Power tools have transformed the way we work, providing speed and ease of use that would have been impossible with traditional hand tools. Cordless screwdrivers are among the most popular power tools today, enabling people to insert several screws in the time it would take to screw in one by hand.
If you are a professional contractor or a keen DIYer, a cordless screwdriver will help you assemble and fix items far more quickly and efficiently. The popularity of these tools means you will have plenty to choose from, but it can also make it overwhelming trying to find your ideal one.
To help you make the right choice, we have reviewed 10 of the best cordless screwdrivers that are currently available. We chose these screwdrivers for their speed and torque, weight, and battery life.
- 12-volt power
- LED lighting
- 20+1 clutch settings
- Motion activation
- Just 9.5 inches long
- 1-hour charging
- All-metal gear housing
- 150 in.lbs of torque
- 5-year warranty
- Less than 7 inches long
- USB-charging
- Live-wire detector
- Auto-stop clutch
- Includes a plastic case
- Soft-grip handle
- Features a screw holder
- Multi-driver selection
- Integrated battery
- One-handed loading
- 1-hour fast charging
- Motion-activated
- Built-in lighting
- 3-position handle
- Very lightweight at 1.1 lb
- Bright LED lights
- USB charging
- 45-piece accessory set
- Overdrive control
- Superior torque
- Push start operation
Product Reviews
With so many models to choose from, it can be daunting trying to find the best cordless screwdrivers. After a lot of research, we have reviewed 10 of the best models today, chosen for their power, battery life, how heavy they are, and comfortable they are to use.
Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit
Best Rechargeable Cordless Screwdriver
This Bosch cordless drill kit provides superior torque, is lightweight at just over 2 pounds, and is an ideal tool for tackling drywall, wood, and metal.
It has a pair of speed settings of 350 RPM and 1,300 RPM, with a 20+1 clutch for precise torque control. The kit includes two lithium-ion batteries, so you should never run out of power while you’re trying to work.
What We Like
12 Volts
A higher voltage means greater power. Despite its small size, this tool should be suitable for any task you throw at it. It is a drill and a driver and can penetrate wood, metal, and drywall.
LED Light
This tool’s built-in LED will illuminate your work, which is helpful when using it in darkness. This makes it an ideal choice for completing jobs in confined spaces.
Small But Powerful
This Bosch power drill is compact, yet delivers 25% more torque and 15% greater speed than the average drill of a similar size.
Affordable
As a Bosch product, you might assume this tool would be expensive. However, it is very reasonably priced.
What We Don't Like
Misleading Weight
The listed weight is just over 2 pounds but this doesn’t include the battery. It is still an average weight but the battery will double how heavy it is.
Product 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 | $$ |
Our Ratings
DeWALT 8V Max Cordless Screwdriver
Best Small Cordless Screwdriver
This compact DeWALT screwdriver can have its direction adjusted by twisting a dial left or right. Twist one way and it will drive screws, twist the other and it will spin in the other direction to remove screws. It operates at 430 RPM to drive into wood, plastic, and even light gauge metal.
It has a display that shows the current charge level, with the charger capable of filling the battery in an hour. This means you should be able to charge it fully during your lunch break for minimal downtime. It isn’t one of the most powerful models we have seen but, at 8 volts, it still packs a punch.
What We Like
Compact
If you want a small cordless screwdriver for reaching tight spots, this is a great option. It is just 9.5 inches long and has an LED to brighten dark places.
Motion Activation
By twisting the handle one way or the other, the screwdriver will activate and spin forward or in reverse. This intuitive design makes this one of the most user-friendly power tools that are currently available.
Lightweight
This tool weighs just 2 pounds. It is extremely lightweight, unlike some cordless screwdrivers that have their weights listed without including the battery.
1-Hour Charging
This cordless screwdriver recharges in just an hour. This is very quick and means minimal downtime when you are trying to work.
What We Don't Like
Build Quality Issues
There are question marks over this screwdriver’s reliability, with some reports of it suddenly no longer working.
Better for Light Duties
This screwdriver is suitable for tackling minor jobs around the home. It is not a heavy-duty screwdriver and will struggle with tougher materials.
Single Battery
Some manufacturers include two batteries with their cordless screwdrivers to minimize downtime. DeWALT only includes one battery with this screwdriver and buying a spare will increase your costs significantly.
