Best Electric Screwdriver Reviews 2025

When you finally find a screwdriver set that fits your hand perfectly, it’s a special moment. But even the perfect design has limited productivity compared to one of the best electric screwdriver models. Since they’re relatively affordable, cordless screwdrivers can be a smart purchase for both Pros and DIYers. In this guide, I’ll share my favorite models, break down the different types, and shine a light on what to look for while you’re shopping.

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Best Electric Screwdriver Recommendations

• Best Pistol Grip Overall: Bosch 12V Max GSR12V-300
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• Best Inline Overall: DeWalt FlexDrive DWHT
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• Most Powerful: Milwaukee M12 Fuel
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• Best for Home Use: Ryobi USB Lithium Mult-Head FVD51K
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• Best for Electronics: Fanttik E1 Max Precision Screwdriver
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• Best for the Money: Skil Twist 2.0
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Jump to These Sections to Learn More

• How We Make Our Choices
• Types of Electric Screwdrivers
• What to Look for When You’re Shopping for an Electric Screwdriver
• Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

Best Pistol Grip Electric Screwdriver

Looking at Pro-grade models side by side, Bosch’s 12V Max GSR12V-300 was an easy choice as the best pistol grip electric screwdriver. It quite simply nailed it in every category. Which is odd for a tool that’s supposed to drive screws, don’t you think?

All joking aside, it has top-tier performance, besting both Makita’s FD10 and Milwaukee’s top speed by 50 RPM, and giving up just 25 in-lbs to Milwaukee’s class-leading torque.

All this performance is packed into the lightest package with the only working weight under 2 pounds among Pro brands. It also has the second most compact head—just 0.2 inches longer than DeWalt’s DCF601.

Then there’s the price. At $159 for the kit, it’s less expensive to get started than Makita and Milwaukee, and it includes two batteries.

Best Inline Electric Screwdriver

I am a fan of DeWalt’s gyroscopic cordless screwdrivers, and we still have a couple in our shop. While those are no longer being made, DeWalt’s FlexDrive screwdriver got my attention. The deeper I dug, the more I liked it, and it earned our pick as the best inline electric screwdriver.

The big deal is the FlexDrive collar. From the locked (manual) position, twist it clockwise for forward operation or counterclockwise for reverse. Push the collar forward to activate the motor. Unlike most models that require you to find a button to press, you can operate the FlexDrive collar from any position, 360° around the handle.

Its performance is in the expected range for this class, and it has a design that has roughly the diameter and length of a standard screwdriver. If there’s anything to complain about, it’s that the non-adjustable top speed is a bit high for precision work.

Most Powerful Electric Screwdriver

As the strongest model among both pistol grip and inline designs, Milwaukee’s brushless M12 Fuel was a shoo-in as the most powerful electric screwdriver. In addition to its class-leading torque, it also has one of the highest top speeds.

This model hasn’t been updated alongside the M12 Fuel drill and impact driver, though. Its design is a bit heavier (not that 2.5 pounds is that heavy), and it’s not as compact as its main competition. So, while it is one of the highest-performing models you can get, it’s also one of the bulkiest.

If the size doesn’t make you shy away, the has all the design features we hope to have on a Pro-focused model. The two-speed gearbox and clutch offer all the control we want, and the M12 battery system is the broadest quality 12V platform available.

Even though the kit is more expensive than Bosch, it comes with two batteries to make up the difference.

Best Electric Screwdriver for Home Use

With its control-focused design and ability to reach into areas other models can’t, Ryobi’s USB Lithium Multi-Head Screwdriver is my choice as the best electric screwdriver for home use.

You may notice its performance level is lower than other models—just 18 in-lbs of torque and 200 RPM. While that might be a con for some, it offers better driving control that helps you avoid damaging delicate materials like switch plates and particle board.

The multi-head design is what really sets it apart, though. With right angle and offset heads, you can engage fasteners in tight spaces and corners much more easily than other designs. It only takes a few seconds to make the swap, and you’re likely to use fewer curse words while you work.

I do wish this had a hybrid handle with a hybrid pivot, though. While the low torque can be a benefit, it’s easier to manually turn screws tighter with an inline design.

Best Electric Screwdriver for Electronics

Full disclosure—when it comes to the delicate components of electronics for IT, RC vehicles, or drones, I’m more likely to use a manual multi-bit screwdriver than an electric one. But if it’s electric you want, I really like Fanttik’s E1 Max design.

