Best electric screwdrivers UK: cordless picks from Bosch to budget
A small cordless screwdriver makes flat-pack furniture, curtain poles, battery covers and hinge adjustments a lot less tedious. Here's what to look for, the cheapest ones worth buying, and when you need a drill instead.
Quick picks
- Best overallBosch IXO 7 cordless screwdriver, 3.6V, 2.0Ah, with angle attachment (Amazon Edition)Check price
- Best with a clutchBosch Professional GO 3 cordless screwdriver with 8 bits and caseCheck price
- Best cheap pistol-gripBLACK+DECKER 3.6V cordless rapid screwdriver with case (BCF611CK-GB)Check price
- Cheapest worth buyingAmazon Basics cordless screwdriver by SKIL, 3.6V, USB-C, 34-piece bit setCheck price
- Best budget with metal gearsEinhell 3.6V cordless screwdriver, 4.5Nm, with 10 bitsCheck price
- Best-looking (and best gift)HOTO 3.6V cordless screwdriver set with 12 bits and aluminium caseCheck price
- Best for awkward anglesRyobi RSDP4-120G 4V cordless pivoting screwdriver, 2.0AhCheck price
- Best precision screwdriverFanttik E1 Max precision electric screwdriver set, 50 bitsCheck price
How we chose: We compared popular electric screwdrivers on Amazon.co.uk from Bosch, Black+Decker, SKIL, Einhell, Ryobi, HOTO and Fanttik, checking torque, clutch settings, battery, charging, bits supplied and weight from listings and manufacturers. We read recurring themes in Amazon.co.uk owner feedback, especially battery life and power, and favoured models sold by Amazon or established sellers. We have not personally tested these products; this is a research-based roundup. Our research process.
An electric screwdriver is a small, low-powered cordless tool for driving and removing screws. It's lighter, smaller and gentler than a drill, which makes it ideal for flat-pack furniture, hinges, plug sockets and battery covers, but it won't drill into walls or drive long screws into hard wood. For those jobs you need a cordless drill driver.
The three things that matter most are torque (twisting force, in Nm), a clutch (adjustable torque settings that stop it over-tightening or stripping small screws) and charging (USB-C is handiest). Most home screwdrivers run on a 3.6V or 4V built-in battery and offer around 4–6Nm, which is plenty for furniture and household jobs.
Who this guide is for: Anyone who builds flat-pack furniture, puts up curtain poles and shelves with pre-drilled holes, swaps toy batteries or does small household fixes, especially if a drill feels too heavy or powerful. Electric screwdrivers are also popular gifts for new homeowners and students (see our gifts for him under £50). If you're building a standing desk or office chair, one will save your wrists.
Black Friday tip: Black Friday is Friday 27 November 2026, and Amazon UK has opened its Black Friday Week sale about a week earlier in recent years. Before you buy, check the product’s price history: our Black Friday home buying guide explains how to spot a genuine deal and which picks to watch.
Comparison table
| Pick | Torque | Clutch | Charging | Bits included | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch IXO 7Best overall | 5.5Nm | No built-in clutch | Micro-USB | 10 plus angle attachment | Check price |
| Bosch Professional GO 3Best with a clutch | 5Nm (Bosch) | 7 settings plus max mode | USB-C | 8 plus holder, case | Check price |
| Black+Decker BCF611CKBest cheap pistol-grip | Not stated on listing | Not listed | Charger supplied | Bit set and case | Check price |
| Amazon Basics by SKILCheapest worth buying | 5Nm | 3 settings | USB-C | 34 plus case | Check price |
| Einhell 3.6VBest budget with metal gears | 4.5Nm | Not listed | Micro-USB | 10 plus magnetic holder | Check price |
| HOTO screwdriver setBest-looking (and best gift) | 4Nm (8Nm manual) | 3 settings | USB-C | 12 S2 steel, aluminium box | Check price |
| Ryobi pivoting screwdriverBest for awkward angles | 5Nm | Not listed | USB | 2 | Check price |
| Fanttik E1 MaxBest precision screwdriver | 0.2Nm (3Nm manual) | 2 settings | USB-C | 50 (12 types) | Check price |
Specs are from manufacturer listings as of 20 October 2026; claimed figures (running costs, runtimes) are the maker’s, not ours. Check the Amazon page for the current price and exact variant before you buy.
The picks in detail
Bosch IXO 7 cordless screwdriver, 3.6V, 2.0Ah, with angle attachment (Amazon Edition)
Best for: Most homes: flat-pack, fixtures and fittings
- Torque
- 5.5Nm
- Clutch
- No built-in clutch
- Charging
- Micro-USB
- Bits included
- 10 plus angle attachment
The UK's best-known electric screwdriver, now in its seventh generation. It has 5.5Nm of torque (20% more than the IXO 6), a 2.0Ah battery that Bosch says drives up to 190 screws per charge, and an attachment system for add-ons such as a corkscrew, cutter or drill adapter. This Amazon Edition comes with an angle-screw attachment, 10 bits and a micro-USB cable in carton packaging.
