9 Best Cordless Power Drills for Everyday Jobs (October 2026)

The best cordless power drills for everyday jobs include the DeWalt DCD771C2 20V MAX XR Drill Driver Kit for everyday home repairs, the Makita XFD131 18V LXT Brushless Driver-Drill Kit for brushless 18V performance, and the Milwaukee M18 2606-21CT Compact Drill Driver Kit for compact M18 setup.

On this page (4 sections)

1. The best cordless power drills for everyday jobs
2. How to choose a cordless drill for home projects
3. Which cordless power drill should you choose?
4. For more guidance, see our hammer drill versus regular drill comparison." - q: "Is a 12V cordless drill enough for home use?" a: "A 12V drill can suit furniture assembly, light drilling and overhead work. The Bosch PS31-2A has two speeds, a 3/8 in chuck and two batteries, making it a compact option for those jobs.\n\nFor larger bits or a 1/2 in chuck, compare it with the 18V and 20V choices." - q: "What should I check before choosing a cordless drill?" a: "Check the chuck size, speed range, battery kit and whether you need hammer mode. A 3/8 in chuck suits smaller bits, while a 1/2 in chuck accepts larger shanks when the bit itself is compatible.\n\nOur cordless drill buying guide explains how to match those features to your projects."

The best cordless power drill for most everyday jobs is the DeWalt DCD771C2, with a two-speed gearbox, 1/2 in chuck and two included batteries. Choose the Bosch PS31-2A for overhead tasks, the Makita XFD131 for a brushless 18V option, or Bosch's hammer drill when masonry is on the list.

A home drill should handle the work you actually do: assembling furniture, hanging shelves, drilling pilot holes and driving screws. Our cordless drill buying guide explains how chuck size, speed and battery platform affect that choice.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for everyday home repairs

   DeWalt DCD771C2 20V MAX XR Drill Driver Kit

   9.0/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for brushless 18V performance

   Makita XFD131 18V LXT Brushless Driver-Drill Kit

   8.8/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for compact M18 setup

   Milwaukee M18 2606-21CT Compact Drill Driver Kit

   8.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Bosch GSB18V-490B12 18V Brushless 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver Kit

   Best for drilling into masonry
   Check it
5. 5

   Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit

   Best for overhead and tight spaces
   Check it
6. 6

   Craftsman V20 CMCD700C1 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit

   Best for a simple V20 starter kit
   Check it
7. 7

   Skil PWR CORE 20 Brushless 1/2 in. Drill Driver Kit (DL6280B)

   Best for adjustable driving control
   Check it
8. 8

   Ryobi 18V Drill Set with Battery, Charger and Bag

   Best for a ready-to-carry kit
   Check it
9. 9

   Flex 24V Brushless 1/2 in. Drill Driver Kit (750 in-lbs)

   Best for high-torque drilling
   Check it

The best cordless power drills for everyday jobs

The DeWalt is the most balanced starting point for common home repairs, while the other picks fit needs such as brushless operation, compact handling or masonry drilling. We compared the listed features and kit contents with the needs of routine drilling and fastening.

1

DeWalt DCD771C2 20V MAX XR Drill Driver Kit: Best for everyday home repairs

9.0/10Our score

• Two-speed transmission
• 1/2 in ratcheting chuck
• Two 20V MAX batteries
• 300 UWO motor

A compact 20V drill with two speeds and a 1/2 in chuck for common drilling and fastening jobs. The kit includes two batteries, a charger and a storage bag.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two included batteries
• Compact design for tight areas
• Two-speed transmission

Cons

• Basic drill/driver, not a hammer drill
• No brushless motor

DeWalt's DCD771C2 is a straightforward pick for general home use because its 1/2 in ratcheting chuck accepts many common drill and driver bits. The compact design is intended for tight areas, and the ergonomic handle is designed for control.

Its two-speed transmission runs from 0–450 rpm on the lower setting and reaches 1,500 rpm on the higher setting. That gives you a slower range for fastening and a faster range for drilling, without adding extra modes to manage.

The kit includes two 20V MAX batteries, a charger and a storage bag. That setup is useful if you want a spare battery ready while the other is charging.

Choose it for a mix of furniture assembly, shelf installation and ordinary holes in wood or metal. For brick or concrete, use the right bit and review our guides to drilling into brick with a cordless drill and drilling into concrete with a hammer drill.

