Updated October 2026. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See affiliate disclosure.
Best overall: DeWalt DCF845B (check availability on Amazon, often third-party) — 20V MAX XR 1/4-hex, 3-speed brushless, tool only. Check current price and seller on Amazon.
Best compact: DeWalt DCF850 Atomic — under-4-inch 20V MAX. Amazon tool-only listing B0CCPS79PK (check availability on Amazon, often third-party; NBX box ). Prefer the object page for kit/companion context.
Best quiet: DeWalt DCF870B hydraulic.
Best budget: Craftsman CMCF830B (check availability on Amazon, often third-party).
Starting from zero: SKIL ID6739B-10 kit.
Already on M18: Milwaukee 2953-20 at Home Depot only.
- DeWalt DCF845B — best overall XR. Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
- DeWalt DCF850B Atomic — compact. Full review: DCF850 object. Amazon: B0CCPS79PK, Check availability on Amazon (often third-party) (NBX carton)
- DeWalt DCF870B — quiet hydraulic. Check price on Amazon
- Craftsman CMCF830B — budget V20. Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
- SKIL ID6739B-10 — kit from zero. Check price on Amazon
- DeWalt DCF887B — proven 3-speed. Check availability on Amazon
- Ryobi PSBID01 — ONE+. Check availability on Amazon (often third-party) (discontinued at Ryobi)
- Makita XDT19Z — LXT. Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
- DeWalt DCK240C2 — drill+driver combo. Check price on Amazon
- Milwaukee 2953-20 — pro benchmark.
Need a hammer drill in the same 20V MAX aisle? See the DeWalt DCD805 compact hammer drill.
Comparison
| Model | Best for | Power | Anvil | Notes | Check price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCF845B | Best overall | 20V MAX XR | 1/4 hex | Brushless 3-speed; tool only | Check availability on Amazon (often third-party) |
| DeWalt DCF850B | Compact ATOMIC | 20V MAX ATOMIC | 1/4 hex | Under 4 in; NBX carton | Check availability on Amazon (often third-party) |
| DeWalt DCF870B | Quiet hydraulic | 20V MAX XR | 1/4 hex | Hydraulic; torque number is not a hammer-anvil 1,825 | Check price on Amazon |
| Craftsman CMCF830B | Budget V20 | V20 brushless RP | 1/4 hex | 3-speed; tool only | Check availability on Amazon (often third-party) |
| SKIL ID6739B-10 | Kit from zero | 20V PWR CORE | 1/4 hex | Brushless kit, 2.0Ah + charger | Check price on Amazon |
| DeWalt DCF887B | Already 20V MAX | 20V MAX XR | 1/4 hex | Proven 3-speed; tool only | Check availability on Amazon |
| Ryobi PSBID01 | Already ONE+ | 18V ONE+ HP | 1/4 hex | Compact HP; mfr marks discontinued | Check availability on Amazon (often third-party) |
| Makita XDT19Z | Already LXT | 18V LXT | 1/4 hex | 4-speed Quick-Shift | Check availability on Amazon (often third-party) |
| DeWalt DCK240C2 | Combo kit | 20V MAX | 1/4 hex + 1/2 chuck | Combo, not a standalone driver; brushed | Check price on Amazon |
| Milwaukee 2953-20 | Pro benchmark | 18V M18 | 1/4 hex | Home Depot exclusive; no Amazon link | Home Depot only |
Impact wrenches and hammer drills are a stretch, not a pick. DeWalt DCF860B (2,500 in-lbs XR) is a real manufacturer SKU.
DeWalt DCF845B — best overall
Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
If you want one 20V MAX 1/4-hex and you already live in yellow, this is the current XR. Brushless, 3-speed, 1,825 in-lbs (DeWalt), 3,400 RPM, 3-LED, Tool Connect chip-ready (chip sold separately). Tool only — no pack, no charger. Belt hook in the carton.
Check current price and seller on Amazon; this listing is often third-party.
