For the best compact cordless drill you're looking for precision engineering to fit a great drill in a compact package. Some of the drills in this space are more geared towards being cordless screwdrivers. We've got a separate list for that. This category is for a tool that can deliver the performance of a drill in a compact package.
Makita makes two versions of the 10.8V Ultra Compact that differ in the type of chuck used. This version has a standard 3/8" keyless chuck.
The main competition for the Makita is the Milwaukee 12V Sub-Compact Driver
The Milwaukee has been reviewed by over a hundred people and is well-loved. But we'll detail below why we chose the Makita.
The Makita DF330DW 10.8-Volt Ultra Compact is a newer drill. It packs a lot of power into a small package and we think it's better than the offering from Milwaukee: