If you’ve ever paused a job mid-project because of a dead drill battery, you already know how frustrating a slow or unreliable charger can be. The charger might seem like an afterthought — until it’s not doing its job. A good cordless drill charger brings your batteries back to life quickly, monitors heat, and won’t fry your cells over time.
Whether you’re running a single drill or a fleet of cordless tools, the right charger keeps your workflow moving. Here’s a look at the best cordless drill battery chargers — from rapid-fire single chargers to smart multi-bay workhorses built for busy shops.
What to Look for in a Cordless Drill Charger
- Compatibility: Stick with your tool brand — DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, etc. Most are battery-specific.
- Charge Speed: Look for chargers rated for 3.0Ah to 6.0Ah batteries or higher — the faster the better.
- Thermal Monitoring: Overheating shortens battery life. Good chargers include fan cooling or thermal sensors.
- Multiple Bays (Optional): For pros or serious DIYers, multi-bay chargers save serious time on busy days.
- Wall Mountable or Bench-Ready: Keep your bench organized and your charging station out of the way.
Top Picks for Best Cordless Drill Battery Chargers
1. DeWalt DCB118 20V MAX Fan-Cooled Fast Charger
If you’re in the DeWalt camp, this is the charger to own. It charges 20V and FLEXVOLT batteries lightning fast and includes a built-in fan to keep everything cool while doing it.
- Charges a 6.0Ah battery in under an hour
- Wall mountable and durable build
- Compatible with DeWalt 20V MAX and 60V FLEXVOLT
Price: ~$150
2. Milwaukee M18 & M12 Rapid Charger
This is a dual-voltage charger built to handle both Milwaukee’s M12 and M18 batteries. It charges batteries sequentially but does it quickly — and it’s trusted by pros on job sites everywhere.
- RedLink intelligence to monitor temperature and voltage
- Charges M18 batteries up to 40% faster than standard models
- Compact design with cord wrap
Price: ~$120
3. Makita DC18RD Dual Port Rapid Charger
This one charges two 18V LXT batteries at once — perfect for crews running multiple Makita drills and drivers. It also includes a fan-cooled system and tunes to let you know when charging starts and ends.
- Charges two 5.0Ah batteries in about 45 minutes
- Built-in USB port for phones or accessories
- Wall mount slots on the back
Price: ~$160
4. Bosch BC660 18V Lithium-Ion Charger
Compact, simple, and effective — Bosch’s BC660 gets the job done. It charges 18V batteries in under an hour and doesn’t take up much room on the bench.
- Charge time: ~50 minutes for 4.0Ah batteries
- Small footprint, no fan but cools well
Price: ~$60
5. Ryobi P135 6-Port Dual Chemistry Charger
If you run a Ryobi shop, this 6-port charger is a dream. It charges one battery at a time, automatically moving to the next in line, and gives you a full charging bay that’s easy to manage.
- Charges all ONE+ 18V lithium-ion and NiCad batteries
- LED indicators for each port
- Great for shop walls or garage setups
Price: ~$90
High-End Charging Solutions Over $2,000
Most users won’t need to spend this much, but in commercial settings or outfitting large crews, advanced smart chargers and battery management systems are worth it. These include programmable diagnostics, battery lifecycle tracking, and full digital interfaces.
- DeWalt Tool Connect Charging Station — For fleet maintenance; holds 4 batteries, networked with mobile app control (~$2,200)
- Milwaukee PACKOUT Charging Kit — When bundled with storage, tools, and rapid chargers, full kits can push $2,500+
Quick Tips for Charging Your Drill Batteries Right
- Let batteries cool before charging — Charging hot batteries reduces life span
- Don’t leave batteries on the charger for days — Smart chargers help, but it’s still good practice to remove them
- Label batteries by date if you have many — it helps track age and wear
- Use the same brand charger as your battery — generic options are a gamble
Final Word
A cordless drill is only as good as the battery feeding it. And the battery? Only as good as the charger keeping it healthy. From the single-port DeWalt DCB118 to a six-bay Ryobi station or even a smart-connected DeWalt Tool Connect setup, there’s a charger for every workshop size and budget.
Invest once in a quality charger and your tools — and your workflow — will thank you every time you pick them up charged and ready.