Best Budget 20V MAX Drills Under $100

TL;DR: The Avid Power 20V Cordless Drill offers a 1.5 Ah battery, up to 320 in‑lb torque, and a lightweight 2.3 lb design, plus a 22‑to‑41 piece accessory kit for budget‑friendly DIY tasks.

The drill’s most striking spec is its 1.5 Ah lithium‑ion battery paired with a maximum torque range of 220–320 in‑lb, giving beginners enough power for light‑duty projects while staying compact. At 2.3 lb with the battery installed, the tool feels light enough for one‑handed use, and the keyless 3/8‑inch chuck makes bit changes quick.

Compared with the other seven models, the Avid Power sits on the lighter side of the group—heavier only than the WEN 20V Max 3‑inch Drill at 2.5 lb and lighter than Black+Decker’s 3.9 lb unit. Its chuck size matches the WEN models but is smaller than the 1/2‑inch chucks on the DEWALT DCD777B and DCD777D1. The high‑speed range of 0–1350 RPM is a bit below the 1500 RPM listed for the WEN drills, and its 1.5 Ah cell is smaller than the 2.0 Ah batteries found in the WEN 8‑inch and DeWalt DCD777D1. Torque-wise, the 320 in‑lb peak is lower than the 354 in‑lb on the WEN 8‑inch and far below the 530 in‑lb on the DEWALT DCD777B, which explains why the Avid Power is positioned as an entry‑level option.

User feedback highlights the drill’s ease of handling and the value of the 22‑to‑41 piece accessory kit, which includes bits, an extension bar, a flexible shaft, a case, a belt clip, and a charger. Reviewers consistently note the lightweight feel during furniture assembly or hanging shelves. However, several users report that the motor can overheat and emit a burning smell during prolonged heavy‑duty work, and the tool tends to stall when using spade bits or drilling larger holes in steel. Professional reviewers echo these points, calling the overheating “dangerous” for demanding tasks and noting slower drilling in steel compared with higher‑end competitors.

Additional technical details include a real‑time battery level display, forward/reverse switch, LED work light, anti‑slip rubber grip, and variable‑speed trigger. The drill runs on a 20V MAX system (approximately 18V actual), and the keyless 3/8‑inch chuck accommodates standard bits up to 3/8 inch (10 mm) in steel and 13/16 inch (20 mm) in wood.

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable entry-level option — the Avid Power 20V Cordless Drill offers Battery Capacity: 1.5Ah (1500 mAh)

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

TL;DR: The Craftsman CMCK200C2 delivers 1700 in‑lbs of torque, 3800 IPM impact speed and a brush‑less 2 Ah battery, making it a high‑performance, ergonomically lit combo for serious DIYers willing to pay a premium.

The standout spec is the 3800 IPM impact rate paired with 1700 in‑lbs of max torque, both driven by a brushless motor that promises 30% more power and 25% longer runtime. The kit includes a 20V MAX (nominal 18V) battery system with two 2 Ah cells, and the impact driver features three LEDs surrounding the chuck for bright illumination.

Compared with the other seven tools in this roundup, the CMCK200C2 is noticeably larger—its 15.5‑inch length and 11.0‑inch height exceed the more compact DeWalt DCD777D1, while its 4.5‑inch width is wider than that model’s 3.75‑inch profile. At a listed weight of 0.000625 pounds, it is dramatically lighter than the DeWalt DCD777D1’s 2.82 lb, making it easy to carry despite the larger dimensions. Battery capacity matches the higher‑end peers that also offer 2 Ah packs.

Everyday users praise the tool’s reliability on projects like deck building and furniture assembly, highlighting the long runtime of up to 90 holes per charge and the bright three‑LED lighting. Professional reviewers note the brushless motor’s efficiency and the quick‑release, one‑handed chuck for fast bit swaps. However, several reviewers warn that the variable‑speed trigger can be overly sensitive, leading to over‑torquing and occasional bit breakage, and they mention that the power level may fall short for heavy automotive tasks such as lug‑nut removal.

