๐ง Power Tools
Best Brushless Combi Drills UK 2026
A brushless combi drill is the one power tool that covers the widest range of UK DIY and workshop tasks, from drilling into timber to hammer-drilling into brick. We compared five of the best options across power, runtime, build quality and price to find the right one for your toolkit.
Key Takeaways
- The Makita DHP486Z is the best all-rounder, with 115Nm torque, a solid 18V LXT battery platform and a compact body that fits into tight spaces.
- The Bosch GSB 18V-55 delivers the most refined feel, with excellent ergonomics and a balanced weight that reduces fatigue on longer jobs.
- The Milwaukee M18 is the heavy-duty pick, built for trade use with a solid metal chuck and serious driving power.
- The Ryobi RPD18BL2-0 offers the best value, delivering brushless performance at a price that undercuts most competitors.
- The Einhell TE-CD 18/40 is a solid budget entry with the Power X-Change battery system, good for occasional DIY use.
Also worth reading: Brushless vs Brushed Drills Explained and 12V vs 18V vs 20V Batteries Compared.
Quick Picks
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Torque | Voltage | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita DHP486Z | ~ยฃ180 | 115Nm | 18V | 1.7kg | All-rounder |
| Bosch GSB 18V-55 | ~ยฃ150 | 55Nm | 18V | 1.5kg | Ergonomics |
| Milwaukee M18 | ~ยฃ200 | 102Nm | 18V | 1.9kg | Heavy-duty |
| Ryobi RPD18BL2-0 | ~ยฃ130 | 50Nm | 18V | 1.6kg | Value |
| Einhell TE-CD 18/40 | ~ยฃ80 | 40Nm | 18V | 1.4kg | Budget DIY |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Makita DHP486Z 18V LXT Brushless Combi Drill
~ยฃ180 (bare tool) | 18V LXT | 115Nm max torque | 13mm chuck | 1.7kg
In our comparison, the Makita DHP486Z stood out as a strong all-rounder. At 115Nm of max torque, it drives 6mm coach screws into hardwood without slowing down, and the two-speed gearbox gives you fine control for smaller tasks. The brushless motor runs noticeably cooler than older brushed Makita models, which means less fatigue on longer sessions.
The 18V LXT platform is one of the widest in the UK market, with over 300 tools sharing the same battery. If you already own Makita 18V tools, this drill slots straight into your existing kit without buying new batteries. The metal 13mm chuck holds bits securely, and the LED work light lights up the drilling area well in dim corners.
Pros
- High torque for the size
- Massive battery platform
- Compact and well-balanced
- Cool-running brushless motor
Cons
- Bare tool only, no batteries included
- Premium price point
- No belt clip included
2. Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55 Cordless Combi Drill
~ยฃ150 (bare tool) | 18V | 55Nm max torque | 13mm chuck | 1.5kg
The Bosch GSB 18V-55 is the lightest drill in this comparison, and you feel it the moment you pick it up. At 1.5kg bare, it is comfortable for overhead work and tight spaces where heavier drills cause wrist strain. The 55Nm torque is lower than the Makita, but for most UK DIY tasks, including drilling into softwood, hardwood and standard brick, it has more than enough muscle.
The ProCORE18V battery system is compact and charges fast. Bosch's Electronic Cell Protection prevents overloading, which extends battery lifespan. The ergonomics are genuinely excellent, the grip angle fits naturally, and the trigger has a smooth, progressive feel. If comfort matters more than raw power, this is the one to buy.
Pros
- Lightest in the group at 1.5kg
- Excellent grip and balance
- Fast-charging ProCORE batteries
- Electronic Cell Protection
Cons
- 55Nm torque limits heavy-duty work
- Smaller battery platform than Makita
- Bare tool only
3. Milwaukee M18 Cordless Hammer Drill
~ยฃ200 (bare tool) | 18V | 102Nm max torque | 13mm chuck | 1.9kg
The Milwaukee M18 is the drill you buy when you need it to survive a site environment. The all-metal chuck, metal gear housing and REDLINK intelligence system protect the motor from overload and overheating under sustained heavy use. At 102Nm, it drives long screws into dense hardwoods and drills into engineering brick without bogging down.
It is the heaviest drill here at 1.9kg, which is the trade-off for that build quality. The M18 battery platform is enormous, matching Milwaukee's range of over 250 tools. If you work on-site or put your tools through serious punishment, the Milwaukee's durability justifies the premium over lighter alternatives.
Pros
- All-metal construction built to last
- REDLINK overload protection
- Massive M18 battery ecosystem
- Serious driving power at 102Nm
Cons
- Heaviest in the comparison
- Most expensive option
- Overkill for light DIY tasks
4. Ryobi RPD18BL2-0 ONE+ Brushless Combi Drill
~ยฃ130 (bare tool) | 18V | 50Nm max torque | 13mm chuck | 1.6kg
The Ryobi RPD18BL2-0 delivers brushless performance at a price that makes the premium brands think twice. At ~ยฃ130 for the bare tool, it is the most affordable way to get a brushless combi drill with genuine UK availability and a large battery ecosystem behind it.
