Updated October 2026
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A cordless drill for a house and a garage is an 18V / 20V kit with a battery, a charger, and usually a 1/2-inch chuck. We match manufacturer specs and kit contents to the Amazon listings we link. Prices move, so this page does not print street prices; check current price and seller on Amazon before you buy.
If you are shopping a hard $100 cap, use Best Cordless Drill Under $100.
Driving long fasteners more than boring holes? Compare our Best Impact Drivers 2026 picks and stay on one battery platform.
Quick verdict
Best overall: DeWalt DCD777D1 — 20V MAX compact brushless kit, one 2.0Ah battery and charger. Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
Best value: SKIL PWR CORE 20 — brushless 1/2-inch kit with a 2.0Ah pack. Check availability on Amazon
Best budget two-battery: DeWalt DCD771C2 — brushed 20V MAX kit with two 1.3Ah batteries, charger, and bag. Two packs beat one when you are starting from zero. Full list: Best Cordless Drill Under $100. Check price on Amazon
Comparison
| Model | Best for | Voltage | Kit batteries | Notes | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCD777D1 | Best overall | 20V MAX | 1× 2.0Ah | Brushless; compact 20V MAX | Check availability on Amazon (often third-party) |
| DeWalt DCD771C2 | Best budget two-battery | 20V MAX | 2× 1.3Ah | Brushed + bag | Check price on Amazon |
| SKIL PWR CORE 20 (DL529303) | Best value | 20V | 1× 2.0Ah | Brushless; 1/2 in metal chuck | Check availability on Amazon |
| Ryobi PCL201K1 | Entry ONE+ | 18V ONE+ | 1× 1.5Ah | 3/8 in chuck | No Amazon link: the listing now shows an off-brand ONEAND product (Sep 30) |
| Ryobi P1803 | ONE+ hammer | 18V ONE+ | 1× 1.5Ah | Brushless 1/2 in; confirm live price | Check availability on Amazon |
| Craftsman CMCD700C1 | V20 starter | V20 | 1× 1.3Ah | Brushed; 1/2 in chuck | Check price on Amazon |
| DeWalt DCD800D2 | XR step-up | 20V MAX XR | 2× 2.0Ah | Brushless XR | Check availability on Amazon (often third-party) |
| Makita XFD131 | LXT step-up | 18V LXT | 1× 3.0Ah | Brushless; 3.0Ah pack | No Amazon link: the Amazon page is gone (Sep 30) |
| Milwaukee M18 | Pro benchmark | 18V M18 | Kit varies | Home Depot exclusive; no Amazon link | Home Depot only |
Ryobi ONE+ HP kits are real at Ryobi and Home Depot. HP is not on this page.
DeWalt DCD777D1 — best overall
Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
This is the DeWalt most people should buy if they do not already own yellow batteries. It is a 20V MAX compact brushless drill/driver — not an XR tool — with one DCB203 2.0Ah pack, a DCB107 charger, and a belt hook. DeWalt’s MSRP is around $179. Brushless is the upgrade that matters in this kit. DeWalt rates it at 340 UWO versus 300 UWO on the brushed DCD771C2, in a 7.6-inch front-to-back body with a 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck.
Who it’s for. First-time DeWalt buyers who want a current compact drill for furniture, shelves, deck screws, and hanging a TV. One 2.0Ah pack covers an afternoon of household work. The battery drops into the rest of the 20V MAX line if you add a saw or an impact later.
Who it’s not for. Anyone who wants two packs in the box, or a hammer drill for masonry. It is also the wrong buy if you already own 20V MAX batteries — you would be paying for a charger you do not need. If you want XR speed and a second pack, that is the DCD800D2, and only if that kit is actually in stock.
Specs that matter. 20V MAX. Brushless. 340 UWO. Two speed. 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck. 7.6 inches front to back. Kit: one 2.0Ah (DCB203), DCB107 charger, belt hook. Amazon listing B0C3TGRLLM.
