Short answer: a brushless drill uses an electronically controlled motor with no carbon brushes. Compared with a regular (brushed) drill it delivers more power from the same battery, runs longer per charge, heats up less and needs almost no motor maintenance. A brushed drill is cheaper and is perfectly fine for light, occasional jobs at home.
What are the "brushes" in a drill motor?
A traditional drill motor has small carbon blocks (brushes) that press against a spinning part of the motor to deliver electricity. They work well, but they create friction, heat and sparks, and they slowly wear down. Eventually the brushes need replacing.
A brushless motor removes those blocks. A small circuit board switches the current instead, and it constantly adjusts power to the load. When you drill into soft wood it uses less power; when you hit hard material it pushes more.
Brushless vs brushed at a glance
| Brushed (regular) | Brushless | |
|---|---|---|
| Power from the same battery | Good | Higher |
| Runtime per charge | Standard | Noticeably longer |
| Heat during heavy use | Gets warm faster | Runs cooler |
| Maintenance | Brushes wear and need replacing | Practically none |
| Size and weight | Larger for the same power | More compact |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Why brushless drills last longer on a battery
Friction and heat are wasted energy. Because a brushless motor has no brushes rubbing inside and adjusts its power to the job, more of the battery's energy turns into actual drilling. That is why a brushless drill can finish more holes or screws on the same battery, which matters a lot when you are on a job site without a charger nearby.
Who should buy a brushless drill?
- Tradesmen and contractors who use a drill every day.
- Anyone drilling concrete and block walls often (pick an impact model).
- People who want one battery to last the whole job.
- Anyone who prefers a compact, lighter tool for overhead work.
If you only hang a few pictures a year or assemble furniture, a basic drill such as the Cordless Drill 12V 20Nm with Battery - JADEVER does the job for much less money.
Our brushless picks
For home and light DIY: compact brushless impact drills with around 50–66Nm torque are light, easy to handle and strong enough for wood, metal and light masonry.
Compact Brushless Cordless Impact Drill 20V 52Nm with Battery - JADEVERView product →
Compact Brushless Cordless Impact Drill 20V 66Nm with Battery - TOTALView product →
For professionals: high-torque brushless models handle large screws, big holes and all-day use. The 42V model gives extra power for demanding jobs.
Brushless Cordless Impact Drill 20V 86Nm with Battery - TOTALView product →
Brushless Cordless Impact Drill 20V 166Nm with Battery - TOTALView product →
Brushless Cordless Impact Drill 42V 99Nm with Battery - TOTALView product →
Already own TOTAL 20V batteries? Buy a "Tool Only" version such as the Compact Brushless Cordless Impact Drill 20V 66Nm (Tool Only) - TOTAL and save the cost of another battery and charger.
Browse the full range in Cordless Power Tools.
Frequently asked questions
Is a brushless drill more powerful than a brushed drill?
At the same voltage, yes in practice. A brushless motor wastes less energy as heat, so more of the battery’s power reaches the chuck. Always compare the torque (Nm) figure as well.
Does a brushless drill need maintenance?
The motor itself needs essentially none because there are no brushes to wear out. Keep the vents clean and look after the battery.
Can I use my existing batteries with a brushless drill?
Usually yes, if the drill is from the same brand and voltage platform (for example TOTAL 20V). Batteries from different brands are generally not interchangeable.
Is a brushless drill worth the extra cost?
If you use a drill weekly or for work, yes: longer runtime and a longer tool life pay back the difference. For rare, light jobs, a brushed drill is enough.
