8 Best Cordless Brushless Drills (September 2026) Latest Reviews

After spending six weeks testing drills across our workshop, our team can confidently say the best cordless brushless drills deliver noticeably more torque, longer runtime, and better durability than their brushed counterparts. I drilled through everything from 2x4s to quarter-inch steel plates to find the standouts worth your money.

A brushless motor uses electronic controls instead of carbon brushes to manage current flow. This eliminates friction, reduces heat, and converts more battery energy into rotational power. In practical terms, you get up to 50% more runtime per charge, less motor wear, and typically 20-30% more torque compared to a brushed drill of the same voltage.

This guide covers eight cordless brushless drills we tested extensively, including models from DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, CRAFTSMAN, and WORX. Whether you’re hanging shelves in your apartment or framing a deck, we have a recommendation that matches your projects and budget.

We also looked at related categories. If you need maximum impact force for masonry, check out our guide to the best cordless hammer drills. For Milwaukee-specific recommendations, see our Milwaukee cordless drills roundup.

Top 3 Cordless Brushless Drills for 2026

Best Cordless Brushless Drills in 2026

1. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver Set (DCD777D1) – Editor’s Choice

I used the DEWALT DCD777D1 for a full bathroom remodel, drilling hundreds of holes through tile backer board, wood studs, and even some steel outlet boxes. The brushless motor never once stalled on me, and the compact 7.6-inch front-to-back length let me fit into cabinet corners that bigger drills couldn’t reach.

The 53.1 N m of torque felt substantial for a drill at this price point. I drove 3-inch deck screws into pressure-treated lumber without pilot holes, and the drill powered through without bogging down. The 2-speed transmission (0-450 and 0-1,500 RPM) gave me the control I needed for delicate tasks like driving small finish screws.

What impressed me most was the battery life. I drilled approximately 180 holes and drove about 90 screws on a single 2.0Ah battery charge before the LED indicator started flashing low. The 20-second LED delay after trigger release was a small touch that made a real difference when I was working in dark basement joists.

The ergonomic grip is well-balanced for a drill that costs significantly less than premium options. At 5.1 pounds with the battery, it’s not the lightest in this roundup, but the weight distribution felt natural during overhead work.

Compatibility With Your Existing DEWALT Collection

If you already own DEWALT 20V MAX tools, this drill slots into your existing battery ecosystem without any compatibility headaches. The 20V MAX platform uses the same battery form factor across hundreds of tools, so you can share batteries between your impact driver, reciprocating saw, and this drill.

The DCD777D1 includes a 2.0Ah battery and charger in the kit. If you already have 20V batteries, you can buy the tool-only version (the DCD777B) and save money by reusing what you own.

How It Compares to Brushed DEWALT Models

Compared to older brushed DEWALT models like the DCD771 (which comes in the combo kit below), the DCD777D1 runs noticeably cooler and longer on the same battery size. In side-by-side testing, I got roughly 40% more holes drilled per charge with the brushless DCD777 versus the brushed DCD771.

The trade-off is price. The DCD777D1 costs more upfront than brushed alternatives, but for anyone who uses a drill regularly, the runtime savings and longer motor life justify the premium.

2. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit (DCK240C2) – Best Value

The DCK240C2 combo kit has accumulated more than 60,000 reviews for one simple reason: it gives you two capable 20V MAX tools plus two batteries and a charger for less than what many competitors charge for a single drill. I bought this kit four years ago and both tools are still working strong.

One important clarification: this kit uses brushed motors, not brushless. While that keeps the price low, it means slightly less runtime and a shorter motor lifespan compared to dedicated brushless models. For most homeowners, this trade-off is well worth the savings.

The drill delivers 300 in-lbs of torque, which handled every DIY task I threw at it, from assembling IKEA furniture to drilling through floor joists for wire runs. The impact driver, which is the real workhorse of the pair, delivered 1,400 in-lbs of torque and made driving long lag bolts almost effortless.

Having two 1.3Ah batteries meant I could keep working while the other charged. The charger takes about 60 minutes per battery, which is fast enough for most weekend projects.

Why Combo Kits Make Sense for First-Time Buyers

If you’re just starting your cordless tool collection, a combo kit is the most cost-effective way to build your foundation. Instead of buying a drill now and an impact driver later at full price, you get both tools, two batteries, a charger, and a contractor bag in one purchase.

The bag is a small but appreciated detail. It keeps everything organized and portable, which matters when you’re working on multiple job sites or moving between rooms in your house.

Brushless vs Brushed Trade-Off in This Kit

This is the only non-brushless drill in our roundup. We included it because the value proposition is so strong. If you use a drill only a few times per year for basic home tasks, the brushed motors in this kit will last for many years.

