SolidGuides.com may get an affiliate commission when you buy through links on our website. Read More.

Battery-operated tools have long been known to be short on power. But now, that’s all changed. Today’s best cordless electric screwdrivers have loads of power that rival their corded counterparts.

So we put together a list of these great units to help you in your quest for freedom and flexibility. Whether at home, the office or on the job site, there’s a model for you. These entries have some really incredible features that will serve you well.

We think you’ll be mightily impressed with some of the innovations manufacturers have come up with. These put past versions to shame with their brute strength and lightweight bodies. They really have to be used to be fully appreciated.

Don’t Have Time to Read the Whole Article?

This was a really tough call to make, as these are some truly amazing drivers. But Hitachi’s DB3DL2 beat out the competition to reign supreme. It has years of experience backing it up, with raw power and great battery life to boot. It also boasts a lifetime warranty behind it, making it the clear choice in overall quality.

Right behind Hitachi’s driver is the Makita DF012DSE. It’s loaded with features and is a cinch to use. It, too, has great battery life and lots of clutch settings so you get the best control possible.

Top 10 Best Cordless Electric Screwdrivers

Narrowing down the best two entries was a difficult decision. The remaining eight are great models in their own right. Read on to find out which one will best suit you.


1. Hitachi DB3DL2 Review - Best Overall

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Hitachi-DB3DL2-262x86.jpg
  • Plenty of power
  • Great warranties
  • Lightweight
  • Well-balanced
  • Durable design
  • Versatile
  • Forward/reverse switch gets in the way
check price

Hitachi – now operating as Metabo – has a long history with electronics. Metabo has been around since the 1920s, so it seems like a great combination right out of the gate. This new cordless electric screwdriver is certainly a reflection of that combined experience.

It feels great to hold and even better to use. It’s completely utilitarian. Nothing is wasted on flashy gimmicks. And it’s better for it; you get plenty of worthwhile features that will undoubtedly serve you well on the job site.

We found that even difficult screws bored deep into 4x4s couldn’t put up a fight. Metabo’s German-tough hardware pulled them right out. When locked into the drive position, the DB3D2L does a reasonable job at drilling.

You will undoubtedly need to switch to a traditional drill for more robust tasks. But in a pinch, Metabo’s cordless screwdriver can carry its own weight.

With a built-in locking feature, you needn’t worry about accidental startups. Its straight-grip mode works just fine for medium tasks. Anything heavier, just lock into the pistol-style grip for better control.

A built-in LED light underneath the clutch increases your visibility in dark environments. And, it automatically shuts off after being idle for so long. This helps to save battery power. Speaking of which, the 3.6-volt lithium-ion battery gives you plenty of juice to get you through.

And in the event that you need to recharge, the fast-working charger will top you off in just 30 minutes. This allows you to get work finished quicker with less downtime.

You get a lot to work with thanks to the 21 different clutch settings. Whatever your job calls for, there is likely a setting that will make it easier. And since it’s adjustable from 200 to 600 RPMs, you are in control of how much torque is needed for each task.

It’s great to see that Metabo gives you a lifetime warranty on the screwdriver. Should you ever have any problems along the way, Metabo will make it right. Even better, you get a two-year warranty on the batteries.

With service like this, it’s no wonder the Metabo DB3D2L comes out on top. You can use their tools with confidence knowing you are covered if you experience any malfunctions.

Features

  • Weighs 14.4 ounces
  • Compact design
  • Straight- or pistol-grip
  • Comfortable rubber grip
  • 200 to 600 RPMs
  • Two 3.6-volt lithium-ion batteries
  • Built-in LED light
  • 21 clutch settings
  • Drilling mode
  • Fast-charger
  • 10.55 inches in length
  • Lifetime tool warranty
  • 2-year battery warranty

Ease of Use

It’s powerful, lightweight, and highly versatile. This kit comes with a handy carrying case, two batteries, and a charger. This makes it easy to transport to and from the job site, and you will have no problems using it right out of the box.

