A cordless drill is one of those tools you don't think about until you need one, and then you need it immediately. Whether you're putting up shelves, assembling flat-pack furniture, or doing proper home renovation work, a good cordless drill driver or combi drill takes the effort out of jobs that used to need a screwdriver and a lot of patience.
The difference between a good drill and a bad one isn't always obvious from the spec sheet. Battery life, chuck quality, and whether it has a hammer action for masonry all matter more than raw price. Cheaper drills are fine for occasional light jobs, but if you're drilling into brick or doing regular DIY, it pays to look at the mid-range and premium options too.
We've researched the top-rated cordless drills on Amazon UK — comparing price, ratings, features and value for money — to give you a clear shortlist for 2026.
Best Overall — BLACK+DECKER 18V Cordless Hammer Drill
The BLACK+DECKER BCD700S1K-GB delivers solid performance for basic DIY tasks at an excellent price point of £38.49. With 4.5/5 stars from over 9,000 reviews, it's a reliable choice for homeowners tackling light to medium drilling and hammering jobs without breaking the bank.
- Exceptional value at under £40 with strong customer satisfaction
- 18V power suitable for general drilling, driving, and light hammering tasks
- Lightweight and compact cordless design for easy handling and storage
- Trusted BLACK+DECKER brand with extensive customer support and spare parts availability
- Limited feature information suggests basic specifications without advanced functionality
- 18V platform may struggle with heavy-duty professional applications
- Battery runtime and charging time not specified, potential concern for extended use
Best Premium — Makita 18 V Cordless Combi Drill
The Makita 18V Combi Drill offers excellent value at £194, combining reliable performance with a trusted brand reputation backed by 465 positive reviews. The dual battery and charger bundle make it immediately ready for work, making it a practical choice for DIY enthusiasts and occasional domestic users.
- Dual batteries and charger included – ready to use straight from the box
- Trusted Makita brand with strong reputation for cordless drill reliability
- Two-speed transmission for both drilling and driving applications
- Highly rated by users with 4.6/5 stars across 465 reviews
- 18V platform is less powerful than newer 20V+ alternatives on the market
- Limited feature information provided suggests basic specifications compared to modern rivals
- Battery technology may not match latest lithium-ion advancements from competitors
Also Great — Bosch Cordless Combi Drill EasyImpact 18V-40
The Bosch EasyImpact 18V-40 is a solid entry-level cordless drill that delivers reliable performance at an attractive price point of £64.97. With a strong 4.7/5 rating from over 600 users, it's well-suited for DIY enthusiasts tackling light to medium household tasks, though it lacks the power for heavy-duty professional work.
- Excellent value at under £65 with included battery
- Highly rated by users (4.7/5 stars from 632 reviews)
- 18V power adequate for most household drilling and fastening tasks
- Compact and lightweight design for comfortable one-handed use
- Limited specifications and features information available online
- 18V power may struggle with heavy-duty or professional applications
- Single battery may limit runtime for extended projects
Also Great — Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless Impact Drill Driver
The Bosch Professional 18V Impact Drill Driver G delivers solid performance at £154.99, backed by strong user satisfaction with a 4.6/5 rating. It's a reliable choice for DIYers and semi-professional users who need a versatile drill-driver combo for mixed tasks around the home.
- Trusted Bosch Professional brand with proven reliability and durability
- 18V power system suitable for most household drilling and driving tasks
- Strong 4.6/5 customer rating demonstrates real-world user satisfaction
- Competitively priced at £154.99 for a professional-grade cordless drill
- Limited detailed feature information available to compare specifications against competitors
- No battery or charger bundle details confirmed, potential additional costs
- Impact drill positioning may be overkill for light-duty tasks only
Quick Comparison Table
Here's how the main options compare side by side:
| Model | Price | Rating | Reviews | HGP Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 18V Cordless Hammer Drill | £38 | 4.5/5 | 9,016 | 82/100 |
| Makita 18 V Cordless Combi Drill | £194 | 4.6/5 | 465 | 82/100 |
| Bosch Cordless Combi Drill EasyImpact 18V-40 | £65 | 4.7/5 | 632 | 84/100 |
| Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless Impact Drill Driver | £155 | 4.6/5 | 152 | 82/100 |
| Makita DHP453Z 18V Li-ion LXT Combi Drill | £71 | 4.7/5 | 1,716 | 86/100 |
| BLACK+DECKER 18V Cordless Drill Driver | £35 | 4.6/5 | 1,977 | 82/100 |
Cordless Drills Buying Guide — What to Look For
Combi drill or drill driver?
A drill driver handles drilling and screwdriving, which covers most household jobs. A combi drill adds a hammer action for drilling into brick and masonry, which matters if you're putting up shelves on a solid wall. If you only ever drill into wood or plasterboard, a basic drill driver will do the job and cost less.
Battery voltage and runtime
Most home-use cordless drills run on 18V batteries, which gives a good balance of power and weight. Two batteries are handy so one can charge while you use the other, especially for longer jobs. Don't assume a higher voltage number always means more power in practice, as battery quality and motor efficiency matter just as much.
Chuck size and build quality
Check the chuck size, which determines the largest drill bit you can fit. Most DIY drills use a 10mm or 13mm chuck, with 13mm giving you a bit more flexibility for bigger bits. A metal chuck tends to hold bits more securely over time than a plastic one, which is worth checking if you'll be using the drill often.
Weight and comfort
A drill that feels fine in the shop can feel heavy after twenty minutes of overhead drilling. Lighter drills are easier on the wrist and shoulder, particularly for ceiling or awkward-angle jobs. If possible, try holding a similar model before buying, or check reviews for comments on weight and balance.
Our Final Verdict
For most people, the BLACK+DECKER 18V Cordless Hammer Drill at £38 is the one to buy, thanks to its low price, hammer action, and a huge track record of happy buyers.
If you want a drill built to last with a trusted professional brand behind it, the Makita 18 V Cordless Combi Drill at £194 is worth the extra spend.