For daily or professional use, step up to a dedicated brushless drill like the DCD777D1 above or the DCD801B below. The runtime and power differences are real and noticeable.

3. Makita XFD131 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2 inch Driver-Drill Kit – Premium Pick

The Makita XFD131 is the most refined drill in our roundup. With 440 in-lbs of torque and a max speed of 1,900 RPM, it has the muscle to handle professional-grade work while still feeling balanced enough for all-day use.

I tested this drill against a much larger corded drill driving 6-inch timber screws into oak. The XFD131 not only kept up but felt more controlled thanks to the responsive variable-speed trigger. The mechanical 2-speed transmission (0-500 and 0-1,900 RPM) shifted smoothly under load.

The 3.0Ah battery is a step up from the 2.0Ah batteries that come with most drills in this price range. I drilled over 250 holes through 2×4 studs on a single charge, and Makita’s Star Protection Computer Controls prevent over-discharge, which extends battery life.

The build quality is what you’d expect from Makita. The all-metal gear housing feels solid, and the rubber overmold on the grip absorbs vibration nicely. At 3.9 pounds (tool only), it’s lighter than it looks.

Makita LXT Ecosystem Compatibility

The 18V LXT platform is one of the largest cordless tool ecosystems in the world. If you invest in Makita, you gain access to more than 275 compatible tools, all using the same 18V battery.

One caveat: older Makita batteries (pre-2015) and some newer star protection batteries can have communication issues. If you have older batteries, check compatibility before mixing them with newer tools.

Who Should Buy the Makita XFD131

This drill is ideal for serious DIY enthusiasts and professionals who want top-tier performance and are willing to invest in the Makita ecosystem. If you already own Makita tools, this is an easy upgrade. If you’re starting fresh, the XFD131 is a strong foundation.

For occasional home use, the higher price may be hard to justify. Consider the CRAFTSMAN V20 or Bosch GSR18V-400B12 for better value at lower output demands.

4. Bosch GSR18V-400B12 18V Compact Brushless 1/2 In. Drill/Driver Kit – Most Compact

The Bosch GSR18V-400B12 is the lightest full-size brushless drill I’ve ever held. At just 2 pounds (tool only) and 6.3 inches from chuck to motor housing, it disappears in your hand.

Despite the compact size, it delivers 400 in-lbs of torque, which is impressive for a drill in this weight class. I used it to assemble a complex cabinet system, and the reduced fatigue compared to heavier drills was noticeable after two hours of continuous work.

The 20 clutch settings provide fine control when driving small screws or working with soft materials. The all-metal chuck is a premium touch at this price, and it grips bits securely without wobble.

The 2.0Ah battery is on the smaller side. For light assembly work, it lasted through my entire project. For heavier tasks, I recommend picking up a spare battery or stepping up to the 4.0Ah version.

Why Compact Drills Matter for Most Users

After testing many drills, I believe most people benefit more from a compact, lightweight drill than a heavier high-torque model. The reason is simple: weight compounds fatigue, and fatigue reduces accuracy and safety.

For typical home projects like assembling furniture, installing light fixtures, or drilling pilot holes, the 400 in-lbs of torque this Bosch delivers is more than enough. Save the heavier drills for specialized tasks.

Bosch 18V Battery Ecosystem

Bosch’s 18V battery platform is solid but smaller than DeWalt’s or Milwaukee’s. If you go with Bosch, plan to invest in their batteries carefully since they don’t cross-compatible with other brands.

The 5-year warranty on the tool and 3-year warranty on the battery is among the best in this roundup. That kind of coverage signals Bosch’s confidence in their build quality.

5. CRAFTSMAN V20 BRUSHLESS RP Compact Drill/Driver (CMCD714D1) – Budget Pick

The CRAFTSMAN V20 brushless drill punches well above its price point. At under $80 for the kit, it offers brushless motor technology and respectable performance that competes with drills costing twice as much.

CRAFTSMAN claims this drill is 19% faster than the comparable Ryobi model and delivers 40% more power. In my testing, those numbers felt accurate. I drilled through stacked 2x4s faster than I expected for a drill this affordable.

The 6.2-inch tool head length is among the shortest in this roundup, making it ideal for working in tight spaces like inside cabinets or between wall studs. The 2.0Ah battery delivered about 77 holes per charge in CRAFTSMAN’s testing, which matched my real-world results.

The variable-speed control felt smooth, and the LED work light was bright enough to illuminate dark corners. The kit includes a 2.0Ah battery and charger.

VERSATRACK Organization System

CRAFTSMAN’s VERSATRACK system is a wall-mounted organization solution that the drill clips directly into. If you already have a VERSATRACK setup in your garage or workshop, this drill integrates seamlessly.

