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The Best Brushless Cordless Drills

Updated April 2026·Experts: CNET, Good Housekeeping, slickdeals.net, The Spruce · Community: MilwaukeeTool, Tools, DIYUK

Best Overall

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18V Brushless Drill/Driver

$179-$280

If you're going to invest in one drill that lasts a decade, this is it. Milwaukee's FUEL line is what tradespeople actually use daily, the brushless motor and build quality are in a different league from budget options.

What holds up

  • Brushless motor delivers longer runtime and more power than brushed competitors
  • 500 in-lbs max torque, highest in its class per CNET testing
  • Industry-leading 5-year tool warranty, 2-year battery warranty
  • M18 battery platform compatible with 100+ Milwaukee tools
  • Compact design fits tight spaces despite 18V power

What to know

  • Most expensive option on this list
  • 1.5Ah batteries included in base kit are smaller capacity
  • Overkill for light household tasks like furniture assembly
Expert verdict
At 500 inch pounds, no other drill has a higher maximum torque rating. It crushed the competition in our high-torque tests, completing 20% more bored holes than the second-place finisher.
CNETView source
Expert verdict
If you're looking to take on tougher projects, or you want an impact wrench that you'll be able to pass on to the grandkids, the M18 is worth a look.
Good Housekeeping InstituteView source
From the community
I upgraded my impact to the fuel this spring...best decision I've made. It's lighter, smaller, more power, and insane battery life.
r/MilwaukeeToolView source
From the community
As a contractor and tradesman over the last 40 years I started with the Makita 9.6 volt stuff then moved to DeWalt and finally ended up with Milwaukee about 15 years ago with their V18 series. I currently own about 50 Milwaukee M18 and M12 tools and couldn't be happier.
r/ToolsView source
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Best for DIYers

DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Drill/Driver

$139-$250

DeWalt is the brand carpenters and general contractors actually use on job sites. The 20V MAX platform is massive, batteries work across hundreds of tools, and the brushless motor means this drill will outlast anything in its price range.

What holds up

  • Brushless motor for longer runtime and extended tool life
  • 20V MAX battery platform compatible with a huge ecosystem of DeWalt tools
  • Hits the sweet spot between price and professional performance per Good Housekeeping
  • Solid construction praised for durability over years of testing
  • 3-year limited warranty with strong customer service for replacements

What to know

  • Tools tend to run heavier than competitors like Makita
  • 20V MAX platform not as expansive as Milwaukee M18 for specialty tools
  • Some users report trigger issues on certain models requiring warranty claims
Expert verdict
Solid construction is matched by durable design and reliable performance over many years of testing.
Good Housekeeping InstituteView source
Expert verdict
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars based on over 58k Amazon customer reviews.
Slickdeals communityView source
From the community
The build quality and durability of the DeWalt is alot better. My Bosch drill lasted about 5 years of occasional DIY, then it burnt out, the deWalt drills are used by trades and it lasts long in their hands, so for a DIYer it should last almost forever in theory.
r/DIYUKView source
From the community
Better to spend a bit extra and get a better one than cheap out and it not be up to the task. I have lots of Dewalt XR 18v & flexvolt because once you pick a battery it's best to stick with the same brand. My drill is the DCD796NT which is fantastic for diy stuff.
r/DIYUKView source
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Best Compact Brushless

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Brushless Drill/Driver

$180-$220

This is the drill I'd recommend to anyone who works in tight spaces or hates arm fatigue. At 2.5 lbs with 400 in-lbs of torque, it matches many 18V drills on performance while being dramatically easier to handle all day.

