The best impact driver for you is usually the one that runs on batteries you already own. After that, it comes down to size, speed control and how much you want to spend. This guide covers 12 impact drivers on Amazon: the full-size DeWalt, Milwaukee and Makita drivers most pros carry, two 12V drivers, a quiet hydraulic model, and five kits for homeowners who are starting from zero.
Every price, rating and spec below was checked against the live Amazon listing on October 19, 2026. Prices change, so check the current price before you buy. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases through the links in this article, and some brands in this guide pay a higher rate through Amazon’s creator program. That doesn’t change where they rank.
Quick Picks
- Best overall: DeWalt DCF845B 20V MAX XR 3-Speed
- Best for Milwaukee M18 users: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver
- Best compact 20V: DeWalt DCF850B Atomic
- Best Makita: Makita XDT16Z 4-Speed
- Best value Makita: Makita XDT13Z
- Best 12V: Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3453-20
- Best quiet impact driver: Milwaukee M12 FUEL Surge 2551-20
- Best drill and impact combo: DeWalt DCK240C2
- Best budget kit from a big brand: Craftsman CMCF800C1
- Best budget brushless combo: SEESII Drill and Impact Driver Combo
- Best kit under $70: GoYwato 21V Impact Driver Set
- Cheapest bare tool for Makita batteries: Cerycose 18V Impact Driver
Quick Comparison
| Impact Driver | Platform | Listed Torque | Speeds/Modes | Battery Included | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCF845B | DeWalt 20V MAX | 1,825 in-lbs | 3 | No (tool only) | 4.7 (3,243) |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL | Milwaukee M18 | 2,000 in-lbs | 4 | No (tool only) | 4.7 (2,547) |
| DeWalt DCF850B Atomic | DeWalt 20V MAX | 1,825 in-lbs | 3 | No (tool only) | 4.7 (1,115) |
| Makita XDT16Z | Makita 18V LXT | 1,600 in-lbs | 4 + Quick-Shift | No (tool only) | 4.7 (1,322) |
| Makita XDT13Z | Makita 18V LXT | 1,500 in-lbs | Variable trigger | No (tool only) | 4.8 (1,344) |
| Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3453-20 | Milwaukee M12 | 1,500 in-lbs | 4 | No (tool only) | 4.8 (1,753) |
| Milwaukee M12 FUEL Surge 2551-20 | Milwaukee M12 | 450 in-lbs (hydraulic) | 4 | No (tool only) | 4.6 (724) |
| DeWalt DCK240C2 | DeWalt 20V MAX | 1,400 in-lbs | Variable trigger | 2 x 1.3Ah + drill | 4.7 (61,190) |
| Craftsman CMCF800C1 | Craftsman V20 | 1,460 in-lbs | Variable trigger | 1 x 1.3Ah | 4.7 (2,362) |
| SEESII Combo | SEESII 21V | 1,950 in-lbs (claimed) | 4 | 2 x 4.0Ah + drill | 4.6 (185) |
| GoYwato 21V Set | GoYwato 21V | 2,655 in-lbs (claimed) | 2 | 2 x 4.0Ah | 4.5 (311) |
| Cerycose 18V | Makita 18V batteries | 2,800 in-lbs (claimed) | 5 | No (tool only) | 4.2 (157) |
Impact Driver vs. Drill: Do You Need One?
A drill spins. An impact driver spins and hammers. When the screw starts to resist, a hammer and anvil inside the driver deliver thousands of quick rotational blows per minute. That’s how a small tool sinks a 3-inch deck screw or a 1/2-inch lag without twisting your wrist.
Use an impact driver for long screws, lag bolts, deck boards, framing, ledger boards and backing out stuck fasteners. Use a drill for drilling holes, for small screws that need a light touch, and for anything with a clutch setting. Most people end up owning both, which is why combo kits sell so well. If you’re still choosing a drill, our 12V vs 18V drill guide covers the size question.
