Best Impact Driver

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

The person typing best impact driver wants a fastening tool that drives screws and bolts with stated torque, and wants a battery and charger they can use now. For most readers the battery they already own decides the choice first, and the stated torque decides between drivers that use the same battery. This roundup covers ten impact driver listings across three battery classes: 12 V, 18 V and 20 V. Every figure keeps the listing’s own wording, and conflicting figures are shown side by side. The sources we opened do not say how any of these drivers performs on real fasteners, so this is a comparison of stated specifications.

Quick answer

Most stated torque: the DEWALT DCF860B bare tool, at 2,500 in-lb. It is tool only.
Largest stated battery in a kit: the DEWALT DCF845P1, which includes a 5.0 Ah battery and a charger.
Lightest stated weight among listings that give one: the Milwaukee M12 3450-20 bare tool, at 1.3 pounds, for owners of M12 batteries.
If you already own a battery and charger from one system, buy the tool-only listing for that system. The kits below are the choice when you own none.

Specs side by side

Each cell repeats a figure from the listing in its own units. “Not stated” means the text we opened has no figure for that cell. Where one listing gives two figures that disagree, both are shown.

Impact driver	Volts	Max torque	Speed	Battery (as listed)	Included	Weight (as listed)
DEWALT DCF845B	20 V	1,825 in-lb	3,400 rpm	not stated (sold separately)	tool only	not stated
DEWALT DCF860B	20 V	2,500 in-lb	3,800 rpm	not stated (sold separately)	bare tool	not stated
DEWALT DCF787D1	20 V	1,500 in-lb or 1,500 ft-lb	2,800 rpm	2 Ah (bullets) or 1.3 Ah (field)	battery, charger, belt hook	4.4 pounds
DEWALT DCF845P1	20 V	1,825 in-lb	3,400 rpm	5.0 Ah	battery, charger, belt hook, kit bag	not stated
DEWALT DCF809B	20 V	1,700 in-lb (1,825 in spec field)	not stated	not stated (sold separately)	tool only, belt clip	2 pounds
Milwaukee M18 FUEL (model 2953-20)	18 V	2,000 in-lb	3,900 rpm	not stated	not stated	998 g
Milwaukee 2953-20-NBX	18 V	2,000 in-lb	3,900 rpm	not stated (tool only)	tool only	2.5 pounds or 2.2 lbs
Milwaukee M12 3450-20	12 V	1,100 in-lb	3,000 rpm	not stated (bare tool)	bare tool	1.3 pounds (1.7 lbs with battery pack)
CRAFTSMAN CMCF800C1	20 V	1,460 in-lb	2,800 rpm (3,800 in overview)	1.3 Ah	battery, charger, impact driver	2.5 pounds
BLACK+DECKER BLIM78D1	20 V	2,000 in-lb	3,200 rpm	2 Ah	battery, charger, bit set	4.2 pounds

Two calculations use only listing figures. The first is battery energy: stated amp-hours multiplied by stated volts gives watt-hours. The DCF845P1 comes to 5.0 Ah x 20 V = 100 Wh, the BLIM78D1 to 2 Ah x 20 V = 40 Wh, and the CMCF800C1 to 1.3 Ah x 20 V = 26 Wh. The DCF787D1 is left out because its bullets give 2 Ah and its battery field gives 1.3 Ah. For how amp-hours and volts relate in a battery, our lawn mower battery volts and amps roundup is a related read.

The second is stated torque per pound, for the listings that give both a torque and a weight. The DCF809B gives 1,700 in-lb divided by 2 pounds, which is 850 in-lb per pound. The Milwaukee M12 3450-20 gives 1,100 in-lb divided by 1.3 pounds, which is 846. The Milwaukee 2953-20-NBX gives 800 on its 2.5 pound spec field and 909 on its 2.2 lb bullet figure. These ratios are arithmetic on listing numbers. They do not show how a driver performs.

The ten listings, one by one

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver, Tool Only (DCF845B)

This is the tool-only DEWALT 20V MAX XR impact driver in 1/4 inch. The title says tool only, and the description says the battery and charger are sold separately. The bullets say the brushless motor delivers 1825 in-lbs of torque and 3400 rpm to drive large diameter screws, and they add a three-LED work light, a variable speed trigger with a three-speed setting, a belt hook and a 3 Year Limited Warranty.

