Our picks at a glance
- Check Price
-
Best for pros Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver Best for pros and heavy use · Typically $150–$250Check Price
- Check Price
-
Best compact Makita 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver Best for light and compact · Typically $130–$200Check Price
Paid link: buttons go to the retailer. Prices change often, so we link to the current price instead of listing one.
Comparison table
| Feature | Best overallDeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Impact Driver | Best for prosMilwaukee M18 FUEL 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver | Best valueRyobi ONE+ HP Brushless Impact Driver | Best compactMakita 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verdict | Buy | Buy | Buy | Consider |
| Typical price | $130–$200 | $150–$250 | $80–$130 | $130–$200 |
| Best for | Most DIYers | Pros and heavy use | Best value | Light and compact |
| Key feature | Three-speed brushless driver | Top-end torque and control | Brushless power for less | Compact, balanced design |
| Where to buy | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link | Check Price Paid link |
DeWalt · Impact Drivers
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Impact Driver
Powerful, reliable and widely supported.
- Buy it if
- You want a powerful, reliable impact driver on a widely used platform.
- Skip it if
- You already own another battery system.
Pros
- Strong and reliable
- Three speeds
- Huge accessory range
Cons
- Kit price adds up
Milwaukee · Impact Drivers
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver
Top-end power with drive modes.
- Buy it if
- You want a pro-grade impact driver with modes for different jobs.
- Skip it if
- You only hang shelves now and then.
Pros
- Huge power
- Drive modes for control
- Compact head
- Great battery platform
Cons
- Expensive
- Battery sold separately on bare tool
Ryobi · Impact Drivers
Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless Impact Driver
Brushless power on a cheap platform.
- Buy it if
- You want a capable impact driver on a cheap, huge battery platform.
- Skip it if
- You work on a jobsite every day.
Pros
- Great value
- Works with hundreds of ONE+ tools
- Brushless motor
Cons
- Less refined than pro brands
Makita · Impact Drivers
Makita 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver
Light and balanced.
- Buy it if
- You want a light, balanced driver for overhead work.
- Skip it if
- You want the most torque.
Pros
- Compact and light
- Smooth
- Fast charging batteries
Cons
- Pricier batteries
Compare more impact drivers on Amazon Paid link
Who this guide is for
Cordless impact drivers for decks, framing, furniture and everyday DIY, compared on torque, size and battery platform. We focus on what each pick does best, what it costs in the US and who should skip it.
How we chose
We compared manufacturer specifications, documentation, warranty terms and typical US prices, then gave each product a clear Buy, Consider or Skip verdict for the people it suits.
What to look for
- Choose a battery platform first; you will add tools to it for years.
- Brushless motors run longer and cooler.
- Drive modes help avoid stripping small screws.
- Buy a kit with two batteries if you work all day.
Buying in the US
Home Depot and Lowe’s sell Ryobi and DeWalt, but Amazon often has kit deals around Father’s Day and Black Friday. Register tools after purchase to activate the warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Impact driver or drill?
A drill is for drilling holes and light screws; an impact driver drives long screws and bolts with less effort. Many people own both.
Do I need special bits?
Use impact-rated bits; regular bits can snap.
Bare tool or kit?
If you already own batteries for the platform, the bare tool saves money.