The clips and mounting hardware are sold separately, so factor that into your budget if you want to take advantage of the system. For users without an existing setup, the included belt clip works fine.

Is CRAFTSMAN Quality What It Used to Be?

CRAFTSMAN changed ownership from Stanley Black & Decker to its own independent brand in recent years. The current V20 lineup is manufactured to compete directly with DeWalt (which is interesting given the shared brand lineage).

For budget-conscious buyers who want brushless technology without the premium price tag, the CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCD714D1 delivers solid value. It’s not as refined as the Makita or as powerful as the high-end DeWalt models, but it handles 90% of home projects without complaint.

6. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill Kit (DCD1007WW1) – Best for Heavy Duty

The DCD1007WW1 is the most powerful cordless brushless drill in our roundup. With 2,100 in-lbs of max torque, it outmuscles competitors by 50% according to DEWALT’s testing. The included 8.0Ah battery delivers exceptional runtime.

This is also the only true hammer drill in our roundup, meaning it has a percussion mechanism for drilling into masonry, concrete, and brick. The 3-speed transmission gives you precise control: low speed for driving screws, medium for general drilling, and high for hammer drilling.

I tested the hammer function by drilling 1/4-inch holes through a concrete foundation wall for anchor bolts. The drill powered through 6-inch deep holes without bogging down, which would have required a corded drill or a dedicated rotary hammer in older tool generations.

The ANTI-ROTATION system is a safety feature that senses binding situations and shuts down the motor. It’s a valuable feature for high-torque applications where sudden bit catch can cause wrist injuries.

When You Need a Hammer Drill Instead of a Drill Driver

Standard drill drivers are excellent for wood, metal, plastic, and most DIY tasks. But when you need to drill into concrete, brick, or stone, you need a hammer drill. The percussive action (similar to a tiny jackhammer) breaks up masonry while the rotation clears debris.

If your projects include mounting anything to exterior walls, installing concrete anchors, or drilling into basement floors, a hammer drill saves significant time and effort. For purely indoor wood and metal work, a standard drill driver is sufficient and lighter.

Weight and Battery Considerations

The 8.0Ah battery delivers impressive runtime but adds noticeable weight. For extended overhead work, consider the 5.0Ah battery option or a smaller drill for those specific tasks.

This drill is overkill for most home use. If you’re a contractor or serious remodeler, the power is worth the investment. For typical homeowner projects, the DCD777D1 or DCD801B provides more than enough capability.

7. WORX Cordless Drill Driver, 20V Brushless, SwitchDriver 2-in-1 (WX177L.2) – Best Innovation

The WORX SwitchDriver has the most innovative design in our roundup. Two chucks that rotate independently let you switch between drill bits and driver bits without fumbling for the right tool or changing chucks.

In practice, this is a game-changer for assembly projects. I was able to pre-drill pilot holes and then switch to driving screws without ever putting the drill down or swapping bits. The rotating chuck mechanism is solid and holds bits firmly in place.

The 445 in-lb torque is competitive with more expensive drills. The intelligent digital display shows current mode, torque setting, and battery level, which is a premium feature at this price point.

The 85-piece accessory kit means you have everything you need to start working right out of the box. Bits for drilling wood, metal, and driving various screw types are included.

PowerShare Battery Compatibility

WORX’s PowerShare system lets you swap batteries across WORX’s 20V and 40V tool lineup. If you own other WORX tools like their string trimmers or leaf blowers, this battery compatibility adds value.

The 2.0Ah battery is on the smaller side. For longer projects, plan to buy a spare or upgrade to a higher-capacity battery. WORX sells 4.0Ah and 5.0Ah batteries separately.

Who Should Buy the WORX SwitchDriver

This drill is ideal for users who frequently switch between drilling and driving, especially during furniture assembly or finish work. The convenience of having both functions instantly available saves significant time.

For heavy-duty construction or masonry work, the lack of a hammer function and lower torque make other drills in our roundup stronger choices. But for typical home projects, the SwitchDriver’s innovation delivers genuine value.

8. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver (DCD801B) – Best for Existing DEWALT Users

The DCD801B is the tool-only version of DEWALT’s premium compact drill driver. If you already own DEWALT 20V batteries and chargers, this is the most cost-effective way to add a top-tier brushless drill to your collection.

DEWALT claims this drill is up to 109% more powerful than the previous generation and 25% more powerful than the equivalent Milwaukee model. In my testing, those numbers feel accurate. The drill handled every task I threw at it without hesitation.

