Real data, ranked. No fluff, no filler.

The 10 Best Benchtop Drill Presses

8-inch to 12-inch benchtop drill presses for straight, repeatable holes in wood and metal, ranked from live Amazon data.

Ranked by ToolboxTop10 from Amazon data captured Oct 10, 2026. How we rank

A drill press drills dead-square holes to a set depth, every time, which a handheld drill can't. We ranked 10 benchtop best-sellers on rating, review volume and features (variable speed without moving belts, a laser crosshair, a work light and a digital speed readout). The big split is size: 8-inch machines with 1/2-inch chucks for small parts and hobby work, and 12-inch machines with 5/8-inch chucks and over 3 inches of spindle travel for furniture and metal. They run from $84 for WEN's 8-inch to $737 for JET's 12-inch.

Best Overall WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, 6.2-Amp Variable Speed, Laser and LED Work Light (DP1263V)
WEN
WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, 6.2-Amp Variable Speed, Laser and LED Work Light (DP1263V)
4.5 (99)
$253.53
View on Amazon →
Best Budget WEN 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press (4206T)
WEN
WEN 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press (4206T)
4.6 (802)
$83.97
View on Amazon →
Money No Object JET 12" Benchtop Drill Press, Variable Speed, Digital RPM Readout (JWDP-12)
JET
JET 12" Benchtop Drill Press, Variable Speed, Digital RPM Readout (JWDP-12)
4.5 (249)
$736.99
View on Amazon →

Which one is for you?

Where the deals are

The tools ranked here come from JET, BUCKTOOL, VEVOR, WEN, SKIL, and WOODSKIL. Prices on these brands move week to week on Amazon, and the deepest cuts usually land around Prime Day and Black Friday. Every price button on this page opens the live listing, so you always see today's number, not the one we captured on 2026-10-10. If your pick is over budget right now, check back in a few days — JET and BUCKTOOL rotate through sales and bundle deals often.

Side-by-side comparison

Swipe the table sideways for more columns →

#ToolPriceRatingReviewsSwingSpeedVariable speedLaserScore
1JET JWDP-12$736.994.524912 in530-3,100 rpm, variableYesYes88
2BUCKTOOL DP12VL$301.294.619612 in580-3,200 rpm, variableYesYes88
3VEVOR 1216BVS$319.904.616612 in530-3,140 rpm, variableYesYes87
4WEN DP1263V$253.534.59912 in580-3,100 rpm, variableYesYes84
5SKIL DP9505-00$2194.352510 in5 speeds, 610-2,800 rpmNoYes80
6WEN 4206T$83.974.68028 in5 speeds, 750-3,200 rpmNoNo75
7WEN DP1062V$203.984.54510 in530-3,100 rpm, variableYesYes75
8VEVOR DP8$101.904.61668 in5 speeds, 750-3,200 rpmNoNo72
9WOODSKIL DP-8$1254.21028 in5 speeds, 750-3,200 rpmNoYes66
10VEVOR DP1006L$127.714.38110 in5 speeds, 650-3,100 rpmNoNo61
✕BACHIN Mini bench drill 710W$89.994.3331Power and speed claims contradict each otherAVOID

Tap a column heading to sort.

The full ranking

#1
JET 12" Benchtop Drill Press, Variable Speed, Digital RPM Readout (JWDP-12)
Money No Object
JET

JET 12" Benchtop Drill Press, Variable Speed, Digital RPM Readout (JWDP-12)

4.5 249 reviews
Score 88/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score90/100 → 40 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score80/100 → 28 pts
  • Features 20% of score100/100 → 20 pts

Has every feature we score: variable speed, a laser guide, light, digital readout.

Total: 88/100. How the score works

$736.99
Check price on Amazon
50+/mo

JET's 12-inch press: change speed with a lever while it runs, read the actual spindle rpm, and work on a cast iron table that tilts 45 degrees under two crosshair lasers. MT2 spindle taper and a 5-year warranty.

Best for: A cabinet or furniture shop that wants a press to last decades.

Skip it if: You're a hobbyist; the WEN DP1263V has the same headline specs for about a third of the price.

