The 10 Best Corded Drills

Wired drills ranked from live Amazon data — endless power for the least money, no battery to die.

Cordless drills get all the attention, but a corded drill still wins on two things: it never runs out of charge, and it delivers full torque for the least money. Plug it in and it just keeps going — ideal for big mixing jobs, long sessions, or a drill you leave on the bench for years without worrying about a dead battery. This list covers corded drill/drivers and hammer drills (which add a pounding action for masonry). If you want to drill anywhere with no cord, see the cordless drills instead.

Best Overall

DEWALT

DEWALT DWD210G 8-Amp 3/8" Corded Drill (mid-handle)

BLACK+DECKER DR260C 5.5-Amp 3/8" Corded Drill

DEWALT DWD520K 10-Amp 1/2" Corded Hammer Drill Kit

4.7 (438)

$189

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Side-by-side comparison

#	Tool	Price	Rating	Reviews	Power	Chuck	Hammer	Keyless	Score
1	BLACK+DECKER DR260C	$43.88	4.6	7,700	5.5 amp	3/8 in keyless	No	Yes	86
2	DEWALT DWD210G	$98.65	4.8	1,800	8 amp	3/8 in keyed	No	No	80
3	BLACK+DECKER BEHD201	$54	4.3	2,200	6.5 amp	1/2 in	Yes	No	79
4	DEWALT DWD112	$77.06	4.6	799	8 amp	3/8 in keyless	No	Yes	79
5	BLACK+DECKER DR560	$65.61	4.6	685	7 amp	1/2 in keyless	No	Yes	79
6	Hammerhead 7.5A	$21	4.2	2,200	7.5 amp	1/2 in	Yes	No	78
7	DEWALT DWD520K	$189	4.7	438	10 amp	1/2 in keyed	Yes	No	78
8	DEWALT DWE1014	$90.19	4.6	1,100	7 amp	3/8 in keyed	No	No	77
9	SKIL DL181901	$52.79	4.5	442	7.5 amp	1/2 in	No	Yes	76
10	SKIL HD182001	$64.99	4.2	889	7.5 amp	1/2 in	Yes	No	75
✕	Generic 9A 1050W	$34.99	3.3	29	Lowest-rated, with a 9A/1050W claim its reviews don't back up				AVOID

The full ranking

Best Budget

BLACK+DECKER

BLACK+DECKER DR260C 5.5-Amp 3/8" Corded Drill

4.6 7,700 reviews

Score 86/100

$43.88

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1K+/mo

The value legend, and the highest-scoring corded drill here. 7,700 reviews at 4.6 stars, a keyless chuck, and variable-speed reversible control for around $44. The one to buy if you just need a reliable drill.

Type: Corded
Power: 5.5 amp
Chuck: 3/8 in keyless
Speed: 0-1,500 rpm
Function: Drill/driver
Grip: Pistol grip

Pros

Most-reviewed corded drill here — 7,700 ratings at 4.6 stars
Keyless chuck, variable speed reversible
Cheap and dependable

Cons

5.5 amps is light for heavy drilling
Not a hammer drill

Best Overall

DEWALT

DEWALT DWD210G 8-Amp 3/8" Corded Drill (mid-handle)

4.8 1,800 reviews

Score 80/100

$98.65

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300+/mo

The best corded drill for most people. A strong 8-amp motor, a comfortable mid-handle grip for control on big bits, and the highest rating here at 4.8 stars. Pure DEWALT reliability that'll outlast a decade of batteries.

Type: Corded
Power: 8 amp
Chuck: 3/8 in keyed
Speed: 0-2,500 rpm
Function: Drill/driver
Grip: Mid-handle

Pros

8-amp motor, 4.8 stars over 1,800 reviews
Mid-handle grip for control and torque
Built to run for years

Cons

Keyed chuck (a chuck key to keep track of)
Pricier than budget corded drills

BLACK+DECKER

BLACK+DECKER BEHD201 6.5-Amp 1/2" Corded Hammer Drill

4.3 2,200 reviews

Score 79/100

$54

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300+/mo

The affordable way into a corded hammer drill. A 6.5-amp motor with a hammer mode for the occasional concrete anchor or brick, backed by 2,200 reviews for around $54.

