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Cordless glue guns create quick adhesive bonds between surfaces such as paper, wood, plastic, metal, fabric, and styrofoam, making them convenient tools for arts and crafts, DIY projects, and repairs. But when popular models range from small units priced around $20 to full-size ones that cost over $100, it’s hard to know which option is right for your needs. To help you decide, we put seven highly rated cordless glue guns through a series of six tests to see which performed best.
Based on over a week’s worth of concentrated testing and around-the-house repairs, we chose the Workpro Cordless Hot Glue Gun as our top pick for its ease of use, ergonomics, and value. This hot glue gun is light and comfortable in the hand and offers a relatively long runtime. Still, several other rechargeable and battery-powered glue guns have unique features that might be better suited to certain users. For more on what we liked and didn’t about each of these handy tools, see ratings and details on the best cordless glue guns below.
- BEST OVERALL: Workpro Cordless Hot Glue Gun
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Surebonder Cordless Hot Glue Gun
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Aozoy Cordless Hot Melt Glue Gun
↓ Jump to Review - BEST DUAL TEMP: Monvict 80/120W Dual Temp Hot Glue Gun
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MINI: Ryobi 18V One+ Compact Glue Gun
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PEN: Dremel 4V USB Rechargeable Cordless Glue Pen
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PROFESSIONAL: Ridgid 18V Professional High-Temp Glue Gun
↓ Jump to Review
Cordless Glue Guns Comparison Chart
| Product Name | Type | Power | Size |
| Workpro Cordless Hot Glue Gun | High temp | 2,600mAh | Mini |
| Surebonder Cordless Hot Glue Gun | High temp | 60 watts | Full |
| Aozoy Cordless Hot Melt Glue Gun | High temp | 2,600mAh | Mini |
| Monvict 80/120W Dual Temp Hot Glue Gun | Dual temp | 80 or 120 watts | Full |
| Ryobi 18V One+ Compact Glue Gun | High temp | 1,500mAh | Mini |
| Dremel 4V USB Rechargeable Cordless Glue Pen | High temp | 1,500mAh | Pen |
| Ridgid 18V Professional High-Temp Glue Gun | High temp | 60 watts | Full |
Our Top Picks
The wireless glue guns listed here can be used for a variety of purposes. They offer reliable performance as well as optimal charging times and runtimes.
Best Overall
Workpro Cordless Hot Glue Gun
What We Like
- Charges in 2 hours, heats in 2 minutes
- Lightweight and comfortable in hand
- LED lights increase ease of use
Cons
- Tip damages styrofoam if touched to it
- Only available in pink
Specs
- Type: High temp
- Power: 2,600mAh
- Size: Mini
Our Ratings: Temperature Control 4.8/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Ergonomics 5/5; Performance 4.7/5; Value 5/5
Designed for efficiency and ease of use, the Workpro mini hot glue gun packs a long runtime and convenient yet simple features into a small package. This rechargeable glue gun is powered by a 2,600mAh lithium-ion battery, which lasted about 15 minutes during our tests. While that’s less than the 30 minutes Workpro claims, we found it charges quite a bit faster than their estimates. In our tests, it repeatedly got to full power in just over 2 hours with the included AC/USB instead of the 2.5 to 3.5 hours listed in the user manual. This portable hot glue gun is one of the few models we tested that has lights that signal when it’s fully charged as well as when it’s ready to use.
This model’s heat-up time is only 2 minutes, and the glue gun automatically shuts off after 20 minutes of inactivity. It comes with 20 glue sticks, its nozzle end has a sturdy flip-out stand, and its lightweight design is comfortable for both adults and kids. As a high-temp glue gun, it does create a little damage on styrofoam if you hold the tip directly against it—but for all other materials, performance was excellent and annoying glue strings were minimal.
What our tester says: “To us, this was perhaps the most quintessential cordless glue gun of all the models we tested. It’s simple and easy to use, and the LED lights that signify when it’s charged and hot are more helpful than you might think. We found ourselves reaching for this one after testing was over because we know it won’t drip, and it will turn itself off if we forget to.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Workpro cordless glue gun at Amazon or Workpro.
