Blog

Apr 27, 2024

The 5 Best Drills of 2023

After new tests, we recommend the Ridgid R87012, and we’ve added the Craftsman CMCD713C2 V20 Drill/Driver and DeWalt DCD708C2 Atomic to the Competition. Cordless drills are more powerful than they’ve

After new tests, we recommend the Ridgid R87012, and we’ve added the Craftsman CMCD713C2 V20 Drill/Driver and DeWalt DCD708C2 Atomic to the Competition.

Cordless drills are more powerful than they’ve ever been. Yet they’ve also gotten so compact and lightweight that you can probably handle one even if you’ve never picked up a drill in your life.

Manufacturers like to market them to pros, but don’t be put off: For all of those slightly more-involved tasks—from hanging a baby gate to mounting shelving—a drill will make the work faster, easier, and more enjoyable. And you’ll be more likely to achieve solid, professional-looking results than if you used hand tools alone.

After drilling about 600 holes and sinking at least 50 pounds of screws in drill tests dating back to 2013, we’ve found the DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit to be the best one yet.

The DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme is the most comfortable drill we’ve ever held, and it’s loaded with convenience features. It packs enough strength and stamina to easily handle common jobs around the home.

The DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme 12-volt drill combines power, comfort, and convenience in a way that none of the other tested drills do. In our tests, it bored 30 1-inch holes through a 2-by-10 on a single battery charge. These results show the drill can handle just about anything within the four walls of a home, and even the occasional foray into more aggressive work, like a small decking repair. The DeWalt drill’s power is on a par with that of some other models we looked at, but it particularly excels in ergonomics and convenience features. The molded handle seems to account for every curve and bulge of the hand, making this drill the most comfortable we’ve ever held. The battery is designed so that the drill can stand upright when not in use (other drills, like the runner-up Bosch, need to be placed on their side). And the LED is positioned so that it illuminates the drill front better than most. The DCD701F2 also comes with a nice belt hook, and the battery gauge is located on each battery rather than on the tool, so you can check batteries without having to insert them into the drill.

Advertisement

The Bosch PS31-2A 12V has similar power to the DeWalt DCD701F2, but it’s clunkier to hold. And the little touches, such as the LED, aren’t as nice.

If the DeWalt DCD701F2 is overpriced or unavailable, we also like the Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit. In our tests, this 12-volt Bosch couldn’t drill as many 1-inch holes on a single charge as our top pick, but it still has more than enough power for general home tasks. In our own measurements, we found it to be about 5 ounces lighter than the DeWalt 12-volt, but it feels heavier because the balance isn’t as good. The Bosch battery slides up into the handle, making the grip fatter and not as contoured as the DeWalt’s. Also, the LED doesn’t illuminate as well.

The DeWalt DCD791D2 20-volt drill handles demanding work better than the smaller, 12-volt DeWalt drill, yet it manages to retain the great ergonomics and other features of our top-pick DeWalt drill.

If you take on projects that have you drilling lots of holes and sinking long screws, we recommend stepping up to the DeWalt DCD791D2 20V Max XR Li-Ion Brushless Compact Drill/Driver Kit. This is a larger, 20-volt drill, but it shares all of the most important characteristics of the smaller, 12-volt DeWalt: It’s very powerful and extremely comfortable to hold and use, and the little convenience features, such as the belt hook and the case, are spot-on. Compared with our 12-volt pick, this larger drill completes tougher jobs much faster, doing the same work in less than half the time, with a battery that lasts longer. The well-positioned LED can also be switched on independently of the drill, a unique feature that makes it a rudimentary flashlight (which could come in handy in nearly any crawl space). For around-the-house tasks, the added speed and power are often unnecessary. But for more-production-oriented work, such as putting down decking or building a garden shed, they make a noticeable difference.

Nearly identical to the 20-volt DeWalt (with minor compromises), this model is recommended if you see it at a lower price, or if you already use Milwaukee’s cordless tools.

