DIY Handy Gear

Best Impact Drivers

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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.

How we picked: We prioritized impact drivers with strong torque-to-weight ratios, quality hex chucks that don't chew up bit shanks, and battery platforms with long-term support. We drew 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 Pickoverall impact driver - 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

Best overall impact driver

  • 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

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

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.

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Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLID02 Brushless Impact Driver

Also great

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

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.

Keep reading

Category

Impact Drivers Buying Advice

Guide

Cordless Drill Buying Guide