Cordless Drill Buying Guide

Each shortlist states its criterion. A budget shortlist will appear once Amazon prices are observed.

Best overall

21 models qualify. Highest overall score among models with 5+ owner comments.

Milwaukee 2505

Drill/driver · M12 FUEL
4.1 (124 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
ValuePower & Torque

“You might be buying into a battery ecosystem - if you see yourself getting more cordless tools down the line, then consider what brand fits …”

Read review →

Bosch GSR12V-140FC

Drill/driver · 12V Max
3.6 (21 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
Compact & LightweightBattery & Runtime

“The drill is pretty good.”

Read review →

DeWalt DCD996

Hammer drill · 20V MAX XR
3.5 (26 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
Power & TorqueBattery & Runtime

“Overall I'd rate it a 9.5/10, only loosing a half a point because it's too powerful for assembling flat pack furniture so I had to spend £15…”

Read review →

DeWalt DCD999

Hammer drill · 20V MAX XR FlexVolt Advantage
3.5 (19 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
Power & TorqueValue

“Haven’t seen anyone bad mouth the set up, I’ve been using it about 7 years on my DCD999, it works great.”

Read review →

How the score works →

Most recommended on Reddit

15 models qualify. Most owner comments that explicitly recommend the model.

Milwaukee 2505

Drill/driver · M12 FUEL
4.1 (124 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
ValuePower & Torque

“You might be buying into a battery ecosystem - if you see yourself getting more cordless tools down the line, then consider what brand fits …”

Read review →

DeWalt DCD1007

Hammer drill · 20V MAX XR
3.4 (46 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
ValuePower & Torque

“If I need power, I'll grab one of the first 3 as they are the most powerful.”

Read review →

Bosch GSR12V-140FC

Drill/driver · 12V Max
3.6 (21 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
Compact & LightweightBattery & Runtime

“The drill is pretty good.”

Read review →

DeWalt DCD999

Hammer drill · 20V MAX XR FlexVolt Advantage
3.5 (19 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
Power & TorqueValue

“Haven’t seen anyone bad mouth the set up, I’ve been using it about 7 years on my DCD999, it works great.”

Read review →

All drills by recommendations →

Best for long runtime

25 models qualify. Most owner praise for battery & runtime.

Milwaukee 2505

Drill/driver · M12 FUEL
4.1 (124 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
ValuePower & Torque

“You might be buying into a battery ecosystem - if you see yourself getting more cordless tools down the line, then consider what brand fits …”

Read review →

DeWalt DCD1007

Hammer drill · 20V MAX XR
3.4 (46 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
ValuePower & Torque

“If I need power, I'll grab one of the first 3 as they are the most powerful.”

Read review →

Bosch GSR12V-140FC

Drill/driver · 12V Max
3.6 (21 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
Compact & LightweightBattery & Runtime

“The drill is pretty good.”

Read review →

DeWalt DCD996

Hammer drill · 20V MAX XR
3.5 (26 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
Power & TorqueBattery & Runtime

“Overall I'd rate it a 9.5/10, only loosing a half a point because it's too powerful for assembling flat pack furniture so I had to spend £15…”

Read review →

Full long runtime ranking → · Related guide →

Best for heavy-duty power

25 models qualify. Most owner praise for power & torque.

Milwaukee 2505

Drill/driver · M12 FUEL
4.1 (124 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
ValuePower & Torque

“You might be buying into a battery ecosystem - if you see yourself getting more cordless tools down the line, then consider what brand fits …”

Read review →

DeWalt DCD1007

Hammer drill · 20V MAX XR
3.4 (46 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
ValuePower & Torque

“If I need power, I'll grab one of the first 3 as they are the most powerful.”

Read review →

DeWalt DCD801

Drill/driver · 20V MAX XR
3.2 (20 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
Power & TorqueCompact & Lightweight

“My favorite drill- I use it and love the anti kick back.”

Read review →

DeWalt DCD996

Hammer drill · 20V MAX XR
3.5 (26 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
Power & TorqueBattery & Runtime

“Overall I'd rate it a 9.5/10, only loosing a half a point because it's too powerful for assembling flat pack furniture so I had to spend £15…”

Read review →

Full heavy-duty power ranking → · Related guide →

Best for value for money

20 models qualify. Most owner praise for value.

Milwaukee 2505

Drill/driver · M12 FUEL
4.1 (124 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
ValuePower & Torque

“You might be buying into a battery ecosystem - if you see yourself getting more cordless tools down the line, then consider what brand fits …”

Read review →

DeWalt DCD1007

Hammer drill · 20V MAX XR
3.4 (46 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
ValuePower & Torque

“If I need power, I'll grab one of the first 3 as they are the most powerful.”

Read review →

DeWalt DCD805

Hammer drill · 20V MAX XR
3.1 (15 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
ValueBattery & Runtime

“this is probably the best deal out there on tools.”

Read review →

Bosch GSR12V-140FC

Drill/driver · 12V Max
3.6 (21 owner comments)
Price varies — check Amazon
Compact & LightweightBattery & Runtime

“The drill is pretty good.”

Read review →

Full value for money ranking → · Related guide →