A cordless drill for most people is the most used tool in the house. Whether you need to drill a hole, drive a screw, hang drywall, mix materials, install electrical fixtures, remove or tighten bolts, and the list goes on, a cordless drill makes every job easier and faster. So, if you are a home owner and don’t have one, this should be the first item on your Christmas list. Then share the link to this post to your loved one and let them know that all the research you need to do in order to buy the perfect cordless drill is in this article 😜
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| OVERALL BEST | RUNNER UP | BEST FOR COMPACT DESIGN | BEST BUDGET-FRIENDLY | BEST FOR HOME USE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt 20V Max XR | Milwaukee M18 Fuel | Bosch 18V Compact | Black+Decker 20V Max | Craftsman V20 |
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| $193.68* | $215.20* | $179.00* | $53.67* | $51.25* |
| Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
*Price at the time of this review
The Top-5 List
We’ve complied a list of the Best Cordless drills going into 2024. I have always been a Dewalt fan for their quality and durability. I’ve personally owned the DeWalt 20V max for over 5 years, and it still performs like it’s new, so I was happy to see our unbiased review make that our Top Choice. In any event, here’s a list of a few others that are also great choices. The Milwaukee M18 us also a great choice, so the Great Debate of DeWalt vs. Milwaukee rages on. I recently completed a review on the Best Drill Bits for 2024, Once again, our objective method of reviews, brought Milwaukee and DeWalt to the top of the list again.
How We Review and Recommend Products:
Our Mission & How We Review Products
At Trustworthyhomeadvice.com, we are dedicated to providing our readers with comprehensive and reliable product reviews. Drawing on 35+ years of engineering expertise, having owned nine homes, along with being seasoned DIY’ers, we meticulously research the products we recommend. From appliances to the latest gadgets, to an extensive array of tools, we’ve seen it all. When we recommend a product, it’s after the same rigorous evaluation we would employ for our own purchases.
Our mission is to ensure you always make an informed choice. We personally use or test many of the products recommended.
We sift through detailed product specifications, analyze user reviews, cross-reference findings from various sources to identify the top selections then list the Pros and cons. Our Job is to do comprehensive research for you to make the best buying decision.
DeWalt vs Milwaukee: A Rivalry of Titans
Few rivalries in the power tool world are as intense and closely watched as that between DeWalt and Milwaukee. These two brands stand as titans in the industry, each boasting a rich history and a loyal following of professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. DeWalt, known for its distinctive yellow and black color scheme, has built a reputation on robust, reliable tools that promise durability and precision. On the other hand, Milwaukee, with its iconic red and black design, is celebrated for its innovative technologies and exceptional performance. Since these brands ranked first and second in our analysis, I thought it would be interesting to take a closer look at a side by side comparison of the drills.
I’ve mentioned numerous times that I’m a fan of DeWalt and one of their “loyal followers’, however, I recognize how powerful of a brand Milwaukee is, so, I’ve given then shared billing in this comparison. Please read our post titled: DeWalt vs Milwaukee” The Great Debate.
Detailed Spec Comparison of the Top 5
| Feature | DeWalt 20V Max XR | Milwaukee M18 Fuel | Bosch 18V Compact | Black+Decker 20V Max | Craftsman V20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chuck Type | Ratcheting | All Metal Ratcheting | Keyless | Keyless | Keyless |
| Chuck Size | 1/2″ | 1/2″ | 1/2″ | 3/8″ | 1/2″ |
| Tool Warranty | 3 Years | 5 Years | 1 Year | 2 Years | 3 Years |
| Motor Type | Brushless | POWERSTATE Brushless | Brushed | Brushed | Brushed |
| Material | Metal/Plastic | Metal | Metal/Plastic | Plastic | Metal/Plastic |
| Length | 6.9″ | 6.88″ | 7.8″ | 10.6″ | 8.4″ |
| Weight | 3.4 lbs | 3.21 lbs | 2.8 lbs | 3.4 lbs | 5.5 lbs |
| Height | 7.9″ | 8.23″ | 8.8″ | 8.5″ | 6.9″ |
| Width | 2.8″ | 2.38″ | 2.95″ | 3.69″ | 2.85″ |
| Voltage | 20V | 18V | 18V | 20V | 20V |
| Brushless Motor | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Battery System | 20V Max | M18 | 18V | 20V Max | V20 |
| Max RPM | 2000 rpm | 2100 rpm | 1700 rpm | 650 rpm | 1500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 820 in-lbs | 1,400 in-lbs | 480 in-lbs | 115 in-lbs | 280 in-lbs |
| RPM Range | 0 – 2000 | 0 – 2100 | 0 – 1700 | 0 – 650 | 0 – 1500 |
The Top 5 For 2024 – Rated and Ranked
DeWalt 20V Max XR
Pros
- ✅ High-efficiency brushless motor
- ✅ Ergonomic design for comfort
- ✅ LED light for enhanced visibility
Cons
- ❌ Higher price point
- ❌ May be heavy for some users
John’s Take
The DeWalt 20V Max XR is a robust and reliable drill, perfect for both professional and home use. Its brushless motor offers longevity and efficiency, though it comes at a higher cost. Ideal for those who need a powerful, durable tool.
