Power tools are mostly about getting the task done with maximum ease and speed. So, when it comes to the best cordless screwdrivers, the same is true.
A rechargeable screwdriver should be powerful enough to drive the screw and comfortable to use for extended periods.
Join us as we tour the ranks of the best cordless screwdrivers.
- 12 volt power
- LED operated
- Small & compact
- Motion activation
- Compact & lightweight
- 1-hour charging
- All-metal gear housing
- Powerful battery
- 5-year warranty
- Small & handy
- Usb-charging
- Live-wire detector
- Auto-stop clutch
- Comes with plastic case
- Soft-grip handle
- Comes with screw holder
- Multi-driver selection
- Intergrated battery
- One-handed loading
- 1 hour fast charging
- Motion-activated
- Value for money
- 3-position handle
- Convenient
- Battery indicator
- Interchangeable heads
- Includes accessory set
- Overdrive control
- Superior torque
- Small & compact
How to Choose a Cordless Screwdriver
Choosing the best cordless screwdriver is a matter of personal choice. But, there are some stalwart basics you should insist on when making a purchase.
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)
Most electric screwdrivers deliver between 300 RPM to 600 RPM. Compared to corded drill drivers, the RPM is considerably less but is more than enough for driving screws into the most stubborn materials. It’s worth remembering that the number of times the screwdriver turns in a minute is important, but it is only half the story.
Screwdrivers with higher RPM can be difficult to control and make driving into harder material more difficult. You run the risk of snapping or stripping the screw. Try and look for a cordless screwdriver with adjustable speed control. It means you can start slowly and build momentum as the screw bites into the stock.
Frequency of Use
How often you use the screwdriver plays a role in the type you should buy. Infrequent or occasional use should lead you to buy a lightweight model, which is better suited to simple tasks around the home. These models tend to be 3.6V with 1 Ah and 3 Newton meter, which is a standard measure of torque.
If you are using your screwdriver every day in a professional capacity, go for one of the brands you know and trust. They are typically 5V to 8V and deliver between 5 Nm and 15 Nm of torque.
Remember
Torque
Torque is what makes driving screws into more robust materials possible without the screwdriver jumping about all over the place because the power lacks control. Torque is the management of that power to deliver force even at low speeds.
As we’ve said already, torque is measured in Newton-meter, so the higher the number, the greater the torque, and the more ability the screwdriver has of twisting screws into the hardest material.
Weight
As a rule of thumb, if the screwdriver is lightweight, it is probably going to suit less demanding duties. Tradespeople need a cordless screwdriver that can tackle all tasks, and that requires the screwdriver to be powerful enough to handle whatever they throw at it.
More power equals a bigger and heavier motor. It also translates that the more robust the cordless screwdriver, the more the components have to be hard-wearing. That means less plastic elements in favor of tougher materials.
Voltage
The best indicator of cordless power tool potency is the voltage. A higher voltage means a more powerful motor. The hardest working models will have 5V to 8V at their disposal. You can find drivers that have 12V and even 20V, but we are stepping on the toes of drill drivers rather than dedicated cordless screwdrivers.
Ampere Hours of Battery Life
Ampere hours tells you how long your battery will last. The higher the amp-hour rating, the longer it will run for between charges. Most batteries have between 1.5 Ah and 2 Ah.
Charge Time
Charge time is a biggie, especially if you are using the screwdriver in a professional setting. Time is money, and the one thing you cannot afford to do is stand around while the battery charges. The simple solution is to get two batteries, and always keep one charged while you are using the other one. Then swap them when the time comes.
The disadvantage of this is it negates the uniqueness of the cordless screwdriver, requiring you to find a plug.
Some chargers complete a charge cycle in 30 minutes, while others can take 3 or 4 hours.
Batteries
By far, the most common battery in use is the lithium-ion variety. They have some key advantages over Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries in that they are lightweight, faster at charging, hold their charge for longer, and don’t suffer from memory effect. Memory effect is where the battery becomes “lazy” and remembers when you used it at a lower capacity.
The Best Cordless Screwdrivers of 2020
Choosing which cordless screwdriver is right for you is a challenge. We reviewed many different varieties to bring you this definitive list.
1. Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit
This Bosch cordless driver could easily have won the award for professional cordless screwdriver. It has superior torque, is lightweight at just over 2 pounds, and is the perfect tool to tackle drywall, wood and metal.
It has two speeds, namely, 350 RPM and 1,300 RPM, and a 20+1 clutch setting for precise torque management. It comes with two lithium-ion batteries, so you need never run out of power.
Why We Love It
12 Volts
More voltage means higher power. This little tool can tackle almost everything you throw at it. It is a drill, a driver and is effective on wood, metal and drywall.
LED
The LED makes it possible for you to see when operating in confined and dark spaces. It makes it the ideal tool for close-quarter jobs.
Small Is Powerful
This Bosch is 22 percent more compact, delivers 25 percent more torque and is 15 percent faster than comparable models of cordless screwdriver.
Price
Because it’s a Bosch, you’d think this screwdriver would be expensive. Not so! It is very reasonably priced.
Keep In Mind
Weight
The advertised weight of just over 2 pounds does not include the battery. While this screwdriver is no heavier than others, bear in mind that the battery will double the weight.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 4.73 pounds |
| Number of batteries | 2 |
| Volts | 12 |
| Amp-hours | 2 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 12.6 x 9.8 x 4.2 |
| Warranty | 1-year |
| Price | $$ |
2. DeWALT 8V Max Cordless Screwdriver
This DeWALT compact screwdriver allows operation by twisting the tool left or right. Twist one way, and it drives, twist the other, and it reverses. It has 430 RPM for fastening into wood and plastic and even light gauge metal.
It has a state of charge display, and the charger completes its duties in 1-hour. So, when you are working on-site, you can charge the battery on your lunch-break. It may not be as powerful as the Bosch, but with 8 volts, it still packs a punch.
Why We Love It
Compact
If you want a small cordless screwdriver for reaching tight spots, this model measures just 9.5 inches long and has an LED to light up confined places.
Motion Activation
By twisting one way or the other, the screwdriver activates and moves in either forward or reverse. It makes using this tool child’s play.
Lightweight
This tool weighs just 2 pounds. That’s super-lightweight, unlike some of the cordless screwdrivers that state the weight and exclude the battery.
1-Hour Charging
This cordless screwdriver recharges in just 1-hour. That’s super-quick, enabling you to get on with your tasks in the shortest possible time.
Keep In Mind
Build Quality Issues
It appears there are question marks over the reliability of the screwdriver, with some expressing concern that the tool stops working.
Better for Light Duties
This a screwdriver you would keep handy around the house to fix minor problems. It is not a heavy-duty screwdriver for construction sites.
Single Battery
Lots of manufacturers offer their cordless screwdrivers with two batteries to increase productivity. DeWALT only supplies this screwdriver with one battery. The spare is an additional cost to bear in mind.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 2 pounds |
| Number of batteries | 1 |
| Volts | 8 |
| Amp-hours | Not stated |
| Dimensions (inches) | 9.5 x 2.06 x 7.88 |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
| Price | $$ |
3. Milwaukee 2401-22 12-Volt Screwdriver Set
For heavy-duty tasks, look no further than this Milwaukee cordless screwdriver. It creates 150 in.lbs of torque and generates 500 RPM. It has a battery fuel gauge to let you know when the juice runs dry, and a built-in LED for better visibility.
What makes this the best professional-grade driver is the all-metal gear housing that delivers jobsite reliability and the quick-load 0.25-inch hex shank for one-handed operation. All this adds up to a screwdriver that keeps you working faster to get the job done.
Why We Love It
All-Metal Gear Housing
Unlike some cheaper counterparts, Milwaukee has gone heavy-duty on their gear housing to ensure that this screwdriver is robust enough to earn its place in the professional’s toolkit.
Battery
Milwaukee launched the first lithium-ion battery in 2005. The current crop is 65 percent lighter and 30 percent more powerful compared to NiCd batteries.
5-Year Warranty
Milwaukee offers this screwdriver with an industry-leading 5-year warranty. Peace of mind is assured.
Keep In Mind
Made in China
If you pride yourself on buying great American brands, think again because this Milwaukee is made in China.
