Dewalt 20V Max Cordless Drill / Driver Kit, Compact, Brushless (DCD777C2)

The DCD777C2 is tough, rugged and, most of all, versatile. This drill has a unique combination of power, speed, and ease of use to make it the most versatile drill we tried. The 500il of torque gave us confidence that it could handle almost any job and when tested under tough conditions it delivered. The light weight (it's listed at 2.5 pounds but feels even lighter) and power combination is something that we didn’t experience to the same degree with any of the other models tested.

Black + Decker 20V MAX Cordless Drill / Driver, 3/8-Inch (LDX120C)

The Black & Decker LDX120C is ideal for “fixer-upper” jobs around the house. It’s compact and lightweight (it weighs less than 3.5 pounds, making it ideal for tight spaces, like under sinks or in cabinets) and the 20V lithium ion battery charges quickly and holds power well.

Speaking of power, the LDX120C delivers an impressive amount of power for an inexpensive drill designed for lighter jobs, but this tool has its limits. It’s not for the heavy duty or stubborn projects. We tried using it to drill into some sheet metal and even some hard wood and the LDX120C just didn’t have the power. Still, if used for appropriate jobs, it can be a solid addition to anyone’s toolbox at a great price.

Makita XFD11R1B 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless 1/2" Driver-Drill Kit (2.0Ah)

Weighing in at a just over 3.5 pounds, the XFD11R1B is light and powerful, with one of the most impressive power-to-weight ratios we’ve seen. It delivers 480 IL of torque, so it’s perfect for heavy-duty jobs. The drill comes with two compact 18V LXT 2.0AH batteries that charge in under 30 minutes, the fastest charge time amongst its counterparts. That being said, we found the XFD11R1B to be a better drill for more experienced users who need an advanced tool.

Worksite 8V Electric Cordless Drill Screwdriver

The Worksite 8v is a good option if you’re looking for an inexpensive tool that you won’t need to handle anything serious. It comes with 20 bits and a magnetic wristband, and is easy to use, mainly because it does very little in terms of variety or features. That isn’t to say that it can’t be useful (although long-term durability should be a concern, considering the price) for small jobs, like putting together toys or hanging pictures. For the functionality and power output, it’s better to think of this model as more of an electric screwdriver.

Milwaukee M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2 Inch Compact Drill/Driver (Tool-Only) 2801-20

The M18 isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s got power: 500 IL of torque; and speed: 500-1800 RPM, depending on the job. The Redlithium battery features 40 per cent more run-time than most competitors, and it boasts nearly 20 per cent more speed and torque. The drill features the Redlink Intelligence System, an advanced overload protection that monitors the tool’s temperature to prevent damage and ensure maximum tool & battery life. Of course, this all comes at a price, and it’s significantly more than many drills in its class.

Makita XPH11RB 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill Kit (2.0Ah)

The XPH11RB has all the bells and whistles, including a nice, professional-looking hard case, but that’s reflected in the price. It features a full kit of options and is surprisingly powerful, especially considering it weighs less than three pounds. The variable two-speed transmission gives it a smooth, even feel and the ergonomic design, which claims to provide “increased comfort,” actually did enable us to use it longer and under tougher conditions than other models. If budget isn’t a concern, we feel it’s worth the money.

Bosch PSR 18 LI-2 Ergonomic

This isn’t your dad’s cordless drill. Designed to provide maximum user comfort during and after use, this tool was noticeably easier to operate than many others. In addition to the physical design, Bosch markets the synergy of the parts of this drill as one of the reasons why it’s so comfortable to use, and we have to agree that it did seem oddly functional. But beyond ease of use, the Ergonomic isn’t anything special. It doesn’t feature an impressive amount of power, on paper or during actual use, and it’s features and specs are all about average. It’s a good option to have, but only if you physically need it. If not, there are better options for your money.

Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit with (1) 1.5 Ah Battery and 18-Volt Charger

Like any decent drill, this one has adjustable torque so you can tackle any home improvement project appropriately. This $69 buy includes the drill, screwdriver bit, 1.5 Ah Battery, and charger, plus a three year limited warranty to protect your purchase.

Reviews are largely positive and praise the ease of use and portability of the drill. One beginner buyer writes, "Never have used a power tool before, it was a bit confusing for me. But once it was figured out, it was great!"