Top 10 Most Popular Cordless Drills 2026
Cordless drills are essential for both professional contractors and dedicated DIYers, offering the freedom to tackle projects anywhere without the constraint of a power cord. With countless models on the market, finding the right drill can be overwhelming. We've analyzed expert reviews from platforms like Pro Tool Reviews, Consumer Reports, and YouTube, along with extensive user feedback, to rank the most popular and highest-performing cordless drills of 2026.
Our selection prioritizes models that deliver the best balance of power, runtime, ergonomics, and value, based on testing and real-world performance data. Whether you need brute force for heavy-duty tasks or a compact tool for tight spaces, this expert-curated list will help you choose the right cordless drill for your needs.
| Rank | Product | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Flex 24V Brushless Hammer Drill FX1271T | 4.8/5 | $244 |
| #2 | Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill | 4.7/5 | $254 |
| #3 | DeWalt 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill DCD1007 | 4.7/5 | $200 |
| #4 | Makita 40V XGT Hammer Drill GPH01 | 4.6/5 | $244 |
| #5 | Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Hammer Drill PBLHM102 | 4.6/5 | $129 |
| #6 | Skil PWRCORE 20V Cordless Drill Driver Kit | 4.5/5 | $70 |
| #7 | Bosch 18V Brushless Hammer Drill GSB18V-490 | 4.5/5 | $150 |
| #8 | RIDGID 18V Brushless Hammer Drill R861152 | 4.5/5 | $130 |
| #9 | Metabo HPT DV36DC 36V Hammer Drill | 4.4/5 | $300 |
| #10 | Hercules HCB92B 20V Brushless Hammer Drill | 4.3/5 | $60 |
1. Flex 24V Brushless Hammer Drill FX1271T - The Industry Leader
Price: $244 | Rating: 4.8/5
The Flex 24V Brushless Hammer Drill dominates our rankings with 1,400 in-lbs of torque, outperforming many 20V competitors in heavy-load applications. Expert reviews confirm its Turbo Mode delivers 500 RPM bursts for faster drilling, while the anti-kickback system enhances safety during demanding tasks.
Key Specs: 24V brushless motor, 0-550/0-2,000 RPM (0-700/0-2,500 RPM Turbo), 1/2" metal chuck, 24 clutch settings, LED light, 3.8 lbs bare weight
Pros: Industry-leading torque, Turbo Mode for speed, compact design, anti-kickback protection
Cons: Requires 24V battery (sold separately), slightly heavier than 18V models
Best For: Professional contractors and heavy-duty applications | Why #1: Unmatched torque-to-weight ratio and innovative Turbo Mode set the performance standard.
2. Milwaukee 2904-20 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill - Compact Powerhouse
Price: $254 | Rating: 4.7/5
Milwaukee's Gen 4 hammer drill delivers 1,400 in-lbs of torque in a remarkably compact 6.9-inch body. Expert tests praise its AutoStop control mode that prevents over-rotation during bind-ups, offering industry-leading reaction times for safety-conscious professionals.
Key Specs: 18V brushless motor, 0-500/0-2,100 RPM, 33,000 BPM, 1/2" metal chuck, 25 clutch settings, 3.3 lbs bare weight
Pros: Exceptional compact design, AutoStop safety system, high torque-to-size ratio
Cons: Premium price point, M18 battery system requirement
Best For: Pros needing access in tight spaces | Why #2: Industry-leading compactness with uncompromised power and advanced safety features.
3. DeWalt 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill DCD1007 - Fastest Drilling
Price: $200 | Rating: 4.7/5
DeWalt's flagship 20V hammer drill leads in drilling speed while featuring a 3-speed transmission and anti-rotation system. Expert reviews confirm it can drill up to 275 holes per charge with an 8Ah battery, making it ideal for high-volume tasks.