Build Quality Issues
Some people have reported issues with battery life and the quality of the product.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 4.59 pounds |
| Number of batteries | 2 |
| Volts | 12 |
| Amp-hours | 1.5 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 11 x 9.4 x 3 |
| Warranty | 5-year |
| Price | $$ |
4. SKIL 4V Cordless Screwdriver
This lightweight cordless screwdriver comes with a 9-piece bit set and charges via a USB port to keep this tool powered on the go. It has 4 volts, so it isn’t the most powerful screwdriver available, but it is ideal for lighter duties around the home.
What makes it unique is the size and weight. And it can even detect live wires from 1-inch away. It also has an easy forward and reverse setting so you can change direction with the turn of the collar.
Why We Love It
Small
Small is beautiful in the case of this screwdriver. It isn’t going to challenge the likes of the Milwaukee for power and torque, but it will make all those little DIY jobs around the home easier to manage.
USB Charging
Most modern cars have USB ports, so you can even keep the screwdriver charged on the move. It also means you can plug it into your laptop to draw a charge.
Live-Wire Detector
This is an ideal tool, especially if you are working with electrical items and need to know which wires are live. It can detect them from 1-inch away.
Keep In Mind
4 Volts
This screwdriver is for use on lighter tasks that require minimal torque and power.
Feels Cheaply Made
The build quality and the components feel cheaply made, according to some buyers. It doesn’t cost a lot, but it isn’t the cheapest screwdriver to appear on the list.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 7.76 ounces |
| Number of batteries | 1 |
| Volts | 4 |
| Amp-hours | Not stated |
| Dimensions (inches) | 1.42 x 1.42 x 6.61 |
| Warranty | 5-year |
| Price | $ |
5. Makita DF012DSE 7.2V Drill Driver Kit
This Makita screwdriver produces two speeds, 200 RPM and 650 RPM, for high and low torque applications. It has a swivel handle that adjusts so the screwdriver can be used straight or as a pistol grip.
It has 21 clutch settings and a drill mode that produces 50 in.lbs of torque. This is especially useful if you are working with wood and want to use the same tool to drill pilot holes to avoid the wood splitting when you drive the screws.
Why We Love It
Auto-Stop Clutch
The clutch disengages the motor to stop the tool from working should the desired torque get reached. This prevents fasteners and screws from stripping and becoming overtightened.
Plastic Case
This tool comes with a hard-wearing plastic carry-case to protect the screwdriver and all the other components when in transit. It also keeps them safe when they are stored away.
Soft-Grip Handle
If you are using the cordless screwdriver over extended periods, it needs to be comfortable to hold. This Makita has a soft-grip handle to reduce hand fatigue.
Keep In Mind
Price
This tool is not cheap. It costs twice the price of some cordless screwdrivers on the list.
Lacks Power
As a stand-alone cordless screwdriver, this Makita is a quality product, but if you factor in the price when compared to others and then look at the power it produces, you have to conclude that it is a lot of money.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 14.4 ounces |
| Number of batteries | 2 |
| Volts | 7.2 |
| Amp-hours | 1.5 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 4.3 x 14.4 x 10.1 |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
| Price | $$$ |
6. WORX WX255L SD Power Screwdriver
The best thing about this WORX cordless screwdriver is the self-loading bit chamber, much like the barrel in a gun. Slide the shaft of the screwdriver back and the chamber inside rotates to select the driver bit you want. It means you can load 6 bits without the fear of losing them.
You also get a screw holder so you can operate this one-handed as the screw is held in place.
Why We Love It
Screw Holder
The screw holder grips the screw in place, leaving you free to operate the tool with one hand. It also stops you from dropping the screw and losing it on the floor.
Multi-Driver Selection
You can load up to 6 different driver bits into the barrel and select the one for the task. It speeds up the process and stops you from losing the driver bit between changes.
Battery
With an integrated battery in the handle of the tool, all you need to do is plug it in, and when charged, the battery will store that energy for up to 18 months.
Keep In Mind
4 Volts
This screwdriver is never going to compete with professional-grade cordless screwdrivers, but as an all-rounder, you could do a lot worse. Just remember that the power is limited.
Charge Time
WORX has missed a trick by not having a detachable battery. It means you have to wait 5 hours while the handset recharges instead of having two batteries, so one can always be on charge.