Buy the Battery Platform First
A bare impact driver costs $60 to $150. Batteries and a charger can cost as much again. So the cheapest impact driver is often the one that fits the batteries already on your shelf. If you own DeWalt 20V MAX packs, buy a DeWalt. If you own Milwaukee M18, buy the M18. Starting fresh? Read our DeWalt vs. Milwaukee vs. Makita platform comparison before you commit, because you’ll be buying into that system for years.
Battery size matters less than people think for an impact driver. A 2Ah pack keeps the tool light and handles most jobs. Our 2Ah vs. 5Ah battery guide explains when the bigger pack is worth it.
Why Torque Numbers Don’t Compare Across Brands
Every listing in this guide shows a maximum torque number, and they’re not measured the same way. Milwaukee lists 2,000 in-lbs for its M18 FUEL. DeWalt lists 1,825 for the DCF845. Makita lists 1,600 for the XDT16Z. Then a no-name 21V kit lists 2,655 and a bare tool for Makita batteries lists 2,800.
There is no shared test standard behind those numbers. Each brand measures its own way. Use torque to compare models within one brand, and treat a budget brand’s number that beats Milwaukee’s flagship as a claim, not a measurement. Speed control, size and battery platform matter more day to day. For lug nuts and suspension bolts, you want an impact wrench, not a driver. See our best cordless impact wrenches.
Full-Size 18V and 20V Impact Drivers
These are the drivers most contractors carry. All five are sold as bare tools, so you need a battery and charger from the same brand.
1. DeWalt DCF845B 20V MAX XR 3-Speed – Best Overall
The DCF845 is DeWalt’s main XR impact driver. The listing gives 1,825 in-lbs of torque and 3,400 RPM from a brushless motor, with a 3-speed selector, a variable-speed trigger, a 3-LED light and a belt hook. DeWalt backs it with a 3-year limited warranty.
It has 4.7 stars from 3,243 ratings at $116.40 for the bare tool when we checked. The 3-speed setting is the practical feature here. Low speed for cabinet hardware and small screws, high speed for deck screws and lags. DeWalt’s 20V MAX platform is the easiest to find batteries for, in stores and on Amazon. We covered this tool in more depth in our DCF845 review.
Pros: 1,825 in-lbs; 3 speeds; 3-year warranty; huge 20V MAX battery ecosystem.
Cons: Tool only; three speeds, where Milwaukee and Makita offer four modes.
Skip it if: you’re already on Milwaukee or Makita batteries.
2. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver – Best for Milwaukee M18 Users
This is Milwaukee’s current M18 FUEL impact driver. The listing gives 2,000 in-lbs of torque, the highest rated output of the big three brands here. It has 4-mode drive control and tri-LED lighting. Milwaukee says the trigger gives smooth acceleration for small fasteners, so you don’t strip screws or crack trim.
It has 4.7 stars from 2,547 ratings at $112.99 for the bare tool when we checked. Amazon’s review summary says buyers find it powerful, compact and faster than older models. Durability gets mixed reports, with some buyers saying theirs held up to abuse and others saying it fell apart. The four modes are what you’re paying for. One of them is a low-speed setting for small screws, which matters on cabinets and electrical boxes.
Pros: 2,000 in-lbs listed; 4-mode drive control; tri-LED light; often priced close to the DeWalt.
Cons: Tool only; mixed durability reports.
Skip it if: you don’t own M18 batteries and aren’t planning to.
3. DeWalt DCF850B Atomic – Best Compact 20V
The DCF850 is DeWalt’s compact Atomic impact driver. The listing gives the same 1,825 in-lbs as the DCF845, with 3,250 RPM, a 3-speed trigger and a 3-LED light. The difference is size. It’s built to fit between joists and inside cabinets where a full-size driver won’t.
It has 4.7 stars from 1,115 ratings at $134.01 when we checked. Amazon’s review summary says buyers like how it fits tight spaces and think it’s worth the price. It costs a bit more than the DCF845 here. If you work inside cabinets, under sinks or between studs, it’s worth the extra. If you mostly build decks, the DCF845 does the same job for less.
Pros: Compact body; same listed torque as the DCF845; 3 speeds; 20V MAX batteries.
