Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Black+Decker LD120VA 20V Max Cordless Drill
Best Budget PickSkil PWR CORE 12 Brushless 12V Cordless Drill Kit
Best Beginner Kit with AccessoriesPrice
$49-$65
$69-$80
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.
Five minutes on the charger gives you 30 minutes of drilling — it's basically always ready. At $69 with a brushless motor, it punches well above its price for beginners tackling furniture assembly, wall art, and light repairs.
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
- 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
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
- 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
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.
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.
Buy
