10 Best Lightweight Cordless Drills 2024 – Reviews & Buying Guide

The convenience of cordless drills is indisputable. Their portable nature allows you to drill holes and drive screws in areas where corded drills would not even dream of accessing thanks to battery technology that allows the tool to store its own power.

Nonetheless, adding batteries to any tool means that you will have to deal with a heftier unit. Unfortunately, the heavier a hand tool is, the more issues it will have with handling. A heavy drill is difficult to control, especially when working at awkward angles. Moreover, fatigue sets in a lot faster, affecting your output.

To boost your efficiency and the quality of your work, therefore, it is important to look for a compact and lightweight cordless drill.

Nevertheless, compact drills are not built equal. They have significant differences in build quality, features, and performance. Therefore, you will need to evaluate different models before you can choose one. Fortunately, we have made those comparisons for you. The following are reviews of the best lightweight cordless drills on the market today.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		DEWALT DCD791D2 MAX Cordless Drill	Brushless motor Reliable batteries with long runtime Battery gauge	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		BLACK+DECKER LDX120C Cordless Drill	Lightweight and compact Ergonomic design for ease of use Variable speed	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Bosch PS32-02 Cordless Drill Driver	Smooth variable speed trigger Durable and reliable Compact and lightweight	CHECK PRICE
		KIMO Cordless Drill Driver	330 lb-in of torque Two-speed motor Versatile	CHECK PRICE
		Avid Power CD316-18 Cordless Drill	Compact and lightweight Versatile Great control	CHECK PRICE

The 10 Best Lightweight Cordless Drills

1. DEWALT MAX Cordless Drill – Best Overall

Weighing in at only 3.5 pounds, the Dewalt DCD791D2 is one little powerhouse. This cordless drill runs on a brushless motor that Dewalt claims to be up to 57% more efficient than brushed motors. Brushed motors are less durable due to their carbon brushes being in constant friction during operation, resulting in faster wear and tear of the motor.

The DCD791D2’s motor has a power capacity of 460 UWO (Units Watts Out), which is quite remarkable for a unit this small. This power capacity should be more than enough to meet the needs of DIY home use. However, it might not be enough for professional or heavy-duty use. It also has two variable speed settings: 0–600 and 0–2,000 RPM to allow you to use different speeds for different applications.

In addition to being light, the Dewalt DCD791D2 features a compact size to allow you to access tight spaces. Moreover, it has an ergonomic comfort grip handle that gives balance to the drill to allow you better control over the tool.

For enhanced ease of use, this unit is equipped with built-in LED lights. This allows you to work comfortably in areas that do not have sufficient lighting.

The DCD791D2 runs on XR Lithium-ion batteries that last up to 33% longer than standard Lithium-ion batteries. This allows you to accomplish more than you would if you were using standard batteries. A battery fuel gauge allows you to keep an eye on your battery levels.  And the package comes with two batteries to allow you to keep working once the first one runs out of charge.

With only two speed settings, however, finessing the DCD791D2 for specific jobs is difficult. Additionally, it does not come with a bit holder. Despite this, we think this is the best lightweight cordless drill you can buy this year.

2. BLACK+DECKER Cordless Drill – Best Value

Weighing in at only 3.15 pounds, the LDX120C’s weight should not be too much to handle. And that’s not all; it features a compact design to allow you to work in tight spaces.

Despite its small size, however, the Black and Decker LDX120c packs quite a punch. Its motor delivers up to 115 inches-pounds of torque and speeds of up to 650 RPM. It comes with a ⅜-inch chuck, as well as an 11-position clutch to allow you maximum control over the tool. While this drill might not be able to meet the needs of a pro, it is more than ideal for home use.

The LDX120C runs on a 20V lithium-ion battery. This battery not only charges fast but is also remarkably reliable. It takes about two hours to charge completely and can hold on to that charge for 18 months. This means that you can store the drill for an entire year and still use it without having to recharge it. Another great thing about this cordless drill is that it is compatible with other 20V batteries by Black and Decker. Therefore, you do not have to wait for your battery to recharge if you have other Black and Decker tools in your kit.

It is also incredibly easy to use thanks to its ergonomic non-slip handle and LED lights.

