DIY & Home ImprovementBuying Guide
Best Cordless Drills for DIY in 2026
By BuySmartly Editors · July 18, 2026
Affiliate disclosure: BuySmartly may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It doesn't cost you extra and it never influences our picks. Learn more.
A good cordless drill is the one tool every home should have. We tested eight of the most popular models on real projects — hanging shelves, assembling furniture, drilling into brick — to sort the workhorses from the wallet-drainers.
Our top picks
| Rank | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top pick | DeWalt DCD800 | 4.5 | $179 | Check Price |
| #2 | Milwaukee M18 Fuel | 5.0 | $249 | Check Price |
| #3 | Ryobi ONE+ HP | 4.5 | $129 | Check Price |
Top pick$179
4.5
DeWalt DCD800
Best all-round DIY drill — the one to buy.
Pros
- Brushless motor
- Compact for tight spaces
- Great battery ecosystem
Cons
- Kit sold separately
- LED could be brighter
#2$249
5.0
Milwaukee M18 Fuel
Step up if you tackle bigger renovations.
Pros
- Serious torque
- Best-in-class build quality
- Huge tool ecosystem
Cons
- Pricier
- Heavier than the DeWalt
#3$129
4.5
Ryobi ONE+ HP
Budget champion — best if you are starting fresh.
Pros
- Affordable entry into a big battery platform
- Plenty powerful for DIY
- Lightweight
Cons
- Chuck is not as smooth
- Battery life shorter than premium picks
The verdict
For most DIYers, the DeWalt DCD800 hits the sweet spot of power, weight, and price. Step up to the Milwaukee M18 Fuel if you plan to tackle heavier renovations.