Best Cordless Drills UK 2026: Top 7 Tested for Home DIY

Target keyword: best cordless drill UK Author: James Published: March 2026 Category: Buying Guides

A cordless drill is the single most useful power tool in any home workshop. Whether you're putting up shelves, assembling flat-pack furniture, hanging a TV bracket, drilling into masonry for wall fixings, or driving screws through timber, a good cordless drill covers most household tasks.

The UK market in 2026 offers options from under £50 to over £300. This guide cuts through the noise to rank the 7 best cordless drills for UK home DIY use, from budget picks for occasional use to professional-grade tools worth buying once and keeping for a decade.

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Quick Comparison Table

1. Makita DHP484 18V Brushless Combi Drill — Best Overall

The Makita DHP484 is the benchmark 18V combi drill for UK home DIY. The brushless motor gives significantly longer battery life and a longer tool lifespan than brushed alternatives — Makita estimates 50% longer motor life for the same amount of work. The 80Nm torque handles hardwood, masonry (with a suitable bit), and metal with equal composure.

The 5Ah battery included with the kit version gives approximately 2 full days of intermittent DIY use before needing a charge.

Pros:

• Brushless motor — longer battery life, longer tool life
• 80Nm max torque — handles masonry without fuss
• 18V LXT platform — batteries compatible with 100+ Makita tools
• Compact and lightweight for an 18V drill (1.8kg with battery)
• 2-speed gearbox (0–550 / 0–2,000 rpm)
• 3-year warranty with registration

Cons:

• More expensive than budget alternatives
• Single battery kit — second battery costs extra (but can be bought separately)

Best for: Anyone who does regular DIY, weekend projects, or is building a Makita tool ecosystem. Verdict: This is the drill to buy if you are buying once. It will last a decade of regular home use.

2. Makita DHP484Z 18V Brushless (Body Only) — Best Value Upgrade

Same drill as the DHP484 above, sold without battery or charger. If you already own Makita 18V LXT batteries from another tool — an impact driver, circular saw, or angle grinder — this is significant value. You are paying for just the tool, not another charger and battery set.

Pros: Identical performance to the DHP484; saves money if you have LXT batteries; lighter packaging. Cons: Useless without batteries and charger if you don't already own Makita 18V LXT. Best for: Existing Makita LXT users upgrading from an older brushed drill.

3. Makita DHP482 LXT 18V + 2×6Ah Batteries — Best Premium Kit

The twin 6Ah battery kit for the DHP482 (non-brushless predecessor) is the Makita option for heavy users. Two large capacity batteries mean the drill is essentially never waiting on charge. The DHP482 is a tried-and-tested design with hundreds of thousands of units in UK professional use.

Pros: Two 6Ah batteries = continuous use; proven reliable design; Makita LXT platform; robust case. Cons: Brushed motor (not as efficient as DHP484); heavier than brushless equivalent. Best for: Contractors or heavy DIYers who need all-day run time.

4. DEWALT DCD791D2 20V MAX Cordless Drill — Best American Brand in UK

DEWALT's DCD791 is the compact brushless drill from their 20V MAX (18V effective) platform. It is lighter and more compact than many 18V alternatives, making it easier to use in confined spaces — fitting kitchen units, working in tight ceiling voids, or assembling furniture.

The 20V MAX batteries use the same platform as DEWALT's full range of power tools — if you're already in the DEWALT ecosystem, this is the natural choice.

Pros: Compact and lightweight; brushless motor; 2-speed gearbox; excellent balance in hand; strong DEWALT after-sales support. Cons: 20V MAX batteries not compatible with any other brand; 2Ah batteries included are on the smaller side for heavy work. Best for: DEWALT tool users; anyone who values compact, lightweight design.

5. Bosch PSB 18 LI-2 Ergonomic — Best Mid-Range Budget

Bosch's PSB 18 LI-2 is the home DIY workhorse from Europe's most trusted power tool brand. The 45Nm torque handles timber, plasterboard, and light masonry comfortably. The hammer function (combi drill mode) provides adequate impact for drilling into brick and blockwork with masonry bits.