If the DeWalt 20-volt drill is not available, we also like the 18-volt Milwaukee 2801-22CT M18 1/2 in. Compact Brushless Drill/Driver Kit. It’s very similar to the DeWalt DCD791D2 in power, ergonomics, and overall design (18- and 20-volt tools are the same—the difference is simply marketing). The negatives: This Milwaukee model has only a single-setting light that turns on and off with the drill, and the case has hardly any room for drill or driver bits. Those are minor points at best, however, so if you’re already invested in Milwaukee’s cordless tools, or if you find this drill at a lower price than the DeWalt DCD791D2, go for it.

The Ridgid R87012 18V drill offers 18-volt power in a 12-volt size. It performed great in our tests, but it had a harder time with relentless drilling than our other 18- and 20-volt recommendations.

We think that most people will be happy with the power and size of the DeWalt 12-volt drill. However, if you’re looking for a little more power, but you’re hesitant about the size and weight of the 20-volt DeWalt drill, we recommend the Ridgid R87012 18V Brushless SubCompact Cordless Drill Driver Kit, which splits the difference between the two. This is a relatively new category of tool, one that is closer to the size of a 12-volt yet uses 18-volt batteries. Combined, this places the Ridgid drill right between the two classes in power and size (as well as price): The tool has enough power for more substantial DIY projects such as light framing, but it’s not as streamlined and easy to use as the 12-volt DeWalt. We see it as a good drill for someone starting out on the DIY road who may not want to deal with the heft of the larger drills.

Ryobi’s 300-Piece Drill and Drive Kit and 95-Piece Drill and Impact Drive Kit are the best drill bit sets we’ve found in years of testing.

The DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme is the most comfortable drill we’ve ever held, and it’s loaded with convenience features. It packs enough strength and stamina to easily handle common jobs around the home.

The Bosch PS31-2A 12V has similar power to the DeWalt DCD701F2, but it’s clunkier to hold. And the little touches, such as the LED, aren’t as nice.

The DeWalt DCD791D2 20-volt drill handles demanding work better than the smaller, 12-volt DeWalt drill, yet it manages to retain the great ergonomics and other features of our top-pick DeWalt drill.

Nearly identical to the 20-volt DeWalt (with minor compromises), this model is recommended if you see it at a lower price, or if you already use Milwaukee’s cordless tools.

The Ridgid R87012 18V drill offers 18-volt power in a 12-volt size. It performed great in our tests, but it had a harder time with relentless drilling than our other 18- and 20-volt recommendations.

Since 2001, I’ve used and evaluated tools on a daily basis. I spent 10 years in construction as a carpenter, foreman, and site supervisor, working on multimillion-dollar residential renovations in the Boston area. In that time, I’ve probably used at least 50 different drills, and I’ve been testing them for Wirecutter since 2015. I also live in a 1773 saltbox house that requires a very hands-on, tool-heavy approach. In addition, I raise sheep, cows, pigs, bees, and chickens. So between all of the framing repairs, loose floorboards, shed adjustments, beehive building, coop fixes, stall creation, and fence alterations, I have a drill in my hand nearly every single day. Prior to owning the saltbox, I gutted and rebuilt a circa-1900s farmhouse.

To gain even more insight on drills, I spoke with Timothy Dahl, former editor at Popular Mechanics and founder and editor of the home-improvement site Charles + Hudson and the family DIY site Built by Kids. Dahl has written about tools since 2002 and has run Charles + Hudson since 2005. I also spoke with Wirecutter senior editor Harry Sawyers, who previously worked at This Old House magazine and Popular Mechanics. Harry has written about tools since 2005, including putting together a 12-volt drill test for Gizmodo.

A screwdriver can handle household tasks such as tightening cabinet hinges, putting up hooks, or swapping out the batteries in a toy, but once you get beyond that level, a drill can make life a lot easier. Putting up baby gates or assembling knockdown furniture, for example, is just way easier with a drill. Then, once you get to full-on DIY projects like replacing a rotted deck board or fixing a sagging gutter, a drill is essential.

