Expert Pick #01

DeWalt DCD801B 20V MAX XR.

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

DeWalt DCD801B 20V MAX XR

The Verdict.

9.8/ 10

Gavler Meta-Score

The 90/10 drill — 90 percent of buyers will never use the last 10 percent of its 550 in-lbs of torque, but the headroom is what lets it survive the one stuck lag bolt that breaks lesser drills. Buy this unless you are regularly drilling masonry (then upgrade to the Milwaukee M18 FUEL) or you need a sub-4-pound trim drill (then look at the Milwaukee M12 FUEL).

The Gavler Verdict

Precision Engineering

550 in-lbs Torque (Brushless XR)

Brushless XR motor delivers 550 in-lbs of MWO torque — handles 3-inch deck screws into pressure-treated lumber without stalling.

Two-Speed Transmission (0-550 / 0-2,000 RPM)

Low gear for high-torque fastening, high gear for fast drilling — covers both ends of the typical work envelope.

6.85" Head Length, 4.2 lbs

Compact enough for overhead work, light enough for extended sessions without arm fatigue.

Technical Specifications

Max Torque550 in-lbs (MWO)
Voltage20V MAX (DeWalt 20V MAX platform)
MotorBrushless XR
Speeds0-550 / 0-2,000 RPM (2-speed)
Chuck1/2" ratcheting metal
Head Length6.85 inches
Weight4.2 lbs (with 2.0 Ah battery)
LED3-mode with 20-min delay shutoff

The Scoreboard

Expert Consensus98%
Community Rating96%

Pro Tool Reviews and Reviewed both routinely rank the DCD801B among the top cordless drills available; the small expert-vs-community gap reflects pros who prefer the Milwaukee's hammering mode for masonry work.

Cast Your Vote

Do you think DeWalt DCD801B 20V MAX XR deserves the #1 spot in Best Power Drills?

Best Price Availability.

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Price History

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30-Day Low

$219

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$219

Current

$219

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Global Critique

The DCD801B is widely rated as one of the best all-around cordless drills available in 2026 — the right amount of torque for the majority of professional use cases without the bulk of heavier-torque alternatives.

Pro Tool Reviews

Among the top performers in our cordless drill testing, with powerful performance and speed that kept up with other top performers.

Reviewed

DeWalt 20V MAX wins value in the three-way DeWalt-vs-Milwaukee-vs-Makita decision tree.

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