I've been using tools such as screwdrivers for most of my life, and one of my earliest and fondest memories is of using a big, red plastic screwdriver alongside my grandfather. I still remember the two of us huddled over an old clock, him patiently guiding me as I "helped" him fix it. That moment was not just about repairing the clock; it sparked my lifelong fascination with tools and the satisfaction of working with my hands.
Over the years, I've built an extensive collection of high-quality manual screwdrivers from renowned companies such as Wiha, Wera, and Stanley. Each tool has its own unique feel and purpose, and I've learned to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into making them. However, in recent years, I've discovered the incredible convenience of electric cordless screwdrivers—and let me tell you, what a game changer that has been -- both in terms of my productivity and how my arms feel at the end of the day!
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I dove deep into the world of electric screwdrivers, testing some top contenders with real-world challenges to see which ones truly perform under pressure. I checked out their power, endurance, durability, and bang for your buck. After much deliberation, my crown for the best electric screwdriver overall goes to the Lifegoo Mini Electric Screwdriver. This little dynamo really impressed with its long-lasting battery and the convenience of being pocket-sized and USB-C rechargeable. It might not pack the heaviest punch, but for practicality and frequent use, it can't be beat.
Stick around as I walk you through my other top picks and why they might just be the upgrade your toolkit needs.
The Lifegoo Mini Electric Screwdriver really stands out due to its compact and lightweight design, making it a champion for tight and tricky spaces.
It offers a reasonable torque range of 0.25-0.35Nm, which is gentle enough to secure fasteners snugly without risking damage by over-tightening. For those moments when a bit more muscle is needed, this nifty tool allows you to manually increase the torque up to 3Nm, giving you that perfect "hand tight" force without crossing into the danger zone of causing damage.
Review: Lifegoo rechargeable mini electric screwdriver
As a bonus, the Lifegoo Mini comes equipped with a versatile 48-piece precision bit set. This set includes both standard and extra-long bits, the latter being ideal for reaching those challenging, deeply recessed screws. This feature-packed screwdriver offers both versatility and precision, making it a stellar addition to any toolkit.
And just as I'd expect, the online reviews for this screwdriver and exceedingly positive.
Lifegoo Mini Electric Screwdriver tech specs: Rotation speed: 200 rev/min | Battery type: 3.7V 350mAh lithium battery | Torque: 0.25~0.35Nm electric/3Nm manual
The SES Max features an ergonomic pencil-style grip that allows it to be gripped firmly for extended periods without fatigue. There's a single button that controls everything, and an OLED display to keep you informed.
It has a sensible torque range, offering enough power to break small fasteners free, but not so much as to damage things. The 500mAh battery can handle up to 900 precision screws on a single full charge, and the screwdriver can be recharged using the USB-C connector built into the storage case.
There are also four built-in shadowless LED lights for illuminating the workspace, which is super helpful.
The single killer feature of the SES Max is the motion control feature that detects whether you want to tighten or loosen a fastener. Fit the bit into the fastener, press the on button, begin to apply torque, and the screwdriver takes over. There's no need to fiddle and find the appropriate loosening or tightening button.
Arrowmax SES Max tech specs: Rotation speed: N/A | Battery type: 500 mAh | Torque: 0.4 N.m
The Jakemy 180-Piece Smart Cordless Screwdriver Kit is a fantastic kit that includes a compact screwdriver, 160 precision screw bits, and a variety of accessories that any budding fixer will find invaluable.
The kit does come with almost everything else a tinkerer would need, with an impressive 160 bits in various types, including Torx, hex, Phillips, slotted, pentalobe, socket, triangle, tri-wing, U-type, square, and more -- a comprehensive selection covers nearly every security fastener you'll encounter.
To make your repair jobs even easier, the kit also includes plastic prybars, picks, a suction cup (for removing displays off smartphones), tweezers, and bit adapters. Everything is neatly packaged in a folding polymer case that securely holds the screwdriver, bits, and tools.
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The screwdriver itself is designed for convenience, featuring a built-in 500mAh lithium battery that provides 120 minutes of runtime at full power -- enough to tighten or loosen over 1,000 screws! It also offers three torque settings: 0.16Nm, 0.20Nm, and 0.30Nm. If these aren't enough to break a fastener free, you can always use the screwdriver like an old-school manual tool.
The only thing the screwdriver doesn't have is a light on the front.
