UK's Best Cordless Drills for DIY and Home Renovation in 2026
In the world of DIY and home renovation, a reliable cordless drill is an essential tool, capable of transforming tasks from hanging pictures to major structural work. To identify the top performers, a comprehensive testing event dubbed the 'Drillympic Games' was conducted, evaluating drills against the clock in various challenges. This review highlights the best cordless drills available in the UK, based on rigorous performance assessments and real-world DIY applications.
The Testing Methodology
The evaluation began with an initial group of 12 cordless drills, tested on scrap wood and breeze blocks to eliminate weaker models. The top nine drills then faced a multifunctional gauntlet of workstations, including drilling, screw-driving, and hammer-drilling tasks. Timing and performance metrics were recorded to assess speed, ease of use, and effectiveness. Additional tests involved real renovation scenarios, such as drilling into brick and installing skirting boards, with considerations for battery runtime and overall usability.
Top Picks for Every DIY Need
Best Cordless Drill Overall: Makita DHP490Z 18V LXT Brushless Combi Drill
Priced from £68.50, this Makita model emerged as the gold medallist in the Drillympics, boasting unrivalled performance and convenience. It features drill, hammer drill, and screwdriver modes, with a maximum speed of 1,900 RPM and torque of 56Nm. Weighing 1kg without the battery, it excelled in all tasks, from masonry drilling to screw installation. However, the battery and charger are sold separately, which may increase the overall cost.
Best Budget Cordless Drill: Guild 18V Cordless Impact Drill with 100 Accessories
At £48.75, this Guild kit offers decent performance at an excellent price, including a drill, 2Ah battery, charger, and a wide selection of drill bits. Ideal for lighter DIY tasks like putting up shelves, it has a maximum speed of 1,600 RPM and torque of 30Nm. Its limitations include a chuck that only accepts bits up to 10mm and less effectiveness in hammer-drilling into brick.
Best Lightweight Cordless Drill: Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Compact Cordless Brushless Combi Drill
Starting at £109.99, this Ryobi drill is compact and user-friendly, with impressive screw-driving capabilities and a brushless motor. It achieved a bronze medal in the Drillympics, with a maximum speed of 1,700 RPM and torque of 60Nm. Its design is suitable for smaller hands and confined spaces, though the price may be a barrier for some users.
Best Cordless Hammer Drill: Makita DHR202 Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill
Priced from £119.98, this SDS+ drill is designed for heavy-duty tasks like demolition and drilling into hard materials. It offers drill, hammer drill, and chisel functions, with a maximum speed of 1,100 RPM and 4,000 blows per minute. While powerful and stable, it requires separate purchases for the battery, charger, and SDS bits, making it best suited for extensive renovation work.
Other Notable Models
Bosch UniversalImpact 18V-60 Combi Drill: From £99, this model features thoughtful design and ease of use, with a maximum speed of 1,900 RPM and torque of 60Nm. It excels in screw-driving and wood drilling but has slower hammer-drill performance.
Draper D20 20V Brushless Combi Drill Set: Starting at £124.13, this drill is well-adapted for hammer-drilling into hard brick, with a maximum speed of 1,800 RPM and torque of 60Nm. However, its screw-driving mode is less effective compared to top performers.
Bosch UniversalHammer 18V: Priced from £125.99, this SDS+ drill offers best-in-class usability and good performance, with a maximum speed of 2,000 RPM and 5,400 blows per minute. It is slightly prone to losing hold of drill bits during hammer-drilling.
Black+Decker Cordless Hammer Drill 18V: From £41.99, this budget option is compact and convenient for screw-driving and drilling into softer materials, but its hammer-drill mode is ineffective for tougher tasks.
Draper 12V Combi Drill 70256: Starting at £48, this mini drill is beginner-friendly and lightweight, with a maximum speed of 1,300 RPM and torque of 30Nm. It drills slowly, making it best for occasional, low-intensity use.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Cordless Drill
When selecting a cordless drill, consider the type based on your intended tasks. Combi drills are versatile for most DIY needs, while hammer drills are better for masonry work, and SDS+ drills suit heavy-duty renovation. Key features to look for include battery capacity (measured in amp hours), chuck design (keyless or keyed for security), and voltage (18V is standard for DIY). Additional features like depth stops, auxiliary handles, and LED lights can enhance usability.
Drill bits are also crucial; use masonry bits for brick, HSS bits for metal, and wood bits for carpentry. A diverse set, such as the affordable VonHaus 246-piece collection or higher-quality Bosch 103-piece set, ensures readiness for various tasks.
This review, based on extensive testing by an experienced product reviewer and DIY enthusiast, provides a reliable guide for anyone investing in cordless drills for home improvement projects in 2026.
