Best Cordless Drills Australia 2025: Complete Buying Guide

A cordless drill is the single most important power tool you’ll ever buy. Whether you’re a professional tradie, an apprentice starting your career, or a DIY enthusiast tackling home projects, the right cordless drill makes every job easier, faster, and more enjoyable. In this comprehensive 2025 buying guide, we review the best cordless drills available in Australia and help you choose the perfect one for your needs.

At Power Tools Direct Australia, we’ve sold thousands of cordless drills to tradies and DIYers across the country. This guide is based on real customer feedback, hands-on experience, and expert knowledge of the Australian power tools market.

What to Look for When Buying a Cordless Drill in Australia

Before we get into specific recommendations, let’s cover the key features and specifications you should understand when shopping for a cordless drill.

1. Voltage (18V vs 12V)

The voltage of a cordless drill determines its power output. In Australia, the two main options are:

• 18V cordless drills: The standard for professional use. 18V drills offer the best balance of power, runtime, and weight. This is what most tradies use daily. All major brands (Milwaukee, Makita, DeWalt) have extensive 18V platforms.
• 12V cordless drills: Compact and lightweight, ideal for light-duty work, tight spaces, and overhead drilling. Milwaukee’s M12 platform is the leader in this category. 12V drills are popular with electricians and as secondary drills.

Our recommendation: For most users, an 18V cordless drill is the best choice. It gives you the power for professional work while being part of a larger battery ecosystem.

2. Brushless vs Brushed Motors

This is one of the most important distinctions in modern power tools:

• Brushless motors: More efficient, more powerful, longer-lasting, and generate less heat. Brushless drills deliver up to 50% more runtime and 30% more power than brushed equivalents. All professional-grade drills in 2025 are brushless.
• Brushed motors: Older technology, found in budget drills. Cheaper upfront but less efficient and shorter lifespan. The carbon brushes wear out over time and need replacement.

Our recommendation: Always choose a brushless cordless drill if your budget allows. The performance difference is significant, and the motor will last much longer.

3. Drill Types: Drill Driver vs Hammer Drill vs Impact Driver

Understanding the different types of drills is crucial:

• Drill Driver: The most versatile option. Drills holes and drives screws. Suitable for wood, metal, and plastic. Does NOT drill into masonry/concrete.
• Hammer Drill (Combi Drill): Does everything a drill driver does PLUS has a hammer function for drilling into brick, concrete, and masonry. This is the most popular choice for tradies because it handles every material.
• Impact Driver: Designed specifically for driving screws and fasteners. Uses a rotational impact mechanism that delivers much more torque than a drill driver. Not designed for drilling holes (no chuck — uses hex-shank bits only).

Our recommendation: Most tradies should start with a hammer drill as their primary drill, and add an impact driver as their second tool. Many brands offer drill and impact driver combo kits that include both tools with batteries — this is the best value way to start.

4. Key Specifications Explained

• Torque (Nm): Measures rotational force. Higher torque = more power for driving large screws and drilling through tough materials. Professional hammer drills typically offer 60-130Nm of torque.
• Speed (RPM): Revolutions per minute. Most drills have two speed settings — low speed/high torque for driving, and high speed/low torque for drilling.
• Chuck Size: 13mm is standard for professional drills. This determines the maximum drill bit shank diameter.
• Battery Capacity (Ah): Measured in Amp-hours. Higher Ah = longer runtime. 5.0Ah batteries are the sweet spot for most professional use.
• BPM (Beats Per Minute): For hammer drills, this measures the hammer action speed. Higher BPM = faster drilling in masonry.

Top 10 Best Cordless Drills in Australia for 2025

1. Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hammer Drill (M18FPD3) — Best Overall

The Milwaukee M18FPD3 is our top pick for 2025. This third-generation FUEL hammer drill delivers class-leading 135Nm of torque, making it the most powerful 18V hammer drill available. The POWERSTATE brushless motor, REDLINK PLUS intelligence, and REDLITHIUM battery technology combine to deliver unmatched performance.

