Best cordless drill drivers for home DIY

Top pick: DeWalt DCD793D1 20V MAX brushless drill/driver kit. Brushless motor, 1/2" chuck and a battery and charger in the box — the balance of power, run time and long-term durability most home DIYers actually need, and it's the best-rated of the kits here.

Who the others suit:

• DeWalt 20V MAX drill + impact driver combo — if you'll also be driving lots of long screws or building flat-pack; two tools, two batteries.
• DeWalt DCD801B (tool only) — already own DeWalt 20V batteries and want the most capable bare tool.
• Makita 18V LXT kit — smooth, precise trigger control for furniture and cabinet work.
• Ryobi 18V (tool only) — the cheap way into a huge battery platform if you already have Ryobi packs.
• Black+Decker 20V MAX — light, simple and fine for hanging shelves and assembling furniture.
• Milwaukee M18 FUEL hammer drill — only if you drill into brick or concrete; overkill otherwise.
• WORKPRO 12V pink set — small, light jobs and tight spaces.

Skip tool-only kits unless you own that brand's batteries.