DEWALT vs Milwaukee vs Ryobi vs BLACK+DECKER: which cordless drill should you buy?
By EmbroidHub Editorial Team · Updated · How we compare
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A cordless drill is the first power tool most people buy, and the brand you choose decides which batteries you will use for years. DEWALT and Milwaukee are the pro favorites, Ryobi has the biggest affordable lineup for DIYers, and BLACK+DECKER is the budget pick for light jobs around the house.
Quick picks
- Best all-around drill: DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit (DCD771C2)Check price on Amazon
- Heavy use and contractors: Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Drill/Driver KitCheck price on Amazon
- DIYers who want lots of tools: Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver KitCheck price on Amazon
- Light jobs and first apartments: BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill (LDX120C)Check price on Amazon
Side-by-side comparison
| Product | Best for | Price tier | Voltage | Motor | Chuck | Batteries in kit | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit (DCD771C2) | Best all-around drill | Mid-range | 20V MAX | Brushed | 1/2 in | 2 | See on Amazon |
| Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Drill/Driver Kit | Heavy use and contractors | Premium | 18V (M18) | Brushless | 1/2 in | 2 | See on Amazon |
| Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver Kit | DIYers who want lots of tools | Budget | 18V (ONE+) | Brushed | 1/2 in | 1 | See on Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill (LDX120C) | Light jobs and first apartments | Budget | 20V MAX | Brushed | 3/8 in | 1 | See on Amazon |
#1 · Best all-around drill · Mid-range
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit (DCD771C2)
The best-selling drill kit on Amazon for years. Two-speed transmission, a 1/2 inch chuck, two batteries and a charger in the box, and it works with the huge DEWALT 20V MAX tool family.
What we like
- Two batteries included
- Huge 20V MAX tool family
- Light and well balanced
Keep in mind
- Brushed motor, less runtime than brushless models
- Voltage
- 20V MAX
- Motor
- Brushed
- Chuck
- 1/2 in
- Batteries in kit
- 2
#2 · Heavy use and contractors · Premium
Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Drill/Driver Kit
Milwaukee's compact brushless M18 drill is a contractor favorite: powerful, compact and tough. The M18 battery platform covers hundreds of tools, from impact drivers to heated jackets.
What we like
- Brushless motor, more power and runtime
- Very durable
- Huge pro-grade M18 lineup
Keep in mind
- Costs more
- Overkill for occasional DIY
- Voltage
- 18V (M18)
- Motor
- Brushless
- Chuck
- 1/2 in
- Batteries in kit
- 2
#3 · DIYers who want lots of tools · Budget
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
Ryobi's ONE+ battery fits more than 300 tools, including yard tools, fans and glue guns, and every ONE+ battery made since 1996 fits every ONE+ tool. A great platform for homeowners.
What we like
- Low price
- One battery for 300+ tools
- Backward-compatible batteries
Keep in mind
- Less power than DEWALT and Milwaukee
- Single battery in many kits
- Voltage
- 18V (ONE+)
- Motor
- Brushed
- Chuck
- 1/2 in
- Batteries in kit
- 1
#4 · Light jobs and first apartments · Budget
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill (LDX120C)
A light, inexpensive drill for hanging shelves, assembling furniture and small repairs. It is not built for heavy drilling into concrete or all-day use, but it is plenty for occasional jobs.
What we like
- Very affordable
- Light and easy to handle
Keep in mind
- 3/8 inch chuck
- Single speed, less power
- Voltage
- 20V MAX
- Motor
- Brushed
- Chuck
- 3/8 in
- Batteries in kit
- 1
Pick a battery platform, not just a drill
Batteries are the expensive part. Once you own two batteries and a charger, every other tool from the same brand is cheaper to buy as a bare tool. Think about the tools you will want next (an impact driver, a circular saw, a leaf blower) and choose the brand that makes them at a price you like.
Brushed or brushless?
Brushless motors run cooler, last longer and get more work out of each battery charge. They cost more. For occasional DIY, a brushed drill is fine; for frequent or heavy use, brushless is worth it.
Our verdict
The DEWALT DCD771C2 is the best pick for most people. Contractors should go Milwaukee M18 brushless, homeowners who want yard tools on the same battery should go Ryobi ONE+, and BLACK+DECKER is fine for light jobs on a tight budget.
Frequently asked questions
Is DEWALT or Milwaukee better?
Both are top professional brands. Milwaukee is often preferred by electricians and plumbers, DEWALT by carpenters and general contractors. Pick the one whose other tools you want.
Can I use DEWALT batteries on Ryobi tools?
Not directly. Each brand uses its own battery connection. Third-party adapters exist, but they may void the warranty.
Is 20V MAX more powerful than 18V?
No. 20V MAX is the peak voltage of the same kind of battery that is rated 18V nominal. Power depends on the motor and battery, not that label.
Specs and features come from the manufacturers and can change between versions. Prices change often on Amazon, so check the current price and the exact model before you buy.