The driver itself is lightweight and slim, similar to the thickness of a standard Sharpie. The sightline isn’t quite as good as a manual precision screwdriver with a long shaft, but it’s still far better than most typical inline designs.

The case is very clever. The screwdriver fits into the center and secures in place so it won’t fall out in your tool bag. Push down on the top of the tool, and the spring-loaded lock pops the tool up where you can grab it easily.

The exterior of the case holds 50 bits. A magnet keeps them from going anywhere, making them easier to pull out and reinsert than the friction fit interfaces other bits come in.

Since it all fits together so neatly, the set easily fits in an IT tool bag, messenger bag, or backpack.

This model is a bit more expensive than others you might find. However, we’ve used several Fanttik products and have more confidence in their quality than the Amazon-only brands littering the online marketplace.

Best Electric Screwdriver for the Money

For less than $30, Skil packs a lot of great features into its Twist 2.0, making it an easy choice as the best electric screwdriver for the money.

Speed and torque are on the lower side, revealing this model’s control-focused design. Plus, you have three torque control modes to work with, making it more appropriate for the most delicate of fasteners and electronics than most inline designs.

What’s even more special is that the head pivots to 22.5° and 45°. It’s helpful whether you’re looking for a better line of sight or better access to the fasteners. It’s not a true hybrid, though, since the grip doesn’t quite get into as relaxed of a wrist position as a typical pistol grip.

For the price, the Twist 2.0 is a no-brainer to keep around your home, and you’re sure to reach for it often for a variety of tasks.

More Electric Screwdriver We Recommend

DeWalt 12V Max DCF601

• Battery: Swappable 12V
• Max Speed: RPM
• Max Power: 200 UWO
• Torque Control: 15+1 clutch
• Length: 4.8 in
• Weight: 2.0 lbs with a 2.0Ah battery
• Price: $109.99 bare, $129.99 with two batteries

DeWalt’s brushless DCF601 doesn’t have the speed or power that its closest competitors do, but it’s one of the lighter options, and it’s the most compact of the Pro pistol grip group. It’s a solid pick for working with small fasteners and delicate materials, though installers might be better off with DeWalt’s DCD703 5-in-1 drill driver.

• Battery: Integrated 4V
• Max Speed: 300 RPM
• Max Torque: 8 in-lbs
• Torque Control: None
• Length: 6.8 in
• Weight: 0.6 lbs
• Price: $169.99 with automotive specialty bit set

While expensive compared to other inline cordless screwdrivers, Mac Tools is the best option for mechanics. Its intentionally low torque protects delicate components from overdriving damage, and its IP54-rated design is built to withstand some of the typical solvents you find in automotive shops. Sealing the deal, it comes with a 48-piece bit set dialed in for the specialty fasteners in automotive applications.

Makita 12V CXT FD10

• Battery: Swappable 12V
• Max Speed: 450/ RPM
• Max Torque: 250 in-lbs
• Torque Control: 20+1 clutch
• Length: 5.9 in
• Weight: 2.1 lbs with a 2.0Ah battery
• Price: $176.99 with two batteries

Makita’s FD10 pistol grip screwdriver is the only brushed model among the top four Pro brands we recommend, but it’s solid in the performance department. Faster and stronger than DeWalt’s DCF601, it can fasten with more authority, yet its 20+1 clutch ensures you have plenty of control for delicate fastening.

Makita 7.8V DF012

• Battery: Swappable 8V
• Max Speed: 200/650 RPM
• Max Torque: 71 in-lbs
• Torque Control: 21+1 clutch
• Length: 10.9 in
• Weight: 1.2 lbs with battery
• Price: $219.99 with two batteries

Makita’s 7.8V tools don’t get much recognition these days, but the DF012 screwdriver deserves your attention. Able to convert from inline to pistol grip, it has the fastest speed and higher torque of any inline/hybrid model. With two speeds and a 21+1 clutch, it also offers far more precise control than its competitors. The downside is the price.

Craftsman 4V CMHT

• Battery: Integrated 4V
• Max Speed: 300 RPM
• Max Torque: Not listed
• Torque Control: None
• Length: 6.6 in
• Weight: 1.2 lbs
• Price: $41.99

If you’re looking for an electric screwdriver with a standard manual profile, Craftsman’s CMHT is the way to go. Sporting the look of a manual multi-bit driver with a longer shaft than most inline designs, it can loosen and fasten at 300 RPM. Plus, the shaft is removable if you want it out of the way.