For most household tasks, a 12-volt drill is more than adequate. It’s the smallest class of drill, and due to advances in battery and motor technology, such models have become formidable with regard to power. Good ones have no problem with tasks like swapping out light fixtures, building a bookshelf, and making minor drywall repairs. And they can even handle an occasional foray into more-aggressive work, like fixing a saggy gutter or replacing a few rotted deck boards. The small size works well if you’re storing it in the house.

If you’re a rabid DIYer with plans to build a deck, a doghouse, and a tree house, we recommend a stronger, 18- or 20-volt drill. These models offer longer battery life and more power. They’re designed for constant heavy-duty use and might be seen hanging off a pro carpenter’s tool belt. They can handle all but the most aggressive jobs (like mixing mortar with a paddle or repetitive drilling into concrete). And they’re a bit bigger and better suited for storage in a garage or shed. As a result, some folks might find their size and weight to be a little harder to manage than that of smaller, 12-volt tools. On average, 12-volt drills measure 6 to 6½ inches in length and weigh less than 2½ pounds; 18- and 20-volt drills average a length of 6½ to 7 inches and weigh around 3½ pounds (and have much bulkier batteries).

Recently, a new class of 18- and 20-volt drill has become available, splitting the difference—both in size and power—between the 12-volts and the full-size 18- and 20-volts. They’re typically referred to as subcompacts, and we think of them as a great entry-level DIY tool, perfect for light framing and more-heavy-duty work. But they’re also still manageable as an around-the-house tool for hanging curtain rods, adjusting doors, and hanging shelves. The downside is that they’re heavier than the 12-volts and not as powerful as the larger, 18- and 20-volt models. So in a way, they’re a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. They also provide an affordable entry into a company's 18- or 20-volt line of tools, all of which have compatible batteries.

The Megapro 13-in-1 (or the identical Channellock 131CB) is the best screwdriver.

For a general around-the-house drill, we recommend a 12-volt brushless drill kit that comes with a pair of lithium-ion batteries. These drills offer the best combination of power, maneuverability, run time, and cost. They aren’t designed for all-day aggressive use, but they are more than capable for basic home maintenance and repair, and if needed they can sink a 3-inch screw on occasion. They’re still compact enough that they take up hardly any space in a hall closet or even a kitchen junk drawer.

Power: We’ve been testing drills since 2015, and we’ve come to the conclusion that the 12-volt drills from quality manufacturers all have more than enough power to perform standard household tasks. It’s not uncommon for one to be able to sink over 80 3-inch screws through solid wood on a single battery charge or to drill more than 20 1-inch holes through a 2-by-10. Through our testing, we’ve discovered that most of the drills have similar performance numbers—similar enough that we wouldn’t choose one over another based on power. They were all within the margin of error.

To be clear, 18-volt tools are the same as 20-volt tools—it’s just marketing.

We also tested a number of 18-volt drills. These offer more power but tend to be more expensive, and we don’t think that added power is worth the heavier weight for simple around-the-house tasks. But these drills do have their place, which is why we have recommendations for both the larger and smaller classes of 18-volt drills below.

We need to note that some companies list the nominal voltage of the battery (the voltage at which the tool operates), while others use the higher maximum voltage (the spike that occurs when you first pull the trigger). That said, 18-volt tools are the same as 20-volt tools—it’s just marketing. For the purposes of this article, unless we’re speaking about the specific name of a drill, we’re using the term “18-volt,” which has long been the standard term for the class.

Ergonomics: With the power question settled, we focused our attention on ergonomics. We wanted a drill that was small, comfortable to hold (for both large and small hands), relatively light, and nicely balanced. This is where the best drills really distinguished themselves. Some felt like boat anchors, while others seemed perfectly molded for our hands. Comfort makes a huge difference, especially when you’re reaching overhead with the tool for extended periods or doing a repetitive task like replacing deck boards or putting together a piece of knockdown furniture.

