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The Best 5Reviewed by Mike Hun·May 23, 2026

Best Impact Drivers

Top 5 impact drivers reviewed and ranked.

Quick answer

CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver with 2 Ah Lithium Ion Battery, Charger and is our top pick for impact drivers — an averaged 4.4/5 across 4 published reviews at about $129. Runner-up: DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Impact Driver, Cordless, Compact, 1/4-Inch, Tool Only (DC (~$149).

Read the CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver with 2 Ah Lithium Ion Battery, Charger and review →$129 · Check Price on Amazon

At a glance

Tap any product for the full review
1CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver with 2 Ah Lithium Ion Battery, Charger andTop Score
(4 sources)
$129Best for: light to mid-duty DIYers
$129 · Check Price on Amazon
2DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Impact Driver, Cordless, Compact, 1/4-Inch, Tool Only (DC
(4 sources)
$149Best for: users needing maximum portability
$149 · Check Price on Amazon
3GALAX PRO Impact Driver 20 V Lithium Ion 1/4" Hex Cordless Driver with LED
(3 sources)
$129Best for: budget-conscious DIYers seeking portability
$129 · Check Price on Amazon
4CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit, 1/4 Inch, 2,800 RPM, LED Work light, Batter
(4 sources)
$59Best for: budget-conscious DIYers
5CRAFTSMAN V20 MAX Cordless Drill Driver and Impact Driver Set, Power Tool Set wi
(4 sources)
$199Best for: occasional DIYers on a budget
Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.
Reviews aggregated from
CraftsmanProtoolreviewsPlay.googleToolsinactionAcmetoolsDewaltThenewdewaltdcf845impactdriverispHowtouseadewaltimpactdriver

The full ranking

How we rank →
CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver with 2 Ah Lithium Ion Battery, Charger and
#1 · Top Score
Best for: light to mid-duty DIYers
CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver with 2 Ah Lithium Ion Battery, Charger and
from 4 sources$129

The CRAFTSMAN V20* Cordless 1/4-in Impact Driver delivers 1,460 in-lbs of torque and 2,800 RPMs/3,100 IPMs, making it suitable for demanding fastening tasks. Pro Tool Reviews praised its brushless motor, 3-speed gearbox, and lightweight design at 2.1 lbs. The tool includes a quick-release chuck and LED light for improved usability. While it performed adequately in testing, it ranked toward the back in strength tests. This impact driver is ideal for DIYers and professionals seeking reliable performance within a V20* ecosystem.

Strengths
  • — Delivers 1,460 in-lbs of torque and max 2,800 RPMs/3,100 IPMs for quick fastening applications
  • — Features quick-release hex chuck for easy one-handed bit changes
Watch-outs
  • — No significant drawbacks mentioned in the review
  • — Performance in strength tests placed it at the back of the pack
$129 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Impact Driver, Cordless, Compact, 1/4-Inch, Tool Only (DC →
DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Impact Driver, Cordless, Compact, 1/4-Inch, Tool Only (DC
#2
Best for: users needing maximum portability
DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Impact Driver, Cordless, Compact, 1/4-Inch, Tool Only (DC
from 4 sources$149

The DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Impact Driver is praised as the most compact 18/20V impact driver tested, measuring just 3.97 inches long. While it performs slightly slower than the DCF887 in demanding tasks, reviewers note it still delivers plenty of speed and torque. The tool features a brushless motor, 3-LED light ring, and reversible belt hook. It's ideal for users who prioritize portability and maneuverability over maximum speed.

Strengths
  • — Most compact 18/20V impact driver tested
  • — 3-LED light ring around the collet
Watch-outs
  • — Slightly slower performance in tougher driving tasks
  • — No significant drawbacks noted but performance trade-off exists
$149 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver with 2 Ah Lithium Ion Battery, Charger and →
GALAX PRO Impact Driver 20 V Lithium Ion 1/4" Hex Cordless Driver with LED
#3
Best for: budget-conscious DIYers seeking portability
GALAX PRO Impact Driver 20 V Lithium Ion 1/4" Hex Cordless Driver with LED
from 3 sources$129

The GALAX PRO Impact Driver delivers robust performance with its 20V lithium-ion battery and 1/4-inch hex chuck design. Reviewers noted its LED work light as a helpful feature for visibility in low-light conditions. While the cordless design provides portability, some users expressed concern about battery life during prolonged tasks. This tool is best suited for DIY enthusiasts and professionals requiring reliable, portable power for drilling and driving applications.

Strengths
  • — 20V lithium-ion battery provides strong, consistent power for demanding drilling and driving tasks
  • — 1/4-inch hex chuck delivers precise control and secure bit holding
Watch-outs
  • — Limited battery life may require frequent recharging during extended use
  • — No included carrying case or storage solution for accessories
$129 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver with 2 Ah Lithium Ion Battery, Charger and →
CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit, 1/4 Inch, 2,800 RPM, LED Work light, Batter
#4
Best for: budget-conscious DIYers
CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit, 1/4 Inch, 2,800 RPM, LED Work light, Batter
from 4 sources$59

The Craftsman 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit offers solid performance with 1,460 in-lbs of torque and 2,800 RPM for DIY and home improvement tasks. Autoblog praised it as 'phenomenal, powerful, and durable' at $59, highlighting its quick-release chuck and LED light. Amazon reviewers noted it's 'perfect for mid- to light-duty work' and 'incredibly light for an impact driver.' However, professionals seeking more power may find it lacking. This kit includes two 1.5Ah batteries and a charger, making it ready-to-use right out of the box.

