ConsFirst / Cordless drills
Cordless drills: the downsides, first
For home DIY, a compact 12V or 20V drill is plenty — the complaints are about weight, chucks and what's actually in the box. Here are the most popular cordless drills in the US, with their downsides first.
8 models compared15 sources readUpdated October 2026
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All 8 cordless drills, ranked
Ranked by test scores, minus how common and serious the complaints are. How we rank
#1
Milwaukee
$$$Drill/driverScore 4.3/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (478 ratings). The Amazon listing is the bare tool (3601-20), not the 2-battery kit. The 2-star row read 0%.A short, comfortable 18V drill that works far faster than 12V models and lasted Wirecutter's tester a full day on one battery. It costs more, and HGTV found the battery bulky and the LED basic.
In the box: 2 x M18 REDLITHIUM CP2.0 batteries, multi-voltage charger and contractor bag (Milwaukee)
Top complaints
- Bulky battery, basic LEDMentioned often
HGTV liked it a lot but says the wide battery spoils its sleek, compact frame and the LED is basic.
- Chuck operationMentioned often
Chuck operation is a mixed aspect in Amazon's review summary.
- Not the strongest in its classOccasional
In HGTV's drilling and driving tests the DeWalt DCD800 outperformed it; HGTV placed it second.
What owners love
- Much faster than 12V drills
It drilled five 1-inch holes in 20 seconds versus a minute for the DeWalt 12V, and Wirecutter calls it the drill it reached for over all the others during a kitchen remodel.
- Very short and comfortable
At 5.625 in. it is one of the shortest drills Wirecutter has tested, at 3 lb 3 oz with a battery, and it has an excellent handle and belt hook. HGTV says it feels like a high-quality product.
- All-day battery
Wirecutter's tester drilled 83 1-inch holes on one charge and framed a wall, installed a pocket door and hung five sheets of drywall on a single battery.
Skip it if…- You only hang shelves and assemble furniture
- You want the lightest possible drill
- You need a hammer mode for concrete
Good for- Bigger DIY projects (decks, framing, remodels)
- Lots of large holes and long screws
- Starting on the Milwaukee M18 platform
Scores (tap for why)
- Power4.5
Why 4.5?
About three times faster than a top 12V drill (Wirecutter); HGTV calls it extremely powerful but a step behind the DeWalt DCD800. - Size & handling4.5
Why 4.5?
Extremely short at 5.6 in. with great ergonomics (Wirecutter), though the battery is bulky (HGTV) and it weighs 3.2 lb. - Battery & charging4.5
Why 4.5?
83 holes on one charge, nearly three times the DeWalt 12V, and among the best of the 18V/20V drills Wirecutter tested. - Kit value3.5
Why 3.5?
About $199 for two batteries, a charger and a bag (Wirecutter, Milwaukee): more than 12V kits but in the normal compact 18V range. - Durability4.5
Why 4.5?
Feels high quality (HGTV), durability is an Amazon positive, and it carries a 5-year tool warranty.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Upgrade pick for tougher jobs: much faster with far longer battery life than 12V drills, while keeping great ergonomics.
- HGTV: Runner-up (tested as the 3601-20 with a 2Ah battery): compact, comfortable and powerful. The battery is bulky and the LED is basic.
#2
DeWalt
$$$Drill/driverScore 4.1/5
4%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (112 ratings) on the DCD800E2 listing. The 2-star row read 0%. The two-battery DCD800D2 kit (B09YY8RZJ9, ~1,100 ratings) showed 2% (1-star only).HGTV's most powerful and most comfortable drill, with a uniquely useful adjustable LED. It is pricey, comes with a soft bag, and Wirecutter found it a bit larger than the Milwaukee M18 compact.
In the box: 2 x DCBP034 PowerStack compact batteries (HGTV lists 1.7Ah), DCB112 charger, kit bag and belt hook (DeWalt)
Top complaints
- ExpensiveMentioned often
HGTV lists its price as the main drawback; it isn't the cheapest drill on its list.
- Soft bag, not a hard caseMentioned often
HGTV says the included bag could be bigger and better and would have preferred a hard case.
- A bit bulkier than the MilwaukeeMentioned often
Wirecutter, which previously recommended it, says it is a little larger than the Milwaukee M18 compact and that the movable LED adds bulk without adding much in long-term use.
