Best Cordless Drill Under £150
Finding a cordless drill that balances power, battery life, and build quality without exceeding £150 is a sweet spot for DIYers and semi-professionals. We have compared specs, battery ecosystems, and owner reviews to find the best value models available today.
Quick answer
The Milwaukee M18 FDD2-0X is the best overall cordless drill under £150 for its brute force and build quality. For budget-conscious buyers, the Ryobi One+ HP 18V offers incredible value and a massive tool ecosystem, while the DeWalt DCD796 is the best all-rounder for reliability and power.
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.
Milwaukee M18 FDD2-0X
Highest torque and build quality in the price bracket.
| Product | Best For | Max Torque | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee M18 FDD2-0X | Overall Power | 115 Nm | 4.7/5 | Check |
| DeWalt DCD796 | All-Rounder | 70 Nm | 4.6/5 | Check |
| Makita DF333D | Compact & Light | 40 Nm | 4.5/5 | Check |
| Bosch PS31-2A | Precision Driving | 30 Nm | 4.4/5 | Check |
| Ryobi One+ HP 18V | Best Value | 50 Nm | 4.3/5 | Check |
Milwaukee M18 FDD2-0X
Best OverallPros
- Class-leading torque for heavy duty work
- All-metal chuck and gearbox
- Excellent build quality and durability
Cons
- Bare unit only, battery sold separately
- Heavier than compact competitors
The Milwaukee M18 FDD2-0X is a brute of a drill that punches well above its price point. With a maximum torque of 115 Nm, it can handle large auger bits and mixing attachments that would stall lesser drills. Owner reviews consistently praise its all-metal chuck and the smooth, powerful motor that delivers consistent power even under load.
The main drawback is that it comes as a bare tool, meaning you need to invest in the M18 battery system separately. However, if you already own Milwaukee tools or want a drill that will last for years of heavy use, this is the best cordless drill under £150 for raw power and reliability.
DeWalt DCD796
Best All-RounderPros
- Great balance of power and weight
- Brushless motor for longer runtime
- Comfortable rubber grip
Cons
- Chuck can slip on very smooth bits
- Battery indicator not always accurate
The DeWalt DCD796 is the drill that does everything well. It has a brushless motor that delivers 70 Nm of torque, which is more than enough for drilling into masonry, timber, and metal. The two-speed gearbox gives you control for both delicate screwdriving and high-speed drilling. Owner reviews highlight its comfortable grip and the fact that it comes with two 2.0Ah batteries in many kits.
It is slightly less powerful than the Milwaukee, but it is lighter and often comes in a kit with batteries and a case. This makes it a better choice for someone starting their tool collection. The DeWalt 18V XR system is also one of the most reliable and widely available battery platforms.
Makita DF333D
Best Compact & LightPros
- Extremely lightweight and compact
- Excellent for overhead work
- Smooth variable speed trigger
Cons
- Lower torque for heavy drilling
- Plastic chuck feels less premium
The Makita DF333D is the drill you reach for when you need to work in tight spaces or all day without fatigue. At just 1.2 kg with a battery, it is the lightest drill in this roundup. It is perfect for assembling furniture, driving screws into softwood, and light DIY tasks. Owner reviews often mention how comfortable it is to hold and how precise the trigger control is.
The trade-off is lower torque compared to the Milwaukee and DeWalt. It will struggle with large hole saws or thick masonry bits. It also uses a plastic chuck, which is fine for light use but not as durable as metal. If you mainly do light to medium DIY, this is the best cordless drill under £150 for comfort and portability.
Bosch PS31-2A
Best Precision DrivingPros
- Ultra-compact pistol grip design
- Excellent for delicate screwdriving
- Very affordable price point
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy drilling
- 10mm chuck limits bit size
The Bosch PS31-2A is a 12V drill that excels at precision tasks. Its compact size and lightweight design (0.9 kg) make it perfect for driving screws into cabinets, assembling flat-pack furniture, and working in tight spots. The two-speed gearbox and adjustable clutch give you excellent control to avoid stripping screws. Owner reviews consistently praise its ergonomics and ease of use.
It is not a heavy-duty drill. The 30 Nm torque and 10mm chuck mean it is not suitable for drilling large holes or into masonry. However, if your primary need is a precise screwdriver that can handle light drilling, this is the best cordless drill under £150 for the job. It is also a great second drill for fine work.
