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Every Major Cordless Drill Brand Ranked Worst To Best

Cordless drills are as important to a home tool kit as a hammer. They are available in an array of shapes, colors, and sizes, although some have ratings that may seem like another language for the uninitiated. Every tool brand you've ever heard of — and several you likely haven't — makes at least one or two cordless drills.

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However, not all drills are appropriate for all situations. A DIYer or renter might need something that's easy on the wallet at the expense of power, while a professional needs a tough tool that might cost a little more. It can be hard to know what you need or which brand of drill will perform best based on what you're working on. Fortunately, SlashGear has your back, so if you're not sure if it's a cordless drill you need at all, check out our article comparing drills to impact drivers.

Here we are ranking cordless drill brands based on professional reviews, comparison videos, customer reviews, and our own experience so you can find the best drill for your needs.

15. AVID Power

Often when producing a brand ranking, we make a point of reminding our readers that even the worst spot in a top 15 isn't that bad — after all, dozens of brands are usually listed on Amazon. However, AVID Power's cordless drills are making a case for the worst part of this article's title. These are the drills you'll find if you search for the cheapest tools available, yet their prices still feel too expensive.

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With a price tag under $50, you might think that the AVID Power 20V Max Cordless Drill Set — the brand's top selling drill on Amazon — would be worth the investment as a replacement tool. Available as a kit with drill and driver bits, a charger, a battery, and a flexible extension/bit holder, the accessories almost seem like they're worth the cost of the kit. Unfortunately, reviewers have had this drill break after only a few uses, while other users mention very low power, a small grip that makes the tool uncomfortable, and a low use time before thermal shutdown becomes a factor.

In short, keep reading for a better brand of cordless drill, no matter what your use case may be.

14. Black Decker

Black+Decker invented the portable electric drill in 1917 and created the world's first cordless electric drill in 1962. However, recently its business focus has shifted to lawn care and small kitchen appliance innovations over power tools like cordless drills.

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Black+Decker is not a bad brand, but its current lineup of power tools feels like they are made for people who don't often use tools. The top Black+Decker cordless drill on Amazon is the Black + Decker 20V Max PowerConnect Cordless Drill Kit. It sells for around $70 with a battery, charger, and plenty of accessories for installing Torx, Philips, and other fasteners. Unfortunately, the drill itself feels light and cheaply made, and its plastic chuck is easily damaged. I went through three of these drills when I first bought my home because the chucks snapped apart during normal use. At twice the price of similar cordless drills, those shortcomings are inexcusable.

Professionals will note a lack of the heft and power in Black + Decker's power tools. Still, users who only occasionally needs a cordless drill may find the combination of a low price and a full complement of accessories makes Black+Decker worth considering.

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13. DEKO

From the all-caps company name to the questionable word choices on its ad page, DEKO is exactly the brand you should expect to find when you search "cheap cordless drills" on Amazon.

DEKO's 8v cordless drill is a top cordless drill on Amazon, and we can understand why — it's got an onboard battery that recharges via USB-C, an LED work light, and a price tag of under $30. The grip is soft, it weighs under two pounds, and while its 400 lb-in of torque isn't going to blast through hardwoods or concrete, it's fine for hanging pictures or assembling IKEA furniture. The DEKO 8v cordless drill comes in five color options, and ships with an assortment of fastening bits and drill bits. There's even a little bubble level to make sure your Stone Cold Steve Austin poster isn't crooked.

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While you might cringe at the Amazon listing's claim that this product is a "good choice for women, ladies and girls," it's not a bad little tool to keep around the house.

12. Craftsman

Craftsman tool chests and hand tools are frequently praised for their value, although observant tool fans note that 2012 was the year this formerly Sears-exclusive brand switched to lower quality, imported Craftsman tools. Craftsman's power tools have also seen their pedigree drop in past years. This became especially true after the brand's acquisition by Stanley Black + Decker in 2017.

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Craftsman still makes a great variety of outdoor power equipment, but its focus has moved on from professional products into the DIY customer segment, both in quality and in price. Many Craftsman woodworking tools are still decent and the brand's hand tools remain in the toolboxes of dads across the country. Still, Craftsman power tools simply aren't as well regarded as they once were. Drills, while still available in a wide variety of models, are mostly seen as a good option for infrequent users on a budget.

The current best-selling Craftsman cordless drill at Lowe's is a good example. The 20V ½-inch Craftsman drill kit includes a battery and charger, making it a good pick for those users who already have other Craftsman battery powered tools. However, the drill's two speed options and 1,500 RPM max speed aren't unique, and its feature list basically begins and ends with a poorly-aligned LED light.

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11. Skil

Skil is another company that made its name off a single tool — the Skilsaw, the first of its kind circular saw. Today, the brand's tools are mostly made in China, meaning Skil's tools are affordable, but have seen a drop in quality. Its saws are still some of the better ones available, but tools like cordless drills are no longer viewed as professional grade products.

