20 Best 18v Lithium Ion Cordless Drill
Updated on: September 2023
Best 18v Lithium Ion Cordless Drill in 2023
Makita XFD131 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2 In. Driver-Drill Kit (3.0Ah)

- Mechanical 2 speed transmission (0 500 & 0 1, 900 RPM) for a wide range of drilling and fastening applications
- Bl Brushless motor delivers 440 inches pounds of max torque
- Efficient BL Brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for upto 50 percentage longer run time per charge
- The BL Brushless motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life
- The electronically controlled BL Brushless motor efficiently uses energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill / Driver Kit, Compact, 1/2-Inch (DCD771C2)

- Compact, lightweight design fits into tight areas
- High performance motor delivers 300 unit watts out (UWO) of power ability completing a wide range of applications
- High speed transmission delivers 2 speeds (0 450 & 1,500 rpm) for a range of fastening and drilling applications. Chuck Type - Keyless
- 1/2 inches single sleeve ratcheting chuck provides tight bit gripping strength
- Ergonomic handle delivers comfort and control.Tool Width:1.9 inch
- Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18. Battery capacity: 1.3 Ampere hour
Makita XFD12R 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Brushless Cordless 1/2" Driver-Drill Kit (2.0Ah),

- Mechanical 2-speed transmission (0-500 & 0-2,000 RPM) for a wide range of drilling and fastening applications
- BL Brushless motor delivers 530 in.Lbs. Of max torque
- Efficient BL Brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for up to 50% longer run time per charge
- The BL Brushless motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life
- The electronically-controlled BL Brushless motor efficiently uses energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application
Makita XPH12Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill, Tool Only

- BL Brushless motor delivers 530 in.Lbs. Of max torque
- Efficient BL Brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for up to 50% longer run time per charge
- The BL Brushless motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life
- The electronically-controlled BL Brushless motor efficiently uses energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application
- Variable 2-speed design (0-500 & 0-2,000 RPM) (0-7,500 & 0-30,000 BPM) covers a wide range of drilling, driving and hammer applications
Makita CT225R 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit (2.0Ah)

- Variable 2 speed 1/2 inches Driver Drill (0-400 & 0-1,500 RPM) with Makita built 4 pole motor
- Variable speed Impact Driver (0-2,300 RPM & 0-3,200 IPM) provides 1,460 inch pounds of Max Torque and weighs only 2.8 pounds with battery
- 18V Compact Lithium Ion 2.0 Ah battery BL1820 provides upto 50% more run time per charge compared to BL1815
- 18V Compact Lithium-Ion 2.0 Ah battery BL1820 reaches full charge in 25 minutes or less
- 18V Compact Lithium-Ion 2.0 Ah battery BL1820 is compatible with 18V LXT Tools
Makita XAD02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8" Angle Drill, Tool Only

- Makita-built 4-pole motor delivers 121 in.lbs. of Max Torque
- Variable speed (0-1,800 RPM) for a wide range of drilling and driving applications
- 3/8" keyless chuck for fast and easy bit installation and removal
- Compact 3-1/2" angle head height for use in close quarters
- Compact and ergonomic design at only 12-3/8" long
Milwaukee 2801-21P M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Compact Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit
Makita XT269M 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit (4.0Ah),

- Efficient BL Brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for up to 50percentage longer run time per charge
- The BL Brushless motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life
- The electronically controlled BL Brushless motor efficiently uses energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application
- Variable 2 speed 1/2 inches hammer Driver Drill (0 500 & 0 2,000 RPM) with BL Brushless motor delivers 530 . Of max torque; weighs only 4.2 pounds With battery
- Variable speed impact driver (0 3,400 RPM & 0 3,600 IPM) with BL Brushless motor delivers 1,500 . Of max torque; weighs only 3.3 pounds With battery
Makita XT269T 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit (5.0Ah)

- Efficient BL Brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for upto 50% longer run time per charge
- The BL Brushless motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life
- The electronically-controlled BL Brushless motor efficiently uses energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application
- Variable 2-speed 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill (0-500 & 0-2, 000 RPM) with BL Brushless motor delivers 530 in pounds. Of max torque; weighs only 4.2 pounds with battery
- Variable speed impact driver (0-3, 400 RPM & 0-3, 600 IPM) with BL Brushless motor delivers 1, 500 pounds of max torque; weighs only 3.3 pounds with battery
Makita XPH11ZB 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless 1/2" Hammer Driver-Drill, Tool Only

