Drills · 17 compared side by side

Best Cordless Drills in 2027

A good cordless drill needs enough torque for your jobs, a battery that lasts, and a weight you can hold comfortably. A brushless motor is a bonus for durability. Check max torque in Nm, battery energy in Wh, weight in lb and the chuck size. We put 17 products on one spec sheet so you can compare those numbers side by side. Our ranking uses specifications and listing information, so it shows how each drill stacks up on paper. Some makers leave out key numbers, and we point that out.

Quick answer

  • Best overall: Greenworks DD345 (#1, Best Score 78; weight 2.09 lb, max torque 45.0 Nm)
  • Brushless with 3 yr warranty: DEWALT DCD777D1 (#2, Best Score 74; weight 5.10 lb)
  • Tied for highest torque: BLACK+DECKER BLD782D1 (#3, Best Score 64; weight 3.96 lb, max torque 54.9 Nm)

Ranked from 17 drills that met our standard, compared on battery energy, max torque, weight.

Updated November 202621 reviewed · 17 met our standard10 specs comparedBy Comparabo editors

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Top picks

Best overall
#1
Greenworks DD345

Greenworks DD345Greenworks 24V Brushless Cordless Drill

Highest battery energy listed at 48 Wh, plus a brushless motor at only 2.09 lb.

Weight
2.09 lb
Max torque
45.0 Nm
Warranty
3 years
Check price on Amazon
Brushless with 3 yr warranty
#2
DEWALT DCD777D1

DEWALT DCD777D1DEWALT 20V MAX Compact Brushless Drill/Driver

Brushless motor and a 3 yr warranty, but at 5.1 lb it is heavy.

Weight
5.10 lb
Max torque
—
Warranty
3 years
Check price on Amazon
Tied for highest torque
#3
BLACK+DECKER BLD782D1

BLACK+DECKER BLD782D1BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Brushless Drill

Its 54.9 Nm max torque ties for the highest on the page.

Weight
3.96 lb
Max torque
54.9 Nm
Warranty
—
Check price on Amazon

Comparison table

Swipe or scroll sideways to see every model.
Top 10 drills
Spec
#1
Greenworks DD345
Best overallCheck price on Amazon
#2
DEWALT DCD777D1
Brushless with 3 yr warrantyCheck price on Amazon
#3
BLACK+DECKER BLD782D1
Tied for highest torqueCheck price on Amazon
#4
CRAFTSMAN CMCD702D1
Warranty-backed brushed optionCheck price on Amazon
#5
DEKOPRO fba20vg
Light starter kitCheck price on Amazon
#6
DEWALT DCD806B
Brushless hammer drillCheck price on Amazon
#7
BLACK+DECKER BLD782PK30D1
High torque at 4.65 lbCheck price on Amazon
#8
AVID POWER CD316-20
Light-duty low-speed pickCheck price on Amazon
#9
DEWALT DCD801B
Lighter brushless DEWALTCheck price on Amazon
#10
Bosch PS21-2A
Lightest on the pageCheck price on Amazon
Best Scoreout of 10078746462595858575549
Weightlb2.09 lb5.10 lb3.96 lb4.39 lb2.50 lb3.49 lb4.65 lb2.19 lb3.20 lb1.40 lb (best in row)
Battery energyWh48.0 Wh (best in row)40.0 Wh40.0 Wh40.0 Wh30.0 Wh—40.0 Wh——24.0 Wh
Max torqueNm45.0 Nm—54.9 Nm (best in row)———54.9 Nm (best in row)31.6 Nm—29.9 Nm
Max speedrpm2000 rpm (best in row)1750 rpm1900 rpm1700 rpm1350 rpm2000 rpm (best in row)1900 rpm550 rpm2000 rpm (best in row)1300 rpm
Torque settings19 15 10 —19 14 11 16 15 21 (best in row)
Speed settings2 2 2 2 2 2 2 —2 2
Chuck size1/2 in1/2 in1/2 in. keyless metal chuck1/2 in. keyless—1/2 in. keyless1/2 in3/8 in keyless1/2 in keyless1/4 in hex
Brushless motorYes (best in row)Yes (best in row)Yes (best in row)No—Yes (best in row)Yes (best in row)—Yes (best in row)—
LED work lightYesYesYesYes—YesYesYesYesYes
Warrantyyr3 years3 years—3 years—————3 years
Best in row— not published by the maker yet

How we chose

We reviewed 21 drills and kept only the 17 that pass every check below. Those are ranked by a Best Score built from spec fit for this job, warranty, sales rank.

