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Best Cordless Screwdrivers [Top 10 Products Reviewed]

Everybody needs a screwdriver now and again, right? While a regular screwdriver can do the job, there’s nothing like an electric screwdriver to make the job easier and even more fun!

And there’s nothing like a cordless electric screwdriver for maximal convenience and versatility.

Before you run out and buy the first one you see, though, it’s important to realize that some cordless screwdrivers are pieces of junk. I’ve done the research and tested out a bunch of screwdrivers and now you can benefit.

removing a screw from a wood panel

I’ve compiled this list of the very best cordless screwdrivers. There’s a mix of price points and levels of screwdriving power on this list, so there’s the right tool for everyone from the casual user who just does occasional projects around the house to the professional looking for a serious tool.

I considered things like total power output, battery life, size and weight, durability, comfort, performance, extra features, and price to select the very best tools. Which one of these cordless screwdrivers is right for you? Read on to find out.

Table of Contents

Milwaukee Compact Driver – Quality Driver But Not Great for Lefties

This cordless screwdriver has a very compact and lightweight design, weighing just under 2 pounds. In addition to the compact size, it has excellent balance and that really helps to minimize strain and tension.

For a cordless driver, it offers quite a bit of power with 500 RPM and 100 in./lbs. of torque. It has some nice bonus features like a battery fuel gauge and a built-in LED light so you can see what you’re doing.


Milwaukee screwdriver removing a screw from a metal plate
Another great feature is the one-handed quick release bit-loading. Milwaukee is known for having some of the very best lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are small and compact but store quite a bit more power than similar compact batteries.

Pros
  • built-in LED light
  • batteries have time-saving features
  • compact size and excellent balance
  • quick bit loading
  • 5-year warranty
  • good value for money
Cons
  • design not ideal for lefties
  • top speed is on the slow side
Verdict: Milwaukee Tool is a very trustworthy name so you can expect quality and durability with the Milwaukee Compact Driver. This one really stands out for its compact size and some of its bonus features.

Hitachi DB3DL2 – Good Compact Driver With Lifetime Warranty

This is an extremely small screwdriver perfect for small jobs. It has 21 clutch settings and 1 drill setting, offering you precision and control.

A really convenient feature is the dual-grip handle, giving you the ability to switch between a straight and a pistol grip.

The DB3DL2 is powered by a 3.6V Lithium Ion battery which lasts a long time and provides consistent power through the different cycles.


Hitachi cordless screwdriver on a wooden table

It does have an integrated LED light to help illuminate your project. There is easy access to the forward/reverse switch.

You have your choice of two speeds with this drill, 260 and 780 rpm. When you’re not using it, you can pack it up in the included hard case.

Pros
  • affordable
  • very compact
  • dual-position handle grip
  • built-in LED light
  • 21 clutch settings, 1 drill setting, 2 speeds
  • Lifetime tool body warranty, 2-year Lithium Ion battery warranty,b1-year Lithium Ion charger warranty
Cons
  • battery charger is huge
  • to add/remove bits, you need two hands
  • LED light is not directly centered on the work area
  • handle doesn’t lock into position
Verdict: Especially considering the price, the Hitachi DB3DL2 is a great value. The dual-grip handle will let you get at odd or tight spaces and the settings will let you personalize it to your liking.

Black & Decker PD600 Pivot – A Low-Cost Screwdriver From a Trustworthy Brand

Black & Decker has earned their status as a trustworthy manufacturer of high-quality tools. This screwdriver is no exception but at this price point, you can expect to get what you pay for. That is to say, this is a good basic screwdriver for a lot of jobs but there are some negatives as well. The biggest negatives are in relation to the NiCad batteries. There is no charge status light which is annoying but more importantly, the batteries are non-replaceable.


