Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
DeWalt 12V Max Cordless Drill
Best CompactRyobi 18V HP Brushless Drill
Best OverallPrice
$100-$150
$100-$160
Summary
Wirecutter's top pick for everyday household tasks — compact, light, and surprisingly capable. Drilled 30 one-inch holes and sank 100+ screws on a single charge in testing.
The undisputed community favorite for home use. Brushless motor means longer life and better performance, and the massive ONE+ battery ecosystem means your investment grows with every tool you add.
Pros
- Extremely compact and lightweight for easy one-handed use
- Impressive battery life — 30 holes and 100+ screws per charge in Wirecutter testing
- Wirecutter's top pick for common household projects
- DeWalt's reputation for build quality and reliability
- Brushless motor lasts longer and delivers better performance than brushed models
- Compatible with Ryobi's massive ONE+ 18V battery ecosystem
- Excellent bang-for-buck value for home use
- Frequently goes on sale during Ryobi Days events with free battery deals
Cons
- 12V limits power for heavy-duty drilling into masonry or thick lumber
- Smaller battery platform than 20V DeWalt lineup
- Comes with only one battery in some kit configurations
- Not ideal for heavy professional or jobsite use
- Battery platform less premium than Milwaukee or DeWalt
- Brushless models cost more upfront than brushed versions
Our take
If you hate heavy tools and mostly hang pictures, assemble furniture, or do light repairs, this 12V DeWalt punches well above its size and weight.
Reddit is nearly unanimous on this: for homeowners, Ryobi brushless is the answer. The Ryobi Days sale makes it even harder to argue against.
Buy
