Best Cordless Drills for DIY Projects

Whether I’m assembling furniture, fixing shelves, or building a wooden planter box from scratch, having the right cordless drill makes every project smoother, faster, and more satisfying. Over the years, I’ve tested a variety of drills—some that impressed me with their power and reliability, and others that ended up gathering dust in my toolbox. To save you the trial and error, I’ve put together this in-depth guide covering the best cordless drills for DIY projects that I’ve personally found useful or well-reviewed by fellow DIYers.

These drills offer a range of power, battery life, weight, and versatility to fit different types of jobs—from light household repairs to more demanding woodworking tasks. I’ve highlighted eight standout models that combine performance with value, all perfect for the DIY enthusiast looking to upgrade their toolkit.

1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Drill/Driver Kit (DCD791D2)

This drill from DEWALT has been a true workhorse in my DIY arsenal. The 20V MAX XR is lightweight yet incredibly powerful, which is a rare combo. It’s driven by a brushless motor that not only lasts longer but also delivers 57% more run time than brushed motors. I’ve used it for hours on a single charge and never felt like I had to babysit the battery.

What I love most is how compact the design is—it fits into tight corners and awkward spaces, which makes a difference when you’re doing cabinetry work or installing shelves. The 2-speed transmission (0-550 & 0-2,000 RPM) gives you just the right amount of control whether you’re screwing in drywall or drilling into wood.

The LED spotlight feature is a smart touch. It helps when working in low-light areas like under the sink or in dim garages. Overall, the DEWALT XR checks nearly all the boxes for one of the best cordless drills for DIY projects—powerful, efficient, and built to last.

Key Features:

• 20V MAX XR Brushless Motor
• 2-speed settings (0-550 & 0-2,000 RPM)
• 3-Mode LED light with spotlight function
• Compact and ergonomic design
• 2.0Ah battery with charger included

Pros:

• Outstanding battery life
• Lightweight yet powerful
• Great LED lighting

Cons:

• A bit pricey for casual DIYers
• Battery replacements can be costly

2. Makita XFD131 18V LXT Cordless Drill Kit

Makita has long been a favorite among professional contractors, but this 18V LXT drill is just as perfect for dedicated DIYers like me. The all-metal gear construction feels sturdy right out of the box. It’s got excellent torque (440 in-lbs) and speed control, which helps me confidently tackle anything from drilling pilot holes to mounting TV brackets.

The battery charges ridiculously fast—usually within 30 minutes—and I’ve found the runtime to be reliable even during extended use. It also comes with Makita’s Star Protection Computer Controls, which helps prevent overheating and overloading. That’s a bonus for someone like me who often gets carried away and pushes tools to their limits.

One thing that stands out is how well-balanced the drill feels in my hand. Even after long sessions, there’s minimal fatigue. If you’re serious about investing in one of the best cordless drills for DIY projects, the Makita XFD131 is a no-brainer.

Key Features:

• 18V LXT Lithium-Ion battery
• 440 in-lbs of torque
• Variable 2-speed transmission
• All-metal gear housing
• Quick-charging battery

Pros:

• Durable construction
• Fast charging
• Excellent torque for tough tasks

Cons:

• Slightly bulky for tight spaces
• No built-in LED light

3. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver (LDX120C)

If you’re just getting into DIY or working on lighter home projects, this BLACK+DECKER model is a smart budget choice. I’ve gifted this to a few friends starting out and they’ve been genuinely impressed. It’s affordable without feeling cheap, and the 20V lithium battery gives enough juice for small to medium jobs.

It weighs just over three pounds and has an 11-position clutch, which prevents stripping screws—a lifesaver when you’re working on particle board or preassembled furniture. It doesn’t have the same raw power as the DEWALT or Makita, but it’s more than capable of handling typical household fixes and light woodwork.

I also love how intuitive it is to use. Even someone with little tool experience can pick it up and start working confidently. It’s definitely one of the best cordless drills for DIY projects on a budget.

Key Features:

• 20V MAX Lithium-Ion battery
• 11-position clutch
• Variable speed trigger
• Lightweight, compact design

Pros:

• Budget-friendly
• Easy to use for beginners
• Lightweight and portable

Cons:

• Not for heavy-duty tasks
• Shorter battery life

4. Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit DDB181-02 18V

This Bosch drill is another solid performer I’ve used for moderate DIY tasks like framing and deck work. At only 3 pounds, it’s one of the lightest in its category, but don’t let that fool you—it still puts out 350 in-lbs of torque. It’s been reliable when I’ve needed something stronger than a beginner model but more maneuverable than a contractor-grade tool.