Runtime
Bear in mind that the battery has a 1-hour runtime. So, with a 5-hour wait between charges, it is better suited to smaller, lightweight tasks.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 1.5 pounds |
| Number of batteries | 1 |
| Volts | 4 |
| Amp-hours | 1 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 3.8 a 1.8 a 6 |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
| Price | $ |
7. DeWALT (DCF680N2) 8V Max
This cordless screwdriver has a motion-activated mechanism that activates the tool when you start to turn it in the direction you want the screw to twist. One way is forward, and the other is reverse.
It has a battery indicator to tell you when the power is running out, and you can use it as a straight screwdriver and a pistol-grip depending on the type of task you are working on.
Why We Love It
1-Hour Charge
Keeping your tools juiced up is crucial to professional tradespeople when they want to get the job done. A super-fast charger helps enormously to keep you on track to complete the task.
Motion-Activated
Motion-activation is easy to use, but above all, it improves your precision, which is vital when working on delicate projects like electrics and detailed woodwork.
One-handed Loading
The 0.25-inch hex shank is designed to load one-handed to make it easier when multitasking on a jobsite.
Keep In Mind
Price
This is not the cheapest cordless screwdriver set. Others are more expensive, but generally, you get a little more power as well as accessories for your dollars.
Weak Batteries
The batteries are just 1 Ah, which means you are going to run out of power rapidly. You can upgrade to more powerful batteries, but they will cost you as much as the screwdriver.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Number of batteries | 2 |
| Volts | 8 |
| Amp-hours | 1 Ah |
| Dimensions (inches) | 12.5 x 3.13 x 8.88 |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
| Price | $$$ |
8. Black and Decker 4V Max Cordless Screwdriver
If you are in the market for a budget cordless screwdriver, this could be a perfect choice. It has a 3-position handle that enables you to use the screwdriver straight, at 45 degrees, or as a pistol-grip.
At this price, you shouldn’t expect a screwdriver to rival the premium brands, but as a budget model, you still get an integrated light and a built-in battery.
Why We Love It
Price
You cannot argue with the price of this cordless screwdriver. It is so inexpensive that you could buy 8 of these for the cost of the Makita.
Convenience
This Black and Decker tool is never going to win awards for performance. The domestic market is where this tool has a use, where having a cordless screwdriver is convenient to speed up lighter tasks around the home.
Keep In Mind
Cheaply Made
For the price, you expect an inexpensively made model. The quality has been compromised to save costs.
Lacks Power
The market this is aiming for means that it was always going to lack power. If you accept this tool for what it is, then that is fine.
10-Hour Charge
From a full discharge, this battery will take 10 hours to complete a recharge. 10 hours!
Additional Specs
| Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Number of batteries | 1 |
| Volts | 4 |
| Amp-hours | Not stated |
| Dimensions (inches) | 7x 2 x 9 |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
| Price | $ |
9. Tacklife Cordless Screwdriver
This Tacklife screwdriver is incredibly useful. It has an adjustable light, a 2 Ah battery and a detachable chuck that accommodates other attachments like corkscrews for opening bottles of wine. In addition, it also has a USB charging port so you can connect it to your computer.
It has a battery life indicator, charges in 3 hours and has a maximum of 200 RPM.
Why We Love It
Battery Indicator
Very few value screwdrivers have one of these. You normally find power gauges on more expensive models.
Interchangeable Heads
This neat little tool is a corkscrew and a cutting tool for crafters with the right attachment. It really is an all-round workhorse.
Price
Value is not the same thing as budget, so this is not the cheapest tool, but with all the functions it offers, it is incredible value for money.
Accessory Set
Even though this screwdriver is such good value, it still comes with a 30-piece accessory set.
Keep In Mind
Lacks Power
This is not a serious power tool in the sense that it is robust and powerful. It is a convenience screwdriver for the lighter tasks around the home that doubles up as a craft tool.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 1.75 pounds |
| Number of batteries | 1 |
| Volts | 4 |
| Amp-hours | 2 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 8.6 x 6.4 x 2 |
| Warranty | 2-year |
| Price | $ |
10. Dremel GO-01Powered Cordless Screwdriver
Dremel is synonymous with compact design and precision engineering. This screwdriver could easily have been our first choice for the lightweight model. What we liked about it for woodworking is the precise nature of the mechanism.
