We know how hard it can be to go shopping and find what you need—all while staying to a strict budget. There are countless different things you need to consider, different pricing, brands, reviews—the list could go on forever. We get it. That’s why we’re here to help. We’ve put in the work so you don’t have to. This buying guide features detailed product reviews of a variety of different drills and kits, their ratings and our nominations for which ones you should pick, so you know exactly which drill is the best cordless drill under $100.
A buying guide wouldn’t be complete without giving you the rundown on what to look for either. Make sure to read the guide to the end to find out all about speed settings, weight, dimensions, batteries, LED work light, tool case and additional accessories. If you’re not familiar with what some of these words mean, don’t worry, they’re all defined here. We’re your trusted source for finding your next cordless drill. Our Editor’s Choice among all the options is the BLACK+DECKER LDX120PK.
Extra features: comes with 68 tools and accessories and carrying bag, battery holds charge up to 18 months
The BLACK+DECKER LDX120PK 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Battery Power Project Kit is a great power tool set for a variety of home projects. If you have ever used a drill, you know how frustrating it can be to strip out a screw head. This can cause serious complications and can turn a simple project into an ordeal. This 20V cordless drill provides you with an extra level of control with an 11-position clutch that prevents stripping and overdriving screws.
The lithium ion battery is always ready and holds a charge up to 18 months. So if you are the type of person who needs to have a good drill on hand, but doesn’t necessarily use it everyday, this battery will serve your needs quite well. The kit comes with an impressive 68 hand tools and accessories. So you are not just getting a drill, you are getting a whole tool kit. The kit also comes with a handy carrying bag for easy portability and storage.
Whether you need to drill or hole or drive a screw, this drill has got you covered. If you’re a homeowner looking to get the most bang for your buck, this is the option you should consider.
Extra features: LED work light, battery gauge displays remaining charge
Utilizing PORTER-CABLE’s latest lithium-ion battery platform for power tools, the PCC606LA 20-volt max 1/2-inch lithium-ion drill-driver kit includes the tools and accessories necessary to power through the toughest metal drilling, wood drilling, and fastening applications. With a compact and lightweight design, the PCC600 drill-driver is designed to eliminate user fatigue, but it doesn’t compromise on speed and power thanks to its two-speed gearbox and high-output motor.
Combined with two PCC680L lithium-ion compact batteries and a PCC690L lithium-ion charger, the PCC606LA drill-driver kit includes everything you need for a variety of projects, whether you’re installing cabinetry, framing out rooms, or fastening hinges on doors.
One definite plus is that this drill comes with a handy integrated LED light. You won’t notice it if you are working in the daylight or a well lit area, however, when you are in a dark area, it will provide the light you need to see what you are doing. The battery has a “fuel guage” built in that shows you how much charge you have left. This can be extremely helpful so you know when it is time to start thinking about switching out batteries. And with a relatively short 4 hour charge time, this drill’s battery can get you back up and going without too much delay.
Extra features: LED work light, versatile: drill and hammer drill functions, comes with tool bag and 15-piece accessory set
This drill is multifunctional, allowing you to choose between a hammer and drill function. This means that you can use this drill on concrete. It also comes with an accessory kit, complete with 12 drill bits and a tool bag. It’s also suitable for use indoors and out, and comes with a 20V battery and charging cord. One super nice perk is that if you have other tools from this brand, you can interchange your batteries as well. If you have dealt with battery-powered tools in the past, you will appreciate the ability to switch back and forth between using batteries with whichever tool you need to use at the moment.
This drill’s max torque of 336 in/lbs torque and variable speed trigger allows for an easy transition between 0-440 RPM (Low) and 0-1650 RPM (High). The drill also includes an LED work light which can come in super handy when you are working in spots that are not well lit. It also has the forward and reverse button right above the trigger, which enables you to only have to use one hand throughout your project.
The gear head is made from cast aluminium and is designed to be strong and durable while still remainin lightweight and easy to handle.
Extra features: ergonomic grip handle
The DEWALT 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Compact Drill/Driver is a versatile tool that makes quick work of a variety of driving and fastening tasks. With its high-performance motor, dual-range variable-speed control, and compact size, this tool is powerful and easy to handle. It also features a 1/2-inch, single-sleeve keyless ratcheting chuck to reduce bit slippage. The DEWALT drill/driver’s high-performance motor is capable of delivering a maximum of 380 unit watts out, providing enough power for a broad range of applications. The tool also features dual-range variable-speed control–0 to 450 rpm and 0 to 1,500 rpm–that makes material-specific performance easier to achieve. The drill/driver is built with an ergonomic grip for comfortable handling to help you get accurate results. Its balanced, mid-handle grip makes control easy, providing comfort and reduced fatigue when tackling extended projects. This tool weighs 4.75 pounds to minimize user fatigue. Its durable construction makes for reliable operation even on the toughest job sites. The drill/driver also features a compact size to fit into tight spaces, making it convenient for both use and storage. This DEWALT tool allows you to move quickly between projects without the hassle of a cord. Stay on point with the drill/driver’s 1/2-inch, single-sleeve keyless ratcheting chuck, which effectively reduces bit slippage as you work.
Unfortunately, this tool is just the drill – it doesn’t come with the charger or batteries, and doesn’t come with any extra accessories.
Extra features: LED work light, comes with 2 batteries, charger and carry bag
The Bosch DDB181 is the industry’s most compact and lightest weight 18-Volt basic-duty 1/2-Inch drill/driver. With this small and lightweight design, professionals can drill or drive fasteners overhead or in tight spaces fatigue-free. You probably won’t fully appreciate the benefits of a lightweight drill until you have a project that requires a lot of drilling. What may seem like a manageable weight can quickly become too much to handle when you are having to lug it around and hold it in awkward positions for minutes at a time. With this Bosch drill, you won’t have to worry about that at all.
More compact than many competitive 12-Volt tools, the DDB181 is ideal for electricians, plumbers and HVAC tradesman looking for a solution that not only fits in their pouch, but can handle most everyday tasks with 18-Volt battery power. The DDB181 works at two speeds– 400 RPM and 1,300 RPM (no load) –and provides 350 inch/pounds of torque, which is enough to drive most common fasteners and drill bits.
The drill comes with two batteries, one charging port and a carrying case. Bosch is a very reliable brand that’s reputable among even the pickiest of contractors.
If you think all cordless power drills are the same, you’re in for a surprise. The truth is, is that there are a few different types of drills. This buying guide is all about shopping for the best one under $100. While you could blow your budget and get a souped-up, fancy drill, the honest truth is that you can get a lot of work around the house done with a drill that’s under the hundred-dollar mark. Read on to learn more.
A top-quality cordless drill is an essential tool for any household. It’s a great tool that offers extreme versatility and can tackle just about any job, whether it be indoors or outdoors, quick or long. Forget the days where you were confined to your job based on how long your drill’s cord was or how long your extension cord was. A cordless drill makes for a stress-free operation, provides convenience and freedom to move that enables you to get your work done fast and comfortably. And, it almost goes without saying, but the massive benefit of choosing a cordless drill that’s under $100 is that it is extremely budget-friendly.
Features to consider when choosing a cordless drill
When you’re shopping for your cordless drill, there are a variety of things to consider, including speed settings, chuck, weight, dimensions, batteries, LED work light, tool case and additional accessories, in addition to other features. If you’re not familiar with what some of these words mean, don’t worry, they’re all defined below. And, lucky for you, you don’t need to spend hours in the store or online reading reviews and product specs to find the best drill for your needs. We’ve done the hard work comparing models to help you easily find the best cordless drill. This is your buying guide to finding a cordless drill under $100.
Speed and speed settings
When shopping for a cordless drill, you should consider its speed ranges. Some of the cheaper options are single-speed, which is fine for the average household.
If you’re a contractor or are doing work that requires different speeds, you may need to invest a little more money into your drill.
Dimensions
Just like weight, you should carefully consider the dimensions of a drill before pulling the trigger and making your purchase. Aside from the dimensions of the clutch, you’ll need to consider how much power drill you can handle. You might want to head to a store and look at a few models instead of making the purchase online. After all, you’ll be holding it and using it, so you should look in-person to see if the drill is too big for you to handle.
Weight
This is bit self-explanatory as well. Just like with any other household tool, you have to consider how much it weighs, and if you’ll be able to use it. The average cordless drill weighs around 3.5 pounds. More powerful models will be heavier. This might not seem that heavy, but if you consider the projects you’ll be using it for, you may decide that a more powerful, heavier drill might not be right for you. Just imagine holding the drill above your head for an extended period of time: your shoulders will thank you for making the smart choice on drill weight from the get-go.
