Last Updated on February 23, 2026 by Sharaj
If you’re looking for the best cheap cordless drills, you might be surprised at how capable today’s budget models are — especially those priced mostly under £50. While you won’t get heavy-duty power or premium extras found on expensive tools, many affordable cordless drills handle everyday DIY jobs with ease, from assembling furniture to drilling into wood and light masonry.
We’ve researched and compared a wide range of affordable options, focusing on performance, battery life, build quality, and overall value. Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best cordless drills under £50 that deliver solid performance without stretching your budget.
Disclaimer: Prices are accurate at the time of publication but are subject to change. Please check Amazon for the most current pricing.
Top Picks
Einhell 18V Impact Drill Driver
We rate this as the most capable and robust option in the roundup: it offers significantly higher torque and a strong metal chuck, making it suitable for tougher DIY tasks and longer sessions. The Power X-Change battery ecosystem is a valuable bonus.
If you’re looking for a robust cordless combi that delivers significantly more torque and flexibility, this is ideal for serious DIYers and those who need a single tool that can tackle wood, metal and light masonry reliably.
Why we trust it for tougher jobs
We’re impressed by the 44Nm torque and the metal 13mm chuck — both features that lift this model above many economy drills. The two-speed transmission and 21 torque settings give excellent control when driving screws and drilling, while the hammer mode adds the ability to handle concrete blocks and plaster.
Practical performance and ecosystem benefits
In practice, this drill feels closer to small professional units: it copes well with decking screws, thicker timber and occasional masonry fixes. The use of a replaceable, standard Power X-Change battery means you can swap batteries across other Einhell tools, which is great value if you build a small cordless collection.
Practical verdict
For buyers who want as-close-to-professional performance as possible for under £50, this is our top pick. It combines power, build quality and battery flexibility in a compact package, making it the best choice for anyone who regularly tackles demanding DIY or wants a future-proof tool in the Power X-Change ecosystem.
BLACK+DECKER 18V Combi Hammer Drill
We rate this as an excellent all-rounder: compact, reliable and with genuine hammer action for masonry. It balances power and ergonomics well, making it a go-to for the majority of DIYers.
If you’re looking for a dependable, feature-packed cordless combi that’ll handle both screwdriving and occasional masonry work, this is ideal for homeowners and keen DIYers who want one versatile tool for most jobs.
Key features and why they matter
We like the two-gear transmission and genuine hammer mode: they make quick work of screws, wood drilling and light masonry. The all-metal motor and gearbox add toughness you don’t always find at this price, and the variable speed control helps when you need precision or want to avoid overtightening.
Performance and real-world use
In our experience this model strikes a reliable balance: it’s powerful enough for most domestic tasks and compact enough to use comfortably around the house. The battery life is satisfactory for everyday jobs, though we recommend purchasing a spare battery if you plan extended work days.
Practical verdict
Overall, this is a very sensible purchase for anyone who wants a single drill to tackle a wide range of tasks. It’s robust, versatile and better equipped for occasional heavy work than many pure ‘screwdriver-style’ drills — which is why we pick it as our Editor’s Choice in this price band.
MYLEK 18V Drill with 130-Piece Kit
We find this kit excellent for users who value a comprehensive accessory set alongside a capable 18V driver. It’s particularly useful for anyone setting up a basic home workshop on a budget.
If you’re looking for a complete starter kit that bundles a capable drill with a wide assortment of accessories, this is ideal for first-time DIYers and homeowners outfitting a toolbox on a budget.
What the kit contains and why it helps
We appreciate the convenience of a 130-piece accessory set: driver bits, drill bits, sockets and more mean you can start many jobs straight away without buying extras. The 1500mAh Li‑ion battery offers a little more capacity than smaller packs, giving a slightly longer working window between charges.
Real-world performance and caveats
In regular use the drill performs well for household tasks, decking assembly and light drilling. Where it falls short is the quality of the included bits — many buyers choose to upgrade to better bits for repetitive or tougher jobs. Also, if you expect to drill concrete or drive large gauge screws, a hammer drill or higher-torque model will be a better choice.
Practical verdict
This is one of the best value bundles for home users who want a ready-to-go kit. We’d recommend it to anyone starting out or to those who want a well-stocked case for occasional projects — just factor in a small upgrade budget for better quality drill bits if you plan more demanding tasks.
MYLEK 18V Cordless Drill 13-Piece Kit
We find this drill a straightforward, well-balanced option for everyday DIY. It’s particularly handy for users who need a compact tool with a decent torque figure and LED worklight for awkward spots.
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense cordless drill that’s easy to handle and good for everyday jobs, this is ideal for homeowners and hobbyists who want a reliable tool for assembly and maintenance tasks.
Design and user experience
We like that it’s a compact package: at around 1.5kg with battery it’s balanced enough for extended use without excessive fatigue. The variable speed trigger and 20Nm torque setting let us control fastening depth and deal with common materials like timber and thin metal.
Limitations and practical notes
This model is focused on household usability rather than professional performance. The accessory kit is fine for immediate use but many users upgrade bits early. Because it lacks hammer action, we use it alongside a corded hammer drill or a combi if we need to tackle brick or concrete.
Practical verdict
Overall this is a dependable everyday driver we’d recommend as a primary tool for the casual DIYer or as a second set for lighter tasks. It’s compact, easy to use and gives good value — especially for shoppers who prize manoeuvrability and simplicity.
Terratek 18V Cordless Drill Driver
We found this unit to be an economical, no-frills option that handles light to medium household jobs very well. It’s compact, lightweight and convenient to keep in the cupboard for quick fixes and assembly tasks.