Swing
12 in
Speed
530-3,100 rpm, variable
Chuck
5/8 in keyed, MT2
Spindle travel
3-1/8 in
Motor
1/2 HP, 5 A
Weight
85 lb

Pros

  • Cast iron base and tilting table
  • Twin crosshair lasers, LED light, MT2 taper
  • 5-year JET warranty (2 years commercial)

Cons

  • $736.99
  • Must be bolted to a bench or stand; bolts not included
#2
BUCKTOOL 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, 580-3200 RPM, 6.2A 3/4 HP Motor (DP12VL)
BUCKTOOL

BUCKTOOL 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, 580-3200 RPM, 6.2A 3/4 HP Motor (DP12VL)

4.6 196 reviews
Score 88/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score92/100 → 41 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score76/100 → 27 pts
  • Features 20% of score100/100 → 20 pts

Has every feature we score: variable speed, a laser guide, light, digital readout.

Total: 88/100. How the score works

$301.29
Check price on Amazon

A 12-inch variable-speed press with a digital readout, laser, work light, emergency stop and a table that rotates 360 degrees and bevels 45.

Best for: Metal and wood work that needs a rotating table and an emergency stop.

Skip it if: You need deep holes; spindle travel is 2 inches, against 3-1/8 on the WEN and JET 12-inch presses.

Swing
12 in
Speed
580-3,200 rpm, variable
Chuck
1/32-5/8 in keyed
Spindle travel
2 in
Motor
6.2 A, 3/4 HP
Weight
86.5 lb

Pros

  • Variable speed with digital readout
  • Emergency stop and no-voltage release switch
  • Table rotates 360 degrees

Cons

  • 2-inch spindle travel for a 12-inch press
  • 86.5 lbs
#3
VEVOR 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, 6.2 Amp, 1 HP, 530 to 3140 RPM Variable Speed, Laser and LED Work Light (1216BVS)
VEVOR

VEVOR 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, 6.2 Amp, 1 HP, 530 to 3140 RPM Variable Speed, Laser and LED Work Light (1216BVS)

4.6 166 reviews
Score 87/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score92/100 → 41 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score74/100 → 26 pts
  • Features 20% of score100/100 → 20 pts

Has every feature we score: variable speed, a laser guide, light, digital readout.

Total: 87/100. How the score works

$319.90
Check price on Amazon
50+/mo

A 12-inch variable-speed press with a digital readout, X-laser and LED light, much like the WEN DP1263V, but about $66 more and without a stated spindle travel.

Best for: A 12-inch variable-speed press if the WEN is out of stock.

Skip it if: The WEN DP1263V is in stock; it's cheaper and lists more.

Swing
12 in
Speed
530-3,140 rpm, variable
Chuck
0.6 in
Spindle travel
—
Motor
6.2 A, 1 HP
Weight
84.3 lb

Pros

  • Variable speed with digital readout
  • X-laser and LED light
  • 4.6 stars

Cons

  • Spindle travel not listed
  • About $66 more than the WEN DP1263V
#4
WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, 6.2-Amp Variable Speed, Laser and LED Work Light (DP1263V)
Best Overall
WEN

WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, 6.2-Amp Variable Speed, Laser and LED Work Light (DP1263V)

4.5 99 reviews
Score 84/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score90/100 → 41 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score67/100 → 23 pts
  • Features 20% of score100/100 → 20 pts

Has every feature we score: variable speed, a laser guide, light, digital readout.

Total: 84/100. How the score works

$253.53
Check price on Amazon
300+/mo

A full-featured 12-inch press for about a third of JET's price: speed changes with a lever instead of belts, a digital readout shows the rpm, and it has a laser, overhead light, depth stop, roller table extension and 3-1/8 inches of spindle travel.

Best for: A first serious drill press for furniture, woodworking and light metal.

Skip it if: You only drill small parts; an 8-inch press does that for a third of the price.

Swing
12 in
Speed
580-3,100 rpm, variable
Chuck
5/8 in keyed
Spindle travel
3-1/8 in
Motor
6.2 A induction
Weight
85 lb

Pros

  • Variable speed 580-3,100 rpm with digital readout
  • 5/8-inch chuck and 3-1/8-inch spindle travel
  • Laser, overhead light and roller table extension; 2-year warranty

Cons

  • 85 lbs
  • Listing showed only 6 left in stock
#5
SKIL 6.2 Amp 10 In. 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press with Laser Alignment & Work Light (DP9505-00)
SKIL

SKIL 6.2 Amp 10 In. 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press with Laser Alignment & Work Light (DP9505-00)

4.3 525 reviews
Score 80/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score86/100 → 38 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score91/100 → 32 pts
  • Features 20% of score50/100 → 10 pts

Has: a laser guide, light. Missing: variable speed, digital readout.

Total: 80/100. How the score works

$219
Check price on Amazon
300+/mo

A 10-inch press from a major brand with a laser, LED light, depth stop bump-off switch and a 3-year warranty.

