Best cordless drills UK: 6 combi drill kits for home DIY
A good 18V combi drill is the one power tool almost every home needs, and one of the most popular Christmas gifts for DIYers. Here's how to choose, and why the battery platform matters more than the drill.
How we chose: We compared torque, chuck size, motor type, what's in the box (batteries, charger, case) and battery-platform size from manufacturer specs, used independent UK group tests (Auto Express, Which?) and weighed recurring themes in Amazon.co.uk owner reviews. We have not personally tested these products; this is a research-based roundup. Our research process.
Quick picks
- Best overall for DIYBosch AdvancedImpact 18V-80 QuickSnap Combi Drill (1 × 2.5Ah kit)Check price
- Best value BoschBosch EasyImpact 18V-40 Combi Drill (2 × 2.0Ah, case)Check price
- Best for heavier workDeWalt DCD796D2 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill (2 × 2.0Ah)Check price
- Best budget starter kitRyobi ONE+ 18V Combi Drill Starter Kit R18PD3-215GZ (2 × 1.5Ah)Check price
- Best two-tool kitRyobi ONE+ R18PD3RID-213S Combi Drill and Impact Driver Kit (2 × 1.5Ah)Check price
- Best kit with accessoriesEinhell TE-CD 18/40 Li-i Cordless Impact Drill Kit +64 accessories (2 × 2.0Ah)Check price
For putting up shelves, assembling furniture, hanging curtain poles or drilling into brick for a TV bracket, a cordless combi drill is the tool to buy. 'Combi' means it drills, drives screws and has a hammer action for masonry. Drill drivers without hammer action struggle with brick and block walls.
The most important decision isn't actually the drill. It's the battery platform. Batteries are the expensive part, and once you own a couple you'll want to stick with one brand for your sander, jigsaw or hedge trimmer too. Ryobi ONE+, Bosch 18V (Power for All), Einhell Power X-Change, DeWalt XR and Makita LXT all have large ranges.
Comparison table
| Pick | Max torque | Batteries in kit | Motor | Hammer action | Platform | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch AdvancedImpact 18V-80 QuickSnapBest overall for DIY | 82Nm | 1 × 2.5Ah + charger | Brushless | Yes | Bosch 18V / Power for All | Check price |
| Bosch EasyImpact 18V-40Best value Bosch | Check listing (approx. 40Nm) | 2 × 2.0Ah + charger | Brushed | Yes | Bosch 18V / Power for All | Check price |
| DeWalt DCD796D2Best for heavier work | 70Nm (maker spec) | 2 × 2.0Ah + charger | Brushless | Yes | DeWalt 18V XR | Check price |
| Ryobi ONE+ R18PD3 kitBest budget starter kit | 50Nm | 2 × 1.5Ah + charger | Brushed | Yes | Ryobi ONE+ | Check price |
| Ryobi ONE+ drill + impact driverBest two-tool kit | 50Nm drill / 220Nm impact driver | 2 × 1.5Ah + charger | Brushed | Yes (drill) | Ryobi ONE+ | Check price |
| Einhell TE-CD 18/40 Li-i +64Best kit with accessories | 40Nm | 2 × 2.0Ah + charger | Brushed | Yes (impact drill) | Einhell Power X-Change | Check price |
Specs are from manufacturer listings as of 19 October 2026; claimed figures (running costs, runtimes) are the maker’s, not ours. Check the Amazon page for the current price and exact variant before you buy.
The picks in detail
Bosch AdvancedImpact 18V-80 QuickSnap Combi Drill (1 × 2.5Ah kit)
Best for: Keen DIYers who want one powerful, well-designed drill
- Max torque
- 82Nm
- Batteries in kit
- 1 × 2.5Ah + charger
- Motor
- Brushless
- Hammer action
- Yes
- Platform
- Bosch 18V / Power for All
Auto Express placed the AdvancedImpact 18V-80 second in its 2026 group test of ten drills. It praised the 82Nm of torque (the highest in its test) and the QuickSnap system: pull a collar and the 13mm metal chuck comes off, leaving a magnetic bit holder that saves almost 300g for screwdriving. It has a brushless motor, an auxiliary handle for high-torque work, and runs on the Bosch 18V Power for All battery system shared with 10+ brands.
Germany's Stiftung Warentest rated it more modestly, finding its hammer drilling relatively weak. If you drill lots of masonry, a stronger hammer drill may suit you better. This kit has a single 2.5Ah battery, so consider a second battery for longer jobs. It has relatively few Amazon UK ratings so far, but the ones it has are positive.
