Ranked · Home & Living
Best cordless drills in 2026
The ten best cordless drills of 2026 from Makita, Bosch, DeWalt, Metabo, Milwaukee and Einhell, ranked on power, weight, handling and battery platform for DIY and pro use.
Bitezine Editorial TeamRankings, reviews & guides 10 min read
AI generatedThe best cordless drills in 2026 are light enough to use overhead, strong enough to drive long screws into timber and quick enough to drill clean holes in wood and metal. Most good models now use a brushless motor, which runs cooler and longer on a charge, and the biggest decision is often which battery platform you buy into, because the same batteries will power your future saws, sanders and garden tools.
To build this ranking we used the F.A.Z. Kaufkompass cordless screwdriver tests, which cover more than 130 tools, and Wirecutter's drill guide, then checked every model's torque, speeds, chuck, weight and features on the manufacturer's German website. We ranked drills on real-world power, clutch precision, weight and balance, useful extras such as kickback protection and LED lights, battery platform breadth and value. The list covers compact 12 V drills for home use, 18 V drill drivers, a combi drill for masonry and a heavy-duty model for tradespeople. Where a brand sells the same tool bare or as a kit, we rank the tool and note that batteries may be extra.
At a glance
#1 · Best for Reliable everyday drilling and precise screwdriving
Makita DDF482
Most reliable drill driver in testing
F.A.Z. Kaufkompass names the DDF482 the best cordless drill driver after testing more than 130 cordless screwdrivers and drills. Testers praised its slim, comfortable body, very precise 21-stage clutch and surprising power, which handled every test screw and hole. On paper it offers 62 Nm hard torque, two speeds up to 1,900 rpm, a 13 mm chuck, a metal gearbox and XPT dust and splash protection. It still uses a brushed motor, but it is available cheaply as a bare tool for Makita LXT owners.
- Precise 21-stage torque clutch
- 62 Nm hard torque, two speeds
- Metal gearbox
- XPT dust and splash protection
- LED with afterglow
- Battery system
- Makita 18 V LXT
- Weight
- 1.5 to 1.8 kg with battery
- Price range
- Budget to mid-range
#2 · Best for Serious DIYers and tradespeople
Bosch Professional GSR 18V-65
Compact pro drill with kickback control
The GSR 18V-65 packs a brushless motor and robust gearbox into a compact body with a 166 mm head length and a weight of 1.06 kg without battery. It delivers up to 76 Nm, has two gears, 13 torque settings and a 13 mm chuck, and handles holes up to 35 mm in wood. Switchable KickBack Control stops the tool if it jams, and dual work lights help in dark corners. It runs on Bosch's Professional 18 V batteries, including ProCORE packs.
- Up to 76 Nm, brushless
- Switchable KickBack Control
- Compact 166 mm head
- Two gears, 13 mm chuck
- Dual LED work lights
- Battery system
- Bosch Professional 18 V
- Weight
- 1.06 kg without battery
- Price range
- Mid-range
#3 · Best for DeWalt users who want a small, strong drill
DeWalt DCD800
Very compact 18 V drill driver
The DCD800 is one of DeWalt's most compact 18 V XR drills at just 16.4 cm long, yet it uses a brushless motor and a two-speed gearbox. A 15-stage clutch, full-metal 13 mm chuck and Perform and Protect electronic clutch, which cuts out when the bit binds, make it easy to control. It also comes with a metal belt hook and magnetic bit holder, and is sold bare or in kits with DeWalt's Powerstack batteries.
- Brushless motor, 16.4 cm long
- Perform and Protect electronic clutch
- 15-stage torque control
- 13 mm metal chuck
- Magnetic bit holder
- Battery system
- DeWalt 18 V XR
- Price range
- Mid-range
- Best for
- Tight spaces
#4 · Best for Drilling into brick as well as wood and metal
Metabo SB 18 LT BL
Best cordless combi drill
F.A.Z. Kaufkompass's top combi drill replaces a regular drill driver while adding a hammer action for brick. Its brushless motor delivers 75 Nm hard torque, two speeds up to 2,100 rpm and up to 31,950 impacts per minute, and it drills 13 mm in masonry and steel and 38 mm in softwood. Testers liked its compact size, speed and power. A belt hook and bit holder are included, but there is no side handle. Batteries fit the multi-brand CAS system.
