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There are plenty of electric screwdrivers to choose from in the UK, but only a few are worth your hard-earned money. In this buying guide, we’ve spent hours filtering the good from the bad to arrive at the best electric screwdriver in the UK.
To avoid making a costly mistake, both in time and money, keep reading to find out which electric screwdriver is best for you.
Electric Screwdriver Reviews — The UK’s Top 3 in 2024
Struggling to decide on the best electric screwdriver for you? Read our in-depth reviews below to find your perfect match.
1. Bosch IXO (6th Generation)
- Variable speed trigger
- 3-LED battery indicator
- Dual charging option with micro USB
- Built-in scattered lighting
- Includes starter bits
- Supplied with IXO storage box
- Compact, lightweight, and comfortable grip
The 3.6V Bosch IXO Cordless Screwdriver has become a household staple over the years, and as expected, this latest version has surpassed its predecessor. As a result, it’s also topped our list and won the award for ‘Best Electric Screwdriver in the UK‘.
When compared with the other models on this list, the main advantage of the Bosch IXO 6th Generation is its variable speed. Press or release the trigger for a faster or slower turn rate. This handy feature helps prevent splintering or over-spinning on screw heads.
With a max speed of 215 RPM and up to 4.5Nm of torque, this lightweight electric screwdriver has plenty of power. Furthermore, the 1.5Ah Li-ion battery charges up in just 3.5 hours, so you won’t be without its power for long!
Pro Tip: Bosch sells an optional torque adapter if you’re struggling to remove a stubborn screw that won’t come loose.
Complete with 10 driver bits, a storage case, an LED work light and a battery charge indicator, this compact electric screwdriver is one of the best.
Pro Tip: This model is compatible with add-ons such as the Bosch corkscrew or spice mill attachments. However, bear in mind that the drill attachment bit is not included.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 215 RPM no-load speed | Drill attachment sold separately |
| Maximum torque: 4.5Nm | |
| 3.5 hours charge time | |
| Variable speed control | |
| Low 0.3kg weight |
2. Ryobi ERGO-A2
- Bright LED work light.
- Includes ten screwdriver bits
- Up to 5Nm screw-driving force
- Quick change hex chuck
- Includes a durable zipper case
- Easy charging with supplied micro USB cable
- Up to 80 screws per charge
The Ryobi ERGO-A2 provides a longer runtime than previous models, with a 1.5Ah Li-ion battery, charge level indicator and a fast three-hour charge time via a micro-USB cable.
With a no-load speed of 200 RPM and a maximum torque of 5Nm, this 4V electric screwdriver has plenty of power. It’s almost too overpowered for small screws and does not feature variable speeds (clutch chuck sold separately).
We particularly like the two adaptors (ERGO OFFSET and ERGO RIGHT ANGLE) that come with the Ryobi ERGO-A2. These adaptors are great for getting into tight spots requiring a manual screwdriver.
The Ryobi ERGO-A2 has a comfortable ergonomic soft-grip handle and a powerful LED work light. It also includes a 10 screwdriver bit set, a storage case and a micro USB charging cable. This model also comes with Ryobi’s standard 3-year warranty.
Small, lightweight and compact, the Ryobi ERGO-A2 is ideal for getting into tight spots, assembling flat-pack furniture and carrying out general repairs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Top speed: 200 RPM | It can be a little too powerful — optional clutch chuck sold separately |
| Maximum torque: 5Nm | No variable-speed control |
| 3-hour charging time with supplied micro USB cable | |
| Bright LED light | |
| Includes two adaptors for working in tight spaces | |
| 10 driving bits and storage case included | |
| Quick change hex chuck |
3. Makita DF001DW
- Operates in straight or pistol grip positions
- Forward / reverse rotation
- LED work light
- Compact and lightweight design
- Ergonomic soft grip
- Supplied with a storage case and 81-piece bit set
- AC Adapter (micro USB)
This 3.6V model from Makita comes with an 81-piece accessory kit, including an extension bit holder for those hard-to-reach spots.
