best electric screwdriver

Best Cordless Electric Screwdriver Reviews UK 2023 – Top 7 Picks

Last Updated on January 10, 2023

Our Favourites

Editor’s Choice: Bosch IXO
Luxury Choice: Bosch PSB 1800 LI-2
13-Piece Kit Choice: Terratek 13-Piece Combi Drill

Cordless power tools are crucial for almost any DIY project in and around the home. The lack of a cord tethering you to a wall means you have the freedom to move about and reach awkward places without restrictions, while also lessening the risk of trips and accidents. The best electric screwdriver is an important part of any tool kit.

Whether you’re looking for a lightweight all-rounder for household projects or a heavy-duty electric screwdriver for day-to-day work, our top 7 cordless screwdriver reviews contain all you need to know to enable you to pick the right choice for your individual requirements. So, read on to find out what to look out for and which model we recommend as the best cordless screwdriver.

How We Compared Cordless Electric Screwdrivers

To find the right cordless electric screwdrivers we considered multiple factors including:

  • Torque
  • Maximum speed
  • Variable speed
  • Battery life
  • Battery level indicator
  • Accessories
  • Carry case

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

To find out more about our process please see here.

Best Electric Screwdriver Reviews – Top 7 Picks

1. Bosch IXO (Editor’s Choice)

bosch-ixo

If you’re looking for a lightweight, handy electric screwdriver for DIY and other home projects, then the IXO Bosch Cordless Screwdriver makes an excellent choice.

Its compact size makes it ideal for getting into tight spaces and it even has an integrated worklight so you can clearly see where you’re screwing even with suboptimal lighting. It has torque of 4.5 Nm and can go as fast as 215 rpm. These are more than adequate for your average screwdriver tasks around the home. With its USB charger and an impressive three-hour lithium-ion charging time, the Bosch IXO is ready to go where you are and will hold its charge for a considerable amount of time.

Complete with a robust metal carry case and 10 high-quality standard bits, the IXO has everything you need to get started right away. However, bear in mind that as this cordless screwdriver does not have adjustable torque settings, it is less suited to any heavy-duty projects.

It does make an excellent choice for all light DIY work. Although, we would have preferred it to have magnetic bits. Also, the direction switch is located slightly awkwardly on top of the driver so you cannot easily reach it with your thumb.

 

Pros:

  • 4.5 Nm maximum torque
  • 10 standard driver bits included
  • Reaches up to a maximum of 215 rpm
  • Fast three hour USB charger
  • Metal carry case
  • With auto spindle lock
  • 3-hour lithium-ion battery

Cons:

  • Non-adjustable torque settings
  • Non-magnetic bits
  • Direction switch on top

2. Bosch PSB 1800 LI-2 (Luxury Choice)

bosch-psb1800-li-2

If you need the best screwdriver, then take a look at the Bosch PSB 1800. It comes with 20 pre-selectable torque settings with a maximum of 38 Nm plus a drill and hammer drill setting, making it an ideal companion for your DIY needs.

With its high-performance two-speed gearbox and variable speed up to 1350 rpm, this cordless screwdriver will make light work of all of your screwing tasks. Thanks to its two 18V lithium-ion batteries, complete with a rapid one-hour charger, this electric cordless screwdriver is ideal for long tasks requiring a lot of battery power. It is also part of the Bosch 18V range, so you can use the two included batteries with your other Bosch tools in the same range.

While this cordless screwdriver is suitable for a wide range of projects, note that it is easy to accidentally hit reverse when using it. Also, its performance with long screws is less satisfactory and while the drill settings are useful for very light work, as a drill, this model tends to overheat very easily when used on tough materials.

 

Pros:

  • 20 pre-selectable settings
  • Reaches up to a maximum of 1350 rpm
  • Two-speed gearbox
  • One hour charger
  • Two 18V batteries included
  • With auto spindle lock
  • Li ion battery

Cons:

  • Easy to accidentally hit reverse
  • Overheats when you drill tough materials
  • Less suitable for longer screws

3. Terratek 13-Piece Combi Drill (Best 13-Piece Kit)

terratek-13-piece-combi-drill

Boasting a reliable Li-Ion power, the Terratek 18V cordless drill and its 13-piece kit have everything you need to tackle a wide range of jobs. The device is always ready for use, with a variable speed pressure trigger that can drive your drill all the way up to 650 RPM.

For even greater control, you can choose between 16 different torque settings. This tool is ideal for a range of materials – from wood and plastic to metal and ceramic.

Not only is the Terratek powerful, but it’s ergonomic, too. Designed to give you more comfort as you work, the soft grip provides a higher level of tool management. What’s more, you get a 2-year guarantee included for peace of mind. Included with your drill is a range of accessories such as a magnet holder, 6 drill bits, and various screwdriver attachments.

For a reliable, easy to use, and excellent device perfect for tackling a selection of jobs, this rechargeable screwdriver makes a wise choice. Just note that some reviews suggested that not all of the accessories were included in the box they got. Additionally, there’s no carry case and some of the drive bits aren’t as durable as they should be.