2

Makita XFD131 18V LXT Brushless Driver-Drill Kit: Best for brushless 18V performance

8.8/10Our score

• Brushless motor
• 440 in-lb max torque
• Two-speed transmission
• 3.0Ah battery

This brushless 18V driver-drill offers two speeds and a 3.0Ah battery. It fits buyers who want a more feature-rich option for repeated drilling and fastening.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Brushless motor
• Two-speed transmission
• 3.0Ah battery included

Cons

• No hammer mode
• Larger kit than a compact 12V option

The Makita XFD131 is the brushless choice for buyers who expect to use a drill often. Its brushless motor delivers a stated 440 in-lb of max torque, and the kit includes an 18V LXT 3.0Ah battery.

The two speed ranges are 0–500 and 0–1,900 rpm. That broader high-speed range can help when drilling, while its two-speed transmission also supports fastening work.

Makita says its brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use, and the brand describes up to 50% longer run time per charge. Those are manufacturer claims, so your actual runtime will depend on the task and battery condition.

This is a driver-drill, not a hammer drill. If you want a closer look at brushless features across the category, see our guide to best brushless cordless drills.

3

Milwaukee M18 2606-21CT Compact Drill Driver Kit: Best for compact M18 setup

8.7/10Our score

• 500 in-lb torque
• Two-speed range
• Fuel gauge
• Hard case and one battery

A compact M18 drill driver with a 1/2 in chuck, fuel gauge and hard case. It suits buyers already considering Milwaukee's M18 battery system.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Fuel gauge
• Hard case included
• 500 in-lb torque

Cons

• One battery included
• No brushless motor

The Milwaukee M18 2606-21CT suits buyers already building around the M18 platform. Its compact kit pairs a 1/2 in chuck with a fuel gauge and a hard case.

The motor is rated at 500 in-lb of torque, with speed ranges of 0–400 and 0–1,800 rpm. That gives it a useful low range for driving and a higher range for ordinary drilling.

One battery is included, so plan around that if you need longer work sessions. The kit is a basic drill/driver, without a hammer mode or brushless motor.

Choose it if the M18 system and compact case matter to you. For more on battery and tool choice, compare our Milwaukee M12 and M18 drill guide.

4

Bosch GSB18V-490B12 18V Brushless 1/2 in. Hammer Drill/Driver Kit: Best for drilling into masonry

8.3/10Our score

• Hammer, drill and drive modes
• Brushless motor
• 490 in-lb torque
• 20 plus 1 clutch settings

This 18V brushless hammer drill adds a hammer mode for masonry work. It also has a precision clutch with 20 plus 1 settings for drilling and driving.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Three operating modes
• Brushless motor
• All-metal chuck

Cons

• Hammer mode is unnecessary for many household jobs
• Only one 2Ah battery included

Bosch's GSB18V-490B12 is the masonry-focused option in this group because it adds hammer, drill and drive modes. Its brushless motor is rated at 490 in-lb of torque, and the kit includes a 2Ah battery and charger.

The hammer mode delivers up to 22,000 beats per minute, while its two-speed gearbox covers low- and high-speed work. A clutch with 20 plus 1 settings helps you adjust driving force for different fasteners.

For routine wood drilling, you may not need the extra hammer mechanism. If masonry is a regular task, first read how to use a hammer drill at home and choose a suitable masonry bit.

5

Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit: Best for overhead and tight spaces

8.2/10Our score

• 12V platform
• 3/8 in chuck
• Two speeds
• Two batteries and charger

The 12V Bosch kit pairs two batteries with a 3/8 in drill/driver. Its built-in light suits overhead work and jobs in tight spaces.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two batteries included
• 3/8 in chuck
• Built-in LED light

Cons

• Lower speed ceiling than several 18V picks
• Smaller chuck size

The Bosch PS31-2A is the compact pick for overhead drilling, cabinet work and other tasks where a smaller tool is easier to position. It has a 3/8 in chuck and weighs just over 2 lb.

Its two speeds are 0–350 and 0–1,300 rpm, with 20 plus 1 clutch settings for controlled screw driving. The kit comes with two 12V batteries and a charger, which is useful when you want a spare ready.

A built-in LED light helps in dim corners, and the 7 in head length is intended for hard-to-maneuver work. Its smaller chuck is the tradeoff if you often use larger bits.

See our best 12V cordless drills for more compact choices.

6

Craftsman V20 CMCD700C1 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit: Best for a simple V20 starter kit

8.1/10Our score

• 280 UWO motor
• Two-speed gearbox
• 1/2 in keyless chuck
• Battery and charger included

This V20 kit includes a battery, charger and double-sided bit, with a 1/2 in chuck for common household bits. An LED helps light a dim work area.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Battery and charger included
• Keyless 1/2 in chuck
• LED work light

Cons

• One battery included
• No brushless motor

The Craftsman V20 CMCD700C1 is a basic 1/2 in drill/driver kit with a battery, charger and double-sided bit. Its motor is rated at 280 UWO, and a two-speed gearbox runs at 0–350 and 0–1,500 rpm.