Who it’s for. Already on 20V MAX or FLEXVOLT and you want a current 3-speed XR for deck screws, lags, and cabinet hardware. Same packs run a cordless drill.
Who it’s not for. Starting from zero — you would be buying a battery and charger on top of a tool-only box. A first kit is the SKIL ID6739B-10, or the DCK240C2 combo if you also need a chuck. Already on ONE+ or LXT? Stay there. Want under 4 inches? That is the DCF850B. Want quiet? That is the DCF870B.
Specs that matter. 20V MAX XR. Brushless. 1/4-in hex. 3-speed. 1,825 in-lbs (DeWalt). 3,400 RPM. Tool only. Model DCF845B. Amazon listing B0BQCWH5KF.
Caveats. Confirm new vs renewed, and that the title is still the DCF845B — not the ATOMIC DCF850, not the hydraulic DCF870, and not a 1/2-inch impact wrench. 3-year limited warranty on the DeWalt tool.
Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
DeWalt DCF850B — compact ATOMIC
Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
Same 20V MAX aisle, shorter head. DeWalt’s official page: under 4 inches front to back (3.97 in), brushless, 1,825 in-lbs, 3,250 RPM, 3,800 IPM, 3-speed, 3-LED, about 2.1 lb. Tool only.
The US listing is B0CCPS79PK, titled DCF850B-NBX. Check current price and seller on Amazon. NBX usually means a non-retail carton.
Who it’s for. Overhead, cabinet interiors, and anyone who already owns 20V MAX packs and wants the short ATOMIC, not another 5-inch XR.
Who it’s not for. Starting from zero. Anyone who will only buy from Amazon.com itself, unless the seller checks out at click. Anyone who needs a quiet indoor driver — that is the DCF870B.
Specs that matter. 20V MAX ATOMIC. Brushless. 1/4-in hex. Under 4 in. 1,825 in-lbs (DeWalt). 3,250 RPM. Tool only. Model DCF850B. Amazon listing B0CCPS79PK (NBX).
Caveats. NBX carton. Confirm B0CCPS79PK is still the DCF850B tool-only, not a kit bundle with a no-name pack.
Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
DeWalt DCF870B — quiet hydraulic
This is DeWalt’s quiet 1/4-hex. Hydraulic mechanism, not the usual hammer-anvil stack. DeWalt rates it up to 57% quieter than the DCF787 on their published RMS tests (specific deck-screw / lag setups, PowerStack pack sold separately). That is DeWalt’s number, not a test from us. 2-speed, 9 LEDs, 20-minute work-light mode. Tool only. Belt hook in the carton.
Check current price and seller on Amazon.
The Amazon listing listed 500 in-lbs. Hydraulic torque numbers are not the same class as a 1,825 in-lbs XR. Do not shop this one on the torque badge.
Who it’s for. Indoor trim, occupied houses, and anyone already on 20V MAX who wants less racket than a standard impact.
Who it’s not for. A first battery purchase. Anyone on a tight budget. Anyone who thinks “quiet” means “same 1,825 in-lbs XR.” Deck-building volume is still the DCF845B or Milwaukee at Home Depot. If you’re starting from zero, the SKIL ID6739B-10 impact driver kit includes a battery and charger, while the DeWalt DCF870B is the bare-tool option for people already on DeWalt 20V batteries.
Specs that matter. 20V MAX XR. Brushless hydraulic. 1/4-in hex. 2-speed. 9-LED halo. Tool only. Model DCF870B. Amazon listing B0DQYPZLMR.
Caveats. Confirm the live price. Hydraulic vs hammer-anvil — different feel, different published torque. 3-year limited warranty on the DeWalt tool.
Craftsman CMCF830B — best budget pick
Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
This is the budget 1/4-hex we can actually verify as a current brushless tool. V20 BRUSHLESS RP, 1,800 in-lbs (Craftsman), 3-speed 0–1,400 / 0–2,400 / 0–3,200 RPM, LED, onboard bit holders, belt hook. Tool only. Check current price and seller on Amazon.