Brushless motor: Compared with a traditional brushed motor, brushless motors allow for a smaller tool with better battery life and more power. Once an expensive outlier in the industry, brushless tools are now coming down in price, and there is no question that companies are trending toward brushless. We anticipate that major manufacturers will be making moves to discontinue their brushed lines in the future. Even brands traditionally associated with homeowner-grade tools, such as Ryobi and Skil, now offer brushless drills.

Convenience features: Most drills come with additional features like a belt clip and an LED light, but they’re not all the same. We wanted a belt clip that was wide and easy to use and an LED that effectively lit up the workspace.

Cost: Brushless 12-volt drills from reputable manufacturers typically cost between about $120 and $160 (but are occasionally available for less). Given the benefits of brushless—most notably the reduced size and weight—we think this is an appropriate cost. Quality brushed drills, such as our runner-up, the Bosch PS31-2A, linger around the $100 to $120 mark. So there’s often an upcharge for brushless, but it’s not a huge one, especially when you consider the long lifespan of the tool.

We tested the drills by, well, driving in a lot of screws and drilling a lot of holes. We used structured tests to stress the drills and run their batteries dry. I also used the drills in less structured settings as I worked on various projects—I built a wall, fixed a hay feeder, repaired a chicken coop, built two bookshelves, put down a floor, and outfitted my workshop with shelving. I also adjusted a few doors, swapped out some license plate lights, put up some mudroom hooks, and hung a heavy mirror.

For our structured tests, we sunk 3-inch screws into doubled-up 2-by-10 lumber (a total of 3 inches thick). We did this on a fully charged battery until the battery was empty. This test simulated the process of framing, as if someone were building a tree house or a partition wall. To prevent the drills from overheating, we rested them after every 14 screws.

We then outfitted each drill with a new Irwin 88816 1-inch Speedbor Spade Bit and drilled holes through 1½-inch-thick 2-by-10s until the batteries wore out. Again, we rested the drills after every five holes. This was no doubt an aggressive task for the 12-volt drills, but we wanted a direct comparison against the 18-volt models to truly see whether drills’ capabilities matched against one another. Also, we wanted to test the upper end of the 12-volts to see which models could handle the occasional foray into more-ambitious work.

For these tests, we set the drills to the faster of the two speeds and switched over to the slower speed (with higher torque) when a drill stopped being effective. With a drill in the lower gear, we were usually able to continue on for a bit until the battery was completely drained. For the drilling test, the 12-volt models usually could handle drilling only a few holes before we switched over to the lower gear with the higher torque needed for the difficult task.

Obviously, the number of holes drilled and screws driven in was very important. But we also kept an eye on the performance and handling of each drill, asking questions like: How often does it stall out? How much does it struggle? How does it feel in the hand? We also looked at the drills’ overall design, seeing how the toggle switches worked and how easy it was to take a battery off and put it back on again.

The DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme is the most comfortable drill we’ve ever held, and it’s loaded with convenience features. It packs enough strength and stamina to easily handle common jobs around the home.

The DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit offers the best combination of power, size, ergonomics, and convenience. Like all of the drills we looked at, it has more than enough strength for household tasks. But it really shines ergonomically: It is, by far, the most comfortable drill we’ve held. In addition, it offers great minor touches, including a wide belt clip and a bright LED that’s positioned to cast maximum light at the front of the drill. The body of the drill is balanced, and because of the way the battery is positioned, the tool can stand up (unlike many of the others, which can be placed only on their sides).

In our power tests, the DeWalt 12-volt was able to drill 30 1-inch holes into a 2-by-10 on a single battery charge, and it could sink over 100 3-inch drywall screws into a doubled-up 2-by-10 (3 inches of wood). Obviously, that’s more than enough oomph to tighten up some cabinet hinges and hang a mirror. Yet it’s also plenty for those times you might need to deal with a larger project, such as repairing a deck repair or fixing a sagging gutter. If you need a drill for constant, all-day aggressive use, we recommend our upgrade pick. But if you’ll be dipping a toe into larger DIY projects only occasionally, the DeWalt 12-volt will have no problems.