Key Specs: 20V brushless motor, 0-500/0-1,300/0-2,250 RPM, 0-8,500/0-22,100/0-38,250 BPM, 1/2" metal chuck, 11 clutch settings, 4.1 lbs bare weight
Pros: Fastest drilling speed, 3-speed versatility, anti-rotation safety, LED visibility
Cons: Heavier than some competitors, smaller battery included in some kits
Best For: High-volume drilling applications | Why #3: Combines speed, power, and safety features for efficient professional use.
4. Makita 40V XGT Hammer Drill GPH01 - 40V Performance
Price: $244 | Rating: 4.6/5
Makita's 40V XGT drill delivers 1,250 in-lbs of torque with exceptional battery runtime. Expert performance tests show it completing masonry drilling in just 1 minute, 58 seconds, beating many 18V competitors while maintaining excellent balance and control.
Key Specs: 40V brushless motor, 0-650/0-2,600 RPM, 0-9,750/0-39,000 BPM, 1/2" metal chuck, 41/21 torque settings, 6 lbs with battery
Pros: High torque, excellent runtime, 35% faster drilling than 18V models, XPT protection
Cons: Heavier than 20V models, requires 40V battery system
Best For: Demanding continuous drilling in tough materials | Why #4: 40V power meets Makita's proven reliability and efficient brushless design.
5. Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Hammer Drill PBLHM102 - Best Value
Price: $129 | Rating: 4.6/5
Ryobi's HP brushless hammer drill delivers 850 in-lbs of torque in a compact, lightweight design. Expert reviews highlight its exceptional value, offering pro-level performance for DIYers with the extensive ONE+ battery ecosystem (300+ tools).
Key Specs: 18V brushless motor, 0-700/0-2,150 RPM, 34,400 BPM, 1/2" metal chuck, 24 clutch settings, 3.1 lbs bare weight
Pros: Outstanding value, lightweight, extensive battery compatibility, compact design
Cons: Not as powerful as premium brands, top speed lags behind competitors
Best For: DIYers and value-conscious users | Why #5: Delivers pro features and performance at a budget-friendly price point.
6. Skil PWRCORE 20V Cordless Drill Driver Kit - Homeowner Ready
Price: $70 | Rating: 4.5/5
The Skil PWRCORE 20V kit includes a brushed motor drill with 177 in-lbs of torque, ideal for everyday home projects. Expert feedback praises its straightforward operation and included 2.0Ah battery, making it a ready-to-use package for homeowners.
Key Specs: 20V brushed motor, 0-1,450 RPM, 1/2" metal chuck, 18 clutch settings, 3.98 lbs weight
Pros: Complete kit price, simple operation, LED work light, 5-year warranty
Cons: Brushed motor efficiency, lower torque for heavy-duty use
Best For: Basic home projects and light-duty use | Why #6: Excellent starter kit at an affordable price with reliable performance for everyday tasks.
7. Bosch 18V Brushless Hammer Drill GSB18V-490 - Compact & Reliable
Price: $150 | Rating: 4.5/5
Bosch's brushless hammer drill delivers 490 in-lbs of torque with a compact, lightweight design. Expert reviews appreciate its Rapid Mode Selection for quick switching between drilling, driving, and hammer modes, along with precision 20-position clutch control.
Key Specs: 18V brushless motor, 0-460/0-1,800 RPM, 22,000 BPM, 1/2" metal chuck, 20 clutch settings, 2.4 lbs bare weight
Pros: Very compact, lightweight, efficient brushless motor, electronic motor protection
Cons: Lower torque than top competitors, 2-speed not 3-speed
Best For: Users prioritizing compactness and control | Why #7: Balances power, weight, and control in a professional-grade package.
8. RIDGID 18V Brushless Hammer Drill R861152 - Torque Value
Price: $130 | Rating: 4.5/5
RIDGID's high-torque brushless drill delivers 1,250 in-lbs of torque with a 550/2000 RPM dual-speed transmission. Expert comparisons note its impressive power for the price, with a compact 7.3-inch length and lifetime tool warranty.
