Gavler
Updated August 2026

Best Power Drills

Cordless drills ranked for professionals, DIYers, and homeowners.

Best for DIY
01
DeWalt DCD801B 20V MAX XR
Best Power Drills

DeWalt DCD801B 20V MAX XR

$219

Gavler Score
9.8

The Verdict

“Sweet spot for serious DIYers with 550 lb-in torque that handles 90% of typical applications. Brushless efficiency and rock-solid reliability.”

Max Torque550 in-lbs (MWO)
Voltage20V MAX (DeWalt 20V MAX platform)
MotorBrushless XR
Speeds0-550 / 0-2,000 RPM (2-speed)
42 Community Votes
Full Review
Vote ShareiVote share — the percentage of this list's total community votes cast for this product. A higher share means stronger community agreement that it belongs here.

13% Solid

of 315 votes

Best for ProsMost Compact
02
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20
Best Power Drills

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2904-20

$229

Gavler Score
9.7

The Verdict

“Compact powerhouse with 1,400 in-lbs torque and hammering capability for masonry. Just 3.3 lbs but delivers performance rivaling heavier competitors.”

Max Torque1,400 in-lbs
Weight3.3 lbs (bare tool)
ModesDrill / Hammer / Screw / AUTOSTOP
BPM (hammer mode)32,000
39 Community Votes
Full Review
Vote ShareiVote share — the percentage of this list's total community votes cast for this product. A higher share means stronger community agreement that it belongs here.

12% Solid

of 315 votes

Best for Pros
03
Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT
Best Power Drills

Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT

$289

Gavler Score
9.6

The Verdict

“Dual-speed transmission with 1,250 in-lbs torque delivers versatility for diverse tasks. Compact 7-inch length and refined ergonomics reduce fatigue.”

Max Torque1,250 in-lbs
No-Load Speed0-550 / 0-2,100 RPM (2-speed)
Hammer Rate0-8,250 / 0-31,500 BPM
Chuck1/2 in. all-metal self-ratcheting keyless
37 Community Votes
Full Review
Vote ShareiVote share — the percentage of this list's total community votes cast for this product. A higher share means stronger community agreement that it belongs here.

12% Solid

of 315 votes

Best for DIYMost Compact
04
DeWalt DCD794B ATOMIC 20V MAX
Best Power Drills

DeWalt DCD794B ATOMIC 20V MAX

$169

Gavler Score
9.4

The Verdict

“Exceptional value with brushless motor and compact design. Outperforms on entry-level applications at a price that makes it an easy recommendation.”

Power Output404 UWO (DeWalt does not publish in-lbs)
No-Load Speed0-450 / 0-1,650 RPM (2-speed)
Chuck1/2 in. ratcheting
Clutch15 settings
40 Community Votes
Full Review
Vote ShareiVote share — the percentage of this list's total community votes cast for this product. A higher share means stronger community agreement that it belongs here.

13% Solid

of 315 votes

Best for Pros
05
Makita GFD02D 40V XGT
Best Power Drills

Makita GFD02D 40V XGT

$249

Gavler Score
9.2

The Verdict

“Rare 40V option with extreme protection technology for dusty and wet jobsites. All-metal gears provide durability exceeding typical 18-20V competitors.”

Max Torque585 in-lbs / 65 N·m
No-Load Speed0-550 / 0-2,200 RPM (2-speed)
Chuck1/2 in. keyless (not all-metal)
Length6-11/16 in.
31 Community Votes
Full Review
Vote ShareiVote share — the percentage of this list's total community votes cast for this product. A higher share means stronger community agreement that it belongs here.

10% Solid

of 315 votes

Most CompactBest for DIY
06
DeWalt DCD800B 20V MAX XR Compact
Gavler Score
9.1

The Verdict

“Premium compact with variable 2-speed and enhanced LED. 40% more power than predecessor with improved ergonomics for extended use.”