The ONE+ system covers over 285 tools, all running on the same 18V battery platform. The 50Nm torque handles drilling into softwood, chipboard and standard brickwork without trouble. It will struggle with dense hardwoods and engineering brick compared to the Makita or Milwaukee, but for typical UK home DIY, it punches well above its price.
Pros
- Excellent price for brushless
- 285+ tool ONE+ battery platform
- Lightweight at 1.6kg
- Good for light to medium DIY
Cons
- 50Nm torque limits heavy-duty use
- Plastic chuck (not metal)
- Not ideal for trade use
5. Einhell TE-CD 18/40 Li-i Power X-Change Drill
~ยฃ80 (bare tool) | 18V | 40Nm max torque | 13mm chuck | 1.4kg
The Einhell TE-CD 18/40 is the cheapest way into a brushless combi drill from a brand you have actually heard of. At ~ยฃ80 for the bare tool, it costs roughly half the price of the Makita. The 40Nm torque is modest, but for light household tasks like putting up curtain rails, assembling flat-pack furniture and drilling into softwood, it does the job.
The Power X-Change battery system is compatible across Einhell's range of over 300 tools, so if you invest in their ecosystem, the cost per tool drops significantly. The build quality is functional rather than premium, the plastic chuck feels less solid than metal alternatives, and the motor lacks the punch of higher-end options. But at this price, it is hard to complain.
Pros
- Cheapest brushless option
- Lightest at 1.4kg
- 300+ tool Power X-Change range
- Solid for light DIY tasks
Cons
- Lowest torque in the group
- Plastic chuck feels cheap
- Not suitable for heavy masonry
How to Choose a Brushless Combi Drill
A combi drill is the Swiss Army knife of power tools. It drills into wood and metal with rotary action, and switches to hammer mode for drilling into brick and blockwork. Adding brushless technology to that mix gives you better runtime, more torque per charge and a motor that lasts years longer than a brushed equivalent.
Torque: What the Number Actually Means
Torque, measured in Newton-metres (Nm), tells you how much rotational force the drill can apply. Higher numbers mean the drill can drive larger screws and drill bigger holes without stalling. For most UK DIY tasks, anything above 40Nm handles the job. If you regularly work with hardwoods, dense masonry or long coach screws, aim for 80Nm or above.
Battery Platform: Think Long-Term
The drill is only one tool in your kit. Buying into a battery platform means every subsequent bare tool you buy is cheaper because you already own batteries and chargers. Makita's 18V LXT range covers over 300 tools. Ryobi's ONE+ system has 285+. Milwaukee's M18 range is over 250. Choose a platform that covers the tools you will actually need, and stick with it.
Weight and Balance
If you spend hours drilling overhead or working in tight spaces, weight matters. The difference between 1.4kg and 1.9kg is not much on paper, but after an hour of overhead work, your wrist will know about it. Lighter drills also tend to be better balanced, which reduces the tendency to pull to one side during drilling.
Chuck Quality
The chuck holds your drill bits. A metal chuck grips more securely and lasts longer than a plastic one. All five drills in this comparison use 13mm chucks, which is the standard size for most UK drill bits. If you need to use smaller 10mm bits regularly, check whether the chuck has a jaw range that accommodates them without slipping.
Bare Tool vs Kit
Most of the drills in this comparison are sold as bare tools, meaning no batteries or charger included. If you already own tools from the same brand, this saves you money. If you are starting from scratch, look for a kit that includes two batteries and a charger. The upfront cost is higher, but you will need those batteries anyway.
Products Mentioned in This Guide
Makita DHP486Z 18V LXT Brushless Combi Drill - Check price on Amazon UK
Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55 Cordless Combi Drill - Check price on Amazon UK
Milwaukee M18 Cordless Hammer Drill - Check price on Amazon UK
Ryobi RPD18BL2-0 ONE+ Brushless Combi Drill - Check price on Amazon UK
Einhell TE-CD 18/40 Li-i Power X-Change Drill - Check price on Amazon UK
Also see our guides to brushless vs brushed motors, 12V vs 18V battery systems, and drill torque explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Verdict
The Makita DHP486Z is the brushless combi drill to buy if you want one drill that does everything well. The 115Nm torque handles serious work, the LXT battery platform gives you hundreds of compatible tools, and the compact body fits into spaces where bulkier drills cannot reach.
If comfort is your priority, the Bosch GSB 18V-55 is the lightest and most ergonomic option, ideal for long sessions or overhead work. For trade-level durability, the Milwaukee M18 is built to survive the harshest conditions.
On a budget, the Ryobi RPD18BL2-0 delivers genuine brushless performance at a price that makes the premium brands uncomfortable. And if you need the cheapest entry point, the Einhell TE-CD 18/40 covers basic DIY tasks without breaking the bank.
Whichever you choose, moving to a brushless combi drill is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to your toolkit. The better runtime, longer motor life and more consistent power pay for themselves within the first year of regular use.
Last reviewed: August 31, 2026 ยท Evidence-based review ยท Contains affiliate links