You don't buy a drill. You marry a battery platform.

Makita's flagship 18V LXT impact driver with Quick-Shift Mode: an Assist mode that starts slow to prevent cam-out plus two tightening modes tuned for thick and thin gauge metal. Shares its guts with the XDT20; the difference is control placement.

The mainstream impact driver in Makita's 40V XGT lineup, slotting between the entry GDT05 and the high-torque GDT04. Four speed ranges plus a digitally controlled T-mode for self-drilling screws, wrapped in a reinforced metal gear housing.

Craftsman's V20 flagship sidewinder pairs a Brushless RP motor — up to 75% more power than the brushed CMCS550 it supersedes — with a 2-9/16 in depth of cut that out-specs most 18V pro saws. In Pro Tool Reviews' testing it ripped two stacked sheets of 3/4-in OSB in 20.22 seconds, placing third against far pricier competition while coming in second-lightest, making it one of the strongest value plays in cordless circular saws.

Bosch's current 18V flagship recip (it superseded the older GSA18V-125 Multi-Grip, which was pre-PROFACTOR). The GSA18V-126 pairs a BITURBO brushless motor with a 1-1/4 in stroke at up to 3,000 SPM, and layers on an electronics suite nobody else matches at this price: KickBack Control that halts the blade when it binds, adaptive speed control, end-of-cut detection, six speed settings, and a switchable orbital mode. Pro Tool Reviews scored it 9.3/10 and ranked it third of 11 saws tested.

The flagship of Craftsman's V20 recip lineup, the Brushless RP CMCS351B (launched with the RP line in 2022, superseding the CMCS350) delivers up to 75% more power than the brushed CMCS300 and tops the value class at 3,200 SPM. A two-speed selector, tool-free blade release, and LED light cover the essentials, and Ace Hardware buyers rate it 5.0 stars across 76 reviews — though it skips pro features like orbital action and a rafter hook.

The Atomic DCF850 is the impact driver DeWalt buyers actually take home: 1,825 in-lbs and 3,250 RPM - the exact spec sheet of the flagship DCF887 - squeezed into a 3.97-inch head that was the shortest 18/20V impact Pro Tool Reviews had ever tested. In their head-to-head it gave up only about half a second to the DCF887 on structural screws, which makes the compact the smarter buy for almost everyone. Three trigger-selected speeds and a tri-LED ring around the collet round out a tool that has sat atop best-seller lists since late 2021.

Craftsman's September 2025 flagship replaces the CMCF820 at the top of the V20 Brushless RP line, bumping output to 1,800 in-lbs, 3,200 RPM, and 4,200 IPM with a proper 3-speed selector. Pro Tool Reviews scored it 9.7/10 almost entirely on value: it hangs with mid-tier pro impacts for $119 bare or $169 with two 2.0Ah batteries, and Lowe's buyers rate the kit 4.9 stars. The trade-offs are a longish 5.2 in head and no smart assist modes.

Bosch's flagship ProFactor sidewinder pairs a BiTurbo brushless motor with an onboard HMI offering six speed settings (2,500-5,000 RPM) and an Eco mode that stretches runtime up to 30%. Its party trick is a base that rides Bosch and select third-party guide rails with no adapter, and it keeps full 2x cut capacity across the entire 0-50° bevel range. One-touch depth adjustment, an electronic brake, and a 360° pivoting dust port round out a genuinely corded-class package.

Launched in April 2022 as the hammer-drill twin of the DCD800, the DCD805 is the compact XR that DeWalt actually sells by the pallet - it packs 850 UWO and 796 in-lbs into a 7-inch, 2.95 lb body, up 40% on the DCD796 it replaced. It sits one tier below the flagship DCD999/DCD1007, trading their anti-kickback E-Clutch and top-end torque for a smaller, lighter package that handles 90% of the same work. The adjustable 3-position, 70-lumen spotlight LED is the party trick no other brand's compact matches.

The 4th-generation M18 Fuel impact driver and Milwaukee's mainstream flagship. Shorter and slightly stronger than the Gen 3 2853 it replaced, with four drive modes including a dedicated self-tapping screw mode. A 2957 One-Key variant adds tracking and customizable profiles.

The GDR18V-1950CN is Bosch's flagship 18V connected-ready impact driver, launched in fall 2024 to replace the GDR18V-1860CN. Its brushless motor produces 1,950 in-lbs of torque at up to 3,400 RPM and 4,000 IPM through three speed/torque settings, with Auto Stop and Auto Slow Down electronics to prevent overdriving screws. A 4.5-inch head, one-handed quick-insert 1/4-inch hex collet, and dual LED worklights round out the compact design.