With its dual-position grip, left- or right-handed users can wield the DB3D2L. We did find that the location of the forward/reverse switch sometimes got in the way when in pistol-mode. But this is a very minor complaint when stacked against all the fantastic qualities found within.


2. Makita DF012DSE Review - Most Versatile

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Makita-DF012DSE-1-175x175.jpg
  • Plenty clutch settings
  • Nice warranty
  • High torque
  • Durable body
  • Great battery life
  • Handle doesn’t lock into place
  • It’s a bit pricey
check price

Very similar in design to Metabo’s DB3D2L, Makita delivers a respectable cordless electric screwdriver. It has 71 inch-pounds of torque, giving you plenty of power to tackle stubborn jobs. Like the DB3D2L, it has 21 clutch settings for a wide range of control.

You can position the grip to either straight or pistol. Just adjust it into place to better accommodate your work. Its compact design means there is no added bulk to get in your way. The rubberized handle makes your grip tight and less likely to slip.

Directly below the clutch is an integrated LED light. Your darkest of jobs will be better illuminated so you can work with precision and accuracy.

The variable-speed trigger lets you adjust between 200 and 650 RPMs for maximum control. Depending on the job at hand, you can apply low or high torque for better results.

You get two 7.2-volt lithium-ion batteries, ensuring that they are less likely to run short on power. Get your work finished without the hassle of constant recharging. When the battery is low on power, the built-in LED light flashes to let you know it’s time to swap out.

Makita gives you a 12-volt battery charger for quick recharging. There’s also a handy tool case to carry your cordless electric screwdriver and its accessories. It’s built tough to withstand heavy-duty work environments.

To get you started, Makita also includes a couple of bit attachments with the kit. You also get a three-year warranty that covers the driver, batteries, and charger.

We found that the clutch settings are very accurate. The clutch feels great when adjusting torque. It’s very solid, as is the rest of the unit. It is strong and durable, easily withstanding even the toughest of jobs.

Features

  • Lightweight body
  • 21 clutch settings
  • 200 to 650 RPMs
  • 7.2-volt lithium-ion batteries
  • 12-volt battery charger
  • Built-in LED light
  • Durable construction
  • Dual-position handle
  • Rubberized grip
  • 3-year warranty

Ease of Use

At just 14.4 ounces, Makita’s DF012DSE cordless electric screwdriver is a cinch to manage. You should have no trouble putting it through its paces. The compact design allows you to reach places traditional power tools can’t.


3. WORX WX254L SD Review - Most Innovative

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/WORX-WX254L-SD-251x175.jpg
  • Variable-speed trigger
  • Great price
  • Long battery life
  • Unique design
  • Quiet brushless motor
  • Not a great deal of power
  • Unit gets pretty warm after extended use
check price

WORX’s WX254L is a rather unique entry. The unit looks and acts like a real pistol. The top slides back to reveal a cylinder. But instead of housing bullets, you’ll find an assortment of bits. And when you do the slide action, the bit automatically changes! Now that’s pretty cool.

It’s certainly different, yet highly effective. You don’t have to worry about losing any parts because they’ll always be right at your fingertips. You get two of these cylinders packed with multiple bits for a variety of tasks. There’s even a starter drill that makes pilot holes so you have an easier time driving in screws.

By using steel, rubber, and plastic, WORX delivers a tough, quality power tool. It is durable and efficient, weighing only around a pound.

The unit is powered by a 4-volt lithium-ion battery. You can expect to get nearly 18 hours of use before needing to recharge. With this kind of life, you can use the tool all throughout the day and not be concerned with running low on power.

The variable-speed trigger gives you plenty of flexibility to take on a wide range of light to medium jobs. And for darker work areas, a built-in LED light increases your visibility for better precision and safety.

By WORX using a brushless motor, operation is smooth and quiet. While this unit rates between 1,800 and 3,500 RPMs, power is a bit lacking for really stubborn or heavy-duty jobs. But as a household companion, you can’t go wrong. It’s a great tool to have on hand for those occasional jobs that spring up.

