The Best Power Impact Drivers
We compared seven impact drivers on owner ratings, expert reviews, and specs. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel leads for its speed and control.
Updated
The bottom line
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/4 HEX Impact Driver (B0BB8H1NKX) is our top pick for its fastest driving speed and smooth trigger control, backed by a 4.7/5 rating from 2521 owners. The DEWALT 20V MAX XR 1/4 Inch Cordless Impact Driver (B0D45VX1FG) is a close runner-up with 66% more torque, but it's $13 more. For budget buyers, the GoYwato 2655 In-lbs 21V Brushless 1/4 Cordless Impact Driver Set (B0FT2SDD5F) delivers strong performance at $69, though it lacks some features of the top picks.
Milwaukee Electric M18 Fuel 1/4 HEX Impact Driver $114.00
Fastest driving speed and smooth control
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel delivers the fastest driving speed and smooth trigger control, with a 4.7/5 rating from 2521 owners. At $114, it has high torque and versatile drive modes. Skip it if you need more torque than 2000 in-lbs.
Check price on Amazon
DEWALT 20V MAX XR 1/4 Inch Cordless Impact Driver $126.99
Highest torque with efficient performance
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR has 66% more torque and 63% faster driving, with a 4.6/5 rating from 1102 owners. At $127, it's $13 more than the Milwaukee M18 Fuel but provides more power. Consider it if you need maximum torque.
Check price on Amazon
2655In-lbs 21V Brushless 1/4 Cordless Impact Driver Set $68.99
Affordable with strong performance
The GoYwato 2655 In-lbs set has a brushless motor and two batteries at $69, with a 4.6/5 rating from 264 owners. It's a good choice for budget-conscious buyers, though it lacks some features of the top picks.
Check price on AmazonThe field, ranked
- Milwaukee Electric M18 Fuel 1/4 HEX Impact Driver Best for speed and control 10.0/10 $114.00 Amazon
- DEWALT 20V MAX XR 1/4 Inch Cordless Impact Driver Best for maximum torque 9.5/10 $126.99 Amazon
- Milwaukee 12V Fuel 1/4 Cordless Hex Impact Driver Best for portability and ease of use 9.0/10 $89.99 Amazon
- Milwaukee 18V Cordless 1/4 Hex Impact Driver Good for versatility and visibility 8.5/10 $122.00 Amazon
- DEWALT Hydraulic Impact Driver Best for quiet operation and sustained torque 8.0/10 $186.03 Amazon
- DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver, 1/4 Inch High Torque Brushless 3 Speed Premium Cordless with LED Light, Extended Runtime, Tool Only (DCF845B) Good for extended runtime and visibility 7.5/10 $114.99 Amazon
- 2655In-lbs 21V Brushless 1/4 Cordless Impact Driver Set Best budget option with strong performance 7.0/10 $68.99 Amazon
Where the differences show up in daily use
Owners frequently mention the Milwaukee M18 Fuel's smooth trigger control and fast driving speed as standout features. The DEWALT 20V MAX XR, while slightly slower, offers significantly more torque, which is crucial for heavy-duty tasks. The GoYwato set, though budget-friendly, lacks some features and build quality of the top picks, but it gets the job done for basic tasks.
Who should buy which
Professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts should consider the Milwaukee M18 Fuel or the DEWALT 20V MAX XR for their superior performance and features. Budget-conscious buyers or those with lighter tasks might prefer the GoYwato set for its affordability and decent performance.
What owners complain about after buying
Some owners of the DEWALT 20V MAX XR mention it being larger and harder to handle compared to previous models. A few users of the Milwaukee 12V Fuel note that hitting the chuck can damage the tool. These issues are relatively minor but worth considering.
The also-rans
The DEWALT Hydraulic Impact Driver (B0DQYPZLMR) and the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver (B0BQCWH5KF) are solid choices but don't offer the same level of performance or features as the top picks. The DEWALT Hydraulic is quieter but has a different torque delivery mechanism, and the DEWALT 20V MAX XR has good runtime but less torque than the DEWALT 20V MAX XR 1/4 Inch Cordless Impact Driver.