Quick summary: For most homeowners, the Makita DHP484 cordless drill (
$259 from Bunnings) is the sweet spot — powerful, compact, and part of a huge battery ecosystem. Budget shoppers should look at the Ozito PXC 18V drill kit ($89). Serious DIYers or tradie-level users should consider the Milwaukee M18 FDDX drill driver (~$299–$349).
What Makes a Good Cordless Drill?
Before diving into picks, it helps to know what separates a great drill from a frustrating one. For Australian homeowners, the key specs to focus on are:
- Voltage: 18V is the sweet spot for most tasks. 12V is lighter but less powerful; 20V+ is for heavy trade use.
- Chuck size: 13mm handles the vast majority of drill bits. Stick to this unless you have specific needs.
- Brushless vs brushed motor: Brushless motors run cooler, last longer, and are more efficient. Worth paying extra for.
- Battery platform: If you already own tools from one brand, stay in that ecosystem — batteries are expensive to replace.
Is 18V Enough for a Cordless Drill at Home?
Yes — for the vast majority of homeowners, 18V is all you need. It handles timber, sheet metal, masonry (with a hammer drill setting), and everyday fastening tasks. You only need to step up to 20V or higher if you're regularly drilling through thick concrete or doing heavy structural work.
Brushless vs Brushed: Is It Worth Paying Extra?
Brushless motors are worth the premium. They run more efficiently (longer battery life per charge), generate less heat, and last significantly longer before needing service. If you're buying an 18V drill in 2025, brushless is the standard — avoid brushed motors unless you're on a very tight budget.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Makita DHP484 18V Brushless Hammer Drill
Price: ~$259 bare tool, ~$349 with 2 batteries from Bunnings or Total Tools.
The Makita DHP484 18V brushless hammer drill is the drill that appears in more Australian garages than any other for good reason. It's compact (just 196mm long), lightweight at 1.5kg, and the brushless motor punches well above its class.
In testing, it handled brick, timber framing, and sheet metal without complaint. The two-speed gearbox (0–500 / 0–2,000 RPM) gives you genuine versatility, and the 13-position clutch prevents overdriving screws. Battery life is excellent — most homeowners find one charge lasts an entire weekend project.
The catch: The Makita 18V battery platform is one of the most expensive to buy into if you're starting from scratch.
Best for: Homeowners doing regular DIY, deck building, furniture assembly, kitchen installs.
Best Budget: Ozito PXC 18V Brushless Hammer Drill
Price: ~$89 bare tool, ~$139 kit from Bunnings.
If you don't want to spend over $100 on a drill, the Ozito PXC 18V drill kit is the only budget option worth considering. It's Bunnings' house brand and the quality has genuinely improved over the past few years. The brushless motor surprised us — we expected a buzzy, underpowered tool and instead got something that handled 90% of household tasks comfortably.
It won't drill through dense hardwood or masonry as effortlessly as the Makita, and the battery capacity is lower, but for hanging shelves, assembling flat-pack furniture, or basic maintenance work, it does the job.
Best for: Renters, infrequent users, first-time buyers.
Best Premium: Milwaukee M18 FDDX 18V Fuel Drill Driver
Price: ~$299–$349 from Total Tools or Sydney Tools.
Milwaukee's M18 FUEL lineup is what professional tradies reach for, and the Milwaukee M18 FDDX drill driver is their compact drill driver. The POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers exceptional torque in a remarkably small package.
Where it really shines is run-time — Milwaukee's HIGH OUTPUT batteries extend working time significantly, and the 4-speed all-metal gearbox offers finer control than most competitors.
Best for: Heavy users, people building out a tool collection, anyone doing structural or trade-level work.
Best for Women & Smaller Hands: Bosch PSR 1440 LI-2
Price: ~$179 from Bunnings or Mitre 10.
The Bosch PSR 1440 LI-2 cordless drill is noticeably lighter and better balanced than most 18V drills. It's not the most powerful drill on the list, but for general household use, it doesn't need to be.
Best for: Those who find standard drills heavy or bulky, smaller hands, overhead work.
What's the Best Cordless Drill for a Beginner in Australia?
If you've never owned a drill and just want something reliable for basic household tasks, start with the Makita DHP484 or the Ozito PXC. The Ozito is the safer budget choice — if you end up barely using it, you haven't wasted much money. If you use it constantly, step up to Makita or Milwaukee next time.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Model | Price (AUD) | Voltage | Motor | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita DHP484 | ~$259 | 18V | Brushless | 1.5kg | General DIY |
| Ozito PXC | ~$89 | 18V | Brushless | 1.4kg | Budget/casual |
| Milwaukee M18 FDDX | ~$329 | 18V | Brushless | 1.3kg | Heavy/trade use |
| Bosch PSR 1440 | ~$179 | 14.4V | Brushed | 1.3kg | Lightweight use |
Where to Buy in Australia
- Bunnings Warehouse — Best for Makita, Ozito, Bosch, and Ryobi. Price matching available.
- Total Tools — Best range of Milwaukee and DeWalt. Frequent member sales.
- Sydney Tools — Competitive pricing on premium brands.
- Amazon AU — Good for accessories (bits, carrying cases) and occasional tool deals.
Bottom Line
For the majority of Australian homeowners, the Makita DHP484 is the right buy. It strikes the ideal balance between performance, size, battery ecosystem, and price. If budget is the priority, the Ozito PXC won't let you down for everyday jobs. And if you're serious about building a tool kit that will last decades, the Milwaukee M18 FDDX is worth every cent.
Prices vary by retailer and change frequently — always check Bunnings and Total Tools for current pricing before purchasing.