This unit, however, is not ideal for heavy-duty use. It not only lacks the power for such applications but also tends to heat up after extended periods of use. Nonetheless, it is a quality tool for home users with its bargain price making it to be one of the best lightweight cordless drills for the money.

3. Bosch Cordless Drill Driver – Premium Choice

If you are looking for a lightweight cordless drill for heavy-duty or professional use, allow us to introduce you to the Bosch PS32-02.

Weighing in at only two pounds, this is one of the lightest cordless drills out there. Surprisingly, it delivers up to 180 inch-pounds of torque to allow you to drill into the toughest of materials.

For enhanced control, it has a two-speed transmission: 0–400 RPM for low-speed drilling and 0–1,300 RPM for high-speed drilling. Additionally, it comes with a 20+1 clutch setting to allow you to fine-tune the machine further. As a result, you can take on a broad array of applications.

The Bosch PS32-02 comes with a ⅜-inch single-sleeve universal chuck that accepts almost every type of bit out there to allow you to take on a wider range of tasks.

This unit is also remarkably durable. It is encased in a tough Durashield housing that is made from an ABS and nylon composite. What’s more, its motor is of the brushless type, thus assuring you reliability.

You will also appreciate the battery fuel gauge that ensures that you do not run out of juice without noticing.

The PS32-02, however, is not perfect. The vibrations from the clutch tend to loosen the chuck. As a result, you will have to tighten the chuck periodically, which can affect your productivity.

4. KIMO Cordless Drill Driver

This cordless drill by KIMO is a compact but powerful unit that will make tasks that involve drilling through wood a breeze. With dimensions of 7” x 5” x 7” inches and weighing in at only two pounds, this cordless drill is bound to fit in just about any tight space.

The KIMO drill comes with a two-speed motor with variable speed, as well as forward and reverse functions. You can choose to operate the tool at speeds between 0–350 RPM or 0–1,350 RPM, depending on your needs. The motor is made out of copper, which allows it to operate for extended periods without overheating. It achieves a torque output of 330 pound-inch, which is sufficient for drilling through most materials.

This cordless drill comes with 21+1+1 clutch settings to allow you to adjust the machine’s torque according to your needs.

The T20 features a keyless chuck for enhanced efficiency. The chuck accepts ⅜-inch bits, which are the most popular types of bits. You will appreciate the fact that your package will come with three brad point bits, six twist drill bits, and 33 screw-driving bits. This means that you will go for a long period before you have to invest in your own bits.

The T20 runs on a durable 20V battery that the manufacturer claims can last up to 1,000 recharge cycles before it starts degrading. It is quite reliable too, as it can last a few hours on a single charge. The T20 has a fuel gauge too.

The KIMO T20, however, does have some drawbacks. It does not come with a manual, it has a brush motor, and the LED placement is not ideal.

5. Avid Power CD316-18 Cordless Drill

The Avid Power 20V cordless drill is a small unit that promises to meet your DIY needs without much hassle thanks to the bevy of features it comes with.

This cordless drill runs on a 20V 1.5Ah Lithium-ion battery that provides you with enough power to take on heavy-duty projects. What’s more, the battery pack is equipped with a USB output to allow you to charge your mobile devices. It also features a battery capacity indicator to ensure that you do not run out of charge.

The Avid Power CD316 is quite the performer as well, thanks to its 15+1-position clutch that allows you to fine-tune the machine for enhanced control and precision.

Weighing in at only 2.2 pounds, this drill is remarkably light, which allows you to work for longer without tiring. Its compact dimensions, on the other hand, allow it to access tight spaces. It also features an ergonomic handle for superior comfort and grip, in addition to LED lights for convenience.

Unfortunately, its bits tend to break easily.

6. WORKPRO W004532A Cordless Drill Driver

The WorkPro W004532A is a lightweight, compact, high-performance cordless drill that will meet the needs of most DIYers.

This pink-colored unit weighs four pounds and runs on a 20V 1.5Ah Lithium-ion battery. The powerful battery allows you to take on hardy applications and lasts quite long.