I particularly appreciate the ergonomic grip and LED lighting on this drill. It makes long sessions more comfortable, and the built-in lighting reduces guesswork when you’re aligning screws in darker spots. The battery system is efficient and the charger works fast enough to minimize downtime between tasks.

If you want a good balance of power, size, and control, this Bosch kit is a worthy pick among the best cordless drills for DIY projects I’ve used.

Key Features:

• 18V Lithium-Ion battery
• 350 in-lbs of torque
• 2-speed transmission
• LED lighting
• Compact and ergonomic design

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight
• Comfortable grip
• Solid battery efficiency

Cons:

• Limited to medium-duty projects
• No hard case included

5. Ryobi P1811 18V One+ Compact Drill Kit

Ryobi’s P1811 is part of their One+ line, meaning the battery is interchangeable with dozens of other Ryobi tools—something I value more than I ever expected. It’s a great choice if you’re building a Ryobi tool ecosystem. The drill itself is surprisingly robust for the price, with 515 in-lbs of torque and a 24-position clutch.

I’ve used this drill for everything from putting together raised garden beds to fixing up an old shed. It’s got decent battery life and comes with two batteries in the kit, so you’re never stuck waiting for a recharge. It’s a bit bulkier than some compact models, but still easy enough to manage.

What earns this a spot in my best cordless drills for DIY projects list is its combination of power, versatility, and affordability—plus the flexibility of the One+ system.

Key Features:

• 18V One+ Lithium-Ion battery system
• 515 in-lbs torque
• 24-position clutch
• Comes with two batteries and charger

Pros:

• Compatible with other Ryobi tools
• High torque for the price
• Two batteries included

Cons:

• Slightly bulky
• Not as refined ergonomically

6. Milwaukee M18 2801-20 Compact Drill/Driver

Milwaukee tools have a well-earned reputation for being rugged and reliable, and the M18 Compact Drill doesn’t disappoint. While it’s a bare-tool offering (you’ll need to buy batteries separately), its performance is excellent. The brushless motor ensures longer run times and more durability, something I’ve definitely noticed after repeated use.

I’ve taken this drill with me on everything from car repair jobs to furniture assembly. The all-metal chuck keeps bits secure, and the compact design means it fits in smaller spaces better than most heavy-duty models. I also like the simple but effective LED light right beneath the chuck.

Although it’s on the pricier side once you add a battery, I’d still call it one of the best cordless drills for DIY projects thanks to its performance and lifespan.

Key Features:

• Brushless motor technology
• All-metal chuck
• Compact and lightweight
• Part of the M18 tool system

Pros:

• Long-lasting brushless motor
• Excellent performance
• Compact and rugged

Cons:

• Battery sold separately
• Higher price point overall

7. Craftsman V20 Cordless Drill/Driver Kit (CMCD700C1)

Craftsman’s V20 drill is another solid all-arounder. It’s geared toward homeowners and hobbyists, offering 280 UWO (Units Watts Out) of power and a 2-speed gearbox. I find it really handy for quick fixes and medium-load tasks like screwing into studs, attaching hardware, and general wood projects.

The drill comes with a 20V battery and charger, which lasts a fair bit longer than I expected for something at this price point. The over-molded handle adds comfort, and the integrated bit holder is a subtle but appreciated bonus during longer jobs.

It’s not the flashiest or most powerful on this list, but it’s absolutely one of the best cordless drills for DIY projects for casual use and weekend tasks.

Key Features:

• 280 UWO power rating
• 2-speed gearbox
• Ergonomic handle design
• 20V MAX lithium battery

Pros:

• Comfortable to use
• Good value for the price
• Ideal for general home use

Cons:

• Not suitable for high-torque applications
• Plastic chuck instead of metal

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best cordless drills for DIY projects really comes down to how you plan to use them. If you’re tackling serious builds or need something that lasts a full day of work, DEWALT, Makita, and Milwaukee offer premium performance. For smaller household jobs or budget-friendly reliability, BLACK+DECKER, Ryobi, and Craftsman are excellent choices that won’t break the bank.

Personally, I keep two drills in rotation—one heavy-duty and one lightweight—so I’m never without the right tool for the job. Whether you’re hanging drywall, building a bookshelf, or just mounting a few hooks, one of these drills will make sure your project gets done quickly, smoothly, and with professional-level results.