Best Cordless Brushless Drills (& Buying Guide) for 2020

Power tools are a crucial addition to any homeowner’s tool cabinet. The advanced tool makes it not only possible but easy to take care of maintenance tasks around the house with efficiency and ease. 

These tools are very accessible, and that’s why not only professionals but non- professionals can handle them with ease. 

Drills are a popular power tool found in many households nowadays. However, these drills do vary from one another in a variety of ways. Usually, lighter models are used by homeowners who don’t have a professional interest in acquiring the tools. Professionals, however, tend to go for more heavy-duty models that can withstand extreme working environments. 

Drills can generally be classified into two categories by their constitution; drill with a brushed motor, and with a brushless motor. 

In this article, we’re going to discuss the top choices for you in the brushless category. 

Why Choose Brushless over Brushed Drills?

It is a valid question and has quite a straightforward answer. Let’s break it down. 

• Efficient – Brushless drills are usually more efficient than brushed motors as they consume less energy. 
• Compact – Brushless drills are smaller in size as they do not use brushes, and are also lighter as a consequence. 
• No Friction, no wear and tear – There are no brushes that cause friction, so no energy is wasted in that. 
• Better control- Brushless drills are also more accessible, and provide users a higher degree of control, as compared to their counterpart
• The durability, power, speed, and torque are much better in the brushless drills.
• They are also quite easy to maintain. 

The benefits of brushless drills are numerous. Some may argue that the brushed drills cost less, but they are hard to maintain, and then there’s the additional cost of replacement brushes. 

Choosing the right drills can be a task. Let’s now check the buying guide that will guide you through the buying process. 

Buyer’s Guide

Manufacturer

It is a vital aspect to consider before you make a purchase. On finding the right manufacturer, it becomes easy to decide which one of the products you’re going to buy as you don’t have to worry about the quality of the design of the product. There’s a trust that helps you locate the product that’s for you with ease. 

Corded or Cordless/ Brushed Brushless

The next thing to look for in your drill is whether you want a cordless or corded drill. Both types have their merits and shortcomings, and it is up to you to choose the one that works best for you.

A slight addition to this is the type of motor used in the drill (brushless, brushed). Again, you are going to have to make that call after assessing your needs. 

The Specifics

After you have determined the basics of your drill, it’s time to make a shortlist. Specifics like drill power, chuck’s capacity, accessibility, weight, etc. you need to check. 

Added Features

Depending on your budget, you can further look into added features that you can find in advanced models. Features like LED lights, comfortable and compact design and improved adaptability, are some of the added benefits in advanced models.

Accessories

Some drills come only as a single tool with maybe a charger, and others come with more accessories like a case, drill bits, etc. Since these additional accessories may add to the overall cost, you can make a decision based on your budget. 

In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the best cordless, brushless drills available in the market. So without further ado, let’s begin.

Here are the 5 best Cordless Brushless Drills

1. DEWALT DCD777C2 20V Max Lithium-Ion Brushless Compact Drill Driver

Dewalt has been a well-known name in the industry for quite a while, and that is an understatement. The company has been making excellent products of varying caliber for a long time and has become a trusted brand amongst professionals and non-professionals alike. 

This Dewalt product is one of the most popular options, and here’s why.

Features

Ergonomic Design 

The drill is easy to control and has an ergonomic design. Dewalt design makes sure that you have no problem with maneuvering this machine. The ergonomic handle ensures that you a comfortable grip and better control. 

High-Performance 

The brushless motor used in the drill provides you with high performance, with an optimal working system. It delivers 340 unit watts out (UWO) of power ability, which enables it to perform a wide variety of tasks with ease. 

With the no-load speed of 0-500 / 0-1,750, it provides users a wide range, and the 1/2″ Single sleeve ratcheting chuck provides tight bit gripping strength.

LED Lights 

 The unit has LED lights to improve visibility in the dark areas and a twenty-second trigger delay. It makes it easy to work with the drill in any situation. It is also a cordless drill, so it is easy to take it to areas that would otherwise be hard to reach with a corded model. 

Specifications

• The unit weighs 2.6 Pounds. 
• Its overall dimensions are 12.5 x 3.8 x 9.8 inches.
• The box Includes two 20V Max Compact Lithium-Ion Battery Packs, Compact Charger & Contractor Bag.
• The no-load speed of the drill is 0-500 / 0-1,750.

To sum up, let’s have a look at the pros and cons. 

PROS

• It is a compact and lightweight unit.
• It uses a brushless motor and is cordless and easily portable. 
• It provides easy speed adjustments and is a powerful tool. 
• Its ergonomic design makes it easy to handle. 
• It also features LED lights and a 20-second delay. 

CONS

• It is not fit for many heavy-duty applications. 

Why buy this unit?

It is an affordable, ergonomic, fairly powerful drill that can be a great value to any homeowner, for handling a variety of tasks.

2. Bosch PS32-02 Cordless Drill Driver

Bosch is another giant in the industry that has been making quality products for a long time. You will not be disappointed by this product from Bosch, as it is just the sort of tool a homeowner, or even a professional may find useful in taking care of the lightweight tasks. 

Let’s find out more.

Features

Compact Design 

The unit is compact and lightweight and provides the precision needed for the work you are doing. It is also easy to carry around. It is the lightest, most compact 12V EC brushless drill/driver in its class.

Thanks to the comfortable grip, it is easy to handle as well. 

Variable Speed 

The unit features two variable speeds (0- 400 rpm high torque setting and a 0 -1,300 rpm high-speed drilling settings for users to choose from, providing you with the flexibility to get the task at hand done most effectively. It also features 20+1 clutch settings that allow for the maximum range of applications.