- Compact and ergonomic design at only 6-15/16" long
- Weighs only 2.9 lbs. With battery (battery not included) for reduced operator fatigue
- Ideal for working in tight spaces
- Mechanical variable 2-speed transmission (0-500 & 0-1, 700 RPM) (0-7, 500 & 0-25, 500 BPM) for a wide range of drilling, fastening and hammer drilling applications
- Dual L.E.D. Lights illuminate the work area
RIDGID R96021SB 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver and Impact Driver Combo Kit with (2) 2.0Ah Batteries

- Drill/Driver: Powerful 535 -inch/lbs. of torque in a compact size
- Drill/Driver: 2-speed settings for matching power to the task
- Impact Driver: High torque output of 1,750 -inch/lbs. of torque for tough applications
- Impact Driver: 1-handed bit loader makes bit changes quicker and easier
- Includes: (1) R860052 Compact Drill/Driver, (1) R86034 Impact Driver, (2) 18V 2.0 Ah Batteries, (1) 18V Charger, (1) tool bag, (2) driving bits, (1) belt hook with screw, and operator's manual
Ridgid R86116 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless 1/2in Hammer Drill (Tool Only - Battery and Charger NOT Included) (Renewed)
Hitachi DS18DBFL2S 18V Cordless Lithium Ion Brushless High Torque Driver Drill (Includes One 3.0Ah Compact Battery)

- Hitachi Power Tools has renamed to Metabo HPT; Same great tools, with only a new name
- Powered by Hitachi's 18V Lithium Ion slide type battery for fade free power and lighter weight
- Brushless Motor Technology for higher efficiency, increased run time and longer tool life
- Professional grade power with 620 in/lbs of turning torque and up to 1,800 RPM
- Ratcheting 1/2 inches keyless all metal chuck for quick and simple bit replacements and secure holding power
- 22 stage + 1 clutch settings delivers 22 torque settings and a drill mode for ultimate precision and control
- Includes: (1) Lithium Ion 3.0Ah Slide Type Battery BSL1830C (339782), Charger (UC18YKSL), Carrying Bag (331417), #2 Phillips Bit (983006)
- Metal belt hook so the tool is always close at hand
- Covered by Hitachi's Lifetime Lithium Ion Tool Warranty, 2 Year Lithium Ion Battery Warranty and 1 Year Charger Warranty
Milwaukee 2697-22CT M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill/Impact Driver Combo Kit

- The M18 1/2 inch Hammer Drill Driver with Milwaukee 4 pole frameless motor delivers 450 inch lbs. of peak torque; 0–550/0–1700 RPM; and 29000 BPM
- Includes the M18 1/4-inch Hex Compact Impact Driver featuring a Milwaukee-designed impact mechanism for 1400 inch lbs. of torque
- DPM Digital Power Management overload protection prevents damage to the tool and battery in abusive situations
- Compatible with M18 XC High Capacity REDLITHIUM0 batteries and M18 Compact REDLITHIUM batteries
- Includes M18 2602-20 1/2-inch Hammer Drill Driver; M18 2650–20 1/4-inch Hex Compact Impact Driver; two M18 Compact REDLITHIUM batteries; 1-hour charger; contractor bag
Hitachi DS18DGL 18-Volt Cordless Lithium-Ion 1/2 Inch Compact Drill Driver Kit (Lifetime Tool Warranty) (Discontinued by the Manufacturer)

- Hitachi Power Tools has renamed to Metabo HPT; Same great tools, with only a new name
- Covered by Hitachi's Lifetime Lithium Ion tool warranty and two year Lithium Ion battery warranty
- Powered by Lithium Ion battery technology for less weight and fade free power
- Powerful 400 inches/pounds of torque to handle tough jobs in tight spaces
- Two speed gear setting to match the appropriate speed to the application
- 22+1 stage clutch delivers 22 torque settings and a drill mode for ultimate precision and control
- LED light effectively illuminates dark work spaces
- 1/2 inches keyless ratcheting chuck for quick and simple bit replacements
- Responsive variable speed trigger provides complete control during operation
- Includes: (2) 18V Lithium Ion Batteries (BSL1815S), 18V 35 Minute Charger (UC18YKSL), Double Sided Phillips Bit, Carrying Case
Makita XT268T 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit (5.0Ah)