Volts: 20 V
Max torque: 1,825 in-lb
Speed: 3,400 rpm, three speeds
Chuck: 1/4 inch in the title; the overview field gives 0.5 inches
Warranty: 3 Year Limited Warranty (bullets)
Battery and charger: sold separately
Weight: not stated

Limit: the chuck field disagrees with the title, so the field is shown as listed and not used. Skip if: you do not already own a DEWALT 20V MAX battery and charger. If you do run DEWALT 20V MAX XR batteries, our DEWALT 20V MAX XR leaf blower roundup covers that battery line.

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver, Bare Tool (DCF860B)

The listing calls this DEWALT’s highest torque impact driver, with 2,500 in-lbs of max torque and a no-load speed up to 3,800 rpm. The title says bare tool only, and the description says the battery and charger are sold separately. The bullets say speeds 1 and 2 are matched to the installation speeds of commonly used self-drilling and tapping screws, and they tell the reader to refer to the impact driver manual and screw manufacturer instructions for proper installation. The description gives 9 built-in LEDs.

Volts: 20 V
Max torque: 2,500 in-lb
No-load speed: up to 3,800 rpm; three speed settings
LEDs: 9 built-in (description)
Chuck: 0.25 inch (spec field); amperage field 5 A
Weight: not stated in the text we opened

Limit: the bullets say the tool delivers up to 66% more torque, a comparison the text we opened does not define. Skip if: you need a battery and charger in the box, since this listing is bare tool only.

DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Driver with Battery and Charger (DCF787D1)

This kit includes a 1/4 inch impact driver, a battery, a charger and a belt hook. The bullets name the battery as a DCB203 20V MAX 2Ah battery and the charger as a DCB107. They also describe a brushless motor for increased runtime and durability, and an LED light with a 20 second delay after trigger release.

Volts: 20 V
Speed: 2,800 rpm
Max torque: 1,500 in-lb (description) or 1,500 ft-lb (spec table)
Battery: 2 Ah (bullets) or 1.3 Ah (battery capacity field)
Chuck: 0.25 inch
Weight: 4.4 pounds

Limit: the listing disagrees with itself on two points, the battery size and the torque unit. Skip if: you want the highest torque in this roundup, since this listing states 1,500 in-lb. For DEWALT battery options in general, see our DEWALT leaf blower battery roundup.

DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Driver with 5.0 Ah Battery (DCF845P1)

The title says battery and charger are included. The included components line lists the DCF845 3-speed impact driver, a DCB205 20V MAX 5.0 Ah battery, a belt hook, a DCB107 charger and a kit bag. The bullets say the brushless motor delivers 1825 in-lbs of torque and 3400 RPM to drive large diameter screws, and they add a variable speed trigger with a 3-speed setting and a 3-LED work light.

Volts: 20 V
Max torque: 1,825 in-lb
Speed: 3,400 rpm, three speeds
Chuck: 0.25 inch
Battery: 5.0 Ah (included)
Included: driver, battery, charger, belt hook, kit bag
Weight: not stated in the text we opened

View on Amazon

Limit: the bullets say 30% more torque, a comparison the text we opened does not define. Skip if: you already own a DEWALT 20V MAX battery and charger and want the tool only, which is the DCF845B above.

DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX Impact Driver, Tool Only (DCF809B)

This is the compact tool-only DEWALT driver. The description says it is only 5.1 inches front to back, with a brushless motor that delivers 1700 in-lbs of torque, three LEDs, an ergonomic handle and a removable belt hook. The description also says it is backed by a 3-year, limited warranty, and that the battery and charger are sold separately.

Volts: 20 V
Max torque: 1,700 in-lb (bullets and description)
Length: 5.1 inches front to back
Speeds: three
LEDs: three
Chuck: 6.35 mm
Weight: 2 pounds (spec field)
Included: tool and belt clip

Limit: the spec table lists both 1,700 and 1,825 in-lb, so the bullet and description figure is used here. The overview speed and amperage fields are not usable as stated and are not shown. Skip if: you need a battery and charger in the box.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/4 Inch Hex Impact Driver (model 2953-20)

This listing is for the M18 FUEL 1/4 inch hex impact driver, with model 2953-20 in its model field. The bullets claim the fastest driving speed of any impact driver, with no basis given in the text we opened. They also list 2000 in-lbs of torque, Tri-LED lighting and 4-mode drive control. The listing gives 3,900 rpm and a weight of 998 g. It does not say whether a battery and charger are included.

Volts: 18 V
Max torque: 2,000 in-lb
Speed: 3,900 rpm
Drive modes: 4 (bullets)
Chuck: 0.25 inch
Weight: 998 g
Battery and charger: not stated

Limit: the speed field says 18 speeds while the bullets describe 4-mode drive control, and the listing does not state the battery status. Skip if: you need a battery and charger in the box, because the listing does not say they are included.

