Is Einhell Good Enough for Trade? An Honest Look at Power X-Change
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Einhell is the brand that gets mentioned every time someone asks for a cheap cordless kit. It sells a huge range on one 18V battery system called Power X-Change, it is stocked everywhere, and the prices are a fraction of what you would pay for Makita or DeWalt.
The question tradespeople ask is whether it is good enough to rely on. Not good enough for a weekend of DIY, but good enough to turn up to a job with, five days a week, and not be embarrassed when it fails on a Friday afternoon.
The honest answer is that it depends on the tool, the trade and how hard you work it. This piece sets out where Einhell does the job, where it does not, and which products are worth buying from Amazon UK at the time of writing.
Quick Verdict
Einhell is good enough for light-duty and occasional trade use, and for building a cheap second kit. It is not good enough to be your only kit if you drill, drive and cut all day on site.
The Power X-Change batteries and chargers are the strongest part of the range, with massive review counts to back them up, and the basic drill and impact driver are fine for light work. The Professional range is aimed at heavier use, and is where tradespeople should be looking if they want to try the brand.
What Einhell Does Well, and What It Does Not
The Batteries: Einhell 4.0Ah Starter Kit
The battery is the foundation of any cordless platform, and Einhell’s is its best advertisement. The 4.0Ah starter kit with a charger costs about £36 and has more than 38,000 reviews on Amazon UK, which is a huge sample for any product.
One battery system runs the whole range, which includes drills, saws, garden tools and vacuums, and you can build up a kit cheaply. The batteries are not as powerful or as long-lasting as premium packs, but they do the job for light work.
- 3-position battery charge level LED
- Use – The gutter set can be used with the Einhell battery leaf blower GP-LB 18/200 Li E.
- High-end Lithium-ion cells virtually no self-discharge
- 6-position charge level indicator
- Smart charging system for long battery life
The Drill: Einhell 50Nm Drill Driver
Einhell’s basic 18V drill driver is a 50Nm machine sold without a battery at about £55, and it has more than 2,200 reviews on Amazon UK. It drills and drives screws in wood and metal, and it is good enough for hanging doors, fixing shelves and general light work.
It is not a hammer drill, and it will not cope with masonry. It lacks the power and the durability of a trade drill, so it is better as a spare than as your main tool.
- The Einhell TE-CD 18/50 Li-i BL Solo is a cordless Combi impact drill driver and electric screwdriver that delivers power with pin-point accuracy exactly where it is needed: For restoration and renovation jobs or for drilling in harder materials like masonry, stone and brick
- As a member of the high-performance PXC family, the impact drill driver is powered by the high-quality lithium-ion rechargeable batteries from the PXC series - always ready for use and with zero self-discharge that is normally associated with battery powered tools
- The long-life brushless motor delivers more power and runs longer than conventional carbon brush motors - without any mechanical wear resulting in improved battery performance and increased durability
- The 3-in-1 screwing, drilling and impact drilling functions means it is designed for universal work. The 2-speed gearing is suitable for powerful, fast drilling and screwdriving; Speed control ensures that the tool can still be adjusted to the particular material and all applications
- Exceptionally easy handling and a firm, secure grip are offered by the ergonomic design and soft grip; For an optimum view of the work area, even in dark areas, an LED light is included
The Step-Up: Einhell Professional Impact Driver 220Nm
The Professional range is Einhell’s attempt to compete with trade brands. The 220Nm impact driver costs about £70 as a bare tool, and it has a brushless motor and more power than the basic models. It has more than 240 reviews on Amazon UK.
This is a tool that is much closer to what a tradesman needs, and at that price it is a fraction of the cost of the big brands. It is too early to say how it will last over years of heavy use, but it is a good bet if you want a cheap impact driver.
- PART OF THE EINHELL PROFESSIONAL RANGE: Einhell professional stands for top quality, maximum performance and maximum endurance. This Impact Driver features a ¼” (6.35 mm) hexagonal chuck and provides a massive 220 Nm of torque
- GERMAN DESIGN EXCELLENCE: The finely adjustable speed control electronics can be used to adapt the tool to the material at hand, so both the material and the impact driver itself are not subjected to excessive stress. The short, lightweight design with ergonomic Softgrip surfaces ensures the tool can be held comfortably and firmly
- POWERFUL LONG-LIFE MOTOR: The low-maintenance, PurePOWER brushless motor ensures maximum performance with longer runtime.
- ONE BATTERY FOR OVER 300 TOOLS: The same battery will power all of your Einhell PXC Power Tools and Garden Machines. Our intelligent ABS Battery Electronics and high-performance Li-Ion Cells makes our rechargeable battery system one of the safest in the industry and ensures efficiency, reliability and durability
- IMPACT DRIVER ONLY: This is the Driver Drill Body only and will require 1 x 18v Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery and charger (Sold Separately)
The Garden Tools: Einhell PXC Long Reach Pole Saw
Einhell’s garden range is one of its strengths. The PXC long reach pole saw costs about £100 as a bare tool, and has nearly 1,500 reviews on Amazon UK. It is a good example of what the brand does well: a competent tool at a price that makes sense for a self-employed gardener or a handyman.
It is not built for daily professional use, but for tidying overhanging branches it does the job.