Flex's 24V in-line sidewinder is one of the sleeper hits of the cordless saw world: 5,800 RPM, a 2-5/8 in depth of cut that clears 3x lumber in one pass, and Pro Tool Reviews' 9.5/10 'elite cutting performance' verdict. The balanced in-line design gives a clear view down both sides of the blade, and with a 10.0Ah Stacked Lithium pack Flex claims up to 610 cuts in 2x4 lumber. Magnesium footplate and guards keep it durable without the bulk.

The Gen 2 M18 Fuel Sawzall, Milwaukee's mainstream cordless recip saw since late 2020. Marketed as the fastest-cutting saw in its class and lighter than the generation it replaced. The 2822 Super Sawzall sits above it for all-day demolition with orbital action.

Milwaukee's braking M18 Fuel grinder, rated equivalent to an 11-amp corded tool with an 8,500 RPM brushless motor. The paddle-switch no-lock configuration is the OSHA-friendly pick; slide-switch and variable-speed siblings (2888) fill out the family.

The R861152 replaced the discontinued Octane R8611506 in late 2022 as the flagship of Ridgid's 18V hammer drill lineup, sitting above the mid-range R86115 and SubCompact R87112. It pairs a brushless motor making 1,250 in-lbs of torque with a 2-speed gearbox (0-550/0-2,000 RPM), 32,000 BPM hammer mode, anti-kickback technology, and a 24-position clutch behind a 1/2-inch all-metal ratcheting chuck. Pro Tool Reviews called it a legitimate contender among professional drills at a price well below the premium brands.

The PBLHM101 pairs Ryobi's HP brushless motor with its High Performance batteries to deliver 750 in-lbs of torque, 0-2,100 RPM, and 31,000 BPM from a compact 7.5-inch, 2.8-lb body. It uses a 24-position clutch with dedicated hammer mode and a 1/2-inch ratcheting metal chuck, and runs on the 300-plus tool ONE+ 18V ecosystem. Pro Tool Reviews found it outdrilled Ryobi's older P251 flagship by a wide margin while shrinking in size and weight.

DeWalt's high-torque XR flagship, out-muscling Milwaukee's 2953 and Makita's XGT drivers at 2,500 in-lbs. The compact Atomic DCF850 remains in the lineup for tight-space work; the DCF860 is the max-power pick.

The PBLID02 is the flagship 4-mode impact driver in Ryobi's ONE+ HP brushless line, released in early 2021. Its brushless motor delivers up to 2,200 in-lbs of torque, 0-2,900 RPM across three speed ranges, and 4,000 IPM, plus an Assist Mode that slows the driver as the fastener seats. It runs on the same 18V ONE+ batteries as 260+ other Ryobi tools and is sold exclusively at Home Depot.

Launched in fall 2024, the 2834 replaced the long-running 2732 as Milwaukee's mainstream top-handle M18 Fuel 7-1/4 in. saw, adding a deeper 2-5/8 in. cut (enough for 3x material in one pass), a 57-degree bevel, and a lighter magnesium build. Its Powerstate brushless motor holds 6,000 RPM under load and delivers up to 750 cuts per charge with a Forge HD12.0 battery. Framers who prefer a worm-drive-style layout can step up to Milwaukee's M18 Fuel rear-handle saws instead (the 7-1/4 in. 2830 and new 10-1/4 in. 3026).

Makita's answer to 36V-class saws without a new battery ecosystem: the XSH06 gangs two 18V LXT packs for a 6,000 RPM brushless motor with a class-leading 2-5/8 in depth of cut. Magnesium base, blade guard, and dual LEDs round out a saw that Pro Tool Reviews scored 9.3/10 for its unusually smooth, fast cutting.

DeWalt's FlexVolt 60V worm-style-power sidewinder, the saw that made corded 7-1/4 in saws optional for framing crews. FlexVolt batteries auto-switch between 20V and 60V, so packs bought for this saw also run every 20V Max tool.

Ryobi's brushless ONE+ HP sidewinder brought a full 7-1/4 in blade to the value platform. It shares blades with every pro saw and cuts standard framing lumber in one pass — the spec that separates it from compact 6-1/2 in budget saws.

DeWalt's FlexVolt Advantage recip saw: it runs on any 20V Max battery but unlocks up to 50% more power when you snap on a FlexVolt pack. Tool Connect chip support adds jobsite asset tracking for fleets.

