Best Drills For Home: Top Picks for DIY Enthusiasts

When it comes to tackling home improvement projects, having a reliable drill is essential. Whether you’re hanging shelves, assembling furniture, or tackling more ambitious DIY tasks, the right drill can make all the difference. With countless options available, finding the perfect drill for home use can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide breaks down the best drills for home use, helping you make an informed decision based on your needs and budget.

1. Ryobi 18V ONE+ System

The Ryobi 18V ONE+ System consistently emerges as a top recommendation for homeowners looking for reliable performance without breaking the bank. This system offers an impressive balance of affordability, versatility, and quality that makes it ideal for typical home use.

What makes Ryobi particularly appealing is its extensive ecosystem of tools that all use the same battery platform. This means once you invest in a Ryobi drill and batteries, you can expand your collection with over 175 compatible tools without purchasing additional batteries.

While professional contractors might opt for higher-end brands, multiple DIY enthusiasts and homeowners praise Ryobi for delivering excellent value. The drills offer sufficient power and battery life for most home projects, from hanging pictures to building furniture.

Key Features:

– Affordable price point
– Extensive tool ecosystem using the same batteries
– Sufficient power for typical home projects
– Good battery life
– Wide availability at Home Depot

2. DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme 12V Max

According to Wirecutter’s extensive testing, the DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme 12V Max stands out as one of the best drills available in 2025. This compact powerhouse has earned high praise for its exceptional comfort and thoughtful design features.

Despite its smaller 12V platform (compared to many 18V or 20V options), this DeWalt model delivers impressive power in a more compact and lightweight package. This makes it particularly well-suited for home users who value maneuverability and comfort during extended use.

The drill comes loaded with convenience features like an LED work light, belt hook, and magnetic bit holder. Its brushless motor technology also contributes to longer runtime and tool lifespan compared to brushed alternatives.

Key Features:

– Exceptional ergonomics and comfort
– Brushless motor for efficiency and longevity
– Compact and lightweight design
– Convenient features (LED light, belt hook, bit holder)
– Strong performance despite smaller voltage

3. Milwaukee M12 FUEL

For homeowners willing to invest a bit more for professional-grade quality, the Milwaukee M12 FUEL drill represents an excellent middle ground. While Milwaukee tools are popular among professionals, their 12V line offers a more accessible entry point for serious DIY enthusiasts.

The M12 FUEL drill features advanced technology like a brushless motor and smart electronics that optimize performance and battery life. The compact size makes it easy to use in tight spaces, while still delivering impressive power for most home applications.

Milwaukee’s reputation for durability means this drill is likely to last for many years of home use, potentially making it a more economical long-term investment despite the higher initial cost.

Key Features:

– Professional-grade quality and durability
– Brushless motor technology
– Compact size with excellent power-to-weight ratio
– Part of a growing 12V tool ecosystem
– Strong performance in tight spaces

4. Makita XT269T

The Makita XT269T offers homeowners a compelling drill and impact driver combo kit. Makita sits alongside DeWalt and Milwaukee as a professional-grade brand, but many homeowners find their tools to be worth the investment for their reliability and performance.

This particular kit includes both a drill and an impact driver, giving you versatility for different tasks. The drill excels at precise drilling and driving screws where control is important, while the impact driver provides extra torque for driving larger fasteners or working with tougher materials.

Makita’s LXT battery platform is known for fast charging and long runtime, reducing downtime during projects. The tools also feature ergonomic designs with rubberized soft grips for comfort during extended use.

Key Features:

– Includes both drill and impact driver
– Professional-grade build quality
– Fast-charging battery system
– Ergonomic design with comfortable grip
– Excellent power-to-weight ratio

5. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Drill/Driver

For occasional DIYers or those on a tight budget, the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Drill/Driver offers a reliable entry-level option. While it may not have all the features or power of more expensive models, it provides sufficient performance for basic household tasks.

This drill is particularly well-suited for light-duty work like assembling furniture, hanging pictures, or minor repairs. Its lightweight design and simple controls make it approachable for beginners, while the affordable price point makes it an easy investment for those just starting their tool collection.

Key Features:

– Budget-friendly price point
– Lightweight and easy to use
– Sufficient for basic household tasks
– Simple controls ideal for beginners
– Widely available at most hardware stores

6. At-Home Pickleball Drills

While most of this article focuses on power tools, it’s worth mentioning that “drills” can also refer to practice exercises for sports like pickleball. If you’re looking to improve your pickleball skills at home, there are several effective drills you can practice.

According to Jennifer’s Pickleball Blog, practicing at home can help improve consistency, ball tracking, and fundamental techniques. Popular at-home drills include wall volleys, dinking practice with targets, footwork exercises, and shadow practice of proper form.

These drills require minimal equipment beyond a pickleball paddle and balls, making them accessible for players looking to improve without court access.

Key Pickleball Home Drills:

– Wall volleys for consistency
– Target practice for accuracy
– Footwork ladder drills
– Shadow practice for proper form
– Hand-eye coordination exercises

Conclusion: Choosing the Best Drill for Your Home

When selecting the best drill for home use, consider your specific needs, budget, and the types of projects you plan to tackle. For most homeowners, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ system offers the best balance of affordability, performance, and versatility. Its extensive ecosystem of compatible tools makes it a smart long-term investment.

For those willing to spend more for premium quality, the DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme and Milwaukee M12 FUEL provide professional-grade performance in compact packages ideal for home use. Meanwhile, budget-conscious consumers can still find reliable performance in options like the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX for basic household tasks.

Remember that the best drill is ultimately the one that fits your specific needs and comfort level. Consider factors like weight, ergonomics, battery life, and available features when making your final decision. With the right drill in hand, your home improvement projects will become significantly easier and more enjoyable.