Best Cordless Drills Under $150

Intro

Not all cordless drills are created equal — and you don’t need to spend $300+ to get one that’ll last and perform. Whether you’re a DIY weekend warrior or fixing up your first home, we’ve handpicked the best cordless drills under $150 that bring serious value and real-world durability.

We only feature drills from brands we trust on the jobsite and at home: DEWALT, Milwaukee, Makita, and Ryobi. No fluff. No filler. Just solid tools that punch above their price tag.

1. DEWALT 20V Max Drill/Driver Kit (DCD771C2)

Best for: All-purpose performance and power right out of the box

This one’s a favorite for a reason. It’s powerful, lightweight, and comes with two batteries — a rare find at this price point. You’ll find this exact drill in garages, construction sites, and tool trailers everywhere.

• Torque: 300 UWO
• Chuck: 1/2″ single-sleeve
• Weight: 3.6 lbs with battery
• What We Love: Balanced feel, fast charge, excellent trigger control
• Best Use: Framing, drywall, deck builds, furniture assembly

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2. Milwaukee M12 12V Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

Best for: Compact power and tight spaces

Don’t let the 12V label fool you — this thing rips. It’s compact enough to fit in drawers, between studs, or under cabinets, but it still holds its own on bigger jobs. Milwaukee’s M12 platform is incredibly reliable and one of the most refined in the game.

• Torque: 275 in-lbs
• Chuck: 3/8″
• Weight: 2.5 lbs
• What We Love: Comfortable grip, LED light, all-day runtime
• Best Use: Cabinet installs, small framing jobs, electrical work

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3. Makita FD09R1 12V Max CXT Drill/Driver Kit

Best for: Precision and comfort during longer jobs

Makita’s 12V line doesn’t get enough love. This model is ultra-smooth, well-balanced, and delivers just the right amount of torque for everyday tasks. It’s ideal for users who value control and comfort over brute strength.

• Torque: 250 in-lbs
• Chuck: 3/8″
• Weight: 2.4 lbs
• What We Love: Slim grip, durable case, fast charging
• Best Use: Home projects, woodworking, light-duty framing

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4. Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver Kit (PCL206K1)

Best for: Value seekers and battery flexibility

Ryobi is the go-to for homeowners building their first tool set. This 18V drill offers solid torque, long-lasting battery life, and plays nicely with Ryobi’s huge ONE+ ecosystem — one battery fits over 260 tools.

• Torque: ~350 in-lbs
• Chuck: 1/2″
• Weight: 3.1 lbs
• What We Love: Built-in level, magnetic bit holder, LED light
• Best Use: General home improvement, furniture builds, light framing

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5. Bonus Pick: DEWALT ATOMIC 20V Max Drill/Driver (Tool Only)

Best for: Compact power if you already own DEWALT batteries

This brushless, ultra-compact drill from DEWALT’s Atomic series brings serious power in a tight frame. If you’re already in the DEWALT battery ecosystem, this is a killer upgrade or secondary drill.

• Torque: 340 UWO (brushless motor)
• Chuck: 1/2″
• Weight: 2.4 lbs
• What We Love: Compact profile, excellent LED light, rugged build
• Best Use: Tight spaces, overhead drilling, extended use

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How to Choose the Right Drill

Choosing a drill isn’t just about price — it’s about matching your needs with the right power, weight, and features. Here’s what to look for:

• 12V vs 18V/20V:
  • 12V = lighter, great for small tasks
  • 18V/20V = more power for bigger jobs
• Brushed vs Brushless Motors:
  • Brushless motors run cooler, last longer, and offer more torque (worth the upgrade)
• Battery Ecosystem:
  • Pick a brand with compatible tools — batteries are the long-term investment
• Comfort & Weight:
  • A lighter drill reduces fatigue and makes awkward angles easier

Ready to Build with Confidence?

These drills are just the beginning.
Check out our Tools We Recommend page for the gear we’d buy again — from cordless combos to everyday essentials.