DeWalt Multitool 18V XR Brushless
A cordless power tool (18V, 35 Newton Metres Item Package Quantity 1 Number of Pieces 1, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
What Voltage Cordless Drill Do I Need? (12V vs 18V vs 20V)
Drill voltage is one of the most misunderstood specs, and bigger is not always better. This guide explains how 12V, 18V and 20V really compare and which suits your work.
The short answer
For most people 18V (also sold as '20V max') is the sweet spot, with the power and tool range for general DIY and trade. 12V suits light DIY, tight spaces and easy carrying; higher voltages suit the heaviest work. Crucially, 18V and 20V max are essentially the same thing labelled differently, so do not pay extra thinking 20V is a step up.
12V drills
12V drills are lighter, smaller and easier to handle, ideal for furniture assembly, light fixings and working in tight spots or overhead. They have less power and shorter runtime than 18V, so they are not for heavy drilling or large holes. For a casual user who mainly assembles flat-pack and does light jobs, a 12V can be all they need.
18V and 20V max
18V is the mainstream standard for cordless drills, balancing power, weight and a huge range of compatible tools. You will see the same class sold as '20V max' by some brands - it is a marketing label for the same battery (the '20V' is the peak, '18V' the nominal voltage). Do not read 20V as more powerful than 18V; judge the tool on its actual performance.
Higher voltages
Beyond 18V, higher-voltage and twin-battery systems exist for heavy, demanding work - large hole-saws, mixing, and the most power-hungry tools. They are heavier and pricier, aimed at trade and serious users. For drills specifically, most people never need to go beyond 18V; the higher classes matter more for power-hungry tools like large saws and breakers.
Matching voltage to your work
- Light DIY, tight spaces, easy carrying: 12V is plenty.
- General DIY and trade: 18V (or '20V max') is the sweet spot.
- Heavy, demanding, power-hungry tools: higher-voltage systems.
For a single do-it-all drill, 18V is the safe choice for almost everyone.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying more for '20V' thinking it beats 18V - they are the same class.
- Buying 12V then needing 18V power for bigger jobs.
- Over-buying high voltage for light DIY, adding weight and cost.
- Judging power on voltage alone rather than the whole tool.
- Ignoring the battery platform while chasing voltage.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
DeWalt XR 18V 3 Speed BL Impact Driver Naked-Body ONLY
A cordless power tool (18V, 200 Newton Metres), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#3 
Makita 18V Li-Ion LXT 165mm Circular Saw
A cordless power tool (18V), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#4 
Makita 18V LXT Brushless 24mm Rotary Hammer SDS-Plus
A cordless power tool (18V, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
Frequently asked questions
What voltage cordless drill do I need?
For most people 18V (also sold as '20V max') is the sweet spot, with the power and tool range for general DIY and trade. 12V suits light jobs and tight spaces; higher voltages suit the heaviest, power-hungry work.
Is a 20V drill better than an 18V drill?
No - '20V max' and 18V are essentially the same class, just labelled differently. The 20V is the peak voltage and 18V the nominal. Do not pay more assuming 20V is a real step up in power.
Is a 12V drill powerful enough?
For light DIY, furniture assembly, light fixings and tight or overhead spaces, yes. It is lighter and easier to handle, but for heavy drilling, large holes or demanding work, an 18V drill is the better choice.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the DeWalt Multitool 18V XR Brushless (our score 9.5/10) - A cordless power tool (18V, 35 Newton Metres Item Package Quantity 1 Number of Pieces 1, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site..