Pivot screwdriver

Although there are some cons, these batteries do hold a charge for a really long time. In addition to the price, some other big positives for this cordless drill include the pivoting handle, the integrated LED light, the 23-position clutch, and the inclusion of hex-shank screwdriving bits. There are two different speeds: 600 rpm with 40 in./lbs. of torque and 180 rpm with 80 in./lbs. of torque for driving.

Pros
  • low cost
  • holds charge well
  • integrated LED light
  • pivoting handle
  • excellent build quality
Cons
  • no charge status light
  • charging takes a long time
  • batteries are non-replaceable
  • spare tip holder is loose and doesn’t hold tips very well
Verdict: At this price, you really can’t beat this as a light-duty screwdriver. It definitely has some cons, but it does have the typical quality you can expect from Black & Decker.

PORTER-CABLE PCCK604L2 – A Professional-Grade Drill/Driver Worth the Price

This drill/driver combo is at a higher price point but it is definitely worth the extra price. In fact, this tool can handle pro-level jobs as well as light-duty tasks around the house.

The design is pretty compact and lightweight but it offers a lot of power. The professional-grade 20V MAX 1.3 Ah lithium-ion batteries have a long runtime and charge really quickly.

The powerful motor gives you 283 Units Watts Out and 0-350/0-1,500 RPM. The 1-4 inch impact driver offers 1450 in/lbs of torque, 0-2,800 RPM, and 0-3,100 BPM.


electric driver and drill combo

The handle has a comfortable and ergonomic design. There are a few nice bonus features, including an integrated LED light and bit storage. One-hand bit changes are easy with the quick load chuck. This comes with a nice kit bag for easy storage and transport.

Pros
  • excellent drill driver
  • fast battery charge
  • a lot of torque, especially for a cordless
  • pro-grade batteries
  • ergonomic handle with bit storage, one-hand bit change
  • 3-year warranty
Cons
  • battery life tends to decrease significantly over time
Verdict: This is a professional-grade drill at a pretty reasonable price. For a cordless combo drill/driver, it offers a lot of power and some pretty useful features.

Bosch PS10-2A 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Driver Kit – A Unique Design

This cordless screwdriver has a very compact and lightweight design, weighing just under 2 pounds. In addition to the compact size, it has excellent balance and that really helps to minimize strain and tension.

For a cordless driver, it offers quite a bit of power with 500 RPM and 100 in./lbs. of torque.

It has some nice bonus features like a battery fuel gauge and a built-in LED light so you can see what you’re doing.


If you have an average to large hand, though, the handle is pretty comfortable with a cushioned grip. The 7+1 electronic clutch provides the precision need to get the right speed for different kinds of jobs. With a speed of up to 12,000 rpm, this driver provides a good amount of power.

To make storage easy, there is an integrated hanger hook as well as a nice carrying case.

Pros
  • compact head design makes accessing tight spaces easy
  • quick change bit
  • integrated handle hook for storage
  • adjustable speed
  • 1-year warranty
Cons
  • thick handle might be uncomfortable for some
  • no light
  • bit is somewhat loose in chuck
Verdict: This cordless screwdriver stands out for its unique design that offers versatility and the ability to easily access tight spaces.

DEWALT DCF885B – A Compact Head Driver With Pro-Level Power

This driver from Dewalt is another one that is good for getting at tight spaces. Despite the compact size, it has a comfortable ergonomic design and it doesn’t compromise on power.

It has a one-handed loading chuck for convenience. You’ll get 2,800 RPM with this screwdriver, making it powerful enough for many professional applications. It provides 3,200 impacts per minute and 1,400 inch-pounds of max torque.


dewalt battery operated screwdriver

It will serve cabinetmakers and contractors as well as the home hobbyist.

The 20-volt lithium-ion batteries hold a charge well and provide all the portable power you need. A built-in LED light helps you see what you’re doing. The USA-made Dewalt DCF885B also offers a great warranty.