It has a push start operation that engages the motor when you apply pressure to the screw. This increases the ease with which you can control the tool, so if you are working on a bespoke piece of furniture, you get a neater result.
Why We Love It
Compact
Even though this tool is small, it is powerful. It is so handy you could almost slip it into your pocket.
Overdrive Control
The variable torque setting stops you over tightening the fastener and potentially stripping the screw. It also reduces the chances of the wood splitting if you are screwing directly into the material without a pilot hole.
Superior Torque
This little screwdriver is powerful enough to drive 2-inch screws straight into wood.
Keep In Mind
No Carry Case
This Dremel comes with no carry case, unlike many of the other screwdrivers featured.
Push-Drive Limitations
The push activation has its limitations. It stops you from working on delicate projects like computers and electrical work, where a lighter touch is needed. Where it excels is driving screws into wood.
Additional Specs
| Weight | 9.6 ounces |
| Number of batteries | 1 |
| Volts | 4 |
| Amp-hours | 1.5 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 1.8 x 6.25 x 9.5 |
| Warranty | 2-year |
| Price | $ |
| Product | Best | Weight | No. of batteries | Volts | Ah | Dimensions | Warranty |
| Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit | Rechargeable | 4.73 lbs | 2 | 12 | 2 | 12.6 x 9.8 x 4.2″ | 1-year |
| DeWALT 8V Max Cordless Screwdriver | Small | 2 lbs | 1 | 8 | N/A | 9.5 x 2.06 x 7.88″ | 3-year limited |
| Milwaukee 2401-22 Screwdriver Set | Heavy-Duty | 4.59 lbs | 2 | 12 | 2 | 11 x 9.4 x 3″ | 5-year |
| SKIL 4V Cordless Screwdriver | Lightweight | 7.76 oz | 1 | 4 | N/A | 1.42 x 1.42 x 6.61″ | 5-year |
| Makita DF012DSE Drill Driver Kit | Premium | 14.4 oz | 2 | 7 | 1.5 | 4.3 x 14.4 x 10.1″ | 3-year limited |
| WORX WX255L SD Power Screwdriver | Home Use | 1.5 lbs | 1 | 4 | 1 Ah | 3.8 x 1.8 x 6″ | 3-year limited |
| DeWALT (DCF680N2) 8V Max | Professional | 1.1 lbs | 2 | 8 | 1 Ah | 12.5 x 3.13 x 8.88″ | 3-year limited |
| Black + Decker 4V Max Screwdriver | Budget | 1.1 lbs | 1 | 4 | N/A | 7x 2 x 9″ | 2-year limited |
| Tacklife Cordless Screwdriver | Value For Money | 1.75 lbs | 1 | 4 | 2 | 8.6 x 6.4 x 2″ | 2-year |
| Dremel GO-01Powered Screwdriver | Woodworking | 9.6 oz | 1 | 4 | 1.5 | 1.8 x 6.25 x 9.5″ | 2-year |
Can Cordless Screwdrivers Be Used as a Drill?
The simple answer is yes, you can use a cordless screwdriver as a drill, but only on softer materials. Also, you will need specialist hex-shank drill bits, the type that fit impact driver shanks, to operate the screwdriver as a drill.
The hex shank makes for easy attachment changes, so for some, it makes sense when working on softwoods like pine, to use the cordless screwdriver instead of a drill. But in all other circumstances, you should resort to using a drill to make your holes.
How Much Power Should a Cordless Screwdriver Have?
The voltage of a cordless screwdriver is directly correlated with its power. The higher the voltage, the greater the power. Lightweight, domestic-use screwdrivers have about 3.6V while heavier, professional-grade screwdrivers have between 5V and 8V.
When you compare this with drill drivers, whose average voltage is between 18V and 20V, you can see that cordless screwdrivers fall short, but remember, these tools are designed to drive screws and not to drill holes.
Let’s Drive the Point Home
Cordless screwdrivers are handy tools to keep around. Whether you are hanging the occasional picture frame or working on a construction site in a professional capacity, they save you time and relieve the fatigue on your fingers and wrists.
They are compact, easy to store away and lightweight. Some even have the power to act as a drill when working on lighter materials. Now that’s convenience!
