Top 8 Cordless Drills with Built-In Light (With Pricing)

Cordless drills are one of the most popular and diverse power tools on the market today, offered in what seems like an endless amount of configurations, specs, and features.

But one of the most popular cordless drill features is a built-in light, as it allows you to drill/drive even in low light situations or in dark corners.  

So if you’re looking for a cordless drill with a light, you’re in the right place, as we highlighted the 8 most popular and best cordless drills with a built-in light below.

Best Cordless Drills with Light (Least to Most Expensive)

1. BLACK+DECKER MAX Cordless Drill

Quick Specs

• Average Price:  $60
• Voltage:  20V
• Torque:  115 in-lbs
• Speed:  650 RPM
• Bit Size: 3/8 Inch
• Why It’s Great:  Affordable, Compact, Lightweight, Multi-Tool Battery

If you’re looking for a good cheap cordless drill with a light, it’s hard to go wrong with the BLACK+DECKER MAX Cordless Drill.

As this compact lightweight drill offers numerous upgrades, including a built-in light, a keyless chuck, and variable speed control, despite being one of the cheapest name brand cordless drills you can buy.

And thanks to its 11-position clutch, you can dial in just the right amount of torque to easily drill or drive into wood, plastic, and metal.

In addition, because the 20V lithium battery pack on this drill is part of BLACK+DECKERS’s “Power Connect Battery System”, the battery on this drill can also be used to power a wide range of other tools made by BLACK+DECKER.

2. BLACK+DECKER MAX Matrix Cordless Drill

Quick Specs

• Average Price:  $70 (Drill Only, Accessories Sold Separately)
• Voltage:  20V
• Torque:  186 in-lbs
• Speed:  400 RPM
• Bit Size: 3/8 Inch
• Why It’s Great:  Affordable, Lightweight, Multi-Tool Battery, Mult-Tool Function

While the standard BLACK+DECKER MAX from above makes a great basic cordless drill for around the house, BLACK+DECKER also makes a more powerful and robust version of the drill, called the BLACK+DECKER MAX Matrix.

As the MAX Matrix not only offers more torque compared to the MAX but also features a more robust and rugged design.

But the MAX Matrix’s real stand-out feature is its multi-tool functionality.

Because while the standard BLACK+DECKER MAX offers a multi-tool battery.

The BLACK+DECKER MAX Matrix offers the “Matrix Quick Connect System”, which allows you to detach the drill from the body and add a variety of other tool attachments.

Allowing you to turn the BLACK+DECKER MAX Matrix cordless drill into a cordless impact driver, a cordless mini circular saw, a cordless oscillating multi-tool, or even a cordless air pump to name just a few.

Which takes the versatility of the BLACK+DECKER MAX Matrix to a whole new level.

3. CRAFTSMAN Cordless Drill/Driver

Quick Specs

• Average Price:  $85
• Voltage:  20V
• Torque:  142 in-lbs
• Speed:  0-350 / 0-1,500 RPM
• Bit Size: 1/2 Inch
• Why It’s Great:  Affordable, Lightweight, Two-Speed Gear Box, Multi-Tool Battery

CRAFTSMAN tools have been synonymous with quality ever since Sears first began producing them in 1927, which is why they’ve been one of the most popular tools brands for generations.

Now owned and produced by Stanley Black & Decker, after Sears sold the brand in 2017, it appears that Stanley Black & Decker is picking up where Sears left off, by continuing to produce quality well-built tools.

And one of the best examples of this quality is the popular CRAFTSMAN Cordless Drill/Driver, as it offers a lot of durability and quality for a very reasonable and affordable price. 

Making the CRAFTSMAN Cordless Drill/Driver a great option for those looking for a quality well-built drill that doesn’t cost a fortune.

In addition, like the BLACK+DECKER drills from above, the 20V lithium battery pack on this cordless drill is also a multi-tool battery, which means the battery can also be used to power a wide range of other tools made by Craftsman.

Allowing you to use one battery and charger to get every job done around the house.

4. BOSCH 12V Cordless Drill

Quick Specs

• Average Price:  $110
• Voltage:  12V
• Torque:  265 in-lbs
• Speed:  0-350 / 0-1,300 RPM
• Bit Size: 3/8 Inch
• Why It’s Great:  Ultra-Lightweight, Ultra-Compact, Two-Speed Gear Box

If you’re looking for a lightweight compact cordless drill with a light, then you need to look no further than the 12V BOSCH Cordless Drill.