A keyless chuck makes bit changes simple, and an LED helps light the work area. The kit's single battery is suited to ordinary home projects, though frequent drilling may call for a spare.

Choose it if you want a familiar 20V format and a simple set of core features. If you're comparing the brand itself, our guide to Craftsman V20 drills for home use covers what buyers should consider.

7

Skil PWR CORE 20 Brushless 1/2 in. Drill Driver Kit (DL6280B): Best for adjustable driving control

7.9/10Our score

• Brushless motor
• Up to 400 in-lb torque
• 17 torque settings plus drill mode
• 2.0Ah battery

The 20V Skil kit combines a brushless motor with 17 torque settings and drill mode. Its variable-speed trigger offers added control for driving fasteners.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Brushless motor
• 17 torque settings plus drill mode
• Battery and charger included

Cons

• Only one battery included
• No hammer mode

Skil's DL6280B-10 adds brushless operation and more driving adjustments at a lower score than the top picks. It has a 1/2 in keyless chuck, up to 400 in-lb of torque and 17 torque settings plus drill mode.

The variable-speed trigger gives you control as you start a hole or drive a screw. Its LED worklight includes pre-light and afterglow, and the kit includes a 2.0Ah battery, charger and double-end bit.

This drill fits buyers who want brushless features and adjustable torque in a 20V kit. For jobs that require hammer action in masonry, choose a hammer drill instead.

8

Ryobi 18V Drill Set with Battery, Charger and Bag: Best for a ready-to-carry kit

7.6/10Our score

• 18V drill/driver
• Battery and charger
• Drill bits and bag
• ONE+ system compatibility

This set bundles a drill, battery, charger, bit set and bag. It makes sense for a buyer who wants the basic kit pieces together and is considering the ONE+ system.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Bits and bag included
• Battery and charger included
• ONE+ system compatibility

Cons

• 3/8 in chuck
• Motor torque and speed details are limited

The Ryobi set is the ready-to-carry option, with a battery, charger, drill bits and bag included. Its 18V drill belongs to the ONE+ system, which connects it with other compatible tools in that battery family.

The 3/8 in chuck is smaller than the 1/2 in chucks on most picks here. That makes it a better fit for common light drilling and driving than for buyers who regularly use larger bits.

The kit has fewer clear drill performance details than the other options, so choose it for the bundled basics and battery platform. Our Ryobi drill guide covers the brand's home-use considerations.

9

Flex 24V Brushless 1/2 in. Drill Driver Kit (750 in-lbs): Best for high-torque drilling

7.5/10Our score

• Brushless motor
• 750 in-lb torque
• Two-speed drill
• Two 2.5Ah batteries

The 24V Flex stands out for its stated 750 in-lb torque and two included 2.5Ah batteries. Consider it when demanding drilling jobs matter more than keeping the kit small.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Highest stated torque here
• Brushless motor
• Two batteries included

Cons

• More power than many routine household jobs need
• Heavier kit

Flex's 24V drill is the high-torque choice, with a stated 750 in-lb rating and a brushless motor. The kit includes two 2.5Ah batteries and a fast charger.

A 1/2 in all-metal ratcheting chuck holds bits, and the drill has two speeds. The extra torque and 24V system may be more than you need for routine furniture assembly, but can suit demanding drilling where a more powerful tool is useful.

Flex says its battery system is compatible across FLEX 24V tools, chargers and batteries. Choose this kit if you want the higher torque rating and two included batteries, and are comfortable with that platform.

How to choose a cordless drill for home projects

For most homes, a 1/2 in chuck and two speed ranges cover a broad mix of drilling and fastening. Start with the materials and bit sizes you use, then weigh tool size, modes and included batteries.

Is a 1/2 in chuck better for everyday drilling?

A 1/2 in chuck accepts larger bit shanks than a 3/8 in chuck, so it offers more flexibility if you drill varied holes. It does not make every bit suitable for every material, and the drill's capacity still depends on the tool and bit.

The DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch hammer drill, Craftsman, Skil and Flex picks have 1/2 in chucks. Bosch PS31-2A and the Ryobi set use 3/8 in chucks, which can be enough for smaller household jobs.

Is 12V or 18V better for a home drill?

A 12V drill is often a sensible choice when compact size and overhead handling matter most. An 18V or 20V drill may be a better fit when you want a larger chuck or expect heavier, more frequent work.

