

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Flex FX1271T 24V Brushless Hammer Drill

Flex is one of the latest names shaking up the cordless drill scene. Their FX1271T 24V Brushless Hammer Drill stands out as a benchmark tool that competitors are striving to match.

Notable Features of the Flex FX1271T

Flex built its standout feature into this tool—a brushless motor without sensors meant to reduce friction and improve efficiency. It has torque unmatched at 1,400 in-lbs and a turbo mode to increase power when required. The 1/2-inch full-metal ratcheting chuck has carbide teeth for a secure grip, while anti-kickback protection enhances safety. An LED light brightens up dark areas for users working in low-light conditions. The drill also uses THERMA-TECH+ heat management to extend how long the battery lasts.

Testing the Flex FX1271T

In standard mode, the drill runs at 0-550 or 0-2,000 RPM. When you switch to turbo, it boosts up to 0-700 or 0-2,500 RPM. It set a record on the PTR Drill Test Track with a time of 1:56 becoming the first drill to finish in under two minutes. Its hammering feature hits up to 40,000 IPM in turbo mode. On top of that, it powered through a 2-9/16″ self-feed bit through a 2×4 stud with no trouble at all.

Flex FX1271T Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Best performance among its peers
• Handles kickback well
• Offers four modes using turbo selection
• Provides strong grip stability

Cons:

• Weighs more than most at 3.8 lbs alone, 5.9 lbs with a 5.0Ah battery
• Stands taller than a few rival models

Flex FX1271T Cost

The drill comes as a bare tool for $159. You can choose from different kits, like the $249 option that comes with a 2.5Ah battery, a 5.0Ah battery, and a 160W fast charger. For $279, there is a premium kit that includes a 6.0Ah Stacked Lithium battery. If you register your purchase within 30 days, you get Flex’s limited lifetime warranty, which is valid until December 31, 2025.

Flex FX1271T Best Uses

This drill shines in tough jobs where power and performance are key. It handles tasks like boring big holes in dense materials and drilling into masonry with ease. That makes it a great pick for contractors or DIY enthusiasts who work on heavy-duty projects that might be too much for other drills.

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Makita GPH01 40V Max XGT Drill

Makita sets new standards in cordless drills with the GPH01 40V Max XGT Drill. It offers performance that competes with a lot of corded tools used by professionals. This drill shows Makita’s move toward using stronger voltage systems to handle tougher jobs.

Features of the Makita GPH01

Makita designed the GPH01 with a powerful brushless motor that produces 1,250 in.lbs of max torque. It includes a digital clutch system offering 41 settings in low speed and 21 in high speed. The drill runs at two speed ranges (0-650 and 0-2,600 RPM) and handles hammering (0-9,750 and 0-39,000 BPM). Active Feedback-sensing Technology (AFT) shuts off the motor if it detects sudden rotation stops. Its compact length of 7-1/8″ makes it perfect to work in small or tight spots.

Performance of the Makita GPH01

During testing, the GPH01 completed the drill track in 1 minute and 58 seconds. This was 2 seconds slower than the first-place Flex. Its concrete drilling speed stood out taking an average of 4.44 seconds with a 1/4-inch bit and 5.34 seconds with a 1/2-inch bit. It even beat Makita’s 18V LXT model by 17 seconds when tested under standard conditions.

Makita GPH01 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent overall performance
• Runs very
• Good control over kickback
• Adjustable electronic clutch

Cons:

• Sells at a premium price
• Chuck can slip while ratcheting
• Weighs more at 5.3 lbs with the battery

Makita GPH01 Pricing

You can get the bare tool for $209. A kit, which includes two 2.5Ah batteries and a Rapid Charger, goes for $399. Occasionally, some stores have sold the tool alone for less than $100.

Makita GPH01 Best Use Case

This drill works well for professionals handling tough demanding tasks. It performs great when drilling under heavy loads. Its hammering ability makes it ideal to drill into concrete or masonry.

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Ryobi PBLHM102 18V One+ HP Drill

To save money while getting solid performance, professionals can count on Ryobi’s PBLHM102 18V One+ HP Drill. It offers great features without a steep price tag.