 

Pros:

  • 13-piece accessory kit
  • Variable speed pressure trigger
  • 650 RPM drill
  • Soft grip for ergonomic comfort

Cons:

  • Drill bits are a little cheap
  • Some accessories might be missing from the delivery
  • No carry case

4. Makita DF001DW (Best for Simple Tasks)

makita-df001dw

This electric screwdriver by Makita is a great value cordless screwdriver that comes complete with a carry case and an 81-piece high-quality bit set. This makes it an ideal choice for light DIY projects around your home, especially if you do not already have any drill bit.

It has a torque of four Nm, has forward and reverse modes and can go as fast as 220 rpm. This electric screwdriver with spindle lock is perfect for common household screwdriver tasks such as flat-pack furniture assembly. The LED light is a nice extra addition that improves precision even in suboptimal lighting conditions.

Compact in size and lightweight, you won’t struggle with arm and hand fatigue even when using this cordless screwdriver over long periods. However, as there is no charging light, you cannot tell when the battery is at full capacity. As this model does not have adjustable torque settings or variable speed, you may find that you would be better off with a different model for anything more complex than flat-pack furniture assembly.

 

Pros:

  • Four Nm torque
  • Reaches up to a maximum of 220 rpm
  • Built-in LED light
  • Forward and reverse modes
  • Carry case and 81-piece bit set
  • With spindle lock
  • Li ion battery

Cons:

  • Non-variable torque settings
  • No charging light
  • You can’t adjust how fast it runs

5. NoCry 10 N.m (Most Powerful)

nocry-10n-m

With six settings and a maximum of 10 Nm of torque, as well as variable speeds up to 230 rpm, this cordless screwdriver by NoCry is suitable for a wide variety of household DIY tasks.

It comes complete with 30 drill bits and two extensions, making it an ideal choice if you’re a first-time DIYer. It is also a great budget screwdriver at a low price. Its built-in LED light and battery level indicator are useful which will make any project go with greater ease.

However, be aware that the quality of the bits provided is not the very best and you may need to replace them for any serious tasks. Also, the screw bit can detach a little too easily from the screwdriver, so you’ll need to be careful. Lastly, according to some cordless screwdriver reviews, there is no storage case included with this model, although at such a low price this isn’t really a major concern.

 

Pros:

  • 10 Nm torque with six settings
  • Reaches up to a maximum of 230 rpm
  • 30 drill bits and two extensions included
  • Battery charge indicator
  • Built-in LED light
  • The battery is lithium ion

Cons:

  • Screw bit detaches too easily
  • No storage case
  • Poor quality bits

6. Terratek 3.6V (Best Value)

terratek-3-6v

This low price pistol grip cordless screwdriver by Terratek is ideal if you struggle using a manual driver or would like things done a little faster. Goin s fast as 180 rpm, this budget-priced lithium-ion rechargeable screwdriver could be just what you’re looking for.

Having variable speed forward and reverse modes, it’s a great help when constructing flat-pack furniture or any other light household DIY tasks with predrilled holes. Its huge 102-piece accessory kit and carry case make this screwdriver a good choice if you’re new to DIY and don’t already have the necessary accessories. Thanks to its battery indicator lights, you can easily see when this Terratek cordless screwdriver is running low on charge.

Unfortunately, this cordless screwdriver’s low torque level means that you may struggle with all but the very lightest of projects having just 2.5 Nm torque. Apart from this, there are just two minor issues, namely the position of the forward and reverse button which makes it very easy to accidentally switch modes and the LED work light which is not correctly aligned.

 

Pros:

  • Reaches up to a maximum of 180 rpm
  • With lithium-ion battery level indicator lights
  • Variable speed
  • Forward and reverse modes
  • 102-piece drill and screw accessory kit plus carry case

Cons:

  • 5 Nm torque
  • Easy to knock into reverse
  • Worklight is not correctly aligned

7. Hi-Spec 4.8V (Best Lightweight)

hi-spec-4-8v

Looking for a compact cordless screwdriver for odd jobs around your home? This inexpensive pistol grip power screwdriver by Hi-Spec could be just what you’re looking for.

Small in size and low in weight, this rechargeable screwdriver has a maximum of two Nm of torque, making it suitable for light household tasks such as flat-pack furniture assembly. It also works great if you have limited mobility and you don’t want to put any additional stress on your wrists which can happen when you use a manual driver. Having forward and reverse modes, a battery level indicator and a 26-piece accessory kit, this miniature cordless screwdriver would make a handy addition to any household for very light day-to-day maintenance tasks.

Complete with a magnetic bit holder for rapid changing, this lithium-ion rechargeable screwdriver is extremely easy to use. However, you should be aware that there have been some durability issues with this model. Although given its incredibly low price, you’re still sure to get great value for money. Note that there is no carry case and you can’t adjust how fast it runs. For anything other than the easiest of jobs, you’d be better off with a more substantial power screwdriver.

 

Pros:

  • Two Nm torque
  • Forward and reverse modes
  • Magnetic bit holder
  • Battery level indicator
  • 26-piece accessory kit
  • The battery is lithium-ion

Cons:

  • No carry case
  • You can’t adjust how fast it runs
  • Durability issues

Benefits of A Cordless Screwdriver

a woman fixing bolts

Using a cordless screwdriver has plenty of benefits over a traditional manual driver. Here are some of the main advantages of using a rechargeable power tool.