What owners and reviewers like
- Very high 82Nm torque
- Clever removable chuck (QuickSnap)
- Brushless motor
- Big multi-brand battery system
Watch-outs
- Only one battery in this kit
- Hammer drilling not its strongest point in one independent test
- Few UK owner reviews so far
Check current price on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon.co.uk
Bosch EasyImpact 18V-40 Combi Drill (2 × 2.0Ah, case)
Best for: Occasional DIY: shelves, flat-pack, curtain poles
- Max torque
- Check listing (approx. 40Nm)
- Batteries in kit
- 2 × 2.0Ah + charger
- Motor
- Brushed
- Hammer action
- Yes
- Platform
- Bosch 18V / Power for All
A slim, light combi drill with a 2-speed gearbox, 20 torque settings and a 13mm single-sleeve chuck. Two 2.0Ah batteries come in the case, so one can charge while you use the other. That's handy for occasional DIY and a sensible Christmas present. Owners rate it about 4.7 stars, saying the batteries hold up well and it has enough power for everyday drilling and screwdriving.
The most common complaint is some reports of bits coming loose or sticking in the chuck, so tighten it firmly. It's less powerful than the AdvancedImpact, so for frequent masonry work or big screws step up.
What owners and reviewers like
- Two batteries included
- Light and comfortable
- Same battery system as the AdvancedImpact
- Well rated by owners
Watch-outs
- Some chuck/bit-grip complaints
- Less torque for heavy jobs
- Brushed motor
Check current price on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon.co.uk
DeWalt DCD796D2 18V XR Brushless Combi Drill (2 × 2.0Ah)
Best for: Frequent DIY, brick and block walls, trade-quality build
- Max torque
- 70Nm (maker spec)
- Batteries in kit
- 2 × 2.0Ah + charger
- Motor
- Brushless
- Hammer action
- Yes
- Platform
- DeWalt 18V XR
The DCD796 is a compact brushless combi drill from DeWalt's trade-focused XR range. Owners say it drills brick and concrete easily, charges quickly and is light without feeling flimsy. It's a step up in build from DIY-focused ranges, and the XR battery system covers a wide range of serious tools.
When we checked, Amazon itself wasn't the seller and it was offered by third-party sellers, so check the seller rating and that it's the UK (-GB) kit. A few owners mention battery issues or a flimsy forward/reverse switch. DeWalt batteries also tend to cost more than Ryobi or Einhell.
What owners and reviewers like
- Compact brushless trade-grade drill
- Handles masonry well
- Two batteries
- Wide XR tool range
Watch-outs
- Sold by third parties at the time of checking
- More expensive batteries
- Some switch/battery durability complaints
Check current price on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon.co.uk
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Combi Drill Starter Kit R18PD3-215GZ (2 × 1.5Ah)
Best for: First-time buyers who want the biggest range of cheap add-on tools
- Max torque
- 50Nm
- Batteries in kit
- 2 × 1.5Ah + charger
- Motor
- Brushed
- Hammer action
- Yes
- Platform
- Ryobi ONE+
Ryobi ONE+ is one of the biggest battery platforms going (Ryobi says 100+ compatible home and garden tools), and the R18PD3 kit is one of Amazon UK's most-reviewed drills, with 7,000+ ratings averaging about 4.7 stars. You get 50Nm of torque, 24 torque settings, a 13mm ratcheting chuck and two batteries.
Owners call it extremely good value and plenty for DIY. The small 1.5Ah batteries are the weak point: some find they run down quickly, and a minority report failures within the first year or two. Many people later add a bigger battery for garden tools.
What owners and reviewers like
- Excellent value with two batteries
- Huge ONE+ tool range
- Easy to use
- Very large owner review base
Watch-outs
- Small 1.5Ah batteries
- Mixed durability reports
- Brushed motor, less efficient
Check current price on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon.co.uk
Ryobi ONE+ R18PD3RID-213S Combi Drill and Impact Driver Kit (2 × 1.5Ah)
Best for: Decking, fencing and lots of long screws
- Max torque
- 50Nm drill / 220Nm impact driver
- Batteries in kit
- 2 × 1.5Ah + charger
- Motor
- Brushed
- Hammer action
- Yes (drill)
- Platform
- Ryobi ONE+
If you have a garden project planned (decking, fence panels, a shed), an impact driver makes driving long screws much easier than a drill. This kit pairs the R18PD3 combi drill with Ryobi's RID1801M impact driver (220Nm), so you can keep a drill bit in one and a screwdriver bit in the other. Owners praise how well the pair works for decking.
