The Best Cordless Drills (2026)
A good cordless drill is the one tool every home needs, for putting up shelves, hanging curtain poles and assembling flat-pack furniture. These are the 18V drills UK DIYers buy most, from budget all-rounders to trade-grade combis that will drill into brick for years.
Our picks at a glance
| Product | Award | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita DHP485 18V LXT Brushless Combi Drill | Best Overall | 9.0/10 | Amazon → |
| DeWalt DCD796 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill | Most Powerful | 8.8/10 | Amazon → |
| Ryobi R18PD3 ONE+ 18V Combi Drill | Best Value | 8.5/10 | Amazon → |
| Bosch UniversalImpact 18V Cordless Combi Drill | Best for Beginners | 8.2/10 | Amazon → |
| Black+Decker BCD003 18V Combi Hammer Drill | Cheapest Good Option | 7.5/10 | Amazon → |
1. Makita DHP485 18V LXT Brushless Combi Drill
Best for: Regular DIY and home renovation · Price: Mid-range
Compact, brushless and built to last, the DHP485 is the drill we'd recommend to most people. It drills cleanly into brick, drives long screws without fuss, and joins the huge Makita LXT battery range.
| Voltage | 18V (Makita LXT) |
|---|---|
| Motor | Brushless |
| Max torque | 50Nm |
| Speeds | 2-speed gearbox |
| Chuck | 13mm keyless |
| Hammer action | Yes |
| Weight | About 1.7kg with battery |
Pros
- Compact and well balanced
- Brushless motor is efficient and long-lasting
- Works with Makita's huge LXT battery range
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Not the most powerful in its class
- Often sold body only
2. DeWalt DCD796 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill
Best for: Heavier jobs and masonry · Price: Mid-range
A long-time favourite with tradespeople, the DCD796 has more torque than most DIY drills and shrugs off big masonry holes and long screws, while staying compact.
| Voltage | 18V (DeWalt XR) |
|---|---|
| Motor | Brushless |
| Max torque | 70Nm |
| Speeds | 2-speed gearbox |
| Chuck | 13mm keyless |
| Hammer action | Yes |
| Light | LED work light |
Pros
- Plenty of torque for demanding jobs
- Compact for its power
- Tough, trade-grade build
- Large DeWalt 18V battery range
Cons
- Heavier than DIY-focused drills
- Kits with batteries are a significant step up in cost
3. Ryobi R18PD3 ONE+ 18V Combi Drill
Best for: First drill for occasional DIY · Price: Budget
Ryobi's ONE+ range is the easiest way into cordless tools, and the R18PD3 is a capable, affordable combi drill that covers everything most homes need.
| Voltage | 18V (Ryobi ONE+) |
|---|---|
| Motor | Brushed |
| Max torque | 50Nm |
| Speeds | 2-speed gearbox |
| Chuck | 13mm keyless |
| Hammer action | Yes |
Pros
- Great value, especially in kits
- ONE+ batteries fit a huge range of tools, including garden tools
- Enough power for typical household jobs
Cons
- Brushed motor is less efficient than brushless rivals
- Bulkier than premium drills
4. Bosch UniversalImpact 18V Cordless Combi Drill
Best for: Light DIY and flat-pack furniture · Price: Budget
Light, easy to use and part of Bosch's green 18V home-and-garden range, the UniversalImpact 18V is a friendly first drill for occasional jobs around the house.
| Voltage | 18V (Bosch POWER FOR ALL) |
|---|---|
| Motor | Brushed |
| Speeds | 2-speed gearbox |
| Chuck | 13mm keyless |
| Hammer action | Yes |
Pros
- Light and easy to handle
- Batteries shared with Bosch's green home and garden tools
- Simple, clear controls
Cons
- Less power than trade-grade drills
- Not designed for heavy, daily use
Full Bosch UniversalImpact 18V Cordless Combi Drill details →
5. Black+Decker BCD003 18V Combi Hammer Drill
Best for: Occasional small jobs · Price: Budget
If you just need a drill in the cupboard for the odd shelf or picture, this Black+Decker does the job for less than almost anything else worth buying.
| Voltage | 18V |
|---|---|
| Motor | Brushed |
| Chuck | 10mm keyless |
| Hammer action | Yes |
Pros
- Very affordable
- Light and compact
- Hammer mode for occasional masonry holes
Cons
- Single speed and modest power
- Smaller 10mm chuck
- Not suited to heavy or frequent use
How to choose cordless drills
Get a combi drill for masonry
A combi (hammer) drill adds a hammer action for drilling into brick and blockwork. If you'll ever fix anything to an outside or solid wall, it's worth having.
Think about the battery platform
Batteries are the expensive part. Choose a brand whose other tools you might want later, because one battery fits the whole range of that brand's 18V tools.
Brushless motors last longer
Brushless drills run cooler, get more from each charge and need less maintenance. They cost more, but they're the better buy if you drill often.
Check what's in the box
Many drills are sold "body only" with no battery or charger. Make sure the listing includes them unless you already own the same brand's batteries.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a drill driver and a combi drill?
A drill driver drills and drives screws. A combi drill does the same, plus a hammer setting that lets it drill into brick and blockwork. For most homes a combi drill is the safer buy.
How much torque do I need?
Around 40Nm is plenty for flat-pack furniture and small screws. For long screws into timber and regular masonry drilling, 50 to 80Nm gives you more headroom.
Can I drill into concrete with a combi drill?
Occasional small holes, yes, with a good masonry bit. For lots of holes in concrete, or anything over about 10mm, an SDS drill is far quicker and easier.
Our scores are editorial ratings based on specifications, pricing and published performance data. Rankings reflect popularity among UK buyers and our assessment of value. How we choose and score products.