If you’re tired of bulky, heavy drills that wear you out halfway through a project, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll help you find the best lightweight powerful cordless drill — one that offers serious power without sacrificing comfort.
But here’s the thing... choosing the right drill isn’t just about power. Voltage, motor type, and build quality all play a huge role. That’s why we’ll also compare options from the best cordless drill lineup and help you understand the best voltage for cordless drill performance.
Still wondering which model tops the best cordless drills consumer reports? Stick around. We’ve done the research, tested the tools, and narrowed it down to the drills that truly deliver power in a lightweight package. Let’s get started!
Our Top Picks
Best Compact Brushless Drill: 20V Cordless Brushless Power Drill Set
The INSPIRITECH 20V Cordless Brushless Power Drill Set delivers impressive performance for its class, driven by a powerful brushless motor that offers higher efficiency, less maintenance, and longer life than traditional brushed models. Its dual-speed control (0–450 and 0–1500 RPM) combined with 21+1 torque settings provides the versatility needed for drilling and driving in various materials. The 3/8-inch single-sleeve keyless chuck simplifies bit changes, ensuring better grip and accuracy during use. With two 1.5Ah lithium-ion batteries and a one-hour fast charger, users can expect minimal downtime and consistent power across extended projects. The ergonomic, rubber-coated handle enhances comfort, while the built-in LED light improves visibility in dim spaces.
From a user’s perspective, this drill stands out for its balance of power, portability, and convenience. DIYers appreciate its lightweight design and comprehensive accessory kit, making it suitable for a wide range of home and light professional tasks. However, those seeking industrial-grade torque may find it less robust than pro-level drills.
Overall, the INSPIRITECH 20V brushless drill offers solid value with efficient performance, user-friendly operation, and reliable battery life—an excellent choice for everyday drilling and driving needs.
Best Lightweight Drill for Beginners: WORKPRO Cordless Drill Driver Kit
The WORKPRO 12V Cordless Drill Driver Kit is a compact and user-friendly option designed for light-duty tasks and household projects. Powered by a 12V motor with a top speed of 1500 RPM, it delivers enough torque for everyday jobs like hanging shelves, assembling furniture, or tightening screws. Its 18+1 clutch settings and two variable speed modes (0–400 and 0–1500 RPM) give users control over precision and power, minimizing the risk of stripping screws. The 3/8-inch keyless chuck enables quick, one-handed bit changes, while the forward/reverse switch simplifies bit removal or screw adjustments.
Weighing only 1.8 pounds, this drill’s lightweight and ergonomic design make it particularly comfortable for smaller users or those who prefer a less fatiguing experience. The LED light improves visibility in low-light environments, and the included accessories—drill bits, driver bits, charger, and carrying bag—make it ready to use right out of the box.
From a customer perspective, the WORKPRO 12V drill stands out for its balance between affordability, ease of use, and portability. It’s a solid choice for casual DIYers or beginners who value convenience over brute power.
Overall, this WORKPRO cordless drill provides excellent value for home projects, offering dependable performance, thoughtful ergonomics, and an accessible design ideal for everyday users.
Best Value 20V Drill Kit: AVID POWER 20V MAX Lithium lon Cordless Drill Set
The AVID POWER 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill Set offers a solid blend of usability, performance, and convenience for everyday home projects. Designed with a variable speed of up to 550 RPM and 15+1 torque settings, it provides controlled drilling and screwdriving for materials like wood, metal, and plastic. Its 280 in-lbs of torque deliver sufficient strength for most DIY tasks, while the real-time battery level indicator is a standout feature—helping users track charge levels easily and avoid unexpected interruptions.
At only 2.5 pounds, the drill’s ergonomic grip and balanced weight make it comfortable for extended use. The built-in LED light improves visibility in tight or dim spaces, and the 3/8-inch keyless chuck allows for quick, tool-free bit changes. The included 22-piece accessory set—with drill bits, driver bits, and a flexible shaft—enhances its versatility, making it well-suited for furniture assembly, light home repairs, and craft projects.
From a customer perspective, users appreciate its ease of handling, reliable battery performance, and complete starter kit, especially for beginners or casual DIYers. However, the slower maximum speed and lack of masonry capability make it less ideal for demanding applications.
Overall, the AVID POWER 20V MAX drill delivers dependable performance and excellent value for its price—an ideal choice for homeowners seeking a simple, effective, and user-friendly cordless drill.
FAQs
What is the best and most powerful cordless drill?
The best and most powerful cordless drill today combines high torque output, a brushless motor, and long-lasting battery performance. Top contenders include models like the DEWALT 20V MAX XR, Milwaukee M18 FUEL, and Makita XFD131. These drills deliver up to 2,000 RPM and over 500 in-lbs of torque, giving you the muscle to drill through metal, hardwood, and masonry with ease.
Brushless motors are key—they reduce friction, increase efficiency, and extend tool life. If you’re looking for raw power and reliability, go for a high-voltage brushless drill from a trusted brand like DEWALT or Milwaukee.
What is better, an 18V or 20V drill?
This question confuses many users, but here’s the truth: 18V and 20V drills are nearly identical. Both use lithium-ion batteries that provide the same amount of real-world power. The difference comes down to labeling. Some brands like DEWALT use “20V MAX” for marketing, while others use “18V.”
Practically speaking, what matters more is the battery quality and motor efficiency. A high-quality 18V drill can easily outperform a lower-end 20V model if it has a better motor and internal components.
Are DeWalt or Makita drills better?
Both DEWALT and Makita are top-tier brands known for reliability and performance. DEWALT drills are often praised for their rugged design, higher torque, and compatibility with a wide range of 20V MAX tools. They’re ideal for professionals who demand maximum durability.
Makita drills, on the other hand, focus on balance, ergonomics, and precision. Their compact design and smooth handling make them a favorite among users who work in tight spaces or need longer comfort.
In short:
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Choose DEWALT for more torque and jobsite toughness.
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Choose Makita for lighter weight and smoother control.
Which is better, a 12V or 18V cordless drill?
It depends on your workload. 12V drills are perfect for light tasks like assembling furniture, drilling softwood, or household projects. They’re compact, lightweight, and easy to handle.
18V drills, however, are built for heavy-duty jobs—boring into concrete, hardwood, or thick metal. They provide more torque and longer runtime.
If you’re a DIY enthusiast or need a compact option for quick fixes, go with 12V. But if you need power and versatility for tougher materials, 18V is the smarter investment.
Conclusion
Finding the best lightweight powerful cordless drill is all about balancing comfort with performance. Whether you prefer DEWALT’s brute strength, Makita’s ergonomics, or Milwaukee’s smart technology, the right choice depends on your specific needs. Remember—check the torque, motor type, and voltage before buying. A well-chosen drill not only saves time but also transforms the way you work. So, pick the one that fits your workflow and get drilling with confidence.
