Concrete is one of the hardest materials a drill has to penetrate, and the wrong bit will either stall out or overheat before the hole is done. The five picks below cover carbide-tipped options in SDS Plus and straight shank configurations, from affordable multi-packs for occasional use to professional-grade bits built for daily drilling.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch Carbide-Tipped Masonry Bit Set | General DIY, straight shank | 4.7/5 |
| Hilti TE-CX SDS Plus Bit | Professional rotary hammer use | 4.9/5 |
| DEWALT Percussion Masonry Bit Set | Hammer drill, multi-size kit | 4.6/5 |
| Milwaukee SDS Plus 2-Cutter Bit | Fast drilling in block and brick | 4.7/5 |
| Makita Carbide Masonry Bit | Budget-friendly single bits | 4.4/5 |
Bosch Carbide-Tipped Masonry Bit Set — Best for DIY Use
Bosch’s masonry bit sets are a reliable all-around choice for homeowners who need to drill into concrete or block occasionally. The carbide tips are brazed securely to the steel body and ground to a precise angle that starts cleanly without walking on the surface. These are straight shank bits, which means they fit any standard hammer drill chuck without an adapter. The multi-size sets typically include 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, and 1/2-inch bits — the range that covers most anchor and fastener installations around the home. They hold up well over dozens of holes per bit in residential-density concrete.
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Hilti TE-CX SDS Plus Bit — Best for Professional Applications
Hilti’s TE-CX SDS Plus bits are engineered for high-output rotary hammers in demanding professional environments. The four-cutter head removes material faster than two-cutter designs and stays sharper longer under sustained use. Hilti uses a premium carbide grade and a precision-ground flute geometry that clears dust efficiently, reducing heat buildup in the bit and the hole wall. These are the bits tradespeople reach for when drilling dozens of holes per day in hard aggregate concrete. They are priced higher per bit than consumer alternatives, but cost-per-hole over the bit’s lifespan is competitive. Fits any SDS Plus rotary hammer.
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DEWALT Percussion Masonry Bit Set — Best Multi-Size Kit
DEWALT’s percussion masonry bit sets are targeted specifically at hammer drill users rather than rotary hammer users. The bit geometry is optimized for the combined rotation-and-impact motion of a hammer drill, resulting in faster hole starts and cleaner hole walls than a generic masonry bit used in the same tool. The kits include a wide size range and are packed in a storage case that keeps bits organized and protects the carbide tips. DEWALT bits are consistently available at hardware stores and big-box retailers, making replacements easy to source mid-project. A strong value-to-performance kit for residential and light commercial work.
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Milwaukee SDS Plus 2-Cutter Bit — Best for Block and Brick
Milwaukee’s SDS Plus 2-cutter bits are particularly effective in concrete block and brick, where the material is less dense than poured concrete but still requires a proper masonry bit. The 2-cutter head provides a good balance of speed and bit longevity in these softer masonry materials, and the SDS Plus shank delivers the impact energy needed to break material cleanly rather than grinding through it. Milwaukee’s carbide quality has improved noticeably in recent product generations. These bits are a cost-effective entry point into the SDS Plus ecosystem for users who are adding a rotary hammer to their kit.
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Makita Carbide Masonry Bit — Best Budget Single Bit
For users who only need one or two specific sizes rather than a full kit, Makita’s individual carbide masonry bits offer solid quality at a low per-bit price. The carbide tips are ground to a standard two-edge geometry that works in hammer drills and light rotary hammers. Build quality is consistent across the Makita masonry line, and the bits are available in a full range of common sizes. A practical choice for anyone who needs a single replacement bit without buying a kit, or for a homeowner who drills into masonry only a few times per year.
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How to Choose Concrete Drill Bits
Match the shank type to your tool. SDS Plus bits require a rotary hammer with an SDS chuck; straight shank bits fit standard hammer drills. For most homeowners, a quality straight shank bit set and a good hammer drill cover the full range of residential concrete drilling. Choose bit diameter to match your anchor or fastener specification exactly — undersized holes make anchor installation difficult, and oversized holes reduce holding strength. Use slow, steady pressure and let the bit do the work. Forcing a masonry bit generates heat that destroys the carbide tip. Keep a second bit on hand; carbide tips can fracture unexpectedly in hard aggregate or when the drill hits rebar.
For related reading, see best concrete anchors for TV mounts and best hammer drills for home use. See how we evaluate tool accessories at /methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a regular drill with concrete bits, or do I need a hammer drill?+
A hammer drill is strongly recommended. It adds a rapid percussion action that breaks up concrete as the bit rotates, dramatically reducing drill time and bit wear. A standard rotary drill can technically spin a masonry bit, but it is much slower, generates more heat, and wears out bits faster. For anything harder than soft brick, use a hammer drill or rotary hammer.
What is the difference between SDS Plus and straight shank concrete drill bits?+
SDS Plus bits have a slotted shank that locks into an SDS rotary hammer, allowing the tool to drive the bit with higher impact energy while the bit still rotates. Straight shank bits fit standard keyed or keyless chucks and work in hammer drills or rotary drills. SDS Plus delivers more power for larger holes or dense concrete; straight shank bits are fine for most residential tasks with a good hammer drill.