Last Updated on February 26, 2026 by Sharaj
If you’re putting together a basic tool kit, a reliable drill is one of the first tools worth buying. The best drill for home use should be easy to handle, powerful enough for everyday jobs, and simple to use without needing professional experience. Whether you’re drilling into wood or masonry, fixing loose fittings, or assembling flat-pack furniture, a good home drill makes routine tasks quicker and far less effort.
In this review we’ve looked at a range of models and selected the best drill drivers for home use, focusing on performance, comfort, versatility, and overall value for typical household DIY.
Top Picks
WORX Nitro SwitchDriver 2.0 Brushless
We found it a superb all-rounder for domestic and light professional use, combining high torque with instant bit switching. Its brushless motor and digital controls give excellent performance and control for repetitive tasks.
Best choice for homeowners
The WORX Nitro SwitchDriver 2.0 is our top pick for the best drill for home use because it combines user-friendly design with enough power for everyday DIY tasks. It’s an excellent choice for homeowners who want one reliable tool for furniture assembly, shelving, repairs, and general projects without needing a bulky professional drill. 🔧
Its standout feature is the dual rotating 1/4" chuck, which lets you switch between drill and driver bits instantly — ideal for typical home jobs where you’re constantly changing tasks. The brushless motor provides solid torque and longer runtime, making the SwitchDriver 2.0 a practical and efficient all-rounder for regular use around the house.
It brings a few clear hardware and usability wins:
The benefits are practical: the extra torque lets you drive longer lag bolts or drill larger holes without labouring the tool, while the digital keypad means repeatable settings for sensitive tasks. We particularly like the ergonomic GripZone handle for reduced fatigue during longer jobs. On the downside, it's heavier than 12V kit, so overhead work for extended periods may tire some users. Also check the supplied charger plug if you need a UK-specific connector.
Practical insight: if you frequently switch between screws and bits or want a single tool to replace several, this is a compelling option. For purely light occasional jobs a lighter 12V model will be easier on the wrist, but for everyday DIY and garden projects the performance gains make the Nitro SwitchDriver a tool you'll reach for first.
Bosch UniversalImpact 18V-60 Combi Drill
We rate it as an excellent all-round combi for household use, offering a balanced mix of torque, brushless efficiency and practical accessories. The included battery, charger and case make it a plug-and-play option for most home projects.
Standout benefit and best choice for homeowners seeking a complete kit
We consider this Bosch model the best all‑rounder for most households — best choice for those who want a ready-to-go kit with strong performance across drilling, screwdriving and occasional masonry. The brushless motor and 20 torque settings give predictable control for a wide range of jobs.
Notable practical features for daily use:
Because it ships with a battery, charger and carrying case, it’s ideal for anyone upgrading from a corded drill or starting a new kit: you can start work straight away. We liked the included battery level indicator and compact case for storage. For heavier trade-focused masonry you may prefer a high-torque specialist, but for the bulk of home improvements, fittings and repair jobs this model offers a compelling balance of power, convenience and value.
Makita DHP487Z 18V Brushless Combi Drill
We find it impressively light and robust, with a proven Makita pedigree that suits frequent DIY and pro-lite applications. Its compact form and sensible features make it a reliable workhorse for users who value build quality.
Standout benefit and best choice for users who want reliability
We nominate this Makita as the best option for anyone who prioritises durability and low weight — best choice for users who need a dependable tool for regular home renovation without trade-level bulk. Makita’s engineering shows in the compact chassis and well-protected electronics.
Practical features that make life easier:
In everyday use it feels tough yet nimble: the weight makes it easier to control during repetitive tasks, and the battery protection is a reassuring feature if you rely on third-party batteries. Purchasing the bare unit keeps costs down for existing Makita users but does mean an upfront cost if you’re starting from scratch. Overall, we think it’s a confident, long‑lasting choice for anyone who wants Makita reliability in a compact package.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Brushless Combi Drill
We found it offers excellent brushless performance at a competitive price, making it a smart pick for budget-conscious DIYers. It handles drilling, hammer tasks and screwdriving with reassuring torque and a long motor life expectancy.
Standout benefit and best choice for cost-conscious DIYers
We rate this as the best value 18V brushless combi for homeowners who want near-professional performance without the premium price tag — best choice for regular DIY, furniture assembly and light renovation. The ONE+ brushless system gives dependable power and battery efficiency across the Ryobi family.
Practical features you'll notice on the job:
The combination of power, modes and price makes it a flexible everyday tool. We particularly appreciate the integrated work light for low-light tasks and the robust feel under load. If you already run the ONE+ battery platform, this integrates seamlessly; if not, factor battery cost into your purchase. For heavy trade use the chuck wear comments are worth noting, but for typical home projects this drill gives more than enough capability and longevity.
Bosch Professional GSB 12V-15 Compact
We appreciate its very short housing and light weight, which make it excellent for working in confined or overhead areas. Performance punches above its size, giving reliable torque for everyday drilling and screwdriving tasks.