Durable 

It is a durable product and features an all-metal gearbox and a lasting EC brushless motor. The drill kit is crafted with Dura shield housing made of ABS/nylon composite and is capable of withstanding multiple 10-foot drops. For durability and increased retention of bits, it also features a keyless chuck. 

LED Lights

The unit also features LED lights that let users work effortlessly in dark areas. The charge indicator lets you know what the status of the charging is at any given time. 

Specifications

• The unit weighs 0.8 ounces. 
• Its overall dimensions are 6.5 x 2 x 7 inches.
• The box includes one 12-volt 3/8-Inch Drill/Driver Kit, two 12-volt lithium-ion batteries, a charger, a magnetic bit holder, a 4-piece bit tip set, a belt clip, and a contractor bag.
• It features two-speed settings. 

Let’s sum it up. 

PROS

• It is lightweight and compact. 
• It is cordless and features a brushless motor. 
• It features two speeds and 20+1 clutch settings.
• It is a durable product. 

CONS

• The handle is a bit thick. 
• It is a little hard to remove and insert the batteries. 

Why buy this unit?

It is a lightweight and compact unit, well-made and durable, that is perfect for a variety of lightweight tasks.

3. Makita CX200RB 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit

Makita products are also a class apart from your regular products, and this product is an example of a compact tool, with excellent features. 

Let’s discuss more. 

Features

Compact design

The tool is compact and lightweight, and you don’t have to worry about the fatigue, even when you’re working for a considerably long time. The ergonomics of the design makes it comfortable to wield, and maneuver. 

Speed Variations 

Users can select from the two-speed transmission (0- 500 & 0- 1,700 RPM) to enjoy a precise performance for a variety of applications.

Cordless and Brushless

The drill is cordless and can be used in hard to reach areas. The brushless motor used in the tool delivers a maximum of 350 inches pounds of max torque. 

Safe 

Thanks to the assist Mode (A-mode) feature, the ‘screw cam-out’, and ‘cross threading’ is eliminated by driving at low speed until impact begins.

Specifications

• The unit weighs 11. 35 pounds. 
• Its overall dimensions are 12 x 12 x 11.1 inches.
• The box contains an 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless 1/2″ Driver-Drill (XFD11ZB), an 18V LXT sub-Compact Brushless Impact Driver (XDT15ZB), two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact 2.0Ah Batteries (BL1820B), and an18V Lithium-Ion Rapid Optimum Charger (DC18RC).
• It features two-speed variations. 

Let’s sum it up.

PROS

• It is compact and easy to move. 
• You can choose from two-speed variations. 
• It is a safe option. 
• It is brushless and cordless. 

CONS

• It is not ideal for heavy-duty projects. 

Why buy this product?

It is compact and easy to maneuver, safe, and fit for a variety of light-duty applications. 

4. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver, Brushless, Tool Only (PCC608LB)

This porter cable product is also another compact tool for you to have, that you can use around the house, or to assist you on a professional project. Let’s look at the top features. 

Features

Compact and Lightweight

Compact and the lightweight design of this product ensures less user fatigue than your average drill. 

Powerful Motor

It features a powerful brushless motor that can provide 360 MWO for heavy applications with a reduced stall.

Good Reach 

The lightweight, along with its 8″ length, makes it suitable for tight areas. The transmission of the drill provides 1,700 max RPM for the speed of drilling and fastening applications. 

Specifications

• The unit weighs 3.2 Pounds. 
• Its overall dimensions are 7.4 x 3.7 x 9.5 inches.
• The box contains one PCC608 Drill, two PCC681L 20v Batteries, one PCC699L charger, and one double-sided bit. 
• The transmission provides a max speed of 1,700 RPM.

PROS

• It is compact and lightweight. 
• It is cordless and has a powerful brushless motor. 
• It has variable speed for more control. 

CONS

• It does not come with a case. 

Why Buy this Drill?

Lightweight applications are best handles with this compact drill, however, it can also lend itself to some heavy-duty tasks. 

5. Makita FD07R1

Another Makita product, it is another compact yet powerful product on the list that the users will find interesting. 

Features

Ergonomic and compact design

The compact and ergonomic design facilitates a smooth working process, with very little user fatigue. 

Brushless motor

The brushless motor used in the drill is capable of generating 280 inch-pound of Max Torque. You can electronically control it to optimize battery energy use for up to 50% longer run-time per charge. 

Varying Speed

Users can choose from Mechanical 2-speed transmission (0-450 & 0-1,500 RPM). Also, the 3/8″ keyless chuck is convenient and allows quick bit changes. 

LED Lights

The built-in LED lights help illuminate the hard to see areas for thorough work. 

Specifications

• The unit weighs 3.27 Pounds.
• Its overall dimensions are 4.4 x 14.5 x 12 inches.
• The box contains 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3/8″ Driver-Drill (FD07Z), two 12V Max CXT Lithium-Ion 2.0Ah Batteries (BL1021B), a 12V Max CXT Lithium-Ion Charger (DC10WD), and a Tool Case.
• It features 2-speed transmission (0-450 & 0-1,500 RPM).

PROS

• It is compact and lightweight. 
• It is cordless and features a powerful brushless motor. 
• It features in-built LED Lights. 
• It has a two-speed transmission. 
• It comes with a tool case. 

CONS

• Nothing noteworthy. 

Why Buy this drill?

If you want a well-made, compact, impactful, ergonomic, yet affordable unit for a variety of applications with varying degrees of complications, this is it. 

CONCLUSION

In this article, we focused on a variety of lightweight brushless and cordless drills that any homeowner or professional would like to have in their possession. You can take your pick out of these options, and you will not be disappointed.