Dremel 4V HSES-01

• Battery: Integrated 4V
• Max Speed: 360 RPM
• Max Torque: 44 in-lbs
• Torque Control: 6 modes
• Length: 7.5 in
• Weight: 0.6 pounds with battery
• Price: $49.99

The Dremel HSES-01 is essentially the American version of the Bosch GO screwdriver. In fact, Dremel initially launched this one with the GO designation. It’s a cool little design that gives you the option of pushing the tool into the fastener to activate the motor rather than repositioning your hand to find the buttons. If that doesn’t sound like fun, there’s also standard button activation.

Kobalt 4V

• Battery: Integrated 4V
• Max Speed: 280 RPM
• Max Torque: 13.5 in-lbs
• Torque Control: None
• Length: 6.7 in
• Weight: 0.5 pounds with battery
• Price: $24.99

Kobalt’s cordless screwdriver is a solid choice if you’re looking for a low-cost option. Its performance is fine for a wide range of household projects and repairs, including around delicate materials. While it doesn’t have a ton of bells and whistles, its $25 price tag makes it an attractive model to keep in a kitchen drawer or toolbox.

Types of Electric Screwdrivers: Inline vs Pistol Grip

There are two main types of electric screwdriver design: inline and pistol grip. Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of each and introduce the hybrid design.

Inline Electric Screwdrivers

Inline electric screwdrivers are the most direct design from a manual screwdriver to a powered one. With lower RPMs and torque than their pistol grip counterparts, inline models tend to be the way to go for the most control when you’re fastening. They can be used manually, so you’re able to give screws an extra bit of force or ensure those switch plates screw slots are straight up and down more easily.

Pistol Grip Electric Screwdrivers

Pistol grip electric screwdrivers tend to have higher performance than inline versions. Combined with a clutch for precise depth control, they’re fantastic for woodworking, cabinetmaking, and other jobs that a standard drill or impact driver is too much for.

Hybrid Electric Screwdrivers

Hybrid electric screwdrivers start with an inline profile and add a pivot point so they can twist into a pistol grip design. From a performance standpoint, they’re on par with inline designs. The main benefit is having the ability to work with an inline configuration when you need to or have the wrist-relieving pistol grip for the majority of your work.

How We Made Our Choices for the Best Electric Screwdriver

In choosing the best model for each category, here’s what I was looking for:

Best Pistol Grip: The best balance of performance, features, size, and weight in a pistol grip design on a swappable power tool battery system.

Best Inline: The best balance of performance and features in an inline design. Size and weight weren’t as much of a consideration as long as it could easily fit in a tool bag or belt. A swappable battery is nice to have but not a necessity for this class.

Most Powerful: Straight up, which model has the highest available torque.

Best for Home: The best balance of ease of use and versatility at a DIY-friendly price. Swappable batteries with other compatible tools are a nice bonus.

Best for Electronics: Low torque and a long, thin profile are the big keys for this category. An included comprehensive bit set was a must since these models use a smaller bit size that’s not as easy to find at retailers.

Best for the Money: The best combination of features, ease of use, and price in a DIY-focused design with at least mid-range performance.

What to Look for When You’re Buying an Electric Screwdriver

When you’re shopping for a cordless screwdriver, there are a number of things that can make one better than the other. It’s more than just price or type, though. Here are some of the most important features and design elements to look for.

Battery Selection

Most cordless screwdrivers have batteries ranging from integrated single-cell 3.6V (4V Max) to swappable 12V power tool batteries. Even Pros don’t typically go through an entire battery in a day, so my main recommendation is to make sure the model you buy has a lithium-ion battery. Since they don’t have the battery memory Ni-Cad and NiMH batteries do, you can recharge them at any stage and not worry about affecting the battery’s service life.

Some batteries can work with other tools. If you’ve narrowed your choices down to a few finalists, see if you can use their battery in other tools to add some value.

Speed and Torque

Speed and torque vary widely among cordless screwdrivers. Pistol grip models that use 12V power tool batteries are often more like compact drills. Top speeds can be as high as RPM, and the strongest torque we’ve seen is 325 in-lbs. This is a high enough performance level to handle light drilling in addition to setting and removing fasteners.

For inline models, you have lower performance but more control. Speeds are usually around 200 – 350 RPM with torque in the 18 – 44 in-lbs range. On the extreme edge, we’ve seen speeds up to 650 RPM and torque levels peaking around 70 in-lbs. Even though the torque is lower, you can manually tighten fasteners further, just like you would with a standard screwdriver.

