A cordless drill is one of the most useful power tools you can own, whether you’re assembling furniture, hanging shelves or tackling larger DIY projects. The right model should provide enough power for the jobs you regularly undertake while remaining comfortable, reliable and easy to use. With so many options available, choosing the best cordless drill can be challenging.
In this guide, we’ll compare the best cordless drills available in the UK, helping you find the right model for your budget and intended use. If you’re unsure which type of power tool is right for your projects, take a look at our Power Tool Buying Guide, which explains the key features to compare and how to choose the right tools for different jobs.
So, let’s get started.
Best Options At A Glance
🛠️ Best Cordless Drills – Comparison Table
If you’re comparing performance, battery inclusion and price tier, the table below highlights the key differences at a glance.
| 🛠️ Model | 💷 Price Tier | 🔋 Battery Included | ⚡ Max RPM | ⭐ Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 18V Hammer Drill | £ | ✅ Yes (1.5Ah) | 1,400 | 11 clutch positions |
| RYOBI 18V ONE+ Combi Drill | ££ | ✅ Yes (2x 1.5Ah) | 1,800 | 24 torque settings |
| Bosch EasyImpact 18V-38 | ££ | ✅ Yes (2.5Ah) | 1,630 | POWER FOR ALL battery system |
| DEWALT XR 18V Brushless Combi Drill | £££ | ✅ Yes (2x 2.0Ah) | 1,750 | Brushless motor |
| WORX WX902 Combi Drill & Impact Driver Kit | £££ | ✅ Yes (2x 2.0Ah) | 1,700 (drill) | Separate 170Nm impact driver |
Product Summaries
BLACK+DECKER 18V Hammer Drill
- Brand - BLACK+DECKER
- Dimensions - 12 x 11.8 x 4.3 cm
- Weight - 1.2 kg
- RPM - 1400
- Special Feature - 11 Clutch Positions
Firstly we have the level BLACK+DECKER 18V Hammer Drill. It’s currently selling for £60/$81 on Amazon.
This 18V cordless model delivers up to 40Nm of torque and 1,400 RPM, with two gear settings and 11 clutch positions for greater control across drilling and screwdriving tasks. The variable-speed trigger also makes it easier to start holes or drive screws accurately before increasing the speed.
For tougher materials, the hammer function delivers up to 21,000 beats per minute, allowing the drill to tackle masonry and concrete as well as wood, metal and plastic. A keyless single-sleeve chuck makes changing between drill and screwdriver bits quick and straightforward.
Unlike many cordless drills sold as body-only units, this model includes an 18V 1.5Ah lithium-ion battery, charger and kitbox. The battery is designed to retain over 80% of its charge for up to 90 days while idle, although the relatively small 1.5Ah capacity makes it better suited to everyday DIY than prolonged heavy-duty work.
If you want an affordable all-round cordless drill for jobs around the home, the BLACK+DECKER offers a strong combination of drilling, screwdriving and hammer functionality in a complete kit.
Buy the BLACK+DECKER 18V Hammer Drill from Amazon for only £60/$81:
RYOBI 18 V ONE plus Cordless Combi Drill Starter Kit
- Brand - RYOBI
- Dimensions - aprx. 12 x 11 x 7 cm
- Weight - 1.7 kg
- RPM - 1800
- Special Feature - 24 Torque Settings
Next we have the RYOBI 18 V ONE plus Cordless Combi Drill Starter Kit. It’s currently selling for £79/$107 on Amazon.
With up to 50Nm of torque and 1,800 RPM, this 18V combi drill provides a noticeable step up in power for more demanding DIY projects. A two-speed gearbox lets you switch between controlled screwdriving and faster drilling, while 24 torque settings help prevent screws from being driven too deeply.
The drill can handle wood, metal and plastic, with a hammer mode available when working with masonry. Its 13mm ratcheting chuck provides a secure grip on standard drill and screwdriver bits. There’s also an integrated LED for better visibility in darker working areas.