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Skil tools are available at Ace Hardware, the Home Depot, Amazon, and even Harbor Freight. One of the brand's top cordless drills on Amazon reflects the company's reasonable prices and good value — the Skil PWR Core 12V compact cordless drill comes with a 2.0Ah battery and charger, features a variable speed trigger, ratcheting chuck, and 350 in-lbs of torque, all for around $70. 

In my experience using this tool to remove a water softener system under my dad's sink, the Skil PWR CORE cordless drill's slim form allows you to maneuver it into some tight spots. I will note that I found its heavy bottom-mounted battery made it a little awkward to wield, especially when I was already putting myself in awkward positions to remove screws.

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10. Worx

Worx is probably best known for its outdoor power equipment like hedge trimmers. In fact, when the company was founded in 2007, its first product was the Worx GT Trimmer. Today Worx makes power tools, garden equipment, and recreational products like eBikes.

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Its power tool lineup includes innovative and unique products like the Switchdriver, a drill/driver with dual ¼-inch chucks that rotate in place. For anyone familiar with the minor annoyance of making a pilot hole before installing a screw or fastener, projects that previously required swapping out a drill bit with a driver head are infinitely faster with this cool gadget.

The Switchdriver offers up a good amount of power with 443 in-lbs of torque and Worx claims that this cordless drill is lighter than most of its competitors' drills, making it great for extended use while limiting arm fatigue. The Switchdriver is available on Amazon for around $90, and it's a good example of Worx's creative design — even for tools that might not find a home on a construction site.

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9. Ridgid

In 1923, this Ohio-based company invented the pipe wrench design that is still used today. Many of the brand's patents revolve around the plumbing industry, but the company also produces power tools, hand tools, and some of the best selling wet/dry vacs in the industry.

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Ridgid's power tools are marketed to professionals, but reviews from pros tend to position the brand's as a budget offering. While the tools are little expensive for something with that reputation, Ridgid's cordless tools maintain good review scores on hardware retailer sites due to their lifetime service agreements and widespread availability. After all, a tool doesn't need to last forever if you can simply swing by any of over 2,000 Home Depots and swap out a bad one.

The Home Depot is the exclusive home for Ridgid tools, and Ridgid's 18v ½" drill kit is its top cordless drill in both ratings and sales. Ridgid's kit includes a 2Ah battery, charger, and soft case. The drill itself includes a metal ratcheting chuck, hex grip, and an LED light mounted on its base rather than above the trigger all for about $100.

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8. Kobalt

A brand familiar to Lowe's shoppers, Kobalt makes a number of tools for the homeowner and do-it-yourselfer. As for who makes Kobalt tools – well, it's complicated. Either way, Kobalt power tools are known for their affordability and their great five-year warranty. While the tools aren't professional quality, they are great for work around the house, and their prices are generally more affordable than the red or yellow brands you'll see around a construction site.

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Kobalt's best drills feature an all-metal Jacob's ratcheting chuck, compact design, and 650 in-lbs. of torque. It's a 24V cordless drill with a brushless motor, so it's got more power than many of the others we've listed on this ranking, but Kobalt throws in a metal auxiliary handle with a soft grip to help maintain control when using, for example, a bore or hole cutter. The Kobalt 24V Cordless Drill Kit also includes a belt clip, bit holders, battery, charger, and a soft carry bag, all for around $140 at Lowe's.

7. Flex

Flex is a German brand that has been around since the 1920s and has become one of the more popular brands at Lowe's for folks who need a burst of power in their tools. Many of Flex's products feature a turbo mode that gives an extra boost to the brand's already powerful tool lineup. The brand also makes a great modular tool box system comparable to Milwaukee's Packout rolling toolboxes.

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Flex's top rated cordless drill at Lowe's is its 24V cordless model. It includes turbo mode for a boost of power and anti-kickback prevention to keep you safe if the tool jams during use. Flex claims the drill has 25% more power, up to 50% faster charging, and a 25% longer runtime than its competitors, all while providing an impressive 650 in-lbs of torque. It's one of Flex's best cordless drills, and while its price tag is a little high, the tool is a good pick for someone who plans on investing in other Flex tools. You're looking at $140 for the Flex Compact Cordless Drill, without a battery or charger, at Lowe's.

6. Bosch

Robert Bosch founded his workshop in Germany in 1886, and today Bosch makes everything from spark plugs to thermal plants. Bosch power tools are well known for their great features as comfortable designs. That lineup is expansive, too, as Bosch Tools – one of over 350 subsidiaries that make up the Bosch Group — makes everything from delicate laser measuring devices to powerful demolition hammers.

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The company's top selling cordless drill on Amazon is a Bosch 12V Max 2A ⅜ inch drill/driver that is lightweight, reasonably powerful, and small enough to get into tight areas. I bought one of these when I was working as a professional automotive technician, and it remains one of the most used tools in my overstuffed toolbox. Its small size, weight of under two pounds, and streamlined design make it great for getting into awkward spots like the underside of a dashboard. The Bosch cordless drill's small battery helps keep the tool balanced, although its LED is just dim enough to still require a flashlight to help you find screws you're looking to remove in the dark.

