A good cordless drill is the first tool every home needs, and with it and a few of the right power tools you solve almost any repair and project. So we singled out the 7 best cordless drills and power tools 2026, from the universal drill-driver and impact driver to an angle grinder, jigsaw and a complete kit. For each we list the use, what it is best for, key details and a rough price.
They are all cordless, so you work without cables and extension leads, and modern lithium-ion battery systems are shared between tools of the same brand. That applies both to tradespeople and to everyone who occasionally fixes something at home. In this guide we help you pick the right tools for the job you do and the budget you have.
Quick overview of cordless drills
Below, these seven cordless drills and tools cover every job and budget, from basic repairs to serious projects. Below is a quick overview before the details.
| # | Tool | Use | For what | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Makita DDF485 | Drilling and screws | Wood, metal | ~120 EUR | First tool |
| 2 | Makita DTD153 | Long screws | Assembly | ~120 EUR | Screws |
| 3 | Makita DHP484 | Concrete and wall | Wall mounting | ~150 EUR | Concrete |
| 4 | Makita DGA504 | Cutting and grinding | Metal, tiles | ~80 EUR | Workshop |
| 5 | Makita DJV180 | Precise cuts | Wood | ~90 EUR | Curves |
| 6 | Makita DLX2145TJ | More tools | Everything | ~280 EUR | Value |
| 7 | Einhell TE-CD 18/48 Li | Basic | Occasional | ~50 EUR | Small budget |
1. Makita DDF485
Photo: Makita
If you buy only one tool, make it a cordless drill-driver. It is the most versatile tool that drills into wood and metal and drives screws, so it covers the vast majority of home jobs. From assembling furniture to hanging shelves, this tool does almost everything.
The torque ranges from about 35 Nm on 12-volt models for precise work to over 60 Nm on stronger 18-volt ones for more demanding drilling and screws. A brushless motor, which not all models have, gives longer runtime per charge and a longer lifespan, so it is worth looking for.
For concrete and walls you will need a hammer drill, and quality models are not the cheapest. But as a fundamental tool you will use for years, a good drill-driver is the smartest investment for any home.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use | Drilling into wood and metal and driving screws |
| Torque | Torque of about 35 to 60 Nm, depending on voltage |
| Motor | A brushless motor gives longer runtime and lifespan |
| Battery | A lithium-ion battery for cordless work |
Pros: the most versatile tool for the home, drills and drives screws, a brushless motor for longer runtime.
Cons: for concrete you need a hammer drill, quality models are not the cheapest.
Our opinion: We recommend a cordless drill-driver as the first tool for every home. With it you will solve 90 percent of jobs, from furniture to shelves. If you can, get a brushless model because the difference in battery life and motor lifespan is genuinely felt.
2. Makita DTD153
Photo: Makita
When you need to drive long, thick screws, a cordless impact driver does what an ordinary drill cannot. Its impact mechanism delivers high torque in short bursts, so even the longest screw goes in smoothly, without straining your hand or the bit slipping. For building a deck or structures, it is irreplaceable.
Unlike a drill, an impact driver does not wear out your wrist or the bit because the impacts do the work. A brushless motor gives a longer lifespan and less heating, and a quick hex holder allows lightning-fast bit changes. That makes it an ideal partner to the drill-driver.
It is not, however, for precise drilling of holes, and it is louder because of the impacts. But for everyone who often drives screws into wood or assembles larger structures, an impact driver saves time and effort.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use | Driving long and thick screws without effort |
| Mechanism | An impact mechanism gives high torque |
| Motor | A brushless motor for a longer lifespan and less heating |
| Holder | A quick hex holder for bits |
Pros: high power for long screws, does not wear the wrist or bit, brushless for longer runtime.
Cons: not for precise drilling of holes, louder because of the impacts.
Our opinion: We pick a cordless impact driver as the perfect complement to a drill. When you first drive a long screw without any strain, you do not go back. For decks, fences and larger assemblies, this is a game-changing tool.
3. Makita DHP484
Photo: Makita
For drilling into concrete, brick and stone, an ordinary drill does not help, but a cordless hammer drill easily handles these hard materials. Its impact mechanism combines rotation with forward blows, so the bit penetrates concrete where it would normally get stuck. For any wall mounting, it is the right tool.
Stronger SDS-type models are meant for more demanding work and thicker holes, while an ordinary hammer drill covers most home needs. With the impact off it drills wood and metal too, so it is actually a versatile tool when you need more than a plain driver.
It is heavier and louder than an ordinary drill, and for small jobs it is oversized. But when you need to hang a boiler, kitchen units or shelves on a concrete wall, a hammer drill is indispensable.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use | Drilling into concrete, brick and stone |
| Impact | An impact mechanism penetrates hard materials |
| Power | A stronger SDS-type model for demanding work |
| Versatility | Drills wood and metal too with the impact off |
Pros: easily drills concrete and brick, versatile for all materials, indispensable for wall mounting.
