🔧 Tools & Workshop
Best Cordless Drills UK 2026: 6 Models Compared
Whether you are building a shelf, assembling flat-pack furniture or drilling into brick, a cordless drill is the most-used tool in most makers' kits. The choice between DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, Milwaukee, Ryobi and Black+Decker comes down to power, battery platform and price. We compared six of the cordless drills you can buy in the UK right now, from budget DIY models to professional-grade workhorses, so you can pick the right one for your projects.
Key Takeaways
- DeWalt DCD778S2T 18V XR Brushless Hammer Drill - best overall
- Makita DHP486Z 18V LXT Brushless Combi Drill - best brushless combi drill (out of stock when checked)
- Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55 Cordless Combi Drill - best all-rounder (out of stock when checked)
- Milwaukee M18 Cordless Hammer Drill - best heavy duty
- Ryobi RPD18BL2-0 ONE+ Brushless Combi Drill - best value ecosystem
- Black & Decker BCD700S1K-GB 18V Hammer Drill - best budget
Suggested Reading: All Tool Reviews
Quick Picks
Short on time? Here’s the bottom line.
DeWalt DCD778S2T 18V XR Brushless Hammer Drill
£135.00
Makita DHP486Z 18V LXT Brushless Combi Drill
Currently unavailable on Amazon UK
Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55 Cordless Combi Drill
Currently unavailable on Amazon UK
Milwaukee M18 Cordless Hammer Drill
£97.50
Ryobi RPD18BL2-0 ONE+ Brushless Combi Drill
£89.99
Black & Decker BCD700S1K-GB 18V Hammer Drill
£59.99
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Rating | Motor | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCD778S2T 18V XR Brushless Hammer Drill | £135.00 | 4.7/5 | 65Nm torque | Best overall |
| Makita DHP486Z 18V LXT Brushless Combi Drill | Out of stock | 4.6/5 | 130Nm torque | Best combi drill |
| Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55 Cordless Combi Drill | Out of stock | 4.5/5 | 55Nm torque | Best all-rounder |
| Milwaukee M18 Cordless Hammer Drill | £97.50 | 4.4/5 | 4-pole motor | Best heavy duty |
| Ryobi RPD18BL2-0 ONE+ Brushless Combi Drill | £89.99 | 4.6/5 | 50Nm torque | Best ecosystem |
| Black & Decker BCD700S1K-GB 18V Hammer Drill | £59.99 | 4.6/5 | 18V kit | Best budget |
In-Depth Reviews
DeWalt DCD778S2T 18V XR Brushless Hammer Drill.
65Nm torque · 2-speed (0-550/0-2000 RPM) · 13mm keyless chuck · Brushless motor · 2x2.0Ah batteries · TSTAK kit box
The DeWalt DCD778S2T sits at the sweet spot of the XR range - more power than the entry-level DCD776 but without the eye-watering price of the Flexvolt Advantage models. Its brushless motor delivers 65Nm of torque, enough to drive 150mm screws into hardwood or drill 35mm holes in brick with the hammer function engaged.
The two-speed gearbox gives you control: slow speed for driving screws with precision, high speed for drilling. Build quality is typical DeWalt - rubber overmoulding absorbs vibration, the metal gear casing handles drops, and the 13mm ratcheting chuck grips bits without slipping. The kit includes two 2.0Ah XR batteries that charge fully in under an hour.
For most UK makers and tradespeople, this is the one to beat.
- 65Nm torque handles even tough drilling
- Brushless motor runs longer and cooler
- Kit comes with two batteries and TSTAK case
- Excellent DeWalt dealer network in the UK
- 2.0Ah batteries are small for heavy use
- No belt hook included
Makita DHP486Z 18V LXT Brushless Combi Drill.