In general, 12-volt drills are little, but the DeWalt DCD701F2, with its brushless motor, is downright tiny. From tip to tail, the DeWalt 12-volt is less than 6 inches long; it was the shortest drill we looked at. On our scale it weighed just under 2½ pounds, landing in the midrange of drill weights. But the DeWalt 12-volt’s balance was so nice that, before we weighed the drills, we were convinced it was the lightest one we were testing. The truth is that the Bosch GSR12V-300B22 is almost half a pound lighter.

The DeWalt 12-volt drill stands out for its ergonomic design. The handle appears to be designed with every contour of a hand in mind. Even the slightest details are accounted for, such as the little depression where the forefinger knuckle rubs against the drill body. The handle tapers nicely, allowing the pinky finger to find purchase, and the trigger and forward/reverse control are well positioned for quick use. We tested the drill in both small and large hands, and everyone thought it was extremely comfortable to hold.

DeWalt employs a “foot”-style battery, which slides into the base of the handle from the front of the tool. This drill is overall a larger tool, but it has a small platform to stand on. By contrast, competitors’ drills, like some we’ve tested from Milwaukee and Bosch, use a canister-style battery (which slides up into the handle). So not only are the handles bulky, but without a foot, the drills can rest only on their sides. Although both the Bosch and Milwaukee models we tested are appropriately padded, we prefer to place a drill upright, especially on delicate surfaces. The DeWalt 12-volt drill also has this strategically placed padding, so it can be set on its side if needed.

This drill’s battery design offers another benefit: The battery gauge is on the battery rather than on the tool. So you can quickly check both batteries before you start your project. Otherwise, as with the Bosch and Milwaukee drills, you need to put each battery into the drill and activate the drill to see how much charge remains. It’s a minor point, but it emphasizes the overall convenience of the DeWalt drill’s design.

Since the battery was designed to slide into the base of the handle, DeWalt also had room to place the LED down below the grip, whereas many other 12-volt drills place their lights just above the trigger. The DeWalt LED’s lower position means it casts much better light at the nose of the tool and reduces the drill’s shadow considerably. In our tests, the light from the Bosch and Milwaukee models’ LEDs barely illuminated above the drills at all.

The DeWalt DCD701F2 kit comes with two batteries and a small, duffel-style carrying case. The bag doesn’t have a ton of additional room, but there’s enough to store some drill and driver bits or a couple of other small tools. Even with the drill inside, the bag is compact, and you can easily stuff it in a closet or on a basement shelf.

The one slight negative we found with the DeWalt DCD701F2 kit is that taking the battery off the tool is a little counterintuitive. On most drills, a sliding tab releases the battery, but on the DeWalt 12-volt, you need to press the tab in toward the drill. On other models, like the 20-volt DeWalt DCD791D2, the tab slides away from the tool, making it easier to grab, unlatch, and pull off. This is truly a minor point, though, and once we got used to the tab on the 12-volt DeWalt, we had no issues.

Finally, this isn’t a flaw unique to this model, but it is something you should understand about the drill/driver category: This tool isn’t designed to drill masonry. For that, you need a hammer drill function. DeWalt makes a pricier version of our pick that includes this feature, the DeWalt DCD706F2. We haven’t tested that model, but we believe its performance should be in line with the impressive results we got from its close relatives, the 12-volt and 20-volt versions.

The Bosch PS31-2A 12V has similar power to the DeWalt DCD701F2, but it’s clunkier to hold. And the little touches, such as the LED, aren’t as nice.

If the DeWalt DCD701F2 12-volt drill is not available and you’re willing to make a few sacrifices, we also like the Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit. This model is our previous top pick, and it has a lot of power—similar to what the DeWalt 12-volt drill offers. But the Bosch drill has a longer body, and the ergonomics aren’t anywhere near as good. Also, this drill lacks the small convenience features we like so much on the DeWalt drill, such as the useful light placement and the foot-style battery. Still, we’ve been using this tool for years, and it has always performed well and remained a reliable option.

