Best screwdriver for building a deck?

Hey guys, I'm planning to build a deck this summer and need a good screwdriver. I've got a cheap set that keeps stripping screws. What do you recommend for driving deck screws all day? Cordless or manual? I'm leaning towards a drill/driver combo but not sure. Budget is around $200.

For a deck, you absolutely want a cordless impact driver. Trust me, I've built three decks and using a regular drill will make you hate life. Get a brushless 18V or 20V. DeWalt or Milwaukee are solid. Pair it with a good set of driver bits (like DeWALT Max Fit) and you won't strip a single screw. Save some cash for a high-capacity battery too.

I'd add that a clutch is important if you're driving into softwoods like cedar. Impacts have variable speed triggers, but some combos have electric brakes to prevent overdriving. Also, consider getting a square drive bit (Robertson) instead of Phillips - way less cam-out. My first deck I used Phillips and it was a nightmare.

Actually, for a deck I'd say go with a compact impact driver and a separate drill for pilot holes. Don't cheap out on bits - get impact-rated ones. I've broken too many cheap bits. Pro tip: use #2 square drive with coated deck screws - they self-drill and don't strip. Also, get a magnetic bit holder to save your sanity.

What Felix said. I use a Milwaukee M12 Fuel impact for most decking - it's lighter and has plenty of torque. For pilot holes in 2x6's, a regular 18V drill is fine. But if you're doing a huge deck, go full size 20V. And yeah, square drive bits are the way to go. Grab a few 25mm bits, they're cheap.