You do not have to spend a fortune to get the best drill that will do the job well. There are many budget drills that will serve you well. You also do not have to shop the mainstream brands to get the right drill, all you need are the proper features and you are good to go.
Being a “budget option” does not equate to inferior quality as many people perceive. There are many high quality and cheap drills.
Best Budget Cordless Drill: Reviews First
In this buying guide, we compare the six best budget cordless drills that you can find on the market. They are not only cheap but they are also loaded with many great features that you will love.
1. WORKSITE 8V Electric Cordless Drill Screwdriver
It has a 16-position 3/8-inch keyless clutch so it is easy to switch the bits out.
Its variable speed motor switch helps you take control of the speed options and there is also a forward and reverse switch that adds to the convenience.
It is lightweight and ergonomic, therefore it is easy to handle. Plus, it has a built-in LED light to illuminate low light working areas for extra convenience.
It is equipped with a 15+1 torque setting with a 0-550 RPM motor to give you optimal performance for small tasks.
Product Specification
- Product Dimensions: 8.27 x 2.36 x 7.87 inches
- Product Weight: 2.48 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight and ergonomic
- Long battery life of 1300mAh
- Keyless chuck for easy bit changing
- Built-in LED to light up dim lit working areas
- 15+1 torque setting with 0-550 RPM
Cons
- Small
- Relatively weak
- Not intended for heavy duty tasks (best for simple repair work)
2. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill / Driver, 3/8-Inch (LDX120C)
It offers up to 650 RPM, which is a decent amount of power for a small cordless drill. The variable speeds help you to achieve countersinking without necessarily damaging the material at hand. It has an 11-position clutch for more control.
It is also very compact and light, and gives you the option to drill even in confined spaces without feeling too bulky.
The drill has an average battery life of about 1 hour of use. When you buy it, you get a 2 year warranty.
Product Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 10.63 x 3.69 x 8.5 inches
- Product Weight: 3.15 pounds
Pros
- Variable speed motor capable of producing 650 RPM
- Unlikely to damage the material at hand
- Compact and lightweight
- 11-position clutch for enhanced control
Cons
- Poor battery life
- Some users found it to be too lightweight (unwieldy)
3. Hi-Spec 12V 1300mAh Li-ion Cordless Drill Driver
The contoured grip makes it easy to handle and it has a variable speed trigger that allows you operate at precise drilling speeds. It features a twin speed control switch that offers speeds between 350 and 1350 RPM, with a forward and reverse switch.
There is a bright LED light at the front that can help you comfortably work in low-light areas.
Finally, it is equipped with a keyless chuck and the driver bits are made from chromium-vanadium steel alloy, which is rust-resistant and durable.
Product Specification
- Product Dimensions: 10.04 x 3.94 x 10.24 inches
- Product Weight: 4.38 pounds
Pros
- 1300mAh battery life
- Ergonomic with a contoured grip that is easy to handle
- Variable speed trigger and a control switch for precision
- 0-350 to 1350 RPM
- LED lights on the front
- Keyless chuck offers easy bit changing
Cons
- Expensive for the amount of power it offers
4. DETLEV PRO Cordless Drill Driver
It comes with a rechargeable 1.5Ah lithium-ion battery and its ergonomic and soft rubber grip handle offer convenience and longevity. The handle has an integrated LED light for optimal illumination.
A keyless clutch enables single-handed operation. With the drill, you can get two different speeds: 0-400 and 0-1400 RPM. The trigger helps to control your drilling speed.
Product Specification
- Product Dimensions: 12 x 9.1 x 3.5 inches
- Product Weight: 2.5 pounds
Pros
- Lightweight
- 1500mAh battery
- 18+1 torque can handle a variety of (light) tasks
- Integrated LED light at the handle for convenience
- Keyless clutch for easy bit change
- Two variable speed options: 0-400 or 0-1400 RPM
Cons
- Some users complained that the frame is not durable
5. GALAX PRO 20V Cordless Drill Driver
It has a 3/8-inch keyless chuck for an easy bit change.
The 19+1 torque offers a max torque of 20N.m. The variable torque settings help you to have maximum control and precision.
It is ergonomic with a soft rubber handle for a comfortable grip. Plus, it is light enough that it can be used with one hand.
It has a single speed drill variable speed of 0-600 RPM. There is an LED light to brighten the working area.
