After Driving Nearly 100 Fasteners, We Found the Best DeWalt Impact Drivers

DeWalt is one of the most well-respected brands in the power tool business, so it’s no wonder that DeWalt impact drivers rank among the best tools in the category. With exceptional torque output and advanced features like brushless motors and Precision Drive technology, the five DeWalt drivers we tested performed so well that choosing just one for our top award was more difficult than expected. 

However, after driving nearly 100 fasteners in 2x4s, metal, railroad ties, and composite decking, we selected the DeWalt Atomic 20V MAX Impact Driver Cordless Kit for our award of Best Overall. With 1,700 inch-pounds of torque in a 2.1-pound package, this driver strikes a balance between power and portability that makes it ideal for most applications. Ahead, learn more about how each of the best DeWalt impact drivers performed in our tests, and see which features matter most when selecting the model that’s right for you.

1. BEST OVERALL: DeWalt Atomic 20V MAX Impact Driver Cordless Kit
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: DeWalt Xtreme 12V MAX Brushless Impact Driver
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3. BEST COMPACT: DeWalt Atomic 20V MAX Brushless Impact Driver
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4. BEST FOR PROS: DeWalt 3-Speed High Torque ¼–Inch Impact Driver Kit
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5. BEST FOR DIYERS: DeWalt 20V MAX ¼-Inch Impact Driver Kit
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Impact Drivers Comparison Chart

Our Top Picks

The list below features the best DeWalt impact tools we tested, including models for weekend warriors as well as those suitable for pros. 

Best Overall

DeWalt Atomic 20V MAX Impact Driver Cordless Kit

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What We Like

• Comfortable cushioned ergonomic grip 
• Compatible with DeWalt’s 20V battery lineup
• Compact enough for tight spaces
• Three LED lights for ample illumination

What We Don’t Like

• 1.5Ah (amp-hours) battery only lasts about 40 minutes 
• Can get hot during extended use

Specs 

• Torque: 1,700 inch-pounds
• Weight (bare tool): 2.1 pounds
• Length: 5.1 inches

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Ergonomics 5/5; Performance 4.7/5; Build Quality 4.5/5; Value 4.7/5 

DeWalt’s DCF809B Atomic 20-volt cordless impact driver is a compact, powerful, and versatile tool that delivered such a reliable yet user-friendly performance in our tests that it earned our top award. Measuring just 5.1 inches from its back to the tip of the chuck, we had no problem fitting it under our kitchen sink to loosen a seized screw or working between wall studs in our garage. Its ergonomic grip and lightweight 2.1-pound body were comfortable and balanced in hand, enabling extended use over several hours of testing. 

While we weren’t certain how to feel about it at first, we ended up getting the hang of the tool’s variable speed trigger. As we drove and removed screws in stacked 2x4s and sheet metal, we learned how to apply the unit’s 1,700 inch-pounds of torque precisely. However, the brushless motor was a tad noisy (though certainly not the loudest of the models we tested), and the tool warmed up during extended use. Also, the 1.5Ah battery included in the DCF809C1 kit ran out after only about 40 minutes, though swapping in our 5.0Ah battery provided plenty of power to keep testing, and the bag to keep the tool, battery, and charger together on the road is sturdy and convenient. 

What our tester says: “This is the impact driver we always reach for when the need arises. Its grip and weight are comfortable, and it’s powerful enough for most heavy-duty tasks. It also works with our DeWalt’s 20-volt 5.0Ah battery, which makes a big difference in runtime.” —Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the DeWalt Atomic cordless impact driver at The Home Depot or Amazon (tool only).

Best Bang for the Buck

DeWalt Xtreme 12V MAX Brushless Impact Driver

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What We Like

• Compact and lightweight 
• Three mode settings with Precision Drive
• Value-driven tool-only pricing 
• Comfortable grip reduces hand fatigue

What We Don’t Like

• Limited to 12V platform
• Not powerful enough for heavy-duty tasks

Specs 

• Torque: 1,450 inch-pounds 
• Weight (bare tool): 1.75 pounds 
• Length: 5.05 inches 

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Ergonomics 4.5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Build Quality 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5 

With ample torque and lightweight construction, this DeWalt Xtreme 12V MAX DCF801B brushless impact driver packs a lot of power into a small package. The bare tool weighs just 1.75 pounds and features a brushless motor with 1,450 inch-pounds of torque; a 2,800 RPM speed; a 0.25-inch quick-release drop; and a load hex that takes 1-inch bit tips. At just 5.05 inches long, it’s perfect for tight spaces, making it an ideal automotive impact driver or one well suited to cabinet installation. 