Key Specs: 18V brushless motor, 0-550/0-2,000 RPM, 32,000 BPM, 1/2" metal chuck, 24 clutch settings, 3.4 lbs bare weight
Pros: High torque value, compact size, lifetime warranty, included side handle
Cons: Bulkier than some compact models, battery system less extensive
Best For: Heavy-duty DIYers on a budget | Why #8: Exceptional torque at a competitive price with lifetime protection.
9. Metabo HPT DV36DC 36V Hammer Drill - Pro-Grade Power
Price: $300 | Rating: 4.4/5
The Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt drill delivers 1,400 in-lbs of torque and 2,200 RPM with Reactive Force Control for safety. Expert reviews highlight its power in demanding applications, featuring a compact design and optional AC adapter for all-day runtime.
Key Specs: 36V brushless motor, 0-2,200 RPM, 0-33,000 BPM, 1/2" metal chuck, 22 clutch settings, 4.6 lbs bare weight
Pros: Extreme power, reactive force control, AC adapter option, pro-grade build
Cons: Higher price, 36V battery system, heavier than 20V models
Best For: Professional contractors needing maximum power | Why #9: Delivers unmatched pro-grade performance with innovative safety and runtime options.
10. Hercules HCB92B 20V Brushless Hammer Drill - Budget Performer
Price: $60 | Rating: 4.3/5
The Hercules brushless hammer drill delivers 1,200 in-lbs of torque at an incredible value. Expert comparisons to premium brands show it performing closely in real-world tests, offering pro-level features like a metal chuck and brushless efficiency for a fraction of the cost.
Key Specs: 20V brushless motor, 0-550/0-2,000 RPM, 32,000 BPM, 1/2" metal chuck, 14 clutch settings, 3.3 lbs bare weight
Pros: Excellent value, brushless efficiency, compact design, all-metal chuck
Cons: Limited battery ecosystem, shorter warranty than premium brands
Best For: Value seekers who need solid performance | Why #10: Proof that professional features and performance don't require a premium price tag.
What to Look for When Buying a Cordless Drill
When shopping for a cordless drill, consider these essential factors to make the best choice:
1. Voltage & Power: 18V/20V drills handle most tasks, while 36V/40V models offer more power for demanding jobs like drilling through hardwoods or concrete.
2. Brushless vs. Brushed Motors: Brushless motors are more efficient, run cooler, and provide longer runtime than brushed alternatives.
3. Chuck Size: 1/2-inch chucks are standard for pro work, while 3/8-inch may suffice for light-duty tasks. Consider the type of bits you'll use.
4. Speed & Torque: Higher RPMs (2,000+) are better for drilling, while torque (in-lbs) determines driving power. Dual-speed or 3-speed transmissions offer versatility.
5. Battery System: Consider the battery ecosystem, recharge time, and tool compatibility. Higher Ah (amp-hour) batteries provide longer runtime.
Expert Tip: Invest in a drill with features matching your most frequent tasks rather than the absolute maximum power. For most homeowners, an 18V brushless drill provides the best balance of power, weight, and value.
Final Verdict
Best Overall: Flex 24V Brushless Hammer Drill FX1271T leads our rankings with industry-leading torque, innovative Turbo Mode, and safety features that set it apart for professional use.
Best Budget Option: Hercules HCB92B 20V Brushless Hammer Drill delivers outstanding power-to-price ratio at just $60, making pro features accessible to all users.
Best Premium Choice: Metabo HPT DV36DC 36V Hammer Drill justifies its premium price with 36V power, Reactive Force Control, and all-day runtime options via AC adapter.
All products in this list have been carefully evaluated based on performance data, user satisfaction patterns, expert analysis, and real-world testing insights as of January 2026. Your best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and the battery ecosystem you prefer to build into.
This Top 10 list was compiled in January 2026 based on expert analysis, extensive user reviews, and comprehensive research from trusted sources like Pro Tool Reviews, Popular Mechanics, and Consumer Reports. Rankings are updated regularly to reflect new releases, price changes, and market trends. All product information is accurate as of the publication date.
