Blog Home
Tackle & Gear
Buying Guides
Fly Fishing
Bass
Crappie & Panfish
Salmon & Steelhead
Trout
Ice Fishing
All Categories
Authors

Top 10 Best Ice Fishing Augers in 2024: Electric, Manual, Propane & Cordless Options

By: FishUSA Staff

October 4, 2024

When it comes to ice fishing, the auger you choose is critical to your success. Whether you're drilling through thin or thick ice, the right auger will make your fishing experience smoother and more efficient. In this guide, we'll explore different types of augers, including electric, manual, propane, and cordless drill augers.

When it comes to ice fishing, the auger you choose is critical to your success. Whether you're drilling through thin or thick ice, the right auger will make your fishing experience smoother and more efficient. In this guide, we'll explore different types of augers, including electric, manual, propane, and cordless drill augers.

Table of Contents

  • Best Electric Ice Augers
  • Best Manual Hand Ice Augers
  • Best Cordless Drill Ice Augers
  • Ice Auger Buying Guide
  • Final Thoughts

Best Electric Ice Augers

Electric augers offer a clean, quiet, and efficient solution for cutting through the ice. They are powerful and easy to operate, making them a favorite among ice anglers who want top performance without the hassle of fuel mixing or exhaust fumes.

ION Alpha Plus Electric Ice Auger with 2 Batteries

Buy ION Alpha Plus Electric Ice Auger with 2 Batteries

The ION Alpha Plus Electric Ice Auger is a high-performance 40V auger designed for anglers who drill lots of holes and demand top-tier speed, runtime, and portability. With two 4Ah Gen 3 lithium-ion batteries and a Turbo high-speed cutting system, it delivers smooth, efficient drilling through thick ice while staying remarkably lightweight.

  • Battery & Runtime: Includes two 4Ah Gen 3 40V lithium-ion batteries, providing up to 2000 inches of ice per charge and roughly 4000 inches total before recharging.
  • Cutting System: Turbo high-speed multi-edge cutting system paired with a composite Turbo auger bit for fast, smooth drilling and easy re-opening of old holes.
  • Speed & Performance: Best-in-class cutting speed of up to 3.4 inches per second, giving you more fishing time and less time bent over the hole.
  • Weight & Handling: Weighs under 16 lbs, making it easy to carry, control, and hole-hop across the ice without fatigue.
  • Convenience: Features slush-flushing reverse, variable-speed trigger, LED drilling lights, and a 3-year limited warranty on both auger and batteries.

StrikeMaster Maven 40v Lithium Power Ice Auger

Buy StrikeMaster Maven 40v Lithium Power Ice Auger

The StrikeMaster Maven 40v is a high-torque electric ice auger built for serious ice anglers who drill a lot of holes through thick ice. Its 40v lithium-ion battery pairs with a powerful brushless motor and planetary gear system to deliver fast, efficient cutting with consistent power from first hole to last.

Key Features:

  • Battery: 40v, 5Ah lithium-ion battery pack designed for long run time and reliable cold-weather performance.
  • Motor & Gearing: DC brushless motor with planetary gearing delivers strong, steady torque through thick, refrozen, or layered ice.
  • Blades: Twin serrated stainless steel blades for aggressive cutting, plus forward/reverse operation to help flush slush from the hole.
  • Convenience: Built-in LED lights, battery status indicator, and ergonomic, impact-resistant handles for comfortable use in low light and harsh conditions.

Weight: Lightweight design that stays easy to carry and control while hole-hopping across the ice.

ION Alpha Steel Electric Ice Auger

Buy ION Alpha Steel Electric Ice Auger

The ION Alpha Steel auger is known for its power and ability to drill numerous holes per charge. With its steel auger bit and dual-battery system, it’s designed for tough ice conditions and long days on the ice.

Key Features:

  • Dual-battery system: Provides extra power and longevity
  • Steel auger bit: Built for durability and performance
  • Reverse function: Clears slush with ease
  • LED lights: Ideal for low-light conditions

Best Manual Hand Ice Augers

Manual augers are a great choice for anglers who want a lightweight, simple, and affordable solution for drilling holes. These augers don’t require any fuel or batteries, making them perfect for shorter trips or areas with thinner ice.

StrikeMaster Lazer Hand Auger

Buy ION Alpha Steel Electric Ice Auger

The StrikeMaster Lazer Hand Auger offers sharp chrome-alloy blades and an ergonomic handle, allowing anglers to drill through ice with minimal effort. The adjustable handle makes it easy to use for different ice thicknesses.