• Torque: 135Nm
• Speed: 0-550 / 0-2,100 RPM
• Chuck: 13mm all-metal
• Weight: 2.1kg (bare tool)
• Best for: Professional tradies who need maximum power and reliability

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2. Makita DHP486 18V Brushless Hammer Drill — Best Value

The Makita DHP486 offers exceptional performance at a more accessible price point. With 130Nm of torque and Makita’s proven brushless motor technology, this drill handles everything from delicate cabinetry work to heavy masonry drilling. It’s lighter than the Milwaukee equivalent, making it ideal for all-day use.

• Torque: 130Nm
• Speed: 0-500 / 0-2,100 RPM
• Chuck: 13mm all-metal
• Weight: 2.0kg (bare tool)
• Best for: Carpenters, general tradies, and value-conscious professionals

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3. DeWalt DCD778 18V XR Brushless Hammer Drill — Best Budget Professional

The DeWalt DCD778 is an excellent entry point into professional cordless drills. It offers solid 65Nm of torque in a compact, lightweight package. While it doesn’t match the raw power of the Milwaukee or Makita flagships, it’s more than capable for most professional applications and comes at a significantly lower price.

• Torque: 65Nm
• Speed: 0-600 / 0-2,000 RPM
• Chuck: 13mm all-metal
• Weight: 1.6kg (bare tool)
• Best for: Apprentices, budget-conscious tradies, and light-to-medium duty work

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4. Milwaukee M18 FUEL Drill Driver (M18FDD3) — Best Drill Driver

If you don’t need the hammer function, the M18FDD3 drill driver is the premium choice. It’s slightly lighter and more compact than the hammer drill version, making it perfect for cabinetry, furniture making, and general fastening work.

5. Makita DDF486 18V Brushless Drill Driver — Best Makita Drill Driver

The drill driver version of the DHP486, the Makita DDF486 is ideal for woodworkers and installers who don’t need hammer drilling capability. Lightweight, powerful, and reliable.

6. Bosch GSB 18V-110 C Professional — Best Bosch Drill

Bosch’s flagship 18V brushless hammer drill offers 110Nm of torque with Bluetooth connectivity via the Bosch Toolbox app. A strong alternative for those who prefer the Bosch Professional (Blue) ecosystem.

7. HiKOKI DV18DC 18V Brushless Hammer Drill — Best HiKOKI Drill

HiKOKI (formerly Hitachi) offers excellent value with their MultiVolt platform. The DV18DC delivers 136Nm of torque — matching Milwaukee — at a lower price point. A great choice for tradies who want premium performance without the premium price tag.

8. Milwaukee M12 FUEL Hammer Drill (M12FPD2) — Best Compact Drill

For tight spaces and overhead work, the M12 FUEL hammer drill is unbeatable. At just 1.1kg, it’s incredibly light yet still delivers 44Nm of torque. Essential for electricians working in switchboards and ceiling cavities.

9. Festool TPC 18/4 Cordless Hammer Drill — Best Premium Drill

For those who demand the absolute best, Festool’s TPC 18/4 offers exceptional precision, build quality, and dust extraction compatibility. It’s significantly more expensive than other options, but Festool’s quality is unmatched for fine woodworking and cabinetry.

10. DeWalt DCD805 18V XR Brushless Hammer Drill — Best DeWalt Upgrade

DeWalt’s premium hammer drill offers 90Nm of torque with a compact design and excellent ergonomics. A significant step up from the DCD778 for tradies who want more power within the DeWalt ecosystem.