Which one you want is really about the applications you’re going to do the most. If you need greater fastening force, go with a larger pistol grip. If you’re working with delicate materials and smaller fasteners, inline is the better bet.

Clutches and Modes

Pistol grip electric screwdrivers often have multiple modes, clutch settings, and variable speed triggers, making them ideal for jobs that require control over driving depth. They’re great for woodworking projects and some installation jobs but often aren’t finesse enough for the most delicate fasteners and materials.

That’s not the case with inline models, though. It’s less common to find torque control, and almost none of them offer speed control. For some people, that might not matter. When you can find torque control features combined with the design’s better line of sight and even greater driving control, the inline form factor is popular for applications like RC cars, drone building/repair, and jobs that involve electronics.

Ergonomics

Inline screwdrivers have to be thicker than manual ones to make room for the battery and electronics. Some models pay more attention to ergonomic detail than others, though. In most cases, you press and hold a button to activate the motor, so look for a design that fits well in your hand and has the buttons in a comfortable place for you to reach.

Pistol grip screwdrivers are usually much better ergonomically. In addition to the more comfortable grip position, the handle is typically more contoured to fit your hand well. Models from well-known power tool brands usually use the same ergonomic handle design they do for their drills and impact drivers.

Go Where the Job Takes You

Compared to drills and impact drivers, cordless screwdrivers tend to be more lightweight and compact, so they naturally fit into tight spaces better. However, the design makes a difference and may influence your decision.

Pistol grip screwdrivers are great under cabinets or around HVAC equipment. When an impact driver’s torque can damage your workpiece, they’re a great alternative to a larger drill.

Inline models have a better line of sight, though, and their inline design reaches into crowded areas better. Think breaker panels, electrical gang boxes, or electronic boards. Having better control and reach makes the inline design superior for tasks like those.

When you need the higher performance of a pistol grip model and the reach of an inline design, remember you can always you a longer bit and get the best of both worlds.

Compatibility with Any Screw

Some electric screwdrivers have a 1/4-inch hex collet, just like an impact driver. You can get any bit you need with a 1/4-inch hex shank to match: Torx, Phillips, slotted, and square are all readily available. Even specialty bits like tri-wing and security bits are available with the right shank.

Other models have a magnetic base inside the driver bit holder. It holds the bit in place but not so tightly that it’s difficult to remove. Since it’s not using a full quick-change collet, the interface is a little smaller. The good thing is that these use the same 1/4-inch hex shank bits, so you don’t have to worry about being compatible with one collet style and not the other.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Brushless Electric Screwdriver Manufacturer.

You might find some cordless screwdrivers with a 4mm hex shank, though. These are usually purpose-built for electronics, but the bit principles are the same. The big difference is that you won’t find as wide a variety of bits since electronics tend to stick with just a few standard types.

LED Lights

Most cordless screwdrivers have some form of LED lighting. The most basic has a single light, usually on top of the housing of an inline design or on the foot of a pistol grip design. The best have several surrounding the collet and do a great job of eliminating shadows around your fastener. This is such a helpful feature that I wouldn’t buy a model without some form of LED.

Battery Indicator Lights

No one wants to crawl under a car or climb a ladder to tighten a fastener and then discover the screwdriver’s battery is dead. Most models include some sort of indicator to give you an idea of how much of the battery capacity remains.

The most basic is a simple green -> yellow -> red progression. By the time the indicator turns red, you need to recharge, and if it flashes, you have very little capacity remaining.

More helpful (in my opinion, at least) is a bar indicator. 3 or 4 small LEDs light up to give you an idea of how much battery capacity remains. On an inline model, it may light up automatically when you turn the screwdriver on. For pistol grip models with a swappable power tool battery, you need to press the button on the battery to light the indicator up.

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews to Recommend Electric Screwdrivers

Ever check out a “review” site and you can’t tell if the author has any real experience with tools or if they’re just “recommending” the Amazon top sellers? That’s not us. We won’t recommend anything unless we’d use it ourselves. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.

We’ve been in business since covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than one hundred individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds more at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

Pro Tool Reviews consults with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work.

We work with more than two dozen professional contractors nationwide who review products for us on real job sites. We consult with them extensively on testing methods, categories, and practical applications.

Our site will provide several hundred pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers. That includes objective evaluations of individual tools and products.

The result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool.