Product 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 | $$ |
Our Ratings
Milwaukee 2401-22 12-Volt Screwdriver Set
Best Heavy-Duty Cordless Screwdriver
This Milwaukee cordless screwdriver is well-equipped for heavy-duty tasks. It generates 150 in.lbs of torque and spins at 500 RPM. A battery gauge shows you the charge level at all times, and a built-in LED provides improved visibility.
It is suitable for professional environments thanks to its durable all-metal gear housing and quick-load 0.25-inch hex shank for one-handed operation. The tool is also protected by a generous 5-year warranty, so you can buy it with confidence that it will serve you well in the long run.
What We Like
All-Metal Gear Housing
Milwaukee has opted for heavy-duty metal gear housing, making this screwdriver far more suitable for professional use than cheaper, more fragile alternatives.
Battery
Milwaukee introduced the first lithium-ion power tool battery in 2005. Its current batteries are about 65% lighter than NiCd batteries and 30% more powerful.
5-Year Warranty
Milwaukee guarantees this screwdriver with an industry-leading 5-year warranty, so you can buy it with absolute confidence.
What We Don't Like
Imported
Despite being an iconic American tool brand, Milwaukee’s production now takes place overseas in China. This is something to keep in mind if you prefer to buy American.
Build Quality Issues
Some customer reviews mention issues with this tool’s battery life and overall build quality.
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.67 pounds |
| Number of batteries | 2 |
| Volts | 12 |
| Amp-hours | 1.5 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 7 x 6 x 2 |
| Warranty | 5-year |
| Price | $$ |
Our Ratings
SKIL 4V Cordless Screwdriver
Lightweight Cordless Screwdriver
This lightweight cordless screwdriver comes with a 9-piece set of bits and charges via a USB port, so you can fill its battery almost anywhere. At 4 volts, it isn’t one of the most powerful screwdrivers available, but it is excellent for less challenging jobs around the home.
Its standout qualities are its very small size and lightweight construction. It also has the special ability to detect live wires from an inch away so you won’t cut through them accidentally. You can turn the collar to easily switch between forward and reverse modes.
What We Like
Small
At less than 7 inches long, this is a small, convenient screwdriver. It doesn’t have the power of larger drills but will be great for putting up pictures, assembling furniture, and other basic household tasks.
USB Charging
Many modern vehicles have USB ports, so you will be able to keep this screwdriver charged almost anywhere. This also means you won’t need to take a large charger with you.
Live-Wire Detector
This is a great tool if you are working near electrical circuits and need to know where any live wires are. It can detect them from an inch away.
What We Don't Like
4 Volts
This screwdriver is suitable for light tasks that only require minimal torque.
Cheap Quality
According to some users, the components feel cheaply made. This isn’t one of the most expensive screwdrivers we have looked at but it isn’t the cheapest either, so we expect more from it.
Product 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 | $ |
Our Ratings
Makita DF012DSE 7.2V Drill Driver Kit
Best Premium Cordless Screwdriver
This Makita screwdriver can be operated at two speeds, 200 RPM and 650 RPM, for jobs that require high or low torque. It has a swivel handle that adjusts so the screwdriver can be used with a straight design or a pistol grip like a traditional power drill.
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, as you will be able to use it to drill pilot holes and then drive in screws without switching tools.
What We Like
Auto-Stop Clutch
The clutch disengages the motor to prevent the tool from becoming overstressed if it encounters too much resistance. This means it won’t strip fasteners and screws or overtighten them.
Plastic Case
This tool includes a hard-wearing plastic carry-case that protects the screwdriver and other components during transit. It also helps you store them safely.
Soft-Grip Handle
If you use your cordless screwdriver frequently, it needs to be comfortable to hold. This Makita has a soft-grip handle that will help you hold it securely and reduce hand fatigue.
What We Don't Like
Expensive
This screwdriver is not cheap. It costs twice as much as some cordless screwdrivers we have looked at.
Lacks Power
As a standalone cordless screwdriver, this Makita is a quality product but it is quite expensive for the amount of power it generates.
Product 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 | $$$ |
Our Ratings
Worx WX255L SD Power Screwdriver
Best Cordless Screwdriver for Home Use
The best feature of this Worx cordless screwdriver is its self-loading bit chamber, which resembles the barrel of a gun. Slide the shaft of the screwdriver back and the chamber inside can be rotated to select your desired driver bit.