Features

  • Variable-speed trigger
  • Built-in LED light
  • 1,800 to 3,500 RPMs
  • 4-volt lithium-ion battery
  • Battery charger
  • Slide-action bit selection
  • 3-year limited warranty
  • 2 fully-loaded cylinders

Ease of Use

Operating this one-pound cordless electric screwdriver is effortless and easy on your hands. Its unique features make it enjoyable to use, and the long-lasting battery gives you plenty to work with.


4. BLACK+DECKER AS6NG Review - Most Lightweight

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/BLACKDECKER-AS6NG-175x175.jpg
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Small and compact
  • Not enough power for heavier work
  • Limited functionality
check price

As a very straightforward cordless electric screwdriver, the AS6NG holds its own on small household tasks. You don’t get much in terms of options, but don’t let that deter you from having a look.

It has both automatic screwing and a manual mode. This gives you more control if you need to put some brute force behind your work. A single switch on either side of the unit operates the direction of the driver.

The AS6NG is both solid and sturdy. It feels nice enough to hold and won’t give your hands fits after extended use. At the end of the handle is a hole for easy hanging on a pegboard.

There is nowhere near the kind of power found in more robust drivers. But BLACK+DECKER’s little AS6NG is more than capable of hanging pictures, installing blinds or curtains, and things of that nature.

It’s one of those tools you throw in your junk drawer and forget about until needed. It runs on four AA batteries. There’s no charging to mess with, making it less of a fuss when it’s time to use.

BLACK+DECKER gives you a two-year warranty that backs you in the event that the screwdriver has any malfunctions.

Features

  • Compact design
  • Easy-hang hole
  • Locking switch
  • 2-year warranty
  • Runs on AA batteries

Ease of Use

You get a couple of standard screwdriver bits to get you started. And at only 10.4 ounces, nearly anyone can use it without the strain that comes from heavier-duty power tools.


5. DeWalt DCF680N2 Review - Most Comfortable

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/DeWalt-DCF680N2-175x175.jpg
  • Plenty of clutch control
  • Well-balanced
  • Decent amount power
  • Battery indicator LEDs
  • Battery is low quality
check price

DeWalt has been in the game for a long time, consistently delivering quality tools of all kinds. Their cordless electric screwdriver is rife with power and features.

Included is a motion-activated variable-speed trigger that gives you a wide range of control and flexibility. This lets you decide how much power is used so every job is completed properly.

We found that the DCF680N2 easily drives into all kinds of surfaces including wood, thin metal, and plastics.

You can adjust the RPMs anywhere between 0 and 430, ensuring you have the necessary power to finish your job.

The handle has a unique twisting action that allows you to keep it in straight mode or pistol-style. This gives you a lot more control for driving into harder surfaces.

For even more manageability, DeWalt gives you control over the clutch. You can adjust its torque to either slow down or speed up the rotation. There are 15 settings to choose from.

Perhaps most unique is the built-in motion-activated gyroscopic system. It self-adjusts its speed for more precise performance.

For better visibility in dark work areas, there’s an integrated LED light. Another set of LEDs keep you apprised of battery power at all times. It’s located directly above the handle so you always know what you’re working with.

Features

  • Rotating grip position
  • Variable-speed trigger
  • Weighs just 1.1 pounds
  • Up to 430 RPMs
  • 15 clutch settings
  • 8-volt MAX battery

Ease of Use

DeWalt built this power tool with comfort in mind. It feels comfortable to hold and great to use. The ergonomics ensure your arms and hands don’t get tired during use. The twisting action feels smooth and locks in well.

The only real drawback lies in the battery. It just doesn’t hold up to extended use. This may be something DeWalt wants to look into. It’s a shame considering the high level of performance you get out of this driver.


