Best Budget 18V Right Angle Drills Under $150

TL;DR: The Ryobi ONE+ HP Right Angle Drill packs a brushless motor with 2× more torque than its predecessor, a compact 3.6‑in. head, dual‑speed control and a solid 4.7‑star rating for just $88.97.

This model’s standout spec is its brushless motor that delivers up to 29.17 ft‑lb (350 in‑lb) of torque—roughly double the torque of the earlier version. It offers two speed ranges, 0‑450 RPM for low‑torque tasks and 0‑1,700 RPM for faster drilling, all in a right‑angle handle that fits into tight spaces. At 2.84 lb and 292 mm tall, it’s a lightweight, low‑profile tool.

When you line it up against the other three drills in this roundup, the Ryobi sits in the middle of the price band. The RIDGID SubCompact weighs 2.5 lb, so it’s a touch lighter, and its max torque of 375 in‑lb edges out Ryobi’s 350 in‑lb. The Einhell TE‑AD 18 Li‑Solo is lighter at about 2.69 lb and lists a higher torque figure, while also adding an integrated LED—something Ryobi lacks. The Metabo HPT model is the heaviest at roughly 3.54 lb but boasts a massive 1,200 in‑lb torque rating, far above Ryobi’s output.

Professional reviewers praise the Ryobi’s “extremely compact 3.6‑in. length” for reaching into cramped or overhead spots, and users echo that the tool feels solid despite its size. The brushless motor’s 2× torque boost is repeatedly called a performance win, while the absence of onboard lighting is noted as a missing convenience for dim work areas.

The drill runs on Ryobi’s 18 V ONE+ battery platform, meaning you can swap batteries with any of the 300‑plus tools in that system. It features a keyless 3/8‑in. chuck, reversible direction, and a three‑year manufacturer warranty, rounding out its value for DIYers who already own Ryobi batteries.

Best for: Budget‑conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry‑level option — the RYOBI ONE+ HP Right Angle Drill offers Height: 292 mm.

Avoid if: You need high‑torque wrenching capabilities or onboard lighting for dim environments.

TL;DR: The Einhell TE-AD 18 Li-Solo delivers 45 Nm of torque in a lightweight 2.69‑lb, 12.87‑in angled design, perfect for tight‑space DIY tasks when you already own a Power X‑Change battery.

What really sets this drill apart is its 45 Nm maximum torque paired with a compact 12.87‑in overall length and a 40 mm soft‑grip handle. The integrated LED with a 10‑second afterglow adds visibility in dark corners, and the single‑sleeve keyless chuck accepts bits up to 10 mm without tools.

Compared with the three other right‑angle drills in this roundup, the Einhell is lighter than the Metabo HPT (3.54 lb) and the RYOBI ONE+ (2.84 lb) but a touch heavier than the RIDGID (2.5 lb). Its 3.35‑in width is much slimmer than Metabo’s 5.12 in body, while the RYOBI model is narrower at 2.52 in. In terms of speed, the Einhell’s 1,100 rpm no‑load speed is lower than Metabo’s 0‑1,800 rpm range and RIDGID’s 0‑1,900 rpm high‑speed setting, making it a more modest performer in that dimension.

Professional reviewers highlight the all‑metal transmission for robust power transfer, and users appreciate the angled, slim profile for reaching recessed screws. The main trade‑off noted is that the unit ships without a battery or charger, so you’ll need an existing 18 V Power X‑Change pack. Additionally, the single‑gear, single‑torque‑setting design can feel limiting on tougher jobs.

Best for: Those prioritizing quality and willing to pay for premium performance — the Einhell TE-AD 18 Li‑Solo offers Max Torque: 45 Nm

Avoid if: You need advanced features or professional‑grade performance

TL;DR: The Metabo HPT DN18DSLQ4 delivers 1,200 in‑lb of torque and a 0‑1,800 RPM speed range in a compact 3.5‑inch head, but its premium $139 price and brushed motor make it a specialist’s choice.