Jakemy 180-Piece Smart Cordless Screwdriver Kit tech specs: Rotation speed: 190rpm | Battery type: 500 mAh | Torque: 0.12-0.30 N.m
The HOTO electric screwdriver exudes a robust, heavy-duty vibe that promises durability and efficiency. At one end, you'll find a standard 1/4-inch socket ready to accommodate a variety of bits. Just behind this is a user-friendly rotary knob, which toggles between three distinct torque settings, allowing for precision control depending on your task.
Review: HOTO electric screwdriver
Enhancing its functionality, this screwdriver includes a circular LED shadowless lamp. This brilliant feature illuminates your work area, freeing you from the hassle of juggling a screwdriver and a flashlight simultaneously -- a small but significant touch that makes a big difference in usability.
On the opposite end lies a USB-C port, modernizing the charging process by eliminating the need for proprietary chargers. This universal charging port adds an extra layer of convenience, making it easy to power up the screwdriver with the same cable used for many of your other devices. The HOTO electric screwdriver is a thoughtfully designed tool that marries strength with smart features, making it a standout choice for any toolbox.
Another product with very positive online reviews, which one going as fast as to say "if Apple was to make an electric screwdriver, this is what it would be."
HOTO electric screwdriver tech specs: Rotation speed: 220 rev/min | Battery type: 3.7V 150mAh lithium battery | Torque: 0.25~3.0Nm electric/3Nm manual
After a thorough search filled with many missteps, I've discovered a few budget-friendly electric screwdrivers that won't break the bank and don't compromise on quality -- such as the DuroFort 8V cordless screwdriver. This tool is an ideal all-rounder, equipped with a motor and a 10-speed gearbox and can put out 5.5Nm of electric torque and 10Nm of manual torque with a no-load speed of 320 RPM.
It's robust enough to tackle a variety of tasks, whether at home, in the workshop, or around the office. It boasts an impressive capacity, capable of driving up to 300 screws on a single charge, ensuring you can complete even lengthy projects without interruption.
The screwdriver comes with an extensive 89-bit selection, catering to a wide range of screw types and sizes. Additionally, it includes a nut adapter and a flexible shaft, perfect for reaching those awkward, hard-to-access spots.
Feedback from users on Amazon highlights the screwdriver's heavy-duty build, exceptional performance, user-friendly design, and compact size. A standout feature is its adaptable design, easily shifting from a pistol-grip to an in-line configuration, adding to its versatility and making it a top choice for DIY enthusiasts looking for a reliable yet affordable electric screwdriver.
DuroFort 8V Electric Screwdriver tech specs: Rotation speed: 320 rev/min | Battery type: 8V 2000mAh lithium battery | Torque: 0.25~5.5Nm electric/10Nm manual
Two years ago, I got myself a Bosch Go electric screwdriver. The thing was amazing; it's been on my best electric screwdrivers list ever since, and it's been working incredibly hard on countless projects, indoors and outdoors, and it's still going strong. Well, the old Bosch Go has gone to a new home, and I've picked up a replacement -- the new Bosch GO 3, and this has a few big upgrades.
Review: Bosch GO 3
First up, the micro USB has been replaced with USB-C. I don't know about you, but micro USB has been out of my life for a long time, and keeping track of a cable for one thing still stuck in the past was a pain. There's also a bigger battery, up to 2.0Ah from 1.5Ah, which is quite a bump and something I appreciate when I've got a long job, or forgotten to put it on charge after the last job.
There's also a ring light on the front of the screwdriver for seeing what you're doing, and more torque settings, providing finer control over working with fasteners and less chance of breaking something or rounding off the head of a screw.
It also features better ergonomics, and a much neater, more practical carry case.
Bosch GO 3 screwdriver tech specs: Rotation speed: 360 rev/min | Battery type: 3.6V 2,000mAh lithium battery | Torque: 2.5~5.0Nm electric
The DeWalt 20V MAX XR impact driver is a powerhouse in the realm of heavy-duty electric screwdrivers, designed to handle the most demanding tasks with ease.
This tool stands out with its impact drive feature, which does more than just turn fasteners. Instead, it delivers a powerful, rattling force that can break stubborn fasteners loose, making it significantly more powerful than a standard screwdriver. This capability makes it ideal for a variety of applications, from driving screws to tackling nuts and bolts. It's so robust, I've even successfully used it to undo car wheel nuts.
Equipped with a three-speed impact driver, this tool features a high-efficiency brushless motor that can deliver up to 1,825 in-lbs of maximum torque, which is more than enough to drive long, large-diameter screws with ease. For added convenience, the DeWalt 20V MAX XR also includes built-in LEDs to brighten up dim workspaces, ensuring precision even in poorly lit conditions.