6. Milwaukee 2401-20 M12 Review - Best for Home or Office

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Milwaukee-2401-20-M12-186x175.jpg
  • Nice amount of power
  • Adjustable torque
  • Comfortable to use
  • Battery and charger sold separately
check price

If you’ve been on the hunt for a quality cordless electric screwdriver that won’t break the bank, Milwaukee has you covered. Their M12 boasts a nice amount of torque and handy features to boot.

The clutch has adjustable settings to give you greater control over your work. A bright LED built-in under the chucks lights your path for those dark environments.

The 12-volt lithium-ion battery provides plenty of force for driving and removing. It’s an excellent size for a battery on these types of power tools. An indicator light alerts you when you’re running low on power and it’s time for a recharge.

The pistol-grip design is comfortable to hold and use, as it has a soft, rubberized handle. This takes the fatigue out of your work and is easy on your hands.

There’s also a belt attachment that comes in handy when you need your hands free but still want your driver ready.

The M12 can take on large household tasks with ease, as it’s capable of reaching 500 RPMs. Combined with its 1.95-pound body, you get both power and versatility.

Features

  • Variable-speed control
  • Up to 500 RPMs
  • Adjustable clutch settings
  • Battery indicator lights
  • 12-volt lithium-ion battery (sold separately)
  • Built-in LED light
  • Lightweight design
  • Belt clip included

Ease of Use

Light enough to wield without causing strain, Milwaukee’s M12 can handle most medium household jobs.


7. Bosch PSR Select Review - Best for DIYers

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Bosch-PSR-Select-242x175.jpg
  • Nice power
  • Bit cylinder
  • Battery indicators
  • Great battery power
  • Can’t fit in tight places
  • Expensive
check price

Another cordless electric screwdriver with an integrated cylinder. The Bosch PSR is both innovative and powerful. This cylinder stores 12 screwdriver bit attachments to keep you stocked up for a variety of jobs.

This cylinder is clear and can be illuminated to help you choose the correct bit in dark work environments. With this setup, you don’t have to touch the bit. It loads itself. That’s right, you just rotate the barrel and push a toggle. This feeds it through the chuck and you’re ready to start working.

There are more LED lights onboard, as well. You get a bright LED underneath the chuck to guide your way. And there are three LEDs atop the unit to keep you updated on battery life. As battery power decreases, so do the lights.

You should be able to drive nearly 100 screws before needing to recharge. This is made possible by the 3.6-volt lithium-ion battery. A complete recharge of the battery takes about three hours.

The spindle of the PSR can be locked in place in the event you come across screws that need some good-old-fashioned elbow grease.

This is a pretty beefy driver, yet it only weighs 1.16 pounds. This is a great weight that gives the unit a nice balance. Your arms and hands won’t suffer from the strain that you sometimes get with corded units.

As a larger cordless driver, it has a hard time with tight angles. This isn’t the type of unit you want for occasional household work. It is best suited for the jobsite, where heavy-duty work is involved.

Features

  • 3.6-volt lithium-ion battery
  • Spindle lock
  • Long battery life
  • Forward/reverse switch
  • Built-in LED light
  • Battery indicator LEDs
  • Rotating bit cylinder
  • 12 screwdriver bits

Ease of Use

The built-in bit cylinder makes work a breeze. Less time is spent hunting for the right bit, as there are 12 stored in the cylinder for easy access.


8. BLACK+DECKER BDCSFL20C Review - Best for Tight Places

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/BLACKDECKER-BDCSFL20C-175x175.jpg
  • Lightweight
  • Variable-speed
  • Excellent battery life
  • Fast charger
  • Expensive
check price

BLACK+DECKER makes the list again with the BDCSFL20C. It’s a nice-looking power tool that makes a great addition to any toolbox.

A 4-volt lithium-ion battery supplies power to the electric screwdriver. This gives you plenty of power for a wide range of jobs. Adding to its versatility is a pivoting handle that locks into three positions.

This gives you greater control and allows you to get to hard-to-reach places with minimal effort. And if you’re working in the dark, there’s a large, ultra-bright LED light underneath the chuck to give you better visibility.