Highlighted Features of the Ryobi PBLHM102

The second-generation PBLHM102 hammer drill packs 850 in-lbs of torque increasing power by 65% compared to older models. It includes a flexible 2-speed gearbox capable of running at 0-700 or 0-2,150 RPM, along with a 24-position clutch and a hammer-specific mode. The hammer action reaches up to 34,000 BPM making it well-suited to drill into concrete, brick, or blocks. This drill also has a sturdy 1/2″ ratcheting metal chuck and an LED work light built in to help users see more .

Ryobi PBLHM102 Performance

This drill outperformed its earlier version in direct testing. It finished drilling jobs 12.4% faster with an 8-inch screw and 14.4% faster using a 1-inch spade bit. With a 2-9/16-inch self-feed bit, it worked an impressive 44% faster. When tackling tougher tasks, it switched to low speed but still managed to take third place in concrete drilling trials among best cordless drills competitors.

Ryobi PBLHM102 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Offers great value for its price
• Delivers much better performance than older models
• Feels more comfortable to use compared to previous Ryobi drills
• Works with over 300 tools in the ONE+ system

Drawbacks:

• Delivers less power compared to high-end drills from this test
• You might need to switch to a slower speed for tougher jobs
• The bigger grip might feel uncomfortable for people with smaller hands

Ryobi PBLHM102 Price

This tool on its own costs $129. The full kit, which comes with a 4.0Ah High Performance battery, a charger, and a carrying bag, is priced at $179. Ryobi offers a 3-year warranty for this drill.

Ryobi PBLHM102 Ideal Use

This drill works well for apartment maintenance workers and handymen. It delivers dependable mid-range performance without costing too much. It shines in light to moderate tasks but can also take on tougher jobs when needed. Its appeal grows stronger due to its compatibility with Ryobi’s large ONE+ collection, which includes over 300 tools.

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Skil PWRCore 20V Drill Driver Kit

The Skil PWRCore 20V Drill Driver Kit is made for homeowners and DIYers. It includes helpful features and comes at a budget-friendly price.

Skil PWRCore 20V Highlights

This cordless drill comes with a 1/2-inch keyless chuck. You can switch bits with it. It includes two-speed settings and an LED light that stays on for 10 seconds after releasing the trigger. The drill uses PWRCore 20 battery technology, which has a system to manage temperature and improve runtime and battery life.

Skil PWRCore 20V Performance

The drill runs at two speeds of 0-420 and 0-1450 RPM. It delivers up to 350 in-lbs of torque for tough jobs. With 17+1 clutch settings, it allows precise control to tackle both light screwing and tougher drilling projects.

Skil PWRCore 20V Pros and Cons

Advantages:

• Small and easy to carry, weighing 2.11 lbs
• LED indicator helps with direction showing forward or reverse
• USB port allows you to use PWR ASSIST for mobile charging
• Backed by a 5-year warranty

Limitations:

• Offers less power compared to models for professionals
• Comes with one battery in the basic package

Skil PWRCore 20V Price Point

You can find the kit for around $90. It includes a 2.0Ah battery and a 1-hour charger.

Ideal Use of Skil PWRCore 20V

Great for daily household tasks like screwing, building furniture, or drilling through wood, plastic, or metal. It performs best in lighter jobs where being small and lightweight is an edge.

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Metabo HPT DV36DC 36V Hammer Drill

Metabo HPT has introduced the DV36DC 36V Hammer Drill, which offers impressive flexibility. This hybrid tool lets you use both batteries or plug it into AC power with an additional adapter.

Key Features of the Metabo HPT DV36DC

The DV36DC generates 1,400 in-lbs of torque with its brushless motor and works at speeds ranging from 0-550 RPM to 2,200 RPM. It comes equipped with a 1/2-inch keyless chuck made of all-metal and fitted with carbide inserts. There are 22 clutch settings along with separate drill and hammer modes. A standout feature is its Reactive Force Control, which stops the tool if binding happens.

Performance of the Metabo HPT DV36DC

This drill operates at hammer rates of 0 to 8,250 or 33,000 BPM making it perform well on different materials. It drills up to 7/8 inches in concrete, 4-5/8 inches in soft wood, and 3/4 inches in mild steel. Testing showed it worked with 4-1/8-inch hole saws, 2-9/16-inch self-feed bits, and 3/4-inch masonry drills.