What owners love
- Top power and stamina
HGTV drilled 54 large spade-bit holes on one 1.7Ah battery without it slowing or warming. It drove 200 3-inch screws with 2 of 3 battery bars left.
- Best LED tested
It was HGTV's only drill with a three-position light and a 20-minute bright mode that doubles as a work light.
- Comfortable and well balanced
HGTV found it the most comfortable, balanced drill in its test. Amazon owners praise its performance, power, battery life and compact size.
Skip it if…- You're on a budget
- You want a hard case
- You want the shortest possible 18V/20V drill
Good for- Demanding DIY jobs with big bits and long screws
- Working in dim spaces (aimable 20-minute LED)
- Owners of DeWalt 20V batteries
Scores (tap for why)
- Power5.0
Why 5.0?
HGTV's most powerful drill; nothing it tested slowed it down. - Size & handling4.0
Why 4.0?
HGTV's most comfortable drill, but it weighs 3.5 lb and Wirecutter found it a little larger than the Milwaukee M18. - Battery & charging4.5
Why 4.5?
Long battery life and fast charging (HGTV); battery life is an Amazon positive. - Kit value3.0
Why 3.0?
Two batteries, a charger and a bag, but HGTV calls it expensive (listed at $227 at Home Depot) and wanted a better case. - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
3-year limited warranty, and Amazon shows no negative aspects, but the sample is small.
What experts say
- HGTV: Best overall: powerful, long-running, comfortable and fast-charging, with the best LED. The cons are the price and a so-so bag.
- Wirecutter (NYT): Former pick and still a fine drill if you already have DeWalt 20V batteries, but slightly larger than the Milwaukee M18 compact.
#3
Makita
$$$Drill/driver + impact kitScore 4.0/5
2%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (1,452 ratings). The 2-star row read 0%.A pro-grade kit with huge battery stamina, a hammer mode for masonry and an impact driver included. It's heavy and bulky for small jobs, costs more, and some owners report the mode selector sticking.
In the box: Hammer drill/driver and impact driver, 2 x 4.0Ah batteries, charger and large bag (HGTV)
Top complaints
- Bulky, heavy and expensiveMentioned often
HGTV lists bulk, about 4 lb of weight and an expensive kit as its cons.
- Mode selector sticks in hammer modeMentioned often
The mode selector is a negative aspect in Amazon's review summary, with owners saying the switch tends to get stuck in hammer mode.
- Some early failuresOccasional
Durability is mixed on Amazon: some owners say it's built to last, others report it breaking after two weeks.
What owners love
- Huge battery stamina
HGTV drilled 122 large holes before the battery died, more than double the DeWalt 20V. It still showed full bars after 200 3-inch screws, and the batteries fully charge in 30 minutes.
- Hammer mode for masonry
HGTV's only hammer drill flew through a concrete block. Amazon owners report drilling through concrete walls.
- Complete pro kit
It includes an impact driver, two 4.0Ah batteries and a roomy, high-quality bag (HGTV). Quality is the top Amazon positive.
Skip it if…- You mainly do light household tasks
- Weight and size matter to you
- You want the cheapest way to start
Good for- Heavy DIY and renovation work
- Drilling into concrete or block
- Getting a drill and impact driver together
Scores (tap for why)
- Power5.0
Why 5.0?
HGTV says it couldn't be stopped and its hammer mode flew through concrete block. Amazon owners call the power unbelievable. - Size & handling2.5
Why 2.5?
Bulky and heavy at about 4 lb (HGTV). - Battery & charging5.0
Why 5.0?
122 holes per charge, 30-minute full charge (HGTV); battery life is an Amazon positive. - Kit value4.0
Why 4.0?
Expensive, but it includes an impact driver, two 4.0Ah batteries and a premium bag; value for money is an Amazon positive. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
Ultra-high quality per HGTV, but Amazon shows mixed durability and a negative mode-selector aspect.
What experts say
- HGTV: Best heavy-duty pick: a professional, ultra-high-quality kit with unstoppable battery life and hammer drilling. It is bulky, heavy and expensive.
#4
DeWalt
$$12V compactScore 4.0/5
3%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The 2-star row read 0%, so the value is the 3% 1-star share (1,979 ratings).Experts call it the most comfortable small drill they've tested, with enough power for nearly any household job. Its limits are a 3/8-inch chuck, slower drilling than 18V/20V drills, and some owner reports of battery or motor failures.
