Key takeaways
- Choose a battery platform you will stick with; batteries work across a brand's tools.
- Brushless motors run cooler and longer.
- A kit with two batteries avoids waiting for a charge.
In this article
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This buying guide is for anyone shopping for cordless drills in the US who wants a straight answer rather than a spec sheet. Work through the checks below and you will know what to buy and what to skip.
What to check before you buy
- Choose a battery platform you will stick with; batteries work across a brand's tools.
- Brushless motors run cooler and longer.
- A kit with two batteries avoids waiting for a charge.
How much to spend
The cordless drills we rate range from about $45 (BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver LDX120C) to about $400 (Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hammer Drill Kit). A compact drill kit covers most home jobs.
The mistake to avoid
Buying a bare tool without checking you have a compatible battery.
Our shortlist
If you want to skip the research, these are the cordless drills we would buy in the US:
- Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2903-22 1/2" Drill/Driver Kit ($300 – $380) – Check Price on Amazon
- Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hammer Drill Kit ($300 – $400) – Check Price on Amazon
- DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit DCD791D2 ($180 – $230) – Check Price on Amazon
See every pick, with pros and cons, in Best Cordless Drills (2026): What to Buy and What to Skip.
When to buy
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.
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Related reading
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right cordless drills?
Choose a battery platform you will stick with; batteries work across a brand's tools. Brushless motors run cooler and longer.
How much should I spend on cordless drills in the US?
The models we rate range from about $45 to about $400. A compact drill kit covers most home jobs.
What is the biggest mistake when buying cordless drills?
Buying a bare tool without checking you have a compatible battery.
When should I buy cordless drills 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.