A combi drill is the one power tool nearly every tradesperson and serious DIYer reaches for first. The good news in 2026 is that the premium 18V brushless drills from DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee and Bosch are all genuinely excellent. The real decision comes down to torque, body size, which battery platform you are on, and how hard you will push it day to day. Here are five worth your money, from a heavy-use trade pick to a sensible budget option.
| Drill | Best for | Type | Battery platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCD796P2 | All-round trade + DIY | 18V brushless, 2-speed | DeWalt XR 18V |
| Makita DHP484 | Tight spaces, overhead | 18V brushless, compact | Makita LXT 18V |
| Milwaukee M18 FPD3 FUEL | Heavy, demanding trade use | 18V brushless, high torque | Milwaukee M18 |
| Bosch GSB 18V-55 | Precision and value | 18V brushless | Bosch Professional 18V |
| Einhell TP-CD 18/60 Li-i BL | Budget DIY | 18V brushless | Einhell Power X-Change |
The DCD796P2 is the drill it is hardest to argue with. A compact 18V brushless combi with two speeds, it has the torque for most site work, a sensible weight for all-day use, and it sits on DeWalt's huge XR battery platform, so your batteries carry across to the rest of the range. If you want one drill that quietly does everything, start here.
View on AmazonMakita's DHP484 earns its place on size and control. A compact 187mm body and a precise 21-position clutch make it a real advantage for overhead drilling and working in tight spaces, without giving up brushless performance. On the enormous LXT platform, it is an easy pick for anyone already in the Makita ecosystem.
View on AmazonWhen the work is demanding and the drill gets used hard every day, the M18 FPD3 FUEL is built for it. High torque, a tough build and Milwaukee's well-regarded M18 platform and warranty support make it the choice for trades that punish their tools. It is a premium buy, and it earns the price if you are on the tools full time.
View on AmazonThe Bosch Professional GSB 18V-55 is the sensible middle ground: brushless, accurate on screwdriving, and priced more accessibly than the top-end trade drills. For DIY and lighter trade work where you want Bosch reliability without the flagship price, it is a strong, no-drama choice.
View on AmazonIf you want brushless performance without the premium spend, the Einhell TP-CD 18/60 Li-i BL delivers the features most DIY users actually need. It runs on Einhell's Power X-Change platform, which is worth knowing if you are building a cordless kit from scratch on a tighter budget.
View on AmazonBattery platform first. The drill matters, but the platform matters more. Once you own batteries and a charger from one brand, staying with it saves real money as you add an impact driver, saw or grinder.
Brushless is worth it. A brushless motor runs cooler, lasts longer and squeezes more work out of each charge. Every drill above is brushless.
Weight and size. If you drill overhead or in tight spaces, a compact body like the Makita's pays off by the end of the day. For bench and general work, weight matters less.
Torque and speed. Two speeds give you control for screwdriving and grunt for drilling. More torque helps in dense material, but do not pay for more than your work needs.
What is the best combi drill in the UK for 2026?
For most trade and serious DIY users the DeWalt DCD796P2 is the strongest all-rounder. The Makita DHP484 is better in tight spaces and overhead, and the Milwaukee M18 FPD3 FUEL is built for heavy daily use. Check the current price and availability on Amazon before buying.
What is the difference between a combi drill and a drill driver?
A combi drill adds a hammer action for drilling into masonry and brick, on top of the standard drilling and screwdriving a drill driver offers. If you only work with wood and fixings, a drill driver is enough; for mixed site work, a combi drill is the safer choice.
Should I stick to one battery brand?
Yes. The battery platform is often more important than the drill itself. Once you own batteries and chargers from one brand, staying on that platform saves money as you add more tools.