LED work light
Some drills come with an LED light mounted so that you can precisely see what you’re using your drill for. This is a nice edition, but if the areas you’re going to be working on are well-lit, or if you can have a helper shine a light for your projects, it’s not always worth the extra money.
Chuck
A not-so-common purchase point to consider is the chuck size of each drill. What’s a chuck, you ask? The chuck is where you insert your drill bit, and as such, the chuck size will limit the size of the drill bit or bits that you can use. Chuck sizes typically run anywhere from ¼-inch to ½-inch. Most people can get by using a 3/8-inch chuck, which is the option available between the other two sizes.
Another point to note is the keyless versus the keyed chuck. The difference between the two is pretty self-explanatory. You can’t change the bit on a keyed chuck unless you have the key to unlock the chuck. It’s a more kid-safe version of the chuck, but if you’re looking for efficiency, a keyless version may be the way to go. A keyless chuck allows you to loosen the chuck with your hand to be able to change the bit.
This is an extremely important feature that you need to consider. As mentioned before, the average household can get by with a budget-friendly cordless drill. These drills have a lot of torque to power through tough jobs, drill screws into walls and many other tasks. However, if you have a considerably heavy-duty project to do, like you want to drill something into concrete, you’d be better off spending a little extra money and getting a different type of drill that’s equipped to handle the task. The VonHaus drill driver set in our review offers a drill and hammer drill function, making it a great choice if you plan on working with concrete. If you do need a more powerful drill, check out our recommendations of the best cordless hammer drills and impact drivers available.
While most drills are suitable for indoor and outdoor use, it’s important to read the label to find out if they’ll function in extreme conditions. There would be almost nothing worse than going to hang a new light post outside with your budget drill, only to find out that it won’t function in cold weather.
As we’ve mentioned throughout this guide, the battery power of cordless drills is what makes them portable. However, batteries aren’t cheap, you need a charging dock to be able to charge the batteries and they’re not always included with the purchase of your drill. Carefully read the fine print to ensure that your drill purchase comes with a battery and a battery charger. If you want to purchase an extra battery, you can always do that as well. You should also read up on the recharge time of your battery, as some batteries can take up to four hours to recharge. If you’re doing small jobs here and there, you might not need to spring for the more expensive speedy-charge batteries, but if you’re someone who needs to get a lot of work done fast, you might want to spend a little more to get a fast-charging battery.
Everyone likes getting extras added to their purchase. Review your drill purchase carefully to make sure that it, at the very least, includes a protective tool case. You don’t want to risk damaging your new purchase right away! Some drills also come with accessories, like different drill bits, in the tool case. The worst thing you can do, though, is expect every drill you look at to come with extras, because that’s not the case. Do your research so that you aren’t left empty-handed and in need of making another trip to the store.
As with any tool, your drill will likely come with some sort of warranty. Read the fine print on the warranties to check what is and what is not included, so you can decide if springing for the extended or store warranty is worth it. Remember, it’s not a blender or vacuum. You’re going to be using your drill to do work, and a lot of things can happen when you’re doing a remodel. With a hammer drill especially, that you’ll be using to drill into hard surfaces, the odds of something happening to your drill increase, so knowing what you’re covered for and opting for additional coverage may be worth it.
In general, you can’t go wrong with any of the drills we’ve detailed here in this buying guide. However, we do have our favorites. Our top favorite is our Best All-around Drill, the BLACK+DECKER LDX120PK, was nominated as our best all-around pick for a reason. Not only does it come at a great price, but it also comes with the most accessories, making it the whole package. You can’t beat getting a drill, its charger and everything else it comes with for that price. Our second favorite is the PORTER-CABLE PCC606LA. This drill doesn’t come with accessories, but it comes with the basics and the power you need to tackle whatever job comes your way. On the opposite, the VonHaus Cordless Drill Driver Set comes with everything you’d ever need for a drill, including a bag and a 15-piece accessory set.
We hope that this buying guide gives you everything you need to make the most informed choice possible, and we hope that it leads you to purchasing the best cordless drill under $100 that you can. Happy shopping!