You get a charger and a couple of bits out of the box to get you rolling. You have control over the screwdriver by being able to adjust the clutch. The trigger is variable-speed, giving you even more flexibility in your work.

The BDCSFL20C is lightweight and highly versatile. It’s a cinch to use, as it can get into places most other cordless electric screwdrivers cannot. The construction is so compact, you’ll hardly notice it in your tool belt.

Features

  • Variable-speed trigger
  • 4-volt lithium-ion battery
  • Compact design
  • Large LED light
  • Pivoting handle
  • 2-year limited warranty

Ease of Use

At around a pound, this cordless electric screwdriver makes a great household item. Most people can use it without issue, and there’s no need to be concerned about hand fatigue.


9. TackLife SDP51DC Review - Most User-Friendly

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/TackLife-SDP51DC-175x175.jpg
  • Plenty of features
  • Durable design
  • Lightweight
  • Built-in LED lights
  • Easy charging
  • Limited power
check price

TackLife’s SDP51DC fits in the palm of your hand and still has some unique features that make it a great entry.

As long as you aren’t expecting to do heavy-duty work, this cordless electric screwdriver will take care of you. It’s a great little unit that can hold its own around the house or office.

What’s become the norm for these types of power tools, you get built-in LED lights to help you out in dark work areas. There’s even a magnetic chuck that helps to grab hold of screws as you pull them out.

The 3.6-volt lithium-ion battery supplies power to the driver. You get up to 2,000 RPMs along with 35 inch-pounds of torque.

To charge the cordless electric screwdriver, you simply plug in a micro-USB cable. Onboard LEDs let you keep an eye on battery power. These will also tell you when the battery is fully charged.

With the unit, you get the driver, USB charging cable, right-angle adapter, extension bit, drill bit, and 30 driver bits with a case.

Features

  • 0 to 2,000 RPMs
  • 3.6-volt lithium-ion battery
  • 33-piece bit set
  • Carrying case
  • USB charging cable

Ease of Use

Its smart construction makes it easy enough for just about anyone to use. It weighs only one pound and has some neat features. The lack of a standalone charging unit is a nice touch, too.


10. Ryobi HP54L Review - Easiest to Use

https://solidguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Ryobi-HP54L-175x175.jpg
  • Simplistic operation
  • Bright LED lights
  • Nice battery life
  • Could use more torque
  • Low on power
check price

Ryobi enters the cordless electric screwdriver race with an easy-to-use model that has a load of nice features.

It sports a two-speed gearbox that lets you switch between 200 and 600 RPMs. This provides you with adequate power to handle a bunch of household tasks with little effort.

For a comfortable grip that is less tiresome on your hands, Ryobi included a rubber handle. This ensures that your grip stays tight and helps to reduce slippage while you work.

For dark environments, you get no less than three bright LEDs. These are located around the chuck and serve to help illuminate your work area so you can drive screws with better accuracy and precision.

A 4-volt lithium-ion battery powers this cordless electric screwdriver. It is compatible with other Ryobi products that make use of 4-volt batteries.

The power trigger on the handle is huge, serving to give you better control of the driver. It also powers the LED lights while in use.

Ryobi throws in a couple of screwdriver bits to get you started. The cordless electric screwdriver takes standard ¼-inch bits in its hex shank.

Features

  • 200 to 600 RPMs
  • 2-speed gearbox
  • Tri-beam LEDs
  • Rubberized grip
  • 4-volt lithium-ion battery
  • Battery charger
  • 2 screwdriver bits

Ease of Use

It doesn’t get much easier than this. The large trigger makes operating the unit simple and straightforward. When squeezed, the LED lights come on automatically so you can better see your workspace.

At just 1.44 pounds, it isn’t going to strain your hands. It’s comfortable to use and anyone can figure it out.


Electric Cordless Screwdriver Buyer’s Guide

If you want to work comfortably and efficiently, then electric cordless screwdrivers are a good choice. They are very adaptable, light, and great money-savers.

