Looking for the best cordless drills? VerdictFox compares 5 cordless drills you can buy on Amazon.com, including the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2903-22 1/2" Drill/Driver Kit, DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless and Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/2, and gives each a clear Buy, Consider or Skip verdict. Typical prices run from $45 to $380, so there is a sensible pick for every budget.
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2903-22 1/2" Drill/Driver Kit usually sells for $300–$380. We rate it Buy for serious DIY and pros thanks to top-tier torque in a compact brushless body. The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless ($180–$230) earns a Buy verdict and suits most homeowners: brushless power and LED modes at a fair price. The Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/2 ($70–$100) earns a Buy verdict and suits budget and beginners: gateway to a huge, cheap battery platform. The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver ($45–$70) earns a Consider verdict and suits occasional small jobs: very cheap starter drill. For not recommended, look at the DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver, typically $100–$140. Its standout is older brushed DEWALT drill, and our verdict is Skip.
What should you look for in cordless drills? Pick the battery platform first: you will buy more tools on the same batteries, so choose a brand with the tools you want next. Brushless motors run cooler, last longer per charge and are worth paying for if you drill often. A 1/2 in. chuck takes bigger bits than a 3/8 in. chuck and is standard on serious drills. Kits with two batteries let you keep working while one charges.
Every pick has trade-offs, so we also tell you who should pass. Skip the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2903-22 1/2" Drill/Driver Kit if you hang shelves a few times a year; a cheaper drill does that just as well. Skip the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless if you need maximum torque for daily jobsite drilling; the Milwaukee FUEL is stronger. Skip the Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/2 if you drill into masonry or drive long screws all day; a brushless model handles that better. Skip the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver if you want a battery platform with serious tools; this one tops out quickly.
Want a ranked shortlist? Our guide to the best cordless drills picks a winner for most people, a budget choice in the $45–$70 range and premium options, with pros, cons and key specs. If two models look alike, our head-to-head comparisons explain the differences that actually matter.