In the box: 2 x 12V Max 2.0Ah batteries, charger and tool bag (DeWalt)
Top complaints
- Not built for heavy, all-day workVery common
Wirecutter says it isn't powerful enough for all-day aggressive work and can't drill masonry. Its 18V upgrade pick drilled five 1-inch holes in 20 seconds; this drill took a full minute and often bound up. HGTV lists slow drilling and driving as a con.
- 3/8-inch chuck limits bit sizeMentioned often
HGTV lists the 3/8-inch chuck as a con. HGTV also says the LED could be better, but Wirecutter found its low-mounted LED lit the work better than most.
- Battery and early-failure reportsMentioned often
Amazon's review summary rates battery life as mixed, with some owners reporting charging problems. Several 1-star Walmart reviews describe batteries that wouldn't hold a charge, a drill that stalled or started smoking, and a slow mail-in warranty process.
What owners love
- Best ergonomics tested
Wirecutter calls it the most comfortable drill it has ever held. HGTV says its handle was far more comfortable than other 12V drills.
- Plenty of power for its size
Wirecutter's tester drilled 30 1-inch holes and drove over 100 3-inch screws per charge. HGTV got 34 large spade-bit holes and 204 3-inch screws, the best of its 12V group.
- Thoughtful details
Its foot-style battery lets it stand upright, and the charge gauge sits on the battery so you can check both packs (Wirecutter). Amazon owners praise its quality, compact size and value.
Skip it if…- You'll build decks or drill lots of big holes
- You need a 1/2-inch chuck or masonry drilling
- You already own 18V/20V batteries from another brand
Good for- Most home repairs and furniture assembly
- Smaller hands or overhead work
- A first drill that stands up on its own
Scores (tap for why)
- Power3.5
Why 3.5?
Strong for a 12V drill: 30-34 large holes per charge. It took three times as long as an 18V drill to bore five 1-inch holes. - Size & handling5.0
Why 5.0?
Most comfortable drill Wirecutter has held; under 6 in. long, about 2.4 lb, and it stands upright. - Battery & charging3.5
Why 3.5?
Two 2.0Ah packs with on-battery gauges, but Amazon rates battery life as mixed, with some charging complaints. - Kit value4.0
Why 4.0?
A two-battery kit with charger and bag in the typical $100-150 range for good 12V kits (Wirecutter); value for money is an Amazon positive. - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
Quality and durability are Amazon positives and there's a 3-year warranty, but a few Walmart owners report early failures.
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Top pick: the best mix of power, size, ergonomics and convenience. Its only drawbacks are those shared by all 12V drills: no all-day heavy work and no masonry.
- HGTV: Best lightweight pick that outperformed every 12V drill tested. Cons are slow drilling and driving, a so-so LED and a 3/8-inch chuck.
#5
Milwaukee
$$12V compactScore 3.7/5
7%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample (362 ratings). The Amazon listing is the bare tool (3401-20), not the 2-battery kit.The smallest and lightest drill Wirecutter has tested, about 2 lb, and great in tight spots. It has noticeably less power than the DeWalt 12V, and its fat, battery-in-handle grip is less comfortable.
In the box: 2 x M12 REDLITHIUM CP2.0 batteries, charger and contractor bag (Milwaukee)
Top complaints
- Less power than the best 12V drillsVery common
Wirecutter's tester drilled only 20 1-inch holes on a charge versus 30 for the DeWalt 12V, and says this isn't a drill for building a deck. Milwaukee rates it at 350 in-lbs of torque.
- Thick grip, can't stand up, weaker LEDMentioned often
The battery slides up into the handle, so the grip is fatter and less contoured than DeWalt's, and the drill has to lie on its side. Wirecutter also found the LED lit the work less well.
- New model; Amazon listing questionsOccasional
Wirecutter notes the drill is new, so it lacks long-term feedback. The Amazon listing is the bare tool (3401-20), and its review summary marks 'brand' as mixed: some buyers question whether the unit was new.
What owners love
- Tiny and light
About 5¼ in. long and 2 lb with a battery, it's the smallest drill Wirecutter has ever used, tested or recommended.
- Great in tight spots
Amazon owners highlight its effectiveness in tight spaces, plus its quality, power and torque.
- Strong 12V platform and warranty
Wirecutter likes Milwaukee's M12 line of bare tools. Milwaukee gives a 5-year tool warranty and a 2-year battery warranty.