Owners say it's powerful for its size, holds its charge well, fits in a pocket and is well worth the price. There's no adjustable clutch in the box, so ease off on small screws in soft materials. Bosch's newer IXO 8 adds a swappable 4V battery and 6.5Nm, but it's new, with few reviews so far.
What owners and reviewers like
- Compact and well made
- Good battery life
- Attachment system
Watch-outs
- Micro-USB, not USB-C
- No clutch in this kit
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Bosch Professional GO 3 cordless screwdriver with 8 bits and case
Best for: Frequent use and delicate jobs where you mustn't over-tighten
- Torque
- 5Nm (Bosch)
- Clutch
- 7 settings plus max mode
- Charging
- USB-C
- Bits included
- 8 plus holder, case
Bosch's trade-grade pocket screwdriver. Bosch quotes up to 5Nm, and its mechanical clutch has 7 torque settings plus a maximum-power mode, so you can set it low for small screws in chipboard or plastic and high for bigger jobs. It takes any ¼-inch hex bit, has an LED ring that doubles as a work light and battery indicator, and charges via USB-C. It comes with 8 bits, a bit holder and a mini case.
Owners call it reliable and versatile, good for light to medium work and ideal for flat-pack. Battery comments are mixed: it lasts a long time from full but drops after heavy use. It costs more than the IXO, but the clutch makes it the better choice if you do a lot of furniture assembly.
What owners and reviewers like
- 7-step clutch
- USB-C
- Professional build
Watch-outs
- Pricier
- Battery drops with heavy use
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BLACK+DECKER 3.6V cordless rapid screwdriver with case (BCF611CK-GB)
Best for: A cheap, familiar-brand screwdriver for occasional jobs
- Torque
- Not stated on listing
- Clutch
- Not listed
- Charging
- Charger supplied
- Bits included
- Bit set and case
A compact pistol-grip screwdriver that's often one of the cheapest from a major brand. Black+Decker says it drives up to 100 screws after just 15 minutes' charging. It has an LED work light and comes in a storage case with a charger and bit set. The short body gets into cupboards and other tight spaces.
Owners say it's excellent for small jobs around the home, easy to carry and good value, and that it holds its charge well. Opinions on power are mixed, so it's best for light work like furniture and fittings, not stubborn old screws.
What owners and reviewers like
- Cheap
- Quick charge
- Case and bits included
Watch-outs
- Modest power
- No USB charging
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Amazon Basics cordless screwdriver by SKIL, 3.6V, USB-C, 34-piece bit set
Best for: The most kit for the least money
- Torque
- 5Nm
- Clutch
- 3 settings
- Charging
- USB-C
- Bits included
- 34 plus case
Made by tool brand SKIL for Amazon, this stick screwdriver has up to 5Nm of torque, 300rpm, three torque settings at the push of a button, a built-in 2000mAh battery, USB-C charging, two LED lights and a quarter-inch hex collet. It comes with a 34-piece bit set and a carry case, and weighs about 300g. It's sold by Amazon.
Owners say it's good quality, easy to use and powerful enough for most household jobs, and handy in tight spaces. Battery and torque reports are mixed. It's a strong cheap pick because it has USB-C and torque settings, which some budget models don't.
What owners and reviewers like
- Torque settings at a low price
- USB-C
- Big bit set
Watch-outs
- Mixed battery reports
- Not for heavy jobs
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Einhell 3.6V cordless screwdriver, 4.5Nm, with 10 bits
Best for: A sturdy budget pistol-grip screwdriver
- Torque
- 4.5Nm
- Clutch
- Not listed
- Charging
- Micro-USB
- Bits included
- 10 plus magnetic holder
A pistol-grip screwdriver from German brand Einhell, with 4.5Nm of torque, 180rpm, a 1,500mAh battery and a robust metal gearbox. It has an LED, soft grip and a magnetic bit holder, and comes with 10 bits. It charges by micro-USB. It's sold by Amazon.
Owners rate its quality, torque and value, and say the battery lasts between jobs. One notes it stalls safely at full torque rather than breaking. The micro-USB charging is dated, but otherwise it's a dependable budget choice.
What owners and reviewers like
- Metal gearbox
- Good value
- Comfortable grip
Watch-outs
- Micro-USB
- Few bits
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HOTO 3.6V cordless screwdriver set with 12 bits and aluminium case
Best for: Gifting and tidy, design-led toolkits
- Torque
- 4Nm (8Nm manual)
- Clutch
- 3 settings
- Charging
- USB-C
- Bits included
- 12 S2 steel, aluminium box
A sleek stick screwdriver with three torque settings (up to 4Nm powered, 8Nm when turned by hand), a 1,500mAh battery, USB-C charging and a ring-shaped LED. It comes with 12 hardened S2 steel bits in a frosted aluminium case. It weighs 250g, and HOTO says rotation stops as soon as you release the button.
Owners praise the build, design and well-judged torque settings, and say bit changes are easy. One says the battery lasted through assembling three double wardrobes. HOTO claims over 1,000 screws per charge. It's less powerful than the Bosch IXO, but it's a lovely present.