Strengths
  • — Delivers 1,460 in-lbs of torque and max 2,800 RPM/3,100 IPM for quick fastening applications
  • — Features quick-release hex chuck for easy one-handed bit changes
Watch-outs
  • — Not suitable for heavy-duty professional use according to some reviewers
  • — Limited to 1,460 in-lbs torque which may not meet demands of all users
Full review →vs. CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver with 2 Ah Lithium Ion Battery, Charger and →
CRAFTSMAN V20 MAX Cordless Drill Driver and Impact Driver Set, Power Tool Set wi
#5
Best for: occasional DIYers on a budget
CRAFTSMAN V20 MAX Cordless Drill Driver and Impact Driver Set, Power Tool Set wi
from 4 sources$199

The CRAFTSMAN V20 MAX Cordless Drill Driver and Impact Driver Set delivers reliable performance for home and DIY users. Reviews highlight its versatility and compatibility with the broader V20 MAX ecosystem. While some users noted limitations in battery life and impact driver torque, the set is praised for its compact design and ease of use. This tool set is best suited for occasional users and light to moderate construction projects, though professionals may find it lacking in power for heavy-duty applications.

Strengths
  • — 20V MAX lithium-ion battery system offers consistent power for demanding tasks
  • — Includes both drill driver and impact driver in one set for versatile applications
Watch-outs
  • — Limited battery life for heavy-duty projects
  • — Impact driver may lack sufficient torque for professional-grade construction work
Full review →vs. CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver with 2 Ah Lithium Ion Battery, Charger and →

Spec comparison

5 products
SpecCRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver with 2 Ah Lithium Ion Battery, Charger andDEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Impact Driver, Cordless, Compact, 1/4-Inch, Tool Only (DCGALAX PRO Impact Driver 20 V Lithium Ion 1/4" Hex Cordless Driver with LEDCRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit, 1/4 Inch, 2,800 RPM, LED Work light, BatterCRAFTSMAN V20 MAX Cordless Drill Driver and Impact Driver Set, Power Tool Set wi
Voltage20 V20V MAX*20 V20V MAX20V MAX
Torque1,460 in-lbs1825 in-lbs100 Nm1,460 in-lbs300 in-lbs
Chuck Size1/4 in.1/4 in.1/4"1/4 inch1/2 in.
Max RPM2,800 RPMs/3,100 IPMs3,250 RPM2,800 RPM2,8000-1300 RPM
Impacts Per Minute3,100 ipms3800 IPM3,000 BPM3,100—
Battery Type2.0Ah Li-ionLi-IonLithium-ion2 x 1.5Ah V20 20V MAX Li-ion20V MAX Lithium-ion
Motor TypeBrushedBrushlessCopper motorBrushedBrushed
Weight2.1 lbs2.1 lbs5.5 pounds—Approx. 5 lbs

Frequently asked questions

What is the best impact driver?
CRAFTSMAN Cordless 1/4 Impact Driver with 2 Ah Lithium Ion Battery, Charger and is our top pick for impact drivers, with an averaged rating of 4.4/5 from 4 published reviews. The CRAFTSMAN V20* Cordless 1/4-in Impact Driver delivers 1,460 in-lbs of torque and 2,800 RPMs/3,100 IPMs, making it suitable for demanding fastening tasks. Pro Tool Reviews praised its brushless motor, 3-speed gearbox, and lightweight design at 2.1 lbs. The tool includes a quick-release chuck and LED light for improved usability. While it performed adequately in testing, it ranked toward the back in strength tests. This impact driver is ideal for DIYers and professionals seeking reliable performance within a V20* ecosystem.
Is there a cheaper alternative worth considering?
CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit, 1/4 Inch, 2,800 RPM, LED Work light, Batter (around $59) rates 4.0/5 in our analysis. The Craftsman 20V MAX Impact Driver Kit offers solid performance with 1,460 in-lbs of torque and 2,800 RPM for DIY and home improvement tasks. Autoblog praised it as 'phenomenal, powerful, and durable' at $59, highlighting its quick-release chuck and LED light. Amazon reviewers noted it's 'perfect for mid- to light-duty work' and 'incredibly light for an impact driver.' However, professionals seeking more power may find it lacking. This kit includes two 1.5Ah batteries and a charger, making it ready-to-use right out of the box.
How does Verdict rank these products?
Every rating on Verdict is the numerical average of scores published by independent review sites, YouTube reviewers, and Reddit buyer reports. No editor adjusts the order — the ranking is whatever the source data produces. See our methodology page for the full process.
When was this guide last updated?
This guide was last re-checked in May 2026. We re-run our research pipeline for each category on a rolling basis so prices and rankings reflect current market reality.

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