The Best Electric Screwdrivers, Tested
For DIY projects that call for a lot of manual screwdriving in places too tight for a trusty drill, an electric screwdriver may just be the power tool for the job. Electric screwdrivers work similarly to drills but are more compact, allowing users to get into tighter locations, like under the basement stairs or behind the furnace.
The best electric screwdrivers have powerful torque and ergonomic shapes that fit easily into the hand for a firm grip and precise control. Their motorized torque prevents the wrist strain and hand fatigue that come with using a manual screwdriver, making them an ideal option for many projects.
We wanted to make sure we were suggesting only the best electric screwdrivers to add to a tool box, so we tested the following models in a variety of applications. Read on to learn more about what we found.
- BEST OVERALL: Bosch GO Professional Cordless Electric Screwdriver
- RUNNER-UP: Milwaukee M12 ¼-Inch Hex Electric Screwdriver Kit
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Black+Decker 4V Max LightDriver Cordless Screwdriver
- UPGRADE PICK: DeWalt 8V Max Gyroscopic Electric Screwdriver Kit
- BEST IN-LINE: DeWalt 8V Max Gyroscopic In-Line Electric Screwdriver
- BEST KIT: Makita 3.6V Electric Screwdriver With Li-Ion Battery
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Bosch PS21-2A 12V Max Two-Speed Pocket Driver Kit
- BEST LIGHT-DUTY: Worx 4V Max Li-Ion Cordless Rechargeable Screwdriver
Before You Buy an Electric Screwdriver
Before buying an electric screwdriver, be sure that it’s really the tool for the job. To that end, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Manual screwdrivers are less expensive than electric screwdrivers and don’t require a battery source for use. Users have to rely on their own power to achieve sufficient torque from a manual screwdriver, which can be difficult when working with harder materials like oak, mahogany, or ebony wood.
An electric screwdriver offers more power and does the work for the user. With large projects that require driving many screws in a short time frame, an electric screwdriver is a great option. For jobs that require a lot of torque to drive large screws deep into concrete or metal, then a drill or impact driver may be more suitable.
Electric screwdrivers fill the gap between a manual screwdriver and a drill to provide a more balanced driving experience that won’t strip screws or wear the user out. If that sounds like the right tool, then read on.
How We Tested the Best Electric Screwdrivers
We wanted to make sure this buying guide suggested only the best electric screwdrivers, so we rounded up some top-tier models and put them through hands-on testing. Here’s what we did:
First, we put them through a torture test of sorts. We found a piece of wet, dense-grain Douglas fir and drove standard exterior-grade screws into it as well as standard construction screws. We timed how long it took each of the cordless screwdrivers to remove the exterior screws, switch directions, and drive them back down. We then switched bits in the middle of the test and moved to the construction screws to repeat the process. This test told us quite a bit about these models’ power output, as some began to overheat in hand or simply couldn’t handle the task.
Next, we tested ease of use. It just so happened that there was a kitchen cabinet remodel going on in one of our houses, and we used these electric screwdrivers to attach cabinet hardware. With swinging cabinet doors and raised heights to work with, this can be a pain with traditional power tools. Most of the models excelled here.
Finally, we took an ill-advised venture into electronic repair, using each of these models to remove and replace screws in a vacuum, a TV monitor, and an old Xbox controller. We lost some screws, and these items may never work correctly again, but we were able to assess these screwdrivers’ usefulness in these scenarios.
Our Top Picks
These models are among the best electric screwdrivers available based on price, effectiveness, and reputation. We put them through their paces, testing their power and ease of use.
Best Overall
Bosch GO Professional Cordless Electric Screwdriver
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Product Specs
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
- Torque: 5 Nm
- Max speed: 360 rpm
What We Like
- Features a comfortable grip with rubber overmolding
- Pressure-sensitive mode activates as soon as enough pressure is applied to seat the tip of the driver bit
- Burly, heavy-duty construction in a compact size with durable plastic housing
What We Don’t Like
- The push button is slightly sensitive and can activate tool too soon
When the job calls for a high-quality electric screwdriver that’s both compact and comfortable to use, there are few better options than the Bosch GO Professional Cordless Electric Screwdriver. This in-line electric screwdriver features a 3.6V rechargeable battery built into the screwdriver, and it comes with two bits, a charger, and a hard carrying case.
This electric screwdriver has plenty of features to boast about. It has a five-position adjustable clutch, with a sixth position for maximum power (5 Nm at 360 rpm). It also offers Smart Stop tech, which stops the driver bit when it begins to slip to prevent stripping the screw. It also has two modes of activation: press-button or pressure-sensitive, activating as the user pushes the bit firmly against the screw. It also has an electronic brake, which is supposed to stop the bit as soon as the pressure is released.
In all honesty, this electric screwdriver was everything we’d hoped it would be. It’s powerful, compact, and comfortable. It had no issue driving screws in and out of our wet framing wood despite its compact size. We really enjoyed the pressure-sensitive trigger mode as we felt it was the easiest activation method in this lineup. However, the push button was a bit sensitive for our taste, often activating before we were ready to fasten.
Get the Bosch GO electric screwdriver at Amazon.
Runner-Up
Milwaukee M12 ¼-Inch Hex Electric Screwdriver Kit
Product Specs
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
- Torque: 19.8 Nm
- Max speed: 500 rpm
What We Like
- Comfortable ergonomic grip with rubber texture allows for extended use
- Adjustable clutch with 15 settings plus drill mode
- Lots of power to drive and remove stubborn screws
- Carrying case and extra battery for easy storage and longer usage time
What We Don’t Like
- Heavier at 2.2 pounds, making it harder to use for an extended time
DIYers searching for an electric screwdriver that bridges the gap between a manual screwdriver and a full-blown power drill should consider Milkwaukee’s M12 Electric Screwdriver Kit. This sturdy screwdriver comes with a soft carrying case, a charger, and two 1.5-amp batteries for plenty of runtime on heavy-duty projects.
