What's the best cordless drill? We're asked that question a lot, and the answer depends on whether you're a renter, homeowner, do-it-yourselfer, or professional.
Best Cordless Drill for Renters
Cordless Dewalt
If you rent an apartment or home, we recommend a 12V cordless drill. A 12V is sufficient to hang pictures and curtain rods, assemble furniture, and install blinds or light fixtures.
The DeWalt DCD910KX 12V drill is ranked #1 of 16 and is the best for overall capability. It scored 94 of 100 (A) with the following area grades: Power A, Speed A, Weight C, Battery A, Features A, and Durability A.
The Panasonic EY6405FQKW 12V drill is ranked #7 of 16 and is the best value. It scored 87 of 100 (B+) with the following area grades: Power A, Speed B, Weight B, Battery B, Features B, and Durability B.
Best Cordless Drill for Homeowners
For homeowners, we suggest a 12V-14.4V cordless drill. They can drill holes or drive screws in drywall, wood, or metal, and have ample power to handle almost any home maintenance task.
The Hitachi DS14DL 14.4V drill is ranked #1 of 15 and is the best for overall capability. It scored 97 of 100 (A+) with the following area grades: Power A, Speed A, Weight B, Battery A, Features A, and Durability A.
The DeWalt DC730KA 14.4V drill is ranked #5 of 15 and is the best value. It scored 89 of 100 (B+) with the following area grades: Power B, Speed A, Weight B, Battery B, Features A, and Durability A.
Best Cordless Drill for Do-It-Yourselfers and Professionals
Serious do-it-yourselfers tackle big projects such as deck building or home remodeling. For these jobs we recommend a 14.4V-18V cordless drill.
Professionals such as plumbers, electricians, and carpenters perform heavy-duty drilling and fastening day-in and day-out. For jobsite power and toughness, we suggest a 14.4V-24V drill.
The Hitachi DS18DL 18V drill is ranked #1 of 25 and is the best for overall capability. It scored 95 of 100 (A) with the following area grades: Power A, Speed A, Weight B, Battery A, Features A, and Durability A.
The Bosch 35618 18V drill is ranked #5 of 25 and is the best value. It scored 90 of 100 (A) with the following area grades: Power A, Speed A, Weight C, Battery A, Features A, and Durability A.