Cordless Drill Buying Tips for Australian Conditions

Australia presents unique challenges for power tools. Here are some tips specific to Australian conditions:

• Heat management: Australian summers can be brutal. Brushless motors generate less heat and perform better in high temperatures. Always store batteries in a cool, shaded area on the jobsite.
• Dust protection: Australian jobsites are dusty. Look for drills with sealed switches and dust-resistant designs. Milwaukee’s FUEL tools and Makita’s XPT (Extreme Protection Technology) models are designed for dusty conditions.
• Battery care: Don’t leave lithium-ion batteries in direct sunlight or in a hot car. Extreme heat degrades battery cells and reduces lifespan. Invest in a quality tool bag or PACKOUT system to protect your batteries.
• Warranty: Always buy from an authorised Australian dealer to ensure your warranty is valid. Grey imports may be cheaper but won’t be covered by the manufacturer’s Australian warranty.

Skin Only vs Kit: What Should You Buy?

When shopping for a cordless drill in Australia, you’ll see two options:

• Skin Only (Bare Tool): Just the drill, no battery or charger. This is the best option if you already own batteries from the same brand/platform. It’s significantly cheaper than buying a kit.
• Kit: Includes the drill, one or two batteries, a charger, and usually a carry case. This is the best option if you’re starting fresh with a new brand or need additional batteries.

Pro tip: If you’re new to a brand, start with a combo kit that includes a drill and impact driver with batteries. This gives you two essential tools and the batteries to power your future tool purchases.

How to Maintain Your Cordless Drill

Proper maintenance extends the life of your cordless drill significantly:

1. Clean the chuck regularly: Dust and debris can accumulate in the chuck, causing bits to slip. Use compressed air to blow out the chuck after each use.
2. Inspect the brushes (brushed models): If you have a brushed drill, check the carbon brushes every 6 months and replace when worn.
3. Store batteries properly: Store batteries at room temperature, ideally between 40-80% charge. Never store fully depleted batteries.
4. Keep vents clear: Ensure the motor ventilation slots are free from dust and debris.
5. Lubricate the chuck: Apply a drop of light machine oil to the chuck mechanism every few months.
6. Check the trigger: Ensure the variable speed trigger operates smoothly. If it feels gritty, it may need cleaning or replacement.

Where to Buy Cordless Drills Online in Australia

Power Tools Direct Australia offers the widest range of cordless drills from all major brands at competitive prices. We stock Milwaukee, Makita, DeWalt, Bosch, HiKOKI, Festool, and more — all with fast delivery Australia-wide.

Why buy from Power Tools Direct?

• Competitive prices on all major brands
• Fast delivery across Australia
• 100% genuine products with full manufacturer warranty
• Expert advice from our team of tool specialists
• Easy returns and exchanges

Browse our complete cordless drill range →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cordless Drills

What is the best cordless drill brand in Australia?

Milwaukee, Makita, and DeWalt are the three best cordless drill brands in Australia. Milwaukee offers the most power, Makita offers the best value and lightest weight, and DeWalt offers the best budget-friendly professional options. Read our full brand comparison for more details.

How much should I spend on a cordless drill?

For professional use, expect to spend $200-400 for a quality brushless cordless drill (skin only) or $400-700 for a kit with batteries. For DIY use, $150-300 will get you a capable drill. We recommend investing in a brushless model — the performance and longevity justify the extra cost.

Do I need a hammer drill or a regular drill driver?

If you ever need to drill into brick, concrete, or masonry, get a hammer drill. For woodworking and metal only, a drill driver is sufficient. Since hammer drills can also function as regular drill drivers, they’re the more versatile choice for most users.

What’s the difference between 18V and 20V drills?

In Australia, most brands use 18V. DeWalt markets their tools as “20V MAX” in some markets, but these are the same 18V nominal voltage tools. The 20V figure refers to the maximum voltage of a fully charged battery, while 18V is the nominal (average) voltage. Don’t be confused by the marketing — they’re equivalent.

How long do cordless drill batteries last?

A quality lithium-ion battery should last 3-5 years or 800-1,000 charge cycles with proper care. Runtime per charge depends on the battery capacity (Ah) and the work being done. A 5.0Ah battery will typically last a full day of intermittent drilling for most tradies.