A cordless drill is the first power tool most people buy — and also the one with the most confusing spec sheets. Chuck size, amp-hours, voltage, brushless vs. brushed: manufacturers use these terms to make you feel like you need the most expensive option. You probably don’t.
Here’s what actually matters, what you can ignore, and which drills are worth buying in 2026.
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The specs that actually matter
Voltage (18V/20V max): This is the platform decision, not a performance number. 18V tools from Milwaukee (their label), 20V max from DeWalt (same thing — a marketing difference, not a real one), 18V from Makita. Pick the voltage platform based on which brand you want, not the number.
12V tools are genuinely lighter and more compact — good for electricians and tight-space work. For general use, 18/20V is the standard.
Torque (in/lbs or ft/lbs): Determines how much rotational force the drill can apply. For driving screws and drilling wood, 400-600 in/lbs is plenty. For drilling into concrete with a hammer drill feature, look for 600-800 in/lbs. Most drill specs list maximum torque — your typical setting will be far lower.
Chuck size: Most full-size drills use a 1/2-inch chuck (accepts bits up to 1/2” shank). Compact drills often use 3/8-inch. 1/2-inch is more versatile and worth having unless you specifically need a smaller tool.
Brushless motor: Brushless drills are more efficient, run cooler, and last longer than brushed. The price difference has narrowed significantly — in 2026, brushless is the right choice for any drill you plan to use regularly. A brushed drill may make sense only if you’re buying a budget kit and plan to upgrade later.
Battery amp-hours (Ah): More Ah = longer runtime between charges. A 2.0 Ah battery is fine for light tasks and comes in smaller drills. A 4.0-5.0 Ah battery runs significantly longer and is worth the extra weight for extended work sessions. Battery prices have dropped — buying a 2-pack with mixed Ah is common.
The best cordless drills in 2026
DeWalt DCD800 — Best overall
Voltage: 20V Max
Torque: 500 UWO (unit watts out)
Chuck: 1/2-inch
Brushless: Yes
The DCD800 replaced the popular DCD791 and is lighter while delivering the same or better performance. At ~$120-150 (tool only) or ~$180-200 as a kit with two batteries, it’s the best balance of price, performance, and ecosystem. The DeWalt 20V Max platform has the widest tool selection and most available battery compatibility.
Search for DeWalt DCD800 on Amazon
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2904 — Best for pros and heavy use
Voltage: 18V
Torque: 1,200 in/lbs
Chuck: 1/2-inch
Brushless: Yes (Fuel = Milwaukee’s brushless line)
The 2904 is the mid-size Milwaukee Fuel drill — not the compact and not the full hammer drill, but the most useful version for most heavy work. Milwaukee’s build quality is consistently excellent. The M18 platform is the most popular in the professional contractor space, with massive tool selection. ~$150 tool only.
Search for Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2904 on Amazon
Makita XFD131 — Best for lightweight work and compact size
Voltage: 18V
Torque: 480 in/lbs
Chuck: 1/2-inch
Brushless: Yes
Makita drills have a reputation for being lighter and smoother than DeWalt and Milwaukee equivalents at the same spec level. The XFD131 comes as a kit with a 3.0 Ah and 1.5 Ah battery. If you find full-size drills awkward or heavy, Makita is worth the switch. The LXT platform (18V) has excellent tool selection.
Search for Makita XFD131 on Amazon
Ryobi PCL206K2 — Best budget pick
Voltage: 18V
Chuck: 1/2-inch
Brushless: No (brushed)
If you’re buying a first drill for occasional home use — hanging things, assembling furniture, occasional wood projects — the Ryobi One+ system offers the best value. The PCL206K2 comes as a kit with two batteries and a charger for ~$80-100. Brushed motor, so it won’t last as long, but for light use it will outlast most homeowners’ needs.
Search for Ryobi PCL206K2 on Amazon
Drill vs. drill/driver vs. hammer drill: what you need
Drill: Pure drilling — into wood, plastic, some metals. Most household drills.
Drill/driver: Adds a clutch (the numbered ring around the chuck) for driving screws without overdriving or stripping. This is what most “drills” actually are. The DCD800, M18 Fuel 2904, and XFD131 above are all drill/drivers.
Hammer drill: Adds a hammering action for drilling into concrete, brick, and masonry. Most good drill/drivers have a basic hammer drill mode. If you regularly drill into concrete, a dedicated rotary hammer (SDS-Plus) is faster and more effective.
Impact driver: Different tool — higher torque, hexagonal chuck only, designed for driving fasteners not drilling holes. See our full comparison: Cordless Drill vs Impact Driver
Which platform to commit to
Once you own one DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Makita tool, the battery platform drives future purchases. The tools themselves cost $60-150 without batteries; batteries cost $40-80 each. Switching platforms means leaving your batteries behind.
The “right” platform is the one that has all the tools you’ll eventually want. DeWalt and Milwaukee both have comprehensive lineups. Makita has a slight edge in specialty tools. Ryobi wins on value for casual users.
FAQ
Should I buy a drill kit or drill only?
If you’re new to a platform, buy the kit — you need batteries and a charger, and buying them separately costs more. If you already have batteries that fit, buy tool only.
What’s the difference between 18V and 20V max?
Nothing practical. DeWalt markets their 18V tools as “20V max” because the battery’s peak voltage is 20V before it settles to 18V nominal. Milwaukee calls theirs 18V. Performance is equivalent at the same spec level.
How long do cordless drill batteries last?
With normal use, 3-5 years before significant capacity loss. Most manufacturers use the same chemistry — lithium-ion — and the degradation rate is similar across brands. Fast charging and heat accelerate degradation.
Can I use DeWalt batteries on Milwaukee tools?
No. Each brand’s battery platform is proprietary. Third-party adapters exist but are not recommended — they can damage tools or batteries and void warranties.