Ryobi One+ HP 18V
Best ValuePros
- Excellent value for money
- Massive One+ battery ecosystem
- Brushless motor for efficiency
Cons
- Build quality not as premium as Milwaukee
- Chuck can be slightly loose over time
The Ryobi One+ HP 18V is the best cordless drill under £150 for those on a tight budget who still want respectable performance. It features a brushless motor that delivers 50 Nm of torque, which is enough for most DIY tasks. The real selling point is the Ryobi One+ ecosystem, which includes over 200 tools that all use the same battery. Owner reviews often mention the incredible value of the kits that include two batteries and a charger.
It is not as powerful or as well-built as the Milwaukee or DeWalt, but it is significantly cheaper. The metal chuck is a nice touch at this price point. If you are starting your tool collection and want a drill that can handle general DIY while keeping costs low, the Ryobi is the smart choice.
What to check before buying a cordless drill under £150
Choosing the right drill involves more than just looking at the price tag. The key specifications to consider are torque, battery voltage, and chuck size. Torque, measured in Newton-metres (Nm), determines how much twisting force the drill can apply. For general DIY, 40-50 Nm is sufficient, but for drilling into masonry or using large bits, you will want 70 Nm or more.
Battery voltage is also critical. 18V drills offer the best balance of power and runtime for the price. Look for brushless motors, which are more efficient and last longer than brushed motors. The chuck size should ideally be 13mm (1/2 inch) to accept standard drill bits. Finally, consider the battery ecosystem. Sticking with a brand like DeWalt, Makita, or Ryobi allows you to expand your tool collection later without buying new batteries.
Mistakes to avoid when buying a budget cordless drill
A common mistake is buying a drill based solely on the highest advertised voltage without checking the torque rating. A poorly designed 18V drill can be weaker than a quality 12V model. Another mistake is ignoring the battery system. Buying a drill from a brand with a limited tool range can lock you into an expensive ecosystem.
Many buyers also overlook the importance of the chuck. A plastic chuck may save weight, but it is less durable and can slip under heavy load. Always check if the chuck is metal and keyless for convenience. Finally, do not assume a higher price always means better quality. Some premium brands charge a lot for bare tools, while Ryobi and Bosch offer excellent value kits that include batteries and a case.
FAQs
Is 18V better than 12V for a cordless drill?
18V drills generally offer more torque and runtime, making them better for heavy-duty tasks. 12V drills are lighter and more compact, ideal for precision work and tight spaces.
What does brushless mean in a drill?
A brushless motor uses electronic commutation instead of physical brushes, making it more efficient, powerful, and durable. It also provides longer runtime from the same battery.
Can I use a cordless drill for masonry?
Yes, but you need a drill with a hammer function and masonry bits. For frequent masonry work, look for a drill with at least 70 Nm of torque.
What is the best cordless drill under £150 for a beginner?
The Ryobi One+ HP 18V is the best choice for beginners due to its low price, good performance, and access to a huge tool ecosystem.
How long do cordless drill batteries last?
Lithium-ion batteries typically last 2-4 years with regular use. The number of charge cycles is usually between 300 and 500 before capacity significantly drops.
Is a metal chuck better than a plastic one?
Yes, metal chucks are more durable and grip drill bits more securely under heavy load. Plastic chucks are lighter but can wear out or slip over time.
What does torque (Nm) mean for a drill?
Torque is the twisting force the drill can apply. Higher Nm means the drill can drive larger screws and drill bigger holes without stalling.
Can I use a drill as a screwdriver?
Yes, most drills have an adjustable clutch that prevents over-tightening screws. For precision work, a dedicated impact driver is better, but a drill works fine for general use.
What is the difference between a drill and an impact driver?
A drill is for drilling holes and driving screws with a clutch. An impact driver uses concussive force for driving long screws into hard materials but is not for drilling.
Are Milwaukee drills worth the extra money?
Yes, for heavy use. Milwaukee drills offer the highest torque and build quality, making them a good investment for serious DIYers or tradespeople.
Do all 18V batteries fit all 18V tools?
No, batteries are brand-specific. A DeWalt battery will not fit a Makita tool. Stick to one brand's ecosystem to ensure compatibility.
What is the best cordless drill under £150 for heavy duty work?
The Milwaukee M18 FDD2-0X is the best for heavy duty work due to its 115 Nm torque and all-metal construction.
Our verdict
For the best overall cordless drill under £150, the Milwaukee M18 FDD2-0X is unmatched in power and build quality. If you need a complete kit with batteries, the DeWalt DCD796 is the best all-rounder. For budget-conscious buyers, the Ryobi One+ HP 18V offers incredible value and a massive tool ecosystem, making it the best choice for beginners.