As this BOSCH cordless drill is one of the lightest and most compact drills on the market today, weighing in at just over two pounds with a head length of just 7 inches.

Allowing this cordless drill from BOSCH to fit into places other larger cordless drills never could. 

Which can really come in handy when you’re trying to drill or drive something in a tight space, like inside a cabinet or in an awkward corner.  

Also, if you’re concerned about power or runtime because of the drill’s 12V lithium-ion battery, don’t be, as this compact lightweight drill offers 265 inch-pounds of torque, up to 1,3oo revolutions per minute, and class-leading run time.

Giving you big power in a small package. 

But that’s not all the BOSCH cordless drill has to offer, as it also features a 3/8 inch three-jaw chuck, 20+1 clutch settings, and a powerful two-speed gearbox, ensuring that you always have just the right amount of power and torque.

5. DEWALT Max Cordless Drill/Driver

Quick Specs

• Average Price:  $115
• Voltage:  20V
• Torque:  371 in-lbs
• Speed:  0-450 / 0-1,500 RPM
• Bit Size: 1/2 Inch
• Why It’s Great:  Durability, Two-Speed Gear Box, Multi-Tool Battery

You might have noticed that a lot of contractors and professionals use DEWALT power tools, and that’s no coincidence.

As DEWALT power tools are some of the most durable and reliable tools on the market today that are designed and built to be job-site tough.

Which is why so many contractors and professionals choose DEWALT power tools for the job site.

However, one of the major drawbacks of DEWALT power tools is that they tend to be very expensive, often costing more than $200 for a single tool in many cases.

But that’s not always the case, as DEWALT also makes a more affordable line of power tools as well, that offer a lot of durability and many of the same features as their more expensive tools but at a fraction of the cost.

Like this DEWALT Max Cordless Drill/Driver featured here, that offers class-leading durability and numerous best-in-class features, such as a high-speed transmission with two speeds, 371 inch-pounds of torque, and a robust 1/2-inch single sleeve ratcheting chuck that provides extra gripping power.

In addition, the DEWALT battery on this drill is also part of DEWALT’s 20V battery system, which allows you to use the battery on this drill to power a wide range of other tools made by DEWALT.

6. Milwaukee Compact Cordless Drill/Driver

Quick Specs

• Average Price:  $150
• Voltage:  18V
• Torque:  500 in-lbs
• Speed:  0-500 / 0-1,800 RPM
• Bit Size: 1/2 Inch
• Why It’s Great:  High Torque, Compact, Lightweight, Two-Speed Gear Box, Multi-Tool Battery

If you’ve got a little more money to spend and looking for the best cordless drills with a built-in light, the next three cordless drills should definitely be on your shortlist, as they each offer excellent reliability, durability, and power.  

So to start things off, let’s take a closer look at the Milwaukee Compact Cordless Drill/Driver, as this is the first drill on this list that truly deserves top-tier status.

As this Milwaukee Compact Cordless Drill/Driver offers class-leading torque and power with 500 inch-pounds of torque and a two-speed gearbox that can go from 0 to 1,800 revolutions per minute.

Allowing you to easily handle a wide variety of jobs around the house and at the job site.

And because this drill is made by Milwaukee, you know you can trust its durability, as Milwaukee has been synonymous with quality and reliability ever since they first started making tools in 1924.   

7. Makita LXT Driver-Drill

Quick Specs

• Average Price:  $165
• Voltage:  18V
• Torque:  440 in-lbs
• Speed:  0-500 / 0-1,900 RPM
• Bit Size: 1/2 Inch
• Why It’s Great:  Compact, Lightweight Two-Speed Gear Box, Multi-Tool Battery

One of the best cordless drills with a built-in light for power to weight ratio is the Makita LXT Driver-Drill, as this drill provides 440 inch-pounds of torque and a two-speed gearbox that goes up 1,900 revolutions per minute, while still maintaining a compact and lightweight design.

As the Makita LXT Driver-Drill has a head length of just 6 and 5/8 inches and a weight of only 3.8 pounds, allowing you to use the drill for hours without becoming fatigued.

But it’s not just its lightweight compact design and class-leading power that makes this cordless drill from Makita so great though, as it also features numerous upgrades as well.

Including an all-metal gear and housing construction that provides excellent job site durability, and of course a built-in light.

But it’s not just any old light though, as even the light on this drill has been upgraded, as it features a  dual L.E.D. light with “afterglow illuminate”, to light up even the darkest of workspaces.

