Best Cordless Drill Under £100
Finding a reliable cordless drill under £100 that balances power, battery life, and build quality is easier than ever. We have compared the top models from leading brands to help you choose the best value for your DIY and home projects.
Quick answer
For the best all-round performance under £100, the Bosch UniversalImpact 18V delivers excellent torque, a compact design, and a robust battery system. If you need maximum power for heavy-duty tasks, the Einhell TE-CD 18/40 Li-i is the unbeatable budget champion.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Tested on specs (power, torque, PSI)
- Battery & ecosystem compared
- Aggregated owner reviews
- Build quality & warranty checked
- Brand reliability
- No fake hands-on claims
Research updated June 2026.
Bosch UniversalImpact 18V
Perfect balance of power, ergonomics, and battery ecosystem.
| Product | Best For | Max Torque | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch UniversalImpact 18V | Overall / DIY | 30 Nm | 4.6/5 | £80-95 |
| Einhell TE-CD 18/40 Li-i | Heavy Duty / Budget | 40 Nm | 4.4/5 | £55-70 |
| DeWalt DCD771C2 | Reliability | 28 Nm | 4.5/5 | £90-100 |
| Makita DF333D | Compact / Lightweight | 30 Nm | 4.5/5 | £85-100 |
| Ryobi R18PD3 | Value / Ecosystem | 28 Nm | 4.3/5 | £65-80 |
Bosch UniversalImpact 18V
Best OverallPros
- Excellent build quality and ergonomics
- Powerful impact function for masonry
- Compact and lightweight design
Cons
- Battery capacity is modest for heavy use
- Charger is slow
The Bosch UniversalImpact 18V is a standout performer in the sub-£100 category. It combines a compact motor housing with a reliable 30 Nm of torque, making it ideal for drilling into wood, metal, and even light masonry. Owner reviews consistently praise its comfortable grip and low vibration levels, which reduce fatigue during longer tasks.
The included 1.5 Ah battery is fine for most DIY jobs, but heavy users may want to invest in a larger PowerForAll battery later. The keyless chuck holds bits securely, and the 20+1 clutch settings provide precise control for screwdriving. It is a fantastic entry point into the Bosch 18V system.
Einhell TE-CD 18/40 Li-i
Best Heavy Duty / BudgetPros
- Highest torque in class at 40 Nm
- Great value for money
- Includes two 2.0 Ah batteries
Cons
- Plastic chuck can feel less premium
- Heavier than competitors
The Einhell TE-CD 18/40 Li-i is the budget king for raw power. With a maximum torque of 40 Nm, it outperforms many drills costing twice as much. It is perfect for driving large screws into dense wood or using hole saws, tasks that would stall lesser drills.
It comes with two 2.0 Ah batteries and a charger, which is excellent for the price. The build is functional rather than premium, with a plastic chuck that works reliably. It is heavier than the Bosch, but the extra grunt is worth it for demanding DIYers who need maximum power on a budget.
DeWalt DCD771C2
Best ReliabilityPros
- Legendary DeWalt build quality
- Excellent warranty and support
- Strong brand ecosystem
Cons
- Torque is lower than some rivals
- Battery capacity is basic
The DeWalt DCD771C2 is a no-nonsense workhorse from a brand trusted by professionals. While its 28 Nm torque is not class-leading, the motor delivers consistent power and the drill feels very solid. Owner reviews highlight its durability, with many units lasting years of regular use.
The kit includes a single 1.5 Ah battery and a charger. It is a good choice if you plan to expand into the DeWalt 18V system later, as the batteries are compatible with a vast range of tools. The rubber overmold provides a secure grip, and the two-speed gearbox covers most DIY needs effectively.
Makita DF333D
Best Compact / LightweightPros
- Very compact and lightweight
- Excellent build quality from Makita
- Smooth variable speed trigger
Cons
- No impact function
- Battery capacity is small
The Makita DF333D is the most compact drill in this roundup, weighing just 1.1 kg. Its small size makes it perfect for working in tight spaces like cabinets or lofts. Despite its size, it delivers a respectable 30 Nm of torque, enough for most drilling and screwdriving tasks.