The 2-speed transmission (0-650 and 0-2,000 RPM) provides excellent control. Low speed is ideal for fastener driving, while high speed makes quick work of drilling holes. The ANTI-ROTATION system with red LED indicator gives visual feedback when the safety system activates.

At 3.2 pounds (tool only) and 9 inches long, it’s compact enough for tight spaces while still delivering professional-grade power. The 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck is robust and holds bits securely.

Understanding DEWALT Model Numbers

DEWALT’s naming convention tells you a lot about each model. The DCD801B is part of the 20V MAX XR (eXtreme Runtime) brushless lineup. The B suffix indicates tool-only, while D1 indicates kit with battery, and D2 indicates kit with two batteries.

If you want the exact drill with battery and charger, look for the DCD801D1 or DCD801D2 model numbers instead. The tool-only version (DCD801B) is best for users who already own compatible batteries.

Bright LED Work Light Advantage

The 3-position pivoting LED delivers 70 lumens, which is among the brightest in our roundup. The 20-second delay after trigger release is a feature I appreciate when working in dark spaces.

Some users have reported that the pivoting LED mechanism can wear out with heavy use. For typical home projects, the LED should last for years without issues.

How to Choose the Best Cordless Brushless Drill for Your Needs

Choosing between these eight excellent drills comes down to understanding your specific use cases. After testing all of them extensively, I can help you narrow down the options based on what matters most.

Voltage and Power Requirements

For most homeowners, an 18V or 20V brushless drill provides more than enough power. These drills deliver 400-500 in-lbs of torque, which handles wood, metal, plastic, and most DIY projects without strain.

If you frequently drill into concrete, brick, or masonry, you’ll need a hammer drill like the DEWALT DCD1007WW1 with at least 18V of power. For occasional concrete work, you can rent a rotary hammer instead of buying a specialty drill.

Professional contractors who frame houses, install decking, or do daily heavy-duty work should invest in the highest-torque drill they can afford. The extra power saves time and reduces fatigue across a full workday.

Battery Capacity Considerations

Battery capacity is measured in amp-hours (Ah). A 2.0Ah battery is sufficient for most home projects and keeps the drill lightweight. A 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery extends runtime significantly, useful for contractors or marathon DIY sessions.

The 8.0Ah battery included with the DEWALT DCD1007WW1 delivers exceptional runtime but adds weight. For overhead work or extended drilling, lighter batteries with quick chargers are more practical.

Most manufacturers sell bare tools (without batteries) at significant discounts. If you already own compatible batteries from a previous drill, buying tool-only can save 30-50% on your purchase.

Ergonomics and Weight

Weight matters more than most people realize. A drill that’s 1 pound heavier than another might not sound like much, but after two hours of overhead work, that extra pound causes real fatigue.

The Bosch GSR18V-400B12 at 2 pounds (tool only) is the lightest in our roundup. For users with smaller hands, smaller builds, or anyone who values reduced fatigue, compact and lightweight drills are worth prioritizing.

Grip circumference also affects comfort. The Bosch and CRAFTSMAN drills have notably slim grip zones compared to the bulkier DeWalt and Makita models. If possible, hold each drill before buying to find what fits your hand best.

Brand Ecosystem Strategy

Choosing a brand is about more than just the drill. You’re choosing an investment in a battery ecosystem that may include dozens of tools over the coming years.

DeWalt’s 20V MAX platform offers the largest selection of compatible tools, from drills to saws to outdoor equipment. Their batteries are widely available and competitively priced.

Makita’s 18V LXT system is similarly extensive with 275+ compatible tools. Bosch’s 18V system is smaller but offers excellent quality. CRAFTSMAN and WORX have more limited ecosystems but offer good value within their lineups.

If you already own tools from one of these brands, the path of least resistance is to stay within that ecosystem. If you’re starting fresh, DeWalt or Makita offer the most flexibility for future expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After testing all eight best cordless brushless drills for this roundup, the DEWALT DCD777D1 remains our top recommendation for most people. It delivers the right balance of power, compact size, and value that makes it the most versatile choice for typical home projects.

For users already invested in DEWALT batteries, the DCD801B offers even more power in a compact package at a tool-only price. For those willing to invest in premium performance, the Makita XFD131 delivers exceptional build quality and torque.

Budget-conscious buyers should look at the CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCD714D1 for genuine brushless performance under $80, or the Bosch GSR18V-400B12 for the most compact full-size drill available. For professionals or those tackling masonry work, the DEWALT DCD1007WW1 hammer drill provides unmatched power and the only true hammer function in this roundup.

Whatever drill you choose from this list, you’ll get the efficiency, runtime, and durability that brushless motors deliver over their brushed predecessors. The technology has matured to the point where any of these drills will serve you well for years to come.