Runner-up
Surebonder Cordless Hot Glue Gun
What We Like
- Integrated glue pad catches wayward drips
- Output remains consistent during use
- Cord plugs into gun for extended runtime
Cons
- Can’t use stand while cord is plugged in
- Fits base too tightly to remove with one hand
Specs
- Type: High temp
- Power: 60 watts
- Size: Full
Our Ratings: Temperature Control 5/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Ergonomics 5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Value 5/5
The Surebonder full-size cordless hot glue gun offers both corded and cordless operation with 60 watts of power, a built-in drip pad, and side fins that prevent glue backflow when the unit is on its side. Its heated docking station heats the gun in about 5 minutes, but you’ll need to work quickly as you only have about 2 minutes of use before it needs reheating again. You can keep the cord plugged in for unlimited runtime if you’re doing more than a quick task. However, you won’t be able to use the stand with its drip pad when the cord is plugged in, which is a bummer because the stand with the silicone drip pad is one of the tool’s best features. Still, the unit’s side fins mean it won’t drip even when it’s not upright in its stand.
This pick has a simple on/off switch, an insulated nozzle to avoid burned fingers, and an ergonomic grip and trigger for easy operation. During our tests, the gun maintained consistent heat, allowing a nice flow of glue. It was comfortable to hold, and the LED light indicator at the top of the tool let us know when the gun was on. It’s a great option for kids and adults, though you do have to tug pretty firmly to remove it from its stand. Still, since it’s so well insulated, there’s not much risk that you or your little ones will get burnt.
Get the Surebonder cordless glue gun at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Surebonder.
Best Bang for the Buck
Aozoy Cordless Hot Melt Glue Gun
What We Like
- Unmatched runtime for a rechargeable model
- Unlikely to tip; well-stabilized thanks to integrated stand
- Compact, lightweight, and portable
Cons
- Comes with a USB cord but no plug
- Tip gets too hot for delicate materials
Specs
- Type: High temp
- Power: 2,600mAh
- Size: Mini
Our Ratings: Temperature Control 4.5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Ergonomics 5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Value 5/5
This budget-friendly cordless mini gun from Aozoy features a drip-free nozzle and includes silicone protectors to help protect your fingertips from burns. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery takes a couple of hours to charge, but after preheating for only about 2 minutes, it was ready to use and lasted a mind-blowing 90 minutes. It has an on/off switch that extends runtime even longer and a light that tells you if it’s on, though there’s no signal to tell you when it’s hot.
For safety, the gun’s built-in balance stand keeps it upright when placed on a work surface. Not only is the stand stable and reliable, but so is this gun’s performance. The glue comes out evenly and with minimal strings, and the trigger is comfortable and easy to squeeze. Since this is a high-temp gun, the tip gets a little too hot for direct contact with styrofoam and other delicate materials. However, it is a very good hot glue gun for the price, and it even comes with a generous 30 hot glue sticks that will be more than enough to get you started crafting or performing small home repairs. The only thing it doesn’t have is a wall plug for the included USB cord, though most of us own several of those already.
What our tester says: “This is another simple glue gun we tend to reach for when we need this type of tool. It absolutely crushed the competition in terms of run time, and they sent us so many glue sticks that it’ll be many months before we need to order more.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Aozoy cordless glue gun at Amazon.
Best Dual Temp
Monvict 80/120W Dual Temp Hot Glue Gun
What We Like
- Offers cordless and corded operation
- Glue distribution is incredibly even
- High and low settings increase functionality
Cons
- Short runtime when used without cord
- Relatively easy to tip over
Specs
- Type: Dual temp
- Power: 80 or 120 watts
- Size: Full
Our Ratings: Temperature Control 4.3/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Ergonomics 4.5/5; Performance 4.3/5; Value 4.3/5
This full-size glue gun from Monvict delivers dual power for delicate and heavy-duty jobs. It functions as both a corded and cordless tool, so you can simply plug it in to preheat and then disconnect the power cord to move freely. After only a few minutes of charging, it can deliver melted glue from one of the 12 included glue gun sticks for up to 5 minutes. If you need more time to complete your project, you can quickly recharge it or keep it plugged in for continuous use.
We love that this dual-power model allows users to switch between 80- and 120-watt power to accommodate a range of materials. It also comes with a set of silicone finger protectors and an integrated stand-up base. As a relatively large glue gun, however, it’s somewhat easy to tip over. At first, we also found it odd that this hot glue pistol must be set to low or high for the unit to charge. We thought our gun wasn’t working since we kept trying to charge it while it was off. Once we started thinking of it as preheating rather than charging, it made more sense. Just be aware that the red and yellow indicator lights won’t work unless the unit is plugged in.
