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The Best Cordless Drills Beginners

Updated April 2026·Experts: Good Housekeeping, The Spruce, CNET · Community: DIYUK, Tools

Best Overall for Beginners

Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Drill

$129-$150

Ryobi is the drill I'd hand a first-timer without hesitation, it's the rare tool that's genuinely easy to use on day one but won't embarrass you two years in when your project list gets serious.

What holds up

  • 18V ONE+ battery works across 260+ Ryobi tools (lawnmowers, leaf blowers, etc.)
  • Lightweight at 2.7 lbs with ergonomic grip that reduces hand fatigue
  • Built-in LED light for working in dark spaces
  • 750 in/lbs torque handles drywall, dimensional lumber, and shelf-mounting easily
  • Backed by Home Depot's 3-year warranty

What to know

  • Not suited for heavy-duty tasks like boring holes in concrete or dense hardwoods
  • LED light could be brighter according to some testers
  • Slips slightly when drilling into metal if not carefully positioned
Expert verdict
The drill had plenty of power for drilling into drywall and dimensional lumber. The interchangeable battery was easy to insert and remove, while the lightweight design and the ergonomic controls minimized arm and hand fatigue.
Good Housekeeping InstituteView source
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 (Tool Brands)View 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
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
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Best Budget Pick

Black+Decker LD120VA 20V Max Cordless Drill

$49-$65

When first-timers ask me what to buy, I point them to Black+Decker, it's approachable, always ready to go, and won't make you feel like you bought too much drill for your needs.

What holds up

  • Under $60 and comes with 30-piece accessory set (drill bits, screwdriver bits, nut drivers)
  • Weighs only 2.09 lbs, lightest option for extended use
  • 24 clutch positions protect hardware from over-driving
  • Lithium-ion battery holds charge for months between uses
  • Custom speed options for different materials

What to know

  • 3/8-inch chuck can't handle larger drill bits for bigger jobs
  • 300 in/lbs torque is noticeably weaker than 18V competitors
  • Not suitable for masonry, concrete, or dense hardwoods
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 Housekeeping InstituteView source
Expert verdict
The 20-volt, variable-speed cordless drill packs enough power to handle basic household drilling tasks like picture hanging and shelf mounting, and it comes with 10 drill bits, allowing you to select the right sized bit for the task at hand.
Good Housekeeping InstituteView source
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Best Step-Up from Budget

Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max Cordless Drill

$99-$156

The Bosch PS31 is the drill that surprises everyone who picks it up, it feels light but drives screws like a much bigger tool, and the two included batteries mean you're never waiting on a charge.

What holds up

  • Topped performance scores across the board in CNET's 12V category tests
  • Includes two 2.0 Ah batteries and soft carrying case
  • 21-stage clutch for precise screw depth control
  • Weighs just 2.14 lbs, comfortable for extended overhead work
  • Battery-life indicator on the side so you know when to recharge

What to know

  • 12V limits performance on large-diameter holes and heavy-duty tasks
  • Battery can be tricky to remove until you get the hang of it
  • More expensive than comparable 12V options
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
Expert verdict
This Bosch drill is dynamite, explosive performance in a small package. It topped the performance scores across the board and came in second in our measurements for getting into the tightest spots.
CNETView source
From the community
Bosch or Makita, I agree with Bosch for drills.
r/ToolsView source
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Best for Growing Into

DeWalt DCD796 / 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless Drill

$150-$220

If you can stretch the budget, DeWalt is the drill you buy so you never have to buy another drill, tradespeople use these daily for years, so a weekend DIYer should get a lifetime out of one.

What holds up

  • Brushless motor lasts significantly longer than brushed alternatives
  • 20V MAX platform compatible with a wide range of DeWalt tools
  • Solid construction praised by both professionals and DIYers in Reddit communities
  • Frequently on sale at Screwfix, Home Depot, and online retailers
  • Strong resale value and widely available replacement batteries

What to know

  • Higher upfront cost than Ryobi or Black+Decker options
  • Tools tend to be on the heavier side according to Good Housekeeping testers
  • 20V MAX battery platform not as expansive as Ryobi's ONE+ lineup
Expert verdict
DeWalt has been making tools for 100 years, and they have consistently delivered a blend of professional-grade performance and user-friendly design. DeWalt is a favorite of the 'prosumer' brands, you'll see its tools on many professional job sites, but the price point is also accessible for many consumers.
Good Housekeeping InstituteView source
From the community
I have a dewalt drill for DIY around the house. 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 Beginner Kit with Accessories

Skil PWR CORE 12 Brushless 12V Cordless Drill Kit

$69-$80

The Skil is the sleeper pick for beginners who don't want to overthink it, the fast-charge feature alone makes it more practical than drills that cost twice as much, and The Spruce tested it for six months with zero complaints.

What holds up

  • 5-minute charge delivers 30 minutes of use, virtually always ready to go
  • Brushless motor for longer lifespan than brushed competitors at this price
  • Built-in LED light useful for tight or dark spaces
  • 18 clutch settings for precise screw depth control
  • Compact and lightweight for easy one-handed use

What to know

  • Only one battery included, no spare in the kit
  • Stalls on large-diameter holes with spade bits
  • No carrying bag or case included
  • 12V limits it to light and medium-duty tasks only
Expert verdict
Five minutes on the charger is enough to get you through 30 minutes of drilling, so it's basically always ready to go. We also found the built-in LED light extremely useful when repairing a hot tub.
The SpruceView source
Expert verdict
Although not as powerful as most of the other options on this list, we found the Skil PWR CORE to be a great budget-friendly option for tackling small projects around the house, like taking apart and assembling furniture and hanging wall art through six months of use.
The SpruceView source
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