Best Cordless Drill Under £50
Finding a reliable cordless drill that doesn't break the bank is tough. We have analysed specs, battery platforms, and owner reviews to find the best cordless drill under £50 for DIYers and light-duty users.
Quick answer
The Bosch Home and Garden EasyDrill 1200 is our top pick for its 30 Nm torque, compact size, and Bosch brand reliability. For the best value on a complete kit with two batteries, the Einhell TE-CD 18/50 Li-i is the clear winner.
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 EasyDrill 1200
Best balance of torque, build quality, and price.
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch EasyDrill 1200 | Overall | 30 Nm | 4.5/5 | Check |
| Einhell TE-CD 18/50 Li-i | Value Kit | 18V / 2 batts | 4.3/5 | Check |
| Ryobi ONE+ 18V | Ecosystem | 18V / 45 Nm | 4.4/5 | Check |
| Black+Decker BDCD12 | Light DIY | 12V / compact | 4.0/5 | Check |
| Draper 18V Combi | Hammer Action | 18V / 28 Nm | 4.1/5 | Check |
Bosch EasyDrill 1200
Best OverallPros
- Excellent build quality for the price
- 30 Nm torque is strong for 12V
- Very lightweight and compact
Cons
- Only one battery in box
- 12V platform limits heavy drilling
The Bosch EasyDrill 1200 is the benchmark for budget cordless drills. It delivers 30 Nm of torque from a 12V lithium-ion battery, which is enough for screwing into softwood, assembling flat-pack furniture, and drilling into plasterboard. Owner reviews consistently praise its ergonomic grip and low vibration levels.
The main trade-off is that it comes with a single 2.0 Ah battery. For most DIY tasks this is sufficient, but heavy users may want a second battery. The Bosch 12V ecosystem is extensive, so upgrading later is easy. It lacks a hammer action, so it is not suitable for masonry.
Einhell TE-CD 18/50 Li-i
Best Value KitPros
- Comes with two batteries and charger
- 50 Nm torque for tougher jobs
- Part of the Power X-Change ecosystem
Cons
- Plastic chuck feels less premium
- Bulkier than 12V options
The Einhell TE-CD 18/50 Li-i is the best value cordless drill under £50 because it includes two 18V batteries and a charger. With 50 Nm of torque, it can handle drilling into softwood and even some light masonry with its hammer action. Owner reviews highlight the long runtime from the dual battery setup.
The build quality is typical for the price point: mostly plastic but functional. The keyless 13mm chuck is adequate for standard bits. The Einhell Power X-Change platform is one of the largest budget ecosystems, meaning you can use these batteries with over 200 other tools.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill
Best EcosystemPros
- Huge ONE+ battery ecosystem
- 45 Nm torque with metal gear housing
- Good ergonomics and trigger control
Cons
- Only one 1.5 Ah battery included
- Battery can be loose in the handle
The Ryobi ONE+ 18V drill is a favourite among DIYers who plan to buy more tools. It delivers 45 Nm of torque from a brushless motor in some models, though the basic brushed version still performs well. Owner reviews note that it handles drilling into timber and metal without stalling.
The included 1.5 Ah battery is small, but Ryobi batteries are widely available and affordable. The drill has a 13mm metal chuck, which is rare at this price point. It lacks a hammer action, so it is not ideal for brick or concrete.
Black+Decker BDCD12
Best Light DIYPros
- Very affordable price point
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Simple to use for beginners
Cons
- Low torque for tougher jobs
- Battery life is limited
The Black+Decker BDCD12 is the cheapest cordless drill on this list, designed for light tasks like hanging pictures, assembling flat-pack furniture, or drilling into plasterboard. It produces only 18 Nm of torque, so it struggles with hardwood or metal. Owner reviews mention it is perfect for quick, small jobs around the house.