Pros: Trusted Bosch brand; reliable brushed motor; good ergonomics; included carry bag; affordable. Cons: Brushed motor (shorter lifespan than brushless equivalents); 45Nm lighter than professional alternatives; 2-speed but narrower rpm range. Best for: Occasional DIYers who need a reliable 18V drill without spending £150+. Verdict: The sensible choice if you do DIY occasionally and don't want to over-invest.

6. Bosch PSB 1800 LI-2 — Best Budget Combi Drill

The PSB 1800 LI-2 is a slightly older but still current Bosch model that frequently appears with strong discounts. The twin battery inclusion at this price makes it particularly attractive for anyone who wants a backup battery without additional cost.

Pros: Twin battery included; Bosch reliability; compact size; carry case. Cons: Older brushed motor; lower torque than newer models; heavier for its voltage. Best for: First cordless drill purchase where cost is a priority.

7. BLACK+DECKER 18V Drill Driver — Best Entry-Level Pick

For light household tasks — flat-pack assembly, hanging pictures, occasional shelving — the BLACK+DECKER 18V drill is sufficient and easy to justify at £55. The 1.5Ah battery provides enough capacity for a typical session of furniture assembly or light fixings. The Smart Tech battery monitor prevents overcharge and over-discharge.

Pros: Low price; lightweight; Smart Tech battery management; good for light use. Cons: 30Nm torque — inadequate for masonry without SDS alternative; 1.5Ah battery small for extended sessions; brushed motor. Best for: Occasional users, flat-pack assembly, putting up shelves. Not for serious DIY or regular use. Verdict: Buy this if you genuinely use a drill twice a year. Buy the Makita if you use it twice a month.

How to Choose a Cordless Drill: UK Buyer's Guide

Voltage

18V is the standard for domestic DIY. 12V tools are lighter but less powerful — suitable for lighter tasks. 18V handles everything from timber to brick.

Brushless vs Brushed Motor

Brushless motors last longer, run more efficiently, and deliver more power per battery charge. Worth paying for if you use the drill regularly.

Torque (Nm)

• 30Nm: Light tasks — flat-pack, plasterboard
• 45–60Nm: General DIY — timber, shelving, light masonry
• 70–80Nm: Heavy DIY and trade use — hardwood, concrete blocks

Combi Drill vs Driver

A combi drill (drill/driver/hammer) includes a hammer function for drilling into masonry. A drill driver does not. For UK homes with brick and blockwork walls, a combi drill is the correct choice.

Battery Platform

If you own other cordless tools, match the battery platform:

• Makita 18V LXT — largest range of compatible tools
• DEWALT 20V MAX — strong trade focus
• Bosch 18V — good domestic range

Cordless Drill Accessories to Buy at the Same Time

SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer Drill Bits (for masonry): A combi drill in hammer mode is adequate for occasional brick drilling, but for repeated masonry work, an SDS-plus drill with carbide bits is far more efficient.

Drill Bit Set: A mixed HSS (metal/timber) and masonry bit set is the minimum. Buy quality — cheap drill bits snap in masonry or wander on metal.

Screwdriver Bit Set: 25mm and 50mm PH2 Phillips bits are used constantly. Buy a 40-piece mixed set and replace bits as they wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cordless drill for home DIY in the UK?

The Makita DHP484 18V Brushless is the best all-round cordless drill for UK home DIY. It handles all common tasks, has a brushless motor for longevity, and uses Makita's widely available LXT battery platform.

Is 18V enough for drilling into brick?

Yes, for occasional use. An 18V combi drill in hammer mode with a quality masonry bit will drill 6–10mm holes in brick and blockwork adequately. For frequent masonry work, an SDS rotary hammer drill is more efficient.

What does brushless mean on a cordless drill?

A brushless motor uses electronic commutation rather than carbon brushes to transfer power to the motor. The result is a more efficient motor that produces less heat, has less wear over time, and uses battery power more effectively — more holes per charge.

How long does an 18V cordless drill battery last?

A typical 2Ah battery gives 40–60 minutes of active drilling time. A 5Ah battery gives proportionally more — typically 2–3 hours of intermittent use before needing a 30–45 minute fast charge.

Makita vs DEWALT: which is better for UK home DIY?

Both are excellent. Makita has a wider range of LXT tools and is marginally more popular in the UK trade market. DEWALT has strong ergonomics and a loyal trade following. Either is a sound choice — the battery ecosystem you commit to is more important than brand preference.

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