Cons: Costs more than the full-size DCF845; tool only.
Skip it if: you don’t work in tight spaces. Save the money and get the DCF845.
4. Makita XDT16Z 4-Speed – Best Makita
The XDT16Z is the Makita to get if you want speed control. The listing gives 1,600 in-lbs and 3,600 RPM, with four speed settings and a Quick-Shift mode that adjusts speed and torque as the screw tightens. There’s a second speed button under the chuck, and an Assist mode that starts slow until the screw bites, to cut down on cross-threading and screws that pop out.
It has 4.7 stars from 1,322 ratings at $149.99 when we checked. Amazon’s review summary mentions its speed control and light weight. It’s the most expensive bare tool among the full-size drivers here, and its listed torque is the lowest of the three big brands. For most fastening work, the modes matter more than the extra 200 to 400 in-lbs.
Pros: Four speeds plus Quick-Shift and Assist modes; speed button under the chuck; Makita 18V LXT batteries.
Cons: Highest price of the full-size bare tools; lower listed torque.
Skip it if: you just need power on a budget. The XDT13Z below costs about $50 less.
5. Makita XDT13Z – Best Value Makita
The XDT13Z is a simpler Makita with no speed selector, just a variable-speed trigger. The listing gives 1,500 in-lbs, 3,400 RPM and 3,600 IPM from a brushless motor. Makita says the brushless motor gives up to 50 percent longer run time per charge than its brushed motors.
It has 4.8 stars from 1,344 ratings at $97.40 when we checked. Amazon’s review summary praises its value, balance and battery life. It’s the cheapest 18V bare tool from a major brand in this guide. You give up speed modes, so you’ll control small screws with your trigger finger.
Pros: Lowest-priced 18V bare tool from a major brand here; 4.8 stars; brushless; Makita LXT batteries.
Cons: No speed selector; 1,500 in-lbs is the lowest of the 18V/20V drivers here.
Skip it if: you do a lot of trim or cabinet work. Get the XDT16Z for its low-speed modes.
12V and Hydraulic Impact Drivers
6. Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3453-20 – Best 12V
A 12V impact driver is smaller and lighter, and for most fastening it’s enough. The listing for the 3453-20 gives up to 1,500 in-lbs, the same as the Makita XDT13Z, and up to 3,600 RPM. It has 4-mode drive control including a dedicated self-tapping screw mode, three LEDs, and a listed weight of 2 lbs.
It has 4.8 stars from 1,753 ratings at $89.99 for the bare tool when we checked. Amazon’s review summary says buyers are impressed by its torque for a 12V tool, with one calling it stronger than their older 18V FUEL. This is the driver for electricians, HVAC techs, cabinet installers and anyone who spends the day on a ladder.
Pros: 2 lbs listed; 1,500 in-lbs; 4 modes with a self-tapping screw mode; lowest-priced bare tool from a major brand.
Cons: M12 batteries are a separate system from M18; less runtime than 18V packs.
Skip it if: you drive a lot of long lag screws. Full-size 18V/20V is faster for that.
7. Milwaukee M12 FUEL Surge 2551-20 – Best Quiet Impact Driver
Standard impact drivers are loud. The Surge uses a fluid-drive hydraulic powertrain that cuts metal-on-metal contact inside the tool. That makes it quieter and smoother. The listing gives 450 in-lbs of torque with 4-mode drive control and a brushless motor.
It has 4.6 stars from 724 ratings at $114.99 for the bare tool when we checked. Amazon’s review summary praises its quiet operation and cushioned but strong impacts. The 450 in-lbs number is far below every other driver here, and that’s the trade. It’s for people working in occupied homes, offices and schools, or anyone tired of ringing ears at the end of the day. It’s not the tool for 6-inch lags.
Pros: Hydraulic drive is quieter and smoother; compact M12 size; 4 modes.
Cons: 450 in-lbs listed; costs more than the standard M12 FUEL.
Skip it if: you need maximum torque. Get the 3453-20 or an 18V driver.