Read the full method

In-depth reviews

These reviews are based on specifications and listing information. They cover the five top-ranked drills and focus on torque, battery energy, weight and motor type.

Best overall

Greenworks DD345Greenworks 24V Brushless Cordless Drill

Light, brushless, and the largest battery listed

Weight
2.09 lb (best of the reviewed tools)
Battery energy
48.0 Wh (best of the reviewed tools)
Max torque
45.0 Nm
Brushless motor
Yes (best of the reviewed tools)

This drill leads our ranking, and the data shows why. It weighs 2.09 lb, which is easy on the wrist during long screw-driving sessions. The battery energy is 48 Wh, the highest among the products on this page that list it. More battery energy means more holes or screws before you recharge.

Max torque is 45 Nm. The listing says that suits drilling holes and driving screws in wood, metal and more. The same figure appears as 400 in-lbs. You get 19 torque settings and two speed ranges, 0-450 rpm and 0-2000 rpm. The low range suits screws. The high range suits drilling.

It has a brushless motor, which the listing links to cooler running and longer tool life. A 1/2 in keyless chuck holds common bits, and an LED light helps in dim spots. The warranty is 3 yr. It also ties for the highest top speed on the page at 2000 rpm.

Pros

  • Highest battery energy listed
  • Brushless motor
  • Light at 2.09 lb

Cons

  • Torque trails the 54.9 Nm leaders
  • Not the lightest on the page
Buy it if
you want a light drill with a big battery.
Skip it if
you need the highest listed torque.

VerdictA light, brushless drill with the largest battery listed makes it the best match for most home jobs.

Brushless with 3 yr warranty

DEWALT DCD777D1DEWALT 20V MAX Compact Brushless Drill/Driver

Brushless DEWALT with a heavier frame

Weight
5.10 lb
Battery energy
40.0 Wh
Max torque
—
Brushless motor
Yes (best of the reviewed tools)

This DEWALT ranks second on our list. It has a brushless motor, 40 Wh of battery energy and a 3 yr warranty. Brushless motors waste less energy as heat, so they tend to last longer. The 40 Wh battery sits below the 48 Wh top figure on the page. Together these cover the basics for general home use.

Weight is the main trade-off. At 5.1 lb, it is heavier than the other four drills reviewed here. Heavy tools tire your arm fast when you drill overhead. The data lists no max torque for this model, so you cannot compare its pulling power by number. It does list 1750 rpm as top speed.

You get 15 torque settings and two speed settings, so you can match the clutch to the screw. The chuck is 1/2 in and keyless. The LED light stays on for 20 seconds after you release the trigger, which helps when you check your work in a dim corner.

Pros

  • Brushless motor
  • 3 yr warranty
  • 15 torque settings

Cons

  • Heaviest of the five reviewed
  • No max torque listed
Buy it if
you value a 3 yr warranty and a brushless motor.
Skip it if
you drill overhead or for long stretches.

VerdictA capable brushless drill, but at 5.1 lb it is the hardest of these five on your arm.

Tied for highest torque

BLACK+DECKER BLD782D1BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Brushless Drill

Top torque figure with fewer clutch settings

Weight
3.96 lb
Battery energy
40.0 Wh
Max torque
54.9 Nm (best of the reviewed tools)
Brushless motor
Yes (best of the reviewed tools)

Torque is where this drill stands out. Its max torque is 54.9 Nm, tied for the highest on the page. The listing gives the same figure as 486 in-lbs. More torque helps when you drive long screws or bore larger holes in dense material like hardwood.

It ranks third on our list. The weight is 3.964 lb, and the battery energy is 40 Wh. The brushless motor and the 1/2 in keyless metal chuck round out the core hardware. The listing claims up to 92 holes per charge for common DIY work, though that depends on the job.

Speed runs 0-450 rpm in low and 0-1,900 rpm in high, with 1900 rpm as the top figure. The clutch has 10 positions, the lowest count among the products that list it. That gives you less fine control over small screws. At 3.964 lb it is lighter than the DEWALT DCD777D1 and the CRAFTSMAN reviewed here. The data lists no warranty.

Pros

  • Tied for highest torque
  • Brushless motor
  • Metal keyless chuck

Cons

  • Only 10 clutch positions
  • No warranty listed
Buy it if
you drive long screws or drill dense wood.
Skip it if
you do delicate work needing fine clutch steps.

VerdictA torque-focused brushless drill that gives up some fine control and warranty information.