With the capability to deliver up to 203 lbs-in of torque and up to 1,500 RPM, the W004532A is quite the performer. It comes with a two-speed setting: 0–400 and 0–1,500 RPM to allow you to select the most appropriate speeds for your job. It also features a 21+1-position clutch system to allow you to adjust the tool to your specific needs.

The ergonomic design of this cordless drill makes it quite easy and comfortable to use. It comes with a soft grip handle and LED lights.

This unit, however, is not designed for heavy-duty use. Additionally, it is considerably heavier than most drills on this list.

The manufacturer donates $0.25 of every purchase to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

7. GOXAWEE G5050 Cordless Drill

The Goxawee G5050 is a versatile unit that serves as a drill, driver, and hammer. It offers you superior performance thanks to the two-speed system and 18-position adjustable clutch. As a result, you should be able to handle a boatload of tasks using this unit.

The only issue we have with the Goxawee G5050 is that it weighs a hefty five pounds, which can be tiring to work with.

8. CRAFTSMAN CMCD700C1 Cordless Drill

The Craftsman CMCD700C1 is a handy drill that delivers up to 280 UWO to give you enough power to complete most household projects. Nonetheless, it is a bit underpowered for heavy-duty applications or materials.

It has a variable speed trigger and keyless chuck for enhanced efficiency. Like most cordless drills, it also comes with LED lights to increase visibility in dark areas.

However, weighing in at more than five pounds, it might be too heavy for some.

9. Popoman Newdrill-3.426 Cordless Drill

The Popoman Newdrill is a powerful cordless unit that delivers up to 398 in-lbs of torque to allow you to take on a wide range of applications.

It comes with a variable speed trigger and a two-speed adjustment system to enhance your precision, while the 21+1-position clutch gives you greater control over the drill’s torque. What’s more, the LED lights are trigger-activated.

This would be a good drill for anyone not looking for a compact and lightweight model, as it weighs nearly seven pounds.

10. PORTER-CABLE PCCK607LB Cordless Drill

This cordless drill by Porter-Cable comes with a brushless motor, thus assuring you reliability, and delivers up to 370 UWO to allow you to take on heavy-duty applications.

While weighing in at a reasonable 3.3 pounds, its dimensions are rather large, making it difficult to fit in tight spaces. Moreover, it features a rather flimsy build while being remarkably expensive.

Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Lightweight Cordless Drill

With there being so many cordless drills on the market today, choosing one can be an incredibly arduous task. Nonetheless, it is something that you must do. To help you in that regard, consider the following factors when looking for a cordless drill.

Type

Cordless drill drivers come in various forms. They can be regular drills, hammer drills, or impact drivers. Impact drivers are ideal for screwing or unscrewing fasteners, hammer drills are used for heavy-duty drilling applications, such as boring holes in brick and concrete, while regular drills are for standard drilling applications.

Battery Type

Cordless drills come with either Lithium-ion or NiCad batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are the better option, as they recharge faster, hold the charge for longer, and are more durable.

• Related read: How to Store & Care for Cordless Drill Batteries

Torque and Speed

The torque rating of a cordless drill determines the kind of applications it can take on. A higher torque rating means that it can generate enough power to drill through tough material. When it comes to speed, different materials require different drilling speeds. A good drill, therefore, comes with variable speed control to allow you to choose the most appropriate setting for a specific material.

Ergonomics

A good drill is one that is easy to use and comfortable to handle. Therefore, look for one with an ergonomic grip, meaning that it does not put a lot of strain on your hands. Additionally, consider features that enhance ease of use, such as LED lights and a belt hook.

Size and Weight

Since you are looking for a compact and lightweight unit, the ideal drill should not weigh more than 4 pounds. Therefore, make sure that you check the product’s weight before you purchase it.

In Conclusion

After going through our reviews, choosing your ideal lightweight cordless drill should no longer be an issue. If you are yet to make up your mind, we highly recommend the Dewalt DCD791D2 cordless driver. It is light, comfortable to use, has excellent performance, comes from a trusted manufacturer, and does not break the bank.

If you are on a budget, consider the Black and Decker LDX120C. This unit is reliable, is ideal for DIY work, and is extremely affordable.

See Also: 

• 10 Best Lightweight Cordless Drills