Metabo HPT DV36DC Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong performance ratings
• Easy-to-carry lightweight build
• Good control to reduce kickback
• MultiVolt battery works with both 18V and 36V tools
• Option to add AC adapter for endless runtime
• Comes with a lifetime warranty

Cons:

• The tool body is bulkier than similar models
• Average performance in speed tests

Metabo HPT DV36DC Price

The price is $299 and comes with two 2.5Ah batteries, a charger, and a sturdy carrying case.

Metabo HPT DV36DC Ideal Use

This drill is best suited to handle HVAC, plumbing, and construction jobs. The option to use an AC adapter makes it perfect to handle tasks needing an endless runtime.

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Comparison Table

Model	Voltage	Max Torque	Speed Range (RPM)	Weight	Price (Kit)	Key Features
DeWalt DCD701F2	12V Max	250 UWO	0-425 / 0-1500	2.4 lbs	$149	15 clutch settings, LED foot light, 3/8″ chuck
Milwaukee 2904-20	18V	1,400 in-lbs	0-500 / 0-2100	3.3 lbs	$299	AutoStop Control, 33,000 BPM hammer function
Flex FX1271T	24V	1,400 in-lbs	0-550 / 0-2000 (2500 Turbo)	3.8 lbs	$249	Turbo mode, 40,000 IPM hammering, THERMA-TECH+
Makita GPH01	40V Max	1,250 in-lbs	0-650 / 0-2600	5.3 lbs	$399	41 digital clutch settings, AFT technology
Ryobi PBLHM102	18V	850 in-lbs	0-700 / 0-2150	Not mentioned	$179	24-position clutch, 34,000 BPM hammer mode
Skil PWRCore 20V	20V	350 in-lbs	0-420 / 0-1450	2.11 lbs	$90	PWRCore battery tech, USB charging capability
Metabo HPT DV36DC	36V	1,400 in-lbs	0-550 / 0-2200	Not mentioned	$299	AC adapter compatible, 22 clutch settings

Conclusion

The right cordless drill depends on what you need and how much you are ready to spend. After testing 7 drills and drilling over 100 holes, these seven models prove to be the best options in 2025.

The DeWalt 12V Max gives great control and is easy to use for everyday jobs. Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel brings high-level power and includes smart safety features. Flex has shaken things up with its 24V model setting new performance records during testing. Makita’s 40V XGT offers power close to corded drills handling the toughest jobs with ease.

People who want to save money will find Ryobi’s improved 18V ONE+ HP drill a great choice. Those with small home projects might go with the budget-friendly Skil PWRCore 20V instead. Metabo HPT stands out because they offer a hybrid power system that lets you use batteries or plug into an outlet.

Looking at the voltage rating is a smart first step to narrow choices. Drills rated 12V work fine for simple home jobs. Drills in the 18-20V range are better for most DIY projects. For heavy-duty or professional tasks, you’ll need those with 24V or more. Other features like hammer mode anti-kickback design, and brushless motors make a big difference in how these tools perform and how easy they are to use.

When I tested these drills, I saw huge upgrades in voltage performance compared to drills from just a few years back. Brushless motors now provide power-to-weight ratios that once seemed impossible to imagine. Smart electronics now stop accidents before they happen and make batteries last longer. Sure, the high-end models cost more, but their superior performance makes it worth it if you use them often.

Key Points to Consider

After testing 7 cordless drills and making over 100 holes here’s what you need to know to pick the best cordless drill in 2025:

• Voltage shows power potential: A 12V drill works well for home jobs. An 18-20V model can handle most DIY tasks. Tools with 24V or higher are fit for professional use.
• Brushless motors offer better output: New brushless motors weigh less but give higher power. They also make batteries last longer than older models.
• Safety tools help avoid injuries: Make sure to choose features like anti-kickback stops and AutoStop systems. These are especially useful when dealing with thick materials or drilling bigger holes.
• Flex FX1271T set new speed records: It’s the first drill to finish the test track in under 2 minutes raising the bar for speed and strength.
• Better choices on a budget: The Ryobi PBLHM102 provides 65% greater torque compared to older versions. This shows you can get great performance without spending a lot.

Cordless drills today have replaced corded ones. High-end models can now produce more than 2,000 inch-pounds of torque. If you’re a contractor or just like DIY projects, these tested picks make sure you get the best mix of power, features, and cost for what you need.

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