- Efficient BL Brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for up to 50% longer run time per charge
- The BL Brushless motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life
- The electronically-controlled BL Brushless motor efficiently uses energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application
- Variable 2-speed 1/2" hammer Driver-Drill (0-550 & 0-2,100 RPM) with BL motor delivers 1,090 in.Lbs. Of max torque
- 3-speed Impact Driver (0-1,100/0-2,100/0-3,600 RPM & 0-1,100/0-2,600/0-3,800 IPM) delivers 1,550 in lbs. of Max Torque and weighs only 3.3 lbs. with battery
Milwaukee 2697-22 M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill/Impact Driver XC Combo Kit (2-Tool)

- Includes M18 cordless lithium-ion 1/2 in. hammer drill/driver (2607-20), M18 1/4 in. hex compact impact driver (2656-20), two 48-11-1828 M18 XC high-capacity REDLITHIUM batteries, M18 lithium-ion battery charger (48-59-1801) and contractor bag
- Drill/driver's compact design enables greater accessibility in tight work spaces
- Drill/driver features all-metal gear case and chuck for extra durability
- Milwaukee 4-pole frameless motor on drill/driver features robust design combined with rare-earth magnets for long life, best-in-class 500 in. lbs. of torque and 0–400/0–1800 RPM
- Impact driver features 1/4 in. hex quick-connect chuck for convenience
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Combo Kit, 2-Tool (DCK240C2)

- Ergonomic Design: Lightweight Tools Designed to Fit the User’s Needs
- Increased Visibility: The DCF885 Features a Built in Led with 20 Second Delay After Trigger Release
- Includes: (1) DCD771 Drill/Driver, (1) DCF885 1/4 Inches Impact Driver, (2) 20V Max Lithium Ion 1.3 Ah Battery Packs, 20 Volt Max Charger, and (1) Kit Bag
- ONE HANDED BIT LOADING: THE DCF885 has a 1/4 inches hex chuck and accepts 1 inches bit tips, Power Tool Type:Cordless
- High Performance Motor: The DCD771 Delivers 300 Unit Watts out (Uwo) of Power Ability Completing a Wide Range of Applications
Makita XFD10Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Driver-Drill, Tool Only, 1/2"

- Makita-built 4-pole motor delivers 480 in. lbs. of Max Torque
- Mechanical 2-speed transmission (0-600 & 0-1,900 RPM) for a wide range of drilling and fastening applications
- Features Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) which is engineered to provide increased dust and water resistance in harsh job site conditions
- Dual L.E.D. lights with afterglow illuminate the work area
- Ergonomically designed handle with rubberized soft grip provides increased comfort
Makita XT333X1 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 3-Pc. Combo Kit (4.0Ah) (2.0Ah)

