Best Cordless Drill Reviews UK 2023 – Top 10 Compared

Last Updated on January 10, 2023

Our Favourites

Editors Choice: Bosch PSB 1800
Choice 16 Torque Settings: Terratek 13 Pcs
Quick Charge Choice: Mylek MY18NIC

Whether you are a weekend warrior with a list of do-it-yourself projects or a professional contractor in the middle of a job, a cordless drill is an indispensable tool. Thanks to the lack of a trailing cable, you can complete jobs faster and more easily – making them a valuable addition to your tool kit. That said, finding the best cordless drill in the UK can be difficult if you’re less experienced in the world of DIY. With so many models and features to consider, how do you know where to begin?

Luckily for you, we have done the research by giving you our top 10 cordless drill reviews. So read on to find out all you need to know about the best power drill models on the market, and which features to prioritise for your particular DIY needs.

How We Compared Cordless Drills

To find the right cordless drills we considered multiple factors including:

• Chuck type and size
• Battery life
• Voltage
• Chargers
• Clutch and torque
• Speed range switch
• Comfort and design
• Weight
• Accessories

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

To find out more about our process please see here.

Best Cordless Drill Reviews – Top 10 Picks

1. Bosch PSB 1800 (Editor’s Choice)

If you’re looking for the best combi drill and don’t want to read through all the combi drill reviews, then the Bosch PSB 1800 li-2 Cordless Combi Drill is what you should go for. Versatile and powerful, this high-quality model is our editor’s choice for all of your home projects.

This Bosch PSB 1800 li-2 combi drill has a two-speed gearbox and 20 pre-selectable torque, drill and impact driver drill settings, so no matter what project you’re working on, it will provide you with the settings you need to succeed. With a maximum of 1350 rpm and 39 nm of torque, the compact and lightweight PSB is more than adequate for all home do-it-yourself projects, while its Bosch Syneon Chip intelligently controls energy levels.

Thanks to its powerful lithium-ion batteries, with a spare included as well as a quick 1-hour charger, you won’t have to worry about running out of charge. Changing bits is made fast and easy with the Bosch Auto-Lock keyless chuck while the LED light helps you to focus on your work clearly.

While this two-speed hammer drill and driver is our top handheld power drill pick among other combi drills, it is not that great at driving screws that are longer and if you are taking on a heavy-duty drilling project, you may be better with a more powerful model.

If you don’t already have plenty of compatible drill bit pieces, you may want to go for other combi drills with plenty of included accessories.

2. Terratek 13 Pcs (Best Budget Choice)

This cordless drill by Terratek is a good budget choice for basic DIY tasks that require using a screwdriver or drilling into wood, plastic or metal.

The keyless chuck makes changing bits easy and it can accommodate a range of sizes up to 10mm. With variable speed control and 16 torque settings, this cordless drill will make easy work of your home projects. An LED work light also helps you to drill in the correct place even when you have your back to the light.

With a two-year warranty and a 13-piece accessory kit, this is a good choice for novice DIYers who don’t already have any accessories. However, the bits provided are not of very high quality so you may find that you need to replace some of them.

You may also like to purchase another battery as a spare, although be sure to pay attention to how much time you charge them for as unfortunately, there is no full charge indicator.

3. Mylek 18V (Best Quick Charge)

This Mylek cordless drill is a great choice if you’re looking for a handheld power drill with excellent cordless drill reviews.

Its 1400 rpm is up there with the best 18v cordless drill, while its 28 nm of max torque will be more than enough for your average home do-it-yourself project. Complete with LED work light, variable speeds and two gears, this cordless drill has everything you need to make easy work of your drilling needs.

The Mylek cordless comes with a useful carry case and 13 accessories. While it has everything you’re likely to need for small, basic tasks, bear in mind that there is only 1 battery included and the bits that come with it are not of the highest quality.

Also, if you’re new to DIY and this is your first tool, you may struggle a little with the instructions that are not very clear.

4. Bosch 18 V 06039D4171 (Best All Round Choice)

The Bosch 18 volt drill is highly versatile and makes a great choice for drilling into all types of materials including wood, plastic, metal, and masonry. It has a 3-in-1 design that enables drilling, impact drilling, and screwing.

