Key takeaways
- Best overall: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2953-22 1/4" Hex Impact Driver Kit ($280 – $350).
- Best value: Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless Impact Driver ($80 – $130).
- Impact drivers drive long screws and bolts much more easily than drills.
In this article
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Not sure which impact drivers to buy in the US? This list keeps it short: our top pick, the best-value option, the premium choice and the models we would avoid, all with typical prices.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Quick answer
- Best overall: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2953-22 1/4" Hex Impact Driver Kit ($280 – $350)
- Best value: Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless Impact Driver ($80 – $130)
Impact drivers compared
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2953-22 1/4" Hex Impact Driver Kit | Buy | 9.1/10 | $280 – $350 |
| DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver Kit DCF887D2 | Buy | 8.9/10 | $200 – $260 |
| Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless Impact Driver | Buy | 8.4/10 | $80 – $130 |
| Makita XDT131 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver Kit | Buy | 8.4/10 | $150 – $200 |
| Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/4 in. Impact Driver Kit PCL235K1 | Consider | 7.5/10 | $80 – $110 |
Our picks in detail
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2953-22 1/4" Hex Impact Driver Kit
Pros and power users · Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.1/10 · Typical price: $280 – $350
Why we like it: Four drive modes and top-class torque.
Pros: Very high torque for its size · Four modes including a self-tapping screw mode · Two 5.0Ah batteries
Cons: Expensive kit · Heavy with large packs
Buy it if you drive structural screws and lag bolts often and want speed control modes for delicate work too.
Skip it if you only build furniture and hang TVs; a cheaper impact covers that.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver Kit DCF887D2
Most DIYers · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.9/10 · Typical price: $200 – $260
Why we like it: Three-speed brushless impact in a compact body.
Pros: Three speed settings · Compact and well balanced · Brushless motor
Cons: Not the newest DEWALT model · Loud, like all impacts
Buy it if you want a fast, compact impact driver for decks, fences and home repairs on DEWALT batteries.
Skip it if you need precision modes for self-tapping metal screws; Milwaukee offers more modes.
Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless Impact Driver
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.4/10 · Typical price: $80 – $130
A safe choice: Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless Impact Driver earns a buy verdict with a score of 8.4/10, at a typical price of $80 – $130.
Makita XDT131 18V LXT Brushless Impact Driver Kit
Makita owners and value seekers · Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.4/10 · Typical price: $150 – $200
Why we like it: Smooth brushless impact at a lower price.
Pros: Light and comfortable · Brushless motor · Good value for a major brand
Cons: Small 1.5Ah batteries · Single speed
Buy it if you want a light, smooth brushless impact and like Makita's LXT range.
Skip it if you want big batteries in the kit; the included 1.5Ah packs are small.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless 1/4 in. Impact Driver Kit PCL235K1
Budget DIY · Verdict: Consider · Score: 7.5/10 · Typical price: $80 – $110
Why we like it: Cheap impact driver with battery.
Pros: Low price with battery · Fits the ONE+ platform · Light
Cons: Brushed motor · Less torque than brushless rivals
Buy it if you want an inexpensive impact for occasional deck screws and already use Ryobi ONE+ batteries.
Skip it if you drive long structural screws all weekend; brushless models are faster and run longer.
What to check before you buy
- Impact drivers drive long screws and bolts much more easily than drills.
- Variable speed control helps with delicate screws.
- Use impact-rated bits to avoid snapping them.
What to skip
Common mistake: Using an impact driver for precise drilling.
When to buy
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November. Combo kits with a drill and impact driver are the best value.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best impact drivers in the US?
Our top pick is Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2953-22 1/4" Hex Impact Driver Kit (typically $280 – $350). For the best value, choose Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless Impact Driver (typically $80 – $130).
What should I check before buying impact drivers?
Impact drivers drive long screws and bolts much more easily than drills. Variable speed control helps with delicate screws.
When is the best time to buy impact drivers in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
What is the most common mistake when buying impact drivers?
Using an impact driver for precise drilling.