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The Best 12v Cordless Drills Under $75

Updated May 2026·Experts: CNET, Good Housekeeping, slickdeals.net · Community: Tools community member, MilwaukeeTool community member, Dewalt community member

Best Overall 12V

Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max Drill/Driver

$99-$149

The Bosch PS31 is the rare 12V drill that punches above its weight class. CNET named it best overall 12V drill, and Good Housekeeping testers confirmed it has 'plenty of power to drive screw after screw', that's the real-world verdict that matters.

What holds up

  • Includes two quick-charging batteries, minimal downtime on longer projects
  • Weighs just 2.14 lbs with a comfortable grip that reduces hand fatigue
  • 1,300 RPM variable speed motor handles a wide variety of DIY tasks
  • 3/8-inch chuck works with most common drill and driver bits

What to know

  • Battery can be tricky to remove until you get the hang of it
  • Not designed for heavy-duty tasks like drilling into metal or concrete
  • Currently priced around $99-$149, toward the top of the $75 budget
Expert verdict
Best overall 12-volt cordless drill, the Bosch PS31 2A checked all the boxes for those who prefer a smaller 12-volt tool.
CNETView source
Expert verdict
It feels light in your hand, but it has plenty of power to drive screw after screw. The Bosch is not meant to rip through metal or concrete, but the 12-volt battery and variable speed motor proved quick and effective for a variety of DIY projects in our tests.
Good Housekeeping InstituteView source
From the community
I have a Bosch Pro 12v drill that I use just because of the additional functionality and power, it has incredible control compared to anything else I've used.
r/Tools community memberView source
View at Amazon
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Best Budget 12V

Black+Decker BDCDD12C 12V Cordless Drill

$40-$55

If you just need a drill for occasional household tasks and don't want to spend much, the Black+Decker BDCDD12C is the honest answer. It won't tackle tough jobs, but for the price it's hard to beat.

What holds up

  • Extremely affordable at around $47, lowest price of any quality 12V option
  • Ultra-compact and lightweight design for easy overhead and tight-space use
  • CNET-tested and recommended as most compact 12V drill
  • Good Housekeeping notes the brand is approachable and easy to use right out of the box

What to know

  • Less powerful than other options, not suited for demanding tasks
  • 3/8-inch chuck limits compatibility with larger bits
  • Lower torque (300 in/lbs) compared to competitors in this category
Expert verdict
Most compact 12-volt cordless drill, the Black & Decker BDCDD12C at $47 at Amazon.
CNETView source
Expert verdict
When first-time homeowners ask me for power tool recommendations, I usually steer them towards Black + Decker. The brand's tools are approachable and easy to use, right out of the box.
Good HousekeepingView source
View at Amazon
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Best Value Combo Kit

Milwaukee M12 2-Tool Combo Kit (2407-20 + 2462-20)

$99-$169

The M12 combo kit is the smartest buy in this price range. You get two tools, two batteries, and entry into Milwaukee's legendary M12 platform, all for $99. The community consistently calls this a 'great entry point into the M12 ecosystem.'

What holds up

  • Two-tool kit (drill + impact driver) with two batteries and charger for $99
  • 275 in-lbs of torque, up to 25% more than competing 12V drills per Milwaukee
  • M12 REDLITHIUM batteries with 30-minute charger included
  • Compact size fits in tight spaces where larger 18V tools can't reach

What to know

  • Brushed motor (not brushless), less efficient than FUEL versions
  • 1.5Ah batteries have shorter runtime than larger capacity options
  • YMMV on pricing, some users report seeing $169 at their local stores
Expert verdict
Great entry point into the M12 ecosystem.
Slickdeals community memberView source
Expert verdict
fuel version for $130 is way better deal, Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit
Slickdeals community memberView source
From the community
The drill/driver combo is super versatile and surprisingly powerful for a 12v tool. I also have a M18 fuel hammer drill and M18 Surge driver.. Truth be told, I reach for the M12 far more often.
r/MilwaukeeTool community memberView source
From the community
If you had to pick just one, go with the combo. I have all three. When you need the ray gun, it's nice to have it. But I use the regular drill and driver 80-90% of the time.
r/MilwaukeeTool community memberView source
View at Amazon
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Best Brushless Under $75

SKIL PWRCore 12V Brushless Drill Driver Kit

$50-$70

SKIL's PWRCore 12 is the sleeper pick here. Real owners say the brushless impact driver is 'as good power and quality wise' as Milwaukee Fuel, and the USB-C battery charging is a genuinely useful modern touch no competitor offers at this price.

What holds up

  • Brushless motor for better efficiency and longer tool life than brushed competitors
  • 1/2-inch keyless chuck handles a wider range of bits than 3/8-inch alternatives
  • Battery charges via USB-C port, also charges your phone in a pinch
  • Halo LED light praised by community as best-in-class drill lighting

What to know

  • Smaller brand ecosystem compared to Milwaukee, DeWalt, or Bosch
  • Pricing varies by location, some stores show $70 instead of $50
  • Older generation model compared to newer SKIL USB-C dual-charging line
Expert verdict
I can honestly say the Skil Impact driver is as good power and quality wise. Love the halo light on it. Best light on a drill imo. I own Rigid, Bosch and for work my boss buys the Milwaukee fuel line for to use.
Slickdeals community member (Highagain420)View source
Expert verdict
I have both, excellent for home diy for the price and compact size. does all my needs 3/8 impact works well on both my vehicles lug nuts.
Slickdeals community member (jdg33)View source
View at Amazon
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Best 12V for Tight Spaces

DeWalt Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8" Drill/Driver (DCD701F2)

$79-$149

The DeWalt DCD701 is the pick for anyone who works in tight spaces or overhead, at 1.9 lbs it's the lightest quality 12V drill available. The community agrees 12V is ideal for general DIY and maintenance, and DeWalt's brushless motor means this one will last.

What holds up

  • Lightest quality 12V drill at just 1.9 lbs (tool only), great for overhead work
  • Brushless motor delivers 32% more power than previous DCD710 model
  • 2-speed transmission and 15 clutch settings for precise control
  • Includes 2x 2.0Ah batteries with state-of-charge indicator and belt clip

What to know

  • 3/8-inch chuck is smaller than the 1/2-inch found on some competitors
  • Regular retail price is $149, only fits budget when on sale around $79-$99
  • 15 clutch settings fewer than some competitors offering 20+
Expert verdict
I like the 12v drills. I keep a set at my camp for misc use. Unless you're running 3inch screws all day the 12v set will get you by and it's a bit lighter. Id say 12v is good for general DIY or maintenance work where you dont want to carry as heavy of a tool all day.
Slickdeals community member (Loudog504)View source
Expert verdict
I have both the 12v and 20v lines and either do fine for everything from removing mower blades with the 12v impact wrench or building a deck using impact and drill.
Slickdeals community member (Chillin_One79)View source
From the community
I use the 12v almost daily an i can tell the 20v isn't as compact as the 12v. Makes me sad there slowly moving away from the 12v stuff.
r/Dewalt community memberView source
View at Amazon
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