Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Impact Drivers

Makita XDT19 Impact Driver vs Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless PBLID04

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Makita XDT19 Impact Driver comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.3 vs 3.5). Makita XDT19 Impact Driver is best for: General professionals seeking portability and ergonomics. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Makita XDT19 Impact Driver
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Impact Drivers
Makita XDT19 Impact Driver
2 sourcesall derived$233.02as of Oct 1

The Makita XDT19 delivers a refined balance of performance and portability, featuring a compact design that's lighter than its predecessor while maintaining Pro-grade functionality. Its rear-mounted controls and Quick-Shift capabilities enhance user experience, though some may find the control layout more complex. While it offers solid driving speed and precision modes, its torque output trails behind certain competitors in the same category. This tool is ideal for professionals seeking a versatile, well-balanced impact driver for general fastening tasks.

Strengths
  • — Compact and lightweight design weighing 2 lbs 12.3 oz with a 2Ah battery
  • — Quick-Shift technology enabling one-hand mode changes
  • — Smooth trigger operation that's easier to engage than previous models, per a YouTube review
Watch-outs
  • — Torque output of 1590 in-lbs is lower than some Pro-brand flagship models
  • — Rear-mounted controls may be more complex than some users prefer
Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless PBLID04
Ranked #4 in Best Impact Drivers
Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless PBLID04
2 sourcesall derived$89.99as of Oct 4

The Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Impact Driver PBLID04 represents Ryobi's most powerful impact driver yet, delivering 3,400 RPMs and 2,300 in-lbs of torque. A 47.5% improvement in driving screws and 54% faster nut breaking times compared to its predecessor. The tool features three speed modes and an Assist mode designed to prevent stripping while maintaining excellent ergonomics. Reviewers noted the tool's improved efficiency and handling, though one reviewer questioned whether the performance gains justified the price premium over the previous generation model.

Strengths
  • — Massive performance improvement over previous model with 17% increase in top speed
  • — Three speed modes plus Assist mode for preventing screw stripping
  • — Excellent ergonomics and one-handed bit insertion/ejection
Watch-outs
  • — No significant drawbacks mentioned in the review

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Makita XDT19 Impact Driver

The Makita XDT19 Impact Driver produces 1590 in-lbs of maximum torque, below the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Impact Driver 2953-20 at 2000 in-lbs and the DeWalt DCF860 Impact Driver at 2500 in-lbs. Its 3600 RPM top speed also trails the Milwaukee's 3900 RPM and the DeWalt's 3800 RPM. It offers four speed settings against the DeWalt's three, with a rear-mounted control panel and Quick-Shift one-hand mode changes.

Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless PBLID04

The Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless PBLID04 produces 2,300 in-lbs of maximum torque, more than the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Impact Driver 2953-20 at 2000 in-lbs and less than the DeWalt DCF860 Impact Driver at 2500 in-lbs. Its 3,400 RPM top speed is below the Milwaukee's 3900 RPM and the DeWalt's 3800 RPM. It costs less than both, and Classic Act Workshop found its trigger control and responsiveness poor.

Specs side-by-side

SpecMakita XDT19 Impact DriverRyobi 18V One+ HP Brushless PBLID04
No-Load Speed3600 RPM3,400 RPM
Impact Rate0-1100/2600/3600/3800 IPM4,200 IPM
Max Torque1590 in-lbs2,300 in-lbs
Weight2 lbs 12.3 oz2.5 lbs (bare tool), 3.8 lbs (with 4.0Ah Edge battery)
Voltage18 volts18 volts
Battery18V LXT Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah batteriesRyobi 18V battery
Motor TypeBrushlessBrushless
Speeds43
Chuck Size1/4 in. hex1/4 in. hex
Chuck Type1/4 in. hex1/4" hex quick connect collet
Torque Control—Variable speed trigger
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