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.
Brushless vs Brushed Cordless Drills: Which Is Worth It?
Brushless and brushed motors are the two types in cordless drills, and the difference affects power, runtime and lifespan. This guide explains what brushless adds and when a brushed drill is still fine.
Quick answer
Brushless motors deliver more power and runtime from the same battery, run cooler and last longer - they are the better technology and the standard on mid-range and up. Brushed motors are cheaper and perfectly fine for light, occasional DIY. If you buy above budget level or do regular heavier work, choose brushless; for the odd flat-pack job, brushed saves money.
How they differ
A brushed motor uses physical carbon brushes that wear over time and waste some energy as heat and friction. A brushless motor replaces them with electronics, which is more efficient: it converts more battery energy into work, generates less heat, and has no brushes to wear out. That efficiency is why brushless has become the standard on better tools.
What brushless adds
- More power: especially noticeable on demanding jobs.
- Longer runtime: more work per battery charge.
- Longer lifespan: no brushes to wear, less heat.
- Often smaller and lighter: for the same power.
- Smarter electronics: in many models, for better control.
These gains matter most under regular, heavier use.
When brushed is still fine
A brushed drill is perfectly capable for light, occasional DIY - assembling furniture, hanging shelves, the odd wall plug. If you only use a drill now and then and want to spend less, a brushed combi does the job well. The efficiency and lifespan benefits of brushless mainly show up with frequent or demanding use, which a casual user may never reach.
Which to choose
Choose brushless if you buy above budget level, do regular DIY or any heavier work, or want the longest-lasting tool. Choose brushed to save money for light, occasional jobs. At around £200 and up, brushless should be a given; under £100, brushed is common and acceptable for home use. Match the motor to how hard you will work the drill.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying a mid-range price for a brushed motor.
- Buying brushless for genuinely light occasional use and overspending.
- Assuming brushless fixes a weak battery - the cell still matters.
- Ignoring the battery platform while focusing on the motor.
- Treating motor type as the only factor in drill choice.
Our top picks
#1
#2 
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.
#3 
Makita 18V Li-Ion LXT 165mm Circular Saw
A cordless power tool (18V), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
#4 
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.
#5 
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.
#6 
Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless LED Construction
A cordless power tool (18V), a capable pick for drilling and driving around the home and site.
Frequently asked questions
Is a brushless drill worth it?
If you do regular or heavier work, yes - brushless gives more power, longer runtime and a longer lifespan than brushed. For light, occasional DIY, a cheaper brushed drill is perfectly fine and saves money.
What is the difference between brushed and brushless drills?
Brushed motors use carbon brushes that wear and waste energy as heat; brushless motors use electronics instead, making them more efficient, more powerful, longer-running and longer-lasting. Brushless is the standard on better tools.
Do I need a brushless drill for DIY?
Not necessarily - a brushed drill handles light, occasional DIY well. Choose brushless if you do regular jobs, heavier work, or want the most durable tool. Around £200 and up, brushless should be expected.
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..