Are Expensive Cordless Drills Worth It? (UK 2026)

By the Cordless Tool Bench editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

Cordless drills range from budget to pro prices, so it is fair to ask whether the expensive ones are worth it. This guide explains when a premium drill pays off and when a cheaper tool is plenty.

Quick answer

An expensive drill is worth it if you use it regularly, do heavier work, or want a tool that lasts for years - you pay for brushless power, durability, better batteries and a strong tool ecosystem. For light, occasional DIY a budget or mid-range drill is plenty, and spending pro money would mostly buy capability you never use.

What your money buys

Premium drills bring brushless motors, higher torque, tougher build, better batteries and a wide professional tool platform. They handle demanding jobs more easily, last longer under heavy use, and form the basis of a serious kit. The build and battery quality are real differences, not just badge value, which is why trades pay for them.

When premium pays off

Spend up if you are a tradesperson, a serious renovator, or a keen DIYer who uses tools often and wants them to last. The durability, power and battery ecosystem repay themselves with regular use. Big projects with lots of drilling and driving also justify a better tool, since it makes the work faster and less tiring.

When budget or mid-range is plenty

For flat-pack, shelves, occasional wall plugs and light jobs, a budget or mid-range combi does everything you need. A casual user will not wear out a cheaper drill or notice the limits of a brushed motor. Spending pro money here mostly buys power and durability you will never call on, so a sensible mid-range tool is the better value.

The smart middle ground

For many people the mid-range (around £150-200) is the sweet spot: brushless power, a trusted battery platform and good build without pro pricing. It outlasts and outperforms budget tools while costing far less than the top end. Unless you genuinely work your tools hard, this band gives the best balance of capability and value.

Common mistakes to avoid

Our top picks

Frequently asked questions

Are expensive cordless drills worth it?

If you use a drill regularly, do heavier work or want it to last for years, yes - you pay for brushless power, durability and better batteries. For light, occasional DIY, a budget or mid-range drill is plenty.

How much should I spend on a cordless drill?

Light DIY is well served under £100. The mid-range around £150-200 is the sweet spot, with brushless power and a trusted battery platform. Only regular heavy or professional use justifies top-end prices.

Is a cheap cordless drill good enough?

For flat-pack, shelves and occasional jobs, yes - a budget combi handles them well. The limits of a brushed motor and single battery only show up with frequent or heavy use, which a casual user may never reach.

Bottom line

Our top pick is the DeWalt Multitool 18V XR Brushless (our score 9.5/10) - A cordless power tool (18V, 35 Newton Metres Item Package Quantity 1 Number of Pieces 1, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site..

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