DeWalt XR 18V 3 Speed BL Impact Driver Naked-Body ONLY
A cordless power tool (18V, 200 Newton Metres), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
The Best Cordless Drills in the UK (2026)
A cordless drill is the one power tool every home needs. This guide explains what actually matters - torque, brushless motors, batteries - cuts through the voltage hype, and picks the best.
Quick answer
For most people a 18V brushless combi or drill/driver with a couple of batteries is the sweet spot. Judge a drill on its torque, motor type and battery (Ah), not the voltage number on the box. Decide between a kit (with batteries and charger) and a bare tool (body only) based on whether you already own batteries for that brand.
Ignore the voltage hype
"20V max" and "18V" describe the same battery measured two ways (peak vs nominal voltage) - there's no real-world difference. What actually affects performance is the motor (brushless vs brushed), the torque rating, and the battery's amp-hours (Ah) for runtime. So compare those, not the marketing voltage.
Brushless vs brushed
Brushless motors run cooler, last longer, deliver more power and squeeze more work from each charge - they're worth the premium for regular use. Brushed motors are cheaper and perfectly fine for occasional DIY. If you'll use the drill often or for tougher jobs, choose brushless.
Drill, combi or impact driver?
- Drill/driver - drilling and screwdriving in wood, metal, plastic.
- Combi drill - the same plus a hammer action for masonry and brick. The best all-rounder for a UK home.
- Impact driver - very high torque for driving long screws and bolts; compact, but not for precise drilling.
Most people are best served by a combi drill; add an impact driver if you drive a lot of long fixings.
Batteries and the platform trap
Cordless batteries are brand- and platform-specific - a battery only fits tools on the same maker's system. Pick a brand whose ecosystem you're happy to grow into, since future tools share the batteries. A kit includes battery and charger (best if you're starting out); a bare tool is cheaper if you already have compatible batteries. Higher Ah = longer runtime.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Obsessing over voltage instead of torque, motor and Ah.
- Buying a bare tool without realising it has no battery.
- Using an impact driver for precise drilling.
- Ignoring platform lock-in when picking a brand.
- Under-buying on torque for masonry or big fixings.
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 
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.
#4 
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.
#5 
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.
#6 
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.
#7 
Makita 18 V Cordless Li-ion Combi Drill Kit and
A cordless power tool (18V), 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 
Ryobi Starter Kit 18 V ONE Plus Cordless Combi Drill
A cordless power tool (18V, 50 Nm), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a big difference between 18V and 20V drills?
No - "20V max" and "18V" are the same battery measured two ways (peak vs nominal voltage). Judge a drill on torque, motor type and battery amp-hours, not the voltage label.
What is the best cordless drill to buy?
For most homes, an 18V brushless combi drill with a couple of batteries - it handles wood, metal and masonry. Choose a brand whose battery platform you're happy to build on.
Should I buy a drill kit or bare tool?
Buy a kit (with battery and charger) if you're starting out. A bare tool is cheaper but only makes sense if you already own compatible batteries for that brand.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the DeWalt XR 18V 3 Speed BL Impact Driver Naked-Body ONLY (our score 9.5/10) - A cordless power tool (18V, 200 Newton Metres), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site..