If you’ve ever walked into a hardware store and stared at the wall of cordless drills¹ thinking, “Which one is actually worth my money?” — trust me, I’ve been there too. It can feel like trying to pick a favorite coffee blend: too many options, not enough clarity.

The best cordless drill depends on your needs — heavy-duty jobs call for 18V–20V models² like DeWalt or Makita, while casual home users can rely on compact 12V–18V drills. Look for torque³, battery life⁴, and comfort to make the right choice.

Most people don’t just want the most powerful drill — they want one that feels right in their hands, lasts longer, and doesn’t quit halfway through a project. Let’s break it down together.

What is better, an 18V or 20V drill?

It’s one of the most confusing debates for beginners — 18V vs 20V. Let’s settle it.

Both 18V and 20V drills use the same battery cells; the difference is marketing. 20V represents the maximum voltage when fully charged, while 18V is the nominal working voltage. In real-world use, performance is nearly identical.

Here’s the thing: when I first learned about this, I felt tricked. I thought 20V must mean stronger, right? But once you peek under the hood, you realize it’s just a labeling game — like saying a car hits 220 km/h top speed but usually drives at 180.

So if you’re comparing an 18V drill from Bosch and a 20V from DeWalt, don’t get hung up on the number. Focus instead on torque, battery capacity, and motor efficiency.

At YOUWE, we build both 18V and 20V cordless drills¹ — and trust me, the difference isn’t power, it’s branding. Pick based on feel, not just the sticker.

What cordless drill is better, DeWalt or Makita?

Ah, the classic showdown. DeWalt vs Makita — it’s like asking coffee drinkers to choose between espresso and cappuccino.

DeWalt drills⁵ are known for high torque³ and rugged durability, ideal for construction work. Makita drills⁶ are lighter, quieter, and better balanced, making them great for continuous or precision tasks. Your choice depends on your work style.

When I was visiting a client’s workshop in Italy, I noticed something interesting — the workers using DeWalt had their sleeves rolled up, drilling through concrete; the ones with Makita were working on cabinetry, fine-tuning details.

DeWalt feels like a workhorse — powerful, tough, maybe a bit heavier.
Makita feels refined — smooth, ergonomic, efficient.

If you want a balanced performer that can bridge both worlds, YOUWE’s cordless series combines brushless motors, quick-charging Li-ion batteries, and a 45-day delivery guarantee — something I’ve learned European buyers like Deivis really appreciate when timelines matter.

Is an 18V drill powerful enough?

Many people ask this when they see bigger 36V models. My short answer: yes, absolutely.

An 18V drill delivers enough power for most DIY and professional tasks — from driving screws into wood to drilling metal. Only heavy industrial or masonry jobs require higher-voltage tools.

I still remember when a client once doubted our 18V cordless drill. He thought it wouldn’t handle thick oak boards. So, I sent him a demo video — our 18V drill went through the plank cleanly, battery still half full after twenty holes. He called back laughing, saying, “Okay, I believe you now.”

Here’s the thing — more voltage doesn’t always mean better. It usually means heavier, more expensive, and often unnecessary for home or general use.

So yes, an 18V drill is plenty strong — especially if it’s built with a brushless motor and high-efficiency gearbox, like those in our YOUWE lineup (visit here).

What drill should I buy for home use?

If you’re not planning to rebuild your kitchen every weekend, you probably don’t need a monster tool.

For home use, choose a compact 12V–18V cordless drill with at least 30Nm torque³, variable speed control, and a lightweight design. Prioritize comfort, reliability, and battery compatibility.

When I help my friends pick a home-use drill, I always tell them — think of it like buying a reliable bicycle, not a racing motorbike. You want something comfortable, steady, and easy to store.

A drill that feels natural in your hand is worth more than one with intimidating specs you’ll never use. Look for features like LED lighting, quick-change chucks, and ergonomic grips.

Personally, I use our YOUWE 18V cordless model around my house — from fixing shelves to hanging photos. It’s light, balanced, and doesn’t make me feel like I’m holding a jet engine.

Conclusion

Choosing the best cordless drill isn’t about chasing numbers — it’s about finding your match. Whether it’s 18V or 20V, DeWalt or Makita, the right drill feels like an extension of your hand — steady, reliable, and ready when you are.