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The best cordless drills for most people
The Milwaukee M18 2904 wins for its compact size, strong all-around performance and wrist-saving safety stop; the Skil and Craftsman cost less.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Milwaukee M18 2904 Hammer Drill | Skil PWRCORE Drill Driver Kit | CRAFTSMAN V20 1/2-In. Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1 |
| Price | about $165 | about $90 | about $79 |
| Why | Popular Mechanics found it the best all-around balance of power, compact size and handling among its tested drills. It drilled wood and concrete effectively and includes an auto-stop feature to reduce wrist-twisting if the bit binds. | Popular Mechanics named it best budget: it handled ordinary drilling and driving well for a fraction of premium-drill prices. The Amazon listing makes this a real, buyable kit rather than a bare tool. | TechGearLab recommended it as a budget buy at a listed $79 and reported capable drilling and screw control for the price. Its 1/2-inch chuck also accepts larger bits than many entry-level models. |
| Good to know | It costs substantially more than the budget picks. | Large spade bits can bind during drilling. | Battery life was mediocre in testing. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIPopular Mechanics found it the best all-around balance of power, compact size and handling among its tested drills. It drilled wood and concrete effectively and includes an auto-stop feature to reduce wrist-twisting if the bit binds.
Good to know: It costs substantially more than the budget picks.
See on Amazonpicture by AIPopular Mechanics named it best budget: it handled ordinary drilling and driving well for a fraction of premium-drill prices. The Amazon listing makes this a real, buyable kit rather than a bare tool.
Good to know: Large spade bits can bind during drilling.
See on Amazonpicture by AITechGearLab recommended it as a budget buy at a listed $79 and reported capable drilling and screw control for the price. Its 1/2-inch chuck also accepts larger bits than many entry-level models.
Good to know: Battery life was mediocre in testing.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Choose a drill that fits the work: general-purpose models handle most home projects, while hammer mode helps with masonry. Weight, battery and chuck size matter too, especially if you’ll use it often or want to build a tool collection.
Who this is for
These picks suit homeowners and DIYers, from occasional furniture assembly to tougher drilling and screw-driving. For frequent heavy-duty work, prioritize power and a battery platform you can expand.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: Milwaukee M18 2904 Hammer Drill
Popular Mechanics found it the best all-around balance of power, compact size and handling among its tested drills. It drilled wood and concrete effectively and includes an auto-stop feature to reduce wrist-twisting if the bit binds. The tester bored 1/2-inch and 1-inch holes in wood and 1/4-inch holes in concrete. Its three speed settings make it easier to manage power when driving screws. At about 3.3 pounds and just under 7 inches long, it’s compact for a hammer drill. It’s a good fit for varied home projects, including occasional masonry. Skip it if you only need a basic drill or want the lightest option.
Good to know: It costs substantially more than the budget picks.
See on AmazonBest value: Skil PWRCORE Drill Driver Kit
Popular Mechanics named it best budget: it handled ordinary drilling and driving well for a fraction of premium-drill prices. The Amazon listing makes this a real, buyable kit rather than a bare tool. In testing, it bored a 1/2-inch hole through a 2x4 in about three seconds and drove 3-inch screws without trouble. At 2.23 pounds before the battery, it’s easy to handle, with two speeds and a work light. The tester found the 1-inch spade-bit test inconsistent, with the bit binding every couple of holes. It suits routine home projects; skip it for frequent large-hole drilling or demanding jobs.
Good to know: Large spade bits can bind during drilling.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: CRAFTSMAN V20 1/2-In. Drill/Driver Kit CMCD700C1
TechGearLab recommended it as a budget buy at a listed $79 and reported capable drilling and screw control for the price. Its 1/2-inch chuck also accepts larger bits than many entry-level models. Reviewers tested it with large holes, 3-inch deck screws and a lag screw; it drilled holes up to 5 inches and drove deck screws to the intended depth. It couldn’t finish the lag-screw test, and its battery-life score was modest. The kit is a sensible pick for occasional DIY use when low cost matters most. If you plan to build a larger cordless-tool collection, compare battery-platform availability before buying.
Good to know: Battery life was mediocre in testing.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Reviewers drilled holes in lumber and masonry, drove screws, and compared speed, handling, weight and battery life. Tests ranged from timed hole-drilling and screw tasks to a two-week shop trial and lab testing of more than 30 models. Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
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Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Product pictures are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.