Milwaukee 2953-20 18V Hex Impact Driver, Tool Only (2953-20-NBX)

This tool-only Milwaukee driver is listed with up to 2,000 in-lbs of torque and 3,900 rpm. The bullets add Tri-LED lights, four drive modes, single handed bit insertion and a metal belt clip. The listing gives the length as 4.47 inches and the weight in two places: 2.5 pounds in the spec field and 2.2 lbs in the bullets and description.

Volts: 18 V
Max torque: 2,000 in-lb
Speed: 3,900 rpm
Drive modes: 4
Chuck: 0.25 inch
Length: 4.47 inches
Weight: 2.5 pounds (spec field) or 2.2 lbs (bullets)
Included: tool only (title)

Limit: the two weights disagree, so the torque-per-pound figures above use both. Skip if: you do not already own an 18 V Milwaukee battery and charger.

Milwaukee M12 Subcompact 1/4 Inch Hex Impact Driver, Bare Tool (3450-20)

This subcompact bare tool is for people who already own M12 batteries and chargers. The bullets say bare tools are sold without batteries or chargers, and that the tool is 4.3 inches long and 2.0 inches wide. They also give up to 1100 in-lbs of torque, 3000 rotations per minute, 4100 impacts per minute, and a 5 year tool warranty. The listing names M12 system devices as compatible.

Volts: 12 V
Max torque: 1,100 in-lb
Speed: 3,000 rpm, one speed setting
Chuck: 6.35 mm
Weight: 1.3 pounds (spec field); 1.7 lbs with battery pack (bullets)
Included: bare tool; battery and charger bought separately
Warranty: 5 year tool warranty (bullets)

Limit: the bullets describe more work per charge and longer pack life in general terms, and the text we opened gives no basis for either. Skip if: you do not already own an M12 battery and charger.

CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit, 1/4 Inch (CMCF800C1)

The title says battery and charger included. The included components line lists a CMCF800 impact driver, a V20 20V MAX 1.3Ah lithium-ion battery and a V20 20V MAX lithium-ion charger. The bullets say 1,460 in-lbs of torque and up to 2,800 rpm and 3,100 ipm, a quick-release chuck for one-handed bit changes, and an LED light for dark work areas. They name fastening screws, lag bolts, and large fasteners as applications.

Volts: 20 V
Max torque: 1,460 in-lb
Speed: 2,800 rpm (title and bullets); 3,800 rpm (overview field)
Battery: 1.3 Ah lithium-ion, included
Charger: included
Chuck: 1/4 inch (title); 6.35 mm (spec field)
Weight: 2.5 pounds

Limit: the speed figures disagree, 2,800 rpm and 3,800 rpm, and the listing does not say which applies to the driver. Skip if: you want the highest torque here, since this kit states 1,460 in-lb.

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX POWERCONNECT Impact Driver Set with 2Ah Battery (BLIM78D1)

The title says this set includes a 2Ah battery and a charger, and the included components line lists a BLIM78D1 impact driver, an LBD2020S 2Ah battery and a 1A charger. The bullets say the driver delivers up to 2,000 in-lbs of max torque and up to 3,800 no-load IPM, with three speed settings from 0-900 up to 0-3,200 no-load rpm. They also name a belt clip, a magnet bit holder and a soft-grip handle.

Volts: 20 V
Max torque: 2,000 in-lb
Speed: 3,200 rpm (overview); up to 0-3,200 no-load rpm (bullets)
Speeds: three
Chuck: 0.25 inch quick-change hex
Battery: 2 Ah (LBD2020S), included
Weight: 4.2 pounds

View on Amazon

Limit: the bullets claim up to 59% more power and up to 301 3-inch deck screws per charge, and the text we opened gives no conditions for either. Skip if: you want the lightest kit in this roundup, since this listing gives 4.2 pounds against 2.5 pounds for the CRAFTSMAN kit.

How we chose

We searched Amazon for best impact driver on 2026-10-22, and the first results page showed 48 items. It mixed standalone impact drivers with impact wrenches, drill and impact combo kits, compatible generic drivers, and unrelated tools. We kept standalone impact drivers and impact driver kits from established tool brands. We left out impact wrenches, combo kits, generic compatible tools and drivers without a clear brand.

We read ten listings on 2026-10-22 and used no stored records. The ten cover three battery classes (12 V, 18 V and 20 V): five tool-only listings, four kits with a battery and charger, and one listing that does not say whether a battery is included. Ten listings are a small sample of the impact drivers sold on Amazon, so treat this list as a starting point, not a full survey.

