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Tool of the Year Awards is an annual tradition of celebrating the most notable new tools and solutions for pros and average Joes. This series spotlights the handiest products launched in the last 12 months across 10 essential categories, ranging from power tools to cleaning tools.
Every year, top manufacturers release a wave of new tools, promising greater power, precision, and user-friendly design. But only a select few manage to rise above the noise. Our editors and experts spent the past year reviewing and testing the most notable power tools to hit the market—evaluating them not only on innovation, but also on performance, durability, and usability in real-world scenarios.
To qualify for our 2025 Tool of the Year Awards, each power tool had to be a recent release with genuine improvements over its predecessors. That could mean a more efficient motor, a safer design, a smoother user experience, or a feature that solves a long-standing frustration.
After rigorous testing, discussion, and debate, we awarded these five tools top marks in the Power Tool category. Read on to see which products made the cut—and why they stood out in a crowded field.
1. DeWalt 20V Max Transfer Pump
Pumping water usually requires access to electricity—and the electrocution risks that come when you mix the two. But DeWalt’s 20V Max cordless transfer pump offers a safer, more versatile alternative for a wide range of water-removal tasks, from draining flooded basements and sump pits to clearing water lines during plumbing repairs. For homeowners facing unpredictable weather or tackling plumbing projects, this compact pump brings peace of mind in a portable, efficient package.
The 20-volt battery-powered design is not only safer, but it also enables the pump to be used in remote or emergency locations. It also handles more than just water—plumbers working with HVAC refrigerants or liquid mixtures will appreciate its compatibility with non-flammable fluids.
2. Bosch 18V 16-Gauge 7/16-inch Crown Stapler
Cordless staplers aren’t new, but few offer the power and precision needed for heavy-duty fastening. Bosch’s 18V 7/16-inch crown stapler stands out by delivering pneumatic-like performance in a battery-powered design. It drives staples consistently and cleanly into cedar fencing, plywood sheathing, and even thick fiberboard, making it a valuable option for DIYers tackling outdoor structures or home repairs.
When testing, we certainly didn’t miss being limited by air hoses and compressors. This stapler is faster to set up, easier to maneuver, and more versatile on varied projects. It’s especially well-suited for building sheds, installing soffit panels, fastening subfloor underlayment, or attaching rigid foam insulation. For pros or advanced DIYers in need of cordless power that doesn’t compromise on depth or control, the Bosch 7/16-inch crown stapler delivers.
3. DeWalt 20V Max Atomic Multi-Head Drill/Driver
The DeWalt 20V Max Atomic Multi-Head Drill/Driver combines compact design with full 20V performance and a quick-connect interface that transforms it into four tools. Each of the included attachments—the right-angle, offset, 3/8-inch chuck, and hex—delivers precise, efficient results, even when drilling into dense material or driving fasteners in tight spaces.
The adjustable right-angle head is especially useful for navigating inside cabinets, crawl spaces, and between joists, while the ultra-bright onboard LED lights up hard-to-reach corners. For those concerned with organization, DeWalt includes a wall-mount storage system to keep attachments accessible and labeled. It’s a smart, well-executed solution for users who need versatility without sacrificing torque or control.
4. Bosch 18V Brushless 1¼-inch Reciprocating Saw
The Bosch reciprocating saw not only delivers the power needed for demo work and rough cuts, but also, surprisingly, finesse. It delivers impressive control, safety, and speed. The saw makes powerful, smooth cuts across a variety of materials, aided by six variable speed settings and adaptive speed control that starts slow before ramping up.
We also like the kickback control because it helps steady the saw when the blade catches in wood or metal. A tool-free blade change system keeps the workflow smooth, and a built-in LED ensures visibility even in tight or dark spaces. For pros and serious DIYers alike, this saw balances brute force with thoughtful engineering.
5. Craftsman V20 Brushless RP 30-degree Framing Nailer
Craftsman’s V20 Brushless RP model makes a framing nailer more accessible to DIYers without compromising on performance for pros. This 30-degree cordless nailer consistently drives nails up to 3¼ inches in length without jamming, even in bump-fire mode. It’s lightweight, well-balanced, and surprisingly comfortable for extended use.
The tool-free depth adjustment allows for quick on-the-fly changes, and the integrated rafter hook provides convenient storage between tasks. Built on the V20 platform, this nailer delivers enough runtime for large jobs while eliminating the need for compressors or fuel cartridges. For anyone tackling framing, deck building, or large structural repairs, it offers the ease of cordless operation with the consistency of a jobsite tool.
More Top-Rated Power Tools
- FOR THE STARTER WORKSHOP: The compact Dremel Blueprint Portable Saw Station has built-in dust collection, so it brings clean, precise sawing to any workspace.
- FOR YOUR LEVEL BEST: This Bosch 12V Max 360⁰ Green-Beam Three-Plane Laser projects bright, accurate lines in all directions and connects via app for precise level and plumb.
- FOR FASTER PAINT JOBS: The InoKraft GoSpray One Airless Paint Sprayer delivers even coverage (no thinning required) for professional finishes on DIY projects.
- FOR POWERING THROUGH TOUGH JOBS: Compact and powerful, the brushless DeWalt 20V Max Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver provides serious torque and runtime.
- FOR PORTABLE PERFORMANCE: This Worx Nitro 20V Brushless 7-1/4″ Circular Saw rips through lumber with brushless efficiency and a full 7-1/4-inch blade.