What really sets this drill apart is its torque output of 1,200 in‑lb combined with a variable no‑load speed of 0‑1,800 RPM, all packed into a 3.5‑inch head that slips into tight joist bays and behind pipework. At 12.8 in long, 5.12 in wide and 4.45 in high, the tool weighs 3.54 lb, giving you enough heft for control without feeling bulky.

Compared with the Einhell TE‑AD 18 Li‑Solo, the RYOBI ONE+ HP, and the RIDGID 18V SubCompact, the Metabo HPT is noticeably heavier than the Einhell (≈2.69 lb), RYOBI (≈2.84 lb) and RIDGID (≈2.5 lb) models. It also tops the torque charts – the Einhell lists 45 Nm and the RIDGID 375 in‑lb – so you’ll have more bite for demanding fasteners. Its top speed sits just below the RIDGID’s 1,900 RPM, but the variable speed trigger lets you dial in the exact RPM you need.

User feedback highlights the 3.5‑inch head as a major win for electricians and plumbers who need to reach into confined spaces. Reviewers also praise the LED job light and the side‑handle that flips for reverse drilling. On the downside, several users note that the brushed motor may wear faster under heavy, continuous use, and the single clutch setting can feel limiting when driving delicate screws.

Best for: Audiophiles and enthusiasts seeking premium sound quality and advanced features — the Metabo HPT DN18DSLQ4 offers No-load Speed: 0-1,800 RPM

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget or only need basic functionality; heavy demolition tasks or prolonged high‑torque work may exceed its brushed‑motor design.

TL;DR: The RIDGID 18V SubCompact Right Angle Drill packs a 3.5‑inch head, 375 in‑lb of torque and a lightweight 2‑lb build into an 11‑inch tool for tight‑space jobs.

What really sets this drill apart is its ultra‑compact 3.5‑in head combined with a max torque of 375 in‑lb. That torque level is high for a tool of this size, and the 0–1,900 RPM high‑speed range gives you plenty of bite for most DIY applications. At just 2 lb, it’s one of the lightest right‑angle drills in the market, making it easy to hold steady while working overhead or inside cabinets.

Compared with the other three contenders, the RIDGID is lighter than the Metabo HPT model, which weighs about 3.54 lb and offers a much larger 1,200 in‑lb torque figure. The RYOBI ONE+ HP drill is slightly heavier at roughly 2.84 lb, but its torque isn’t listed, so the RIDGID’s 375 in‑lb is a clear advantage there. The Einhell TE‑AD 18 Li‑Solo is marginally heavier at about 2.69 lb and lists a torque of 45 Nm, which converts to a lower figure than RIDGID’s torque, so you get more turning power with the Ridgid unit. In length, the Metabo HPT runs longer at 12.8 in, while the RIDGID stays at a more manageable 11 in, keeping it easier to maneuver in cramped spots.

Users consistently praise the drill’s maneuverability in plumbing, electrical and cabinet work, noting that the 3.5‑in head reaches places most right‑angle drills can’t. The built‑in LED work light and on‑board bit storage get frequent mentions for added convenience. A common complaint is that the tool is sold “tool only,” so you’ll need a compatible RIDGID 18V battery you already own. A few reviewers also mention occasional chuck slippage when using larger bits, which ties back to the 3/8‑in keyless chuck’s size limitation.

The brushless motor and 18 V battery platform promise efficient power delivery, while the reversible, pistol‑style handle gives you control in tight angles. The keyless 3/8‑in chuck lets you swap bits quickly, and the long variable‑speed trigger lets you dial in speed between the low 0–500 RPM range and the high 0–1,900 RPM range for different materials.

Best for: Entry-level buyers or those on a tight budget — the RIDGID 18V SubCompact Right Angle Drill offers Max Torque: 375 in.-lbs

Avoid if: Reliability and user satisfaction are your top concerns