It can hold 6 bits, so you can use multiple bits without the risk of losing them. This makes it a very versatile tool. It also includes a screw holder, enabling you to use the screwdriver one-handed.
What We Like
Screw Holder
The screw holder grips the screw securely, allowing you to operate the tool with one hand. It also means you won’t need to worry about dropping screws and losing them.
Multi-Driver Selection
You can load up to 6 different driver bits into the barrel and quickly choose whichever one you need for a given task. It speeds up the process and prevents you from misplacing driver bits during changes.
Battery
With an integrated battery in the tool’s handle, you can simply plug it in and charge it. The battery will store energy for up to 18 months.
What We Don't Like
4 Volts
This screwdriver can’t compete with professional-grade models in terms of power but it is still an effective all-rounder. Just keep in mind that you will have a limited amount of torque.
Charge Time
An integrated battery might seem convenient but in reality, it can be counterproductive. You won’t be able to continue using the tool while charging another battery, which could cause major delays as it takes 5 hours to fully recharge the tool.
Runtime
The battery has a 1-hour runtime. With a 5-hour wait between charges, it is better suited to less intense tasks.
Product 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 | $ |
Our Ratings
DeWALT (DCF680N2) 8V Max
Best Professional Cordless Screwdriver
This DeWALT cordless screwdriver has a motion-activated mechanism that starts the tool when you twist it in the direction you want the screw to turn. One direction makes it spin forward, while the other reverses it.
It has a battery indicator that shows you the current power level, and you can use it as a straight screwdriver or with a pistol grip to suit different tasks.
What We Like
1-Hour Charge
If you are a professional, it is important to minimize your downtime when charging tools. This screwdriver’s super-fast charger will charge the tool completely in an hour, so you can get back to work as quickly as possible.
Motion-Activated
Motion activation is very user-friendly but should also help you work with greater precision. This is essential when working on delicate projects such as electronics and detailed woodwork.
One-Handed Loading
The 0.25-inch hex shank is designed to be loaded with one hand, which will make it quicker and easier when multitasking or on a job site.
What We Don't Like
Price
This cordless screwdriver set is not particularly cheap. Other models are more expensive but you generally get slightly more power and accessories for your money.
Weak Batteries
The batteries are just 1 Ah, which means they will run out of power quickly. You can upgrade to more powerful DeWALT batteries, but they will cost as much as the screwdriver itself.
Product 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 | $$$ |
Our Ratings
Black and Decker 4V Max Cordless Screwdriver
Best Budget Cordless Screwdriver
If you are in the market for a budget cordless screwdriver, this Black+Decker model is an excellent choice. It has a 3-position handle that enables you to use the screwdriver straight, at 45 degrees, or with a pistol grip.
At this price, you shouldn’t expect the same power as high-end tools from premium power tool brands. However, despite being a budget-friendly model, it still features an integrated battery and a light that will brighten up wherever you are working.
What We Like
Low Price
This is a very budget-friendly cordless screwdriver. In fact, you could buy several of these tools with the money it would cost to buy some of the other screwdrivers on this list one time.
Convenience
This Black+Decker tool isn’t designed for heavy-duty performance. However, it is very well suited to domestic tasks such as assembling furniture and hanging up picture frames.
What We Don't Like
Cheaply Made
Given its very low price, it is no surprise that compromises have been made with this tool’s quality. This is clear from the materials used and the quality of the construction.
Lacks Power
With a 4-volt motor, you shouldn’t expect this screwdriver to cope with heavy-duty tasks. However, if you accept that it is a budget-friendly tool for lighter work, you should find plenty of use for it.
10-Hour Charge
If the battery is completely drained, it will take 10 hours to fully recharge. This is one of the longest charge times we have seen for a compact power tool.
Product 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 | $ |
Our Ratings
TECCPO TDSC01P Cordless Electric Screwdriver
Best Value Cordless Screwdriver
This compact TECCPO screwdriver is designed to be as convenient and versatile as possible. It has adjustable front and rear lights, a 2.0 Ah battery, and a self-locking chuck. It also has a USB charging port so you can charge it in your car or anywhere else with a USB port.
This product is suitable for a wide range of different tasks thanks to its 45-piece accessory kit. If you want a screwdriver that can serve as many home improvement roles as possible, this set is a great option.
