Price-performance winner from Lidl: Affordable devices convince in the test of cordless drills

Stiftung Warentest tested 16 current cordless drill drivers, 13 of which had impact functions. It turns out that a high price doesn't necessarily indicate high quality, and vice versa. The price-performance winner is the second-best device, while the number one is also a relatively inexpensive tool.

Cordless drills are incredibly practical for DIY enthusiasts, as they can be used to drill holes and drive or unscrew screws. Tools with an impact function can also handle concrete walls. Adjustable torque and gear shifting allow for more controlled action. The differences in price and quality are significant, and one often has nothing to do with the other, as a recent test by Stiftung Warentest shows.

Only three of the tested tools do not have an impact function; the other 13 can penetrate hard materials such as concrete more easily because their drill bits can not only rotate but also move back and forth (impact).

With a quality rating of 1.8, the Einhell Professional TP-CD 18/70 Li-i BL - Solo is the overall winner. Its functions and handling are good, and its durability is very good. Furthermore, the device does not exhibit any problematic pollutant contamination or critical safety defects. The average online price: €105.

The second-place Parkside 20 V PSBSAP 20-Li C3, offered by discounter Lidl, costs just €50 and, with an overall score of 1.9, is barely worse than the number one. According to Stiftung Warentest, it's even the better hammer drill. Otherwise, the testers rated its features, such as handling, as good, and its durability as very good. In terms of pollutants and safety, the Lidl tool is exemplary. There's just one catch: The tool is currently sold out in Lidl's online shop.

If the Parkside 10 V PSBSAP 20-Li C3 isn't an option, the overall best is also the winner in terms of price-performance. Almost all of the other good tools are not only more expensive, but also less powerful. One exception is the Hikoki DV18DDW4Z , which costs just under €100 on average and received a quality rating of 2.4. However, it's a lousy hammer drill and received only a satisfactory rating for its features. Otherwise, it's consistently good to very good.

The only defective tool with an impact mechanism is the Makita DHP489Z , which is offered for an average of €175. The testers found that it stops too late when the screw is in or the drill bit jams. Because the full torque is then applied to the hand and arm, this can lead to injuries.

Cordless drill/screwdriver without impact mechanism

If you don't need an impact function, you don't have to think long about which of the three tools is a recommended purchase. The best cordless drill/driver in this category is the Lux-Tools 1PowerSystem A-BS-20 B Solo, sold by the Obi hardware store, with an overall score of 1.9. Stiftung Warentest rated its functions, handling, and pollution levels as good, and its durability and safety as very good. At a price of €50, the cordless drill/driver is practically a bargain.

The Festool TXS 18-Basic isn't much worse, with an overall score of 2.1 and consistently good or very good reviews. However, at an average price of €210, it costs about four times as much as the affordable Obi Champion.

The cheap 40 Euro B1 cordless drill/driver with battery and charger 20 V 2 Ah offered by the hardware store Toom failed because the motor gave up in the endurance test due to worn carbon brushes.