Power OutputUp to 40% more UWO vs. DCD791B (no absolute figure published)
No-Load Speed0-650 / 0-2,000 RPM (measured 648 / 2,046)
Chuck1/2 in. metal ratcheting
Clutch15 settings (outlet-verified; Consumer Reports lists 16)
36 Community Votes
Full Review
Vote ShareiVote share — the percentage of this list's total community votes cast for this product. A higher share means stronger community agreement that it belongs here.

11% Solid

of 315 votes

Most CompactBest Value
07
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2503-20
Best Power Drills

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2503-20

$85

Gavler Score
8.9

The Verdict

“Lightest professional-grade drill at only 2.3 lbs. Ideal for electricians and plumbers needing one-handed operation in tight spaces.”

Peak Torque350 in-lbs
No-Load Speed0-450 / 0-1,700 RPM (2-speed)
Chuck1/2 in. all-metal keyless
Length6.6 in.
34 Community Votes
Full Review
Vote ShareiVote share — the percentage of this list's total community votes cast for this product. A higher share means stronger community agreement that it belongs here.

11% Solid

of 315 votes

Best ValueBest for DIY
08
Ryobi PCL206B 18V ONE+
Best Power Drills

Ryobi PCL206B 18V ONE+

$46

Gavler Score
8.5

The Verdict

“The direct successor to the P215 and the best budget drill on the market. 515 in-lbs torque, 2-speed gearbox, and access to Ryobi's massive 300+ tool ONE+ ecosystem — all for under $50.”

Torque515 in-lbs stated; ~552 in-lbs measured (House Digest)
MotorBrushed
Speed Settings2-speed (0-450 / 0-1,750 RPM)
Chuck1/2" keyless ratcheting, plastic body
14 Community Votes
Full Review
Vote ShareiVote share — the percentage of this list's total community votes cast for this product. A higher share means stronger community agreement that it belongs here.

4% Niche

of 315 votes

Most CompactBest Value
09
Bosch GSR18V-400B12
Best Power Drills

Bosch GSR18V-400B12

$119

Gavler Score
8.4

The Verdict

“Bosch's compact successor delivers 400 in-lbs torque in a 6.3-inch body with brushless efficiency. The best precision drill for tight spaces, now with better battery life and smoother operation.”

Max Torque400 in-lbs
No-Load Speed0-500 / 0-1,900 RPM (2-speed)
Clutch20 settings
Chuck1/2 in. all-metal keyless
12 Community Votes
Full Review
Vote ShareiVote share — the percentage of this list's total community votes cast for this product. A higher share means stronger community agreement that it belongs here.

4% Niche

of 315 votes

Best for DIYMost Compact
10
Milwaukee M18 2801-20 Compact Drill
Gavler Score
8.1

The Verdict

“Reliable entry point into Milwaukee's M18 ecosystem. 500 in-lbs torque in a compact body makes it a solid starter drill for homeowners.”

Max Torque500 in-lbs (M18 FUEL siblings: 1,400 in-lbs)
No-Load Speed0-500 / 0-1,800 RPM (2-speed)
Chuck1/2 in. metal ratcheting single sleeve
Clutch18+1 (outlet-verified)
30 Community Votes
Full Review
Vote ShareiVote share — the percentage of this list's total community votes cast for this product. A higher share means stronger community agreement that it belongs here.

10% Solid

of 315 votes

Common Questions

Best Power Drills — FAQ

A drill/driver is versatile: it drills holes and drives screws in wood, metal, and plastic. An impact driver uses rotational bursts of force to drive screws and bolts much faster, especially long screws and lag bolts. For general home use, a drill/driver is sufficient. For deck building, framing, or heavy-duty fastening, an impact driver is invaluable.

Higher voltage generally means more power. 12V drills are compact and sufficient for light tasks like hanging shelves. 18V/20V drills handle most home improvement tasks well. They offer the best balance of power and weight. Higher voltages are available for professional and heavy-duty applications but add significant weight.

Rankings combine expert review aggregation with community voting. Each drill receives a Gavler Score (out of 10) based on professional reviews evaluating power, battery life, weight, ergonomics, and included accessories. Community members vote for their top pick with one vote per list.

The Brief

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