Makita's flagship LXT recip saw is an X2 tool: it gangs two 18V LXT packs for 36V of power (hence voltage listed as 36 — it still lives on the 18V LXT platform with no new charger or batteries needed). The 2-speed brushless motor drives a long 1-1/4 in stroke at up to 3,000 SPM, and a refined crank mechanism keeps vibration and blade deflection unusually low. Tool-less blade change, electric brake, XPT weather sealing, and an LED with preglow/afterglow round it out.

The 2904 is Milwaukee's Gen 4 M18 Fuel flagship hammer drill, bumping torque 17% over the Gen 3 2804 to 1,400 in-lbs while staying just 6.9 in long and 3.3 lbs bare. It was the first non-One-Key Milwaukee drill with AutoStop kickback control, and it returned to a mechanical clutch with improved motor cooling. Pro Tool Reviews named it best cordless drill overall in its head-to-head against Flex, DeWalt, Makita, and Hilti.

Bosch's flagship 18V hammer drill pairs its BITURBO brushless motor with CORE18V high-power batteries to deliver a class-leading 1,330 in-lbs of torque, 0-2,200 RPM, and 30,000 BPM. It features a 25-position clutch, all-metal 1/2-inch chuck, KickBack Control, and optional Bluetooth connectivity via a separately sold module. Announced in January 2022 as part of the PROFACTOR high-power lineup.

The XPH14 is Makita's flagship 18V LXT hammer driver-drill, released in 2021 as the XPH07's successor with 1,250 in-lbs of max torque in a body 14% shorter (7.0 in). It runs a 2-speed all-metal transmission (0-550/0-2,100 RPM, up to 31,500 BPM) with an all-metal self-ratcheting 1/2 in chuck. It remains the torque king of the LXT drill lineup, though it predates the newer 40V XGT models.

The DCD1007 is DeWalt's flagship 20V Max XR hammer drill, replacing the DCD999 with a shorter 7.5 in head, a 3-speed all-metal transmission, and 1,530 MWO of output (up to 2,100 in-lbs rated max brake torque). It pairs a torque-sensing anti-rotation system with a pivoting 3-position LED and a 1/2 in nitro-carburized metal chuck with carbide jaws. Pro Tool Reviews scored it 9.7/10, finding it outperformed the DCD999 in nearly every metric.

Ridgid's brushless flagship recip pairs the class-leading spec combo of a 1-1/4 in stroke and 3,200 SPM with a switchable orbital mode, and Pro Tool Reviews clocked it cutting a nail-embedded roofing sandwich faster than Milwaukee's comparable saw (9.2/10 review score). Tool-free side-lever blade release, adjustable shoe, LED, and rafter hook are all standard, and Ridgid's Lifetime Service Agreement covers parts and service free with registration. At $169 bare it undercuts most premium-brand recips by $80-$120.

Ryobi's brushless ONE+ HP recip saw — the highest stroke rate in this comparison at 3,200 SPM and the lightest tool in it at 5 lbs, for roughly half the price of the pro flagships. Runs on the same ONE+ batteries as 300+ other Ryobi tools.

Launched in August 2023, the 3602 is the volume mid-tier of Milwaukee's M18 drill lineup: their first compact brushless hammer drill, slotting between the entry cordless line and the M18 Fuel 2904/2905 flagship. It packs 550 in-lbs and 25,500 BPM into a 5.8-inch, 2.3 lb body - more torque than the old 2801-class compact in a body over 12% shorter, replacing the larger 725 in-lb 2902 as the sensible-money pick. What you give up versus the Fuel is top-end torque and speed, not build quality: the all-metal chuck and gear case carry over.

Ridgid's flagship 18V sidewinder replaced the Octane version in 2022 with a brushless motor that Pro Tool Reviews found genuinely capable of replacing a 15-amp corded saw — 35% faster cutting than its predecessor at 5,400 RPM. It checks every feature box (electric brake, LED with dust blower, rafter hook, vacuum-ready shoe) and undercuts the big pro brands at $179 bare, with Ridgid's registered Lifetime Service Agreement sweetening the deal.

Ridgid's current 18V flagship grinder (May 2022), superseding the Octane-era R86042B with a brushless motor Ridgid rates at up to 25% more power than its predecessor. Runs 4-1/2-inch wheels at 9,000 RPM with an electric brake, a grip-spanning paddle switch, tool-free guard and wheel changes via a folding-tab flange nut, and a 2-position side handle. Sold exclusively at Home Depot; registering unlocks Ridgid's free-parts-and-service Lifetime Service Agreement.