This tool is a true workhorse, ideal for anyone needing a reliable, powerful screwdriver for tough jobs, and the online reviews concur with this assessment.
DeWalt 20V MAX XR impact driver tech specs: Rotation speed: 3250 rev/min | Battery type: 20V, from 1.5Ah to 5Ah lithium battery | Torque: up to 190Nm
While our overall top pick is the Lifegoo Mini Electric Screwdriver, the bottom line is it all depends on how much power you need. I find myself using the precision electric screwdriver mostly for electronic repairs, the big impact driver for bigger construction and automotive jobs, and the others for those in-between jobs.
So, ultimately, what I've done here is pick the best of the best in each category, and it's now up to you to decide how many electric screwdrivers you have space for in your life.
Electric screwdriver | Price | Charger | Torque | Replaceable battery | Bits included | Built-in LED light |
Lifegoo electric screw | $47 | USB-C | Low | No | Yes, 48 | Yes |
Arrowmax SES Max | $80 | USB-C | Low | No | Yes, 70 | Yes |
Jakemy Smart Cordless Screwdriver Kit | $49 | USB-C | Low | No | Yes, 160 | No |
HOTO electric screwdriver | $45 | USB-C | Medium | No | Yes, 12 | Yes |
DuroFort 8V Cordless Screwdriver | $40 | DC adapter | Medium | No | Yes, 89 | Yes |
Bosch GO 3 electric screwdriver | $77 | USB-C | Medium to high | No | Yes, 8 | Yes |
DeWalt 20V MAX XR impact driver | $126 | Proprietary | High power | Yes | No | Yes |
Choose this electric screwdriver if… | You want/need… |
Lifegoo electric screwdriver | A low-power, precision screwdriver for fine work. If you spend time fixing electronic gadgets, this is your screwdriver. |
Arrowmax SES Max | A high-tech precision screwdriver that works like magic. Very ergonomic and super comfortable to use. |
Jakemy Smart Cordless Screwdriver Kit | One of the best all-in-one comprehensive kits. The perfect kit for those looking to start out in repairs, or a pro who wants a kit to leave in the car or have in a home workshop. |
HOTO electric screwdriver | An electric screwdriver with a bit more power. This is best suited to general DIY use. |
Vastar 7.2E electric screwdriver | A great budget option for the occasional DIYer. |
Bosch GO 3 electric screwdriver | A more professional electric screwdriver with more advanced safety features. If you are a tradesperson and use your tools daily, this is a good pick because it will withstand heavy daily use. |
DeWalt 20V MAX XR impact driver | This one is all about power. Just at home doing up or undoing rust nuts and bolts as it is screwed, this is perfect for those heavy, stubborn jobs. |
When testing and reviewing the best electric screwdrivers to curate this list, I weighted the following factors:
Most screwdrivers take standard 1/4-inch hex bits, and these are widely available. Note, however, that precision screwdrivers take the much smaller 4 mm bits.
This is a measure of twisting force. In terms of what a screwdriver can deliver this is typically measured in Newton-meters (Nm) or inch-pounds (in-lb).
Someone who's familiar with using manual screwdrivers can deliver about 13 Nm/120 in-lb of torque. Precision electric screwdrivers usually peak at about 3Nm/26 in-lb, with the bigger ones are about 5Nm/44 in-lb, and impact drivers can go up to over 200 Nm/1,770 in-lb!
Regular electric screwdrivers max out at about the same power that you could deliver by hand, and that's because the limiting factor is how tightly you can grip the screwdriver.
Because of its different shape and the fact that it uses an impacting hammer action to work the fastener, the impact driver is capable of more power.
No, none of these tools are rated for high voltage. Electric screwdrivers are generally not safe to use in high-voltage applications as they do not have the necessary insulation to protect users from electric shocks. High-voltage environments require tools with special insulation to ensure user safety.
Not any more than if you misuse a regular screwdriver. However, if you are new to electric screwdrivers, I recommend practicing with the tool before using it for real-world jobs. Also, remember that the screwdriver bits themselves are consumables, and you'll need to replace them when they get worn.
Here are a couple of alternative electric screwdrivers worth considering. Both of these are perfect for someone who does a bit of DIY every so often -- maybe assembling flat-packed furniture or putting up shelves -- but would rather use battery power as opposed to muscle power.