A major advantage of this kit is what’s included. You get two 1.5Ah lithium-ion batteries and a charger, allowing you to keep a spare battery ready while working. Both batteries use RYOBI’s 18V ONE+ platform, making them compatible with a large range of the company’s other power and garden tools.
At approximately 1.7kg with a battery fitted, it’s still manageable for general jobs around the home. If you’re looking for a capable all-round drill and like the idea of expanding into the RYOBI ONE+ ecosystem, this starter kit offers a particularly good balance of performance, versatility and value.
Buy the RYOBI 18 V ONE plus Cordless Combi Drill Starter Kit from Amazon for only £79/$107:
Bosch Cordless Combi Drill EasyImpact 18V-38
- Brand - Bosch
- Dimensions - 19.5 x 5.7 x 21.6 cm
- Weight - 2.33 kg
- RPM - 1630
- Special Feature - 20 Torque Settings
Another great drill is the Bosch Cordless Combi Drill EasyImpact 18V-38. It’s currently selling for £93/$126 on Amazon.
Designed primarily for everyday DIY, this 18V combi drill has a two-speed gearbox with a maximum speed of 1,630 RPM. There are 20 torque settings to choose from, giving you finer control when switching between screwdriving and drilling tasks.
Its hammer function adds versatility when working with masonry, alongside conventional drilling into materials such as wood and metal. Bosch has also fitted a 10mm quick-action chuck, so drill and screwdriver bits can be swapped without needing a separate chuck key.
The package is particularly competitive at its current price. Rather than supplying the drill body alone, Bosch includes a 2.5Ah battery, AL 18V-20 charger and carrying case. The battery belongs to the POWER FOR ALL ALLIANCE 18V system, allowing it to be shared with a growing range of compatible tools from Bosch and other participating brands.
The larger 2.5Ah battery is another advantage over many entry-level kits supplied with 1.5Ah batteries, while the combi functionality covers most routine drilling and screwdriving jobs around the home.
Buy the Bosch Cordless Combi Drill EasyImpact 18V-38 from Amazon for only £93/$126:
DEWALT XR 18V Brushless Combi Drill Driver
- Brand - DEWALT
- Dimensions - 3.9 x 35 x 12.5 cm
- Weight - 7.5 kg
- RPM - 1750
- Special Feature - 15 Torque Settings
Next we have the DEWALT XR 18V Brushless Combi Drill Driver. It’s currently selling for £137/$186 on Amazon.
This is a more premium option, built around DEWALT’s 18V XR brushless motor. It reaches up to 1,750 RPM and uses a two-speed all-metal transmission, providing the performance and durability needed for more demanding drilling and fastening jobs.
Control is kept straightforward. There are 15 adjustable torque settings, letting you match the drill to different materials and fastener sizes. Switch to hammer mode and it can tackle masonry too, giving you drilling, screwdriving and percussion drilling from the same tool.
DEWALT supplies this version with two 2.0Ah XR lithium-ion batteries, a charger and kitbox. Having two batteries is particularly useful for longer projects, as one can be charged while the other remains in use. An integrated LED also provides extra visibility when working in darker spaces.
The brushless motor, metal transmission and complete two-battery package make this drill best suited to frequent DIY, renovation work and users who want to build around DEWALT’s 18V XR platform.
Buy the DEWALT XR 18V Brushless Combi Drill Driver from Amazon for only £137/$186:
WORX WX902 20V Cordless Combi Drill & Impact Driver Kit
- Brand - WORX
- Dimensions - 36.5 x 25 x 8.2 cm
- Weight - 3 kg
- RPM - 2600-3300
- Special Feature - Impact Driver
Finally we have the WORX WX902 20V Cordless Combi Drill & Impact Driver Kit. It’s currently selling for £140/$190 on Amazon.