Craftsman's flagship grinder, part of the higher-output V20 BRUSHLESS RP line (2022) that sits above the brushed CMCG400. The brushless motor delivers up to 65% more power than Craftsman's base grinder, spinning 4-1/2-inch wheels at 8,500 RPM. A no-lock paddle switch, tool-free guard adjustment, 3-position side handle, and VERSATRACK wall-storage compatibility round out a simple, light 4.4-lb package. Listed at $149 but persistently discounted - Lowe's had it at $99 and Amazon deals dip to $79.

The XPH12 has been Makita's volume-selling 18V hammer drill since late 2016: 530 in-lbs and 30,000 BPM in a 7-1/8 inch body that weighs just 3.6 lbs with a compact 2.0Ah pack. It sits well below the 1,250 in-lb XPH14 flagship, trading top-end grunt for the class-leading power-to-weight ratio and glass-smooth trigger control Makita is known for. Nearly a decade in production with a 4.4-star record makes it the known quantity of the compact class - even if the spec sheet now reads dated.

The FX1371A is Flex's flagship 24V hex impact driver, released in early 2022 as part of the brand's Stacked Lithium generation. Its brushless motor produces 2,500 in-lbs of torque with three speed modes topping out at 4,000 RPM and 4,450 IPM, plus two self-tapping screw modes that detect torque changes and stop before stripping. The signature Quick Eject collet has an eject button above the trigger so bits can be inserted and released with one hand.

Makita's full-size 40V XGT recip saw, rated for 145 cuts in 2x10 SPF per 4.0Ah charge. Two speed ranges, an electric brake, and Makita's crank-balanced drivetrain aimed at all-day demolition.

The DV36DC replaced the DV36DA as Metabo HPT's MultiVolt flagship, bumping torque from 1,220 to 1,400 in-lbs, speed to 2,200 RPM, and hammer rate to 33,000 BPM while trimming the body. Its party trick is the MultiVolt system: the same tool runs on 36V/18V dual-voltage packs or plugs into AC power via an adapter for all-day runtime. Reactive Force Control (gyro-based kickback shutdown), a carbide-insert metal chuck, and a lifetime tool-body warranty round out the package; in the US it is sold primarily as a $299 kit with two 2.5Ah batteries.

Released in March 2026, the GPH03 is Makita's most powerful hammer driver-drill, putting out 1,590 in-lbs of max torque - more than most corded drills and every cordless flagship rival. It pairs a 3-speed transmission (0-650/1,800/2,400 RPM, up to 36,000 IPM) with a 92-setting electronic digital clutch and Active Feedback-sensing Technology (AFT) anti-kickback. Pro Tool Reviews scored it 9.5/10, confirming it out-torqued the GPH01 in lag-bolt driving.

Launched in Craftsman's October 2024 V20 BRUSHLESS RP line expansion, the CMCD726 displaced the older made-in-USA CMCD721 as the brand's most powerful hammer drill, jumping from 400 to 495 UWO. A 2-speed gearbox (0-500/0-2,000 RPM) drives up to 34% faster drilling, hammer mode hits 34,000 BPM for masonry anchors, and the 3.09 lb body carries an LED light, bit holder, and belt hook. It is sold tool-only at $119 with a 3-year warranty and VERSATRACK compatibility.

The FX1272T is Flex's second-generation 24V flagship hammer drill, replacing the FX1271T in 2026 after five years and raising output to 1,500 in-lbs, 3,000 RPM, and 48,000 BPM with its selectable Turbo mode engaged. It keeps a 1/2-inch all-metal ratcheting chuck with carbide teeth, anti-kickback protection, a 22-position clutch, and a pre-light/after-glow LED in a 6.96-inch body. Pro Tool Reviews scored it 9.8/10, measuring it 23-26% faster than the outgoing model - top of their speed charts and second only to Makita's GPH03 in torque. Sold kit-first in the US at $299 with two batteries; the price shown is the kit.

Metabo HPT's flagship impact driver spins three anvils instead of two, smoothing out the impact pulses while hitting 1,903 in-lbs of torque, 3,400 RPM, and 4,100 IPM from a 4.5-inch-long, 2.0 lb (bare) body. Five modes include a dedicated BOLT mode for tightening and breaking nuts and bolts, and the MultiVolt platform runs 36V or 18V packs — or an AC adapter for corded use. IP56 sealing and a lifetime lithium-ion tool body warranty round out a kit that undercuts Makita's comparable XGT by about $100.

Ridgid's flagship 18V impact driver punches far above its price: 2,400 in-lbs of torque puts it near the top of the class, and Pro Tool Reviews' head-to-head ranked it third overall, ahead of pricier DeWalt and Makita flagships. Three speeds plus a self-tapping assist mode, backed by Ridgid's registration-based Lifetime Service Agreement covering parts, service, and batteries.