This model from Milwaukee features a staggering 19.8 Nm (175 inch-pounds) of torque, providing plenty of punch for stubborn screws. And, it can drive or remove screws at speeds up to 500 rpm. This electric screwdriver also features an adjustable clutch with 15 settings and a drilling mode as well as an onboard LED work light, a built-in battery gauge, and a belt clip.
This is one heavy-duty screwdriver, and we thoroughly enjoyed using it during our tests. We appreciated the adjustable clutch first, as 19.8 Nm is far too much for electrical plates and some electronics. Also, we liked that it came with two batteries and a carrying case, though its sturdy construction tells us it doesn’t really need the protection. The grip was the most comfortable in our tests, with well-designed ergonomics and a rubber texture. However, it is considerably longer with the battery attached than most of the others on this list, making it slightly more difficult to manipulate in tight spaces. Our only real complaint is that it’s almost as heavy as a standard drill.
Get the Milwaukee electric screwdriver at The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Black+Decker 4V Max LightDriver Cordless Screwdriver
Product Specs
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
- Torque: N/A
- Max speed: 180 rpm
What We Like
- Adjustable handle adjusts to 3 grip positions
- Very lightweight yet powerful enough for basic tasks
- Affordable price point for the features offered
What We Don’t Like
- Not enough power for medium- or heavy-duty jobs
- Light isn’t bright enough for practical flashlight use
This variable-grip electric screwdriver can be adjusted from in-line at zero degrees to a pistol grip at nearly 90 degrees for enhanced maneuverability. The 4V 1.5Ah battery provides enough power for very light-duty DIY tasks like hanging pictures, removing remote-control screws, or replacing home signage.
This screwdriver is a bargain selection that won’t leave shoppers’ wallets too light after purchase. It also includes a light that can be used on its own as a flashlight or for light-guided screwdriver use, and at just 1 pound, it won’t leave arms aching.
The one thing that we feel this screwdriver really has going for it is its price point. For the price, it’s an extremely good deal. It has flexible grip positions, a relatively comfortable trigger, and it’s lightweight. We do think it’s very underpowered for anything more than the tasks we described above, and the light is very weak, but for the price, it’s a great option.
Get the Black+Decker 4V Max electric screwdriver at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.
Upgrade Pick
DeWalt 8V Max Gyroscopic Electric Screwdriver Kit
Product Specs
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
- Torque: 4.5 Nm
- Max speed: 430 rpm
What We Like
- Sturdy construction, particularly for a flexible screwdriver
- Bright LED ring around the front of the screwdriver for functional light
- Comfortable rubber grip for less hand strain
- Flexible in-line or pistol-grip positions suit a variety of jobs
What We Don’t Like
- Gyroscopic action takes some getting used to
DeWalt’s 8V Max Gyroscopic Electric Screwdriver Kit might be one of the most flexible screwdriver options on the market. This model features a convertible handle that twists to provide an in-line grip or a pistol grip, allowing users to choose the most comfortable position for their needs. And, to add to the comfort, this model doesn’t have a trigger or activation button. With just a twist of the wrist, the gyroscopic action activates, driving the screw until the user twists back.
This model comes with a battery, charger, and a soft carrying case. It also has a bright LED ring around the driver bit and a built-in battery gauge for tracking the remaining juice. As far as the power and speed, it offers 4.5 Nm (40 inch-pounds) of torque and 430 rpm, all of which the user can control with the 15-setting clutch.
Testing proved what we already believed to be the case: This is one sweet screwdriver. We liked the flexibility between the pistol or in-line grip, and the action felt more secure and sturdy than other flexible models. We’re still struggling to get the hang of the gyroscopic action, but the speed, torque, and comfortable rubber grip will make the adjustment worth it.
Get the DeWalt Gyroscopic electric screwdriver kit at Amazon.
Best In-Line
DeWalt 8V Max Gyroscopic In-Line Electric Screwdriver
Product Specs
- Power source: Rechargeable battery
- Torque: 4.5 Nm
- Max speed: 430 rpm
What We Like
- Comfortable rubber grip to reduce fatigue and strain
- Plenty of speed and power for a variety of tasks from driving screws in dense wood or simply replacing a doorknob
- Built-in LED work light for illuminating dark corners
What We Don’t Like
- Gyroscopic action takes some getting used to
For those looking for a powerful cordless screwdriver with the same grip as a manual screwdriver, the in-line design of the DeWalt 8V Max Gyroscopic In-Line Electric Screwdriver may be just the ticket. Users can charge the 8V 1Ah battery with the included battery docking station and, once charged, monitor the battery with the power indicator on the side of this lightweight 1-pound screwdriver.
The in-line design can be difficult to use in tight spaces, but the gyroscopic action that simply requires twisting a wrist to drive the bit makes it very convenient. Also, this model boasts several helpful features, including a built-in LED light, a smaller-size battery pack that can charge a battery in just 1 hour, a variable-speed setting of up to 430 rpm, and a torque of 4.5 Nm.
We’ll be honest. Even after hours of use and testing, we aren’t used to the gyroscopic action. We aren’t really able to get the hang of the speed adjustment yet, but we do appreciate the technology. Beyond getting the hang of it, we liked that it had plenty of power and speed as well as a built-in LED work light. The grip was also extremely comfortable, which is probably even more important with a gyroscopic screwdriver than it normally is given that the user has to twist their hand to adjust the speed.
Get the DeWalt Gyroscopic In-Line electric screwdriver at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ac