Rather than a single cordless drill, this package combines the WX370 combi hammer drill with the WX291 impact driver. The drill produces up to 50Nm of torque and has a two-speed gearbox reaching 1,700 RPM. Its 13mm keyless anti-slip chuck and 20+1+1 clutch settings provide plenty of control for drilling, screwdriving and hammer drilling.
For heavier fastening jobs, you can switch to the impact driver. It delivers a much higher 170Nm of torque, alongside speeds of up to 2,600 RPM and 3,300 impacts per minute. That extra force makes it better suited to driving large screws, bolts and fixings, while its compact 18cm head helps when working in tighter spaces.
You also get two 2.0Ah 20V lithium-ion batteries, a charger and carry bag, making this one of the more comprehensive kits in our list. Both tools feature integrated LED work lights, and the batteries belong to the WORX PowerShare platform for use with other compatible WORX power and garden tools.
The WX902 kit makes the most sense if you want more than a general-purpose drill. Having a separate impact driver gives you considerably more fastening power for jobs such as decking and heavier home repairs, without sacrificing the versatility of a conventional combi drill.
Buy the WORX WX902 20V Cordless Combi Drill & Impact Driver Kit from Amazon for only £140/$190:
🛠️ What To Look For In A Cordless Drill
The table below highlights the key features to consider when choosing a cordless drill and the specifications that will suit most DIY users.
| ⚙️ Feature | 📖 Why It Matters | ✅ Best Choice For Most Users |
|---|---|---|
| 🔋 Battery Voltage | Voltage affects the power available for drilling and screwdriving, particularly under heavier loads. | 18V is the best all-round choice for most DIY jobs. |
| 💪 Torque | Higher torque provides more turning force for large screws and tougher drilling applications. | Around 40–60Nm is plenty for most home and DIY work. |
| ⚡ Motor Type | Brushless motors are generally more efficient, durable and better suited to frequent use. | Choose brushless for regular or demanding work; brushed is fine for occasional DIY. |
| 🔄 Speed Settings | Multiple speeds give you better control when switching between screwdriving and drilling. | A two-speed gearbox with a variable-speed trigger offers good versatility. |
| 🧱 Drill Type | Combi drills add a hammer function for masonry, while drill drivers focus on drilling and screwdriving. | A combi drill is the most versatile option for general home use. |
| 🔧 Chuck Size | The chuck determines which drill bits the tool can accept and influences its suitability for larger jobs. | A 13mm keyless chuck provides the greatest versatility. |
| 🔋 Battery Capacity | Higher Ah batteries generally provide longer runtime but can increase weight and cost. | 2.0–2.5Ah offers a good balance for general DIY. |
| 🔗 Battery Platform | Using batteries across several compatible tools can significantly reduce the cost of expanding your toolkit. | Consider a platform you already own or plan to build around. |
| 🎛️ Torque Settings | Adjustable clutch settings help control screwdriving force and reduce the risk of damaging screws or materials. | Multiple settings are useful; precise control matters more than the highest number. |
| ⚖️ Weight & Ergonomics | A lighter, well-balanced drill reduces fatigue during longer jobs or overhead work. | Prioritise comfortable grip and balance, especially for frequent use. |
FAQs
Yes. An 18V cordless drill is powerful enough for most DIY tasks, including drilling into wood and metal, assembling furniture and driving larger screws. An 18V combi drill can also tackle masonry when used in hammer mode with the appropriate drill bit.
A drill driver is designed primarily for drilling holes and driving screws. A combi drill adds a hammer drilling mode, which makes it more suitable for drilling into materials such as brick and masonry. This additional versatility makes combi drills particularly popular for general DIY.
Around 40–60Nm is a good range for a general-purpose cordless drill. Lower torque can be sufficient for light screwdriving and occasional DIY, while higher torque becomes more useful for larger fasteners and demanding drilling applications.
Thanks for reading our article on the best cordless drills. If you’re looking for more info on buying tools, check out our Essential DIY Tools for Beginners: The Starter Toolkit Guide.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any thoughts or queries that you’d like us to take a look at – we’d be happy to help.