8. DEWALT MAX XR Cordless Drill

Quick Specs

• Average Price:  $200
• Voltage:  20V
• Torque:  619 in-lbs
• Speed:  0-550 / 0-2,000 RPM
• Bit Size: 1/2 Inch
• Why It’s Great:  High Torque, Durability, Compact, Lightweight, Two-Speed Gear Box, Multi-Tool Battery

One of the best cordless drills with a built-in light is the DEWALT MAX XR Cordless Drill.

As this compact powerful cordless drill from DEWALT truly has it all, including best-in-class torque, excellent reliability, and XR lithium-ion batteries that provide 33% more battery capacity compared to standard battery packs.

Ensuring you always have more than enough battery power, no matter what jobs at hand or how long it takes.

In addition, this premium drill also features a 1/2 inch metal ratcheting chuck and a high-speed transmission, capable of up to 2,000 revolutions per minute, which really helps to speed up larger projects.

But that’s not all this upgraded cordless drill has to offer, as the DEWALT MAX XR Cordless Drill also offers one of the best built-in lights available on a cordless drill.

As the drill has a three-mode LED light that is 20 times brighter than the previous model and an LED spotlight mode that provides a 20-minute shutoff function.

Allowing for extended work time in dark or confined spaces.

Cordless Drill Q&A

What Should I Look for When Buying a Cordless Drill?

When buying a cordless drill there are seven main things to look for, in order to ensure that you’re buying a quality cordless drill that can handle a variety of jobs and that will hold up well over time.

• Brand:  While the brand of a cordless drill isn’t the only thing that matters, it’s often best to go with a name-brand drill as opposed to an off-brand cheaper drill, for better reliability and durability.   
• Torque:  Higher the better.  Should be at least 100 inch-pounds for basic household jobs and at least 250 inch-pounds for larger jobs and construction.
• Voltage:  Should be at least 12 volts or higher, however, unless you need a really compact drill, you should opt for either an 18 or 20-volt cordless drill.
• Speed:  Higher the better.  Make sure it’s at least capable of 400 revolutions per minute.  Two-speed transmission is better for more precise control of speed.
• Clutch:  Should be an automatic clutch with metal contact points.
• Metal Construction:  While every modern cordless drill uses some level of plastic, the more metal construction the better for long-term reliability and durability, especially around the chuck assembly and gears.
• Bit Size:  Should be either 3/8 or 1/2 inch.

What is the Difference Between an 18V Drill and a 20V Drill?

An 18V or a 20V drill refers to the type of battery the drill uses for its energy source, with a higher voltage number indicating a higher energy output and in turn higher power and torque output.

As voltage measures a battery’s energy capability.

This means that a 20V drill will generally offer more power as well as torque compared to an 18V drill.

However, it’s unlikely that you’d be able to tell much of a difference between an 18V and a 20V drill, as they’re both powerful cordless drills at the top end of the power range.

As they make cordless drills that offer 12 volts of power, as well as cordless drills that offer as little as four volts of power.

Are Brushless Drills Worth It?

Brushed motors used to be the standard motor offered in drills, however, in recent years the tool industry has moved to brushless motors, which is a far superior motor.

As brushless motors offer several key advantages over brushed motors, including reduced maintenance, improved efficiency, and reduced heat and noise, making brushless motors a better choice and more than worth it, if you’re looking for a motor to go the distance, with minimal issues.

What is a Good Torque for a Cordless Drill?

Torque on a cordless drill measures the twisting force of the drill.

This means that drills with higher torque ratings will have a larger twisting force and offer more twisting power, which can come in handy on larger and more difficult jobs.

But how much torque and power do you really need on a cordless drill?

Well, it depends on what type of work you plan on doing with the cordless drill.

Because someone using a cordless drill for light-duty work around the house will need far less torque compared to someone using a cordless drill for heavy-duty work on a construction site. 

So we’ve broken down our two minimum recommended torque specs, based on the type of work you plan on doing with the drill.

For light-duty work around the house, the cordless drill should have at least 100 inch-pounds of torque.

For medium to heavy-duty construction work, the cordless drill should have at least 250 inch-pounds of torque. 

What is the Difference Between a Drill Driver and an Impact Driver?

A drill driver provides consistent torque or twisting force, making it best suited for drilling and to a lesser extent driving, while an impact driver provides sequential bursts or pulsing torque, making it best suited for driving.

Because of this, many choose to have both a drill driver and an impact driver on hand while working, as each type of tool excels at a different type of task.

If you only have the budget for one tool though or only want to use one tool, you should go with a drill driver, as it can drill and drive, while an impact driver can only drive.