Beyond the impact performance, the drill side offers a 2‑speed gearbox with speed ranges of 0‑350 RPM and 0‑1,500 RPM, delivering 350 UWO of power. The combination of 90 holes per charge and the runtime improvement claim makes it suitable for extended DIY sessions without frequent recharging.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option — the Craftsman CMCK200C2 offers Battery Capacity: 2Ah

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget, only need basic functionality, or require heavy‑duty professional construction or automotive repair performance

TL;DR: The Black+Decker BDCDMT120C packs a 20V MAX brushed motor, 1.5 Ah battery and a modular MATRIX Quick Connect system into a compact 3.9 lb tool that’s ideal for light‑to‑medium DIY jobs.

What really sets this drill apart is the MATRIX Quick Connect system, letting you snap on interchangeable drill, impact or sanding attachments without tools. It runs on a 20V MAX (nominal 18V) lithium‑ion pack that stores 30 Wh of energy and holds a charge for up to 18 months. The unit weighs 3.9 lb, measures 8.8 inches tall by 11.3 inches long, and offers a keyless 3/8‑inch chuck plus an LED light for work in tight spaces.

Compared with the other seven entries, the BDCDMT120C is heavier than the Avid Power 20V cordless drill (which weighs about 2.3 lb) but lighter than the DEWALT DCD777B range that tops out around 2.9 lb. Its maximum speed of 800 RPM trails the WEN 20V Max Drill’s 1,500 RPM, and its 11 clutch settings are fewer than the 15 found on both the WEN and DEWALT models. Battery capacity matches the Avid Power’s 1.5 Ah pack but falls short of the WEN’s 2.0 Ah, meaning it may need more frequent recharges on longer jobs.

Home‑improvement enthusiasts consistently praise the quick‑swap capability and the built‑in LED, noting that the tool feels balanced enough for ceiling‑fan installations and deck‑screw driving. Professional reviewers echo this sentiment, highlighting the brushed motor and 800 RPM ceiling as limiting factors for heavy‑duty construction work. The 180‑minute charge time and the variable‑speed trigger round out a package that’s well‑reviewed (4.7 / 5 stars from 5,854 users) for everyday tasks.

Best for: Most users looking for a well‑reviewed, reliable mainstream option — the Black+Decker BDCDMT120C offers Chuck Size: 3/8‑inch.

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

TL;DR: The DeWalt DCD777D1 packs a brushless 404 UWO motor, a 2.0 Ah battery and a compact 6.38‑inch head into a 2.82‑lb, 12.5‑inch drill that feels premium but carries a $99 price tag.

What really sets this drill apart is the brushless motor delivering 404 UWO of power while keeping the tool light enough to hold for extended periods. The 1/2‑inch ratcheting metal chuck and 15‑position clutch give you solid bit retention and fine torque control, and the built‑in LED with a 20‑second delay shines into dark job sites.

At 2.82 lb, the DCD777D1 is considerably heavier than the ultra‑light Craftsman CMCK200C2 (listed at 0.000625 lb) but still lighter than Black+Decker’s 3.8‑lb model. Its overall length of 12.5 inches makes it longer than the DeWalt DCD794B’s 6.5‑inch overall size, yet the 6.38‑inch tool head is short enough to fit into tighter spaces where larger drills struggle.

Users consistently praise the drill’s compact head and reliable power, noting that the brushless motor feels “professional‑grade” and the ratcheting chuck holds bits securely during repetitive work. Reviewers also point out the solid 4.7‑star rating from over 2,000 buyers as a sign of broad satisfaction. On the flip side, several comments mention the 1,650 RPM top speed as a limiting factor for high‑speed drilling, and the included 2.0 Ah battery can feel modest during heavy‑duty days.

