Quick answer: If you only read one line — get the DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver Set. It is the best all-around pick for most first-time buyers. Keep reading for what actually matters when choosing one.

A cordless drill/driver is the first tool every DIYer should own. It hangs shelves, assembles furniture, and drives screws faster than your wrist ever could by hand. Here is what we recommend, and why.

Our Picks

Which Cordless Drill Is Best for You?

Best for most beginners: the DeWalt 20V MAX brushless drill driver set. A brushless motor, a 1/2-inch chuck, and two speeds cover everything from furniture assembly to drilling into studs, and it puts you on the huge DeWalt 20V battery platform.

Best on a tighter budget: the DeWalt 20V drill driver set with two 1.3Ah batteries. Smaller batteries mean a lighter drill, and having two means one is always charging while you work.

Best if you want two tools at once: the DeWalt 20V drill and impact driver combo kit. If you already know you will be driving lots of long screws — decks, fences, framing — the combo is better value than buying the impact driver later.

Best for light household jobs: the 255-piece 12V tool set. Picture hanging, furniture assembly, and small repairs, with bits and hand tools included. It is not built for heavy drilling into wood or masonry.

Best if you already own Milwaukee M18 batteries: the Milwaukee M18 compact drill driver (tool only). It is a bare tool with no battery or charger, so it only makes sense if you already have M18 batteries.

How to Choose a Cordless Drill

Specs sheets are full of numbers, but only a handful of them matter for a first drill. Here is what to look for, in order of importance.

1. Pick your battery platform first, tool second

Every future purchase — saws, sanders, routers — will be easiest if it shares a battery with what you already own. This is the single biggest decision on this list. DeWalt 20V MAX, Milwaukee M18, Makita 18V, and Ryobi ONE+ all have large tool lineups, so any of them is a safe place to start.

2. 12V or 20V?

12V drills are smaller, lighter, and cheaper — great for furniture, cabinets, and hanging things. 20V (sometimes sold as 18V) drills have noticeably more power for drilling large holes, driving long screws, and working with hardwood. If you plan to do any real DIY projects, go 20V.

3. Brushless or brushed motor?

Brushless motors run cooler, last longer, and get more work out of each battery charge. They cost a little more, but for a tool you will own for years, brushless is worth it.

4. Battery capacity (Ah)

Amp-hours (Ah) tell you how long a battery lasts per charge. 1.3–2.0Ah batteries keep the drill light and are plenty for most home jobs. Kits with two batteries are worth the small price difference — you will never have to stop mid-project to wait for a charge.

5. Chuck size

The chuck is the part that grips the bit. A 1/2-inch chuck accepts larger bits and holds them more securely than a 3/8-inch chuck. Most 20V drills have a 1/2-inch chuck; many 12V drills have 3/8-inch.

6. Clutch settings

Look for at least 15 settings — this is what stops you from stripping screws or blowing through drywall. Lower numbers stop the drill with less force, which is exactly what you want for small screws and soft materials.

7. Two speeds

A two-speed gearbox gives you a low speed with more torque for driving screws, and a high speed for drilling holes cleanly. Nearly every good 20V drill has one.

8. Weight and grip

You will often be holding the drill overhead or at arm’s length. A compact drill with a smaller battery is easier to control and less tiring — which matters more for beginners than raw power.

How to Buy a Cordless Drill (Without Overpaying)

Get a kit, not a bare tool. As a first-time buyer, you want the drill + battery + charger + case bundle. Bare tools only make sense once you already own batteries from that brand.

Set a realistic budget. $80–150 buys a quality kit from a major brand that covers almost every beginner need. Very cheap no-name drills tend to have weak batteries and no tool ecosystem to grow into.

Check the warranty. Major brands typically back their drills for several years. A longer warranty is a good sign the manufacturer expects the tool to last.

Watch for kit deals. Holiday sales often bundle an extra battery or a second tool at little extra cost — a good time to pick up a combo kit.

Drill vs. Drill Driver vs. Impact Driver

“Cordless drill” and “drill driver” usually mean the same tool: it drills holes and drives screws, with a clutch to control force. An impact driver is a different tool — it adds rapid rotational hammer blows to drive long screws and lag bolts with ease, but it has no clutch and is not ideal for drilling precise holes. For your first tool, buy a drill driver. Add an impact driver later if your projects call for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a drill or an impact driver?
For your first tool, get a drill/driver — it handles both drilling and driving. Impact drivers are a great second purchase once you are doing more demanding work.

How much should I spend on my first drill?
$80–150 for a quality kit covers almost every beginner need.

Is a 12V drill powerful enough?
For furniture, shelves, and light repairs, yes. For bigger holes, hardwood, or deck and fence projects, a 20V drill is the better choice.

Is brushless worth the extra money?
Usually, yes. Brushless drills last longer and get more work from each charge, which adds up over the years you will own it.

How long do cordless drill batteries last?
With normal home use, lithium-ion batteries typically last several years before holding noticeably less charge. Storing them indoors, away from extreme heat and cold, helps.

What should I buy next?
A circular saw (straight cuts) or a random orbital sander (finishing) — we will cover both in upcoming guides.