Caveats. Check current price and seller on Amazon. One battery — when it dies, you wait. Two packs: that is the DCD771C2. Not the XR DCD800D2.
Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
DeWalt DCD771C2 — best budget two-battery
This is the classic two-battery DeWalt starter. Brushed 20V MAX compact drill/driver, 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck, two 1.3Ah packs, charger, and a contractor bag. The primary listing is B00ET5VMTU. A second catalog ID for the same kit, B07DLWWYRW also exists — check current price and seller on both and use the better in-stock listing. DeWalt rates it at 300 UWO and 0–450 / 0–1,500 RPM. It is not brushless and it has no hammer mode. Read our full DeWalt DCD771C2 review.
Who it’s for. People starting from zero who want two batteries on day one. Two 1.3Ah packs beat a single 2.0Ah when you are driving a run of screws and do not want to sit on a charger. The bag is useful. The batteries are 20V MAX, so the next yellow tool does not need a new platform.
Who it’s not for. Anyone who wants brushless, hammer, or a single larger pack. The DCD777D1 is the brushless alternative. This is also the wrong kit if you already own 20V MAX batteries.
Specs that matter. 20V MAX (18V nominal). Brushed. 300 UWO. 0–450 / 0–1,500 RPM. 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck. Kit: two 1.3Ah, charger, bag. Primary Amazon listing B00ET5VMTU.
Caveats. Confirm the live price on B00ET5VMTU and that you are looking at the two-battery kit, not a bare tool. Brushed motors wear brushes; that is the trade for the second pack. No hammer. For the rest of this price band, see Best Cordless Drill Under $100.
SKIL PWR CORE 20 — best value
SKIL’s PWR CORE 20 brushless 1/2-inch kit (DL529303) is the value slot. Digital brushless motor, 17+1 clutch, 1/2-inch keyless metal chuck, one 2.0Ah battery, and a standard charger. Check current price and seller on Amazon. Popular Mechanics also named it a 2026 value pick.
Who it’s for. Buyers who want brushless and a 1/2-inch chuck without paying DeWalt money. Fine for household assembly, hanging, and light deck work. PWR CORE 20 is a real 20V line if you add tools later, just a smaller aisle than DeWalt or Ryobi.
Who it’s not for. Anyone already invested in DeWalt, Ryobi, or Makita batteries. Platform lock-in is the hidden cost. It is also not the two-battery starter — you get one 2.0Ah pack.
Specs that matter. 20V PWR CORE 20. Digital brushless. 17+1 clutch. 1/2-inch keyless metal chuck. Kit: one 2.0Ah and a standard charger. Model DL529303. Amazon listing B07MWLL1NM.
Caveats. Other SKIL kits exist. This page is the DL529303 brushless kit. Popular Mechanics’ 2026 value pick is their test, not ours.
Ryobi ONE+ — starter kit
Ryobi ONE+ is the big green 18V platform. The Amazon-stocked starter that we link is not the HP brushless drill. It is the PCL201K1 3/8-inch kit, with one 1.5Ah battery and a charger. If you want a 1/2-inch chuck and hammer mode on ONE+, the P1803 is the brushless hammer kit with one 1.5Ah, charger, and bag. Check that listing before you count on it.
Who it’s for. Shoppers already in ONE+, or anyone who wants a starter kit for furniture and light DIY. PCL201K1 is the entry. P1803 is the closer match if you need 1/2-inch bits or a hammer setting for occasional masonry.
Who it’s not for. Heavy driving, large bits, or anyone who thinks this is Ryobi HP. HP kits are on Ryobi.com and at Home Depot. We do not have a verified US Amazon ASIN for HP, so it is not linked here. The PCL201K1 3/8-inch chuck will not take every 1/2-inch shank bit.
