7 Best Cordless Drill Brands

Not all drills are the same. So how can you determine what is the best cordless drill brand or even best corded drill brand? Before you buy a drill, you want to consider several features of the best drill brand.

Is the drill durable and strong enough to last for years and years? Drills are subjected to heavy-duty use, even if you’re just using it around the house for simple repairs.

Is the drill versatile? You want a drill which offers a wide range of bits. This lets you always drill appropriately sized holes.

Does the drill have good customer service? If the drill ever becomes damaged, you want to know the manufacturer will be there to help.

The brand behind the drill is an important aspect to consider. Does the brand have a reputation for making high quality drills which they stand behind for life?

Here are the seven best cordless drill brands:  

1. Black and Decker – Best Drill Brand

Black and Decker is one of the biggest names in tools. Originally a machine shop in Baltimore, today Black and Decker manufactures full lines of power tools, gardening equipment, small appliances and more.

They offer 20+ different cordless drills. Popular models include the LD120CBF and the Matrix BDCDMT112. All of their drills have the signature orange and black Black and Decker style.

Almost all Black and Decker products use the same 20V MAX lithium-ion battery system. These long-lasting batteries are completely interchangeable across most B & D power tools and gardening equipment. Definitely a plus if you already own some Black and Decker products.

Customer support is another bonus here. Their website lets you order replacement parts or find the closest retailer or service center.

If Black and Decker isn’t quite what you need, consider the Porter-Cable brand, which has the same parent company. Porter-Cable makes drills which are a bit more comfortable and powerful, but also slightly more expensive.

Porter-Cable also makes many woodworking tools. Their line of drills are often a great choice for a DIYer who mainly works with wood.

Bottom Line:

Black and Decker is one of the top drill brands for a reason. They offer their drills at a great a price point but still maintain some quality. They also offer powerful drills and extensive customer service.

Porter-Cable is a slight step up in quality, especially for wood drilling.

2. Milwaukee Drills

Although they’ve been around since 1924, the Milwaukee manufacturing company has only recently been gaining attention nationwide. The quality of drills is comparable to much larger manufacturers.

Milwaukee is known for their signature red tools. They offer well over 50 cordless drills including hammer drills, driver and magnetic drills.

One of their most popular drills is the M18 Fuel Hammer Drill. Delivering 1,200 pounds of torque, it’s actually the most powerful 18-volt cordless drill on the market today.

Milwaukee offers a fairly unique eservice program. You can use their website to coordinate any small tool repairs. Even better, repairs are completed within 10 days for items both in and out of warranty.

Bottom Line:

Milwaukee’s distinct red drills pack a lot of power and are backed by great customer support which is what makes them one of the most popular and best drill brands

3. DeWalt

Designed for heavy-duty use, DeWalt cordless drills have been a favorite among contractors for decades. They offer almost 40 different cordless drills.

Their most popular model is the DC970K-2. At just 5.2 pounds, this is a lightweight yet powerful drill which works great even in cramped conditions.

DeWalt also offers quite a few drill sets for their three-speed drills. These kits contain extra batteries, a charger and drill bits.

Because they’re such a large company, they’re able to offer service centers across the country. While you still have to drive there, service centers offer the opportunity for quick repairs.

Bottom Line:

DeWalt offers a huge selection of tough, durable and easy-to-use drills for both commercial and at-home use. Many contractors consider DeWalt the best drill brand.

4. Makita

Originally an electric motor repair company, Makita first began producing power tools back in 1958. Today they offer many lines of Lithium-Ion cordless drills.

Makita is very popular among construction professionals. These durable drills can work in all-weather conditions.

Most of their drills are either compact or even sub-compact in size. Lightweight but with 18V of power, the drill is versatile enough for both the job site as well as simple home repairs.

Bottom Line:

Makita makes precision drills suitable for tough jobs in rough conditions making them one of the best drill brands on our list.

5. Bosch

Bosch drills have two major features which help them stand out from the competition:  They have a long battery life and they’re ergonomically well-designed.

The grip on a Bosch drill is comfortable and secure. You can use the drill for significant periods of time without feeling strain in your wrist and arm.

While not as important for the occasional home repair job, a write-friendly grip is vital for busy professionals.

Each Bosch drill includes two 18-volt batteries. Each battery lasts a surprisingly long 54 minutes with a one-hour charge time. This means you can alternate batteries for consistent power throughout the day.

Bottom Line:

With a great grip and plenty of power, Bosch drills are often a good choice for all-day use on major projects. They are made very well but usually have a higher price point. 

6. Hitachi

In 1948, the Hitachi company was founded as a manufacturer of both coal mining equipment and electronic power drills. While no longer focused on coal mining, over the years they’ve developed in a large and well-regarded power tool company.

They offer six cordless drills, all of which combine speed with power. You might recognize the drills thanks to their one-of-a-kind green color.

The Hitachi DS18DSAL is one of their most powerful models. It produces 460 inch-pounds of turning force and is capable of speeds up to 1,800 RPM.

Most Hitachi drills have a variety of clutch settings. For instance, the DS18DSAL has 22 clutch settings. Clutch setting help prevent accidental stripping and other potential damage.

Bottom Line:

Hitachi drills are fast, powerful and suitable for heavy-duty professional work. They have a great price point and combined with their quality bring great value making them one of the best drill brands on the market.

Conclusion

There are a lot of corded and cordless drills on the market and finding the best one can feel confusing and overwhelming. An easy way to narrow the choices down a bit is to first focus on the best drill brands. Then you can check out the individual drills in the line.  

Each of the cordless drill brands listed above has a long-standing reputation for quality. Hitachi, DeWalt and Makita are especially respected by contractors and other building professionals.

Customer service is another important part of a drill brand. While all of the brands listed above have reliable support, Black and Decker and Milwaukee Tool both offer extra online options where you can easily order replacement parts.

And then price point helps to determine some of the top drill brands as long as they are combined with quality as well.

The best cordless drill brands combine power, grip and durability. Use the list above to find the best drill brand and drill for your needs.