In our tests, the Bosch PS31-2A drilled five fewer holes than the DeWalt DCD701F2, lasting for 25 holes, but it sank more screws. It was the only brushed drill we tested that could hang with the brushless models. However, compared with the DeWalt drill’s ergonomics, the Bosch PS31-2A drill’s aren’t as good. Bosch has gone with a canister-style battery, which slides up into the handle, so the handle is fatter and more difficult to hold than that of the DeWalt. This design also messes with the drill’s balance, making the Bosch feel heavier than the DeWalt (which, according to our measurements, is actually 5 ounces heavier).

The Bosch drill’s LED is positioned right above the trigger, so it illuminates a smaller area. The battery life indicator is on the tool rather than on the battery, and the drill has no belt hook.

The DeWalt DCD791D2 20-volt drill handles demanding work better than the smaller, 12-volt DeWalt drill, yet it manages to retain the great ergonomics and other features of our top-pick DeWalt drill.

If you need a drill that can consistently and quickly perform more aggressive work, such as driving long screws and drilling large holes, get the DeWalt DCD791D2 20V Max XR Li-Ion Brushless Compact Drill/Driver Kit.

By choosing the DeWalt 20-volt over the DeWalt 12-volt, you’re getting more speed, more power, and more run time. To determine this, we drilled five 1-inch holes with both the 12-volt and the 20-volt models. Both drills completed the task, but the 20-volt drill did so in 20 seconds, whereas the 12-volt drill took a minute. During the test, the 12-volt model often got bound up and had a much harder time, while the 20-volt just blew right through the wood. So although the 12-volt model is capable of tackling tougher jobs, that’s really not what the smaller tool is designed for. The 20-volt drill, on the other hand, is built for these tasks. If that’s the kind of work you’re doing all day, you’ll appreciate the difference.

On a single battery charge, the DeWalt 20-volt drilled 52 1-inch holes through the 2-by-10. This result is on a par with what we saw from the other 18-volt drills we tested, and that’s plenty of power for more-involved DIY tasks, like some kinds of framing or a deck project.

The larger DeWalt has all of the successful characteristics of its 12-volt counterpart. It has the same excellent handle, the foot-style battery, and a great belt hook.

The LED sits at the foot of the 20-volt tool, as it does on the 12-volt model, but here DeWalt has put an unusual spin on the idea. On the 20-volt model, DeWalt provides a three-setting toggle just above the light, giving it two brightness settings as well as a simple “on” setting, which lets you keep the light illuminated to use it like a rudimentary flashlight. It can’t replace a real flashlight (we have some more thoughts on those), but in a crawlspace or a poorly lit basement, it has come in handy for us.

Finally, the DeWalt DCD791D2 kit comes with a nice hard case that leaves plenty of room for drill and driver bits.

Nearly identical to the 20-volt DeWalt (with minor compromises), this model is recommended if you see it at a lower price, or if you already use Milwaukee’s cordless tools.

If the DeWalt DCD791D2 20-volt drill, our upgrade pick, is not available, we also recommend the Milwaukee 2801-22CT M18 1/2 in. Compact Brushless Drill/Driver Kit. In both form and performance, it’s nearly identical to the DeWalt DCD791D2, even down to the price, normally around $200. The Milwaukee is a little shorter from tip to tail but is an ounce heavier. We gave the DeWalt 20-volt drill the edge here only because the Milwaukee drill does not have additional light features, and its case lacks extra room to store drill or driver bits. Neither of those shortcomings is a true dealbreaker, and we think you’d do just fine without those features. If you see this model priced less than the DeWalt 20-volt drill, go for it. Or, if you already own tools on the Milwaukee M18 platform, this drill gives you a convenient way to expand your set.

The Ridgid R87012 18V drill offers 18-volt power in a 12-volt size. It performed great in our tests, but it had a harder time with relentless drilling than our other 18- and 20-volt recommendations.

