Key takeaways
- Cheapest pick worth buying: BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver LDX120C ($45 – $70).
- A compact drill kit covers most home jobs.
- Choose a battery platform you will stick with; batteries work across a brand's tools.
In this article
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Cheap cordless drills can be a smart buy or a false economy. We picked the lowest-priced models in the US that still earn a buy or consider verdict from us.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Budget picks at a glance
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver LDX120C | Consider | 7.0/10 | $45 – $70 |
| Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit PCL206K1 | Buy | 7.8/10 | $70 – $100 |
| DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD791D2 | Buy | 8.9/10 | $180 – $230 |
Budget picks in detail
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver LDX120C
Occasional small jobs · Verdict: Consider · Score: 7.0/10 · Typical price: $45 – $70
Why we like it: Very cheap starter drill.
Pros: Very affordable · Lightweight · Fine for small screws
Cons: 3/8 in. chuck limits bit size · Single speed and modest torque · Slow charger
Buy it if you need a drill for flat-pack furniture, curtain rods and the odd picture hook.
Skip it if you want a battery platform with serious tools; this one tops out quickly.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit PCL206K1
Budget and beginners · Verdict: Buy · Score: 7.8/10 · Typical price: $70 – $100
Why we like it: Gateway to a huge, cheap battery platform.
Pros: Low price with battery and charger · Works with hundreds of ONE+ tools · Light and easy to handle
Cons: Brushed motor · Small 1.5Ah battery
Buy it if you are starting a tool collection on a budget and want access to Ryobi's long list of 18V tools.
Skip it if you drill into masonry or drive long screws all day; a brushless model handles that better.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD791D2
Most homeowners · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.9/10 · Typical price: $180 – $230
Why we like it: Brushless power and LED modes at a fair price.
Pros: Compact and well balanced · Brushless motor for longer run time · Two 2.0Ah batteries and charger · Three-mode LED light
Cons: 2.0Ah batteries run down quicker on big jobs · Bag is basic
Buy it if you want one excellent drill for years of home projects on a battery platform you can grow into.
Skip it if you need maximum torque for daily jobsite drilling; the Milwaukee FUEL is stronger.
How to save money
A compact drill kit covers most home jobs.
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
Where not to cut corners
Choose a battery platform you will stick with; batteries work across a brand's tools.
Common mistake: Buying a bare tool without checking you have a compatible battery.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best cheap cordless drills in the US?
The cheapest model we would still buy is BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver LDX120C, typically $45 – $70.
Are cheap cordless drills worth it?
A compact drill kit covers most home jobs. Do not compromise on the basics, though. Choose a battery platform you will stick with; batteries work across a brand's tools.
When are cordless drills cheapest in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.