The best cordless drill is usually the one that matches your work and the batteries you already own. A heavy-duty bare tool can be a smart upgrade for an established tool platform, while a complete kit is often the better first purchase.
This guide compares published manufacturer specifications and verified package configurations. ToolShed Tested did not physically test these drills. Prices and availability change, so confirm the seller and included equipment before ordering.
Quick answer
- Best for existing DEWALT users:DEWALT DCD999B
- Best high-torque pick:Milwaukee 2904-20
- Best drill/driver without hammer mode: Makita XFD14Z
- Best starter kit: Ryobi PBLDD01K
1. DEWALT DCD999B: best for existing DEWALT users
The DCD999B is a 20V MAX brushless hammer drill/driver with FLEXVOLT Advantage technology. It accepts regular DEWALT 20V MAX batteries and is designed to deliver additional power when paired with a compatible FLEXVOLT battery. Its three-speed transmission is useful when you want a lower range for controlled driving, a middle range for general work, and a high range for smaller drilling tasks.
This exact Amazon link is for the DCD999B bare tool. It does not include a battery or charger. That makes the purchase most sensible for someone who already owns compatible DEWALT packs.
Choose it if: you own DEWALT batteries and want one drill for demanding fasteners, large bits, and occasional masonry work.
Skip it if: you need a ready-to-use first kit or only expect light assembly and picture-hanging jobs.
Check the DEWALT DCD999B on Amazon
Manufacturer reference: DEWALT FLEXVOLT Advantage system
2. Milwaukee 2904-20: best high-torque pick
Milwaukee publishes 1,400 in-lbs of peak torque, speeds up to 2,100 RPM, and a 6.9-inch length for the 2904-20 M18 FUEL hammer drill/driver. It also includes AUTOSTOP control mode, which is designed to reduce over-rotation if the bit binds.
Those specifications make it the most compelling pick here for high-demand work, but the exact Amazon configuration is a bare tool. The value is strongest for someone already using Milwaukee M18 batteries.
Choose it if: high torque, a compact head, hammer mode, and the M18 platform matter more than buying the lowest-cost package.
Skip it if: your projects are mostly furniture assembly, pilot holes, and occasional light repairs.
Check the Milwaukee 2904-20 on Amazon
Manufacturer reference: Milwaukee 2904-20 specifications
3. Makita XFD14Z: best drill/driver without hammer mode
The XFD14Z is a brushless 18V LXT drill/driver, not a hammer drill. Makita publishes 1,250 in-lbs of maximum torque, a two-speed range of 0-550 and 0-2,100 RPM, a 7-inch overall length, and an all-metal 1/2-inch self-ratcheting chuck.
That combination suits wood, metal, and fastening jobs where hammer mode is unnecessary. Makita lists the weight as 5.7 pounds with a battery, but the exact linked configuration is the tool only.
Choose it if: you already use Makita 18V LXT batteries and want a strong, focused drill/driver.
Skip it if: concrete, brick, or block drilling is a regular part of your project list.
Check the Makita XFD14Z on Amazon
Manufacturer reference: Makita XFD14Z specifications
4. Ryobi PBLDD01K: best starter kit
The PBLDD01K is the only complete kit in this comparison. The verified Amazon listing includes the PBLDD01 drill/driver, two 2Ah High Performance batteries, a charger, and a bag. Ryobi publishes up to 750 in-lbs of torque and two speed ranges of 0-500 and 0-2,100 RPM.
It does not have hammer mode, but its complete package removes the surprise cost of adding batteries and a charger. It also opens the door to Ryobi's broad 18V ONE+ catalog.
Choose it if: this is your first cordless platform and you want a ready-to-use package for common home and DIY jobs.
Skip it if: you routinely bore large holes, drive oversized structural fasteners, or need masonry capability.
Check the Ryobi PBLDD01K kit on Amazon
Manufacturer reference: Ryobi PBLDD01K specifications
Side-by-side comparison
| Model | Type | Published torque | Top no-load speed | Linked package |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DCD999B | Hammer drill/driver | Manufacturer emphasizes FLEXVOLT Advantage power | Three-speed transmission | Tool only |
| Milwaukee 2904-20 | Hammer drill/driver | 1,400 in-lbs peak | 2,100 RPM | Tool only |
| Makita XFD14Z | Drill/driver | 1,250 in-lbs max | 2,100 RPM | Tool only |
| Ryobi PBLDD01K | Drill/driver | 750 in-lbs max | 2,100 RPM | Drill, two batteries, charger, bag |
Published torque figures are useful within a manufacturer's lineup, but they are not always measured or reported identically across brands. Treat them as one input, not a laboratory head-to-head result.
How to choose without overspending
Start with the battery platform
If you already own healthy DEWALT, Milwaukee, Makita, or Ryobi batteries, a compatible bare tool often costs less than starting another platform. If you own no batteries, compare the full package price, not just the drill price.
Decide whether you need hammer mode
A hammer drill adds a rapid forward-and-back action for drilling into masonry with an appropriate masonry bit. It is useful for occasional anchors in brick or concrete. For frequent or larger concrete holes, a rotary hammer is usually the more appropriate class of tool.
Separate drill/driver work from impact-driver work
A drill/driver is the versatile choice for drilling holes and controlled screwdriving. An impact driver is better suited to repeated long screws and structural fasteners. Many homeowners eventually benefit from owning both, but a drill is the more flexible first purchase.
Verify what is in the box
The DEWALT, Milwaukee, and Makita links above are tool-only configurations. The Ryobi link is a kit. Amazon sellers and package contents can change, so confirm the model number, battery count, charger, and seller before checkout.
Bottom line
Buy within your current battery platform unless another model solves a specific problem your existing system cannot. The DEWALT DCD999B is the most flexible choice for established DEWALT users, the Milwaukee 2904-20 is the high-torque option, and the Makita XFD14Z is a strong drill-only configuration. For a first cordless purchase, the complete Ryobi PBLDD01K kit is the simplest value comparison.
For lighter household work, see our cordless drills for beginners. If the job is mostly furniture assembly or small hardware, compare our best cordless screwdrivers before buying a full drill. If you are choosing between higher-power tool types, read impact driver vs. drill. For masonry-heavy projects, compare the options in our best drill for concrete guide.
FAQ
Do I need a hammer drill for home use?
Not for most wood, metal, assembly, and repair jobs. Choose hammer mode if you expect to drill occasional small anchor holes in brick or concrete.
Is a bare tool cheaper than a kit?
Only when you already own compatible batteries and a charger. A low bare-tool price can become a more expensive first purchase after adding the required battery and charger.
Can an 18V battery work in another brand's drill?
Generally no. Battery packs are platform-specific even when their voltage labels look similar. Use the battery types listed by the tool manufacturer.
Which of these picks includes batteries?
The exact Ryobi PBLDD01K link is a kit with two 2Ah batteries and a charger. The linked DEWALT DCD999B, Milwaukee 2904-20, and Makita XFD14Z configurations are bare tools.
Is a cordless drill a good Christmas gift?
Yes, if it matches his battery brand or comes as a complete kit with batteries and a charger. The DEWALT, Milwaukee, and Makita links here are bare tools, so they only suit someone who already owns that brand's batteries. For complete kits, see our cordless drill gift sets guide.