What owners and reviewers like
- Beautiful case
- Torque settings
- USB-C
Watch-outs
- Lower torque
- Premium for looks
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Ryobi RSDP4-120G 4V cordless pivoting screwdriver, 2.0Ah
Best for: Inside cabinets and other cramped spaces
- Torque
- 5Nm
- Clutch
- Not listed
- Charging
- USB
- Bits included
- 2
Ryobi's 4V screwdriver pivots between a straight stick and a pistol grip, so you can choose whichever fits the space. It has a two-finger trigger, a 2.0Ah battery and USB charging. Ryobi quotes 5Nm, and it comes with just two 25mm bits, so you'll need your own set.
Owners say it's great for small projects and cabinet assembly and lasts well per charge. Some find it sturdy, others a bit wobbly, and it's less adjustable than models with a clutch. It's sold by a third-party seller.
What owners and reviewers like
- Pivoting handle
- Good battery
- Two-finger trigger
Watch-outs
- Only 2 bits
- Some find it wobbly
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Fanttik E1 Max precision electric screwdriver set, 50 bits
Best for: Electronics, glasses, toys, consoles and small repairs
- Torque
- 0.2Nm (3Nm manual)
- Clutch
- 2 settings
- Charging
- USB-C
- Bits included
- 50 (12 types)
A different tool for a different job. This pen-sized precision driver has very low torque (0.05 or 0.2Nm), so it won't strip the tiny screws in laptops, consoles, glasses and toys. You can turn it by hand for up to 3Nm. It has 50 S2 steel bits of 12 types in a magnetic case, a 350mAh battery and USB-C charging.
Owners like its premium feel, solid design and compact size, especially for electronics. Some say it does exactly what they need and others find it underpowered, which is the point: it isn't for furniture. Buy it alongside a normal screwdriver, not instead of one.
What owners and reviewers like
- Won't strip tiny screws
- 50 bits
- Lovely magnetic case
Watch-outs
- Useless for furniture
- Mixed battery reports
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Electric screwdriver vs cordless drill
| Electric screwdriver | Cordless drill driver | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical voltage | 3.6–4V | 12–18V |
| Typical torque | About 4–6Nm | About 20–60Nm or more |
| Weight | About 250–700g | About 1–2kg |
| Drills walls? | No | Yes (hammer drill for masonry) |
| Best for | Flat-pack, hinges, sockets, battery covers | Shelves, curtain poles into brick, decking, long screws |
If you only build furniture and do small fixes, a screwdriver is lighter, cheaper and less likely to damage chipboard. If you're putting things up on walls or doing bigger DIY, you need a drill. Many people end up with both. See our best cordless drills guide.
What to look for
- Clutch or torque settings. These stop the tool over-tightening and stripping chipboard or small screws. Very useful for flat-pack.
- Torque. 4–6Nm suits household jobs. More doesn't help with small screws.
- Charging. USB-C means one cable for your phone and tools. Micro-USB and dedicated chargers are older.
- Shape. Stick (pen) shapes reach into tight spots. Pistol grips are easier to push hard.
- Bits. Most take standard ¼-inch hex bits, so any bit set works. Check the kit includes the PH2 and PZ2 bits used on most UK furniture and fittings.
What's the cheapest electric screwdriver worth buying?
The Amazon Basics screwdriver by SKIL is usually one of the cheapest with USB-C and torque settings, and Black+Decker's BCF611CK and the Einhell 3.6V are low-cost pistol grips from familiar brands. Very cheap no-name screwdrivers often have weak batteries and soft bits. Check recent reviews and the seller, and avoid listings with unrealistic torque claims.
Tips for flat-pack furniture
Start each screw by hand or on the lowest setting, then finish it by hand for the final quarter-turn. That way you won't strip the chipboard or crack the panel. Use the right bit: Pozidriv (PZ) screws are common in UK furniture and look like Phillips (PH) with extra lines. The wrong bit cams out and chews the screw head. Keep the battery topped up before a big build.
FAQs
What is the best electric screwdriver?
The Bosch IXO 7 is the best all-rounder for most homes. If you want a clutch for flat-pack, the Bosch Professional GO 3 has 7 torque settings. The Amazon Basics by SKIL is the best cheap option with torque settings and USB-C.
What's the best cordless screwdriver in the UK for flat-pack?
One with torque settings, such as the Bosch GO 3, Amazon Basics by SKIL or HOTO, so you don't over-tighten chipboard. Finish the last turn by hand.
Can an electric screwdriver drill holes?
Generally not into walls. Some, like the Bosch IXO, take a drill attachment for small pilot holes in soft wood, but for masonry or proper drilling you need a cordless drill.
How much torque do I need?
About 4–6Nm is plenty for furniture, hinges, sockets and battery covers. Precision screwdrivers for electronics are well under 1Nm.
Is a 3.6V screwdriver powerful enough?
For household screws, yes. For long screws into hardwood or anything into brick, use a 12V or 18V drill driver.
Do you get commission?
Yes. If you buy through our links, Amazon may pay us a small commission at no extra cost to you. It doesn't affect which products we include. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
Sources we consulted
Prices change constantly, so we don’t list them here. Always check the current price, seller and delivery details on Amazon before buying. If anything on this page looks wrong or out of date, tell us.
