Best Electric Ice Augers: 5 Picks, Plus Drill Augers
By Jake Harlow · Updated September 2026 · As an Amazon Associate, Tetra Hook earns from qualifying purchases. Disclosure.
Short answer: the best electric ice auger for most anglers is the Eskimo E40: a full-power 40V auger that weighs about 13.5 pounds, with a variable-speed trigger, reverse to flush slush and an LED drilling light. If you drill a lot of holes, the EGO Power+ kit has the biggest battery and claims up to 2,500 inches of ice per charge. On a budget, a drill-powered auger like the StrikeMaster Lite-Flite turns a high-torque cordless drill you already own into an ice auger for a fraction of the price.
Our picks at a glance
| Auger | Why | Power | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eskimo E40 8″ | Best overall | 40V, 4Ah | 13.5 lb | $$$ |
| EGO Power+ 8″ Auger (56V kit) | Best battery life | 56V, 5Ah | n/a | $$$ |
| ION 8″ Electric Ice Auger | The original electric auger | 40V, 3Ah | n/a | $$$ |
| StrikeMaster Lite-Flite Lazer 8″ Drill Auger | Best budget (uses your drill) | Your 18V+ drill | Very light | $$ |
| Deep Freeze EZ Drill Adapter | Best drill-auger accessory | n/a | n/a | $ |
Prices change often; $ is under $75, $$ is $75–$200 and $$$ is over $400 at the time of writing. Weight is the manufacturer’s figure where one is published.
How we picked
This is a researched guide. We compared electric and drill-powered ice augers on power and torque, how many holes or inches of ice a battery drills, weight, blade quality, useful features such as reverse and variable speed, warranty and price. Specifications come from the manufacturers; performance notes come from experienced ice anglers’ published comparisons and verified buyer reviews. We checked every auger on Amazon in late September 2026, before the ice season, when several popular models (including most StrikeMaster augers) were temporarily unavailable. We will recheck in November, when stock usually returns.
The best electric ice augers
1. Best overall: Eskimo E40
Eskimo calls the E40 the lightest auger in its class at 13.5 pounds, yet it runs a full-power 40V motor designed to get the most holes from a lithium battery. It comes with an 8″ composite bit and multi-edge Turbo blades, a 4 amp-hour battery built for cold weather and a 2-amp charger that refills it in about two hours. A variable-speed trigger lets you slow down inside a shelter to keep ice chips under control, the reverse switch flushes slush down the hole, and an LED light shines under the powerhead for drilling in the dark. Eskimo backs the auger and powerhead for five years and the battery for three.
- Good: light for a full-power auger, variable speed, reverse, drilling light, strong warranty.
- Watch out: expensive; buy a second battery if you move holes all day.
2. Best battery life: EGO Power+ 8″ Auger
EGO makes outdoor power tools, and its ice auger uses the same 56V ARC Lithium batteries as its mowers and blowers. The brushless motor produces 65 foot-pounds of torque, it has high and low speeds plus reverse and anti-kickback protection, and EGO claims up to 2,500 inches of ice on one charge with the included 5.0Ah battery. The universal connection also takes EGO earth-auger bits for fence posts and planting. If you already own EGO batteries, look for the bare-tool version (model IG0800), which is sold without a battery and charger for much less.
- Good: huge battery capacity, strong torque, anti-kickback, shares batteries with EGO tools.
- Watch out: heavier and bulkier than dedicated ice augers; few reviews on Amazon so far.
3. The original electric auger: ION 8″
ION made the first lithium-powered ice auger and is still one of the best-known names. It is quiet enough that you mostly hear the blades cutting ice, has reverse to flush slush, and its 3Ah 40V battery drills up to 1,000 inches of ice per charge according to ION. It is a proven design with a large base of owners and parts.
- Good: quiet, proven, reverse, no fuel or fumes.
