Best cordless tool sets

Start here: DeWalt 20V MAX 7-tool combo kit. It's the best all-round set for most homes — drill, driver, saws and light on one battery platform, with strong owner ratings and plenty of stores stocking it, so adding bare tools later is easy.

Who the others suit:

• Ryobi 18V ONE+ 8-tool kit — the value pick for a first set or light DIY; the biggest tool count for the money and a huge battery platform.
• DeWalt 10-tool kit — if you want one box that covers nearly every job.
• Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2-tool kit — pros and heavy users who want the best drill/impact pair and will build the rest up.
• DeWalt 2-tool kit — a compact starter for small jobs.
• BLACK+DECKER 4-tool set — occasional use and tight budgets.

Skip the Makita 7-piece: its ratings are weak.