Skip it if…- You want the most power in a 12V drill
- You dislike thick grips
- You plan bigger builds like decks
Good for- Tight spaces and overhead work
- People with limited arm strength
- Light household jobs
Scores (tap for why)
- Power3.0
Why 3.0?
Wirecutter calls it adequate rather than impressive: 20 holes per charge versus 30 for the DeWalt 12V. - Size & handling4.5
Why 4.5?
The smallest and lightest tested, but the battery-in-handle grip is fat and the drill can't stand up. - Battery & charging3.0
Why 3.0?
Two CP2.0 packs. Wirecutter's tester got fewer holes per charge than with the DeWalt 12V. - Kit value4.0
Why 4.0?
Two batteries, charger and bag at about $149 (Wirecutter); value for money is an Amazon positive. - Durability4.0
Why 4.0?
5-year tool warranty, and durability is an Amazon positive, but it's new with no long-term record (Wirecutter).
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Runner-up and smallest, lightest pick. It sets a new bar for size versus performance, but it falls short of the DeWalt on power and its wide grip is harder to hold.
#6
Ryobi
$$Drill/driverScore 3.4/5
4%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The Amazon listing (1,575 ratings) is the bare tool PCL206B; the PCL206K2 kit is sold mainly through Home Depot/Ryobi.A budget way into Ryobi's huge ONE+ battery system with surprisingly good drilling power, but it uses a brushed motor and plastic chuck, has no clip or bag, and some owners report it failing within a year.
In the box: 2 x 1.5Ah batteries and charger (Bob Vila); no belt clip or bag
Top complaints
- Brushed motor, plastic chuckMentioned often
Bob Vila lists the less-efficient brushed motor as a con and ties the plastic chuck to the low price.
- No belt clip or bagMentioned often
Bob Vila notes the kit includes neither a belt clip nor a tool bag.
- Failing within a yearMentioned often
Durability is a mixed aspect in Amazon's review summary, with some owners reporting the drill breaking within a year.
What owners love
- Strong drilling for the price
Bob Vila's spade bit cut a clean hole in a 2x4 in about 4 seconds, close to brushless drills in its class (performance rated 5/5).
- Shares batteries with Ryobi's ONE+ line
Amazon owners like that it uses the same batteries as their other Ryobi tools and find it reliable and good value.
- Light
Bob Vila lists 2.6 lb; Amazon owners call it lightweight.
Skip it if…- You want brushless efficiency
- You need a belt clip or bag
- You want a long-haul workhorse
Good for- Starting the Ryobi ONE+ battery system
- General home DIY on a budget
- Two batteries for the money
Scores (tap for why)
- Power3.5
Why 3.5?
Close to brushless drills in its class in Bob Vila's test; 515 in-lbs. - Size & handling3.5
Why 3.5?
Light at 2.6 lb (Bob Vila); weight is an Amazon positive. There is no belt clip. - Battery & charging3.0
Why 3.0?
Two small 1.5Ah packs and a less-efficient brushed motor (Bob Vila); battery life is an Amazon positive. - Kit value4.0
Why 4.0?
$119 list (Ryobi) for two batteries and a charger, rated 'outstanding price value' by Bob Vila, but with no bag or clip. - Durability3.0
Why 3.0?
Plastic chuck and brushed motor (Bob Vila); durability is mixed on Amazon.
What experts say
- Bob Vila: Best for home use: light and powerful with 515 in-lbs of torque and outstanding value. Cons are no belt clip or bag and a less efficient brushed motor.
#7
Bosch
$$12V compactScore 3.3/5
4%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)A long-running, light 12V drill that owners say is plenty for small jobs, but testers found it slow, with a thick handle, and some owners report the chuck breaking.
In the box: 2 batteries and charger (Amazon listing title); HGTV lists 2Ah
Top complaints
- Thick, less comfortable handleVery common
Because the battery slides up into the grip, HGTV found the handle thick and uncomfortable after prolonged use. Wirecutter, which recommended it for nearly a decade, says it isn't as comfortable as the DeWalt 12V.
- Very slow drilling and drivingMentioned often
HGTV lists very slow drilling and driving, a lackluster LED, and a battery meter on the tool rather than the battery.
- Chuck breakingMentioned often
Durability is a mixed aspect in Amazon's review summary, with some owners reporting the chuck breaking.
