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Buying guide

Best cordless drill drivers

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

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Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    Bosch GSR 18V-110 C: 110 Nm brushless with Bluetooth

    The listing gives 110 Nm maximum torque from a brushless motor.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Best value

    Bosch GSR 12V-15: 30 Nm kit with two packs and bits

    The listing gives a 169 mm head length for overhead and tight space work.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

  • Most features

    DeWalt DCD803: 73 Nm with four interchangeable heads

    Four heads are listed: right angle, offset, metal chuck and quick release bit holder.

    Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

A drill driver is a combi drill without the hammer action. That makes it shorter and usually lighter, and for most work in timber, metal, plasterboard and flat pack furniture it does everything a combi does. If you rarely drill brick, or you already own an SDS drill for masonry, a drill driver is often the better everyday tool. The things that separate them are maximum torque for large bits and long screws, the chuck, whether the motor is brushless and what comes in the box. Some models here are bare units, which only make sense if you already own the brand's batteries. This guide compares 12 V and 18 V drill drivers from Bosch, HiKOKI, DeWalt, Milwaukee and Makita using the facts in each listing. Multi head models get credit for reaching into cabinets and between joists, where a standard drill body will not fit.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · Bosch Professional

Bosch GSR 18V-110 C: 110 Nm brushless with Bluetooth

Bosch's most powerful 18 V drill driver, with 110 Nm, a brushless motor and a full metal chuck. Ideal for Bosch Professional users who want big torque without a hammer.

In its favour

  • The listing gives 110 Nm maximum torque from a brushless motor.
  • A full metal chuck is listed for durability on demanding site work.
  • Optional Bluetooth connectivity lets you adjust tool settings from a smartphone.

Good to know

  • Sold without battery or charger, so it suits existing Bosch 18 V owners.
  • The listed weight of 2 kg is heavy for a drill driver used overhead.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless Drill Driver GSR 18V-110 C (inc...

No. 2 · HIKOKI

HiKOKI DS18DC: 140 Nm kit with two 5.0 Ah batteries

A complete HiKOKI 18 V drill driver kit with 140 Nm, RFC kickback control and two 5.0 Ah packs. A ready to work choice for anyone starting on a platform.

In its favour

  • The listing states 140 Nm of torque, the highest of any drill driver here.
  • Reactive Force Control stops the motor if the bit binds suddenly.
  • Two 5.0 Ah batteries, a quick charger and a carrying case are included.

Good to know

  • The listing does not state the number of clutch settings.
  • A kit with two large packs makes this the most costly way into the guide.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link

Listing title: HiKOKI Cordless Drill Driver - 18V, 140Nm Torque, Brushless Motor, RFC...

No. 3 · DEWALT

DeWalt DCD803: 73 Nm with four interchangeable heads

A DeWalt 18 V XR multi-head drill driver with a metal chuck, quick release bit holder, offset head and right angle head. Made for fitters working in tight spaces.

In its favour

  • Four heads are listed: right angle, offset, metal chuck and quick release bit holder.
  • The listing gives 73 Nm maximum torque from a brushless motor.
  • A two speed all metal transmission and LED work light are included.

Good to know

  • The listing does not include a battery or charger.
  • Heads add bulk to the kit, and the organiser is one more thing to carry.
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Listing title: 18V XR Multi-Head Drill Driver, 4 Heads, DCD803KN-XJ - Power Source Ty...

No. 4 · Bosch Professional

Bosch GSR 12V-15: 30 Nm kit with two packs and bits

A compact Bosch 12 V drill driver kit with a 169 mm head length, two batteries and a 39 piece accessory set. It suits home users and second fix work.

In its favour

  • The listing gives a 169 mm head length for overhead and tight space work.
  • Supplied with a 2.0 Ah and a 4.0 Ah battery, charger and a 39 piece bit set.
  • Electronic Cell Protection guards the battery against overload and deep discharge.

Good to know

  • At 30 Nm it will struggle with large spade bits in hardwood.
  • Wood drilling capacity is listed at 10 mm, well below the 18 V models.
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Listing title: Bosch Professional 12V System GSR 12V-15 cordless drill driver (39-pie...

No. 5 · Milwaukee

Milwaukee M12FDDX: 12 V 4 in 1 installation drill kit

A Milwaukee M12 Fuel installation drill driver with a removable chuck system and four heads, two 2 Ah batteries and a charger. Built for awkward fitting work.

In its favour

  • Four interchangeable heads, including offset and right angle style attachments, reach where other drills cannot.
  • Two speeds and up to 1,600 rpm are listed, with overload protection.
  • Two REDLITHIUM 2 Ah batteries and a charger come in the kit.

Good to know

  • There is no hammer mode, so it is not for drilling brick or block.
  • 34 Nm and a 10 mm chuck limit larger bits.
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Listing title: M12FDDXKIT-202X 12V 2x2.0Ah M12 Fuel 4in1 Drill Driver Kit

No. 6 · Makita

Makita DDF458Z: 18 V body with 21 clutch settings

A Makita 18 V LXT drill driver body with 21 torque settings, a twin LED light and a battery fuel gauge. A sensible add on for owners of Makita LXT batteries.

In its favour

  • The listing gives 21 torque settings plus a drill mode for fine screw control.
  • Wood capacity of 65 mm and steel capacity of 13 mm are stated.
  • A twin LED job light and battery fuel gauge are listed.

Good to know

  • Body only, with no battery, charger or case in the box.
  • The listing does not give a clear torque figure in newton metres.
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Listing title: DDF458Z 18V Li-Ion Drill Driver - Batteries and Charger Not Included S...

More buying guides: Combi drills

Drill and Bit chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.