Doctor Who: Every Sonic Screwdriver Ranked Worst To Best

Up until the arrival of the Fifteenth Doctor’s sonic, the Thirteenth Doctor’s was easily the most controversial. But it actually has a lot going for it.

It really fits the organic, crystalline aesthetic of both the Thirteenth Doctor’s TARDIS and her era more broadly. It may be less technological than other iterations, but those glowing amber stripes down the sides make it feel truly alive.

It also has something that most other sonics have lacked: a backstory. It didn’t spring out of the TARDIS ready-made, but was built by the Doctor’s own hands, forged from Stenza scraps and Sheffield steel. It’s a really cool idea that gives Thirteen’s sonic that extra bit of personality.

Overall it’s the sonic that feels most like an extension of the Doctor – partly because of its unique origins, partly because of its curved ergonomic handle and partly because of Jodie Whittaker’s trademark wand-style gestures.

All that said, it’s a little bit lacklustre compared to other designs, and although the more organic feel works for the Thirteenth Doctor, the move away from being a gadget with moving parts and other bells and whistles can’t help but feel like a downgrade.