Save Time

Using an electric screwdriver over a manual driver will save you a huge amount of time, especially when you have a large number of screws to fit. Whether you are looking to assemble flat-pack furniture or to put up fixtures and fittings around your home, using a power screwdriver is an excellent time-saver.

Less Effort

When you have numerous screws to fit in, it’s surprising the amount of effort it takes even with pre-drilled holes. By comparison, simply pressing on the trigger of a cordless screwdriver is virtually effortless.

Inexpensive

Compared to other household power tools like hammer drills, cordless drills, circular saws and multi tools, electric screwdrivers are relatively inexpensive. While you can pay more for larger drill driver models, often a compact screwdriver at a low price will more than suffice for most light DIY tasks.

Versatile

Electric screwdrivers are extremely versatile and can be used for a whole range of DIY projects and routine home maintenance. As they are compact and easy to use, they’re often preferable to using a large drill driver for small tasks.

Convenient

Thanks to their lightweight and compact size, not to mention the lack of trailing wires or the freedom that comes from battery power, a cordless screwdriver is a powerful tool that is extremely convenient to use. Simply charge yours up and it will be ready to go whenever and wherever you need to use it.

Ergonomic

Lightweight, simple to manoeuvre with a comfortable pistol grip, electric screwdrivers are easy to use and won’t make your hand and wrist ache as a manual screwdriver would. Thanks to their comfortable ergonomic grip, electric screwdrivers are ideal if you suffer from hand problems like carpal tunnel, but want to maintain your independence around the home.

How To Choose The Best Cordless Screwdriver

carpenter-installing-a-door-lock

When you’re looking for the best cordless screwdriver, there are plenty of features you should be on the lookout for. Here’s our guide to some of the most important screwdriver features, to help you to choose the model that’s suited to your needs.

Torque

Torque is a measure of power. The higher it is, the more twisting power your screwdriver will have. It is measured in Newton Metres (Nm), so the higher the Nm figure, the more powerful your cordless screwdriver is when turning your screws. Bear in mind that variable torque can be useful.

For many common household projects, you will only require a small amount of torque. However, if you can vary the amount, you will be able to complete lighter tasks more easily on a lower setting and progress to tasks requiring more power using the higher settings.

Maximum Speed

Screwdriver speed is measured in Revolutions Per Minute (rpm). A cordless screwdriver that runs higher is going to be much faster on tasks with a lot of screws.

Variable Speed

While being fast is good, you may sometimes find that you actually get better project output using slower speeds if more precision is required. Hence, it may be important to purchase a screwdriver with different speeds. Some jobs that are tricky or involve fragile materials may require slower speeds to ensure that you don’t cause any damage.

Battery Life

When you’re looking for a cordless screwdriver, you should pay close attention to what kind of battery is included. Check on the availability of purchasing a spare battery in case you decide you’ll need one at a later date. Some batteries are compatible with certain ranges of power tools, so check before you purchase if the model in question can be used with other devices from the same brand that you already own.

You should also pay attention to the estimated battery charging times and charging methods. As lithium-ion electric screwdrivers are generally compact and lightweight, you may be interested in a model with a USB battery charger, allowing you to plug it in around your home just like your smartphone or any other compact electrical device.

Battery Level Indicator

Whether or not you’re intending upon using your electric screwdriver frequently, a battery level indicator is extremely useful to have. Not only will you know whether or not you’ll have enough charge to take on that job you’ve been meaning to do but you will also know when to charge your cordless screwdriver.

Accessories

As we have seen in our screwdriver reviews, some cordless screwdrivers come with a huge array of accessories. While they can be extremely useful if you’re new to DIY and don’t already have any screwdriver bit set, be careful not to get too taken away with the accessories themselves and have them cloud your judgement of the screwdriver itself.

Some manufacturers include extremely useful, high-quality screwdriver bits, others will need replacing for any extended period of use. So, make sure you focus primarily upon the screwdriver itself, then assess the quality and usefulness of any extra accessories before you make your purchase.

Carry Case

Carry cases are extremely useful to have as it keeps your electric screwdriver safe and protected. While not essential, they also make your compact cordless screwdriver easier to find and are a great place to store all your screwdriver bits so that they won’t get lost.

Conclusion

Finding the best electric screwdriver for your needs can be complicated with so many excellent cordless screwdrivers on the market. Any of our electric screwdriver reviews above could be the right choice for you depending on your needs. However, after considering all of the above models, we think the best cordless screwdriver is the Bosch IXO Cordless Screwdriver.

With its 215 rpm maximum speed and 4.5 Nm max torque, this rechargeable power tool has all the power you’ll need for standard tasks around your home. It also comes with a durable metal carry case and 10 high-quality, standard screwdriver bits, so you’ll have everything you need to get started as well as quality bits that won’t immediately need replacing. The fast, three-hour USB charger adds to this excellent model’s usability and convenience, making it our overall best cordless screwdriver.

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