Makita's flagship XGT sidewinder with a 6,000 RPM motor and a base machined to ride Makita's guide rails — a circular saw that moonlights as a track saw. AWS wireless dust-extractor activation rounds out the premium feature set.

Third generation of Metabo HPT's MultiVolt sidewinder (superseding the award-winning C3607DA), "The Stud" spins at 6,000 RPM and adds a Torque Boost button that drops to 4,300 RPM while redirecting power into 40% more torque for LVL and dense engineered lumber. It was the fastest of twelve saws through double-stacked 3/4-in OSB in Pro Tool Reviews' 2026 shootout, and like all MultiVolt tools it can run corded via the ET36A AC adapter.

Flex's full-size flagship pairs a sensor-free 24V brushless motor with a long 1-1/4 in stroke at 3,000 SPM and selectable orbital action. Pro Tool Reviews scored it 9.2/10 and found it out-cut most of the cordless field, and Bob Vila named it the top pick of seven saws tested — with vibration damping that reviewers consistently single out as best-in-class.

The only cordless super saw that also runs corded: Metabo HPT's 36V MultiVolt flagship accepts batteries or the ET36A AC adapter for unlimited runtime. In Pro Tool Reviews' February 2026 head-to-head it scored 9.8/10, finishing within hundredths of a second of Milwaukee's M18 Fuel Super Sawzall in wood while posting top-tier vibration scores from its dual-counterweight User Vibration Protection system.

Makita's mainstream 40V XGT flagship in the 4-1/2/5-inch class, with a variable 3,000-8,500 RPM brushless motor Makita claims cuts 5/8-inch rebar up to 60% faster than prior cordless. Electric brake stops the wheel in under 2 seconds, AFT kills the motor on bind-up, and it's AWS-capable for auto-starting Makita dust extractors. The GAG06 is the paddle-switch sibling; the newer GAG11 swaps the 5/8-11 spindle for X-LOCK.

Bosch's PROFACTOR-tier 'Spitfire' flagship grinder, pairing a BITURBO brushless motor with CORE18V High Power batteries to claim 13-amp corded-equivalent output. Runs 5- or 6-inch wheels at 9,000 RPM on a standard 5/8-11 spindle, with an electric brake, KickBack Control that shuts the tool off in a bind, restart protection, and a Vibration Control two-position side handle. Connected-ready for the Bosch PRO360 app (module sold separately); the GWS18V-13PN is the paddle-switch sibling and the GWX18V-13CN swaps to X-LOCK.

The October 2024 successor to Metabo HPT's original G3612DA, with a 1500W-max brushless motor the company rates at 18% more power than the outgoing model. A 6-position dial spans 3,200-10,000 RPM plus an auto mode, and the safety package includes an electric quick brake, anti-kickback protection, soft start, and zero-voltage restart protection. Dust- and water-resistant switch, tool-less wheel guard, and dual LED work lights round it out. Being MultiVolt, it runs on 36V packs or Metabo HPT's AC adapter - the only grinder in this class that can go corded. G3612DVFQ6 is the paddle-switch twin; G3615DVFQ6 is the 6-inch big brother.

DeWalt's Power Detect flagship grinder: it senses larger batteries and raises output to 1,350 watts, spinning to a class-leading 9,000 RPM. The Kickback Brake and E-Clutch electronics shut the wheel down on pinch events before the tool wrenches your wrist.

Flex's flagship 24V grinder, part of the brand's 2021 North American relaunch. A sensor-free brushless motor spins 4-1/2 or 5-inch wheels at up to 10,000 RPM - the highest top speed in this roundup - with touch-control speed settings of 3,500/5,000/7,000/10,000 RPM. Anti-kickback sensing stops the motor on bind-up, guard adjustment is one-step tool-free, and the vibration-suppression side handle tames buzz. FX3171A is the no-lock paddle version; FX3181A is the side-switch sibling. THERMA-TECH heat management and 24V packs push it toward corded-class sustained output.

Makita's long-running brushless LXT grinder with Automatic Speed Change: it drops RPM and raises torque under load to keep the wheel moving. The slide switch with lock-on suits continuous grinding; a paddle-switch sibling (XAG09) covers no-lock jobsites.

Ryobi's second-generation ONE+ HP brushless grinder (2024), superseding the PBLAG01. Same 11-amp-equivalent brushless motor and 9,200 RPM top speed, but adds improved heat management, an angled foot for flush cuts, a 3-position side handle, and a safer tooled flange nut. Ryobi claims up to 210 cuts through 3/8-inch rebar per charge. Regularly $129 bare and frequently promoted to $99.