- Brushless with hammer action
- 75 Nm hard torque
- Up to 2,100 rpm
- 13 mm in masonry
- CAS battery compatible
- Battery system
- Metabo 18 V (CAS)
- Weight
- About 1.8 kg with battery
- Price range
- Mid-range
#5 · Best for Makita users and tough site conditions
Makita DDF489
Powerful, well-protected 18 V drill
Makita's DDF489 is a brushless LXT drill driver with 73 Nm hard torque, two speeds up to 1,800 rpm and a 21-stage clutch. It drills up to 13 mm in steel and 38 mm in wood with auger bits, and XPT protection helps keep dust and water out. An electronic brake, dual LEDs with afterglow and automatic shut-off when the battery runs low round off a sturdy tool for the huge Makita 18 V platform.
- 73 Nm hard torque, brushless
- XPT dust and water protection
- 21-stage clutch
- Electronic brake
- Dual LED with afterglow
- Battery system
- Makita 18 V LXT
- Weight
- 1.8 to 2.5 kg with battery
- Price range
- Mid-range
#6 · Best for Tradespeople and heavy-duty jobs
Milwaukee M18 FUEL FDD3
Most powerful drill in this test
The M18 FDD3 delivers 158 Nm of torque from a brushless Powerstate motor while staying only 173 mm long. AutoStop shuts the drill down if it suddenly twists by around 45 degrees, which protects your wrist when a large bit catches. It includes a side handle and belt clip, and REDLINK PLUS electronics manage performance and protect the tool. It is heavier and pricier than DIY drills, but ideal for heavy drilling.
- 158 Nm torque
- AutoStop kickback protection
- Compact 173 mm length
- Side handle included
- LED light with charge indicator
- Battery system
- Milwaukee M18
- Price range
- Premium
- Best for
- Large bits and hole saws
#7 · Best for Home DIY and weekend projects
Bosch AdvancedDrill 18V-80 QuickSnap
Best cordless drill for home DIY
Bosch's green AdvancedDrill 18V-80 brings a brushless motor and 78 Nm of torque to the Power for All 18 V platform. Its QuickSnap interface lets you pull off the 13 mm metal chuck and snap on compatible attachments for tight spots. It has two speeds, a 22+1 stage clutch, a side handle and a magnetic cap for screws, and weighs only about 0.8 kg without battery.
- 78 Nm, brushless
- QuickSnap removable chuck
- 22+1 torque settings
- Side handle and magnetic cap
- Power for All 18 V battery
- Battery system
- 18 V Power for All
- Weight
- About 0.8 kg without battery
- Price range
- Budget to mid-range
#8 · Best for Cabinet work, furniture and tight corners
Bosch Professional GSR 12V-35 FC
Best compact modular drill
This 12 V brushless drill weighs about 1 kg with battery and delivers 35 Nm. Its FlexiClick system is the highlight: the kit includes a 10 mm chuck, a bit holder, a right-angle attachment and an offset attachment for screwing right next to a wall. It has two speeds, a 20+1 clutch, a metal gear housing and an LED light, and drills up to 32 mm in wood.
- FlexiClick with four attachments
- 35 Nm, brushless
- About 1 kg with battery
- Two speeds, 20+1 clutch
- LED light and charge indicator
- Battery system
- Bosch Professional 12 V
- Weight
- About 1 kg with battery
- Price range
- Mid-range
#9 · Best for First-time drill buyers and small homes
DeWalt DCD701
Tiny, comfortable 12 V drill
The DCD701 is a brushless 12 V drill only about 15 cm long, with a two-speed metal gearbox, 15-stage clutch and 10 mm chuck. Wirecutter calls the US version of this drill the most comfortable it has held and rates it highly for household jobs. The German kit includes two 2 Ah batteries, a charger and a TSTAK case.
- Brushless, about 15 cm long
- Two-speed metal gearbox
- 15-stage clutch
- 10 mm chuck
- Kit with two batteries
- Battery system
- DeWalt 12 V XR
- Price range
- Budget to mid-range
- Best for
- Light household jobs
#10 · Best for Budget DIY including brick and light masonry
Einhell TP-CD 18/50 Li-i BL
Best cheap cordless combi drill
Einhell's TP-CD 18/50 Li-i BL is a brushless 18 V combi drill with a hammer function for masonry, 50 Nm of torque, two gears and 20 torque settings. It has a 13 mm metal chuck, an LED light and weighs about 1.2 kg. It runs on Einhell's Power X-Change batteries, which cover a large range of affordable tools, and Einhell offers an extended warranty on the brushless motor after registration.