Warranty-backed brushed option

CRAFTSMAN CMCD702D1CRAFTSMAN V20 1/2 in. Cordless Drill

A brushed drill with a 3 yr warranty

Weight
4.39 lb
Battery energy
40.0 Wh
Max torque
—
Brushless motor
No

This CRAFTSMAN is the only drill in this review set with a brushed motor. Brushed motors generally wear faster than brushless ones. The listing says it can drill up to 90 holes per charge. That figure depends on the job and the bit you use.

It ranks fourth. The weight is 4.39 lb, the battery energy is 40 Wh, and the top speed is 1700 rpm. Two speed settings let you switch between a low range for screws and a high range for drilling. The data does not list max torque or torque settings, so clutch control is unclear.

The chuck is 1/2 in and keyless, and an LED light helps in dark spots. The warranty is 3 yr, matching the longest on the page. The drill is also compatible with VERSATRACK storage, though clips and accessories are sold separately. Only the DEWALT DCD777D1 is heavier among the five reviewed here.

Pros

  • 3 yr warranty
  • Keyless 1/2 in chuck
  • LED work light

Cons

  • Brushed motor
  • No torque figures listed
Buy it if
you want a simple drill for light home tasks.
Skip it if
you want a brushless motor for long life.

VerdictA basic brushed drill with a good warranty, but the missing torque data and older motor hold it back for frequent use.

Light starter kit

DEKOPRO fba20vgDEKOPRO 20V Cordless Drill Set

A light starter kit with thin specs

Weight
2.50 lb
Battery energy
30.0 Wh
Max torque
—
Brushless motor
—

This DEKOPRO ranks fifth. It weighs 2.5 lb, so it is easy to carry and hold. The battery energy is 30 Wh, the lowest of the five drills reviewed here. The listing describes a 20 V, 1.5 AH battery. A smaller battery means fewer holes before you recharge. It suits short tasks better than long ones.

Speed runs 0-350 rpm in low and 0-1350 rpm in high. The 1350 rpm top speed is the lowest of the five reviewed. You get 19 torque settings, which is plenty for fine screw work. The data lists no max torque, so its power cannot be rated by number.

This is a set for light jobs. The listing names DIY and home repairs. The kit includes the drill, a battery, a charger and 10 bits plus 10 screwdriver bits. The data does not list a brushless motor, chuck size, LED light or warranty, so check those before you buy.

Pros

  • Light at 2.5 lb
  • 19 torque settings
  • Bits and charger included

Cons

  • Lowest battery energy of the five
  • No brushless motor listed
Buy it if
you need a light drill for occasional DIY.
Skip it if
you drill often or need long runtime.

VerdictA light, simple kit for occasional home use, but the thin spec list makes it hard to trust for heavy work.

Best among the reviewed tools

Buying guide

Match torque to your jobs

Max torque in Nm shows how hard a drill can twist. For drilling large holes or driving long screws, look at the higher figures, such as 45 Nm or 54.9 Nm. Several makers do not list torque, so check the listing before you decide.

Check battery energy

Battery energy in Wh is a better guide to runtime than volts alone. On this page it ranges from 24 Wh to 48 Wh among the models that list it. A bigger number means more work per charge, but can add weight.

Weigh weight against power

Weight ranges from 1.4 lb to 6.15 lb among the 16 products that list it. A lighter drill is easier to hold overhead or for long sessions. A heavier one may carry more power. Pick the lightest drill that still meets your torque needs.

Why brushless matters

A brushless motor runs cooler and wears less than a brushed one, so it tends to last longer and use battery energy more efficiently. It is a bonus, not a must. For occasional home use, a brushed drill can still work. For frequent use, brushless is worth seeking.

FAQ

How much torque does a cordless drill need?

For most home tasks, such as hanging shelves or assembling furniture, a mid-range figure is enough. This page lists max torque from 19 Nm to 54.9 Nm. Pick a higher number for large holes in dense wood or for long screws.

Is a brushless cordless drill worth it?

Brushless motors generally run cooler and last longer, and makers say they give more runtime than brushed ones. Three of the five reviewed drills list one. The CRAFTSMAN is brushed, and the DEKOPRO data does not list a motor type.

What does a 1/2 in chuck mean?

The chuck holds the bit. A 1/2 in chuck accepts bits with shanks up to 1/2 in, so it handles larger drill bits than a 3/8 in chuck. Keyless chucks let you change bits by hand, without a tool.

What is the lightest cordless drill here?

The Bosch PS21-2A is the lightest product at 1.4 lb, but it is a pocket driver. Among the full drills ranked in our top ten, the Greenworks DD345 is lightest at 2.09 lb.

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Helpful guides

Top pick · #1Greenworks DD345
Check price on Amazon