During our tests, one thing we really liked about this unit was its three mode settings, including Precision Drive, which prevented us from overtightening screws and bolts. The tool also has three LEDs on its nose to help illuminate tasks in dark spaces. These features made it easy to drive everything from 3-inch screws to larger fasteners while fine-tuning torque output, even in dark spaces. While it may not be quite powerful enough to replace a full-size 20-volt impact driver, this 12-volt unit’s combination of power, precision, and portability makes it an excellent choice for serious DIYers looking for a versatile yet affordable tool. 

Get the DeWalt Xtreme impact driver at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Best Compact

DeWalt Atomic 20V MAX Brushless Impact Driver

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What We Like

• Shortest length of all the DeWalt drivers we tested 
• Powerful brushless motor with ample torque
• Bright triple LED work lights
• Ergonomic grip for reduced fatigue 

What We Don’t Like

• Noisy during high-torque tasks
• Limited cooling due to compact size

Specs 

• Torque: 1,825 inch-pounds
• Weight (bare tool): 2.1 pounds
• Length: 3.97 inches

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Ergonomics 4.5/5; Performance 4.7/5; Build Quality 4.25/5; Value 4.7/5 

With its 3.97-inch length from the tip of the chuck to the back of its head, the DCF850B is one of the most compact impact drivers on the market. Its short head makes it ideal for tasks that take place in tight spaces, such as driving in framing screws or installing cabinetry. Despite its small size, it delivers an impressive 1,825 inch-pounds of torque for driving large screws and handling heavy-duty tasks with ease. Since it’s sold as a bare tool, pair it with any DeWalt 20-volt battery between 1.5Ah and 5.0Ah, depending on how much continuous runtime is required.

With its brushless motor, the DCF850B cordless impact driver doesn’t compromise on power, and the variable three-speed trigger helps keep torque in check for smaller fasteners. The ergonomic grip and lightweight design (2.1 pounds bare tool) reduce fatigue during long projects. Additionally, the integrated triple-ring LED work light enhances visibility in dimly lit areas. Since it is a compact unit, we did notice it drives a bit slower than larger units, but the difference is minimal and compensated for by excellent portability and precision. 

Get the DeWalt compact brushless impact driver at The Home Depot.

Best for Pros

DeWalt 3-Speed High Torque ¼–Inch Impact Driver Kit

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What We Like

• DeWalt’s highest torque impact driver
• 9 built-in LED lights
• Offers up to 3,800 RPM
• 3 speed modes for precise control

What We Don’t Like

• Heavier than other units
• May provide more power than most DIYers need

Specs 

• Torque: 2,500 inch-pounds
• Weight (bare tool): 2.4 pounds
• Length: 4.8 inches 

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Ergonomics 4/5; Performance 5/5; Build Quality 5/5; Value 4.7/5 

The DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCF860 high-torque impact driver is a powerhouse in the world of cordless tools. It boasts impressive performance with a maximum torque of up to 2,500 inch-pounds, making it ideal for tackling demanding professional-grade tasks. The tool features three speed modes, allowing users to adjust output according to the project at hand. With a no-load speed of up to 3,800 RPM, it effortlessly outperformed the competition in our tests. 

The power of this unit’s brushless motor was obvious not only in operation but in sound output—it produced less noise on high than more compact units did on low. In fact, the lowest setting on this unit was sufficient for all our tests, so we really only used the highest speed for fun. However, all that power does equate to a heavier tool, and this professional pick weighs a rather hefty 6.9 pounds with its 8.0Ah PowerPack battery, which may lead to fatigue during extended use. Still, this driver will provide ample runtime for most projects, its ergonomic grip is comfortable, and it has nine LED lights for enhanced visibility. Those who need a top-tier tool that will deliver exceptional performance for hours and even years will find this high-torque option hard to beat. The DeWalt DCF860WW1 kit includes a battery, charger, and belt hook.

