Cordless Drill Comparison Guide
Cordless drills are an essential power tool for most business owners—whether you run a contracting business or just need a cordless drill on hand for repairs around the office.
If you’ve never purchased a cordless drill before, there are several factors that will go into your purchasing decision. What will you be using the drill for? How often will you use it? How much power do you need? These are all questions that you should know the answers to before you shop.
To help you find the best cordless drill for your business, we’ve put together a comparison chart of top-rated battery-powered drills.
| DeWalt Cordless Drill | Milwaukee Cordless Drill Driver | Makita Cordless Drill | Porter-Cable Cordless Drill | |
| Description | The DeWalt 20V MAX Drill/Driver Kit is a great option for a range of applications with its powerful, brushless motor and lightweight design. This kit comes complete with two batteries, a charger, and a convenient storage bag. | The Milwaukee M18 Drill/Driver Kit is equipped with a four-pole, frameless motor and delivers powerful torque up to 1,800 rpm. Its compact design allows you to work in tight spaces, while its metal case and ½” chuck provide the durability pros need. | The Makita 7.2V Drill/Driver Kit features an auto-stop clutch and exceptional precision for torque-specific applications. The compact design offers 21 clutch settings and a 2-speed gear selection for low- or high-speed applications. | The Porter-Cable 20V Max Drill Kit is designed for metal drilling, wood drilling, and fastening. This cordless drill features a high-performance motor, two-speed gear box, and a compact design that allows you to work in tight spaces. |
| Chuck Size | 1/2" | 1/2" | 1/4" | 1/2" |
| Tool Length | 7 33/64" | 7 1/4" | 11" | 8 1/4" |
| Overall Length | 7 1/2" | 7 1/4" | 10 3/4" | 8 1/4" |
| Voltage | 20VDC | 18VDC | 7.2V | 20VDC |
| Number of Batteries | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Cordless Tool Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Ion | Li-Ion | Li-Ion |
| Battery Capacity | 1.5Ah | 1.5 Ah | 1.5Ah | 1.3Ah |
| Brushless Motor | Yes | No | No | No |
| Series | 20V MAX* | M18 | — | 20V MAX Compact |
| No Load RPM | 0 to 500 / 0 to 1,750 | 0 to 400 / 0 to 1,800 | 0 to 200 / 0 to 650 | 0 to 350 / 0 to 1,500 |
| Chuck | Keyless | Keyless | Keyless | Keyless |
| Battery Included | 11A168 | 2XKZ3 | BL0715 | PCC681 |
| Battery Pack Replacement | DCB201 | 2XKZ3 or 2PYZ8 | 4NNL9 | PCC681 |
| Handle Type | Pistol Grip | Pistol Grip | Pistol Grip | Pistol Grip |
| Tool Weight | 2.7 lb. | 3 lb. | 1.2 lb. | 3.5 lb. |
| Clutch Style | Mechanical | Mechanical | Mechanical | Adjustable |
| Max. Power | 340 UWO | — | 340 W | 283 UWO |
| Transmission | 2-Speed | 2-Speed | 2-Speed | 2-Speed |
| Cordless Drill Class | Compact | Compact | Subcompact | General Purpose |
| Wireless Tool Tracking | No | No | No | No |
| Cordless Tool Kit Contents | (1) Bare Tool, (2) Batteries, (1) Charger | (1) Bare Tool, (2) Batteries, (1) Charger | (1) Bare Tool, (2) Batteries, (1) Charger | (2) Batteries, (1) Charger, (1) #2 Phillips Screwdriving Bit |
| Max. Speed | 1,750 RPM | 1,800 RPM | 650 RPM | 1,500 RPM |
| Number of Speed Settings | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Anti-Kick Back | No | — | No | No |
| Charger Included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Throttle Type | Trigger | Trigger | Lever | Trigger |
| Drill Chuck Type | Keyless | Keyless | Keyless | Keyless |
| Built-In Light | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Chuck Material | Plastic | Metal | Metal | — |
| Number of Clutch Settings | 15+ Drill Mode | 17 | 21+ Drill Mode | 18+ Drill |
| Max. Torque | — | 500 in.-lb. | 71 in.-lb. | — |
| Min. Torque | — | 0 in.-lb. | 32 in.-lb. | — |
| Min. Speed | — | 400 RPM | 200 RPM | 0 RPM |
| Variable Speed | — | Yes | No | — |
| Reversible | — | Yes | — | — |
Did one of the drills in the chart catch your eye? Zoro has cordless drills for every type of business need. Shop cordless drills today and find everything else you need for your business, too.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.