Craftsman rates up to 150 fasteners per charge vs the older CMCF800, on a 2.0Ah, driving 3-inch deck screws into PT 4×4. That count is Craftsman’s number.
Who it’s for. Already on Craftsman V20 and you want a 3-speed brushless driver without XR money.
Who it’s not for. A first battery purchase — a bare driver plus a 2.0Ah and charger is not a budget kit. That kit is the SKIL. Already on 20V MAX: buy the DCF845B or DCF887B, not a second charger. Anyone who wanted the older brushed CMCF800 kit — those Amazon titles have drifted into bit-set bundles.
Specs that matter. V20 brushless RP. 1/4-in hex. 3-speed. 1,800 in-lbs (Craftsman). Tool only. Model CMCF830B. Amazon listing B0DKGDBTCX.
Caveats. Confirm the live price and that you are not looking at a 1/2-inch V20 impact wrench. Tool only.
Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
SKIL ID6739B-10 — kit if you are starting from zero
This is the Amazon kit with a battery in the box: PWR CORE 20 brushless 1/4-hex, 2.0Ah pack with PWR ASSIST USB, Auto PWRJUMP charger, PH2 bit, belt clip, battery jacket. Digital brushless, 1,800 in-lbs (SKIL), 3-speed 1,800 / 2,500 / 3,100 RPM, Control Mode to cut cam-out, HALO light, about 4.88 inches long. Check current price and seller on Amazon. 5-year SKIL tool warranty (listing says with registration).
Who it’s for. No 18V / 20V packs on the shelf and you want one 1/4-hex kit without buying DeWalt batteries first.
Who it’s not for. Already on 20V MAX, ONE+, LXT, or V20. Platform lock-in is the hidden cost. One 2.0Ah pack — when it dies, you wait. Anyone who also needs a chuck on day one should look at the DCK240C2 combo, or buy a drill kit on the same platform.
Specs that matter. 20V PWR CORE 20. Brushless. 1/4-in hex. 3-speed. 1,800 in-lbs (SKIL). Kit: 2.0Ah + charger. Model ID6739B-10. Amazon listing B0BHQM8VV1.
Caveats. Confirm the carton still lists the 2.0Ah and PWRJUMP charger — SKIL also sells a USB-C kit ID6739B-1C. Titles drift.
DeWalt DCF887B — 3-speed XR if you already own yellow
The older XR that is still the 3-speed most people recognize. Brushless, Precision Drive in speed 1, 0–1,000 / 0–2,800 / 0–3,250 RPM, up to 1,825 in-lbs / 205 Nm (DeWalt / manual), 0–3,800 IPM, 3 LEDs, 1/4-hex. Tool only.
The primary listing (B0183RLW8A) confirmed the DCF887B title. A parallel listing (B01LWEDWVQ) exists for the same model. Check current price and seller on Amazon.
Who it’s for. Already in 20V MAX and you want the proven 3-speed XR, not the newer DCF845B chip-ready body.
Who it’s not for. Starting from zero. Anyone who will only buy from Amazon.com itself, unless the seller checks out at click. Anyone who wanted the current DCF845B or the short ATOMIC.
Specs that matter. 20V MAX XR. Brushless. 1/4-in hex. 3-speed + Precision Drive. 1,825 in-lbs. Tool only. Model DCF887B. Amazon listing B0183RLW8A.
Caveats. Confirm new vs renewed. Not a 1/2-inch impact wrench.
Ryobi PSBID01 — already on ONE+
Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
The compact ONE+ HP 1/4-hex we can still open on Amazon: 5.3 inches, brushless, 1,700 in-lbs (Ryobi), 2,900 RPM, 3,800 IPM, knurled 1/4-hex collet. Tool only. Check current price and seller on Amazon.
Ryobi.com marks PSBID01B discontinued. The current compact on their site is PSBID02; the current 4-mode HP is PBLID04. Marketplace “PBLID02B” and “ONEAND HP PBLID04B” listings were clones or mislabeled, so we do not link them.