What our tester says: “The difference in build quality of this driver was obvious the moment we picked it up and only increased with use. It’s heavy yet comfortable, quiet yet powerful, and I don’t think we could run out of battery power if we tried.” —Michelle Larson, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the DeWalt high-torque impact driver at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Best for DIYers

DeWalt 20V MAX ¼-Inch Impact Driver Kit

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What We Like

• User-friendly design with 1-handed bit changes
• Comfortable and well balanced in hand
• Great price for a 20V tool kit

What We Don’t Like

• May not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks
• Brushed motor won’t last as long as brushless

Specs 

• Torque: 1,400 inch-pounds
• Weight (bare tool): 2.8 pounds
• Length: 5.55 inches

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Ergonomics 4.75/5; Performance 4/5; Build Quality 4/5; Value 4.3/5

The DeWalt DCF885C1 20V Max ¼-Inch impact driver kit comes with a model DCF885B ¼-inch impact driver, a 20-volt battery, a fast charger, and convenient carry bag, providing a quality tool kit at a budget-friendly price. Its powerful motor delivers 1,400 inch-pounds of torque and an impressive 2,800 RPM, enough for most home improvement projects and even some professional applications. Measuring just 5.55 inches in length and 2.8 pounds in weight, its compact design is comfortable and easy to maneuver in tight spaces. 

During testing, there was a lot to like about this DeWalt impact drill set, but one of our favorite features was its one-handed hex chuck for quick bit changes. We also appreciated that the ergonomic handle had a soft rubber grip, which prevented us from feeling fatigued even after a full day of testing. Like many DeWalt impact drivers, this option also has a triple LED light system to fully illuminate the work area without casting shadows. Combined with the variable-speed trigger, this driver offers excellent control for precise fastening. The only potential downsides are its brushed motor (which won’t be as durable as a brushless one) and the limited runtime of its 1.5Ah battery, which only lasted about 40 minutes in our tests. 

Get the DeWalt ¼-inch impact driver at The Home Depot.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best DeWalt Impact Drivers

When making our selections for testing, we included DeWalt impact drivers suited to DIYers as well as professional contractors. While higher-torque drivers offer more versatility in a broader range of applications, these top-end tools come with a steep price tag. Still, some tasks require serious muscle, so testing a more expensive tool also made sense.

Once we were ready to begin, we charged the batteries that came in the kits and tested those units before recharging the batteries and swapping them into the picks sold as bare tools. We used each impact driver to insert and remove at least 16 short and long fasteners into stacked 2x4s, metal, railroad ties, and composite decking. We also carried them around the house to remove any stripped screws we could find, measured their noise level with a decibel meter, and noted any increases in temperature using an infrared thermometer. We tried all their speed settings, evaluated the usefulness of their LED lights in dark areas, and weighed whether their performance and build qualities were worth the asking price. 

What to Consider When Choosing a DeWalt Impact Driver

While torque may be the most important attribute when choosing the best DeWalt impact driver, factors such as motor type, size, weight, and battery life are also crucial. Read on to find out more about these and other features of impact drivers when making purchasing decisions. 

Motor

DeWalt impact drivers come in brushed and brushless models. A brushed motor has a rotating aperture that makes contact with brushes, creating a significant amount of friction. A brushless motor eliminates the need for brushes, significantly reducing friction. As such, a brushless motor can run at faster driving speeds than a brushed motor without overheating, resulting in greater torque and speed. Brushless motors are also more efficient, allowing them to run on a battery for up to 50 percent longer. On the other hand, a brushless motor is more expensive to manufacture than a brushed motor, which makes tools using them much pricier. 

Speed and Torque

An impact driver’s job is to drive in or remove fasteners requiring more torque than even the best cordless drill can handle. As such, torque is much more important than speed when it comes to impact drivers. Most impact drivers produce at least 1,400 inch-pounds of torque, which is enough to remove lug nuts torqued up to 100 pounds or drive longer screwdrivers through thicker dimensional lumber. DeWalt’s most powerful impact driver offers 2,500 inch-pounds of torque and has speed settings that allow users to work with both large and small fasteners.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of an impact driver determine how comfortable it is to use as well as how easily it fits into tight spaces. Most impact drivers are relatively compact, making them suitable for applications requiring larger fasteners, such as framing a wall or driving a lag bolt into a 2×4. DeWalt’s impact drivers range in weight from 1.75 to 2.8 pounds, not including the battery. In terms of size, the critical measurement is the length of the driver’s head, which is measured from the back of the drill to the tip of the chuck. DeWalt impact drivers range in length from 3.97 to 5.55 inches, not including drill bits. 

