Best Impact Drivers 2026: 8 Models Compared by Specs and Price
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Eight impact drivers from eight brands, compared by the numbers that matter. Torque, IPM, weight, speed settings, and street price. No lab tests, no subjective ratings. Just manufacturer specs and verified retail prices so you can pick the right tool for how you work.
How We Picked These
Specs come from manufacturer data sheets. Prices were checked at Home Depot, Lowe's, and Amazon in April 2026. All tools are current-production models. We don't run a testing lab. Rankings are based on published specifications and price, not subjective impressions.
The Impact Drivers
Milwaukee 2853-20— Best Overall
Specs: Max Torque: 2,000 in-lbs, Max RPM: 3,600, Impacts/Min: 4,300, Weight (bare): 2.1 lbs, Speed Settings: 4.
Price: $99 bare (Home Depot).
Reviews: Four speeds, highest torque and IPM in the group. The professional benchmark.
Pros: Highest torque and IPM. Four speed settings. POWERSTATE brushless motor.
Cons: $20 more than comparable DeWalt. Slightly heavier than Makita.
DeWalt DCF887B— Best Value
Specs: Max Torque: 1,825 in-lbs, Max RPM: 2,800, Impacts/Min: 3,250, Weight (bare): 2.0 lbs, Speed Settings: 3.
Price: $79 bare (Home Depot).
Reviews: Three speeds, solid torque, $20 less than Milwaukee. Covers 95% of residential fastening.
Pros: Strong specs for the price. Huge 20V MAX ecosystem.
Cons: Lower IPM than Milwaukee. Three speeds instead of four.
Makita XDT16Z— Lightest
Specs: Max Torque: 1,600 in-lbs, Max RPM: 3,800, Impacts/Min: 3,900, Weight (bare): 1.8 lbs, Speed Settings: 4.
Price: $99 bare (Amazon).
Reviews: Lightest impact driver in the group at 1.8 lbs. Four speeds. Lower torque but higher RPM.
Pros: Lightest by 0.2 lbs. Four speed settings. High RPM.
Cons: Lower torque than Milwaukee and DeWalt. Higher price than DeWalt.
Bosch GDR18V-1860C
Specs: Max Torque: 1,860 in-lbs, Max RPM: 3,400, Impacts/Min: 4,200, Weight (bare): 1.8 lbs, Speed Settings: 3 + custom.
Price: $119 bare (Amazon).
Reviews: Bluetooth torque control for precision work. Tied for lightest at 1.8 lbs.
Pros: Bluetooth custom torque. Very light. High IPM.
Cons: Most expensive. Smaller ecosystem. Harder to find in stores.
Ryobi PBLID01B— Budget Pick
Specs: Max Torque: 1,800 in-lbs, Max RPM: 3,100, Impacts/Min: 3,600, Weight (bare): 2.16 lbs, Speed Settings: 3.
Price: $59 bare (Home Depot).
Reviews: HP brushless with torque rivaling DeWalt at $20 less. Best value for homeowners.
Pros: Lowest price. Surprisingly strong torque. 300+ tool ecosystem.
Cons: Heaviest in the group. Build quality a step below pro brands.
Craftsman CMCF820B
Specs: Max Torque: 1,500 in-lbs, Max RPM: 2,800, Impacts/Min: 3,000, Weight (bare): 2.04 lbs, Speed Settings: 3.
Price: $49 bare (Lowe's).
Reviews: Cheapest entry. Handles light residential work. Don't expect pro-level durability.
Pros: Cheapest in the group at $49. Adequate for light use.
Cons: Lowest torque and IPM. Smaller ecosystem than Ryobi.
Ridgid R862311B
Specs: Max Torque: 1,800 in-lbs, Max RPM: 3,100, Impacts/Min: 3,500, Weight (bare): 2.1 lbs, Speed Settings: 3.
Price: $89 bare (Home Depot).
Reviews: Mid-range specs with the best warranty in the business. Register and it's covered for life.
Pros: Lifetime Service Agreement. Solid mid-range specs.
Cons: Home Depot exclusive. No four-speed option.
Kobalt KID 1324A-03
Specs: Max Torque: 1,800 in-lbs, Max RPM: 2,900, Impacts/Min: 3,400, Weight (bare): 2.2 lbs, Speed Settings: 3.
Price: $69 bare (Lowe's).
Reviews: 24V MAX brushless. Good specs for a house brand. Lowe's exclusive.
Pros: Competitive price. 24V platform.
Cons: Lowe's only. Smallest ecosystem. Heaviest.
Comparison Table
| Spec | Milwaukee 2853-20 | DeWalt DCF887B | Makita XDT16Z | Bosch GDR18V-1860C | Ryobi PBLID01B | Craftsman CMCF820B | Ridgid R862311B | Kobalt KID 1324A-03 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Torque | 2,000 in-lbs | 1,825 in-lbs | 1,600 in-lbs | 1,860 in-lbs | 1,800 in-lbs | 1,500 in-lbs | 1,800 in-lbs | 1,800 in-lbs |
| Max RPM | 3,600 | 2,800 | 3,800 | 3,400 | 3,100 | 2,800 | 3,100 | 2,900 |
| Impacts/Min | 4,300 | 3,250 | 3,900 | 4,200 | 3,600 | 3,000 | 3,500 | 3,400 |
| Weight (bare) | 2.1 lbs | 2.0 lbs | 1.8 lbs | 1.8 lbs | 2.16 lbs | 2.04 lbs | 2.1 lbs | 2.2 lbs |
| Speed Settings | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 + custom | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which impact driver is best for home use?
The DeWalt DCF887 at $79. Three speeds, 1,825 in-lbs, brushless motor. It covers deck screws, furniture assembly, and light framing without spending pro-tool money. The Ryobi PBLID01B at $59 is a close second if budget matters more than brand.
Is Milwaukee worth $20 more than DeWalt?
For professionals, yes. The fourth speed setting and extra 175 in-lbs of torque matter when you drive 200+ fasteners a day. For weekend projects, the DeWalt DCF887 does the same work for less.
Does battery platform matter more than the tool itself?
Usually, yes. If you own three Milwaukee M18 tools and six batteries, buying a DeWalt impact driver means buying into a second ecosystem. The tool difference between comparable models is 10-15%. The cost of duplicate batteries and chargers is 100%+.