Bosch GSB 18V-55 Combi Drill UK Review

The Bosch GSB 18V-55 sits in the middle of Bosch’s Professional 18V cordless range – above the entry-level GSB 18V-45 and below the premium GSB 18V-90. At 55Nm max torque with a brushless motor, it is closely matched in specification to the Makita DHP484 reviewed separately, and the two are natural competitors for buyers considering their first premium 18V combi drill. Bosch’s 18V Professional platform is one of the most widely used in the UK trade market, with excellent tool availability and a strong dealer network for servicing and battery replacement.

We tested the GSB 18V-55 over four weeks of mixed DIY and light trade use – timber drilling and screwdriving, masonry fixings, cabinetry work and general maintenance tasks. The Bosch 18V ecosystem includes a full range of power tools across all categories, making it a viable platform choice for those building out a cordless tool kit from scratch. The Bosch GDX 18V-200 impact driver is the natural companion tool for a GSB 18V-55 drill. For a broader comparison across the category, the best cordless jigsaws guide covers another core Bosch 18V tool in the same ecosystem.

Overview and first impressions

The GSB 18V-55 has the characteristic Bosch Professional build quality – solid, well-finished, with a comfortable grip and sensible control layout. At 185mm body length it is among the most compact drills in this test, comparable to the Makita DHP484, and the body-only weight of 1.1kg reflects a well-controlled approach to mass. The 25-position torque clutch is the most granular in this batch review, which translates to excellent screwdriving control across a wide range of screw sizes and materials.

The brushless motor runs smoothly with no vibration at low speeds, and the electronic speed control gives precise control across the full trigger range – useful for starting screws and driving into delicate materials where full-speed application would damage the surface. The LED light ring around the chuck is a distinctive feature that provides more even illumination of the immediate work area than a single LED above the chuck.

Specifications and scores

How it performed in our tests

The GSB 18V-55’s standout performance characteristic is screwdriving precision. The 25-position clutch – the most positions in this batch – combined with the smooth electronic trigger control gives exceptional fine-tuning across all screw sizes. Driving 3.5mm screws into MDF, 5mm screws into pine, 6mm structural screws into hardwood – each required a different clutch setting and the GSB 18V-55 found the right point reliably each time. For cabinetmakers, joiners and those doing a lot of fitted furniture work, this screwdriving control is genuinely valuable.

Drilling in timber is clean and efficient for the 55Nm torque class. Masonry performance with the hammer action is comparable to the Makita DHP484 – adequate for domestic fixings but not the right tool for sustained heavy masonry work. The LED ring light is genuinely better than a single LED for illuminating pilot holes directly below the chuck tip, particularly in enclosed spaces like under-stair cupboards or inside wall cavities.

Battery system and runtime

The Bosch Professional 18V system covers a comprehensive range of trade tools – circular saws, jigsaws, angle grinders, rotary hammers and more. Bosch ProCORE batteries are the recommended high-output option for the GSB 18V-55, providing sustained high current delivery for demanding applications. Standard 18V batteries work well for lighter use. The system uses the same battery for all Bosch Professional 18V tools, and the ProCORE 4Ah and 5.5Ah batteries represent the sweet spot for most trade applications with this drill.

Performance and limitations

The 55Nm max torque places the GSB 18V-55 at the lower end of the premium 18V combi drill class – equal to the Makita DHP484 and significantly below the Milwaukee M18 BLPD2 and DeWalt DCD999. For the majority of domestic DIY tasks this is irrelevant, but for trade users regularly tackling demanding drilling work it represents a genuine ceiling that the higher-torque alternatives do not have.

At £110 body-only, the GSB 18V-55 is the most affordable drill in this comparison. For existing Bosch Professional 18V users this represents excellent value. For those entering the Bosch ecosystem fresh, the battery and charger investment brings the total cost into line with kitted alternatives from competing brands.

Final verdict – is it worth it?

The Bosch GSB 18V-55 is a well-executed compact brushless combi drill that earns its place through screwdriving precision and price competitiveness. The 25-position clutch and LED ring light are genuinely useful differentiators, and at £110 body-only it is the most accessible premium brushless combi drill in this test. For existing Bosch Professional 18V users it is a straightforward recommendation. For those choosing a battery platform from scratch, the Makita DHP484 is a close competitor at similar pricing with equivalent torque and an equally strong ecosystem.

Where the GSB 18V-55 falls short – relative to the Milwaukee BLPD2 and DeWalt DCD999 – is torque and hammer action for demanding applications. For most domestic DIY tasks this ceiling is never reached. For those wanting the full picture before choosing between these four drills, our cordless impact driver guide covers the fastening tools that pair with all four platforms.