Best Cordless Drill Under $50 (2026): 5 Drills Compared

Compare the picks

Specifications are manufacturer rated, collected 22 October 2026. Torques are as listed; the two DEKOPRO listings state no torque figure. Weights are as listed; the DEKOPRO pink spec table lists 1.5 kg against the bullets’ 1.65 pounds, and the bullets’ figure is shown in the table. Speeds are maximum no-load speeds as stated.

How we scored them

Each drill is scored on performance, build, value, safety and warranty. Performance weighs voltage, torque and speed: the 20V LITHITECH with 380 in-lb and 1500 rpm leads, while the 8V BLACK+DECKER scores on 310 in-lb despite the lower voltage. Build weighs the chuck, battery and stated features; value weighs kit contents and price band; the BLACK+DECKER is the only listing with a stated warranty, the 2 year limited warranty. No listing states a safety certification, so every drill carries a safety score of zero. The ranking is BLACK+DECKER first on the stated warranty, LITHITECH second on power, VIWKO third on kit depth, and the two DEKOPRO sets fourth and fifth on light-DIY value.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.

What the listings tell you

The listings agree on the job: these are household and DIY drills for drilling in wood and plastic and for tightening and loosening screws. The DEKOPRO listings name DIY projects and home maintenance; the VIWKO listing names cabinets, pendant lights, pictures and workshops; the LITHITECH listing adds ceramics and metal. None of them claims to replace a pro tool, and none states a safety certification.

Every listing here calls its drill a “Basic Drill” in the drill type field, which fits: one or two speeds, modest torque, and a kit built around the battery that comes in the box. The listings also agree on charging before first use: the VIWKO listing says to fully charge the drill before use, the DEKOPRO listings ship a type-C cable for any universal charger, and the LITHITECH pack adds a real-time battery level display so you can see charge at a glance.

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Voltage and torque

Voltage is a rough proxy for power here. The LITHITECH runs 20V with 380 in-lb (40 N.m) of torque and two speed settings, 0-400 and 0-1500 rpm, the strongest numbers here. The VIWKO is 12V with 250 in-lb and 650 rpm. The BLACK+DECKER is 8V with 310 in-lb and 400 rpm. The two DEKOPRO drills are 12V at 800 rpm with no stated torque. For driving long screws into framing lumber, the higher torque wins; for pilot holes and light fastening, any of the five works. The LITHITECH’s two speeds give it the widest range: 0-400 rpm for delicate driving and 0-1500 rpm for drilling. The BLACK+DECKER’s single 400 rpm speed keeps operation no-fuss, which the listing names as a selling point.

Chuck and bits

All five have keyless chucks: the DEKOPRO purple and VIWKO are 3/8 in (0.37 in on the VIWKO spec table), the LITHITECH is 0.38 in, the DEKOPRO pink lists 0.5 in, and the BLACK+DECKER is 10 mm. Kit contents differ widely: both DEKOPRO drills include 13 accessories (a 60 mm magnetic bit holder, six twist drill bits from 2 to 6 mm, and six screwdriver bits SL4, SL6, PH1, PH2, PZ1, PZ2). The VIWKO includes 10 drill bits, 20 screwdriver bits, 30 screws, 30 wall anchors, an extended bar and a flexible shaft driver. The LITHITECH includes 10 bits (SL5 through H3/16) and a magnetic bit holder. The BLACK+DECKER includes a double-ended bit. A bigger kit means fewer separate purchases.

Battery and charging

The VIWKO has a 2.0Ah pack with a fast charger that fills it in 1 hour, and its listing names a protection chip against overcurrent and overvoltage. The LITHITECH has a 2.0Ah battery with a real-time level display and 15C cells. The BLACK+DECKER has an integrated 1.5 Ah battery that recharges with a jack plug charger. Both DEKOPRO drills charge over a type-C 1.5 A cable from any universal charger or USB output. The LITHITECH bullets also mention a 2-battery kit under ASIN B0FT35T9JZ for longer continuous work, though that kit is not one of these listings. Battery capacities stated are 2.0Ah on the VIWKO and LITHITECH, 1.5 Ah on the BLACK+DECKER and DEKOPRO pink, with the DEKOPRO purple listing naming a type-C 1.5 A charging cable rather than a capacity figure.

Weight and handling

The BLACK+DECKER is 1.3 pounds, the lightest here, with a mid-handle design the listing says gives control and balance. The DEKOPRO drills are 1.65 pounds with ergonomic designs for one-hand operation. The LITHITECH is 1.8 pounds. The VIWKO lists 1.42 kg. For overhead work like pendant lights, lighter is better; on a bench, weight matters less.

Torque settings

Two listings state clutch positions. The VIWKO has 25+1 torque settings for more precise control, and the LITHITECH has 18+1 clutch settings that the listing says prevent stripping and let it drill into wood, ceramics, plastics and even metal. The VIWKO adds a directional rotation button that enters safety mode when moved to the middle. The other three listings state no clutch settings: single-speed driving with a variable speed trigger on the VIWKO and the DEKOPRO drills, and one speed on the BLACK+DECKER.

Lights and extras

Four of the five have LED work lights: both DEKOPRO drills, the VIWKO and the LITHITECH. The VIWKO adds a 25+1 torque setting and a safety mode when the rotation button sits in the middle; the LITHITECH has 18+1 clutch settings. The BLACK+DECKER skips the LED but is the only drill here with a stated warranty, the 2 year limited warranty.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 12V drill enough for home DIY?

Yes for the jobs these listings describe: drilling in wood and plastic, tightening and loosening screws, installing cabinets and hanging pictures. The DEKOPRO 12V drills run 800 rpm and the VIWKO adds 250 in-lb of torque with 25+1 settings.

What torque should a budget drill have?

The stated torques here run from 250 in-lb on the VIWKO to 310 in-lb on the BLACK+DECKER to 380 in-lb on the LITHITECH. The two DEKOPRO drills state no torque. For household fastening, 250 in-lb and up is plenty.

8V vs 20V: which should I pick?

The 8V BLACK+DECKER is the lightest at 1.3 pounds and the only one with a stated 2 year limited warranty. The 20V LITHITECH has the most torque at 380 in-lb and the highest speed at 1500 rpm. Pick light and simple for quick jobs, 20V for tougher driving.

Do these come with bits?

All five include at least one bit. Both DEKOPRO drills include 13 accessories, the VIWKO includes 10 drill bits, 20 screwdriver bits, screws and anchors, the LITHITECH includes 10 bits and a holder, and the BLACK+DECKER includes a double-ended bit.

How long do these take to charge?

The VIWKO fast charger fills its 2.0Ah pack in 1 hour. The LITHITECH battery has a real-time level display. The DEKOPRO drills charge over type-C 1.5 A cable, and the BLACK+DECKER recharges with a jack plug charger. Charge fully before first use, per the VIWKO listing.

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