- EXPERIENCE CORDLESS FREEDOM - Annoying Power Cords Are A Thing Of The Past! The Einhell cordless pole pruner GC-LC 18/20 Li T-Solo is the perfect tool for effortless tree maintenance. Maintain your garden's beauty with easy upkeep of trees and tall shrubs
- PLUS TECHNOLOGY FOR EXTRA POWER: Take on intensive work with confidence. Our PLUS technology delivers extra power, ensuring that your tools can handle demanding tasks with ease. Stay informed about the battery's charge level with the convenient digital display
- GERMAN DESIGN EXCELLENCE - The mini chainsaw's rugged metal felling dogs are designed to withstand tough conditions, providing a long service life. Additionally, the pole pruner is equipped with a chain catcher, enhancing safety during work. Enjoy peace of mind while maintaining your trees
- ONE BATTERY FOR OVER 300 TOOLS - The same battery will power all of your Einhell PXC Power Tools and Garden Machines. Our intelligent ABS Battery Electronics and high-performance Li-Ion Cells makes our rechargeable battery system one of the safest in the industry and ensures efficiency, reliability and durability
- CORDLESS POLE SAW ONLY - This is the Cordless Mini Chainsaw With Telescopic Extendable Handle only. It requires 1 x 18v Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger (Sold Separately)
The Premium End: Einhell Professional Pole Pruner
The Professional pole pruner is a more powerful version of the standard tool, with an 18cm bar, at about £170 for the bare tool. It is aimed at heavier use, and the review count is still small at the time of writing.
It sits between the budget pruners and the premium trade options, and it is worth a look if you already have Einhell batteries.
- Power X‑Change – The Einhell Professional cordless pole pruner GP-LC 18/20 Li T BL-Solo is part of the Power X‑Change family, where one battery powers all your tools, making it easy to combine.
- Brushless motor – The powerful, low-maintenance Brushless motor delivers maximum power with extended running time.
- Automatic chain lubrication – The saw chain operates at speeds of up to 7 m/s and is constantly supplied with oil from the 85 ml oil tank with sight glass.
- Handling – The telescopic pole is infinitely adjustable without tools, for a device length of 174 to 250 cm and comes with a carrying strap for ergonomic working.
- OREGON guide bar and chain – The pole pruner with 18 cm cutting length is equipped with a high-quality chain with 1.3 mm drive link thickness, 33 drive links and 3/4” chain pitch.
At a Glance: Einhell Power X-Change Picks
| Product | Range | Good For | Approx. Price |
| 4.0Ah battery and charger | Power X-Change | Starting a kit | £36 |
| 50Nm drill driver | Power X-Change | Light drilling and driving | £55 |
| 220Nm impact driver | Professional | Heavier driving | £70 |
| Long reach pole saw | Power X-Change | Garden pruning | £100 |
| Professional pole pruner | Professional | Heavier pruning | £170 |
Where Einhell Falls Short for Trade
Durability
Trade tools are built to be dropped, kicked and run for hours, and cheaper tools tend to wear out faster. The plastics, gearboxes and switches on budget tools are usually where the savings have been made. For occasional use that does not matter. For daily use it does.
Battery performance
Einhell batteries are good for the price, but they do not give the same runtime or power delivery as premium packs. On heavy jobs such as drilling large holes or cutting thick timber, you will notice the difference.
Range depth
Einhell has plenty of garden and DIY tools, but the range of specialist trade tools is thinner than Makita, DeWalt or Milwaukee. If you need SDS drills, track saws or heavy-duty gear, you may find the choice limited.
Resale and support
Trade brands hold their value and have service networks. Einhell tools are cheaper to replace, but are worth little second-hand, and service is less accessible.
Who Should Buy Einhell
The self-employed handyman
If you do light repairs and odd jobs, Einhell gives you a cheap and capable kit. You can build a full set for the price of one trade drill.
The gardener or landscaper on a budget
The garden range is a good fit for light, regular work, as long as you accept that the tools may need replacing sooner.
A tradesman who needs a second kit
A cheap second set is handy for the van, for lending out, or for jobs where kit might go missing.
The apprentice or the person starting out
If cash is tight, Einhell lets you start working with a full set of tools. Upgrade the tools you use most as you can afford to.
FAQs
Is Einhell a good brand?
It is a good budget brand with a huge range, a solid battery system and low prices. It is not a premium trade brand, and you should not expect it to last as long as Makita or DeWalt under heavy use.
Is Einhell Power X-Change the same as Ryobi ONE+?
They are similar in concept. Both are budget 18V systems with a large range, and both are aimed at DIY and light trade use. Ryobi has a wider garden range, and Einhell is often cheaper.
Can you use Einhell tools every day?
You can, but expect shorter life from a tool used for hours a day. Einhell’s Professional range is designed for heavier use, but is still unproven over years.
Are Einhell batteries compatible with other brands?
No. Power X-Change batteries only fit Einhell’s own tools. All Power X-Change tools share the same battery, and the batteries are cheap to buy.
Is Einhell worth it for a self-employed tradesman?
For light use or a second kit, yes. For your main tools, you will probably be better off with a premium brand that has the durability and service back-up you need.
Final Word
Einhell is good enough for some trade jobs and not others. If you do light work, need a cheap second kit or are starting out, Power X-Change is a perfectly sensible choice and the batteries are a bargain. If your tools are your livelihood and you work them all day, the money is better spent on one of the trade platforms.
The best approach for many people is a mix: premium tools for the ones you use every day, and Einhell for the ones you only need now and then.
