Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Black+Decker LD120VA 20V Max Cordless Drill
Best Budget PickDeWalt DCD796 / 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless Drill
Best for Growing IntoPrice
$49-$65
$150-$220
Summary
Under $60 with a 30-piece accessory kit included, this is the drill experts recommend to first-time homeowners who need to hang shelves and assemble furniture without overthinking it. Weighs just over 2 lbs and holds a charge for months.
DeWalt's 20V MAX platform is the most recommended upgrade path on Reddit and among tradespeople — buy it once and it lasts decades. The brushless motor delivers pro-grade durability that beginners will grow into rather than outgrow.
Pros
- 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
- 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
Cons
- 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
- 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
Our take
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.
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.
Buy
