Do I need both a drill and an impact driver?

For serious DIY or deck/framing work, yes — the impact driver handles long screws and lags far better, while the drill is better for precise hole drilling and driving small screws where torque control matters most. Many brands sell them as a combo kit for this reason.

Can an impact driver drill holes?

It can with impact-rated bits, but the hammering action makes it harder to control depth and finish quality compared to a standard drill. It's fine in a pinch, not ideal as your main drilling tool.

What size batteries do impact drivers need?

Impact drivers are efficient and work well with compact 2.0-3.0Ah batteries, which keep the tool light. Save the larger 5.0Ah+ batteries for higher-draw tools like circular saws.

What's the best impact driver overall?

Rated on torque, control, and reliability, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2853-20 is our top-rated impact driver overall, with the DeWalt DCF887 and Makita XDT131 close behind depending on which battery platform and budget you're on.

Best Impact Driver (2026): Top Cordless Picks, Rated & Compared

Looking for the best impact driver for your workshop? An impact driver isn't just a stronger drill — the rotational hammering action makes driving long screws and lag bolts dramatically easier without camming out or straining your wrist.

If you already own a drill and are adding a dedicated driver to your kit, these are the ones worth your money.

We rated each pick below on torque-to-weight ratio, control, and reliability, so the best impact driver for your own projects is the one that matches how you'll actually use it, not just the most popular model.

Already settled on a driver? Don't pair it with bits that'll snap under the hammering action — see our picks for the best impact-rated driver bit sets.

Which Impact Driver Is Right for You?

Most homeowners don't need the biggest torque number on the shelf. If you're mainly driving deck screws, hanging shelves, or assembling furniture, a compact, lighter model is easier to control one-handed — see our picks for the best compact impact drivers for tight spaces if you're working in cabinets or between studs.

Budget matters too: you don't have to spend pro-tool money to get a reliable driver for occasional home use, and several picks on this list are aimed squarely at DIYers who want solid performance without the premium price tag. Already on a battery platform from a cordless drill or saw? Staying on the same brand's ecosystem usually beats chasing a marginally stronger driver on a new one.

How we picked: We rated impact drivers on torque-to-weight ratio, quality of the hex chuck (so it doesn't chew up bit shanks), and battery platform support for the long term. Ratings draw on published torque specs, brand reliability history, and feedback from tradespeople and serious DIYers rather than in-house lab testing.

At a glance

#PickWhy it stands outPrice

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2853-20 Impact DriverTop Pickrated impact driver overall - Class-leading torque with precise speed control modesCheck Amazon

DeWalt DCF887 20V MAX XR Impact DriverRunner-upall-rounder for DIYers and pros - Three-speed settings give good control from delicate to heavy-duty drivingCheck Amazon

Makita XDT131 18V LXT Brushless Impact DriverBest Valuecontrol and low vibration - Smooth power delivery makes it easy to avoid overdriving screwsCheck Amazon

Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLID02 Brushless Impact DriverAlso greatbudget impact driver - Strong performance relative to priceCheck Amazon

Bosch GDR18V-1860CB 18V Impact DriverAlso greatelectricians and low-clearance work - Very short front-to-back length for tight electrical boxesCheck Amazon

The picks in detail

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2853-20 Impact Driver

Top Pick

9.6/10Editor’s score

Best rated impact driver overall

Class-leading torque with precise speed control modes
Compact 5.75-inch length fits into tight cavities
One-touch mode selection is genuinely useful on site

Watch out Premium pricing, and overkill for occasional home use.

Check price on Amazon

DeWalt DCF887 20V MAX XR Impact Driver

Runner-up

9.3/10Editor’s score

Best all-rounder for DIYers and pros

Three-speed settings give good control from delicate to heavy-duty driving
Durable build that holds up to daily jobsite use
Wide availability of DeWalt 20V MAX batteries and combo kits

Watch out Slightly heavier and longer than Milwaukee's and Makita's compact competitors.

Check price on Amazon

Makita XDT131 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver

Best Value

9.0/10Editor’s score

Best for control and low vibration

Smooth power delivery makes it easy to avoid overdriving screws
Quieter than most impact drivers at full speed
Reliable brushless motor with a strong reputation for longevity

Watch out Peak torque trails the top Milwaukee and DeWalt models slightly.

Check price on Amazon

Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLID02 Brushless Impact Driver

Also great

8.7/10Editor’s score

Best budget impact driver

Strong performance relative to price
Compact and light for all-day comfort
Shares batteries with Ryobi's huge ONE+ tool lineup

Watch out Chuck and housing feel less rugged than pro-tier brands.

Check price on Amazon

Bosch GDR18V-1860CB 18V Impact Driver

Also great

8.4/10Editor’s score

Best for electricians and low-clearance work

Very short front-to-back length for tight electrical boxes
Bluetooth connectivity via Bosch's app for custom speed settings
Consistent, well-regarded build quality

Watch out Bosch's cordless accessory selection is smaller than DeWalt's or Milwaukee's.

Check price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both a drill and an impact driver?: For serious DIY or deck/framing work, yes — the impact driver handles long screws and lags far better, while the drill is better for precise hole drilling and driving small screws where torque control matters most. Many brands sell them as a combo kit for this reason.
Can an impact driver drill holes?: It can with impact-rated bits, but the hammering action makes it harder to control depth and finish quality compared to a standard drill. It's fine in a pinch, not ideal as your main drilling tool.
What size batteries do impact drivers need?: Impact drivers are efficient and work well with compact 2.0-3.0Ah batteries, which keep the tool light. Save the larger 5.0Ah+ batteries for higher-draw tools like circular saws.
What's the best impact driver overall?: Rated on torque, control, and reliability, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2853-20 is our top-rated impact driver overall, with the DeWalt DCF887 and Makita XDT131 close behind depending on which battery platform and budget you're on.

From the blog

Article

Best Impact Driver (2026): Top Cordless Picks

Which Impact Driver Is Right for You?

At a glance

The picks in detail

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2853-20 Impact Driver

DeWalt DCF887 20V MAX XR Impact Driver

Makita XDT131 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver

Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLID02 Brushless Impact Driver

Bosch GDR18V-1860CB 18V Impact Driver

Frequently Asked Questions

Keep reading

Impact Drivers Buying Advice

Power Drill Buying Guide (2026): How to Choose a Cordless Drill

Power Tool Battery Platform Guide

How to Remove a Stripped or Stuck Screw (Without Drilling It Out)

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Drill vs. Impact Driver: Which One Do You Actually Need First?