Short answer: choose a cordless drill if you move around, work on ladders, outdoors or where sockets are far away. Choose a corded (electric) drill if you work near power, want the lowest price, or need to run the tool for hours without stopping.
Comparison
| Cordless | Corded | |
|---|---|---|
| Freedom to move | Work anywhere | Limited by cable and sockets |
| Runtime | Depends on the battery | Unlimited |
| Price for similar power | Higher (battery and charger) | Lower |
| Weight | Battery adds weight | Often lighter for the power |
| Power cuts | Keeps working | Stops |
| Best for | Assembly, installation, site work | Workshop, long drilling sessions |
When cordless makes more sense
- Installing curtains, shelves and lights where there is no socket nearby.
- Working on roofs, in gardens or on unfinished buildings.
- Screwdriving: cordless drills have a clutch that makes driving screws easy and controlled.
- You want one battery system for several tools (drill, grinder, blower and more).
Cordless Drill 12V 20Nm with Battery - JADEVERView product →
Compact Brushless Cordless Impact Drill 20V 66Nm with Battery - TOTALView product →
Cordless 2 Pcs Combo Kit 20V 66Nm with Battery - TOTALView product →
When corded makes more sense
- A fixed workshop where you drill for long periods.
- Large holes in metal or masonry that drain batteries quickly.
- The lowest cost for the most power.
Electric Drill 450W - TOTALView product →
Impact Drill 900W - TOTALView product →
Impact Drill 1100W 16mm - TOTALView product →
Watts vs volts: how to compare power
Corded drills are rated in watts (W): more watts means more power for tough material. Cordless drills are rated in volts (V) and torque (Nm). A 20V drill is the sweet spot for most people; 42V tools are for heavy work. Battery size (Ah) decides how long it runs; see our guide What do 20V and 4.0Ah mean?
Our advice
For most homes, a 20V cordless drill is the most useful single tool you can own. If you already have one and drill masonry a lot, add a corded impact drill or a rotary hammer for the heavy jobs (see Drill vs Rotary Hammer).
Browse Cordless Power Tools and Corded Power Tools.
Frequently asked questions
Are cordless drills as powerful as corded drills?
Modern 20V and 42V brushless drills are very powerful and handle almost all household and many professional jobs. For long, heavy drilling sessions, corded drills still have the edge.
How long does a cordless drill battery last?
It depends on the battery size (Ah) and the job. A 4.0Ah battery lasts roughly twice as long as a 2.0Ah battery on the same tool.
Is it better to buy a cordless drill with or without a battery?
If you already own batteries from the same brand and voltage, buy the "Tool Only" version. Otherwise, a kit with battery and charger is better value.