This cordless drill is powered by 18 volts with a 10mm shank and a two-speed gearbox for maximum control. It features 20 torque settings with a maximum torque of 34Nm. Thanks to the power and the addition to a hammer drill setting, this drill does a great job accomplishing basic DIY drilling jobs and more.
The Bosch 18V cordless drill also has a convenient built-in work light so you can use it in dimly lit settings and thanks to the new design, the light is stronger and more accurately aimed. It comes with a carry case and two 1.5ah batteries so you can still accomplish work while one battery is charging.
As far as cons are concerned, this drill may heat up quite a bit and take some time to cool down. Additionally, drill bits need to be purchased separately and the chuck may come loose resulting in the drill bit falling out occasionally.

5. Ryobi R18PD3-215GZ One+ (Most Compatible Choice)

The Ryobi One+ Starter Kit could be just what you are looking for if you are just getting your tool kit started and want the ability to add to it in the future. It is compatible with hundreds of One+ system tools so you can grow your tool collection when you want.

The Ryobi cordless drill is a combination drill featuring a screw, drill, and hammer drill functions. With this drill you will be able to easily drill into wood, plastic, metal, and masonry allowing you to accomplish a variety of tasks. These variable functions paired with 24 torque settings which reach up to 50Nm of torque provide you with a smoother drilling experience.

This drill also features 18 volts of power and a two-speed gearbox to help you customise your control level while drilling. An LED work light and a bit storage clip are built into the design. In addition, two 1.5 ah batteries and a three year warranty come included with your purchase.

With this drill you should expect a longer charge time and a shorter battery life overall, even if you take into account it coming with two. You should also be aware that it does not come with a carry case.

6. DeWalt 18V LXT (Best Complete Kit)

The DeWalt LXT combi drill is the best cordless hammer drill. A great versatile all-rounder, it is also a highly performing drill and screwdriver. Its comfortable rubber grip makes it easy to use with precision even over long periods of time.

It has variable speeds and a two-speed gearbox which helps it provide the torque you need for any project. There is also a useful light-emitting diode work light to aid you in drilling with extra precision even in shadowed areas.

The heavy-duty carry case makes this compact and lightweight model easy to transport and store safely. However, as there is only 1 battery included as well as only 1 screwdriver bit, you may have to factor in purchasing another battery and other drill bit pieces if you opt for this model.

Another downside is that this doesn’t always grip small, round bits very well, so you may be better off with a different model if your project involves these kinds of bits.

7. MYLEK MYW09 (Best 18V Choice)

The Mylek MYW09 18V cordless drill is good for beginners and experienced users alike. It is easy to use and comes with all the bits needed to accomplish basic DIY tasks thanks to the included accessory kit.

This drill is backed by 18 volts of power, 650rpms, and a maximum torque setting of 15Nm. It features a strong LED work light for use in poorly lit areas as well as a battery indicator light so you are aware of the remaining battery life. It comes with one 1.5 ah battery featuring a fast 60 minute charge length so you won’t have to wait long between tasks.

Mylek includes 13 drill bit accessories with this drill kit. It comes with 6 twist drill bits, 6 screwdriver bits, and a bit holder. This drill’s sleek and stylish all-black body design also features a soft-grip handle making it easy to hold for longer periods of time without fatiguing your hand.

With this drill, you should expect a relatively slower maximum speed when compared to other options on our best-of list. Also, it does not come with a drill carry case and is somewhat less versatile as it does not feature a hammer drill function.

8. WAKYME 12.6 V (Most Versatile Choice)

The WAKYME 12.6 V cordless drill is another great option if you are looking for versatile functionality. It has a screw, drill, and hammer drill mode all paired with accurate drilling control for the smoothest experience possible.

This cordless drill reaches a maximum of 30Nm of torque and has two variable speeds. It features an 18+3 clutch and 1500 rpms for a powerful operation in all types of different materials. A built-in work light helps with drilling in dark spaces and a keyless chuck allows you to change the bit with only one hand, although it may take some getting used to.