Cons: heavier and louder than an ordinary one, oversized for small jobs.
Our opinion: We pick a cordless hammer drill for everyone who mounts on concrete and brick walls. Without it, drilling concrete is a struggle, with it it is done in a second. If your home has hard walls, this is the second tool you need after the drill-driver.
4. Makita DGA504
Photo: Makita
For cutting and grinding, a cordless angle grinder is indispensable in any workshop. It cuts metal, tiles, concrete blocks and stone, and with the right disc it grinds welds, cleans rust and works edges. The cordless design gives freedom of movement where a cable gets in the way.
Its power comes from interchangeable discs, so the same tool serves for both rough cutting and fine grinding, you just change the disc. That makes it exceptionally versatile for all work with metal and stone, from fixing fences to renovations.
An angle grinder requires caution and mandatory protective gear, above all safety glasses and gloves, because it spins at high speed. The battery drains quickly under load. But with care and the right protection, it is one of the most useful tools in a workshop.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use | Cutting metal, tiles and stone and grinding |
| Discs | Interchangeable discs for cutting and grinding |
| Cordless | Cordless freedom without a cable |
| Protection | A guard and mandatory safety glasses |
Pros: cuts metal tiles and stone, grinds and cleans surfaces, cordless freedom of movement.
Cons: requires caution and protective gear, the battery drains quickly under load.
Our opinion: We pick a cordless angle grinder for everyone who works with metal, tiles or stone. It is versatile and powerful, but demands respect, always wear safety glasses and gloves. With it, cutting and grinding become fast and simple.
5. Makita DJV180
Photo: Makita
For precise and curved cuts, a cordless jigsaw is the most practical choice. It cuts wood, chipboard and thin metal, and its main advantage is that it easily handles the bends and curves a straight saw cannot. For cutting out openings, shapes and all non-standard cuts, it is the right tool.
Interchangeable blades adapt it to the material, from rough cutting of wood to fine cutting in chipboard or sheet metal. Variable speed gives control, so you make precise cuts slowly and safely, and faster cuts when you are in a hurry. For hobbyists and home handymen, it is very versatile.
For large straight cuts a circular saw is faster and more precise, and the cut itself can be slower. But for curved lines and cutting out shapes, a jigsaw has no substitute.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use | Cutting wood, chipboard and thin metal |
| Curves | Easily cuts bends and curves |
| Blades | Interchangeable blades for various materials |
| Control | Variable speed for a precise cut |
Pros: cuts straight and curved lines, interchangeable blades for materials, precise and simple to use.
Cons: not for large straight cuts like a circular saw, the cut can be slower.
Our opinion: We pick a cordless jigsaw for everyone who cuts wood and likes to make shapes. For cutting out openings and curves there is simply nothing better. Alongside a drill and driver, it rounds off the basic set for working with wood.
6. Makita DLX2145TJ
Photo: Makita
If you are equipping a workshop from scratch, a combo tool set gives the most for the money. Instead of buying tools one by one, in a single package you get a drill, an impact driver and more tools, with shared batteries and a charger. Such drill and impact driver sets with batteries usually cost around 250 to 350 euros.
The key advantage is the shared battery system, because the same battery powers all the tools in the package. That means lower costs and fewer chargers, and expanding is easy because new tools of the same system use batteries you already have. A practical case makes carrying and storage easier.
Individual tools in a set can be more basic than top standalone models, and you are tied to one battery system. But for quick and affordable equipping, a combo set is hard to beat.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Contents | A drill, an impact driver and additional tools |
| System | Shared batteries and a charger for all tools |
| Value | Cheaper than buying tools individually |
| Case | A practical case for carrying and storage |
Pros: more tools at a lower price, shared batteries and a charger, practical for equipping from scratch.
Cons: individual tools more basic, tied to one battery system.
Our opinion: We pick a combo tool set for everyone starting from scratch or wanting to cover several jobs at once. Shared batteries and a lower price are a big advantage. Choose the system carefully because you will stay loyal to it, but for a start this is the most cost-effective route.
7. Einhell TE-CD 18/48 Li
Photo: Einhell
If you need a tool only occasionally, a budget cordless drill does the job for little money. Models like Parkside or Einhell often cost around fifty euros, and are quite enough for small assemblies, hanging pictures and occasional home jobs. For someone who drills a few times a year, it is a reasonable choice.
With a lithium-ion battery it works cordlessly like more expensive models, and it is often part of a wider budget battery system shared by other tools of the same brand. So for little money you get basic functionality and the option to expand later.
The power and lifespan are weaker than professional tools, and precision and durability are at a basic level. But for occasional use and a small budget, a budget drill offers good value.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | Very affordable, often around 50 euros |
| Use | Occasional home jobs and small assemblies |
| Battery | A lithium-ion battery for basic use |
| System | Often part of a wider budget battery system |
Pros: a very affordable entry into tools, enough for occasional jobs, good value for the price.