Best for: A brand-name 10-inch press with a laser and a 3-year warranty.

Skip it if: You want variable speed; this one changes speed on belts.

Swing
10 in
Speed
5 speeds, 610-2,800 rpm
Chuck
1/2 in
Spindle travel
—
Motor
6.2 A induction
Weight
—

Pros

  • Laser alignment and LED work light
  • Bump-off safety switch
  • 3-year limited warranty

Cons

  • Belt-change speeds
  • Spindle travel and weight aren't listed
  • 4.3 stars
#6
WEN 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press (4206T)
Best Budget
WEN

WEN 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press (4206T)

4.6 802 reviews
Score 75/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score92/100 → 41 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score97/100 → 34 pts
  • Features 20% of score0/100 → 0 pts

Missing: variable speed, a laser guide, light, digital readout.

Total: 75/100. How the score works

$83.97
Check price on Amazon
600+/mo

The best-selling and most-reviewed drill press here, and the cheapest. A plain 8-inch cast iron press with five belt speeds and a table that bevels 45 degrees each way.

Best for: Small parts, hobby work and a first drill press under $85.

Skip it if: You need more than 2 inches of spindle travel or a light and laser.

Swing
8 in
Speed
5 speeds, 750-3,200 rpm
Chuck
1/2 in keyed
Spindle travel
2 in
Motor
2.3 A induction
Weight
32 lb

Pros

  • 802 reviews at 4.6 stars; 600+ sold last month
  • Cast iron, 32 lbs
  • Table bevels 45 degrees both ways

Cons

  • Belt changes to switch speed
  • No light or laser
  • 2-inch spindle travel
#7
WEN 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, 6.2-Amp Variable Speed Motor, Cast Iron, Laser (DP1062V)
WEN

WEN 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, 6.2-Amp Variable Speed Motor, Cast Iron, Laser (DP1062V)

4.5 45 reviews
Score 75/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score90/100 → 41 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score55/100 → 19 pts
  • Features 20% of score75/100 → 15 pts

Has: variable speed, a laser guide, digital readout. Missing: light.

Total: 75/100. How the score works

$203.98
Check price on Amazon
50+/mo

The 10-inch version of WEN's variable-speed press: a lever sets 530-3,100 rpm with a digital readout, plus a laser and depth stop, in a 57 lb package.

Best for: Variable speed in a smaller footprint than a 12-inch press.

Skip it if: You want a work light or more than 2 inches of travel.

Swing
10 in
Speed
530-3,100 rpm, variable
Chuck
1/2 in keyed
Spindle travel
2 in
Motor
6.2 A induction
Weight
57 lb

Pros

  • Variable speed with digital readout
  • Laser and depth stop
  • 2-year warranty

Cons

  • No work light listed
  • 1/2-inch chuck and 2-inch travel
#8
VEVOR 8 in Benchtop Drill Press, 2.5A Induction Motor, 5 Speeds, 0-45° Tilting Worktable, LED Work Light (DP8)
VEVOR

VEVOR 8 in Benchtop Drill Press, 2.5A Induction Motor, 5 Speeds, 0-45° Tilting Worktable, LED Work Light (DP8)

4.6 166 reviews
Score 72/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score92/100 → 41 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score74/100 → 26 pts
  • Features 20% of score25/100 → 5 pts

Has: light. Missing: variable speed, a laser guide, digital readout.

Total: 72/100. How the score works

$101.90
Check price on Amazon
100+/mo

An 8-inch press like the WEN 4206T with a slightly bigger 2.5A motor, an LED work light and an adjustable depth stop, for about $18 more.

Best for: An 8-inch press with a work light.

Skip it if: You'd rather have the WEN 4206T's longer track record.

Swing
8 in
Speed
5 speeds, 750-3,200 rpm
Chuck
1/2 in
Spindle travel
2 in
Motor
2.5 A induction
Weight
25.4 lb

Pros

  • LED work light
  • Adjustable depth stop
  • Table tilts to 45 degrees

Cons

  • Belt changes to switch speed
  • 25.4 lbs, lighter than cast-iron rivals
#9
WOODSKIL 8-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, 2.3 Amp 5-Speed with Laser Guide (DP-8)
WOODSKIL

WOODSKIL 8-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, 2.3 Amp 5-Speed with Laser Guide (DP-8)

4.2 102 reviews
Score 66/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score84/100 → 38 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score67/100 → 23 pts
  • Features 20% of score25/100 → 5 pts

Has: a laser guide. Missing: variable speed, light, digital readout.