Brushless motor · All-metal gear construction · 21 torque settings · 13mm keyless chuck · 2-speed · LED light · Body only
The Makita DHP486Z is a body-only purchase, which means you need existing 18V LXT batteries or the willingness to buy a starter kit. But if you’re already on the Makita platform, or planning to be, this drill is a serious performer. The brushless motor is noticeably smoother than brushed alternatives, with better runtime per charge and less heat buildup under load.
What sets the DHP486 apart from cheaper models is the all-metal gear housing: drop it off a ladder and the gears stay meshed, while plastic-housed drills crack and fail. The 21 torque settings give fine control for screwdriving, and the hammer action handles masonry up to 13mm.
It’s also one of the most comfortable drills to hold for extended periods, with a well-balanced grip even with a 5.0Ah battery attached.
- All-metal gear housing is virtually indestructible
- Smooth brushless motor with excellent runtime
- Very comfortable grip for extended use
- Body only - needs existing LXT batteries
- No carry case included
Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55 Cordless Combi Drill.
55Nm torque · Brushless motor · RÖHM 13mm metal chuck · 2-speed · 1800 RPM · 20+1 torque settings · Body only
The Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55 is the entry point into Bosch’s blue (professional) range, and it punches well above its price tag. The headline feature is the RÖHM metal chuck - most drills at this price use a cheaper plastic-chuck alternative that wears out and wobbles after a year.
The metal RÖHM chuck stays true, giving cleaner holes and less bit slippage. The brushless motor delivers 55Nm of torque - slightly less than the DeWalt but more than enough for everyday drilling and screwdriving. Where the GSB 18V-55 really shines is dust and water protection: Bosch’s Electronic Motor Protection (EMP) cuts power before overheating damages the windings.
It’s a body-only tool, so factor in battery costs if you’re starting fresh. Works with all Bosch Professional 18V batteries, including the new ProCore range.
- RÖHM metal chuck stays true for years
- Electronic Motor Protection prevents burnouts
- Great value for a Professional-range tool
- 55Nm less powerful than DeWalt/Milwaukee
- Body only - no battery or charger
Milwaukee M18 Cordless Hammer Drill.
500 in-lbs torque · 4-pole frameless motor · 0-450/0-1800 RPM · 13mm metal chuck · All-metal gearbox · Body only
Milwaukee’s M18 range is built for the toughest job sites, and this hammer drill delivers exactly what the brand is known for: brute force and durability. The 4-pole frameless motor uses rare-earth magnets for longer life and better power density, and the all-metal gearbox can handle continuous drilling into reinforced concrete without complaining.
The two-speed mechanical transmission gives you 450 RPM for high-torque screwdriving and 1800 RPM for drilling. It’s not the lightest drill on this list, but the weight is well-distributed and the rubberised grip stays comfortable even with one-handed use. The metal chuck is a full 13mm ratcheting type that won’t let bits slip under load.
Body only - expect to pay more for M18 batteries and charger, but the platform covers everything from saws to lights to vacs.
- 4-pole frameless motor is incredibly durable
- All-metal gearbox handles heavy use
- Excellent build quality and ergonomics
- Heavier than competitors
- M18 batteries and charger cost extra
Ryobi RPD18BL2-0 ONE+ Brushless Combi Drill.
50Nm torque · Brushless motor · 13mm keyless chuck · 2-speed · LED light · Body only · ONE+ compatible with 260+ tools
The Ryobi ONE+ platform is the smartest play for home DIYers and weekend makers. With over 260 tools sharing the same battery system (everything from nail guns to pressure washers to fans), buying into Ryobi means your first battery purchase opens up a whole workshop.
The RPD18BL2-0 is their latest brushless combi drill, offering 50Nm of torque - plenty for drilling into timber, metal, and masonry. The brushless motor means better runtime and longer tool life compared to the older brushed Ryobi drills. It’s a body-only tool, but Ryobi starter kits with two batteries and a charger start around £80, making the total cost of entry lower than any other major brand.
The grip is chunky and comfortable, the LED light actually illuminates the work area, and the 13mm keyless chuck holds bits securely.