For most household tasks, a 12-volt drill is more than adequate. These small drills offer the best combination of power, maneuverability, run time, and cost. They aren’t designed for all-day big-project use, but they are more than capable for basic home maintenance and repair, and if needed they can sink a 3-inch screw on occasion. In our tests, it was common to see a 12-volt drill bore over 20 1-inch holes through a 2-by-10-footer on a single battery charge. This is clearly enough oomph for tasks like swapping out light fixtures, building a bookshelf, and making minor drywall repairs. It’s also enough power for an occasional foray into more aggressive work, like fixing a saggy gutter or replacing a few rotted deck boards.

We also tested a number of compact 18- and 20-volt drills for the more DIY minded. If you have plans to build a deck, doghouse, or tree house, these larger drills offer longer battery life and more power. They can handle all but the most aggressive jobs (like mixing mortar with a paddle or drilling repeatedly into concrete). The compact models we looked at split a nice difference between the smaller 12-volt drills and the much larger, heavy-duty, contractor-grade 18- and 20-volt drills that can cost hundreds more.

Ergonomics are what differentiate the good from the great. You could have the most powerful drill in the world, but if it’s not comfortable to hold, you probably won’t want to use it. We sought out a drill that was small, comfortable to hold (for both large and small hands), relatively light, and nicely balanced. These details make a huge difference, especially when you’re reaching overhead with the tool for extended periods or doing a repetitive task like replacing deck boards or putting together a piece of knockdown furniture.

We like belt clips and LED lights. Most drills come with these accessories, but they’re not all the same. We looked for belt clips that were wide and easy to use, and an LED that effectively lit up the workspace. Some clips hang the tool awkwardly from the hip, and we’ve tested many LED lights that cast shadows over the tip of the drill.

We tried to keep the cost reasonable. Solid 12-volt drills (with a charger and two batteries) from reputable manufacturers typically cost between about $100 and $150 (but are occasionally available for less). Compact 18- and 20-volt drills are in the next price bracket, usually costing between $150 and $200. There are certainly cheaper drills available, but in our experience, if you get too far below these cost brackets, the drills are low quality or otherwise flawed. The tools we’re recommending should last years, if not decades.

Top pick

The DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme is the most comfortable drill we’ve ever held. It’s loaded with convenience features and packs enough strength and stamina to easily handle common jobs around the home.

The DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit offers the best combination of power, size, ergonomics, and convenience. Like the majority of the drills we looked at, it has more than enough strength for household tasks. But it really shines ergonomically: It is, by far, the most comfortable drill we’ve held. In addition, it offers great minor touches, including a wide belt clip and a bright LED that’s positioned to cast maximum light at the front of the drill. The body of the drill is balanced, and because of the way the battery is positioned, the tool can stand up, making it easier to set down and pick up in the middle of a project (unlike many of the other drills, which can be placed only on their sides).

It has plenty of power for around-the-house tasks. In our power tests, the DeWalt 12-volt was able to drill 30 1-inch holes into a 2-by-10 on a single battery charge, and it could sink over 100 3-inch drywall screws into a doubled-up 2-by-10 (3 inches of wood). Obviously, that’s more than enough to tighten up some cabinet hinges and hang a mirror. Yet it’s also plenty for those times you might need to deal with a larger project, such as building garage shelving or replacing a short flight of deck stairs. If you need a drill for constant, all-day aggressive use, we recommend our upgrade pick, but if you’ll be dipping a toe into larger DIY projects only occasionally, the DeWalt 12-volt will have no problems.

The DeWalt DCD701F2 is really small and light. From tip to tail, the DeWalt 12-volt is less than 6 inches long; it was one of the shortest drills we looked at. On our scale it weighed just under 2.5 pounds, landing in the midrange of 12-volt drill weights. But the DeWalt’s balance was so nice that, before we weighed the drills, we were convinced it was among the lightest tested. Some drills, like the Bosch GSR12V-300B22, were much lighter on the scale but felt heavier in our hands due to poor balance.

The DeWalt 12-volt drill stands out for its ergonomic design. The handle appears to be designed with every contour of a hand in mind. Even the slightest details are accounted for, such as the little depression where the forefinger knuckle rubs against the drill body. The handle tapers nicely, allowing the pinky finger to find purchase, and the trigger and forward/reverse control are well-positioned for quick use. We tested the drill in both small and large hands, and everyone thought it was extremely comfortable to hold.