5. Ryobi

Ryobi power tools aren't made by the Home Depot, but the brands are practically synonymous. Ryobi's tools are affordable, reliable, and effective for weekend projects and light-duty professional work. We've written about the brand's tools and their utility for beginners, crafty folks, or do-it-yourselfers before, and Ryobi is always coming out with new tools, too.

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Ryobi's top cordless drill at The Home Depot is a pretty basic 18V drill kit, but at only $60 it's a great product that demonstrates Ryobi tools' affordability and quality. The kit includes a 1.5Ah battery and charger, which is great if you're already an owner of some of Ryobi's hundreds of ONE+ tools or outdoor power equipment. Likewise, 515 in-lbs of torque is good enough for most jobs around the house or in the backyard. The tool is under three pounds, making it ideal for jobs requiring a lot of holes or screws. It's not going to blow you away with features or power, but that's not the point of a Ryobi tool.

4. Metabo HPT

Metabo HPT is a brand known by pros, but maybe less recognized by DIY types. The HPT stands for Hitachi Power Tools, a Japanese manufacturing company best known as an electronics brand that made TVs and other electronics. While Hitachi sold off several of its divisions in 2018, the brand's tools live on under new ownership. Metabo HPT tools are known for  performance and dependability, making them one of the best-kept secrets among professionals.

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Metabo HPT's 18V MultiVolt Cordless Drill Kit is a good, powerful tool, and one that I have some personal experience using. My bay neighbor in my last shop — that is, the guy who worked in the parking spot next to me — had this drill, and I borrowed it pretty frequently whenever I needed a more powerful drill than the ones I had in my toolbox. Its 620 in-lbs of torque made it great for removing stubborn bolts or screws, and I also had great experiences using this tool for drilling through sheet metal. 

While its battery is heavy enough to keep me from recommending it for extended work, it's a great tool — and it's available on Amazon with a lifetime warranty, charger, flip-bit, and a little carry bag.

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3. Makita

Japanese toolmaker Makita has been around for 110 years, starting as an electric motor repair shop and growing into one of the world's largest manufacturers of power tools for professional construction work. Its teal tools are powerful and reliable, but do tend to be a little pricier because of their high quality — because of that, it's important to maintain your Makita tools to keep them in good shape.

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One of the top selling Makita drills at Home Depot also happens to be the highest rated by customers. The Makita 1.5Ah 18V LXT Cordless Drill Kit includes a fast charging battery for less downtime between charges, and the drill itself was redesigned to offer 25% more speed, according to Makita. The brand's Extreme Protection Technology shields the tool from water and dust, While the tool's squishy grip and dual LEDs are handy for using the drill in any environment.

2. Milwaukee

Milwaukee's tools are revered by professionals for being some of the most reliable regardless of conditions. While the price tag that the red brand's tools carry can be off putting for DIYers, pros know that the investment is worth it when they are miles from a store and that cheaper tool fails. That's the kind of customer Milwaukee markets toward — professionals who make their living with their tools and respects the value of a well-made, dependable product.

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One of the brand's top cordless drills is the Milwaukee M18 Compact Drill Driver. Available as a kit with a pair of Milwaukee's M18 batteries, a charger, and a little red bag, this smaller-than-average drill punches above its weight, delivering 500 in-lbs. of torque and up to 1,800 rpm. It's 7-¼ " length makes it great for getting into tight spaces, and it's built to withstand a rough life, with an all metal chuck and gear case. At under $200, it's well priced for construction workers, mechanics, or anyone who's going to be using a drill daily.

1. DeWalt

DeWalt is the other brand that often takes SlashGear's top spot in our power tool rankings. The yellow brand, a part of the Stanley Black + Decker family of companies, makes tools known for their durability, power, and versatility. Unlike Milwaukee, though, DeWalt makes a little something for everyone, and markets more to the everyman than the professional — although its tools are of a high enough quality to be found on the jobsite or the back porch. Whether it's high-tech products or something more affordable for the homeowner, DeWalt is bound to make a tool that fits your project.

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The DeWalt 20V Max Compact Drill/Driver kit is a top rated and best selling cordless drill at The Home Depot and Lowe's. The drill itself is lightweight and features an ergonomic handle, and can deliver up to 1,500 rpm. The kit is available with a charger, battery, and a contractor bag. It also occasionally comes with an extra battery, although those offers tend to come and go so it's best to jump on them if they're available.

Methodology

We came to our rankings using sales data, reviews, and product tests from trusted sources. Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe's, and other retail sites were scoured for data and opinions from verified buyers. Examples from each brand listed were chosen based on popularity and brand representation. Finally, my own experience with several of these drills as a homeowner, handyman, and mechanic helped decide our final rankings.

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