Get the Monvict cordless glue gun at Amazon.
Best Mini
Ryobi 18V One+ Compact Glue Gun
What We Like
- Compatible with Ryobi’s line of 18V tools
- Charging base and drip tray are sturdy, effective
- Battery lasts 2 hours and has power indicator
Cons
- No indicator light when ready to use
- Drips if left on in charging base
Specs
- Type: High temp
- Power: 1,500mAh
- Size: Mini
Our Ratings: Temperature Control 5/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Ergonomics 4/5; Performance 4.8/5; Value 4.3/5
The Ryobi One+ battery-operated glue gun stands out for its unique design, which is compatible with Ryobi’s lineup of 18-volt tools. As is relatively standard, the high-temp gun heats in just 3 minutes and offers a 5-minute runtime per charge. What makes it different is the stand, which connects directly to an 18-volt battery and provides the power to heat the compact and lightweight gun for use. Once the glue gun gets too cool to melt the glue stick, you simply place it back on the stand for another few minutes to get it hot again. When we first started testing it, the setup seemed like overkill for such a simple device, but after a week of use, the convenience won us over.
The battery that attaches to the stand has enough power for about 2 hours of continuous heat, and its four-bar power indicator shows how much battery life remains. To extend runtime, you can turn the stand (as well as the glue gun) off. If you leave the glue gun on while it’s in the stand, it will continue to drip as it heats. We let ours drip for the full 2 hours, and the integrated silicone drip pad was large enough to catch each and every drop. If you need long-lasting cordless operation, this is an excellent tool—especially if you already own other 18-volt Ryobi tools, as this would add another compatible battery.
Get the Ryobi cordless glue gun at The Home Depot or Amazon.
Best Pen
Dremel 4V USB Rechargeable Cordless Glue Pen
What We Like
- Automatically shuts off after 10 minutes of inactivity
- Heats in 15 seconds, light indicates when ready
- Easy to be precise in application
Cons
- Takes a little practice to get used to
- Drips a bit and has no drip tray
Specs
- Type: High temp
- Power: 1,500mAh
- Size: Pen
Our Ratings: Temperature Control 5/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Ergonomics 4.8/5; Performance 4.8/5; Value 4.5/5
You likely know the name Dremel, but you may not know they’re in the glue gun game. Like much of the brand’s lineup, this tool proved powerful and effective in our tests. While charging takes almost 4 hours, the glue pen can run for 30 minutes of continuous use. It also features an auto-shutoff function that turns it off after 10 minutes of inactivity. The unit has a large LED light at its base that blinks as it heats, which only takes 15 seconds, and then turns solid to show it’s ready.
The ergonomic design of this glue gun allows you to hold it like a pen, though it took us a few attempts to learn how much pressure to apply to avoid squeezing out big globs of glue. Once we figured out how we liked to position its large trigger (which wasn’t universal among our testers), we found the pen offered more precision than other models for creating shapes on cardboard and glass and attaching foliage to a styrofoam wreath. This is a high-temp glue gun, however, so the hot tip can damage sensitive materials, making it better for heavier-duty applications. It also leaks a bit when not in use and does not come with a drip tray.
Get the Dremel cordless glue gun at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Dremel.
Best Professional
Ridgid 18V Professional High-Temp Glue Gun
What We Like
- Comes with 3 interchangeable tips
- Has 3 temperature settings: low, medium, and high
- 2-hour runtime on low, 1-hour on high
Cons
- Too large and heavy for small hands
- Too expensive for only occasional use
Specs
- Type: High temp
- Power: 60 watts
- Size: Full
Our Ratings: Temperature Control 5/5; Ease of Use 4.8/5; Ergonomics 4/5; Performance 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5
Unlike some glue guns near the top of our list, this Ridgid hot glue gun is more of a professional, heavy-duty tool than an around-the-house, occasional-use appliance. Engineered for comfort and precision, this glue gun features an ergonomic trigger, hex grip, and three interchangeable nozzles (standard, spreader, precision). Its powerful 18-volt battery connects directly to the glue gun’s base to provide a reliable 2 hours of runtime on low and 1 hour on high. While such an extended runtime is excellent for big projects, having to connect the battery to the glue gun does increase its weight (probably to the point that it’s too much for young children).