If you’re looking for a very low-cost cordless drill for everyday home tasks, this is ideal for DIY beginners and occasional users who want a lightweight, ready-to-go tool without breaking the bank.
What we use it for and why
We keep this drill for small jobs: tightening flatpack furniture, drilling small pilot holes in wood, fitting curtain poles and occasional light repairs. The 18V lithium-ion battery gives a pleasant balance of portability and run-time for domestic use, and the built-in LED helps in cupboards and darker corners.
Strengths and limitations
Its strengths are obvious: price and portability. For everyday users who need a compact tool for odd jobs, it’s hard to beat the convenience. However, the torque (around 18 Nm) and cheap accessory set mean we wouldn’t rely on it for repeated heavy-duty work or professional jobs.
Practical verdict
In short, this is an excellent spare or starter drill: keep it in the garage, shed or kitchen drawer for quick tasks. If you frequently work on heavier materials or need a long-lasting professional tool, you’ll want to step up to a higher-torque model — but for occasional DIY this offers tidy value and usability.
Final Thoughts
For the toughest jobs and the best long-term value, we recommend the Einhell 18V Impact Drill Driver. Its high torque, metal chuck and compatibility with the Power X-Change battery system make it our top pick for homeowners who do heavier DIY, furniture building or frequent drilling jobs. It’s the most capable and robust option in this price-focused roundup.
If you want a reliable all-rounder that’s easier on your hands and ideal for everyday household tasks (including drilling into brick occasionally), choose the BLACK+DECKER 18V Combi Hammer Drill. It balances power, ergonomics and genuine hammer action — perfect for most DIYers who need a single machine to handle general repairs, shelving, and light masonry.
Buying Guide & Practical Tips
We want you to buy a drill that actually makes DIY easier. Below we explain what matters most under £50, and how the five drills here compare in everyday use.
What to expect at this price
Quick comparison
| Model | Best for | Expert rating | Standout feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Einhell 18V Impact Drill Driver | Tougher DIY and longer sessions | 9.2/10 | High torque + metal chuck + Power X-Change ecosystem |
| BLACK+DECKER 18V Combi Hammer Drill | Everyday household + light masonry | 8.8/10 | Genuine hammer action with great ergonomics |
| MYLEK 18V (130-piece) | Starting a home workshop | 8.5/10 | Massive accessory set for versatility |
| MYLEK 18V (13-piece) | Compact, everyday driver | 8.0/10 | Small kit with LED worklight; very user-friendly |
| Terratek 18V | Budget-friendly quick fixes | 7.4/10 | Lightweight and economical for occasional use |
Product overviews (short and clear)
If you’re looking for high torque and long-term capability, this is ideal for DIYers who need a robust tool for tougher tasks and want to tap into a wider battery ecosystem. The Einhell 18V Impact Drill Driver pairs metal durability with serious turning power. It feels weighty in a good way and performs when drilling into denser timber or assembling heavy furniture. The Power X-Change battery system is a practical bonus — one battery to run multiple tools.
If you’re looking for a versatile combi with genuine hammer action, this is ideal for most household projects where you want reliable power, comfort and occasional masonry work. The BLACK+DECKER 18V Combi Hammer Drill is compact, well balanced and easy to control. It’s our choice for homeowners who need a single go-to drill for shelves, curtain poles and the odd brick wall.
If you’re looking for the biggest accessory kit for varied DIY tasks, this is ideal for beginners and home workshop setups that want lots of bits straight away. The MYLEK 18V Drill with 130-Piece Kit gives instant versatility — screws, drill bits and driver heads for many jobs. It’s great value for anyone who’d rather buy one kit than hunt for individual parts.
If you’re looking for a compact, reliable everyday driver, this is ideal for users who need a straightforward tool for small jobs and tight spaces. The MYLEK 18V Cordless Drill 13-Piece Kit is light, easy to handle and includes essentials like an LED worklight. It’s perfect for flat-pack furniture and quick fixes where manoeuvrability matters.
If you’re looking for a no-frills, budget-friendly option, this is ideal for households that want a standby drill for occasional repairs and assembly. The Terratek 18V Cordless Drill Driver is small, easy to store and dependable for light tasks. Keep it in the cupboard for instant access to a decent everyday drill.
Practical buying tips
Final usage and storage tips
We’ve aimed to give clear, practical guidance so you can pick a drill that fits how you work — not just what looks good on a spec sheet.
FAQ
Most kits in this price bracket include a battery and charger, but there are exceptions depending on the seller. The MYLEK kits and the Terratek model normally come as complete kits, while some sellers may offer bare tools. Always check the product listing to confirm what's included before buying.
Yes — if it’s a combi with hammer function (like the BLACK+DECKER). Expect to drill small holes for plugs and light anchors. For larger holes or repeated masonry work, you’ll want a more powerful SDS drill, which sits above this price range.
A metal chuck (as on the Einhell) lasts longer and grips bits more securely under load. For heavy or frequent work, it’s a clear benefit. For occasional household tasks, a good plastic chuck can still be fine — but metal is the more durable choice.
Yes, for beginners or anyone setting up a home toolkit on a budget. They save you buying bits individually and are great for a wide variety of jobs. However, check the quality of the bits — high usage may wear cheaper accessories faster.
Keep batteries charged but not permanently on the charger, store tools dry and clean, lubricate the chuck occasionally, and use the correct bit for the material. Replace worn brushes or batteries before they strain the motor.
The Terratek 18V is the best no-frills option for light to medium household tasks. It’s compact, lightweight and wallet-friendly — ideal for quick fixes, flat-pack assembly and occasional repairs.