Type: Corded
Power: 6.5 amp
Chuck: 1/2 in
Speed: 0-3,000 rpm
Function: Hammer drill
Grip: Pistol grip

Pros

Hammer mode for masonry under $55
2,200 reviews, 1/2" chuck
Trusted BLACK+DECKER name

Cons

6.5 amps is modest for heavy masonry
4.3 stars, a step below the leaders

DEWALT

DEWALT DWD112 8-Amp 3/8" VSR Pistol-Grip Drill

4.6 799 reviews

Score 79/100

$77.06

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100+/mo

An 8-amp DEWALT with a keyless all-metal chuck — the convenience of quick bit changes with the power of a full corded motor. A strong everyday driller at a fair price.

Type: Corded
Power: 8 amp
Chuck: 3/8 in keyless
Speed: 0-2,500 rpm
Function: Drill/driver
Grip: Pistol grip

Pros

8-amp motor with a keyless metal chuck
Variable speed reversible, 4.6 stars
Compact pistol grip

Cons

Fewer reviews than the DR260C
No hammer function

BLACK+DECKER

BLACK+DECKER DR560 7-Amp 1/2" Drill/Driver Kit

4.6 685 reviews

Score 79/100

$65.61

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100+/mo

A 7-amp, 1/2-inch drill/driver with a keyless chuck and a lower top speed geared for torque — good for driving fasteners and big bits. A well-rated BLACK+DECKER at a fair price.

Type: Corded
Power: 7 amp
Chuck: 1/2 in keyless
Speed: 0-1,200 rpm
Function: Drill/driver
Grip: Pistol grip

Pros

7-amp motor, 1/2" keyless chuck
Torque-geared for driving and big bits
4.6 stars

Cons

Lower top RPM than 3/8" drills
No hammer function

Hammerhead

Hammerhead 7.5-Amp 1/2" Corded Hammer Drill (6-pc)

4.2 2,200 reviews

Score 78/100

$21

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500+/mo

Astonishing value — a 7.5-amp hammer drill with a bit set for around $21, and 2,200 reviews to back it up. Not refined, but for occasional drilling and light masonry it's hard to beat the price.

Type: Corded
Power: 7.5 amp
Chuck: 1/2 in
Speed: 0-3,000 rpm
Function: Hammer drill
Grip: Pistol grip

Pros

7.5-amp hammer drill for about $21
Comes with a 6-piece bit set
2,200 reviews

Cons

Basic build and 4.2-star rating
Not for heavy daily use

Money No Object

DEWALT

DEWALT DWD520K 10-Amp 1/2" Corded Hammer Drill Kit

4.7 438 reviews

Score 78/100

$189

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100+/mo

The most powerful drill on the list, and the one to buy if price is no object. A 10-amp hammer drill that bores through concrete and masonry, ships in a kit with a case, and carries DEWALT's build and warranty.

Type: Corded
Power: 10 amp
Chuck: 1/2 in keyed
Speed: 0-2,700 rpm
Function: Hammer drill
Grip: Pistol grip

Pros

Big 10-amp motor with hammer mode for masonry
Comes as a kit with a carry case
4.7 stars, DEWALT durability

Cons

By far the most expensive here
Overkill for wood and light drilling

DEWALT

DEWALT DWE1014 7-Amp 3/8" Corded Drill (keyed chuck)

4.6 1,100 reviews

Score 77/100

$90.19

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200+/mo

A no-nonsense 7-amp DEWALT with a keyed chuck for maximum bit grip. Smooth, durable, and well-rated over 1,100 reviews — a great pick if you prefer a keyed chuck's holding power.