What owners love
- Enough power for small jobs
Amazon owners say it performs well and has enough power for household repairs and installations.
- Good battery life, compact
Battery life (248 mentions) and size are positive aspects on Amazon. HGTV weighed it at 2.15 lb.
- Proven, simple and easy to use
Wirecutter calls it a still-excellent former pick that is often under $100. HGTV calls it an easy, no-fuss drill for light DIY.
Skip it if…- You want speed on bigger jobs
- You have small hands or dislike thick grips
- You want the battery gauge on the battery
Good for- Occasional light household tasks
- Very light weight (about 2.15 lb)
- Buyers who find it on sale
Scores (tap for why)
- Power2.5
Why 2.5?
HGTV found it very slow at drilling and driving; Amazon owners call it enough for small jobs. - Size & handling3.0
Why 3.0?
Light at 2.15 lb, but the thick battery-in-handle grip was uncomfortable for HGTV and less comfortable than the DeWalt for Wirecutter. - Battery & charging3.5
Why 3.5?
Battery life is a strong Amazon positive, but the charge meter is on the tool rather than the battery (HGTV). - Kit value4.0
Why 4.0?
A two-battery kit that Wirecutter says often sells for under $100; HGTV lists 'inexpensive' as a plus. - Durability3.5
Why 3.5?
A decade-long Wirecutter pick, but durability is mixed on Amazon because of chuck failures.
What experts say
- HGTV: Best basic drill for occasional use; very slow, with a thick handle, a weak LED and the battery meter on the tool.
- Wirecutter (NYT): A longtime former pick that remains excellent and is often under $100, but it is less comfortable than the DeWalt and less compact than the Milwaukee.
#8
Black+Decker
$Drill/driverScore 3.0/5
5%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)The listing (1,506 ratings) is titled BDCDD120C but pools related variants (LDX120C, LDX220C and others). Black+Decker's larger 20V Max kit with a bit set (B006V6YAPI, ~39,000 ratings) showed 7%.The cheap, light drill many people buy for furniture and picture-hanging, and Bob Vila's best-value pick. It is light-duty only, with one small battery, and owners often report it breaking early.
In the box: 1 battery and charger (Black+Decker); Bob Vila's tested LDX120C had a 1.5Ah battery
Top complaints
- Breaks early for some ownersVery common
Durability and build quality are mixed aspects in Amazon's review summary, with some owners saying it broke internally after a month. The same mixed durability tag appears on Black+Decker's best-selling 20V drill kit listing.
- Light-duty onlyMentioned often
Bob Vila found it had less torque under heavy pressure and couldn't handle the largest auger bit; it calls the drill unsuited to heavy drilling. The chuck is 3/8 inch.
- One small batteryMentioned often
The kit includes a single battery (Black+Decker). In Bob Vila's test it ran out at about 25 minutes. On Black+Decker's bigger kit listing, battery life is mixed, with charging complaints.
What owners love
- Great value
Bob Vila's best-bang-for-the-buck pick; value for money is the top positive in Amazon's review summary.
- Light and well balanced
Amazon owners praise its weight and balance and its compact design for household jobs.
- Simple to use
Bob Vila rated ease of use 4.8/5 and liked the keyless chuck, 11 clutch settings and LED.
Skip it if…- You'll drill big holes or drive long screws
- You want a second battery
- You want a drill that lasts for years of regular use
Good for- Furniture assembly and hanging pictures
- Tight budgets
- Occasional light use
Scores (tap for why)
- Power2.5
Why 2.5?
Enough for basic jobs, but it lost torque under heavy pressure and failed with the largest auger bit (Bob Vila). Single speed (650 RPM). - Size & handling3.5
Why 3.5?
Amazon owners praise its weight and balance; Bob Vila rated ease of use highly (3.3 lb). - Battery & charging2.5
Why 2.5?
One small battery that lasted about 25 minutes in Bob Vila's test. Amazon owners on this listing are positive about battery life, but the bigger kit listing is mixed. - Kit value4.0
Why 4.0?
$69.99 list with a battery and charger (Black+Decker); best value per Bob Vila, though it has only one battery. - Durability2.5
Why 2.5?
Durability and build quality are mixed on Amazon, with reports of breaking within weeks or a month.
What experts say
- Bob Vila: Best bang for the buck (tested as the LDX120C): nearly as much power as pricier drills for basic jobs, but less torque under load and light-to-medium duty only.