It lacks a hammer action, so it is not ideal for masonry. However, for wood and metal work, it is a joy to use. The build quality is typical Makita, with precise fit and finish. It is a great option for users who prioritise ergonomics and portability over raw power.
Ryobi R18PD3
Best Value / EcosystemPros
- Excellent value for money
- Huge Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem
- Good ergonomics
Cons
- Build quality is not as premium
- Torque is average for the class
The Ryobi R18PD3 is the gateway to the massive Ryobi ONE+ battery system, which includes over 200 tools. For the price, you get a capable drill with 28 Nm of torque, a two-speed gearbox, and a comfortable grip. It is a solid performer for general DIY tasks like assembling furniture or drilling into softwood.
The build quality is good but not exceptional, with some plastic components that feel less durable than the Bosch or DeWalt. However, the value proposition is strong, especially if you plan to buy other Ryobi tools. The included 1.5 Ah battery is fine for light use, and larger batteries are affordable.
What to Check Before Buying a Cordless Drill Under £100
When shopping in this price bracket, focus on torque, battery system, and build quality. Torque, measured in Newton metres (Nm), determines how easily the drill can drive screws or drill into tough materials. A minimum of 25 Nm is good for general DIY, while 30+ Nm is better for heavy tasks.
The battery system is critical. Consider the brand's ecosystem, as you may want to buy more tools later. Brands like Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, and Ryobi offer extensive ranges. Also check the battery capacity (Ah), as a higher number means longer runtime. Most drills under £100 come with a 1.5 Ah or 2.0 Ah battery, which is fine for light to moderate use.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Budget Drill
Do not ignore the chuck quality. A metal chuck is more durable than a plastic one, though plastic chucks are common at this price. Also, avoid drills with very low torque (under 20 Nm) as they will struggle with basic tasks. Finally, do not buy a drill without checking the brand's battery system, as a dead ecosystem can be costly later.
FAQs
Is a cordless drill under £100 good enough for DIY?
Yes, most drills in this range offer sufficient power for drilling into wood, metal, and light masonry, as well as driving screws for furniture assembly and general home repairs.
What is the best cordless drill under £100 for masonry?
The Bosch UniversalImpact 18V is the best choice for masonry due to its effective impact function, which helps drill into brick and block walls.
How much torque do I need in a drill?
For general DIY, 25-30 Nm is sufficient. For heavy tasks like using hole saws or driving large screws, look for 35 Nm or more.
Are Einhell drills any good?
Einhell drills offer excellent value and high torque for the price, making them a great budget option for heavy-duty DIY tasks.
Should I buy a drill with a hammer action?
If you plan to drill into brick or concrete, a hammer action is very useful. For wood and metal only, a standard drill is fine.
What battery voltage is best for a budget drill?
18V is the standard for cordless drills and offers the best balance of power and runtime for DIY use.
Can I use a drill under £100 for screwing into concrete?
Yes, with a hammer drill and a masonry bit, you can screw into concrete, but it will be slow. A dedicated SDS drill is better for frequent concrete work.
How long do budget drill batteries last?
A 1.5 Ah battery typically lasts for 30-60 minutes of continuous light use. Larger batteries provide longer runtime.
Is it worth buying a kit with two batteries?
Yes, a twin-pack is very useful for longer projects as you can charge one while using the other, minimising downtime.
Which brand has the best warranty for budget drills?
DeWalt and Makita offer some of the best warranties, often covering 1-3 years, with good support networks.
Can I use impact driver bits in a cordless drill?
Yes, you can use hex-shank bits in a keyless chuck, but a drill is not as effective as a dedicated impact driver for driving long screws.
What is the lightest cordless drill under £100?
The Makita DF333D is the lightest at 1.1 kg, making it ideal for overhead work and extended use.
Our verdict
For the best all-round cordless drill under £100, the Bosch UniversalImpact 18V wins with its excellent balance of power, ergonomics, and build quality. If your priority is maximum torque on a tight budget, the Einhell TE-CD 18/40 Li-i is the unbeatable budget champion for heavy-duty tasks.