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 narrow margin (4.0 vs 3.8). The gap is mostly about General professionals seeking portability and ergonomics — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Impact Drivers

Makita XDT19 Impact Driver

4.0

4 sources3 derived$95.87as of Aug 14

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
— Rear-mounted control panel for easier visual confirmation of speed and drive mode
— Quick-Shift technology enabling one-hand mode changes

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

$95.87 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Impact Drivers

Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless PBLID04

3.8

3 sourcesall derived$94.99as of Aug 14

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. Performance testing showed 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
— Poor trigger control and responsiveness

$94.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full 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 offers a more compact and ergonomic design than the Milwaukee 2953-20 and DeWalt DCF860, with rear-mounted controls and Quick-Shift technology. It's lighter than the Milwaukee 2853-22 XC Kit and Porter-Cable PCCK607LB, but delivers less torque than the Milwaukee models. Unlike the Ryobi PBLID04, it has better trigger control and more consistent performance, though it lacks the high-speed capabilities of the Milwaukee 2953-20.

Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless PBLID04

The Ryobi PBLID04 delivers 2,300 in-lbs of torque and 3,400 RPM, outperforming the Milwaukee 2953-20 and Makita XDT19 in speed but falling short of the Milwaukee 2853-22 XC Kit's torque. It features superior ergonomics and one-handed operation compared to the DeWalt DCF860 and Porter-Cable PCCK607LB, but has poor trigger control and responsiveness compared to the Milwaukee models. It's more expensive than the DEWALT 20V Max Kit but less powerful than the Milwaukee 2853-22 XC Kit.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Makita XDT19 Impact Driver	Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless PBLID04
No-Load Speed	3600 RPM	3,400 RPM
Impact Rate	0-1100/2600/3600/3800 IPM	4,200 IPM
Max Torque	1590 in-lbs	2,300 in-lbs
Weight	2 lbs 12.3 oz	2.5 lbs (bare tool), 3.8 lbs (with 4.0Ah Edge battery)
Voltage	18 volts	18 volts
Battery	18V LXT Lithium-Ion 5.0Ah batteries	Ryobi 18V battery
Motor Type	Brushless	Brushless
Speeds	4	3
Chuck Size	1/4 in. hex	1/4 in. hex
Chuck Type	1/4 in. hex	1/4" hex quick connect collet
Torque Control	—	Variable speed trigger

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