The Bosch PS31-2A is the 12V choice here, with two batteries and a 3/8 in chuck. For a broader overview, read our cordless drill type guide and compare the voltage labels as part of the tool system, not as a complete measure of performance.

When does brushless matter?

Brushless motors can be a useful feature if you expect frequent use and want a higher-spec drill. The Makita, Bosch GSB18V-490B12, Skil and Flex picks have brushless motors.

A brushed drill can still be a practical fit for occasional home work. Focus on useful details such as speed, chuck size, battery kit and whether you need hammer mode, rather than treating brushless as a requirement.

Do you need a hammer drill at home?

A hammer drill is helpful when you need to drill into masonry, while a standard drill/driver handles common holes in wood and screw driving. For occasional brick or concrete work, the Bosch GSB18V-490B12 adds hammer mode to its drill and drive functions.

Use a suitable masonry bit and follow the tool's instructions. Our comparison of hammer drills and regular drills explains when that extra mode earns its place.

Which cordless power drill should you choose?

Choose the DeWalt DCD771C2 for an everyday kit with two batteries, a 1/2 in chuck and two speed ranges. Pick the Bosch PS31-2A for overhead work, or the Bosch GSB18V-490B12 if you need hammer mode for masonry.

If you want brushless operation, compare Makita, Skil and Flex by torque, battery kit and intended workload. Our guide to the best cordless drills can help you continue comparing picks by job.

---

Sources

• DeWalt DCD771C2
• Makita XFD131
• Bosch GSB18V-490B12 faq:
  • q: "What is the best cordless power drill for most home jobs?" a: "The DeWalt DCD771C2 is a strong general choice because it has a 1/2 in chuck, two speed ranges and two included batteries. Choose the Bosch PS31-2A if low weight and overhead work matter more, or the Makita XFD131 if you want a brushless 18V drill.\n\nMatch the drill to your usual materials and the battery system you expect to use."
  • q: "Do I need a hammer drill for everyday jobs?" a: "Most wood drilling and screw driving jobs do not need hammer mode. A regular drill/driver handles those tasks, while a hammer drill adds a mode intended for masonry.\n\nThe Bosch GSB18V-490B12 includes hammer, drill and drive modes.

For more guidance, see our hammer drill versus regular drill comparison." - q: "Is a 12V cordless drill enough for home use?" a: "A 12V drill can suit furniture assembly, light drilling and overhead work. The Bosch PS31-2A has two speeds, a 3/8 in chuck and two batteries, making it a compact option for those jobs.\n\nFor larger bits or a 1/2 in chuck, compare it with the 18V and 20V choices." - q: "What should I check before choosing a cordless drill?" a: "Check the chuck size, speed range, battery kit and whether you need hammer mode. A 3/8 in chuck suits smaller bits, while a 1/2 in chuck accepts larger shanks when the bit itself is compatible.\n\nOur cordless drill buying guide explains how to match those features to your projects."

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for everyday home repairs

   DeWalt DCD771C2 20V MAX XR Drill Driver Kit

   9.0/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for brushless 18V performance

   Makita XFD131 18V LXT Brushless Driver-Drill Kit

   8.8/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for compact M18 setup

   Milwaukee M18 2606-21CT Compact Drill Driver Kit

   8.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What is the best cordless power drill for most home jobs?

The DeWalt DCD771C2 is a strong general choice because it has a 1/2 in chuck, two speed ranges and two included batteries. Choose the Bosch PS31-2A if low weight and overhead work matter more, or the Makita XFD131 if you want a brushless 18V drill.

Match the drill to your usual materials and the battery system you expect to use.

Do I need a hammer drill for everyday jobs?

Most wood drilling and screw driving jobs do not need hammer mode. A regular drill/driver handles those tasks, while a hammer drill adds a mode intended for masonry.

The Bosch GSB18V-490B12 includes hammer, drill and drive modes.

For more guidance, see our hammer drill versus regular drill comparison.

Is a 12V cordless drill enough for home use?

A 12V drill can suit furniture assembly, light drilling and overhead work. The Bosch PS31-2A has two speeds, a 3/8 in chuck and two batteries, making it a compact option for those jobs.

For larger bits or a 1/2 in chuck, compare it with the 18V and 20V choices.

What should I check before choosing a cordless drill?

Check the chuck size, speed range, battery kit and whether you need hammer mode. A 3/8 in chuck suits smaller bits, while a 1/2 in chuck accepts larger shanks when the bit itself is compatible.

Our cordless drill buying guide explains how to match those features to your projects.