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The Best Cordless Drills Under $100

Updated April 2026·Experts: Good Housekeeping, slickdeals.net, CNET, WIRED · Community: Tools, Tools (platform mixing), Tools (DeWalt vs Milwaukee)

Best Overall Under $100

Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

$45-$99

If you're buying your first cordless drill or building out a tool collection on a budget, Ryobi is the answer, the battery ecosystem alone makes it the smartest long-term buy under $100.

What holds up

  • ONE+ battery platform compatible with 300+ Ryobi tools including leaf blowers and tire inflators
  • Lightweight ergonomic design minimizes arm and hand fatigue during extended use
  • Built-in LED light for working in dark or tight spaces
  • Frequently available as a kit with battery, charger, and accessories under $50-$80

What to know

  • Not suited for the toughest tasks like boring holes in concrete or driving large screws into dense hardwoods
  • Battery life shorter than premium brands (38 minutes in some tests)
  • LED light could be brighter compared to competitors
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.
Good Housekeeping Institute (tool brands)View source
From the community
Really unless you need something special just stay in the ryobi line, they hold up and do the job decently.
r/ToolsView source
From the community
I have two platforms (Ryobi and Milwaukee) and find it manageable. I have Ryobi for the tools I'm unwilling to pay the Milwaukee premium for.
r/Tools (platform mixing)View source
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Best Budget Pick

Black+Decker LD120VA 20-Volt Max Cordless Drill

$49-$60

If you just need something to hang shelves, assemble furniture, and handle light repairs without overthinking it, the Black+Decker is the easiest yes under $60.

What holds up

  • Comes with 30-piece accessory set including drill bits, screwdriver bits, and nut drivers
  • Lithium-ion battery holds charge for months between uses
  • 24 clutch positions protect hardware from over-driving
  • Weighs just 2.09 lbs, lightest option in this price range

What to know

  • 3/8-inch chuck can't handle larger drill bits
  • Only 750 RPM max speed, noticeably less powerful than 18V competitors
  • Not suitable for masonry, metal, 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
While brands like Craftsman and Ryobi can hold their own on a construction site, Black+Decker tools are best reserved for light-duty projects, like drilling into drywall or refinishing furniture.
Good Housekeeping (power tools)View source
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Best 12-Volt Compact

Bosch PS31 2A 12-Volt Max Cordless Drill

$89-$99

Don't let the 12V rating fool you, the Bosch PS31 punches well above its weight and is the drill CNET recommends for anyone who wants a smaller, lighter tool that still gets serious work done.

What holds up

  • Topped CNET's performance scores across all 12V brushed drills tested
  • Includes two 2-Ah batteries, largest battery capacity in the 12V category
  • Weighs only 1.8 lbs, easiest to handle for overhead or extended use
  • Gets into tighter spaces than nearly any other drill tested (1-19/64 inch side clearance)

What to know

  • 12V limits performance on tougher materials like metal or masonry
  • One of the pricier 12V options at ~$99
  • Battery can be tricky to remove until you get the hang of it
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
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.
Good Housekeeping InstituteView source
From the community
Bosch or Makita
r/ToolsView source
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Best Value Kit

Milwaukee M18 2606-22CT Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

$99-$179

Milwaukee's reputation is earned, this drill completed 20% more bored holes than the second-place finisher in CNET's tests. If you can catch it on sale or buy tool-only, it's the best drill you can own under $100.

What holds up

  • Highest maximum torque rating (500 in-lbs) of any drill in CNET's 18V tests
  • Completed 20% more bored holes than second-place finisher in high-torque testing
  • Industry-leading 5-year tool warranty, 2-year battery warranty
  • Charger supports both M18 and M12 batteries, works across Milwaukee's full ecosystem

What to know

  • Kit version at $179 is above $100 budget (tool-only version needed to hit under $100)
  • Heavier than compact alternatives at 3.3 lbs
  • M18 batteries are expensive if you need extras
Expert verdict
Although it's the most expensive 18-volt drill, this Milwaukee drill has tons of drilling power. It crushed the competition in our high-torque tests, completing 20% more bored holes than the second-place finisher. At 500 inch pounds, no other drill has a higher maximum torque rating.
CNETView source
Expert verdict
Milwaukee M18 Cordless Drill $149 Home Depot (Tool Only) $199 Home Depot (Kit with 2 Batteries, Charger)
WIREDView source
From the community
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. I currently own about 50 Milwaukee M18 and M12 tools and couldn't be happier.
r/ToolsView source
From the community
Milwaukee has a lot of power in their motors and more niche tools than Dewalt. I love Milwaukee, but for a starter and nothing super specific, I would recommend Dewalt.
r/Tools (DeWalt vs Milwaukee)View source
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Best for Beginners

Black+Decker BDCDD12C 12-Volt Compact Cordless Drill

$47-$55

If your drill needs are truly light, IKEA furniture, picture hooks, cabinet hardware, don't overspend. The BDCDD12C does those jobs perfectly and costs less than a dinner out.

What holds up

  • Lowest price on CNET's tested list at ~$47-$50
  • Best-in-class tight-space access at 1-18/64 inch side clearance, beats every other drill tested
  • Keyless chuck for fast, tool-free bit changes
  • Extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver for beginners

What to know

  • Comes with only one 1.5-Ah battery and no carrying case
  • 12V limits it to light-duty tasks only, no masonry or metal
  • Midlevel overall performance compared to higher-voltage options
Expert verdict
With overall midlevel performance, a keyless chuck for easy drill bit changes, and the lowest price tag on the list, this cordless drill is a solid pick. At 1-18/64 inches side clearance, this drill gets into tighter spaces than any other I've tested.
CNETView source
Expert verdict
Black+Decker tools are best reserved for light-duty projects, like drilling into drywall or refinishing furniture.
Good Housekeeping (power tools)View source
View at Amazon
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