Key Features:

  • Chrome-alloy blades: Sharp and efficient for quick cutting
  • Adjustable handle: Suits varying ice conditions
  • Lightweight: Easy to transport for all-day fishing trips

Nils USA Hand Auger

Buy Nils USA Hand Auger

The Nils USA Hand Auger is a top choice for manual augers due to its high-quality, razor-sharp cutting head. The auger’s unique curved blade design allows for smooth and fast cutting, making it one of the most efficient hand augers available.

Key Features:

  • Razor-sharp blades: Provide fast and easy cutting through ice
  • Curved blade design: Ensures smooth drilling
  • Durability: High-quality construction for long-lasting use
  • Lightweight: Easy to carry across the ice

Best Cordless Drill Ice Augers

Cordless drill augers have become popular for their versatility and lightweight design. These augers use the power of a cordless drill to cut through the ice, making them a portable and convenient option for quick fishing trips.

Nils USA Cordless Drill Auger

Buy Nils USA Corless Drill Auger

The Nils USA Cordless Drill Auger is a highly efficient and lightweight option for anglers looking to maximize portability. Its sharp cutting blades make quick work of ice, and it easily attaches to any standard cordless drill.

Key Features:

  • Lightweight: Ideal for anglers on the move
  • Sharp blades: Provide clean and fast cuts through the ice
  • Drill compatibility: Attaches to standard cordless drills
  • Durability: Built to last in extreme ice conditions

StrikeMaster Lite-Flite Lazer Drill Auger

Buy StrikeMaster Lite-Flite Lazer Drill Auger

The StrikeMaster Lite-Flite Lazer Drill Auger is another excellent cordless drill auger. It features durable polymer flighting and sharp Lazer blades, offering quick and efficient ice cutting when paired with a cordless drill.

Key Features:

  • Polymer flighting: Lightweight and durable
  • Lazer blades: Ensure smooth and quick cuts
  • Drill compatibility: Works with most cordless drills
  • Lightweight: Perfect for easy transport on long trips

Eskimo Redneck Ice Auger Drill Bit

Buy Eskimo Redneck Ice Auger Drill Bit

A rugged, fast-cutting replacement or upgrade bit for power augers, built for anglers who want a dependable steel bit that handles fresh or refrozen holes with ease. The Eskimo Redneck’s dual-flat, multi-edge blades slice smoothly and the centered pilot keeps the bit stable as you start each hole.

  • Cutting speed: Up to 2.4 inches per second for quick hole making in both fresh and re‑drilled ice.
  • Blade design: Multi‑edge dual‑flat blades for efficient, clean cutting, paired with a centered point to maintain stability at start-up.
  • Durability: Heavy-duty steel construction trusted by generations of ice anglers, meant to stand up to repeated use and tougher ice conditions.
  • Safety plate: Built‑in plate on top helps prevent accidentally dropping the drill or bit down the hole when changing bits or clearing ice.
  • Size and fit: 8‑inch cutting diameter, 40‑inch overall auger length, with standard 1/2‑inch drive size—compatible with common power augers.

Warranty: Comes with a one‑year manufacturer’s warranty for added peace of mind.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Ice Fishing Auger

Power Source

The power source of your auger is a key factor:

  • Electric: Quiet and eco-friendly, electric augers are perfect for consistent performance without the need for fuel.
  • Manual: Simple and affordable, manual augers are ideal for shorter trips and thinner ice.
  • Propane: Propane augers offer powerful, clean-burning performance without the hassle of gas.
  • Cordless drill: Lightweight and portable, perfect for anglers who already own a cordless drill.

Blade Quality

Sharp, high-quality blades are essential for efficient ice cutting. Stainless steel or chrome-alloy blades are most commonly used and offer durability and long-term performance.

Weight and Portability

Consider how far you need to carry your auger. Manual and cordless drill augers are typically the lightest, while propane and electric augers offer more power but weigh more.

Hole Diameter

The diameter of your ice holes depends on the species you're targeting. For most ice fishing, a 6- to 8-inch hole is ideal, though larger augers are available for bigger species like lake trout.

Ease of Use

Choose an auger that’s easy to use in cold and harsh conditions. Electric and propane augers with push-button starts offer the most convenience, while manual augers require more physical effort.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best ice fishing auger can significantly improve your time on the ice. Whether you prefer the lightweight simplicity of a manual auger, the modern convenience of an electric auger, or the powerful performance of a propane or cordless drill auger, there’s an option to meet every angler's needs. Take into account the ice conditions, species you’re targeting, and your personal preferences to ensure you’re well-equipped for success on the ice!

Shop Ice Fishing Tackle & Gear

  • Ice Augers
  • Ice Fishing Rods
  • Ice Fishing Reels
  • Ice Fishing Shelters
  • Flashers & Sonars
  • Ice Fishing Heaters