It can stand up, making it easier to grab mid-project and less likely to mar a delicate surface. DeWalt employs a “foot”-style battery, which slides into the base of the handle from the front of the tool, giving it a small platform to stand on. By contrast, many competitors’ 12-volt drills, like those from Milwaukee and Bosch, use a battery that slides up into the handle. So not only does this force a bulky handle, but without a foot, the drills can only be put on their sides, making them more difficult to set down and grab in the middle of a project.

It’s really easy to check the remaining charge in the battery. Unlike many drills, the DeWalt’s battery gauge is on the battery rather than on the tool. This means you can quickly check both batteries before you start your project. Other drills have the battery gauge on the actual tool, so to check each battery, it needs to first be installed in the drill. It’s a minor point, but it emphasizes the overall convenience of the DeWalt DCD701F2’s design.

The LED is well placed and evenly lights up the front of the drill. Since the battery was designed to slide into the base of the handle, DeWalt also had room to place the LED down below the grip, whereas many other 12-volt drills place their lights just above the trigger. The 12-volt DeWalt LED’s lower position means it casts much better light at the nose of the tool and reduces the drill’s shadow considerably. In our tests, the light from the Bosch and Milwaukee models’ LEDs barely illuminated above the drills at all.

We like DeWalt’s other 12-volt tools. With the two batteries from this kit, you are then able to get other DeWalt 12-volt items as bare tools, meaning they’re sold without the battery and charger and at a reduced cost. The tools are mostly construction-oriented and, over the years, we’ve liked the ones we’ve used.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

We really tried to find something wrong with this drill but repeatedly came up with nothing. It’s compact, powerful, and very comfortable to hold. Those are the most important elements of a drill, and the DeWalt DCD701F2 achieves high marks in all three categories. Any negatives are those shared by other 12-volt drills: It’s not powerful enough for all-day aggressive DIY work, and it can’t drill into masonry.

Best for...

The Milwaukee sets a new performance standard at its low weight and small size, but its power falls short of the best drills, and its wide grip is harder to hold versus some larger options.

If you can’t get the DeWalt, or compact size is your top priority, we recommend the Milwaukee -22 M12 Subcompact Brushless Drill Driver. I’ve been testing and using drills for 25 years and I’ve never held one as small as this. It’s almost comically tiny. For power, it can handle the occasional 3-inch screw, but it lacks the overall strength of the DeWalt. It was only able to drill 20 1-inch holes through the 2 by 6 (the DeWalt drilled 30). On the upside, the diminutive nature of the Milwaukee makes it an easy drill to hold and handle, especially for those with limited arm strength or if you just want to lessen the load while working overhead.

It’s super small and powerful. By our measurements, the Milwaukee weighs only 2-pounds (with the battery) and is about 5¼ inches long. That’s little. Compared with the DeWalt, it’s 7 ounces lighter and almost a three-quarter inch shorter. We’ve been using this drill a lot, for all kinds of around-the-house tasks, and the power has never been lacking. It did OK, but not great, in our structured tests, but given its compact nature, this is not a drill to use when building a deck. The power is perfectly adequate, if not impressive, for the drill’s size.

The handle isn’t our favorite. The battery of the drill sits inside the handle, which adds bulk at the bottom of the grip area. This makes it a little harder to grab, especially compared with the DeWalt’s design, which tapers at the bottom of the handle and provides an easier grip for the pinky and ring fingers.

Milwaukee has a nice 12-volt platform. If this is your first power tool, it will introduce you to Milwaukee’s world of 12-volt tools. Milwaukee generally targets tradespeople and are light on lifestyle items, but there are plenty of nice tools that are compatible with the same batteries that can be purchased as a bare tool for a reduced cost including a little pruning saw and a variety of worklights.

It’s brand new. This is a new drill from Milwaukee, so while we’ve been testing and using it for a month (during a home renovation), we lack long-term feedback on it. Our experience with Milwaukee drills is generally excellent, so we’re confident recommending it, but we will closely monitor the drill’s feedback.

Best for...

With five replaceable heads, this drill can get in places others can’t. Most people don’t need it, but advanced DIYers with an eye for cabinetry and fine finish work will see benefits.

A regular drill will be plenty for most, but if you’re looking for an additional level of functionality, we recommend the DeWalt DCD703F1 12-volt Cordless 5-in-1 Drill/Driver Kit.

