The 6 Best Drills of 2025

12-volt models

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.

The Milwaukee 2503-22 M12 Fuel 1/2 in. Drill Driver Kit is an older version of the Milwaukee 12-volt we recommend. It’s not as powerful and will likely be phased out soon.

The Bosch GSR12V-300B22 12V Max EC Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit is the lightest drill we tested, coming in at an even 2 pounds in our measurements (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.

The Skil DL529002 PWRCore 12 Brushless 12V 1/2 in. Cordless Drill Driver Kit comes with only one battery, and at 7 inches, it’s longer than most of the 12-volt drills we tested. The charger can give it a 25% charge in five minutes, which almost offsets the lack of a second battery—almost. The Skil also lacks power and 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 in. 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. It’s also typically a lot more expensive.

A previous runner-up, the Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8 in. Drill/Driver is not as powerful as the 12-volt DeWalt or Bosch models, and it weighs more.

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.

18- and 20-volt models

The DeWalt DCD791D2 20V Max XR Li-Ion Brushless Compact Drill/Driver Kit was a previous pick, but it has now been discontinued. Similarly, the Milwaukee 2801-22CT M18 Compact Brushless 1/2 in. Drill Driver Kit was also a pick, but it has been replaced with the Milwaukee 3601-22CT we now recommend.

The Craftsman CMCD713C2 V20 Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit is nice, but it’s not as powerful as our picks, and it felt chunkier in the hands.

DeWalt has two versions of their Atomic drill (the DCD708C2 and the DCD794D1). These are meant to be a bridge between the two classes of drills, combining the size of the 12-volt drills with power closer to the larger, 18- and 20-volt tools. The problem is that, over time, the 12-volt drills have become more powerful and the 18- and 20-volt drills have become smaller, effectively squeezing the Atomic drills out of the picture. The Milwaukee 18-volt drill we recommend is shorter than both of the Atomics and considerably more powerful.

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 DCD701F2, but with the added weight of an 18-volt tool. Also, the handle design includes an added finger notch that we found uncomfortable.

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 other 18-volt drills we recommend. It also tends to be more expensive, and the LED is positioned at the top of the handle.

The Black+Decker BDCDE120C 20V Max Lithium Drill/Driver with AutoSense Technology was a champ at driving screws, but it didn’t do well in our drilling test, managing only 25 holes (which put it in the middle of the pack). It also has only a 0.375-inch chuck (the rest of the 18-volt models have 0.5-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.