- Brushless with hammer function
- 50 Nm, two gears
- 13 mm metal chuck
- 20 torque settings
- Power X-Change battery
- Battery system
- Einhell Power X-Change 18 V
- Weight
- About 1.2 kg
- Price range
- Budget
How to choose
Start with voltage and torque. A compact 12 V drill such as the Bosch GSR 12V-35 FC or DeWalt DCD701 is light and handy for flat-pack furniture, hanging shelves and small repairs. An 18 V drill driver with around 60 to 80 Nm, such as the Makita DDF482, Bosch GSR 18V-65 or Bosch AdvancedDrill 18V-80, covers almost every DIY job, including large wood screws and holes in timber. Choose 100 Nm or more, like the Milwaukee M18 FDD3, only if you regularly use large auger bits or hole saws. A precise clutch, two gears and a 13 mm chuck are worth having on any 18 V drill, and a brushless motor adds runtime and longevity.
Next, pick a battery system you are happy to stay with. Bosch's green DIY tools use the 18 V Power for All platform shared with several other brands, Bosch Professional and Makita LXT have huge ranges, Metabo's batteries fit the multi-brand CAS system, and Einhell's Power X-Change covers a wide range of garden and workshop tools at low prices. A drill driver is fine for wood, metal and screwdriving; if you want to drill into brick or concrete, choose a combi drill with a hammer function, such as the Metabo SB 18 LT BL, or a separate SDS rotary hammer. Finally, hold the drill if you can: weight, grip size and balance make a real difference over a long day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best cordless drill in 2026?
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F.A.Z. Kaufkompass names the Makita DDF482 the best cordless drill driver for its power, slim design and very precise clutch. The Bosch Professional GSR 18V-65 is a strong brushless alternative with KickBack Control, and the Metabo SB 18 LT BL is the best combi drill if you also drill into brick.
How much torque do I need in a cordless drill?
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For flat-pack furniture and light jobs, 30 to 40 Nm is enough. For general DIY, including long wood screws and drilling timber, 60 to 80 Nm is a good target. Heavy-duty work with large hole saws or auger bits benefits from 100 Nm or more.
Is Bosch or Makita better?
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Both make excellent drills. Makita's DDF482 won F.A.Z. Kaufkompass's drill driver test, and the brushless DDF489 adds more torque. Bosch Professional's GSR 18V-65 is compact, brushless and has switchable KickBack Control. In practice, the bigger decision is which battery platform you prefer, since both offer a huge range of compatible tools.
What is the difference between Bosch green and blue drills?
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Bosch green tools, such as the AdvancedDrill 18V-80 QuickSnap, are designed for home DIY and use the 18 V Power for All battery system. Bosch blue Professional tools, such as the GSR 18V-65, are built for daily trade use and use the Bosch Professional 18 V system. The batteries are not interchangeable between the two ranges.
Do I need a brushless drill?
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It is worth it for most buyers. Brushless motors are more efficient, run longer per charge, stay cooler and need no carbon brush replacement. Most drills in this ranking are brushless; the Makita DDF482 still uses a brushed motor but performed superbly in testing and costs less.
Can a cordless drill drill into concrete?
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A standard drill driver is not designed for concrete. A combi drill with a hammer function, such as the Metabo SB 18 LT BL or Einhell TP-CD 18/50 Li-i BL, can handle brick and light masonry, but for concrete an SDS rotary hammer is the right tool.
What is the best small cordless drill?
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The Bosch GSR 12V-35 FC weighs about 1 kg with battery and comes with interchangeable chuck, bit holder, angle and offset attachments. The DeWalt DCD701 is only about 15 cm long. For simple furniture assembly, a mini screwdriver such as the Bosch IXO, F.A.Z. Kaufkompass's favourite, may be all you need.
The Makita DDF482 is the best cordless drill for most people who want a proven, precise drill driver at a fair price, and the Bosch Professional GSR 18V-65 is the pick if you want a compact brushless pro tool with kickback control. The DeWalt DCD800 is a very compact 18 V alternative, the Metabo SB 18 LT BL is the best cordless combi drill for brick, and the Milwaukee M18 FDD3 handles the heaviest drilling. For home DIY, the Bosch AdvancedDrill 18V-80 QuickSnap offers excellent value, and the Einhell TP-CD 18/50 Li-i BL is the best cheap cordless drill with a hammer function. If you want something small and light, choose the Bosch GSR 12V-35 FC or DeWalt DCD701.
How we research: We compare each product on the same criteria, using makers’ documentation, independent reviews and owner feedback, and re-check the list when products change.
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Bitezine Editorial Team
Rankings, reviews & guides
Our editors research every piece from makers’ documentation, independent tests and owner reports, and update it when products change.