This drill gives you options. Overall, this DeWalt is very similar to our top pick, but the head of it can be removed and replaced with one of three other options; a ¼-inch driver, an offset driver, or a right angle attachment. Each of these carries its own benefits, particularly the offset driver, which can drill a hole or sink a screw right up against an inside corner, and the right angle attachment, which can operate in spots that a drill can’t otherwise fit. One cool feature is that the right angle attachment can then hold any of the other three attachments. So you could combine heads for a right angle offset driver. Finally, with no attachments on it, the drill can be used as a ¼-inch driver, which brings the tool’s total length down to a short 5 inches.

The ergonomics set it above the competition. We tested the DeWalt against multi-head drills from Bosch and Milwaukee. They’re all fairly similar, except that the DeWalt is far more comfortable to use and hold. As with the regular 12-volt drills, we were convinced that the DeWalt was the lightest, but after weighing them, we found it was the heaviest. We also appreciate being able to stand the drill up on its foot, especially since the tool’s functionality melds so well with finish work, where you want to be as delicate as possible.

It’s longer, heavier, and pricier than our top pick. The added functionality of the multiple heads comes with some slight drawbacks. According to our measurements, this drill is about a half inch longer and 3 to 4 ounces heavier. It’s not a lot. But the price difference is a little more significant. The regular 12-volt DeWalt is usually below $150 and sometimes as little as $110. This kit costs more in the $150 to $180 range, but it only comes with one battery. So for the full two-battery experience (which we recommend), a second battery will need to be purchased, adding about $40 to the total cost, potentially putting you past the $200 range.

Most probably don’t need it. This drill is a lot of fun to play around with, but the uses of the additional heads are specific. Not everyone is going to care about getting screws perfectly lined up, tight to an inside corner and many will never come across a situation where a right angle drill is necessary. But if you’re fully into the DIY experience, you may have already run across these kinds of situations. If so, you can already imagine what this drill can provide.

12-volt models

Before we begin the 12-volt and 18-volt competition sections, a caveat: If you’re already invested in one of the following battery platforms, these tools are likely to be a great value for you, especially if you can find one sold as a “bare tool” (without the battery and charger), which drastically reduces the price. Although these models have faults in comparison with our picks, they are solid performers. And you’re likely to forgive their flaws due to the convenience of expanding your collection within a single, consistent brand.

The other two multihead drills we tested were the Milwaukee -22 12-volt Cordless 4-in-1 Drill Driver Kit and the Bosch GSR12V-140FCB22 12-volt Cordless 5-In-1 Flexiclick Multi-Head Drill Set. They’re both excellent as far as performance, but they couldn’t match the DeWalt in ergonomics. Both Bosch and Milwaukee use the fatter, canister-style battery, which makes for a thicker handle than the streamlined DeWalt. Unlike the others, the design of the Milwaukee deviates considerably from their standard 12-volt drill. They’ve added a front piece to the handle, which creates a foot to stand the drill upright and also provides a small magnetic area to hold screws and bits. The downside of this is that it pushes the handle farther away from the nose of the tool, making it a more difficult option in a tight space. The drill’s forward and reverse switch has been moved to the top of the drill, which we thought was awkward to use, compared with a traditional thumb toggle.

The Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit was previously a longtime pick of ours. We’ve been recommending it for the better part of a decade, which is multiple lifetimes in the world of cordless tools. It remains an excellent drill, and it’s often sold for less than $100, but it’s not as comfortable as the DeWalt and not as compact as the Milwaukee.

The Milwaukee -22 M12 Fuel 1/2 in. Drill/Driver was also a previous pick of ours. It’s a powerful 12-volt drill with a larger half-inch jaw capacity. This means it can handle much larger drill bits and things like mixing paddles. It’s an excellent drill, and we like it, but through our long-term testing, we’ve realized that it’s not one we reach for. If we were going to do heavy-duty work, we’d go for a larger, 18-volt model. The Milwaukee is good with more advanced tasks but not great with them.

The Milwaukee -22 M12 Fuel 1/2 in. Drill Driver Kit is an older version of the Milwaukee 12-volt we recommend. It’s not as powerful and will likely be phased out soon.

The Bosch GSR12V-300B22 12V Max EC Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit is the lightest drill we tested, coming in at an even 2 pounds in our measurements (although the overall design makes it feel about the same weight as the DeWalt 12-volt, which is 7 ounces heavier). The Bosch performed well, but it typically costs more than the DeWalt.

The Skil DL PWRCore 12 Brushless 12V 1/2 in. Cordless Drill Driver Kit comes with only one battery, and at 7 inches, it’s longer than most of the 12-volt drills we tested. The charger can give it a 25% charge in five minutes, which almost offsets the lack of a second battery — almost. The Skil also lacks power and has an overload-protection feature that constantly kicked on while we were using the tool, which was annoying.