Product Specification
- Package Dimensions: 10.5 x 8 x 3 inches
- Product Weight: 2.5 pounds
Pros
- Decent battery life with a battery indicator
- Keyless chuck for easy bit change
- 19+1 torque position
- Ergonomic with a rubberized handle for comfort
- Built-in LED light to illuminate working area
- Very affordable
Cons
- Weak, but about what you would expect for such a good price
6. Toolman Led Lithium-ion Cordless Power Drill Driver Kit
It has two speed settings with a no-load speed of 0-350 and 0-1400 RPM. It is equipped with a 1300mAh lithium-Ion battery and an 80 minute quick charger.
It has a flexible shaft that helps you comfortably work even in confined spaces.
The clutch has a 18+1 torque setting for enhanced control and precision. It also has an electric brake, which helps prevent stripping and prolongs motor life.
It is as ergonomic as it is lightweight and compact. Therefore, it reduces fatigue when you are doing your daily tasks.
Product Specification
- Package Dimensions: 12 x 10 x 4 inches
- Product Weight: 4.84 pounds
Pros
- Two speed settings with a no-load speed between 0-350 and 0-1400 RPM
- Flexible shaft allows you to work on areas the drill head cannot access
- 18+1 torque settings for precision
- Electric brake offers more control
- Ergonomic and lightweight
Cons
- Limited battery life
- “Quick” charger isn’t very quick
Buyer’s Guide
When we compare all the six drills, they are all great picks if you need a budget cordless drill. If you want to settle down on one but you are wondering which one to choose, then this section is for you!
Drill with highest speed/RPM: When we look at variable speeds, the DETLEV PRO Cordless Drill Driver is a great choice as it has dual speed positions of either 0-400 or 0-1400 RPM. This will allow you to perform tasks slightly faster.
Highest torque: When it comes to the torque setting, the GALAX PRO 20V Cordless Drill Driver has the highest position of 19+1, meaning it will provide the most power.
Drill with long battery life: When it comes to the battery life, the drill with the longest battery life is the DETLEV PRO Cordless Drill Driver with a capacity of 1500mAh.
The cheapest cordless drill: When we compare the prices, the most affordable drill is the GALAX PRO 20V Cordless Drill Driver that retails at only about $27.00.
Our overall recommendation: Our favorite drill is the GALAX PRO 20V Cordless Drill Driver as it offers comparative features but retails for the cheapest price — and remember, this is for the best budget cordless drill.
Additional Features to Look Out For
Although we have made your work easier by recommending the best drills in the market, it is still important to know how to choose one. Some of the things to keep in mind include:
Battery Life: When you opt for a cordless drill, its battery life is critical as that will determine how long you can use the drill before having to recharge it. It is better if you go for the highest possible battery ah level for more convenience.
Speed: When it comes to a drill, the variable speeds determine how much control you can have while you are drilling. Single speed settings are more limiting as compared to dual-speed settings. So if it’s possible, go for dual-speed settings. There are also some tools that will have a speed trigger, which is even better as it will give you convenience of controlling the drilling speed exactly.
Torque settings: Torque settings are important as they give you flexibility and precision. The higher the torque setting, the better as this means you will be able to do more with the drill.
Power: It is rather obvious that powerful drills can do more tasks than their less powerful counterparts. That means that you should opt for a drill with the highest possible power for convenience in doing different tasks. The best indicator of overall power is comparing both the torque and maximum RPM.
Ergonomics: Everyone loves a drill that they can comfortably handle and this is where ergonomics comes into play. When it comes to ergonomics, you should look at both the weight and the grip design. Is it a comfortable weight for you?
A heavy drill does not indicate that a drill has the ability to do the job better and vice versa.
You also need to look at the handle material used. If possible, choose a drill with a rubber handle as this is generally more comfortable and can absorb vibration created from drilling.
When the ergonomics are right, then you can work for prolonged periods without getting fatigued.
Extra features: Additional features are not a must, but they add a lot of value in convenience. If possible, go for a drill that has a built-in LED light to help you in case you work in low light settings.
A forward and reverse switch aids in easy operation.
A variable speed trigger gives you more control in regards to the drilling process.
Cost: Cordless drills cost differently depending on their make, materials, power, battery life, features, and so on. It is better that you look at the features first before settling on the price to get value for your money.
Wrap Up
Remember that the best budget cordless drill probably won’t offer the best performance or features, but if you only need to assemble light furniture and hang things on walls there’s really no reason to go for a more expensive model.
Happy drilling!