Impact Driver Kits With Batteries
No batteries yet? These kits come with everything you need to start.
8. DeWalt DCK240C2 Drill and Impact Driver Combo – Best Drill and Impact Combo
This is the most-rated kit in this guide by far, with 4.7 stars from 61,190 ratings. It includes the DCD771 drill/driver and the DCF885 impact driver, two 20V MAX 1.3Ah batteries, a charger and a bag. The listing gives the impact driver up to 1,400 in-lbs. Both tools have LED lights with a 20-second delay.
It was $149 when we checked. The DCF885 is an older brushed design, with less torque than the brushless drivers above. For hanging shelves, building a shed or assembling furniture, it’s plenty. The best part is that it puts you on the 20V MAX platform, so a DCF845 or DCF850 can be your next upgrade without new batteries. We reviewed the kit in our DeWalt drill and impact driver review.
Pros: Drill and impact driver in one box; 61,000+ ratings; 20V MAX platform.
Cons: Brushed impact driver; small 1.3Ah batteries.
Skip it if: you already own a good drill. Buy a bare brushless driver instead.
9. Craftsman CMCF800C1 – Best Budget Kit From a Big Brand
This Craftsman kit includes the impact driver, one V20 1.3Ah battery and a charger. The listing gives 1,460 in-lbs, 2,800 RPM and 3,100 IPM, with a quick-release chuck and an LED light.
It has 4.7 stars from 2,362 ratings at $90.12 when we checked. Amazon’s review summary says one buyer drove over 100 3-inch screws on a single charge, and calls it good value for housework. One battery means you wait for the charger when it runs out. Craftsman V20 tools are widely sold, so adding a second battery later is easy.
Pros: Battery and charger included; established brand; 4.7 stars.
Cons: One small battery; not brushless.
Skip it if: you need to work all day. Buy a kit with two batteries.
10. SEESII Drill and Impact Driver Combo – Best Budget Brushless Combo
The SEESII kit includes a brushless 1/4-inch impact driver, a brushless 3/8-inch drill, two 4.0Ah batteries, a charger, 20 bits and a bag. The listing claims 1,950 in-lbs for the impact driver, with 4 speeds, 0 to 3,250 RPM and 0 to 3,450 IPM. The drill has 23+3 clutch settings and 2 speeds.
It has 4.6 stars from 185 ratings at $132.99 when we checked. Amazon’s review summary says buyers find it powerful with good battery life. Durability gets mixed reports, with some buyers saying the metal battery connectors felt flimsy. Compared to the DeWalt DCK240C2 at a similar price, you get brushless motors and bigger batteries, but a battery platform with no wider tool lineup and far fewer ratings.
Pros: Brushless drill and impact driver; two 4.0Ah batteries; bits and bag included.
Cons: Proprietary 21V batteries; torque is the maker’s claim; some reports of flimsy battery connectors.
Skip it if: you plan to add saws and other tools later. A DeWalt or Craftsman kit gives you a bigger platform.
11. GoYwato 21V Impact Driver Set – Best Kit Under $70
For under $70 when we checked, this kit includes a brushless impact driver, two 4.0Ah batteries, a charger, 14 sockets, 10 screwdriver bits and a storage case. The listing claims 2,655 in-lbs, more than Milwaukee lists for its flagship. Treat that as a claim. It has a 1/4-inch hex chuck, two speed modes, an LED light and a reverse auto-stop feature.
It has 4.5 stars from 311 ratings at $68.99. Amazon’s review summary says buyers find it better than expected for the price, with good battery life. One buyer reported a battery clasp breaking on the second use. For assembling furniture, hanging TVs and occasional deck screws, it’s a lot of kit for the money.
Pros: Lowest-priced complete kit here; two 4.0Ah batteries; sockets and bits included.
Cons: Proprietary 21V batteries; torque claim isn’t independently verified; one report of a broken battery clasp.
Skip it if: you use your tools for work every day. A bare DeWalt or Milwaukee will outlast it.