Before you can go out and purchase an electric cordless screwdriver, you need to know what to look for. Because the market is overflowing with various cordless screwdrivers of dubious quality, it is hard to find a good one.

Fortunately, we have dedicated ourselves to researching electric cordless screwdrivers. We have spent a lot of time finding the best electric cordless screwdrivers, so you don’t have to.

Types of Electric Cordless Screwdrivers

An official classification doesn’t exist. Nevertheless, we have decided to classify electric cordless screwdrivers into three groups.

We have grouped electric screwdrivers based on their shape. You only have to choose a shape that suits your working style.

  • In-line: In-line electric cordless screwdrivers are completely straight. They are the epitome of simplicity, and almost anyone can use them successfully. The only downside is that you won’t find them ideal for every job.
  • Pistol: This is the most common shape of electric screwdrivers. They have a handle that you grip like you would a pistol. Pistol-grip electric screwdrivers are comfortable to use. They are good for working on hard-to-reach places, and they are a good tool for awkward angles.
  • Combination: If you don’t want to think about which one of the grips suits you, you can go for a combination of both. This type of electric screwdrivers allows you to switch the grip. You can work with a pistol grip, and then change it to the in-line grip when the need arises.

In the end, you should choose the shape of an electric screwdriver that suits your needs. There is only one caveat – being left-handed. Unfortunately, not many models are comfortable to use if your left hand is the dominant one. So, if you are a lefty, then look for a tool that allows you to use it comfortably.

How Long do The Batteries Last?

Battery life varies between different models. Some of the models can work for six hours or less, which is not bad. But, if you don’t want to charge your battery every day, there are units with a longer lasting battery.

Better electric cordless screwdrivers offer 12 and more hours of uninterrupted work. It is important to note that some units come with replacement batteries. A useful feature that will not leave you with a useless tool while a battery charges.

Bear in mind that some cordless screwdrivers come with batteries that don’t discharge while the tool is not used. This means that you can pick up your electric screwdriver months after you have used it. You won’t have to wonder whether the battery needs charging.

Basically, look for a cordless screwdriver that offers a battery with a lengthy life. But, try to make sure that the batteries can be left alone for a long time without them discharging.

Features to Look For

Before you can order a brand new electric cordless screwdriver, you need to know which features are important in your line of work.

  • Weight: Most of the weight comes from the battery and the motor. So, the heavier those two parts are, the heavier the tool is. Most of the electric screwdrivers weigh around three pounds. If you need to work for a long time, then you will be happy to know that some models weigh under one pound. Make sure that you are satisfied with the weight because you wouldn’t want the fatigue to prevent you from working.
  • Torque: The torque tells you with how much force the screwdriver rotates the screw. Most of the electric screwdrivers come with a torque of 30 N/m, which is good enough for light work. But, if you need a tool for heavy-duty work, then you need to aim for 100 N/m.
  • Speed: The speed is measured in revolutions per minute(RPM), and it tells you how fast the screwdriver head spins. Most of the electric screwdrivers have a speed of 200 RPM. Better models allow speeds of over 500 RPM, but the best ones allow you to control the speed.
  • Grip: We have mentioned that the shape of the tool plays an important role in comfort. But, the grip is another element that can add to or take away from comfort. Good electric cordless screwdrivers have a rubberized handle that is comfortable to hold. So, if you value comfort, look for a tool with a decent grip.
  • Chuck: You need to decide between a keyed and a keyless chuck. If you use a keyed chuck, then you will need a key to tighten the chuck around the bit. On the other hand, a keyless chuck doesn’t require a key. If you choose a keyed chuck, be sure to keep the key in a safe place since replacing it might be a problem.
  • Settings: Good cordless screwdrivers allow you to set the torque, as well as the direction of the spin. While most of the units come with useful settings, some of them don’t. Make sure to check whether your new tool comes with convenient settings.
  • Extras: High-quality electric cordless screwdrivers come with a couple of extra items. Those items can be anything from drill bits to a suitcase. Read the product information carefully, because some units come with useful extras that you wouldn’t want to miss.