DeWalt 20V Max XR: A Powerhouse in Your Toolbox
The DeWalt 20V Max XR stands out as the overall best cordless drill, a title it earns through its exceptional balance of power, durability, and user-friendly features. This drill is a favorite among professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike, thanks to its brushless motor that delivers efficient performance and a longer lifespan. Its ergonomic design ensures comfort during extended use, while the LED light enhances visibility in low-light conditions. Whether you’re tackling a major construction project or simple home repairs, the DeWalt 20V Max XR is your reliable partner.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2″ Drill/Driver
Pros
- ✅ Powerful and speedy performance
- ✅ Consistent power output with M18 Fuel technology
- ✅ Durable and robust build
Cons
- ❌ Can be overkill for basic home tasks
- ❌ Slightly heavier than other models
John’s Take
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel is a powerhouse, ideal for heavy-duty tasks. It’s a bit much for smaller projects but perfect for professionals or serious DIYers who need a reliable, high-performance tool.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2″ Drill/Driver: The Runner-Up That Packs a Punch
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/2″ Drill/Driver is more than just a runner-up; it’s a testament to Milwaukee’s commitment to quality and innovation. This drill is known for its power and speed, making it ideal for demanding tasks. The M18 Fuel technology ensures that it delivers consistent power output, even under heavy load. With a high customer rating and robust build, this drill is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable tool that can handle a variety of drilling and driving tasks.
Bosch 18V Compact 1/2″ Drill/Driver Kit
Pros
- ✅ Compact and lightweight design
- ✅ Efficient motor for various materials
- ✅ Ideal for tight spaces and overhead tasks
Cons
- ❌ Less suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- ❌ Battery life may be limited for extensive use
John’s Take
The Bosch 18V Compact is a great choice for those needing a lightweight, yet capable drill. It’s perfect for home projects and tight spaces, though not the best for more demanding tasks.
Bosch 18V Compact 1/2″ Drill/Driver Kit: Small but Mighty (Best for Compact Design)
Don’t let the compact size of the Bosch 18V Compact 1/2″ Drill/Driver Kit fool you. This drill is a powerhouse in a small package, perfect for tight spaces and overhead tasks. Its lightweight design reduces fatigue, making it a go-to tool for long projects. The drill’s efficient motor and robust build quality ensure that it can handle a range of materials, from wood to metal. If you need a drill that combines portability with performance, the Bosch 18V Compact is your best bet.
Black+Decker 20V Max Drill/Driver LDX120C
Pros
- ✅ Affordable and value for money
- ✅ Lightweight and user-friendly
- ✅ Suitable for most household tasks
Cons
- ❌ Not ideal for heavy-duty drilling
- ❌ Battery life could be better
John’s Take
The Black+Decker 20V Max is an excellent budget-friendly option for casual DIY tasks around the house. It’s not cut out for more rigorous jobs, but it’s a great starter drill for everyday use.
Black+Decker 20V Max Drill/Driver LDX120C: High Performance on a Budget (Best Budget-Friendly)
The Black+Decker 20V Max Drill/Driver LDX120C is proof that you don’t have to break the bank to get a quality cordless drill. This budget-friendly option offers impressive performance for its price, making it an excellent choice for casual DIYers and homeowners. Its lightweight design and easy-to-use features make it accessible to beginners, while its decent power output can handle most household tasks with ease. If you’re looking for an affordable drill that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Black+Decker 20V Max is a top contender.
Craftsman V20 1/2-In. Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1
Pros
- ✅ Versatile and reliable for home use
- ✅ Good balance of power and size
- ✅ Includes battery and charger
Cons
- ❌ Not as powerful as professional-grade drills
- ❌ Battery life may be insufficient for long projects
John’s Take
The Craftsman V20 is a solid choice for home DIY projects. It strikes a good balance between power and ease of use, though it might not be enough for more demanding tasks.
Craftsman V20 1/2-In. Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1: The Homeowner’s Choice (Best for Home Use)
The Craftsman V20 1/2-In. Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1 is tailored for home use, offering a perfect blend of performance, ease of use, and durability. Its ergonomic design ensures comfort during use, and the included battery and charger make it ready to go right out of the box. This drill is ideal for a variety of home projects, from assembling furniture to hanging shelves. With its reliable performance and user-friendly features, the Craftsman V20 is a must-have for any homeowner’s toolkit.