12. Cerycose 18V Impact Driver – Cheapest Bare Tool for Makita Batteries
If you own Makita 18V batteries and want a second impact driver for the truck, this is the cheapest option here at $56.84 when we checked. It’s sold tool only. The listing claims 2,800 in-lbs, 3,800 RPM and 4,200 IPM, with five speed modes, a magnetic bit holder and an LED light. It says the body is 15 percent smaller than competitors.
It has 4.2 stars from 157 ratings, the lowest rating in this guide. Amazon’s review summary calls it powerful and good value. Some reviews mention DeWalt 20V batteries, so the listing may cover more than one battery version. Check that the version you select matches your batteries before you order.
Pros: Lowest price here; runs on Makita 18V batteries; 5 speed modes.
Cons: 4.2 stars; torque claim isn’t independently verified; check the battery version before buying.
Skip it if: it’s your main driver. The Makita XDT13Z costs about $40 more and has 4.8 stars.
Bits and Accessories for an Impact Driver
Impact drivers break standard screwdriver bits fast. Buy bits marked impact-rated. They have a torsion zone that flexes instead of snapping. All 12 drivers here take 1/4-inch hex shank bits.
For nuts and bolts, use impact sockets with a hex adapter. Regular chrome sockets can crack under impact. Our impact sockets vs. regular sockets guide explains why. If you strip a screw head anyway, our best screw extractor sets guide shows how to get it out.
FAQ
What’s the difference between an impact driver and a drill?
A drill only spins. An impact driver spins and adds rapid rotational hammer blows when the fastener resists. That makes it better for long screws and lags, while a drill is better for drilling holes and small screws.
Do impact drivers need special bits?
They need 1/4-inch hex shank bits, and impact-rated bits last much longer. Standard bits can snap under the hammering.
Can you drill holes with an impact driver?
Yes, with hex-shank drill bits, for small holes in wood and sheet metal. A drill is more accurate and better for large holes or masonry.
Can an impact driver remove lug nuts?
Sometimes, with an impact socket and adapter, on a car with normally torqued lug nuts. An impact wrench is the right tool. Rusted or over-torqued lug nuts need a breaker bar or impact wrench.
Is brushless worth it on an impact driver?
Yes, for regular use. Brushless motors run cooler and get more work out of each battery charge. Our brushless vs. brushed guide covers the details.
What is a hydraulic impact driver?
It uses oil instead of a metal hammer and anvil to create the impacts. It’s quieter and smoother but has less torque. The Milwaukee M12 FUEL Surge is the example in this guide.
Is 12V enough for an impact driver?
For most fastening jobs, yes. The Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3453-20 lists 1,500 in-lbs at about 2 lbs. Go 18V or 20V if you drive a lot of long lags or work all day off one battery.
Bottom Line
Start with your battery platform, then pick size and speed control.
- Best overall: DeWalt DCF845B – 1,825 in-lbs, 3 speeds, 3-year warranty.
- Best for Milwaukee M18 users: Milwaukee M18 FUEL – 2,000 in-lbs, 4 modes.
- Best compact 20V: DeWalt DCF850B Atomic – full torque in a smaller body.
- Best Makita: Makita XDT16Z – 4 speeds plus Quick-Shift and Assist.
- Best value Makita: Makita XDT13Z – 4.8 stars, under $100 bare.
- Best 12V: Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3453-20 – 1,500 in-lbs at 2 lbs.
- Best quiet: Milwaukee M12 FUEL Surge – hydraulic drive for occupied spaces.
- Best combo: DeWalt DCK240C2 – drill and driver on the 20V MAX platform.
- Best budget big-brand kit: Craftsman CMCF800C1 – battery and charger included.
- Best budget brushless combo: SEESII Combo – two brushless tools and two 4.0Ah batteries.
- Best kit under $70: GoYwato 21V Set – batteries, sockets and bits included.
- Cheapest for Makita batteries: Cerycose 18V – a backup driver, not a main one.
Building out a full set? Our best cordless combo kits guide compares bigger kits by platform, and the DeWalt 20V battery compatibility chart shows which packs fit which tools.