- Variable 2 speed 1/2 inches hammer Driver Drill (0 500 & 0 2, 000 RPM) (0 7, 500 & 0 30, 000 IPM) delivers 530 inches pounds of max torque
- Variable speed impact driver (0 3, 400 RPM & 0 3, 600 IPM) provides 1, 500 inches pounds Of max torque
- Circular saw delivers 5, 000 RPM for faster cutting and ripping
- The BL Brushless motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life
- Efficient BL Brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for up to 50percentage longer run time per charge
Product Review: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/2” Drill Driver Kit
The Milwaukee M18 Drill Driver Kit Model 2603-22 is a work quality tool that has the power to drill and drive through wood, preserved wood and concrete that includes a handle and two batteries with charger.
The Milwaukee M18 Drill Driver Kit Model 2603-22 is a work quality tool that has the power to drill and drive through wood, preserved wood and concrete that includes a handle and two batteries with charger.
Ease of Use/Performance: 4.5/5
Convenience/Storage 5/5
Appearance/Design 5/5
How much I enjoy 5/5
Average Rating 5/5
I received another tool from professional tool manufacturer Milwaukee and could not be more impressed with this quality tool that performs well. The Milwaukee company manufactures professional quality tools including their signature Sawzall reciprocating saw and has been a leader in power tools since 1924.
The Milwaukee M line of power tools is a lithium powered line of tools that centers on the lithium ion batteries in a few capacities but you have to match the voltage of the batteries. I am not sure if you can accidentally put the wrong voltage battery on a tool but when purchasing extra batteries you need to make sure you buy the correct 12, 18 or 28 volt battery.
The batteries come in a regular and high capacity with a new technology called RED LITHIUM that increases the current discharge for more power when you need it. One feature I like about the Milwaukee batteries is the power indicator on the battery itself to check for battery charge status without having to install the battery in the tool.
The 1/2" drill driver has all the power it needs from the high capacity M18 RED LITHIUM batteries with two in the kit so you have an extra battery for your tough jobs. The 2603-22 kit includes the 1/2" drill driver, two RED LITHIUM 18 volt batteries, an M12/M18 charger, a removable handle in a plastic carry case with manuals for the tool and charger.
The 1/2" drill driver is a hefty tool weighing in at about 3.5 pounds while the tool with a RED LITHIUM XC, extra capacity, battery weighs about 5.1 pounds. This may seem a bit heavy for a hand tool but considering the use the tool will be put through like driving long screws into wood or drilling concrete heft is important for control.
The tool includes a handle that attaches on the top of the tool with a simple tightening of the round handle on the two clamps that fit into the indents by the top body screws. The side handle gives you even more control while doing hefty work like drilling into concrete or boring large holes in tough wood like treated lumber.
The company has upgraded the internal circuitry of the M18 tool to make better use of the lithium-ion technology as well as a new brushless motor that better cools and lasts longer. The brushless motor and better circuitry equate to a better motor that gives longer lasting drilling and driving due to a cooler running motor.
The contoured handle makes the drill driver comfortable for use while the chuck is easy to use and securely holds bits when tightened without a chuck key. There is also a space for a belt clip or a bit holder on each side of the drill driver but these need to be purchased separately and installed using a single screw.
The drill driver is hefty but with a good feel when doing heavy duty work like drilling through 2 by 12's to install some wiring conduits through a basement foundation. I have used the drill for several jobs like installing shelves and working in some fairground buildings with varying uses from drilling to driving into concrete and even mixing paint in five gallon buckets.
The tool has two speed settings and a rotating torque setting to deliver varying torque for depth of driving or for the necessary power due to material type while drilling. The drill and driver uses the two speeds to vary the main speed and the torque that allows the drill to slip when it reaches a specific torque that works well for driving screws to a specific depth.
The Milwaukee drill driver works extremely well for concrete work and drilling into other tough materials like preserved wood even if using larger bits like 1/2 inch to create holes for rebar. I had no problems drilling into concrete through preserved wood which is pretty difficult and through regular wood for many jobs both at home and elsewhere.
The drill speed works well for jobs like mixing paint in five gallon buckets on low speed and switching to high speed to drill through lumber quickly and easily. The drill driver has no problem with performing multiple tasks in a variety of materials with the extra capacity batteries that hold a charge well and are easy to change.
The battery capacity lasts very well for the tool use and having two batteries in the same kit really makes sense for convenience while on large jobs. The battery charger that comes with the Milwaukee 2603-22 kit can charge the extra capacity M18 batteries in an hour and really gives you the fast charging for large jobs.
It is no wonder that Milwaukee is a top choice of construction workers and user survey's but individual models vary just as much as personal opinions about tools. Several of the tools in the same or prior lines of the 2603-20 drill and driver receive high praise from various reviewers and users.
The Milwaukee Drill Driver kit does a fantastic job at tasks like construction and home improvement jobs and makes a welcome addition to this home owner's tool chest. Another great feature that I only recently became aware of is a small LED light to help light your way while using the drill driver.
This is the second drill I have received that has an LED at the front and I keep thinking every time I use either drill why they never did this in the past with drills and drivers. The light really helps when using the drill or driver in tight quarters like in between floor joists where using a flashlight would require at least one of your two hands.
I highly recommend the Milwaukee 1/2" drill driver and the kit that this particular model comes in really gives you the benefits of two batteries for a complete drill driver for either a handyman or on the job.