The 12V battery is integrated into the handle, making it compact but non-replaceable. The chuck is plastic and only accepts up to 10mm bits. This drill is best for someone who needs a tool for occasional use and does not want to invest in a battery system.
Draper 18V Combi Drill
Best Hammer ActionPros
- Hammer action for masonry
- Variable speed with LED light
- Decent build for the price
Cons
- Torque lower than Einhell
- Single battery included
The Draper 18V Combi Drill is one of the few sub-£50 drills with a hammer action, making it suitable for drilling into brick and light concrete. It produces 28 Nm of torque, which is adequate for general DIY but not for heavy-duty work. Owner reviews mention the LED light is a useful addition for working in dark spaces.
The drill comes with a single 1.5 Ah battery and a charger. The chuck is metal and accepts up to 13mm bits. Draper tools are known for decent reliability at budget prices, though the battery ecosystem is smaller than Einhell or Ryobi.
What to Check Before Buying a Cordless Drill Under £50
Voltage and torque are the most important specs. 12V drills are lighter and cheaper, while 18V models offer more power for drilling into hardwood or metal. Look for at least 25 Nm of torque for general DIY tasks.
Battery ecosystem matters. If you plan to buy more tools, choose a drill from a brand with a wide range of compatible tools, such as Einhell Power X-Change or Ryobi ONE+. A kit with two batteries is better value than a single battery model.
Chuck size and type. A 10mm keyless chuck is standard for 12V drills, while 13mm chucks are found on 18V models. Metal chucks are more durable than plastic ones at this price point.
Mistakes to Avoid
Buying a drill with a hammer action when you only need a driver. Hammer action adds weight and complexity, and the budget versions are often weak. Only pay for it if you actually drill into masonry.
Ignoring the battery. A single 1.5 Ah battery will drain quickly. If you have multiple projects, a two-battery kit or a drill from a brand with affordable spare batteries is a smarter buy.
Choosing based on brand alone. Big brands like DeWalt and Makita offer excellent tools, but their entry-level models under £50 often lack features. Budget brands like Einhell and Draper sometimes offer better specs for the same money.
FAQs
Is a 12V cordless drill enough for DIY?
Yes, a 12V drill with 25-30 Nm of torque is sufficient for assembling furniture, drilling into plasterboard, and light woodwork.
What is the best cordless drill under £50 for masonry?
The Draper 18V Combi Drill is the best option under £50 with a hammer action, but it is only suitable for occasional brick drilling.
How much torque do I need for a cordless drill?
For general DIY, look for at least 25 Nm. For tougher jobs like drilling into hardwood or metal, 40 Nm or more is recommended.
Are Einhell drills any good?
Yes, Einhell drills offer good value for money, especially their TE-CD range, with strong torque and a large battery ecosystem.
What is the difference between a combi drill and a drill driver?
A combi drill has a hammer action for drilling into masonry, while a drill driver is for wood, metal, and screwing only.
Can I use a cordless drill for screwing?
Yes, all cordless drills have a clutch that allows you to set the torque for driving screws without stripping the head.
Is Ryobi ONE+ worth it?
Yes, if you plan to buy multiple tools, the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem is one of the largest and most affordable for DIYers.
How long does a cordless drill battery last?
A 2.0 Ah battery lasts around 30-60 minutes of continuous use, depending on the load and speed setting.
Do I need a brushless motor?
Brushless motors are more efficient and durable, but they are rarely found in drills under £50. Brushed motors are fine for light DIY.
What is the warranty on budget cordless drills?
Most budget drills come with a 1-2 year warranty. Bosch and Ryobi offer up to 2 years, while Einhell offers a 3-year warranty upon registration.
Our verdict
The Bosch EasyDrill 1200 is the best cordless drill under £50 for most people, offering a great balance of torque, build quality, and brand reliability. If you need maximum value and two batteries, the Einhell TE-CD 18/50 Li-i is the clear winner. For those who want to join a large ecosystem, the Ryobi ONE+ drill is a solid choice.