At a glance
A cordless oscillating multi-tool is one of those purchases that looks like a luxury until you own one, at which point it becomes difficult to understand how any serious DIY project got completed without it. Plunge cuts into the middle of a surface, flush cuts against adjacent material, trim cuts in corners no other tool can reach, sanding in awkward profiles, grout removal, adhesive scraping – the multi-tool covers the gap between the circular saw and the detail sander where nothing else fits. The question is which model is the right choice at a given budget and platform.
For this comparison we tested five of the most popular cordless multi-tools available in the UK against the same set of tasks: plunge cutting in pine and MDF, flush cutting door frame timber for laminate flooring, cutting access holes in plasterboard, sanding flat oak surfaces with the delta pad, grout removal between ceramic tiles and adhesive scraping off a concrete floor. Each tool was assessed on performance, battery life, build quality, ease of use, value for money and overall UK market suitability. Scores reflect relative performance within this specific class of tool, not absolute merit across all power tools. The five tools tested cover the main UK battery ecosystems: Bosch 18V Professional, Makita 18V LXT, DeWalt 18V XR, Milwaukee M18 and Ryobi ONE+. If you already own batteries from any of these systems, that is typically the most important factor in your buying decision – the marginal performance differences between tools matter far less than the cost of switching platforms.
How we tested. Each multi-tool was run through the same six tests over a two-week period using the manufacturer’s own 2.5-4.0Ah battery. Blades used were the supplied accessories for each tool’s native mounting system, with universal-adapter tools tested using a common segmented blade for fair comparison. Scores are weighted toward real-world DIY tasks rather than synthetic benchmarks.
Quick verdict summary
All 5 multi-tools ranked
The GOP 18V-28 is the benchmark cordless multi-tool for a reason. The 2.8 degree oscillation angle combined with Bosch’s Starlock blade mounting system produces cutting speeds that no other tool in this test could match on hardwood or metal. Vibration is exceptionally well damped, allowing prolonged use on demanding tasks without the fatigue that budget tools cause within minutes.
The trade-off is that Starlock locks you into Bosch-compatible accessories, which cost more than universal-fit blades. For professional or prosumer use the cost is justified by the performance. For occasional DIY use it is harder to argue against a cheaper tool. If budget and platform allow, this is the one to buy.
The DTS141Z sits a hair behind the Bosch on outright cutting speed but matches it on build quality and edges ahead on ergonomics. The slim body shape fits comfortably in one hand, making overhead and awkward-angle work less fatiguing than the bulkier Bosch. Battery efficiency is excellent – Makita’s 18V LXT platform is well known for runtime.
Accepts universal and Makita-native accessories via a tool-free clamp. For existing LXT owners this is the obvious choice; for trades who already run Makita across their kit, it is an easy recommendation.
The DCS355 is the narrowest oscillation angle tool in this test at 1.6 degrees. The narrower angle produces slower cuts but smoother control, which suits detail work and clean plunge cuts. The brushless motor delivers consistent power and excellent runtime. It is the tool of choice for anyone who values precision over raw cutting speed.
Build is excellent, the tool-free Quick-Change blade system works well, and vibration damping is near the Bosch. For DeWalt 18V XR owners this is the obvious pick.
The M18 BMT is solid, capable and significantly cheaper than the Bosch or Makita equivalents on the same platform. It is not Milwaukee’s most sophisticated multi-tool but it gets the core jobs done without drama. The 3.0 degree oscillation angle produces reasonable cutting speeds and the universal blade adapter keeps accessory costs down.
Best for people already committed to the M18 battery platform – outside of that context, the DeWalt or Makita would be better tools at similar money.
The RMT1801M is the only tool in the test under £60 body-only and on that basis alone it earns a place. Performance is competent for occasional DIY work – plunge cuts in softwood are quick and clean, drywall is easy, and the universal adapter means any brand of blade fits. Vibration is higher than the premium tools and the plastic body feels less substantial, but for a homeowner using the tool a few times a year it does the job.
For existing Ryobi ONE+ users this is the obvious add-on multi-tool. The value proposition is genuinely strong, especially considering the accessory flexibility.
Head to head comparison
| Model | Platform | Angle | Weight | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch GOP 18V-28 | 18V | 2.8° | 1.5kg | ~£180 | 4.7 / 5 |
| Makita DTS141Z | 18V LXT | 3.2° | 1.4kg | ~£155 | 4.6 / 5 |
| DeWalt DCS355 | 18V XR | 1.6° | 1.5kg | ~£140 | 4.5 / 5 |
| Milwaukee M18 BMT | M18 | 3.0° | 1.5kg | ~£130 | 4.3 / 5 |
| Ryobi RMT1801M | 18V ONE+ | 3.2° | 1.1kg | ~£55 | 4.1 / 5 |
What to look for when buying
Buying a cordless multi-tool comes down to four considerations: the battery platform you already own or want to commit to, the blade mounting system, the oscillation angle, and vibration damping. Most buyers underweight the platform decision and overweight the tool itself, which leads to lock-in or the expensive alternative of running multiple incompatible battery systems.
Accessory costs can outweigh the tool price over time. Starlock blades cost roughly 2-3 times more than universal-fit equivalents. For high-volume users this adds up quickly – factor it into the total cost of ownership rather than just comparing the tool sticker prices.
Final verdict and recommendations
For professional trades wanting the best: the Bosch GOP 18V-28. Fastest cutting, best vibration damping, genuinely professional grade. Accept the accessory cost as the price of admission.
For Makita LXT owners: the Makita DTS141Z. Close to the Bosch on performance, better on ergonomics, and it runs on batteries you probably already own.
For DeWalt XR owners and detail-work specialists: the DCS355. The narrower oscillation angle rewards precision work and the brushless motor is excellent.
For Milwaukee M18 owners: the M18 BMT. A competent tool that keeps your platform unified without forcing a compromise on core performance.
For budget-conscious DIYers and Ryobi ONE+ users: the RMT1801M. Far and away the best value in the test. Not a professional tool but genuinely capable for occasional use.
Across all five tools the gap between best and worst is smaller than the price gap suggests. The Ryobi at £55 does around 85% of what the Bosch at £180 does, which for a weekend DIYer is a perfectly sensible trade. For a professional using the tool daily the top 15% of performance is where the value sits, and the Bosch earns its premium. The middle tools – DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee – each make sense for existing owners of their respective platforms but would not be a first choice for someone starting from scratch given the Bosch and Ryobi represent the clearest ends of the spectrum.
Worth noting that multi-tool accessories often outlast the tool itself. A good set of segmented blades, carbide grout removers, sanding pads and scrapers will serve you across whatever multi-tool you buy, provided you match the mounting system. This is part of why the universal-adapter tools (all four non-Bosch options in this test) have a long-term value advantage over Starlock-only systems. Budget for accessories alongside the tool rather than as an afterthought – a bare multi-tool with poor blades performs worse than a cheap tool with quality accessories.
The right multi-tool is nearly always the one that runs on your existing battery platform. Cross-platform buying costs far more than the tool difference in duplicated batteries and chargers. Within each ecosystem the tools tested here are the strongest choice – pick the one that matches your existing kit and your budget. If you are platform-agnostic and want the best tool overall, it is the Bosch GOP 18V-28 without question.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices correct at time of publishing.
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