Corded vs. Cordless
Affiliate link — we may earn a commissionCorded tools plug into a wall outlet and draw 120V (in North America) through a power cord. Cordless tools run on rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs, typically 12V, 18V/20V, or 36V/40V. Corded tools deliver unlimited runtime and consistent power. Cordless tools offer portability and no cord management. The performance gap has narrowed significantly since 2020. A top-tier cordless drill or impact driver now matches or exceeds mid-range corded equivalents. But for sustained high-draw tools (grinders, routers, planers), corded still wins on runtime and power-per-dollar.
Why It Matters
This isn't a one-or-the-other decision. Most serious shops use both. Cordless for the tools you grab and go (drills, drivers, saws). Corded for the tools that sit in one spot and run for long periods (bench grinders, table saws, dust collectors). Buy the format that matches how you use each tool.