DeWalt Multitool 18V XR Brushless
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.
The Best Brushless Cordless Drills in the UK (2026)
Brushless drills are more powerful, longer-lasting and more efficient than brushed ones. Here's why that matters and which to choose.
Quick answer
A brushless drill is the better long-term buy if you'll use it regularly or for tougher jobs - it delivers more power, longer runtime per charge, and a longer lifespan with less maintenance. Pair it with a couple of decent batteries and a brand platform you want to grow into. For purely occasional DIY, a brushed drill still does the job for less.
Brushless vs brushed - what changes
Brushed motors use carbon brushes that wear out and waste energy as heat. Brushless motors remove that friction: they run cooler, lose less energy, adapt power to the task, and have no brushes to wear - so you get more torque, more work per charge, and a tool that lasts longer. The trade-off is a higher purchase price.
What to look for
- Brushless motor (the point of this guide).
- Torque suited to your jobs - more for masonry/big fixings.
- Battery amp-hours (Ah) for runtime, and a fast charger.
- Two-speed gearbox and a good clutch.
- Platform you're happy to build a tool collection on.
Is brushless worth it?
If the drill will see frequent use, tougher materials, or you want it to last years, yes - the runtime and longevity pay back the premium. If you only need it for the occasional flat-pack or picture hook, a brushed drill is perfectly adequate and saves money. Match the spend to how hard you'll work it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying for brushless you'll rarely use on light DIY.
- Assuming brushless alone makes a drill good - torque and battery still matter.
- Mixing battery platforms across your tools.
- Buying a bare tool without batteries by mistake.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Makita 18V LXT Brushless 24mm Rotary Hammer SDS-Plus
A cordless power tool (18V, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#3 
Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless Random Orbit Sander
A cordless power tool (18V, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#4 
Milwaukee M12 Fuel 12V 1/4" Lithium-ion Cordless Impact Driver
A cordless power tool (12V, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#5 
Dewalt XR Brushless Combi Drill With 2 X 5.0 Ah
A cordless power tool (18V, 45 Newton Metres, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#6 
WORX Nitro 18V Cordless Impact Drill
A cordless power tool (20V, 60 Nm, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#7 
DeWalt 18V XR Brushless Compact 16mm SDS Plus
A cordless power tool (18V, 1.4 Newton Metres, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#8 
Ryobi One+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 1/2 In. Hammer Drill
A cordless power tool (18V, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#9 
Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless Combi Kit: GSB
A cordless power tool (18V, 55 Nm, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#10 
Milwaukee 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/4'' Hex
A cordless power tool (18V, brushless), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
Frequently asked questions
Is a brushless drill worth it?
For frequent or tougher use, yes - brushless gives more power, longer runtime and a longer lifespan with less maintenance. For occasional DIY, a cheaper brushed drill is fine.
What's the difference between brushless and brushed drills?
Brushless motors have no carbon brushes to wear, run cooler and waste less energy - so more torque, more runtime and longer life. Brushed motors are cheaper but less efficient and shorter-lived.
Do brushless drills last longer?
Yes - with no brushes to wear out and less heat, brushless motors typically outlast brushed ones, which is a key reason they cost more upfront.
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..