Technical details round out the package: a 2‑speed variable trigger lets you dial in speed, while the 15 clutch positions give precise torque settings. The 20‑second LED delay prevents accidental activation, and the 20 V system aligns with DeWalt’s larger battery ecosystem for future upgrades.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option — the DeWalt DCD777D1 offers Battery Capacity: 2.0 Ah

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $99.00

TL;DR: The DeWalt DCD794B packs a brushless motor, 404 UWO power and a 5.9‑inch tool head into a 2.47‑lb, 8.39‑inch compact drill that excels in tight spaces but costs a premium.

At the heart of the DCD794B is a brushless motor delivering 404 UWO of power and a torque of 1 Nm. The 2‑speed transmission offers a no‑load speed range of 0–450/1650 RPM, letting you dial in the right speed for screws or larger fasteners. Weighing just 2.47 pounds and standing 8.39 inches tall, the unit feels light enough for overhead work without sacrificing the 5.9‑inch tool‑head length that makes it slip into confined spots.

Compared with the other seven drills in this roundup, the DCD794B sits in the middle of the price band and is noticeably heavier than the ultra‑light Craftsman CMCK200C2, which weighs only 0.000625 pounds, but still lighter than the Black+Decker model at 3.8 pounds and the WEN option at roughly 3.9 pounds. Its height of 8.39 inches is shorter than Craftsman’s 11.0 inches, giving it a tighter profile. The 15 clutch positions match those of the DeWalt DCD777D1, while its single LED work light offers illumination similar to the three‑LED setup on the Craftsman impact driver.

Professional reviewers praise the brushless motor for higher efficiency and durability, and users consistently note that the compact head lets the drill reach places a bulkier tool can’t. However, the absence of a hammer function shows up in complaints about limited masonry capability, and the 404 UWO output is viewed as modest when compared with higher‑end models. The $100.00 price tag also nudges it into the premium tier, which some budget‑focused buyers find steep.

Beyond the basics, the DCD794B integrates a variable‑speed trigger and a 20V MAX platform that’s compatible with more than 300 tools, making it a versatile addition to an existing DeWalt battery ecosystem. The 1/2‑inch ratcheting chuck and LED work light round out a feature set aimed at homeowners and light‑to‑mid‑range contractors who need a reliable, easy‑to‑handle drill.

Best for: Buyers willing to invest in a proven, high‑quality option — the DeWalt DCD794B offers Battery Compatibility: 300+ tools in 20V MAX system

Avoid if: You're on a tight budget, need hammer drilling for masonry, or only require basic functionality

TL;DR: The DEWALT DCD777B packs a brushless 340 UWO motor, 57% runtime boost and a compact 7.52‑inch design, but its $85.98 price and 1,600 RPM top speed keep it in the solid mid‑range tier.

The standout feature is its brushless motor, which the manufacturer claims delivers up to 57% more runtime compared with brushed counterparts. Coupled with a 340 UWO power output, the drill provides enough torque (44.1 ft‑lbs) for typical household tasks while staying light at 2.5–2.9 lbs. Its two‑speed transmission (0–500 RPM low, 0–1,600 RPM high) gives you the flexibility to start screws slowly and finish drilling faster.

In the eight‑product lineup, the DCD777B sits at a higher price point than the entry‑level WEN models, yet it remains lighter than the Black+Decker option that weighs 3.8 pounds. At 7.52 inches long, it is more compact than the DeWalt DCD777D1’s 12.5‑inch overall length, and its ergonomic comfort grip helps offset the modest weight difference with the WEN 3‑inch drill, which is 2.5 pounds.

Users consistently praise the drill’s portability and the balanced feel of the grip, noting that the lightweight build reduces hand fatigue during extended projects. Professional reviewers also highlight the reliable drilling performance across wood, metal and masonry, while several owners flag the plastic ratcheting chuck as a potential durability weak point and wish for a higher maximum RPM than the 1,600 RPM offered.

Additional technical details include a keyless 1/2‑inch ratcheting chuck, 15 clutch settings for torque control, and an LED light with a 20‑second trigger‑release delay—useful when working in dim corners. The 20V MAX (nominal 18V) brushless system rounds out a well‑equipped tool for everyday DIY work.

