The best cordless drill for most people is the DEWALT 20V MAX Drill & Impact Combo — a drill/driver plus an impact driver, batteries, and charger in one kit that covers nearly every job. A good cordless drill drives screws, bores holes, and (paired with an impact driver) sinks long fasteners without stripping — the foundation of any tool collection. Below are the best cordless drills we’d actually buy — every one confirmed in stock.
How we chose the best cordless drills
Every pick was scored against the same criteria, and we confirmed each product is currently in stock on Amazon before including it:
- Real-world quality — materials, construction, and durability, not marketing claims.
- Fit for purpose — sound design and the right fit for the job each product is meant to do.
- Value across budgets — from a solid budget pick to a premium best-in-class option.
- Owner consensus — thousands of verified reviews and Amazon’s Choice standing, cross-checked against known failure points.
Cordless drills: the 3 best, compared
The 3 best cordless drills, ranked
1DEWALT 20V MAX Drill & Impact Driver Combo (DCK240C2) Best overall
The kit most people should own: a 20V drill/driver for holes and general driving plus a dedicated impact driver for long screws and lag bolts (far more torque, no stripping), with two batteries, a charger, and a bag. DeWalt’s huge 20V battery platform means room to add tools later. Covers virtually every drilling and driving job.
- Ergonomically Designed: Work in tight areas with a compact design that gets into tough spots
- Compact and Lightweight: Both tools are designed to fit into difficult to reach spaces. The 1/4" impact driver has a length of 5.55 in. and weighs just 2.8 lbs, while the 1/2" drill/driver measures only 7.5 in. and weighs 3.6 lbs
- Both the DEWALT impact driver and electric drill driver feature integrated LED work lights with a convenient 20-second delay, ensuring enhanced visibility in dimly lit or challenging work areas
- One-Handed Loading - Keep one hand free with a 1/4 in. hex chuck that accepts 1 in. bit tips
- Power drill cordless with 1/2" single sleeve ratcheting chuck provides tight bit gripping strength, making bit changes faster and more secure
2BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Drill & Impact Combo Best value combo
The same useful drill-plus-impact-driver pairing at a friendlier price, with a battery and charger — plenty of power for household projects, furniture, and DIY, on BLACK+DECKER’s wide 20V system. The value pick for a two-tool combo that handles the vast majority of home jobs.
- VERSATILE DRILL/DRIVER APPLICATION – 3/8 in. chuck size makes it ideal for all screwdriving tasks and drilling into wood, metal, and plastic.
- 11-POSITION CLUTCH – The drill/driver helps prevent stripping and overdriving of screws while providing extra control.
- VARIABLE-SPEED TRIGGER – Progress at your own pace with the drill/driver. Allows for countersinking without damaging the material.
- POWERFUL IMPACT DRIVER – A high-performance transmission delivers 1,375 in-lb of max torque. The 1/4 in. hex chuck features a quick-release mechanism for fast and easy bit changes.
- COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT – Both tools are designed for easy maneuverability in tight spaces and won't leave you feeling wiped out when you're finished.
3BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Drill Kit Best budget (drill only)
A single 20V drill/driver with a battery, charger, and a bit — the simplest, cheapest way into cordless drilling and driving for light home use, hanging shelves, and flat-pack furniture. The pick if you just need a capable drill and don’t want to pay for a second tool yet.
- 20V MAX* Lithium Ion battery for excellent power and runtime
- Integrated LED light to help provide illumination
- Built-in driver bit holder for storage and organization
- Part of 20V MAX* System (Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18 volts
- 11-position clutch helps to prevent stripping screws
Cordless drills: buyer’s guide & FAQ
Do I need a drill/driver, an impact driver, or both?
What voltage cordless drill do I need?
Brushless or brushed motor — does it matter?
How many batteries and what charger should a kit include?
More tools & DIY picks, ranked
I spent years as an automotive mechanic and ran my own shop, so I’ve worked hands-on with just about every kind of car-care product, tool, and gadget out there. For Golden’s List, I put that experience into the Auto, Car Care, and Tools rankings — choosing picks on the merits, not the marketing, and making sure every one is actually in stock with a live price before it earns a spot. Meet the whole team →