Standout benefit and best choice for tight-access jobs
We recommend this model for anyone who needs a compact, nimble drill that fits into cramped spaces — best choice for tradespeople who work in cupboards, lofts or overhead installations. The short 189 mm design and low weight make it noticeably easier to use where reach and manoeuvrability matter most.
Key features that matter day-to-day:
In practice, this is the kind of drill we use when space or reach is the limiting factor. It won’t replace a high-torque 18V combi for heavy concrete work, but for fitting hinges, installing shelving or internal electrical work it delivers dependable performance. Buying the bare tool keeps costs down if you already own Bosch 12V batteries — just remember you’ll need to factor in a battery and charger if you don’t.
Final Thoughts
For most UK households we recommend the WORX Nitro SwitchDriver 2.0 Brushless as our top pick. Its standout is instant bit switching paired with high torque and a brushless motor — perfect for anyone doing lots of screws, flat-pack assembly and repetitive tasks where speed and control matter. We’d buy it for quick, efficient home jobs and small renovation projects.
If you want a full kit that’s ready out of the box, choose the Bosch UniversalImpact 18V-60 Combi Drill. It combines solid torque, efficient brushless performance and useful accessories (battery, charger, case). That makes it the best all-round combi for general DIY, drilling into masonry and occasional heavier work without needing extra shopping.
Our practical guide to choosing a home drill (and why these five stood out)
We tested each drill across common home tasks: screwdriving, wood and metal drilling, and light masonry with a hammer setting. We judged on power, ergonomics, battery life, features and how quickly they get the job done. We also checked how easy they are to hold over time — comfort matters when you’re hanging shelves or building a wardrobe.
What to look for, quickly:
Below is a quick comparison table to sum up the five contenders.
| Model | Expert Rating | Standout | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| WORX Nitro SwitchDriver 2.0 Brushless | 9.3 | Fast bit changes & high torque | Repetitive screwdriving, flat-pack, small renovation jobs |
| Bosch UniversalImpact 18V-60 Combi Drill | 9.1 | Versatility & included kit | All-round household combi tasks, masonry and general DIY |
| Makita DHP487Z 18V Brushless Combi Drill | 9.0 | Lightweight durability | Frequent DIYers who value build quality |
| Ryobi ONE+ 18V Brushless Combi Drill | 8.9 | Value-for-money brushless | Budget-conscious DIYers needing reliable performance |
| Bosch Professional GSB 12V-15 Compact | 8.4 | Compact size for tight spots | Overhead work, cupboards, tight corners |
Product overviews
WORX Nitro SwitchDriver 2.0 Brushless — Key speciality: instant bit switching with serious torque.Best choice for: anyone who does lots of screwdriving and multi-bit jobs. We found it a superb all-rounder for domestic and light professional use. The SwitchDriver system saves minutes every time you change tasks, and the brushless motor keeps torque consistent. If you assemble furniture, hang fixtures or fit kitchens often, this will speed up jobs and reduce wrist strain.
Bosch UniversalImpact 18V-60 Combi Drill — Key speciality: dependable combi drill with a complete kit.Best choice for: new buyers who want a ready-to-go package. We rate it as an excellent all-round combi for household use. The included battery, charger and case mean you can start work right away. It balances torque and runtime well, so it’s ideal for drilling into wood, metal and occasional masonry.
Makita DHP487Z 18V Brushless Combi Drill — Key speciality: lightweight durability and professional feel.Best choice for: users who want a long-lasting tool with pro-grade build. We find it impressively light and robust, with a proven Makita pedigree. It’s comfortable for extended use and copes with frequent DIY or pro-lite jobs without tiring the user.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Brushless Combi Drill — Key speciality: excellent brushless performance at a strong price point.Best choice for: budget-conscious DIYers who still want brushless efficiency. We found it offers reassuring torque and longevity at a competitive cost. If you already own Ryobi ONE+ batteries it’s an even better value buy.
Bosch Professional GSB 12V-15 Compact — Key speciality: compact size that punches above its weight.Best choice for: tight spaces and overhead work. We appreciate its very short housing and light weight, which make it ideal for cupboards, joists and lofts. It’s the go-to when access is the issue rather than raw power.
Quick buying tips we always follow
We hope this guide helps you pick a drill that gets the job done quickly and without fuss. With the right tool, most DIY tasks become faster, safer and even a little satisfying.
FAQs
Yes — brushless motors are more efficient, run cooler and last longer. For regular DIY and heavier screwing or drilling tasks, a brushless drill gives smoother power and better battery life, so it’s worth the modest extra cost.
Not at all. 18V hits the sweet spot for power and battery availability. It handles timber, metal and moderate masonry with ease, while still being light enough for most people to use comfortably.
A combi drill is the most versatile option — it drills, hammer-drills and screws. For most home jobs it’s the only tool you’ll need. If you mostly work in tight spaces, consider a compact 12V model instead.
Very. Quick and secure bit changes save time and frustration. Keyless chucks or systems like the WORX SwitchDriver make repetitive tasks fast — ideal for assembly or multi-bit jobs.
Look for a second battery or a fast charger, especially if you’re doing a day of work. Battery compatibility with an existing platform (e.g. Ryobi ONE+) is also a huge convenience and can save money long-term.
