Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Black+Decker LD120VA 20V Max Cordless Drill
Best Budget PickRyobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Drill
Best Overall for BeginnersPrice
$49-$65
$129-$150
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.
The ONE+ battery ecosystem powers 260+ tools, so your first battery investment grows with you. Lightweight, ergonomic, and forgiving enough for total beginners while handling real tasks like drywall, lumber, and shelf-hanging.
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
- 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
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
- 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
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.
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.
Buy