What we could not verify

How any driver performs on real fasteners, lag bolts or self-drilling screws. The listings give specifications and manufacturer claims only.
The conditions behind the torque figures. The text we opened gives no conditions for them, so the figures are shown as listed.
Whether a battery and charger come with the Milwaukee M18 FUEL listing (model 2953-20). The text we opened does not say.
Weight for the DCF845B, DCF860B and DCF845P1. The text we opened gives no weight for these three.
Which speed and chuck figures are right where a listing gives two. The post shows both figures and does not choose between them.
The 301 deck screws per charge figure for the BLIM78D1. The bullets give no test basis for it.

What the sources do not say

Whether a battery from one system works in another brand’s driver. Each listing names only its own system: DEWALT 20V MAX, Milwaukee M18 or M12, CRAFTSMAN V20, or BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX POWERCONNECT.
Which fastener sizes each driver is rated for. The listings describe large diameter screws and lag bolts in general terms only.
How an impact driver compares with a drill for the same job. The listings name the tool type but do not compare it with drills.
A warranty for every listing. The text we opened gives a warranty for the DCF845B, the DCF809B and the M12 3450-20 only.

FAQ

What is an impact driver used for?

The CRAFTSMAN CMCF800C1 listing names fastening screws, lag bolts, and large fasteners as its applications, and the DCF845B listing says it drives large diameter screws. This roundup compares stated torque and speed, not how any driver performs those jobs.

Is an impact driver the same as a drill?

The listings name their tool type as impact driver and state torque in inch-pounds and speed in rpm. This roundup does not compare impact drivers with drills, because the listings do not make that comparison.

What does tool only mean on an impact driver listing?

Tool only or bare tool means the listing sells the driver without a battery or charger. The DCF860B and the M12 3450-20 say bare tool, and the DCF845B title says tool only. You need a battery and charger from that same system before the driver can run.

Which volt class should I choose?

Choose the class that matches the battery you already own. The listings here cover 12 V (the Milwaukee M12 3450-20), 18 V (the Milwaukee listings) and 20 V (the DEWALT, CRAFTSMAN and BLACK+DECKER listings). Higher volts are not a rating on their own, so compare the stated torque and battery figures as well.

Why do some listings give two different torque or speed figures?

Sellers sometimes list different figures in the spec table, the bullets and the description. The DCF787D1 gives 1,500 in-lb in its description and 1,500 ft-lb in its spec table, and the CMCF800C1 gives 3,800 rpm in its overview field and 2,800 rpm in its title and bullets. This roundup shows both figures rather than picking one.

Can I use a battery from one brand in another brand’s impact driver?

This roundup cannot say that. Each listing names only its own battery system, and the sources we opened do not state that any battery fits a different brand’s tool. Buy within the system named in the listing.

Bottom line

Match the battery first: if you already own a battery and charger from one of the systems in this roundup, buy the tool-only listing for that system; if you own none, buy a kit whose listing says the battery and charger are included.

Sources

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver, 1/4 Inch High Torque Brushless 3 Speed Premium Cordless with LED Light, Extended Runtime, Tool Only (DCF845B) (opened 2026-10-22)
DEWALT 20V MAX XR 1/4 Inch Cordless Impact Driver, Bare Tool Only (DCF860B) (opened 2026-10-22)
DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Driver, 1/4 Inch, Battery and Charger Included (DCF787D1) (opened 2026-10-22)
DEWALT 20V MAX Impact Driver, Cordless, 3-Speed, Battery and Charger Included (DCF845P1) (opened 2026-10-22)
DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX Impact Driver, Cordless, Compact, 1/4-Inch, Tool Only (DCF809B) (opened 2026-10-22)
Milwaukee Electric – M18 Fuel. 1/4 HEX Impact Driver (opened 2026-10-22)
Milwaukee 2953-20 18V Cordless 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver (Tool Only) (opened 2026-10-22)
Milwaukee M12 Subcompact Brushless 1/4 Inch Hex Impact Driver (Bare Tool) (opened 2026-10-22)
CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit, 1/4 Inch, 2,800 RPM, LED Work light, Battery and Charger Included (CMCF800C1) (opened 2026-10-22)
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX POWERCONNECT Brushless Cordless 1/4-in Hex Impact Driver Set with 2Ah Battery and Charger, 7 Pc Impact Driver Bit Set, 2000 In-Lbs Torque, 3200 RPM, LED Light, Ergonomic (BLIM78D1) (opened 2026-10-22)