Best Impact Drivers

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.

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Impact drivers are essentially an upgraded form of the standard handheld drill. While both tools look and function similarly, the former provides you with additional force, making more heavy-duty tasks achievable. Instead of just being able to penetrate soft materials like wood, they allow you to break through concrete, brick, and more. If this sounds like the upgrade you need for professional or DIY projects, a wide variety of suitable options are available. This article examines top products and their prominent features to help you determine the best possible selection for your needs.

How We Compared Impact Drivers

To find the right impact drivers, we considered multiple factors, including:

• Quality
• Power
• Weight
• User Ease
• Battery

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

Impact Driver Reviews

Ryobi One+ (Editor’s Choice)

This product has a cordless design backed by 18 volts of power for capable use. It is ideal for working with larger bolts and makes a great addition to any home tool kit. 

The Ryobi One+ Impact Driver has a brushless motor that is electronically controlled for enhanced efficiency and up to 40% increased run time with each charge. Its design allows it to run cool and provide you with long-lasting performance.

With several speeds and power levels preset, this device can accomplish tasks of varying difficulty. Its 270 Nm torque facilitates fast drilling and screwing, which is impressively high for such tools. Lastly, it features a DeckDrive which enables auto speed reduction and a soft start function for complete control at all times.

Bosch Professional GDX (Luxury Choice)

If you prefer a tool that is powerful and good for use in hard-to-reach places, this pick makes a solid choice. Due to its head length of 147mm and compact design overall, it easily fits in tight spaces, making it highly accommodating. 

The Bosch Professional GDX Impact Driver is equipped with an 18-volt brushless motor to give you more power and running time. It facilitates a maximum torque of 200 Nm and has efficient operation. For enhanced versatility, this option is compatible with two different bit sizes, ½” and ¼”, allowing you to perform more applications.

Integrated LED lights on the body of this device ensure you can see your target, even in dark conditions. It has three preset speed levels for better performance with different materials. For simplified storage, it comes with an L-BOXX to keep your tools tidy when not in use. 

GALAX PRO (Best Value)

With 20 volts of power and a 1.3Ah lithium-ion battery, this selection is well-equipped to perform various tasks straight out of the box. It also has indicators for the remaining energy to ensure minimal downtime while you work. 

GALAX PRO Impact Drivers feature variable speed based on the trigger’s pressure. They have an ergonomic handle with anti-skid patterns on thickened soft rubber. Its build also establishes a slip-resistant, more comfortable grip all around. 

No tools are needed to change your bit with this product. For convenience, it has an LED work light for dark spaces and a battery-unlocking button for easier manipulation. A belt hook on the housing also facilitates simplified carrying and can be handy on a ladder. This option also comes with six screwdriver bits and a charger to complete the set. 

WORX WX291 (Best Lightweight)

This option is compact and non-cumbersome, making it suitable for use in narrow spaces. It also enables a reduced amount of kickback and promotes minimal strain on your wrist while you execute jobs.

The WORX WX291 Impact Driver comes with a 2.0Ah battery included that is interchangeable with other products in the same line. It reaches up to 170 Nm of torque and has a variable speed control with two settings. There are also forward and reverse rotation options.

This tool features an aluminium gear housing for improved durability and a longer usable lifespan. Even with the rigid build, it has a light weight of 1.04kg. An LED light illuminates dark areas, and a quick-change ¼” hex chuck allows you to easily switch out bits for the ultimate user convenience.

INGCO (Best for Run Time)

Lightweight and accommodating, this tool makes a fantastic choice if you are searching to achieve minimal downtime. Two 2.0Ah batteries compatible with the full range of products are included, allowing one to charge one while the other is in use. 

INGCO Impact Drivers feature a quick single-hour charge time. They also come with a charger, two bits, three nut holders, and a handy canvas bag for transport. Their long-lasting brushless motors use 20 volts of power and have a 170 Nm max torque. Additionally, variable speed control with two settings plus forward and reverse options improves control for easier operation. 