Best for: Most users seeking a balanced, mainstream option — the DEWALT DCD777B offers Chuck Size: 1/2 inch

Avoid if: You're shopping on a tight budget — it's priced at $85.98

TL;DR: The WEN 20V Max Drill 8‑inch packs 354 in‑lb of torque, a 2.0 Ah lithium‑ion battery and 15 clutch settings into a compact, ergonomic tool ideal for light‑duty DIY projects.

This drill’s standout spec is its 354 in‑lb torque paired with a 2.0 Ah battery, delivering enough power to bore through wood up to 1.2 inches and steel up to 0.39 inches. The 15‑position clutch and variable‑pressure trigger let you fine‑tune speed, while the high‑speed setting reaches 1500 RPM, well above the 400 RPM low‑speed range.

Compared with the other seven models, the WEN offers a larger battery capacity than the Black+Decker BDCDMT120C (1.5 Ah) and the Avid Power 20V Cordless Drill (1.5 Ah). It also out‑speeds Black+Decker’s 800 RPM max and Avid Power’s roughly 1350 RPM ceiling. However, DEWALT’s DCD777B provides a heftier 530 in‑lb torque and a 1600 RPM top speed, positioning it for tougher tasks. The Craftsman CMCK200C2 lists an ultra‑light weight of 0.000625 lb, whereas the WEN’s weight isn’t disclosed, making direct weight comparison impossible.

Users who have tried this model appreciate its affordability and the “solid” feel of the 354 in‑lb torque for everyday repairs and furniture assembly. Reviewers note the LED work light and ergonomic handle make tight‑space work more comfortable. On the flip side, several owners mention the brushed motor can feel less durable over time and that demanding screws often need a pilot hole, reflecting the drill’s light‑duty focus.

Technically, the drill features a 3/8‑inch keyless chuck, LED charge gauge on the battery, and a brushed 20V Max motor (18V nominal). The two‑year limited warranty rounds out the package, giving peace of mind for occasional DIY use.

Best for: Users with specific technical requirements or compatibility needs — the WEN 20V Max Drill 8‑inch offers Battery Capacity: 2.0 Ah

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

TL;DR: The WEN 20V Max 3‑inch Drill delivers 354 inch‑pounds of torque, 15 clutch settings and a lightweight 2.5 lb body for an affordable entry‑level cordless option.

What really stands out is the 354 inch‑pounds of max torque paired with a high‑speed setting of 1500 RPM. That combination lets you punch through wood up to 1.2 inches deep and metal up to 0.39 inches, which is generous for a tool in the sub‑$30 bracket. The variable‑pressure trigger and 15 clutch positions give you fine control over driving torque, so you can avoid over‑driving screws in delicate projects.

Compared with the other seven drills in this roundup, the WEN is lighter than the Black+Decker model (which tips the scales at about 3.8 lb) and comparable to the Avid Power unit that weighs roughly 2.3 lb with its battery. Its torque of 354 in‑lb outpaces the Avid Power’s 220–320 in‑lb range, yet falls short of the DEWALT DCD777B’s 530 in‑lb, positioning it solidly in the mid‑range of power. The WEN’s dimensions—3.25 in height, 7.75 in length and 8.0 in width—make it more compact than the larger DEWALT models, which run over 11 in in height.

Users who have tried the tool consistently praise the “strong torque” and the “versatile speed control” for everyday DIY tasks. Professional reviewers echo this sentiment, noting that the torque is “sufficient for basic wood and steel drilling” while also pointing out that it may “underperform on heavy tasks requiring multiple trigger pulls.” The included LED work light, keyless 3/8‑in chuck and ergonomic handle add practical comfort, and the drill is fully compatible with the WEN 20V Max lithium‑ion battery line, though the battery itself must be purchased separately.

Best for: Entry‑level buyers or those on a tight budget — the WEN 20V Max 3‑inch Drill offers Clutch Settings: 15

Avoid if: You want the best value‑per‑dollar in its price range