If you think a 12-volt model will be a little underpowered for your needs, but you’re concerned the 18-volt drills will be a little too big and unwieldy, we recommend the Ridgid R87012 18V Brushless SubCompact Cordless Drill Driver Kit. In most ways, this drill splits the difference between our 12- and 18-volt recommendations. It can handle more-aggressive tasks than a 12-volt drill, like light framing and larger diameter hole drilling, but it’s much smaller than the more-powerful 18- and 20-volt Milwaukee and DeWalt drills. As long as you’re aware of these limitations, the Ridgid drill has a nice combination of size and power—one we believe is well suited to the entry-level DIYer. This model is also a fairly inexpensive way to get started with Ridgid’s large, 18-volt platform. The drill is the slightly upgraded version of our previous Ridgid pick, the R8701K, which is a little bigger and slightly less powerful. Otherwise, the drills are nearly identical.

During our tests, the Ridgid drilled a whopping 67 1-inch holes, about 10 more than the 20-volt DeWalt and the 18-volt Milwaukee. That’s an impressive number, but during testing the Ridgid battery got hotter more quickly than the others, and the drill struggled a little with the holes, even if it did eventually drill more of them. If we were looking for a heavy-duty DIY drill, we’d still opt for the 20-volt DeWalt or 18-volt Milwaukee drill, based on how they held up in our original tests as well as how they’ve performed throughout our long-term testing. Even so, the Ridgid model is a very competent drill that many will find to be “just enough.” It has a really nice handle and the well-positioned LED (which comes on only when the trigger is pulled).

Before we begin the 12-volt and 18-volt competition sections, a caveat: If you’re already invested in one of the following battery platforms, these tools are likely to be a great value for you, especially if you can find one sold as a “bare tool” (without the battery and charger), which drastically reduces the price. Although these models have faults in comparison with our picks, they are solid performers. And you’re likely to forgive their flaws due to the convenience of expanding your collection within a single, consistent brand.

In our tests, the Milwaukee 2503-22 M12 Fuel 1/2″ Drill Driver Kit was slightly more powerful than the DeWalt 12-volt, but it is very heavy, and the ergonomics of the handle are not good at all. This Milwaukee model is notably bulky, and there’s a slight bulge at the forefinger knuckle, which we found especially uncomfortable, whereas the DeWalt 12-volt has a nice indent.

The Bosch GSR12V-300B22 12V Max EC Brushless 3/8 In. Drill/Driver Kit is the brushless version of our runner-up pick. This is the lightest drill we tested, in our measurements coming in at an even 2 pounds (although the overall design makes it feel about the same weight as the DeWalt 12-volt, which is 7 ounces heavier). The Bosch performed well, but it typically costs more than the DeWalt. And given the excellent performance of the brushed motor version, we don’t think this drill and its so-so ergonomics are worth the investment.

The Skil DL529002 PWRCore 12 Brushless 12V 1/2″ Cordless Drill Driver Kit comes with only one battery, and, at 7 inches, it’s longer than the rest of the 12-volt brushless drills we tested. The charger can give it a 25% charge in five minutes, which almost offsets the lack of a second battery. But this Skil model falls short in power versus the others we tried. It also has an overload-protection feature that constantly kicked on while we were using the tool, which was annoying.

We did not test the Makita FD07R1 12V max CXT Lithium‑Ion Brushless Cordless 3/8″ Driver Drill Kit. It shares many characteristics with our main pick, the DeWalt 12-volt, but the light is positioned above the handle, so it doesn’t illuminate a work surface as well. In our tests of the 18-volt drills, the Makita wasn’t as strong as the DeWalt.

Ridgid and Black+Decker do not offer brushless 12-volt drills, and Ryobi discontinued its 12-volt line.

A previous runner-up, the Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8″ Drill/Driver is a brushed drill. It’s not as powerful as the brushed DeWalt or Bosch models, and it weighs more. It’s a nice drill, but the others are better options for about the same cost.

