The best cordless drill for home use
We drilled more than 600 holes in wood, steel and masonry with 13 cordless drills. The Torq 18V is powerful enough for any job around the house and feels great in the hand.
Jake Morrison
Ryan Mitchell, editor-in-chief
September 15, 2026
5 weeks · 13 models
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In this guide
Our picks at a glance
Torq 18V
Drives 100 screws on one battery and has a clutch that engages precisely.
Read the full review
Boorix Start
Good enough for assembling furniture and the occasional shelf.
Read the full review
Torq 18V Brushless
Brushless motor with hammer mode that drills an 8 mm hole even in masonry.
Read the full reviewPrices checked September 30, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. ET. Prices may change.
Why you can trust us
Jake Morrison spent ten years as an HVAC technician and has tested tools and smart home products since 2023. For this guide we tested 13 models over 5 weeks in our test house. We bought most models ourselves; loaned units were returned after testing. Manufacturers don’t see our conclusions before publication.
Who is this for?
You use a cordless drill for driving screws, holes in wood and metal, and light masonry work. For concrete you need a rotary hammer.
How we tested
We drove 100 screws of 5 × 60 mm into pine and drilled holes in steel and brick. We measured how many screws each battery handled and how hot the tool got.
Test setup in our test house in Columbus. Photo: BrasQ
Our full test methodTest results compared
| Model | Rank | Test score | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Torq 18V | Our pick | 8.9 | $129 |
| Boorix Start | Budget pick | 7.8 | $69 |
| Torq 18V Brushless | Upgrade | 9.3 | $219 |
Test score based on our fixed weighting scheme. Price from: lowest price on September 30, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between a drill and a driver?
A driver has a clutch that stops when the screw is tight. Most cordless drills combine both.
How many volts do I need?
For jobs around the house, 12 volts is enough. Choose 18 volts if you often drill into hardwood or masonry.
- Test protocol for cordless drills, BrasQ (2026)
- Manufacturer specifications and manuals
- Prices and availability checked.
- First version published after testing 13 models.
Jake spent ten years as an HVAC technician installing furnaces and heat pumps. Since 2023 he has tested tools and smart devices for BrasQ. He has renovated two houses himself.
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