From simple furniture assembly to complex DIY projects, a reliable cordless drill is the foundation of any home workshop. But "cordless drill" is a broad term that also covers cordless drill drivers and cordless combi drills – depending on whether you're driving screws into existing holes or drilling them yourself first.

Before choosing a specific model, you should be clear about what you'll use the tool for and what it needs to do. These simple questions can help you choose the right cordless drill:

• What projects do I have coming up?
• How often will I actually use it?
• What materials do I want to work with?
• How important are power and portability to me?
• Which technical specs matter for my type of work?

The term "cordless drill" is often used loosely to describe a range of tools that differ quite a bit in function and application. There are three main categories:

Once you've decided on a Bosch cordless screwdriver, drill driver or combi drill, it's time to find the right model based on the specs.

Think of voltage like the horsepower rating of a car engine. It gives you an idea of the tool's overall power:

• 12V: Ideal for beginners and lighter tasks
• 18V: The go-to choice for serious DIYers and semi-professional use
• 40V: For professional applications (see Bosch Professional)

But more volts don’t automatically mean a better tool. What matters is choosing a tool that matches your needs.

Battery capacity refers to how much energy the battery holds (not to be confused with voltage). The amp-hour rating tells you how long you can work before needing to recharge:

• 1.5 Ah: The bare minimum for getting anything done
• 2.0 Ah: Standard for lighter tasks
• 2.5 Ah: More endurance for lighter tasks
• 4.0 Ah: Recommended for more extensive projects
• 6 Ah: A smart choice for big projects or if you're using the battery across several power-hungry tools

One of Bosch's standout features is the clever POWER FOR ALL battery system. These batteries work with all the tools in the Home & Garden range within the same voltage class, as well as with other branded tools from the Power for All Alliance. That means your 18V battery works with your cordless drill, but also with saws, sanders and even garden tools.

Torque is the rotational force. In simple terms, it's the twisting power your cordless drill delivers:

• Up to 30 Nm: Sufficient for furniture assembly and light tasks

• 40–80 Nm: Ideal for most DIY tasks
• Over 80 Nm: Professional range

You'll often see two torque values listed for a cordless drill: one for soft screwdriving and one for hard screwdriving. Here's what that means:

Soft screwdriving is when you're driving screws into softer materials like wood. The screw goes in gradually and resistance builds up slowly. Maximum torque for soft screwdriving is typically lower because the material gives way as you work.

Hard screwdriving is when you're working with tougher materials like metal or loosening a stubborn screw. The tool hits maximum resistance straight away. Maximum torque for hard screwdriving is higher because the tool needs to deliver full power instantly.

Modern Bosch cordless drill drivers offer 20 or more torque settings, plus a dedicated drilling mode, so you can adjust to suit the job. Choosing the right torque setting helps prevent stripped screw heads and damaged materials. Think of the torque settings as a power dial: the harder the material and the bigger the screw, the higher you should go.

The maximum no-load speed tells you how fast the tool spins when it's not under load. On cordless drills, this speed is optimised for screwdriving – fast enough to be efficient, but not so fast that you lose control or strip screws. The gearbox is designed to strike the right balance between speed and control.

Cordless drill drivers and cordless combi drills from Bosch feature a 2-speed gearbox:

• 1st gear: Low speed (approx. 400 rpm) for powerful screwdriving
• 2nd gear: High speed (up to 1,950 rpm) for effective drilling

The second gear is ideal for drilling, where higher speed helps remove material more effectively.

The chuck is what holds your drill bit or screwdriver bit in place. All Bosch cordless drills feature a keyless chuck, making bit changes quick and easy – no extra tools needed.

The chuck size you need depends on the hole diameter you're drilling or the screws you're driving. Softer materials like wood or plastic allow for larger drilling diameters than harder materials like metal or masonry.

You've decided on the type of tool, you know what you'll be using it for, and you've worked out the power you need. The following selection criteria will help you choose the right Bosch product.

Cordless screwdrivers are designed purely for driving screws into pre-drilled holes. Instead of a chuck, they have a magnetic bit holder that accepts standard hex shank bits. These tools are ideal for screwdriving tasks with screws up to 5 mm in diameter, where high torque or drilling functions aren't required. A maximum torque of 2.5–5.5 Nm is perfectly adequate for these applications. The variable speed control helps you work efficiently and with precision. For delicate work on sensitive materials, a slower speed is particularly useful to prevent stripping screw heads or splintering the material.

The handy IXO cordless screwdriver, to be found in our cordless screwdriver collection, is one of the most popular tools in the Bosch range. Beyond its classic screwdriving functions and compact design, it stands out thanks to its wide range of clever attachments – from a corkscrew and spice grinder to a barbecue blower – making it useful for all sorts of tasks around the home.

All Bosch cordless drill drivers carry the "Drill" name and are divided into Easy, Universal and Advanced categories. Within these categories, there are further variations based on technical specifications.

All cordless drill drivers can drill and drive screws in wood, plastic and steel, but each is best suited to its own uses. Use the following guidelines to choose the right tool:

As soon as you need to drill into masonry or concrete – for example, when hanging pictures on the wall – a standard drill driver won't cut it. You'll need a cordless combi drill instead. When drilling into walls, the tool not only runs at maximum speed but also delivers a high-frequency hammer action in the direction of the hole. This hammering motion breaks up the hard material, allowing effective penetration. Bosch cordless combi drills belong to the Impact series. These tools can also be categorised by application:

One of the great advantages of Bosch cordless drills is their high compatibility across all product ranges. Thanks to POWER FOR ALL, 12V and 18V batteries (including chargers) work with the entire Home & Garden tool system at the same voltage. Beyond this, certain tools also have standout features that may be useful for specialised applications and needs.

• Brushless motors: Some models feature a brushless motor. This technology offers several advantages over conventional brushed motors. Because there are no mechanically stressed brushes, wear is significantly reduced, which considerably extends the tool's lifespan. Brushless motors also work more efficiently, allowing longer run times on a single charge – all while being smaller and lighter than brushed motors. The improved energy efficiency translates into better performance: with the same battery, you get more power.
• Metal chuck: Compared to a standard plastic chuck (or the hex bit holder on a basic cordless screwdriver), a metal chuck achieves more stable and precise concentricity thanks to its precision engineering – which is particularly important when drilling. The result is cleaner holes and more even bit wear. The robust metal construction also transfers power to the tool more effectively and withstands high loads without deforming. For intensive use, the greater durability of a metal chuck really makes a difference.
• QuickSnap with attachments: The QuickSnap system was designed to make changing attachments even easier and more intuitive. For compatible tools, there are various attachments available, including ones with magnetic caps for positioning screws and reaching tight spaces. Simply slide the attachment onto the QuickSnap interface, where it clicks into place and is immediately ready to use. Removing it is just as straightforward – pull the red release ring on the attachment to disconnect it.
• Auxiliary handle: For powerful cordless drill drivers and those with a hammer function, an auxiliary handle can be extremely helpful. It might look like a simple accessory at first glance, but it serves an important purpose: it gives you significantly more control over the tool. This isn't just a matter of safety – it also enables more precise work, especially when drilling overhead or into harder materials.