Cons: weaker power and lifespan than professional ones, less precise and durable.
Our opinion: We pick a budget cordless drill for everyone who needs a tool only occasionally. For hanging pictures and small assemblies it does the job without a big spend. If you do not plan serious projects, there is no need to pay for a professional tool.
Cordless drill and power tool buying guide and cordless drills
With cordless drills, first decide which type you need. A drill-driver covers drilling wood and metal and screws and is enough for most homes. Add an impact driver when you often drive long screws, and a hammer drill when you drill into concrete and brick. For cutting you take an angle grinder or a jigsaw, depending on the material and type of cut.
With cordless drills, then look at power and battery. For home use about 35 Nm of torque is enough, while stronger 18-volt models offer over 60 Nm for more demanding work. A voltage of 12 volts means a lighter and more precise tool, and 18 volts more power. Brushless motors give longer runtime, a longer lifespan and better heat management, so they are worth choosing.
Finally, among cordless drills think about the battery system and safety. When you choose a system like those from Bosch, Makita, DeWalt or Einhell, it pays to stay in it because the same batteries work on all tools. Always use protective gear, especially glasses for grinding and cutting. For occasional work a budget drill is enough, for frequent and demanding work a professional model or a combo set. Match the tools to the jobs you do.
Conclusion
The right choice of cordless drills and tools depends on the jobs you do and the budget. For most homes the first and most important tool is a cordless drill-driver, and an impact driver and hammer drill cover long screws and concrete. For cutting there are an angle grinder and a jigsaw, each for its material.
If you are equipping a workshop from scratch, a combo set gives the most for the money with shared batteries, while a budget drill covers occasional work. Whatever you choose, stay in one battery system and always use protective gear, because safe work and real power go together.
| User profile | Recommendation | Price |
|---|---|---|
| First and main tool | Makita DDF485 | ~120 EUR |
| Long screws and assembly | Makita DTD153 | ~120 EUR |
| Drilling concrete | Makita DHP484 | ~150 EUR |
| Cutting and grinding | Makita DGA504 | ~80 EUR |
| Curves in wood | Makita DJV180 | ~90 EUR |
| Equipping from scratch | Makita DLX2145TJ | ~280 EUR |
| Occasional jobs | Einhell TE-CD 18/48 Li | ~50 EUR |
With the right choice of cordless drills and tools, repairs and projects at home become fast and simple. Invest in tools that suit your jobs and battery system, because a good tool lasts for years and pays back through everything you make with it.
Frequently asked questions
Which cordless drill is best?
Among cordless drills, for most homes the best is a drill-driver because it drills and drives screws. For concrete you need a hammer drill, for long screws an impact driver, and the most value is offered by a combo tool set with shared batteries. The leading brands are Bosch, Makita and DeWalt.
How much torque does a drill need?
For home use about 35 Nm of torque is enough for precise work, while stronger 18-volt models offer over 60 Nm for more demanding drilling and screws. Higher torque means easier driving of long screws and drilling into hard materials.
Cordless drill for home or professional?
For occasional home jobs a quality DIY or budget drill like Parkside or Einhell is enough. For frequent and demanding work a professional model from Bosch Professional, Makita or DeWalt pays off thanks to power, durability and better batteries.
How long does a drill battery last?
The duration depends on battery capacity and the type of job, but lithium-ion batteries usually last several hours of lighter work or dozens of drilled holes. Brushless motors use less energy, so with them the battery lasts noticeably longer per charge.
Drill-driver or hammer drill?
A drill-driver is enough for wood, metal and driving screws and covers most home needs. A hammer drill additionally drills into concrete, brick and stone thanks to the impact mechanism, so choose it if you mount on concrete walls.
Bosch or Makita?
Both are top quality, and the choice often depends on the battery system you already have. DeWalt and Bosch are valued for power, while Makita offers advanced modes and precise control. Once you choose a system, it pays to stay in it because the batteries work on all tools.
How we chose
In compiling this list of cordless drills and tools we relied on independent tests and reviews, rather than marketing. We checked the data through a lab test of drills at Consumer Reports, a review of impact drivers at Power Tools Insider and a German tool set test at Meister Werkzeug.
We deliberately mixed basic and specialised cordless drills and tools across budget and professional models, so that every handyman and budget finds its own. Prices change through the year, so we listed them roughly, in euros, as a guide when buying.
Sources
- 11 Best Cordless Drills of 2026 - Consumer Reports
- Best Impact Drivers 2026 - Power Tools Insider
- Top 10 Power Tools 2026 - Tool King
- Akku-Werkzeug Set Test: Bosch, Makita & DeWalt - Meister Werkzeug
- Die besten Akku-Schlagbohrschrauber Test 2026 - Testberichte.de
- Akku-Bohrschrauber Test 2026 - Vergleich.org