In addition to feeling more like a handheld drill than a portable crafting tool, this full-size glue gun has a stroke adjustment knob for precise glue dispensing and an LED light for increased visibility. It has three heat settings: low for heat-sensitive materials, medium for general and automotive applications, and high for heavy-duty construction. It heats up in just 90 seconds, and its battery is compatible with other Ridgid 18-volt tools and chargers.
What our tester says: “Like the Ryobi we tested, this glue gun seemed like a bit much at first, but after a week, we really came to love it. Because it feels and works more like a well-made tool, it’s something we know we’ll be able to use year after year. This is the pick for anyone needing a professional-grade glue gun.”—Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Ridgid cordless glue gun at The Home Depot.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Cordless Glue Guns
The first step in testing glue guns is to charge them, so we plugged them into various outlets around our office and measured how long it took for them to go from zero to full. We then used these handy hot glue guns to make nonslip wooden hangers, add decorative shapes to cardboard and glass jars, and apply lightweight and heavy-duty foliage to styrofoam wreaths. We continued testing the guns outdoors and around the house, reattaching a tape-on window deflector to our Jeep, adding beads to DIY ornaments, and returning a hat to a small wooden soldier.
We measured how easy and comfortable the glue guns were to use, how long they lasted before they needed recharging, and how well they performed without making a mess. We then rated them based on these test results and assigned them awards if we found them worthy.
| Testing Stats | |
|---|---|
| Products tested | 7 |
| Time spent testing | Over a week |
| Tests performed | 6 |
| Price range | $20 to $120 |
Our Ratings: Cordless Glue Guns
| Product Name | Temperature Control | Ease of Use | Ergonomics | Performance | Value |
| Workpro Cordless Hot Glue Gun | 4.8 | 5 | 5 | 4.7 | 5 |
| Surebonder Cordless Hot Glue Gun | 5 | 4.5 | 5 | 4.5 | 5 |
| Aozoy Cordless Hot Melt Glue Gun | 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 4.8 | 5 |
| Monvict 80/120W Dual Temp Hot Glue Gun | 4.3 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Ryobi 18V One+ Compact Glue Gun | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.8 | 4.3 |
| Dremel 4V USB Rechargeable Cordless Glue Pen | 5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.5 |
| Ridgid 18V Professional High-Temp Glue Gun | 5 | 4.8 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
What to Consider When Choosing a Cordless Glue Gun
When shopping for a cordless hot glue gun, consumers will want to look for one with sufficient power, smooth and neat glue distribution, minimal charging time, and optimal runtime. With mini and full-size units available, size is also an important factor, as is whether these tools have ergonomic designs and balanced, built-in bases.
The following sections break down some of the essential considerations for selecting a battery-powered hot glue gun.
Intended Use
Hot glue from a glue gun can bond with numerous surfaces, including paper, wood, cardboard, plastics, ceramics, canvas, and metal. Hot glue is versatile and dries quickly, making it convenient for crafts, home repairs, and DIY projects.
Before selecting a cordless glue gun, consider how you intend to use it. Full-size high-temperature cordless glue guns work well for heavy-duty repairs and large creative projects. For DIY projects involving lightweight materials, such as gluing trim on throw pillows decorated with fabric paint, a small low-temp hot glue gun should suffice.
Type
Hot glue guns with different glue-melting temperatures meet the varying needs of DIY enthusiasts and crafters. Some glue guns have dual-temperature settings to regulate high and low melting temperatures.
High-temperature glue guns function well when the job calls for glue that adheres quickly to surfaces and forms a strong bond on paper, cardboard, wood, thick fabric, metal, glass, ceramic, and plastic surfaces. Additionally, high-temperature glue remains in liquid form longer, so you can reposition items before they’re fully set. However, working with high-temperature glue guns can lead to burned fingers if you aren’t careful or wearing silicone finger protectors.
Low-temperature glue guns aren’t as hazardous, making them safe even for children’s craft projects. When working with tiny objects, paper, thin fabric, or porous materials, crafters often prefer low-temperature glue guns, which are ideal for scrapbooking, photo albums, and home decor projects.
