The M18 FUEL is the drill professionals and serious DIYers reach for first. Brushless motor, 500 in-lbs max torque, and a 5-year warranty make it the most capable 18V drill you can buy.
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.
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.
I upgraded my impact to the fuel this spring...best decision I've made. It's lighter, smaller, more power, and insane battery life.
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.
DeWalt's 20V MAX XR brushless drill hits the sweet spot between professional performance and accessible pricing. It's the go-to for general contractors and serious DIYers who want pro-grade durability without Milwaukee's price tag.
Don't let the 12V rating fool you, the M12 FUEL punches like an 18V drill in a package half the size. The Spruce called it 'a beast in disguise' after two years of real-world use.
Ryobi's brushless 18V drill delivers genuine performance at a fraction of Milwaukee or DeWalt prices. The ONE+ battery platform powers 300+ tools, making it the smartest entry point for building a cordless tool collection.
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.