Specs that matter. PCL201K1: 18V ONE+, 3/8-inch chuck, one 1.5Ah, charger, listing B0D4XVS6KF. P1803: 18V ONE+, brushless 1/2-inch hammer, one 1.5Ah, charger, bag, listing B099MN48J4, price not shown when we checked.
Caveats. Confirm both live prices. One small pack on either kit. Skip third-party bag bundles when a first-party kit is in stock.
PCL201K1: No Amazon link: the listing now shows an off-brand ONEAND product (Sep 30) · P1803: Check availability on Amazon
Craftsman V20 CMCD700C1
Craftsman’s V20 1/2-inch kit (CMCD700C1) is a brushed compact with one 1.3Ah battery, a charger, and a double-sided bit. Craftsman rates it at 280 UWO and 0–350 / 0–1,500 RPM with a 1/2-inch keyless chuck. Check current price and seller on Amazon.
Who it’s for. Buyers who want a 1/2-inch chuck and a familiar name on a budget, and who are not already locked into another 18V / 20V line. Fine for household holes and screws.
Who it’s not for. Anyone who wants brushless, two batteries, or a large tool aisle. V20 is smaller than DeWalt 20V MAX, Ryobi ONE+, or even SKIL PWR CORE 20. If Amazon is out, do not pay a random marketplace premium — look at the DeWalt kits or the SKIL instead.
Specs that matter. V20 / 20V MAX class. Brushed. 280 UWO. 0–350 / 0–1,500 RPM. 1/2-inch keyless chuck. Kit: one 1.3Ah, charger, double-sided bit. Amazon listing B07XRGDJWJ.
Caveats. Recheck that B07XRGDJWJ is still a live kit with battery and charger. One small pack. Brushed, no hammer. If the live price is close to the DeWalt kits, buy a DeWalt.
DeWalt DCD800D2 — XR step-up
Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
This is the real 20V MAX XR compact kit, not the DCD777D1 brushless compact. Two DCB203 2.0Ah batteries, a DCB112 charger, bag, and belt hook. Brushless XR, 0–650 / 0–2,000 RPM, 6.37-inch head, 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck. Check current price, stock and seller on Amazon; this listing is often third-party.
Who it’s for. People who already like DeWalt and can stretch for two 2.0Ah packs and XR speed. If the listing is in stock, it is the step-up on this page.
Who it’s not for. Anyone on a tight budget — use the DCD777D1 or DCD771C2. Also the wrong click if the listing is empty.
Specs that matter. 20V MAX XR. Brushless. 0–650 / 0–2,000 RPM. 6.37-inch head. 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck. Kit: two 2.0Ah (DCB203), DCB112 charger, bag, belt hook. Amazon listing B09YY8RZJ9.
Caveats. Confirm stock and that you are looking at the two-battery DCD800D2 kit, not a bare XR tool. Related XR hammer kits show up in magazine roundups; those are not this SKU, and we do not link them.
Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
Makita XFD131 — if you can stretch
No Amazon link: the Amazon page is gone (Sep 30)
Makita’s XFD131 is an 18V LXT brushless 1/2-inch driver-drill kit: one BL1830B 3.0Ah battery, DC18SD charger, and bag. Makita rates it at 440 in-lbs and 0–500 / 0–1,900 RPM, 6-5/8 inches long. The Amazon listing is real (B08XKNYDV5). Check the live price before you buy.
Who it’s for. Buyers who want LXT, or who can stretch for a brushless kit with a 3.0Ah pack instead of 1.5–2.0Ah. The battery is the useful part of the box if you add LXT tools later.
Who it’s not for. A strict budget shopper. Also the wrong platform if you already own DeWalt or Ryobi packs. If Amazon is empty or the price jumps, skip it.
Specs that matter. 18V LXT. Brushless. 440 in-lbs. 0–500 / 0–1,900 RPM. 6-5/8 inches. Kit: one 3.0Ah (BL1830B), DC18SD charger, bag. Amazon listing B08XKNYDV5.
Caveats. Confirm stock and price before you buy.