What holds up

  • 400 in-lbs torque matches many heavier 18V drills
  • Only 5.95 inches long, fits in the tightest spaces
  • Brushless motor with exceptional battery life per The Spruce's 2-year test
  • Includes 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah batteries in the kit for flexible runtime
  • LED worklight, metal belt clip, and fuel gauge included

What to know

  • Handle may feel too large for users with smaller hands
  • Stiff speed selector switch reported by testers
  • Lags slightly when drilling holes deeper than 1.5 inches with spade bits
  • More expensive than comparable 12V brushed options
Expert verdict
Over the past two years, we've used it to hang a wall mirror, replace a bathroom fan, install new shades, fix a sofa with a bracket, assemble a bed frame, and more, all without any issues. This drill has always gotten the job done, and its performance is exactly the same as when it first arrived.
The SpruceView source
Expert verdict
The 1/2-inch chuck provides a maximum of 400-inch pounds of torque, which is in line with many much heavier 18-volt drills.
The SpruceView source
From the community
I've had a brushless M18 non-fuel drill and impact driver for probably 10-ish years, and they've been great.
r/MilwaukeeToolView source
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Best Value Brushless

Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Drill/Driver

$129-$160

Ryobi gets unfairly dismissed by tool snobs, but the brushless HP line is legitimately good. For a homeowner who doesn't need to drill concrete all day, this drill will handle everything you throw at it, and the battery ecosystem is unmatched for the price.

What holds up

  • Brushless HP motor for better runtime and durability than older Ryobi brushed models
  • ONE+ battery platform compatible with 300+ Ryobi tools including outdoor equipment
  • Lightweight ergonomic design minimizes arm fatigue per Good Housekeeping testers
  • 2,100 RPM max speed and 750 in-lbs torque competitive with pricier brands
  • Backed by Home Depot's 3-year warranty

What to know

  • Not suited for the toughest tasks like boring holes in concrete or dense hardwoods
  • Build quality and durability below Milwaukee and DeWalt for professional use
  • Battery platform not compatible with other brands if you switch ecosystems
Expert verdict
Ryobi's 18V Cordless Drill was a standout in our latest test of cordless drills, delivering plenty of power for drilling into drywall and dimensional lumber. The drill's lightweight design and the ergonomic controls minimized arm and hand fatigue.
Good Housekeeping InstituteView source
Expert verdict
Our experts like the breadth of Ryobi's One+ battery platform, which allows the same battery pack to be used across multiple tools, from jig saws to an inflator for tires and pool floats. The brand's 18V ONE+ line has more than 280 products in all.
Good Housekeeping InstituteView source
From the community
Haven't regretted going for Ryobi's One+ system, the range of tools I'd say is unparalleled. I'd agree dewalt and makita are technically superior but you get what you pay for I suppose.
r/DIYUKView source
From the community
Ryobi is perfectly adequate for the average DIYer. I would use it heavily on a site but for household DIY and occasional larger projects it's fine, and a lot cheaper than DeWalt or Makita.
r/DIYUKView source
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Best Budget Brushless

Hercules 20V Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit (Harbor Freight)

$60-$90

This is the sleeper pick nobody expects. Consumer Reports doesn't hand out top ratings lightly, and the fact that this beat Milwaukee and DeWalt in their testing is genuinely remarkable. If you're budget-conscious and don't need brand prestige, this is the smartest buy on the list.

What holds up

  • Rated #1 cordless drill by Consumer Reports in their Nov/Dec 2025 issue
  • Brushless motor for better efficiency and longer tool life than brushed budget drills
  • Significantly cheaper than Milwaukee, DeWalt, or Makita brushless options
  • Includes side handle for added control on demanding tasks
  • 2Ah battery and charger included in kit

What to know

  • Harbor Freight brand lacks the long-term reputation of Milwaukee or DeWalt
  • Battery ecosystem limited compared to major brands with 300+ compatible tools
  • Less widely available, requires Harbor Freight store or website purchase
  • Long-term durability data less established than established brands
From the community
The Hercules 20V brushless drill kit is highlighted as the top rated cordless drill. The drill is mentioned in 3 separate spots in the issue, including one letter to the editor from someone complaining they don't review enough HF products.
r/harborfreight (citing Consumer Reports Nov/Dec 2025)View source
From the community
I have consistently found its worth paying attention to their ratings, kind of a first level check on products. I don't have to watch a 20 minute youtube video to see what they think.
r/harborfreightView source
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