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Best Budget Brushless

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

Consumer Reports named this Harbor Freight brushless drill the top-rated cordless drill in their 2025 issue — a stunning result for a budget tool. It delivers brushless performance at a price that undercuts every major brand.

$60-$90
Pros
  • 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
Cons
  • 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
Why we recommend it

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 the community says

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) · read thread →

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/harborfreight · read thread →