Size
Cordless glue guns are available in full-size and mini varieties. Mini versions, which measure approximately 5 to 6 inches long, are useful for repairing electronic devices and crafting with small objects and lightweight materials. Full-size hot glue guns measure about 8 to 10 inches in length and height, and they work well for heavy-duty repairs or large projects rather than detailed work.
Power
There are essentially two types of cordless glue guns: those that operate via rechargeable batteries and those that preheat the glue via electrical power.
Battery-powered glue guns rely on power from rechargeable batteries, which are often lithium-ion. The power from lithium-ion batteries is measured in mAh. A battery rated 1,500mAh to 2,600mAh provides ample power for most users.
Other cordless glue guns must be plugged into a wall outlet or USB plug to preheat before unplugging them for cordless functionality. Residual heat and pressure maintain the flow of hot glue for 5 to 90 minutes of use.
Charging and Runtime
Some cordless hot glue guns preheat and melt glue via USB cords or standard power outlets, and others charge the gun’s batteries using chargers similar to those of other battery-powered tools.
Charging times for both types of cordless glue guns can vary from 1 to 4 hours, and runtimes for the models we tested range from 5 minutes to 2 hours. For the most convenience, look for glue guns that charge quickly and run for a long time.
Tips
Keep the following tips in mind to ensure safety and convenience when using a cordless glue gun:
- Charge the battery completely to gain the longest runtime.
- Occasionally let the battery run down and then recharge it fully.
- Let the glue gun preheat completely before use.
- Never touch the hot melted glue or the glue gun’s hot nozzle.
- Wear silicone finger protectors to avoid burning fingertips.
- Hold the glue gun close to surfaces and use only a small amount of glue.
- After squeezing the trigger to release the hot glue, release it and pull the nozzle sideways to disengage it from the surface.
Additional Features
Many cordless glue guns include safety features to prevent accidental burns from touching hot melted glue and hot nozzles. Some have an automatic shutoff feature that turns the unit off after a certain amount of inactivity. Others have visible on/off switches that help prevent accidents or come with silicone finger protectors. Some cordless glue guns even have LED indicator lights to warn users when the machine is active and hot.
Other features you may want to look for in a cordless glue gun are built-in stands that prevent the tool from toppling over and a supply of glue sticks to get you started.
FAQs
Cordless glue guns allow DIYers and crafters to experience freedom of movement while working on projects. Even after the reviews and details above, you may still have questions about how to use a hot glue gun. Keep reading for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about glue guns.
Hot glue is relatively permanent. The melted glue that squeezes from the glue gun cools and hardens to form a secure bond. Still, there are a few effective ways to remove hot glue, such as freezing it so you can peel it off or applying isopropyl alcohol to dissolve it. You can also try using a heat gun to soften hot glue for removal, but heat should be applied very briefly and while wearing proper protective gear to avoid getting burned.
Hot glue does not stick well to smooth, nonporous surfaces like glass and some plastics, especially if the surface has an oily finish. Super glue may be a better pick for projects where hot glue isn’t effective.
The answer depends on how often the glue gun is used. With average use and care, it should last from 5 to 10 years. The lithium-ion battery in a cordless glue gun should last 3 to 5 years, or 300 to 500 full charges.
Some of the most popular brands of cordless glue guns are Surebonder and Ryobi, which are highly reputable manufacturers that provide reliable options for most shoppers.
This depends on the specific glue gun. Most cordless models can last anywhere from 5 minutes to several hours before needing to be recharged.
The models we tested range from 60 watts to 120 watts, which is a typical range for hot glue guns.
Cold (low-temperature) glue guns are better for heat-sensitive materials and reduce the risk of burns, whereas hot glue guns offer more uses but could burn your fingers and damage certain materials. Dual-temperature glue guns like the Monvict 80/120W Dual Temp Hot Glue Gun are nice because they offer both hot and cold functionality.
Hot glue guns can cost as little as $20 and are useful in a wide range of DIY projects, repairs, and crafts, so yes, it is worth buying a glue gun—that is, unless you’re looking to use one to glue a puzzle. In that case, you’ll need a completely different type of glue for that.
Meet the Tester
As the daughter of a DIY dad and a multi-talented seamstress and crafting mom, Michelle Larson has had her hands on many a hot glue gun over the years. Because she’d rather spend a little more upfront than buy a tool or appliance twice, she strongly believes in the power of hands-on testing or finding quality items that are meant to last.
Additional research provided by Carol Benton and Debbie Wolfe.