An ergonomic grip handle and a lightweight body design make the user experience comfortable, even on longer projects. Two 1.5 ah batteries, a carry case, and a 27 piece drill bit kit all come included. Thanks to all of the accessories, you will be able to start tackling a variety of drilling tasks as soon as it arrives.

Regretfully, the WAKYME cordless drill is relatively less powerful as it only has 12.6 volts. This means it is not the best option for heavy duty or extended use. It also comes with lower quality accessories but you can easily upgrade the bits you use the most.

It also comes with lower quality accessories but you can easily upgrade the bits you use the most.

9. Makita HP457DWE10 (Best Professional Choice)

The Makita Combi is our top professional choice, if you are looking for a drill to take on extensive projects, then this is the best professional cordless drill in our selection.

Its solid all metal construction makes this durable model an excellent choice. It has a two-speed gearbox and 16 torque settings for both rapid drilling and low-speed applications. The ergonomic speed control trigger allows you to adjust how fast you are drilling to exactly complement your project.

Complete with a spare battery, carry case and 74-piece accessories, this set contains all of the accessories you’ll need to get started. The only major downside is that the batteries used by this drill are not compatible with other Makita tools. So, if you already use Makita tools or are thinking of purchasing some, then you may be better off with other combi drills.

While it comes with two batteries and only takes an hour to charge up, you may prefer higher capacity batteries if you’re going to be making extremely extensive use of your drill. Lastly, there is no light-emitting diode work light with this drill.

10. Makita CLX202AJ (Best for DIY)

If you need a drill but also expect to be doing a lot of work involving driving screws in fastenings, then this handy set by Makita, including both a combi drill and a dedicated impact driver, could be just what you need.

While at just 10.8v, this cordless combi drill is not the most powerful cordless drill and it is a little on the small side for large projects. Although, for your home DIY needs, this set makes easy work of all of your round the home and flat-pack furniture tasks. It features a keyless chuck for ease of changing bits, variable speeds and two gears. The impact driver also has variable speed, with both forward and reverse gears so you can use it to take things apart as well as constructing them.

Both tools have LED work lights and soft-grip handles to make your job easier and more precise, although the work light doesn’t quite line up perfectly with the bit. This kit includes a useful carry case to easily transport and store your tools, as well as two batteries.

The batteries are 2Ah, making them longer lasting than the average 1.5Ah batteries included with other power tools so you can work for longer off one charge time.

How to Choose the Best Cordless Drill in the UK

When selecting DIY and tools like hammer drills, circular saws, scroll saws and multi tools, deciding on the right one can be confusing. The same is true with cordless drills. That is why we advise you to consider the types of projects you typically perform.

Are you busy with do-it-yourself small household projects or do you spend all day remodelling or contracting work? Also, pay attention to some important information when selecting the best cordless drill for your use. For example, check the chuck size, battery life, voltage and torque. Other important features in combi drills include weight, comfort design, and if it has special attributes and accessories. Below, we take a look at the most important things to consider when choosing the right one for you.

Chuck Type and Size

The chuck holds the bit in place. Cordless drills have three size options; ¼ inch, 3/8 inch or ½ inch. The size refers to the largest bit shank the chuck can accept.

You will need to consider the variety of bit sizes you are likely to use for your projects, but most homeowners use a 3/8 inch for general DIY jobs. You may prefer a model which has a keyless power tool that you can open and close using only one hand.

Battery Life

The battery is one of the most important features of cordless drills (or most tools for that matter). After all, running out of power in the middle of a job can be incredibly frustrating.

It is important to consider the amp hour rating when comparing the battery runtime options. The more amp hours and more volts combined provide the longest usage time. Also, the higher the voltage equals more torque spinning strength. This makes it easier to overcome resistance that is why you could complete difficult projects quicker.

It is important to remember that battery types determine the weight of the drill. They are easily the heaviest part. However, batteries have become smaller and lighter as technology improves, while also increasing their run time. The quality of the battery also affects the overall cost. When you want to buy the newest batteries, it can bump up the price of your cordless drill.

Lithium-ion batteries have longer lifespans than their Ni-Cad counterpart. Additionally, they give about four times greater run time. These batteries may cost more than other types but they make up for it in productivity for some users.

