Top7 Cordless Drills Worth Buying in 2026 (Updated November)
Ranked on power, battery platform, weight and value.
1 Our top pick · Best overall
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill
Serious DIYers and pros who want power and a big battery ecosystem.
- Very powerful brushless motor
- Hammer mode for masonry
- Heavier than compact drills
Compare the seven
Side by side| Rank | Product | Best for | Price | Key advantage | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill | Best overall | $$$Premium | Very powerful brushless motor | Buy |
| 02 |  Milwaukee M18 Fuel Drill | Best pro | $$$Premium | Top-tier power and torque | Buy |
| 03 |  Makita XFD131 | Best compact | $$Mid-range | Light and well balanced | Buy |
| 04 |  RYOBI ONE+ HP Drill | Best value platform | $$Mid-range | Huge ONE+ tool range | Buy |
| 05 |  DEWALT Drill + Impact Combo Kit | Best combo | $$$Premium | Two tools and two batteries | Buy |
| 06 |  Bosch 12V Max PS31 | Best 12V | $$Mid-range | Only about 2 lb | Buy |
| 07 |  Black+Decker 20V MAX | Best budget pick | $Budget | Very affordable | Buy |
Our 7 picks in detail
1 DEWALT 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill
Who it's for: Serious DIYers and pros who want power and a big battery ecosystem.
- Very powerful brushless motor
- Hammer mode for masonry
- Heavier than compact drills
2 Milwaukee M18 Fuel Drill
Who it's for: Contractors and heavy users who need the toughest drill.
- Top-tier power and torque
- Excellent durability
- Expensive; battery sold separately
3 Makita XFD131
Who it's for: Anyone working in tight spaces or overhead.
- Light and well balanced
- Fast-charging battery
- Less powerful than hammer drills
4 RYOBI ONE+ HP Drill
Who it's for: Homeowners who want a big tool lineup at a low price.
- Huge ONE+ tool range
- Good power for the price
- Less rugged than pro brands
5 DEWALT Drill + Impact Combo Kit
Who it's for: New toolboxes that need both a drill and an impact driver.
- Two tools and two batteries
- Great all-around value
- Smaller 1.3Ah batteries
6 Bosch 12V Max PS31
Who it's for: Cabinet installers and anyone wanting a very light drill.
- Only about 2 lb
- Surprisingly capable
- Limited for heavy jobs
7 Black+Decker 20V MAX
Who it's for: Occasional use around the house.
- Very affordable
- Includes 30 accessories
- Slower and less powerful
Questions people ask
Brushless or brushed drill?
Brushless motors are more efficient and powerful, and they last longer. They cost more, but are worth it for frequent use.
Which battery platform should I choose?
Pick the brand with the tools you may want later: DeWalt, Milwaukee and Makita for pros, Ryobi for value. Batteries are shared across the brand's tools.
Is Black Friday a good time to buy a cordless drill?
Yes. Home Depot, Lowe's and Amazon often discount combo kits and free batteries by 30 to 50% for Black Friday.
Should I buy last year's model on sale?
Yes. Older drill kits are often nearly identical and heavily discounted, but check that the batteries are compatible with the current platform.
Do I need a hammer drill?
Only if you drill into brick or concrete. For wood and drywall a regular drill/driver is lighter and cheaper.
What voltage do I need?
12V is plenty for light work and tight spaces. Choose 18V or 20V for decks, big holes and all-purpose use.
Is a drill and impact driver combo worth it?
Yes, if you do any serious fastening. The impact driver drives long screws faster, and combos are cheaper than buying separately.
What size battery should I get?
Larger Ah batteries run longer but weigh more. 2 to 5Ah suits most people; use a compact 1.5 to 2Ah battery for overhead work.
How did we pick these cordless drills?
We compared the best-selling and highest-rated cordless drills on Amazon, read expert reviews and the most common complaints, then kept one pick for each kind of buyer. Read our full method.