While this model has a 220 RPM top speed, its maximum torque is just 4Nm, making it less powerful than the other models on this list. The Makita DF001DW’s other main drawback is its lack of speed control, leading to stripped screw heads, especially when driving smaller screws.
Its Li-ion battery capacity of 1.5Ah is in line with other electric screwdrivers, and it charges up anywhere between three to five hours, making it ready to go with little notice. However, no power indicator shows how much charge is left!
The Makita DF001DW is a solid electric screwdriver that won’t disappoint you. However, the other models on this list have more features, greater torque, and a lower price tag.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 3–5 hour charge time with micro USB cable | No variable-speed control |
| 81-piece accessory kit | No power indicator |
| Weighs 0.36 kg |
Best Electric Screwdriver — 2024 Comparison Table
| Name | Main Features | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch IXO (6th Generation) | • Top speed: 215 RPM • Max torque: 4.5Nm • 3.5 hours charge time • Variable speed control • Low 0.3kg weight | £££ | 9/10 |
| Ryobi ERGO-A2 | • Top speed: 200 RPM • Max torque: 5Nm • 3 hours charge time • Ergonomic soft-grip handle • Two adaptors for working in tight spots • 10-bit set and storage case | ££ | 8.5/10 |
| Makita DF001DW | • Top speed: 220 RPM • Max torque: 3Nm • 3 hours charge time • 2Ah battery • Magnetic bit holder • 33-piece accessory kit | £ | 8/10 |
Electric Screwdriver Buying Guide
The best electric screwdriver for you will depend on what materials you’re driving your screws into, how often you will use it, and your budget.
To help you make the right choice, we’ve broken down the most important features to look for when buying an electric screwdriver.
Top Speed
Speed specifications are based on a no-load reading. We recommend looking for an electric screwdriver with a top speed of around 200 RPM. Models with higher speeds will have greater torque and perform better on tough jobs.
Single Speed or Variable Speed
We prefer variable speed options as slower speed settings help avoid damaging delicate or fragile materials. Conversely, higher speed settings drive stubborn screws faster.
Torque
Torque is a measurement of your screwdriver’s rotational or turning power. It’s measured in Newton metres or Nm. The higher the torque, the more powerful your screwdriver’s turning ability will be. Torque is critical when removing stuck screws or driving into tough materials.
Battery Runtime and Weight
Check the ampere-hour (Ah) battery rating. The higher the Ah rating, the longer your screwdriver will last between charges.
However, higher Ah batteries take longer to charge and are generally bigger and heavier. So, for ease of use and maximum manoeuvrability, we recommend models with 1.5–2Ah batteries charging rapidly in three to four hours.
Pro Tip: Double-check that your electric screwdriver has a battery indicator so you’ll never be surprised when your battery runs low. Colour-coded or multiple light indicators inform you how much run-time you have left.
Size & Weight
Electric screwdrivers are compact and light, enabling you to easily get into tight corners, particularly when assembling drawers or shelves.
Ideally, you’ll want a lightweight model not much bigger than the length of your hand. We recommend 300–450g models to help reduce hand and wrist fatigue.
Worklight
Often overlooked, work lights allow you to maintain accuracy if your light source is weak or becomes obscured, such as when assembling cupboards or bulky furniture items.
Accessories
All good electric screwdrivers tend to come with a selection of driver bits. A case may or not come as standard. Extension driver bits can be particularly handy for hard-to-reach, narrow areas where compact screwdrivers struggle.
Final Thoughts
Our overall pick for the best electric screwdriver UK is the Bosch IXO 6th generation.
Lightweight and compact, this remodelled classic is extremely easy to use, making it perfect for use around the home.
Its main advantage over its competitors is its variable speed control which helps prevent damage to screws and furniture. We also like its fast 3.5-hour charge time and compatibility with Bosch’s home attachments add-ons.
To learn more about other drills and drivers, check out our complete guide to drills & drivers.