A cordless drill is the single most useful power tool in any home workshop. This guide ranks the 7 best cordless drills for UK home DIY in 2026 — from budget picks to professional-grade tools worth buying once and keeping for a decade.
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| Drill | Voltage | Brushless? | Torque | Battery incl.? | Approx. price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita DHP484 + 5Ah | 18V | ✅ Yes | 80Nm | ✅ Yes | ~£150 |
| Makita DHP484Z (body only) | 18V | ✅ Yes | 80Nm | ❌ No | ~£70 |
| Makita DHP482 + 2×6Ah | 18V | ❌ No | 80Nm | ✅ Yes | ~£200 |
| DEWALT DCD791D2 | 20V (18V eff.) | ✅ Yes | 70Nm | ✅ Yes | ~£180 |
| Bosch PSB 18 LI-2 | 18V | ❌ No | 45Nm | ✅ Yes | ~£80 |
| Bosch PSB 1800 LI-2 | 18V | ❌ No | 45Nm | ✅ Yes (×2) | ~£75 |
| BLACK+DECKER 18V | 18V | ❌ No | 30Nm | ✅ Yes | ~£55 |
→ View on Amazon (approx. £150 with 1×5Ah battery, charger & case)
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.
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.
→ View on Amazon (approx. £70 body only)
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.
Best for: Existing Makita LXT users upgrading from an older brushed drill.
→ View on Amazon (approx. £200 with 2×6Ah batteries)
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.
Best for: Contractors or heavy DIYers who need all-day run time.
→ View on Amazon (approx. £180 with 2×2Ah batteries)
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. If you're already in the DEWALT ecosystem, this is the natural choice.
Best for: DEWALT tool users; anyone who values compact, lightweight design.
→ View on Amazon (approx. £80)
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.
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.
→ View on Amazon (approx. £75 with 2 batteries)
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.
Best for: First cordless drill purchase where cost is the main priority.
→ View on Amazon (approx. £55 with 1.5Ah battery)
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.
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.
18V is the standard for domestic DIY. 12V tools are lighter but less powerful — suitable for lighter tasks only. 18V handles everything from timber to brick.
Brushless motors last longer, run more efficiently, and deliver more power per battery charge. Worth paying for if you use the drill regularly.
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.
If you own other cordless tools, match the battery platform. Makita 18V LXT has the largest range of compatible tools; DEWALT 20V MAX has a strong trade focus; Bosch 18V works well for domestic use. The battery ecosystem you commit to matters more than brand preference.
A mixed HSS and masonry drill bit set is the minimum. Buy 25mm and 50mm PH2 Phillips screwdriver bits — you'll use them constantly. For repeated masonry work, consider an SDS-plus rotary hammer drill with carbide bits.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.