The Best Cordless Power Tools of 2025 for Your Next Project
If you’re planning your next DIY project or looking for new tools to add to your toolbox, weighing all the available cordless tool options can be challenging. As batteries get smaller and lighter, the range of cordless tools is expanding. Here are a few of my favorite cordless tools, chosen based on design, durability, practicality, and battery life.
The best all-round cordless tool
My favorite tool right now is the Milwaukee 18-volt oscillating multi-tool . It’s lightweight, weighing just 1.2 kg without the battery, and easy to use. It can be used to cut wood, tile, drywall, metal, PVC, and composite materials, making it an indispensable tool for home improvement projects. It can also be used for sanding, polishing, and grout removal. With an impressive range of tasks and excellent battery life (the 4 Ah battery, in my experience, lasts longer than the blade itself), it’s my favorite cordless tool of 2025.
Best new cordless tool
This year’s best new cordless tool is the Ryobi 16-gauge finishing nailer . Ryobi’s 18-volt cordless tool lineup has expanded to include over 300 compatible cordless tools, and the 16-gauge finishing nailer is one of the latest additions. This nailer is powerful enough for most woodworking projects and allows the user to drive more nails in less time than older models. It can drive 1,800 nails on a single charge and is suitable for 16-gauge finishing nails up to 2.5 inches long. It’s the perfect tool for any DIYer looking to try their hand at woodworking, such as installing trim or stair treads.
The best cordless drill driver
The DeWalt 20V drill and driver set boasts impressive battery life, allowing the tool to run for several hours without recharging, and is built to withstand intensive use. These tools are compatible with most standard drill bits: the impact driver accepts ¼-inch hex bits, and the drill accepts bits up to ½-inch in diameter. They are lightweight and well-balanced, reducing strain on your wrists and forearms over time. They are ideal for projects like installing drywall or hanging shelves.
The best cordless saw
The best cordless saw of 2025 is the Makita 7 1/4-inch rear-handle circular saw. Cutting along a guide rail is easier with a rear-handle saw, as it allows you to hold the saw at a more favorable angle and keep the tool’s weight balanced. Additionally, the 7 1/4-inch blade has a wider cutting surface for more precise and longer cuts. Makita’s 18-volt batteries offer excellent runtime, allowing you to make over 550 crosscuts on a single charge of the 5-amp-hour battery. This cordless circular saw is ideal for DIY projects involving plywood, such as building workbenches or cross-cutting dimensional lumber for framing.
Best under $50
My favorite new cordless tool under $50 is the Ryobi hot glue gun , which comes with a 2-amp-hour battery and charger. This glue gun holds a 1.2-cm glue stick and heats up in three minutes. Fast charging and heating allow you to ditch the cord and use the glue gun without an extension cord. Despite its small size, the trigger has enough room to press with two fingers, reducing fatigue from prolonged pressing. A hot glue gun is an indispensable tool for DIY projects, like upholstery or other cosmetic projects.