Voltage

Another area to consider when comparing batteries on cordless drills is the voltage. Batteries typically vary from 10.8 to 18 volt. A 12-volt model handles most household projects and repairs and minor construction. Keep in mind that you’ll get greater torque or power the higher the voltage is on your battery. Simply put – more voltage equals more power.

Cordless drills that come with two batteries are obviously better than just one. You can continue working while charging the spare, so you don’t slow down your project. This is especially important for contractors and other professional users.

Chargers

When it comes to chargers, there are two options: rapid or slow. A rapid charger can have a full battery charge time of 15 minutes or under while a slow one may have a charge time of a few hours. There are also some smart chargers on the market which have indicators to track the recharging process and can turn themselves off when fully charged. This feature is useful if you’d prefer to leave your battery charging unattended. Additionally, it can help to preserve the life of the battery overall.

Clutch and Torque

Torque is the measurement of the twisting force the tool applies when in use. It determines how powerful the drills are. Typically the higher battery voltage transfers to higher torque.

The clutch is important because the higher number of settings give you greater control of the drilling depth. This minimises stripping screws and protects the motor. The higher the number of clutch settings, the more versatile the drill. Another feature that adds value is an adjustable clutch that allows it to have variable speeds. This adds versatility for drilling different materials and using a variety of bits. The gearbox determines the torque and speed delivered to the chuck.

Most cordless drills only have one gear, but some are available with two or three – offering more acceleration ranges.

Speed Range Switch

A speed range switch offers you the ability to switch between high and low momentums. High is for drilling, and low is for driving screws. A wide range between them gives you more options. The range can vary from 300 rpm to 1000 rpm or higher, so you should go for a faster power tool if you have lots of work to do.

Comfort and Design

When selecting the best cordless drill in the UK, another thing to consider along with the technical features is the ergonomic design and how it fits in your hand. When a project takes hours or days, it’s important to balance the power with its size and weight.

Examine the texture and contour of the handgrip as well as the size and location of the trigger. If you have really small or extra-large hands, it is very important to see if your hand fits comfortably while gripping the tool. The trigger can feature variable speeds for greater control and a forward and reverse switch to operate with your thumb and trigger finger.

An auxiliary handle is helpful because it makes it easier to balance while using. On the other hand, having a side handle allows you to perform heavy drilling with more stability and control.

Weight

Weight is usually a trade-off with battery life. Commonly, the more powerful it is, the heavier the drill. However, with the new lighter batteries, it is still very powerful but the weight doesn’t increase as much. Consider how long you will be using the drill at one time while deciding what product is right for you.

Accessories

The extra special accessories maybe not be as important as battery and chuck size but they should be looked at because they can help create projects quickly and more efficiently. For example, a built-in light-emitting diode work light helps while working in dimly lit areas.

Drills with built-in levels help install fasteners more accurately. Some have built-in storage areas and magnetic trays to keep your supplies handy while working. Many cordless models include a carrying case which makes it convenient for moving from job to job and storing the tool when not in use.

Bit sets for drills and drivers are sometimes included in the package. Having a good selection with you makes choosing the right bit for the job much easier. Charging bases and extra batteries are also available with some models, which will help save you money rather than buying them separately later.

Conclusion

While each of the cordless power drills we have reviewed would make great power tool options, we think the best power drill on our list is undoubtedly the Bosch PSB 1800 li-2 Cordless Combi Drill.

We were very impressed by its array of settings, which allows you to take on multiple tasks and materials with only one tool. It is compact and lightweight. It has a 2-speed gearbox and can go as fast as 1350 rpm which means you’ll never struggle for power and efficiency on the job. The smart Bosch Syneon Chip keeps energy output at optimum levels and its long-lasting lithium ion batteries and keyless chuck enable you to get DIY jobs completed faster. Working in dim lighting is easy too, thanks to a convenient LED light.

It’s clear to see that the Bosch PSB 1800 li-2 Cordless Combi Drill provides everything a DIY newbie or professional contractor needs. Therefore, we think it deserves to be crowned the best cordless drill in the UK!