Pros
  • 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service contract, 90-day money-back guarantee
  • compact, lightweight, & ergonomic design
  • one-hand bit change
  • a lot of power
  • great value
Cons
  • not as rugged as it could be, might be damaged if dropped
  • operation is a bit loud
Verdict: The Dewalt DCF885B is a nice little workhorse with good warranties. It offers good value and performs consistently well.

Ryobi TEK 4L – Cheap Driver for Light-Duty Jobs

If you don’t want to spend very much and only need a screwdriver for tasks around the house, this Ryobi screwdriver is worth looking at.

It’s extremely compact and lightweight but this means that it doesn’t have a ton of power. The comfort grip handle is adjustable, making it pretty easy to access tight spaces. It offers two speeds: 200 RPM and 600 RPM.


Ryobi 4V electric screwdriver

The bit is held in place with a magnetic catch rather than a lock so it might end up being a little loose sometimes. The battery holds a charge for a long time and it charges just like a cell phone, with a micro USB cord.

Pros
  • low price
  • compact size and lightweight
  • adjustable handle
  • fast charge via USB charging cable
Cons
  • not a lot of power
  • not as durable as some other drivers
  • battery is non-replaceable
  • magnetic catch rather than lock for bits
Verdict: The Ryobi tek 4 is an ultra-low-cost cordless screwdriver that has just enough power for small jobs around the house.

DEWALT DW920K-2 1/4-Inch – Good Buy for Money

This Dewalt driver has an adjustable two-position handle, letting you easily switch between a straight and pistol grip. It’s fairly compact.

It is well balanced and minimizes stress on the wrists and hands. You get 80 inch-pounds of maximum torque and 0-500 RPM variable speed.

The hex-shank chuck allows for fast bit changes, reducing your downtime. There is an easy access reversing trigger switch. This comes with a nice kit box to hold the driver, charger, batteries, and bits.


dewalt branded lithium powered portable screw driver

Although this can certainly handle some pro-grade jobs, this tool is probably best for the hobbyist or casual user. This comes with two batteries with good battery life, so you can always have a backup charged and ready to go for when one battery dies.

Pros
  • good torque
  • very durable
  • comes with 2 batteries
  • 2-position adjustable handle
  • limited 3-year warranty, 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons
  • a bit wobbly
  • very long
  • a bit heavier compared to other cordless models
Verdict: Dewalt consistently makes quality tools and the DW920K-2 1/4-Inch driver is no exception. It’s a great buy for the money.

BLACK & DECKER BDCSFL20C Lightdriver – Cheapest Driver Worth Considering

You might think that any screwdriver at this price point would have to be a piece of junk but you’d be wrong. This ultra-affordable cordless screwdriver from Black & Decker is surprisingly good, especially given the price.

The 3-position pivoting handle gives you versatility and the ability to work in different conditions. One really nice feature of this is the independent flashlight function.


mini battery powered screwdriver on a wooden desk

It means you can have a light to see what you’re doing but you can also just use this driver as a standalone bright flashlight so it’s really two tools in one.

It doesn’t have a ton of power but the 4V Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery gives you plenty of power for most light-duty uses.

Pros
  • great price
  • decent amount of power, good for light-duty jobs
  • compact and lightweight
  • flashlight functionality
  • 3-position pivoting handle for versatility and access
  • 2-year limited warranty
Cons
  • not a ton of power
  • forward/reverse switch position is a bit awkward
  • no charge status light
  • not variable speed
Verdict: For its incredibly low price, this cordless screwdriver and flashlight combo from trusted brand Black & Decker offers a surprising amount of value. It’s ideal for small jobs around the house but isn’t up for pro-level jobs.

Tacklife SDH13DC – Decent Low-Cost Driver That Comes With Set of Bits

A big advantage to this affordable cordless screwdriver from Tacklife is that it comes with a set of 31 screwdriver bits. This means you’ll be ready to work with just about any size screw.

The bits conveniently come in a nice little case. You get both a front and rear light with this driver, so it’s easy to illuminate dark work areas. You get flexibility and versatility with the 3-position handle. You get even more versatility with the adjustable gear range.