- Watch out: this listing uses the older 3Ah battery and is priced higher than the newer E40; check the price before you buy.
The best drill-powered ice augers
A drill auger is a lightweight auger bit that you drive with a high-torque cordless drill. It costs far less than a dedicated electric auger and weighs very little, but you need the right drill: a brushless model with a 1/2″ chuck, a side handle and plenty of torque. See do you need a brushless drill for an ice auger and how much torque you need.
4. Best budget: StrikeMaster Lite-Flite Lazer 8″ Drill Auger
The Lite-Flite has a light synthetic flight with StrikeMaster’s stainless steel Lazer blades, which are among the sharpest and most durable on the market. It is one of the best-reviewed drill augers on Amazon. Pair it with an 18V or larger brushless drill and a drill plate or adapter for safety.
- Good: very light, sharp Lazer blades, far cheaper than a powered auger.
- Watch out: drill not included; a weak drill will struggle in thick ice.
5. Best drill-auger accessory: Deep Freeze EZ Ice Auger Drill Adapter
This adapter connects a drill to drill-auger bits such as the Eskimo Pistol Bit, K-Drill and StrikeMaster Lite-Flite, so you can switch the drill in and out quickly on the ice. Check which auger your adapter is made for before you order.
- Good: fast connection, works with the most popular drill augers.
- Watch out: fit depends on your auger model and shaft size.
Electric vs. gas vs. drill vs. hand augers
| Type | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric (battery) auger | Most anglers | Quiet, no fumes, starts in the cold, easy | Expensive; batteries lose capacity in cold |
| Drill auger | Budget, light travel | Cheap, very light | Needs a strong drill; kickback risk |
| Gas auger | Very thick ice, many holes | Most power, fast refuelling | Loud, heavy, fumes, hard starting |
| Hand auger | Occasional use, thin ice | Cheap, reliable, silent | Hard work in thick ice |
More detail: hand ice auger vs. gas-powered and will an earth auger work on ice?
How to choose an electric ice auger
- Hole size: 8″ suits panfish, walleye and most species and is the most popular size; 10″ is for big pike, lake trout and bigger fish but uses more battery.
- Battery: look at amp-hours and the maker’s holes-per-charge or inches-of-ice claim. Keep batteries warm in a pocket or bag until you drill.
- Weight: matters if you walk out and move holes often.
- Reverse and variable speed: reverse flushes slush down the hole; slower speeds keep shelters tidy.
- Blades: sharp blades matter more than power. See how to sharpen ice auger blades and how long ice auger blades last.
- Ice thickness: check the flight length and whether an extension is available for thick ice.
Ice auger safety
- Check ice thickness as you go; clear ice should be at least 4 inches thick for walking.
- Hold the auger or drill with both hands and brace for kickback when the blades break through.
- Keep blade guards on when the auger is not in use; sharp blades cut boots and bags.
- Mark or cover holes you leave behind so others do not step in them.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best electric ice auger?
The Eskimo E40 is the best all-round electric ice auger: light, full power and well equipped. The EGO Power+ has the longest battery life, and a drill auger like the StrikeMaster Lite-Flite is the best budget option.
How many holes does an electric ice auger drill per charge?
It depends on the battery and ice thickness. Makers quote about 1,000 inches of ice for a 3Ah ION battery and up to 2,500 inches for EGO’s 5Ah battery; divide by your ice thickness for a rough hole count.
Can I use a cordless drill as an ice auger?
Yes, with a drill-auger bit and a high-torque brushless drill with a 1/2″ chuck. Use a side handle or drill plate and be ready for kickback.
Are electric ice augers worth it?
For most anglers, yes: they are quiet, start instantly in the cold, have no fuel or fumes and are light enough to carry. Gas augers still win for very thick ice and drilling all day.
What size ice auger should I get?
An 8″ auger suits most fishing. Choose 6″ for panfish only and 10″ if you fish for big pike, lake trout or sturgeon.