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.
Cordless Drill Buying Guide: How to Choose (UK 2026)
Choosing a cordless drill comes down to a few key features and one big decision: the battery platform. This guide explains voltage, brushless motors, torque, chuck and battery systems so you can buy the right tool.
Quick answer
Pick a combi drill on a battery platform you can build on, ideally brushless, with enough torque for your jobs and a 13mm chuck. The single most important decision is the battery system, since future tools will share it. Get a kit with battery and charger for your first buy, and match the power to whether you do light DIY or heavier work.
The battery platform decision
This is the choice you live with longest. Tool brands use their own battery systems, so every future drill, driver, saw or sander you buy ideally shares the same batteries. Choose a platform with the range of tools you might want over time, then buy into it. Switching platforms later means buying new batteries and chargers all over again.
Voltage and power
Voltage (commonly 12V, 18V or 20V) roughly indicates power class. 12V suits light DIY and tight spaces; 18V/20V is the mainstream for general DIY and trade. Note 18V and '20V max' are essentially the same thing labelled differently. For most people, an 18V/20V combi is the right balance of power, weight and battery range.
Brushless, torque and chuck
- Brushless motor: more power, runtime and lifespan; the standard above budget level.
- Torque: higher means more driving and large-hole power; match it to your jobs.
- Chuck size: 13mm takes a wider range of bits than 10mm.
- Clutch settings: let you drive screws without over-tightening.
These decide how the drill performs day to day.
Combi or drill/driver
A combi drill adds a hammer mode for masonry, making it the versatile default. A drill/driver is lighter and fine if you never drill brick. For most buyers the combi is the safer choice, since the hammer mode costs little and covers wall plugs and light masonry that a drill/driver cannot.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a tool off a battery platform you cannot build on.
- Buying a bare body for a first purchase with no batteries.
- Over-buying voltage and torque for light DIY.
- Skipping hammer mode then needing to drill masonry.
- Ignoring chuck size and clutch for the work you do.
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
What should I look for when buying a cordless drill?
A combi drill on a battery platform you can build on, ideally brushless, with enough torque and a 13mm chuck. The battery system is the most important choice, since future tools will share it.
What is the most important thing when buying cordless tools?
The battery platform. Each brand uses its own batteries, so picking a system with the range of tools you might want means future purchases share batteries and chargers, rather than starting over on a new platform.
What voltage cordless drill is best?
For most people 18V (also sold as '20V max', which is the same thing) balances power, weight and tool range. 12V suits light DIY and tight spaces; higher voltage suits heavier, demanding work.
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..