No Amazon link: the Amazon page is gone (Sep 30)
Milwaukee M18 — pro benchmark, not an Amazon buy
Milwaukee is a Home Depot line in the US. Wirecutter’s 2026 upgrade pick was the Milwaukee 3601-22CT M18 compact brushless kit, sold at Home Depot along with the M12 3401-22. Popular Mechanics’ 2026 overall pick was an M18 hammer (2904). Those are published reviews, not a test from us.
Who it’s for. Pros, or DIY buyers who already live in M18 / M12 and can pick up a kit at Home Depot.
Who it’s not for. Anyone we would send to Amazon. Marketplace copies show up. They are not first-party stock of a Home Depot exclusive. We are not linking those. Buy Home Depot exclusives at Home Depot, not from third-party Amazon sellers.
Caveats. Confirm the Home Depot price in the store or on HD’s page. Milwaukee is the benchmark on this page, not an Amazon button.
Buying guide
Voltage is mostly marketing in this class. DeWalt 20V MAX, Craftsman V20, and SKIL 20V sit in the same nominal 18V world as Ryobi ONE+ and Makita LXT. A 20V MAX pack is not a different planet from an 18V ONE+ pack. What changes the job is motor type (brushed vs brushless), chuck size, battery amp-hours, and whether you already own packs on that platform.
Battery count beats a single tired pack. The DCD771C2 is on this list because two 1.3Ah batteries keep you moving. The DCD777D1, SKIL, Ryobi kits, Craftsman, and Makita XFD131 each ship one pack. A 2.0Ah or 3.0Ah cell runs longer per charge than 1.3–1.5Ah. If you hate waiting, prioritize two batteries or budget a second pack.
Drill vs impact vs hammer. A drill/driver has a clutch and a chuck. It drills holes and drives screws. An impact driver is a different tool: hex shank, no clutch in the same way, built to sink fasteners. Do not buy only an impact if you still need to drill. A hammer drill adds a hammer setting for masonry. Most kits here are drill/drivers. The Ryobi P1803 is the hammer kit. None of these replaces a rotary hammer for real concrete; on 20V MAX packs, see our DeWalt DCH133B rotary hammer review.
FAQ
Which cordless drill should I buy? If you are not on a battery platform yet and want one kit, the DeWalt DCD777D1 is the brushless pick; see our DCD777D1 review. If you want two batteries in the box, get the DCD771C2. If you want brushless for less, the SKIL PWR CORE 20 is the value pick.
Do I need an impact driver instead? Not as your only tool. A drill/driver drills and drives. An impact driver drives fasteners faster and does not replace a chuck for hole-saw or spade-bit work. Buy the drill first. Add an impact on the same battery platform when driving becomes the whole afternoon.
What if I am on a tight budget? The DCD771C2 two-battery kit and the SKIL PWR CORE 20 are the value picks on this page. For more low-cost kits, see our budget cordless drill guide.
One battery or two? Two if you are starting from zero and will work through a charge. The DCD771C2 is the two-pack kit. One 2.0Ah (DCD777D1, SKIL) is fine for household use if you can pause. One 1.3–1.5Ah (Craftsman, both Ryobi kits here) is the short end of that range.
Can these drill into concrete or brick? Light anchors, maybe, especially with a hammer setting (P1803). A rotary hammer is the tool for real masonry; see our best rotary hammers guide. A compact drill/driver is for wood, metal, and plastic.
Already on Milwaukee M18? Milwaukee is the benchmark on this page. It is a Home Depot line in the US, so buy it at Home Depot.
Prices and Amazon offers change. We don’t list live prices; check Amazon for the current price and seller. The MSRP figure is DeWalt’s.
Pair it with an impact driver on the same batteries: see our best impact drivers guide.
For the same DeWalt 20V MAX kit family, compare the DCD805 hammer drill, DCF850 impact driver, and DCS565 compact circular saw.