What We Like
Bright LED Lights
The front LED will light up when you press the trigger. If you want to brighten your surroundings more, you can also use the rear light.
Excellent Value
This is not the cheapest compact screwdriver but its versatility means it still provides excellent value for money.
Accessory Set
Even though this screwdriver is such good value, it still comes with a 45-piece accessory set.
What We Don't Like
Lacks Battery Power Indicator
The only downfall about this screwdriver is that it lacks a battery indicator. With that being said, you cannot estimate how much power is left in the machine.
Product Specs
| Weight | 2.94 pounds |
| Number of batteries | 1 |
| Volts | 4 |
| Amp-hours | 2 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 9.57 x 9.09 x 2.95 |
| Warranty | Not indicated |
| Price | $ |
Our Ratings
Dremel GO-01Powered Cordless Screwdriver
Best Cordless Screwdriver for Woodworking
Dremel is a name that is synonymous with compact power tools and precision engineering. This is an excellent lightweight screwdriver, so it is very user-friendly.
Its design makes it ideal for woodworking, which is enhanced by its variable torque settings. These will help you insert screws and fasteners without the risk of stripping them or damaging the surrounding material.
It has an intuitive push-start operation that engages the motor when you press it against the screw. This makes it very easy to control, which is ideal for working on bespoke pieces of furniture.
What We Like
Compact
This tool may be small, but it also has impressive power. It is compact enough to be carried in your pocket.
Overdrive Control
The variable torque setting prevents you from accidentally overtightening fasteners or stripping screws. This also reduces the risk of splitting wood if you are screwing directly into the material without drilling a pilot hole.
Superior Torque
This small screwdriver is powerful enough to drive 2-inch screws straight into pieces of wood
What We Don't Like
No Carry Case
This Dremel screwdriver doesn’t include a carry case, unlike most of the tools we have looked at. This will leave it exposed when you need to transport or store it.
Push-Drive Limitations
The push activation is convenient but it is not without its faults. It is unsuitable for working on delicate projects such as computers and other electronics, which require a more delicate touch. This tool is best used for driving screws into wood.
Product 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 | $ |
Our Ratings
| 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 | 1.67 lbs | 2 | 12 | 2 | 7 x 6 x 2″ | 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 |
| TECCPO Cordless Screwdriver | Value For Money | 2.94 lbs | 1 | 4 | 2 | 9.57 x 9.09 x 2.95″ | Not indicated |
| Dremel GO-01Powered Screwdriver | Woodworking | 9.6 oz | 1 | 4 | 1.5 | 1.8 x 6.25 x 9.5″ | 2-year |
How to Choose a Cordless Screwdriver
Choosing the best cordless screwdriver means thinking carefully about how you expect to use it. Screwdrivers are all designed for a similar purpose but models can differ in some important ways. The key things to consider include:
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)
Most electric screwdrivers spin between 300 to 600 times per minute. This RPM range is considerably less than corded drill drivers but is still plenty for driving screws into tough materials. How many times the screwdriver turns each minute is important but it is only half the story.
A screwdriver with a higher RPM can be difficult to control and could struggle to drive into harder materials. You run the risk of snapping or stripping the screw. Look for a cordless screwdriver with adjustable speed control. This will enable you to start slowly and increase the speed once the screw bites into the stock.
Workload
Take the time to consider how often you will use your screwdriver. If you will only need it for occasional jobs such as assembling furniture and fitting shelves, you will be fine with a lightweight model, which is suitable for simple tasks around the home. These models tend to be 3.6V with 1 Ah and 3 Newton meters, which is a standard measure of torque.
If you need to use a screwdriver every day for professional work, choose a more powerful model from a trusted brand. These are typically 5V to 8V and deliver between 5 Nm and 15 Nm of torque.
Remember
Torque
Torque is how much force a screwdriver turns with, as opposed to how quickly it spins. A model with higher torque will be more effective at driving screws into harder materials, so it is a very important part of choosing a screwdriver.
Torque is measured in Newton meters. The higher the number, the greater the torque, and the more effective the screwdriver will be at pushing screws into hard materials.
Weight
As a general rule, lighter screwdrivers will be suitable for less demanding jobs. Professionals will need a cordless screwdriver that can handle the majority of tasks, which means it needs to be robust and powerful.