- Cheapest entry to a major battery ecosystem
- 260+ tools share the same ONE+ battery
- Brushless motor at a budget price
- Body only - starter kit sold separately
- 50Nm torque is adequate but not class-leading
Black & Decker BCD700S1K-GB 18V Hammer Drill.
18V · 2-speed gearbox · 13mm keyless chuck · Hammer function · 2x1.5Ah batteries · Charger · Kitbox included
Not everyone needs a £180 DeWalt. If your drilling and screwdriving is limited to flat-pack furniture, curtain rails, picture hooks, and the occasional shelf, the Black & Decker BCD700S1K-GB does everything you need for a fraction of the price. It comes as a complete kit: drill, two 1.5Ah batteries, charger, and a sturdy kitbox.
The two-speed gearbox gives you control for different tasks, and the hammer function handles drilling into brick and concrete - something many budget drills skip entirely. The 13mm keyless chuck is easy to operate one-handed, and the LED work light actually makes a difference in dark cupboards.
It’s not built for heavy daily use - the plastic gear housing won’t survive a drop from height - but for the average UK homeowner, it’s genuinely all the drill you need.
- Complete kit with 2 batteries, charger and case
- Hammer function at a budget price
- Good enough for 90% of home DIY tasks
- Plastic gearbox - won’t survive drops
- Not for heavy daily trade use
How to Choose the Best Cordless Drill for You
Voltage: 12V vs 18V vs 54V
18V is the sweet spot for UK makers. It gives you enough power for drilling into masonry and timber while keeping the weight manageable. 12V drills are lighter but lack hammer function and struggle with larger hole saws. 54V (Flexvolt) is overkill unless you’re using core bits daily.
Brushed vs Brushless Motor
Brushless motors are more efficient - they deliver more runtime per charge, generate less heat, and last longer because there are no brushes to wear out. The price gap has narrowed: you can get a brushless combi drill for around £60-70 (body only). Unless your budget is tight, go brushless.
Chuck Quality Matters More Than You Think
A metal ratcheting chuck holds bits tighter and lasts years longer than a plastic chuck. Drills with plastic chucks develop wobble after a few months of regular use, causing uneven holes and stripped screw heads. All the drills in this review use 13mm metal keyless chucks.
Torque: How Much Do You Need?
For light DIY (flat-pack furniture, curtain rails, picture hooks): 30-40Nm is plenty. For regular drilling into brick, driving large screws, or using hole saws: aim for 50-65Nm. For heavy trade use: 65Nm+ with hammer function.
Battery Ecosystem: The Hidden Cost
The drill is only the start. Once you buy into a battery platform (DeWalt XR, Makita LXT, Ryobi ONE+, Milwaukee M18), you’re committed - batteries and chargers often cost more than the tool itself. Ryobi ONE+ is the most affordable ecosystem with 260+ tools. DeWalt and Makita batteries cost more but last longer and hold more charge over years of use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict
After comparing six of the best cordless drills available in the UK, one clear winner emerges for most makers: the DeWalt DCD778S2T 18V XR Brushless Hammer Drill. It balances power (65Nm), build quality, battery ecosystem, and price better than anything else on the market.
If you’re on a tight budget, the Black & Decker BCD700S1K-GB 18V Hammer Drill is genuinely good value for light DIY - and comes with everything you need in one box.
For makers planning to build a full tool collection, the Ryobi RPD18BL2-0 ONE+ Brushless Combi Drill offers the best ecosystem value, with 260+ tools sharing the same ONE+ batteries.
Whichever you choose, buy the best drill your budget allows - a good drill lasts a decade, and a bad one makes every project harder than it needs to be.
James Walker
Writer
James compares power tools, hand tools and workshop kit. He has a fully equipped home workshop and has been building furniture for over 12 years.
Last reviewed: September 10, 2026 · Compared using Amazon purchaser reviews, manufacturer specifications and independent research · Contains affiliate links