Type: Corded
Power: 7 amp
Chuck: 3/8 in keyed
Speed: 0-2,800 rpm
Function: Drill/driver
Grip: Pistol grip

Pros

7-amp motor, keyed chuck grips bits hard
4.6 stars over 1,100 reviews
DEWALT build

Cons

Keyed chuck needs the key
Priced above the value B+D

SKIL

SKIL DL181901 7.5-Amp 1/2" Corded Drill

4.5 442 reviews

Score 76/100

$52.79

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100+/mo

A 7.5-amp, 1/2-inch corded drill that takes bigger bits than the 3/8" models — good for spade bits and hole saws. Solid SKIL value at just over $50.

Type: Corded
Power: 7.5 amp
Chuck: 1/2 in
Speed: 0-2,800 rpm
Function: Drill/driver
Grip: Pistol grip

Pros

7.5-amp motor, larger 1/2" chuck
Handles bigger bits and hole saws
4.5 stars under $55

Cons

Fewer reviews than the leaders
No hammer mode

#10

SKIL

SKIL HD182001 7.5-Amp 1/2" Corded Hammer Drill

4.2 889 reviews

Score 75/100

$64.99

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100+/mo

SKIL's 7.5-amp corded hammer drill — more motor than the BLACK+DECKER for a similar price, with a hammer mode for masonry. A capable mid-range pick.

Type: Corded
Power: 7.5 amp
Chuck: 1/2 in
Speed: 0-3,000 rpm
Function: Hammer drill
Grip: Pistol grip

Pros

7.5-amp motor with hammer mode
1/2" chuck for bigger bits
889 reviews

Cons

4.2-star rating
No keyless chuck

How we rank

Every tool gets one score from 0 to 100, weighted 50% on its star rating, 35% on how many people have reviewed it (more reviews = more confidence the rating is real), and 15% on the features that matter for the job. The list is ordered by that score. Best Overall is our pick for the best all-around, ready-to-use tool; Best Budget the best value at or under $50; and Money No Object the one to buy if price is no object.

Buyer's guide

Why corded over cordless?

A corded drill never runs out of charge and gives full torque for the least money — great for long sessions, mixing paint or mortar, and a keep-forever bench drill. The trade is the cord and needing an outlet. Want to drill anywhere? See the cordless list.

Drill/driver or hammer drill?

A regular drill/driver bores wood, metal, and plastic and drives screws. A hammer drill adds a rapid pounding action for drilling into concrete, brick, and masonry. If you'll never touch masonry, save money and skip the hammer feature.

3/8 inch or 1/2 inch chuck?

A 3/8" chuck fits most common bits and spins faster — best for general drilling and driving. A 1/2" chuck accepts larger bits (spade bits, hole saws, big masonry bits) and usually has more low-end torque. Bigger jobs, get 1/2".

Keyed or keyless chuck?

A keyless chuck lets you swap bits by hand — fast and convenient. A keyed chuck grips slightly harder for heavy drilling but needs the chuck key (which you'll eventually lose). For most people, keyless wins.

How many amps?

For a corded drill, amps roughly track power. 5-6 amps is fine for light home drilling; 7-8 amps handles general work and bigger bits; 10 amps is heavy-duty hammer-drill territory. Ignore inflated wattage claims on no-name tools.

Tools to avoid

Not everything in the cordless-drill search results deserves your money. This one would rank dead last on our scale — here's the listing to walk past, and exactly why.

✕ Avoid

Generic

No-name 9-Amp 1050W 1/2" Corded Impact Hammer Drill

3.3 29 reviews $34.99

The lowest-rated corded drill here at 3.3 stars, from a no-name seller, with a '9 AMP / 1050W' spec that outruns DEWALT's flagship on paper — but not in the reviews, where buyers report weak, rough performance.

Why we'd skip it

3.3 stars is the lowest rating in the category — buyers report it bogs down, rattles, and doesn't match its numbers.
The '9 amp / 1050W' headline is bigger than any name-brand drill on this list, which is a red flag on a $35 tool: the spec is doing marketing work the motor can't.
No brand, no warranty, no support — listings like this appear and vanish under new names.
For a few dollars more the Hammerhead 7.5A or BLACK+DECKER hammer drill give you a real tool with thousands of reviews behind it.

See the listing on Amazon (so you recognize it)