This product has a metal shell with ventilation holes for better, faster cooling capability. It is also constructed with a comfortable grip handle, a charge display, and an LED work light for all-around convenience. A metal belt hook is built into the exterior, and a quick-release chuck makes switching out bits straightforward.  

WESCO (Best for Manoeuvrability)

This product is a fantastic choice if you are looking for more than a solo device. It comes as a complete kit with a wide range of accessories, making it excellent for beginners who need to add to their tool collection. 

The WESCO Impact Driver has a brushless, 18V copper wire motor. As a result, it facilitates smooth operation with low noise and vibration production. It is also efficient and lightweight. With 180 Nm of torque and a two-gear shift, this tool can perform various tasks. 

This model is equipped with an LED light for better viewing in dark spaces. It has a quick-release chuck, a forward/reverse rotation control, and an easy battery ejection button for simplified operation. In addition to the central unit, a carry bag and a highly compatible battery are included. It has a rapid one-hour charging time and over-discharge protection. Lastly, a belt clip and a soft grip handle round out the design.  

Black + Decker (Best for Ease of Use)

This handy accessory is ideal for driving large bolts and screws without needing a pilot hole. It is also suitable for puncturing metal and removing rusty or damaged fasteners, allowing you to tackle various complicated tasks. 

The Black + Decker Impact Driver is lightweight and easy to use. It features an 18 V motor and a maximum of 210 Nm torque. This model facilitates variable speeds reaching as high as 3,000 RPM and has a forward/reverse switch for versatility. 

A metal gear casing on this unit enhances durability and protects the device as a whole. For convenience, this tool enables one-handed bit changes with its quick-release hex chuck. It also has an anti-slip grip that is soft and accommodating, making extended use more accessible.  

How to Choose an Impact Driver

Impact drivers are incredibly handy tools, but selecting the right unit can be difficult if you don’t know what traits to prioritise. The following sections evaluate prominent features found in products to help you get a better understanding of your options. And to ensure you select the best option for your needs. 

Quality

The quality of an impact driver’s build is a great way to evaluate its durability and potential lifespan. Look for models constructed with tough exteriors to get the best results possible. Typically, metal housings are the most resilient and do an exceptional job protecting the motor within. 

Power 

Impact drivers must be powerful. Otherwise, they will fail to work correctly. Stronger models can achieve heavier-duty tasks and make work more efficient and less complicated. If you are looking for a basic tool capable of simple DIY projects, robustness may not be crucial, but for the most part, more forceful selections make for better performance. 

Weight 

You should also consider the weight of an impact driver. A unit with a lightweight build will be less strenuous to hold and makes working sustainable for longer. When comparing different models, pay attention to their specifications because some companies list their weight with a battery, and others refer to the housing alone. 

User Ease

Impact drivers strive to increase user ease in several ways. Some models have compact builds with lengthy heads that allow you to reach tight spaces. Others have LED lights or a belt clip for enhanced use. One of the most common features is the addition of an ergonomic or soft grip handle. A comfortable grip gives you a firmer, more secure hold of the device and helps to prevent slipping. Lastly, some tools include extra accessories such as drill bits or a carry bag to improve your overall experience.  

Battery 

Batteries are not included as standard with all impact drivers. However, many options choose to add them along with the housing. For the most part, this is because most units use a power source compatible with other handheld tools. If you already have a device to use with your new product, you may prefer a model that comes without an energy pack. Otherwise, if not, a complete set could be highly appealing, so you can start using it straight out of the box.

Summary

The Ryobi One+ Impact Driver makes a suitable choice for working with larger bolts. It has a highly efficient and powerful design with a brushless 18-volt motor. It runs cool, which leads to long-lasting performance and improved run time. A DeckDrive feature in this device facilitates a soft start mode and enables auto speed control, giving you precise control over the unit at all times. It is capable of 270 Nm of torque, which is significantly higher than many other top models. Overall, it has a quality build and makes a fantastic choice for most purposes.