We did not test the Makita FD07R1 12V max CXT Lithium‑Ion Brushless Cordless 3/8 in. Driver Drill Kit. It shares many characteristics with our main pick, the DeWalt 12-volt, but the light is positioned above the handle, so it doesn’t illuminate a work surface as well. It’s also typically a lot more expensive.

A previous runner-up, the Milwaukee -22 M12 3/8 in. Drill/Driver is not as powerful as the 12-volt DeWalt or Bosch models, and it weighs more.

The Black+Decker BDCDD12C 12V Max Cordless Lithium Drill/Driver comes with only a single battery. It doesn’t have a belt hook, onboard bit storage, or a battery gauge. This model also offers just one speed, and it’s merely a little faster than the low speeds of the other drills we tried. In practical terms, this means jobs don’t go as quickly with this drill, especially with smaller screws, which you normally need to drive at high speed. The power is not that great, either.

18- and 20-volt models

The 18-volt drills we recommend are all in the compact class, meaning, they’re typically the smallest version of an 18-volt drill that most companies sell. In our testing, we also looked at the Milwaukee -22 18-Volt Brushless Drill/Driver as a representative of the larger pro-class of drill. These tools are stronger, heavier, and larger than the ones we recommend and usually come with removable side handles to help manage the higher torque they produce. This Milwaukee is an excellent tool but overkill for most. For someone looking for a substantial tool that can truly take a beating and manage difficult tasks like using mixing paddles and large diameter hole saw drilling, it’s a great choice.

We previously recommended the DeWalt DCD800E2 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit. This is a fine drill and if you already have 20-volt DeWalt batteries, we recommend this one, but compared to the Milwaukee 18-volt, it’s a little larger and, through long term testing, the moveable LED light hasn’t added much to the overall experience (yet it does add bulk to the drill body).

We also used to recommend the Ridgid R 18V Brushless SubCompact Cordless Drill/Driver Kit. It’s a nice drill at a solid price and easily available at Home Depot. It’s also one that, given the opportunity, we rarely reach for. If you have Ridgid batteries, it’s a great choice, but starting from scratch, we’d opt for the Milwaukee 18-volt instead.

The DeWalt DCD791D2 20V Max XR Li-Ion Brushless Compact Drill/Driver Kit was a previous pick, but it has now been discontinued. Similarly, the Milwaukee -22CT M18 Compact Brushless 1/2 in. Drill Driver Kit was also a pick, but it has been replaced with the Milwaukee -22CT we now recommend.

The Craftsman CMCD713C2 V20 Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver Kit is nice, but it’s not as powerful as our picks, and it felt chunkier in the hands.

DeWalt has two versions of their Atomic drill (the DCD708C2 and the DCD794D1). These are meant to be a bridge between the two classes of drills, combining the size of the 12-volt drills with power closer to the larger, 18- and 20-volt tools. The problem is that, over time, the 12-volt drills have become more powerful and the 18- and 20-volt drills have become smaller, effectively squeezing the Atomic drills out of the picture. The Milwaukee 18-volt drill we recommend is shorter than both of the Atomics and considerably more powerful.

The Ryobi PSBDD01K One+ 18V Brushless Compact Drill managed to drill just 31 holes on a single charge, making it one the least powerful 18-volt drills we tested. In fact, its capabilities are in line with our top 12-volt recommendation, the DeWalt DCD701F2, but with the added weight of an 18-volt tool. Also, the handle design includes an added finger notch that we found uncomfortable.

Flex is a new brand of cordless power tools. Its 24-Volt Brushless Cordless Drill has a lot of positive feedback at Lowe’s (where it is exclusively sold), but we don’t think the added voltage is necessary for around-the-house work. Plus, the larger battery adds weight.

In our tests, the Makita XFD11RB Sub Compact Drill/Driver wasn’t as powerful as the other 18-volt drills we recommend. It also tends to be more expensive, and the LED is positioned at the top of the handle.

The Black+Decker BDCDE120C 20V Max Lithium Drill/Driver with AutoSense Technology was a champ at driving screws, but it didn’t do well in our drilling test, managing only 25 holes (which put it in the middle of the pack). It also has only a 0.375-inch chuck (the rest of the 18-volt models have 0.5-inch chucks), which limits it with larger bits. In addition, it’s a single-speed tool, whereas all of the others we tried have two speeds.

This article was edited by Harry Sawyers.

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