Tacklife screwdriver packaging

This driver is lightweight and has a comfortable ergonomic design. Charging is convenient because it uses a universal phone plug USB 2.0 charger.

Pros
  • includes nice set of bits
  • low cost
  • convenient USB charging
  • front & rear lights for visibility
  • decent amount of power for small home projects
  • 2-year warranty
Cons
  • not enough power for big jobs
  • might be a bit too small for some people
  • not as durable as other drivers
Verdict: The Tacklife SDH13DC cordless screwdriver will offer enough power for small jobs around the house and it also offers a lot of convenient features. That said, it’s not as durable or as powerful as it could be.

HAMMERHEAD 4V Lithium Rechargeable Screwdriver – Compact Driver With Live Wire Detection

This is an ultra-compact screwdriver that has a straight handle with no option for a pistol grip. In addition to screwdriver functionality, this also lets you safely detect live wires from up to 1 inch away with its Patented Circuit Sensor Technology.

It also features an integrated wire stripper and a wire bender. For low-light situations, this driver offers 2 integrated LED worklights.


You get a 9-piece screw driving bit set with an innovative magnetic Bit Grip collar for maximal convenience. One-hand operation is no problem for this compact driver.

For heavy-duty projects, this screwdriver won’t offer quite enough power but it has plenty for light-duty use.

Pros
  • integrated live voltage tester and wire cutter
  • comes with 9-piece bit set
  • ultra compact and lightweight
  • 2 LED worklights
  • very affordable
Cons
  • not enough power for heavy-duty jobs
  • handle isn’t adjustable
Verdict: The HAMMERHEAD 4V Lithium Rechargeable Screwdriver would be worth the price for the live wire detection and wire cutting/bending features alone. The screwdriver functionality is almost a bonus and it offers enough power for most light-duty uses.

Buyer’s Guide

Pick one: Electric Screwdriver or Drill?

Who says you have to pick one? Some drill/drivers give you two tools in one and offer a ton of value. The PORTER-CABLE PCCK604L2 Drill/Driver is a great example. It offers both an impact driver and a drill driver and it can handle any number of professional jobs.

If you don’t need a pro-quality tool like the Porter-Cable, though, you’ll need to consider the type of jobs to decide if you’ll need an electric screwdriver or a drill. For many jobs, you can use either a screwdriver or a drill. Screwdrivers tend to operate at a lower RPM than drills and this gives you more control. For most light-duty home use, an electric screwdriver will be all you’ll need. Since a screwdriver can typically handle some drilling jobs, you’ll be covered. But when you want a tool with a little more power and versatility, going with a 2-in-1 drill/driver combo is generally your best bet.

Which one is the smallest and most portable?

If compact size and portability are important to you, you’ll be happy with a number of the screwdrivers on this list. Some of the smallest and most portable options are the HAMMERHEAD 4V Lithium Rechargeable Screwdriver, the Tacklife SDH13DC, the BLACK & DECKER BDCSFL20C, the Ryobi HP44L, the Bosch PS10-2A 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Driver Kit, and the Milwaukee compact driver.

How long does the battery last? How fast does it charge?

This varies quite a bit from one screwdriver to another but all of the screwdrivers on this list have decent battery life. The Black & Decker PD600 Pivot batteries last quite a while but they take a long time to charge and they’re not replaceable.

To get the most bang for your buck in terms of battery life, consider a screwdriver like the DEWALT DW920K-2 1/4-Inch that comes with two batteries. This means you can always have one charged and ready to go so you minimize your downtime.

A cordless screwdriver is a versatile tool that almost anyone can benefit from owning. This list includes a screwdriver for everyone, from those looking for just a light-duty tool for home use to those serious hobbyists or even professional users.

In my experience, once you own a cordless screwdriver, you end up finding all kinds of projects to use it for!

Have you used any of these screwdrivers? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! Also, feel free to ask any questions your might have about cordless screwdrivers.

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