More power also means a larger, heavier motor. The more intense your work, the tougher the screwdriver’s components will need to be, meaning fewer plastic elements in favor of durable materials such as metals.
Voltage
Possibly the best indicator of a cordless power tool’s power is its voltage. The higher the voltage, the more powerful the motor. The most effective models will have 5V to 8V at their disposal. There are powerful drill drivers that have 12V and even 20V, but we are focusing on standard cordless screwdrivers.
Battery Life
The number of ampere-hours tells you how long your battery will last. The higher the amp-hour rating, the longer you will be able to use your drill between charges. Most batteries have between 1.5 Ah and 2 Ah.
Charge Time
Charge time is important, especially if you use your screwdriver for professional jobs. The faster your battery charges, the less downtime there will be when you want to work. You could get two batteries so you can always use one while the other is charging, but good batteries can be very expensive, often costing more than the tool itself.
Some chargers complete a charge cycle in 30 minutes, while others can take 3 or 4 hours. If you only need your screwdriver for occasional tasks around the home, this won’t be as important, but a shorter charge time is always better if possible.
Battery
The most popular power tool batteries today are lithium-ion models. They have some key advantages over Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries including being lighter, charging more quickly, and retaining their charge for longer. They don’t suffer from “memory effect”, which is when a battery remembers being used at a lower capacity and will no longer charge beyond that level.
Can Cordless Screwdrivers Be Used as Drills?
Cordless screwdrivers can be used as drills but only on softer materials. You will need specialist hex-shank drill bits, the type that fit impact driver shanks, as your screwdriver won’t accommodate other bits.
Hex shanks provide easy attachment replacement, so your tool should be suitable for softwoods such as pine. However, if you need to drill any harder materials, you should always use an actual drill as they are designed for this task.
How Much Power Should a Cordless Screwdriver Have?
The voltage of a cordless screwdriver has a major influence on how powerful it is. The higher the voltage, the greater the power. Lightweight screwdrivers for domestic use usually have up to 4V while professional-grade heavy-duty screwdrivers have between 5V and 8V.
When compared to drill drivers, which usually have a voltage of between 18V and 20V, it is clear that cordless screwdrivers have far less power. However, these tools are designed to drive screws and not to drill holes, so they don’t need as much strength.
FAQs
Are Cordless Screwdrivers Worth It?
Cordless screwdrivers are a convenient, time-saving tool that makes a great addition to any toolkit. They offer hassle-free use and come in various sizes and shapes depending on the job at hand.
From tightening cabinet screws to assembling furniture and appliances, cordless screwdrivers can make quick work of difficult tasks. Many have multiple speed settings, adjustable clutch levels, and ergonomic handles for increased comfort.
With the right cordless screwdriver in your arsenal, you’ll be able to take on projects with confidence, knowing that you’ve got the right tool for the job.
What Is a Good Torque for a Cordless Screwdriver?
If you’re looking for a cordless screwdriver that won’t exert too much tightening force, 5 Nm is the best torque option. It’s suitable for most light to medium duty tightening jobs and provides just enough clamping force to ensure that your screws are properly secured.
It also helps preserve your screwdriver’s battery as less power is needed for a more efficient job. Furthermore, this torque is also ideal as it prevents over-tightening, which can damage both the screw and its surrounding area.
Look out for 10 to 15 Nm torque for a higher tightening force.
What’s the Difference Between a Cordless Screwdriver and Impact Driver?
Cordless screwdrivers and impact drivers are two common power tools that are often used for similar tasks. The difference between the two is their purpose and how they apply torque.
A cordless screwdriver uses a rotational motion to turn a fastener, similar to the way you would when using a manual tool.
An impact driver, however, uses a hammering action in addition to the rotational motion, which creates greater torque and allows it to drive screws faster and more powerfully than a cordless screwdriver can.
Impact drivers also tend to be more expensive than cordless screwdrivers because of their increased power.
What Is the Best Cordless Screwdriver on the Market?
The Makita DF012DSE is the perfect addition to any toolbox. Its LED light lets you work in dark or small places, and its two-speed design gives you control over your screwdriving. Plus, with 21 clutch settings, you won’t have to worry about over-tightening or under-tightening screws.
It also has a battery level indicator, so you know when it’s time to recharge. All these features combine to make Makita DF012DSE the best cordless screwdriver on the market.