The Black+Decker BDCDD12C 12V Max Cordless Lithium Drill/Driver comes with only a single battery. It doesn’t have a belt hook, onboard bit storage, or a battery gauge. This model also offers just one speed, and it’s merely a little faster than the low speeds of the other drills we tried. In practical terms, this means jobs don’t go as quickly with this drill, especially with smaller screws, which you normally need to drive at high speed. The power is not that great, either.

In 2022, we tested the Craftsman CMCD713C2 V20 Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit, and we found it to be a very nice drill, especially considering its current price, under $100 (the lowest price we’ve seen for a brand-name 18-volt brushless drill that comes with two batteries). During testing, the Craftsman drilled 44 holes, which puts it lower than our other 18-volt recommendations. In the hand, it feels chunkier than the others and doesn’t seem as solid. It does not come with a belt hook, which left us scratching our heads a little. If budget is your primary concern, this is a great option, but you’ll be able to do more with the others.

The DeWalt DCD708C2 Atomic 20V Max Li-ion Brushless Compact Drill/Driver Kit was a previous pick, fitting in the same “in-between” space as the recommended sub-compact Ridgid R87012 Drill. In our tests, the DeWalt Atomic didn’t drill as many holes, but the feel of the tools is the same. When we recommended it, the DeWalt Atomic was roughly $100, but it has since settled in at a much higher price of $170. The unique combination of 12- and 18-volt characteristics loses its flair at that cost, especially when the Ridgid is a similar tool for around $150.

The Ridgid R8701K 18-Volt Sub-Compact Drill/Driver was a previous pick. Ridgid upgraded the drill to the Ridgid R87012 18-Volt Brushless SubCompact Cordless Drill Driver Kit, which we now recommend. The new version has more power and is smaller.

The Ryobi PSBDD01K One+ 18V Brushless Compact Drill managed to drill just 31 holes on a single charge, making it one the least powerful 18-volt drills we tested. In fact, its capabilities are in line with our top 12-volt recommendation, the DeWalt, but with the added weight of an 18-volt tool. Also, the handle design includes an added finger notch that we found uncomfortable. The upside to the Ryobi is that it’s part of Ryobi’s massive 18-volt tool platform, which includes everything from circular saws to work lights to tire inflators. So even with the drill’s shortcomings, it’s a solid option if you already have some 18-volt Ryobi tools.

Flex is a new brand of cordless power tools. Its 24-Volt Brushless Cordless Drill has a lot of positive feedback at Lowe’s (where it is exclusively sold), but we don’t think the added voltage is necessary for around-the-house work. Plus, the larger battery adds weight.

In our tests, the Makita XFD11RB Sub Compact Drill/Driver wasn’t as powerful as the Ridgid R87012 SubCompact. It also tends to be more expensive, and the LED is positioned at the top of the handle.

The Bosch DDS183-02 18-Volt Brushless Compact Tough 1/2 In. Drill/Driver Kit was a previous 18-volt pick, but it has suffered a lot of availability issues over the past couple of years, so we no longer recommend it.

The Black+Decker BDCDE120C 20V Max Lithium Drill/Driver with AutoSense Technology was a champ at driving screws, but it didn’t do as well in our drilling test, managing only 25 holes (which put it in the middle of the pack). It also has only a ⅜-inch chuck (the rest of the 18-volt models have ½-inch chucks), which limits it with larger bits. In addition, it’s a single-speed tool, whereas all of the others we tried have two speeds.

This article was edited by Harry Sawyers.

Doug Mahoney

Doug Mahoney is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter covering home improvement. He spent 10 years in high-end construction as a carpenter, foreman, and supervisor. He lives in a very demanding 250-year-old farmhouse and spent four years gutting and rebuilding his previous home. He also raises sheep and has a dairy cow that he milks every morning.

by Doug Mahoney

Our favorite things for building your own toolkit for minor home repairs.

by Doug Mahoney

After more than 350 hours of research and tests of more than 250 tools, we’ve assembled the the best toolkit for your home.

by Harry Sawyers

Better tools can do better work. Here’s what to get when you’re ready to handle routine home problems.

by Harry Sawyers

Everything we recommend for mounting heavy stuff on a wall or ceiling.