Ergonomic Grip

The DeWalt’s brand is well regarded for making power tools with ergonomic handles and grips, and its line of impact drivers is no exception. Expect to find molded ergonomic grips with some degree of soft rubber on all its impact drivers. DeWalt’s drivers also include large, easy-to-engage triggers that allow the operator to extend the tool into tight places and work for long periods without straining their hands. 

Power and Batteries

Since impact drivers are designed to create high amounts of torque, they require a lot of power. Hence, all of DeWalt’s impact drivers use either 12-volt or 20-volt batteries, which will generally supply at least 40 minutes of continuous use. Some of DeWalt’s batteries have an XR suffix attached to them. These two letters stand for extended runtime, which gives the battery up to 33 percent longer runtime than its standard battery packs. Some DeWalt impact drivers come as bare tools, ideal for those who already own DeWalt batteries and a charger, while others are sold as part of a kit that includes one or two batteries along with a charger. 

Lights and Additional Features

The additional features of DeWalt’s impact drivers are standard across the product line, with a few notable exceptions in its top models. Each comes equipped with at least three LED work lights for ample lighting in dimly lit work sites as well as DeWalt accessories like a metal clip for attaching the driver to a tool belt. Some of DeWalt’s pro-level impact drivers support Tool Connect, a feature that allows the owner to track the whereabouts of the tool via a smartphone or even disable it for security purposes. DeWalt also makes power drill attachments rated for use with impact drivers that increase the functionality of these tools even more. 

FAQs

Understanding what jobs the best impact drivers can handle is key to choosing the right model. Ahead, learn about what a cordless impact gun can and can’t do. 

Q. Are DeWalt 20V batteries much more powerful than 18V models?

No. In fact, the batteries are identical. An 18-volt battery produces a burst of 20 volts when it first starts up before dropping into a steady stream of 18 volts. Some tool manufacturers, including DeWalt, use this 20-volt peak to label the battery, while others use 18 volts. 

Q. Can a DeWalt impact driver remove lug nuts?

Yes. A DeWalt impact driver is strong enough to remove most lug nuts from cars and trucks. Most lug nuts are torqued to 100 foot-pounds, which is the same as 1,200 inch-pounds, and all of DeWalt’s drivers are capable of reaching or exceeding 1,200 inch-pounds. See our guide on the best cordless impact wrenches for additional tools capable of removing lug nuts. Generally speaking, a battery-powered impact wrench will deliver more torque than an electric impact driver. 

Q. Which is the most powerful DeWalt impact driver?

The DeWalt 3-Speed High Torque ¼–Inch Impact Driver, which produces a max torque of 2,500 inch-pounds, is the most powerful impact driver that DeWalt produces. 

Q. How many foot-pounds of torque does a DeWalt impact driver have?

DeWalt’s cordless impact tools are rated in inch-pounds. Its most powerful impact driver produces 2,500 inch-pounds, which is equivalent to 208 foot-pounds. When comparing DeWalt vs. Ryboi, Ryobi’s most powerful driver delivers just 150 foot-pounds of torque, making DeWalt’s highest torque model especially impressive.

Q. How many pounds of torque do I need to remove lug nuts?

Since most lug nuts are torqued to 100 foot-pounds, which equals 1,200 inch-pounds, you need an impact driver that produces at least 1,200 inch-pounds of torque to remove lug nuts. Consider adding a DeWalt impact driver for car parts to the brand’s mechanic tool set for a complete automotive kit. 

Q. Can I use an impact driver for drilling holes?

Technically, yes, an impact driver can drill holes. However, a drill from DeWalt or another brand will allow more precise drilling. Impact drivers should only be used to drill through material that a standard drill is not powerful enough to drill through, including metal, some masonry, and very dense or knotty wood. If you need to do both, consider a DeWalt impact drill driver combo unit. 

Meet the Tester

Michelle Larson has been a writer and editor for more than 10 years, with her most recent experience focused primarily on testing home and garden tools. As a DIYer eager to expand her knowledge, her garage and workbench are typically full of products awaiting her evaluation. With each test presenting a chance to learn something new, she aims to provide readers with real-world insights on performance, durability, and value. 

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

Additional research provided by Tony Carrick.

 

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