Doctor Who: Every Sonic Screwdriver Ranked Worst To Best

6. The Fourth Doctor’s Sonic (1973 - 1981)

Doctor Who Eleventh Doctor Sonic Screwdriver
BBC Studios

There are two sonics that could lay claim to being the greatest classic series model.

Just missing out on that accolade is the version introduced in Season 10, which was the first to include a black magnet on the emitter bullet. Otherwise this is basically just the Third Doctor’s sonic with a fully silver body and less black detailing.

Though commonly referred to as the Fourth Doctor’s sonic, this variant was actually first used by the Third Doctor in Frontier in Space.

Doctor Who Frontier in Space Third Doctor holding Fourth Doctor sonic screwdriver
BBC Studios

It’s easily the longest-running and most-used sonic of the classic series, playing as integral a role in the Fourth Doctor’s era as his multicoloured scarf and endless supply of jelly babies.

And though not hugely extravagant, it didn’t need to be (especially when paired with a Doctor as eccentric as Tom Baker). The restrained silver colour scheme and minor embellishments work a treat here, resulting in a timeless, classy prop.

That said, it wouldn’t have hurt to add another feature or two, just to make this sonic that little bit more distinctive. And like the Fifth and Eighth Doctor models, it’s ultimately derivative rather than anything unique or original.

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Doctor Who fan/YouTuber and writer of GO FIGURE, the unofficial guide to Character Options' 5.5" Doctor Who action figures!