A cordless drill is the single most useful tool in any garage. But with Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, and Ryobi all fighting for shelf space, picking the right one is harder than it looks. Here's our breakdown.
What to Look For
Before comparing brands, know what specs matter:
- Voltage: 12V for light jobs, 18V/20V for all-purpose work, 60V+ for heavy-duty
- Chuck size: 1/2" handles larger bits; 3/8" is lighter but limited
- Speed settings: Two-speed gearboxes give you torque control for screwdriving
- Battery platform: Pick a brand you'll stick with — batteries aren't cross-compatible
Top Picks
Best Overall: Milwaukee M18 Fuel (2904-20)
Milwaukee's M18 Fuel line is the gold standard for professionals. The brushless motor delivers more torque than most jobs will ever need, and the M18 battery ecosystem is the most extensive on the market.
Pros: Best-in-class power, huge accessory ecosystem, excellent battery life
Cons: Premium price, heavier than competitors
Price range: $149–$199 (tool only)
Best Value: DeWalt 20V MAX XR (DCD791)
DeWalt's 20V MAX XR is the workhorse of mid-range drills. Brushless motor, 2-speed, compact design. If you're already in the DeWalt ecosystem, this is an easy add.
Pros: Compact, lightweight, great value
Cons: Battery life slightly behind Milwaukee
Price range: $99–$149 (tool only)
Best Compact: Makita 18V LXT (XFD131)
If you do a lot of overhead work or tight-space drilling, Makita's compact form factor is hard to beat. Same 18V platform, brushless motor, just smaller.
Pros: Lightest in class, ergonomic grip
Cons: Less powerful than M18 Fuel
Price range: $129–$169 (with battery)
Best Budget: Ryobi PCL206K2
Don't overlook Ryobi for around-the-house tasks. The ONE+ platform means one battery works across 300+ tools — great if you're just starting out.
Pros: Massive ONE+ ecosystem, affordable entry point
Cons: Not for heavy professional use
Price range: $79–$119 (with 2 batteries)
Our Recommendation
For most homeowners and DIYers: DeWalt 20V MAX XR. For serious shop work or if you're building a tool fleet: Milwaukee M18 Fuel. Budget conscious? Ryobi ONE+ gives you the most bang per dollar.
Check our Power Tools deals for the latest discounts on all four brands.