Total: 66/100. How the score works

$125
Check price on Amazon

An 8-inch press with the same five speeds as the WEN 4206T, plus a laser guide and a cast iron table, for about $41 more.

Best for: An 8-inch press with a laser.

Skip it if: You don't need the laser; the WEN 4206T is cheaper and better reviewed.

Swing
8 in
Speed
5 speeds, 750-3,200 rpm
Chuck
1/2 in keyed
Spindle travel
2 in
Motor
2.3 A, 1/3 HP induction
Weight
—

Pros

  • Class IIIA laser guide
  • Cast iron table bevels 45 degrees
  • 2-year warranty

Cons

  • About $41 more than the WEN 4206T
  • 4.2 stars
#10
VEVOR Benchtop Drill Press, 3.2 Amp, 5-Speed, 10 in Swing, Cast Iron Frame (DP1006L)
VEVOR

VEVOR Benchtop Drill Press, 3.2 Amp, 5-Speed, 10 in Swing, Cast Iron Frame (DP1006L)

4.3 81 reviews
Score 61/100
Why this score
  • Star rating 45% of score86/100 → 39 pts
  • Number of reviews 35% of score64/100 → 22 pts
  • Features 20% of score0/100 → 0 pts

Missing: variable speed, a laser guide, light, digital readout.

Total: 61/100. How the score works

$127.71
Check price on Amazon
200+/mo

The cheapest 10-inch press here: five belt speeds, a cast iron frame and a table that tilts 45 degrees. No light, laser or listed spindle travel.

Best for: A 10-inch swing on a budget.

Skip it if: You want a light or laser; the SKIL adds both.

Swing
10 in
Speed
5 speeds, 650-3,100 rpm
Chuck
1/2 in
Spindle travel
—
Motor
3.2 A induction
Weight
41.9 lb

Pros

  • 10-inch swing for $127.71
  • Cast iron frame
  • Table tilts 0-45 degrees

Cons

  • 3.2A motor, half the SKIL's 6.2A
  • Spec table lists 2,800 rpm, the bullets 3,100
  • No light or laser

How we rank

Every tool gets one score from 0 to 100, weighted 45% on its star rating, 35% on how many people have reviewed it (more reviews = more confidence the rating is real), and 20% 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 $110; and Money No Object the one to buy if price is no object.

The features score is built from variable speed (30%), a laser guide (25%), light (25%), digital readout (20%), capped at 100. The review-count score is on a log scale, so each tenfold jump in reviews adds the same amount, and 1,000 or more reviews gets full marks. Open Why this score on any tool to see its numbers.

What changed

We re-check every listing on this page on a rotation. The most recent changes:

Buyer's guide

What does swing mean on a drill press?

Swing is twice the distance from the column to the center of the chuck. An 8-inch swing can drill the center of an 8-inch-wide board; a 12-inch swing handles 12 inches.

How much spindle travel do I need?

Spindle travel is how deep you can drill in one plunge. 2 inches covers most hobby and metal work. For deep holes in table legs or thick stock, look for 3 inches or more, like the WEN DP1263V or JET JWDP-12.

Variable speed or belt speeds?

Belt-speed presses work fine, but you open the top and move a belt to change speed. Variable-speed presses change with a lever or dial, which matters when you switch between small bits, Forstner bits and metal often.

What speed should I drill metal at?

Slower than wood, and slower still for bigger bits. Large bits in steel want the bottom of the range (500-700 rpm), so a low minimum speed matters more than a high maximum.

Should I bolt a benchtop drill press down?

Yes. They're top-heavy, and JET's listing says its press must be bolted down. Bolt it to a sturdy bench or stand before use.

Tools to avoid

Not everything in the 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
BACHIN Bench Drill Stand 710W Mini Electric Bench Drilling Machine, 6-Speed, 0-2800RPM
BACHIN

BACHIN Bench Drill Stand 710W Mini Electric Bench Drilling Machine, 6-Speed, 0-2800RPM

4.3 331 reviews   $89.99

A mini drill on a stand whose own numbers don't add up. For $6 less, the WEN 4206T is a real 8-inch cast iron press with a stated swing and spindle travel.

Why we'd skip it

  • It claims 710 watts but lists 3.23 amps at 110 volts. That's about 355 watts drawn from the wall, half the headline figure.
  • The listing calls it '6-speed' and '0-2800RPM variable' at the same time, and the spec table gives its dimensions as 1 x 1 x 1 inch.
  • It lists no swing, spindle travel, or warranty, the numbers you need to know what a drill press can actually drill.
See the listing on Amazon (so you recognize it)
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