The same battery caveats apply as for the single drill kit. A few owners report a failing chuck or a battery dying within a year, so keep your receipt and register for Ryobi's warranty.
What owners and reviewers like
- Drill plus impact driver
- Great for decking and fencing
- Shares the big ONE+ platform
- Good value for two tools
Watch-outs
- Small 1.5Ah batteries
- Some durability reports
- More than most people need for flat-pack
Check current price on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon.co.uk
Einhell TE-CD 18/40 Li-i Cordless Impact Drill Kit +64 accessories (2 × 2.0Ah)
Best for: New homeowners who want drill, bits and batteries in one box
- Max torque
- 40Nm
- Batteries in kit
- 2 × 2.0Ah + charger
- Motor
- Brushed
- Hammer action
- Yes (impact drill)
- Platform
- Einhell Power X-Change
Einhell's kit comes with two 2.0Ah Power X-Change batteries, a charger, a case and a 64-piece accessory set, so it's ready to go for a first home or as a gift. It has a 2-speed gearbox, 21 torque settings and a 13mm keyless chuck. Owners rate it about 4.6 stars from 3,000+ ratings and like the accessories and battery life.
40Nm is modest, and owners are mixed on power, so it suits light-to-medium DIY rather than big masonry holes. Power X-Change is a large and generally affordable platform, especially for garden tools.
What owners and reviewers like
- Two batteries plus 64 accessories
- Affordable Power X-Change platform
- Good battery life per owners
- Ready to use out of the box
Watch-outs
- Modest 40Nm torque
- Mixed views on power
- Accessory bits are basic quality
Check current price on Amazon Affiliate link · opens Amazon.co.uk
Combi drill vs drill driver vs impact driver
A drill driver drills and drives screws. A combi drill adds a hammer action for brick and block. An impact driver drives long screws and bolts with far more torque but isn't for drilling holes. For most UK homes with masonry walls, a combi drill is the one to buy first.
Torque and voltage
18V is the standard for home DIY. Torque (Nm) shows how hard it can turn: 40–50Nm is fine for flat-pack, shelves and most screws, while 60–80Nm+ copes better with big holes, long screws and masonry. Auto Express's 2026 test found 82Nm enough to undo some wheel nuts.
Battery capacity (Ah) and two-battery kits
Amp-hours (Ah) are the fuel tank. A 1.5–2Ah battery is light and fine for short jobs, while 4–5Ah lasts much longer but adds weight. Two-battery kits let you keep working while one charges, which is often worth more than a bigger single battery.
Brushless or brushed?
Brushless motors are more efficient (longer runtime per charge), run cooler and usually last longer. Brushed motors are cheaper and perfectly fine for occasional DIY.
Makita
Makita's LXT 18V drills (such as the DHP484 and DHP482) are widely respected for compact size and reliability. When we checked, the Makita kits we looked at were out of stock or only sold as body-only (no battery) on Amazon UK, so we haven't linked one yet. We'll add one when a full kit is reliably available.
Safety
Use the side handle for masonry and high-torque work, wear eye protection, and use a cable and pipe detector before drilling into walls.
FAQs
What's the best cordless drill for home use?
For most people, an 18V combi drill with two batteries. The Bosch EasyImpact 18V-40 or Ryobi R18PD3 kits are good value. For more power and features, the Bosch AdvancedImpact 18V-80 was rated highly in Auto Express's 2026 group test.
Can a cordless drill go through brick?
Yes, if it's a combi (hammer) drill used with a masonry bit on hammer mode. Higher-torque drills and sharp bits make it much easier.
Should I buy a body-only drill?
Only if you already own batteries and a charger from the same platform. Body-only tools look cheap but don't include a battery or charger.
Is Ryobi or Bosch better?
Both are good DIY ranges. Ryobi ONE+ has a very large, affordable tool range. Bosch's 18V Power for All system is shared across several brands and its Advanced line is well regarded. Choose the platform whose other tools you're most likely to buy.
Do you test these drills yourself?
No. This is a research-based roundup built from specs, independent tests and owner-review patterns. See our How We Research page.
Sources we consulted
- Auto Express: best cordless drills 2026 (group test)
- Which?: best cordless drills for DIY
- Stiftung Warentest: Bosch AdvancedImpact 18V-80 QuickSnap (German)
Prices change constantly, so we don’t list them here. Always check the current price, seller and delivery details on Amazon before buying. If anything on this page looks wrong or out of date, tell us.