Who it’s for. Already in ONE+ and you only need the compact driver. Same packs as the rest of the green aisle.
Who it’s not for. Starting from zero. Anyone who will only buy from Amazon.com itself, unless the seller checks out at click. Anyone who wanted the current PBLID04 — we do not have a clean Amazon link for it.
Specs that matter. 18V ONE+ HP. Brushless. 1/4-in hex. 5.3 in. 1,700 in-lbs (Ryobi). Tool only. Model PSBID01. Amazon listing B08L32HTBC.
Caveats. Manufacturer discontinued. Confirm you are buying the Ryobi tool, not a “fits Ryobi” clone.
Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
Makita XDT19Z — already on LXT
Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
Makita’s current 18V LXT 4-speed Quick-Shift 1/4-hex. Assist mode, two T-modes for self-drilling screws, reverse auto-stop, 1,590 in-lbs (Makita), 4-1/2 inches long. Tool only.
Check current price and seller on Amazon before you stretch.
Who it’s for. Already on 18V LXT and you want the 4-speed, not another platform.
Who it’s not for. A first LXT purchase. On DeWalt or Ryobi? Stay there.
Specs that matter. 18V LXT. Brushless. 1/4-in hex. 4-speed Quick-Shift. 1,590 in-lbs (Makita). Tool only. Model XDT19Z. Amazon listing B0B7VNYDWQ.
Caveats. Confirm B0B7VNYDWQ is still the new XDT19Z, not a renewed XDT16.
Check availability on Amazon (often third-party)
DeWalt DCK240C2 — combo kit, not a standalone driver
See the DCK240C2 combo review for kit details.
This is a two-tool box: DCD771 1/2-inch drill/driver and DCF885 1/4-hex impact driver, plus two 1.3Ah packs, a charger, and a contractor bag. Both motors are brushed. The impact is the older compact DCF885 (5.55 inches, 3-LED ring), not the XR DCF845 / DCF887. Check current price and seller on Amazon.
It is a combo. It is not a substitute for a current 3-speed XR if you already own batteries.
Who it’s for. Starting from zero and you need a chuck and a hex driver on day one, on 20V MAX.
Who it’s not for. Anyone who already owns 20V MAX packs — you would be paying for two small batteries and a charger you may not need. Anyone who wanted brushless on both tools. The brushless DCK277C2 listing we tried (B07DH2PPYC) was a 404, so it is not linked.
Specs that matter. 20V MAX. Brushed. Combo: DCD771 (300 UWO, 0–450 / 0–1,500 RPM, 1/2-in chuck) + DCF885 (1/4-hex). Kit: two 1.3Ah, charger, bag. Model DCK240C2. Amazon listing B017XKD50G.
Caveats. Confirm the carton still lists both tools and two 1.3Ah packs. Brushed. Combo, not a standalone driver. For the drill half, see Best Cordless Drills.
Milwaukee 2953-20 — pro benchmark, not an Amazon buy
Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL 1/4-hex (2953-20) is a Home Depot line in the US. Milwaukee rates 2,000 in-lbs, 3,900 RPM, 4,400 IPM, 4.47 inches, 2.2 lb, 4-mode including a self-tapping mode. Those are manufacturer numbers, not a test from us.
Confirm the Home Depot price. Home Depot 2953-20
Who it’s for. Pros, or DIY buyers who already live in M18 and can pick up a kit at Home Depot.
Who it’s not for. Anyone we would send to Amazon. Marketplace copies (including a 2953-20-NBX listing) show up. They are not first-party stock of a Home Depot exclusive. We are not linking those.
Caveats. Confirm the Home Depot price in the store or on HD’s page. Kit contents change. Milwaukee is the benchmark on this page, not an Amazon button.
Buying guide
Impact driver vs drill vs impact wrench. A drill/driver has a clutch and a chuck. It drills holes and drives screws. An impact driver is a 1/4-hex: hex-shank bits, no clutch in the same way, built to sink fasteners. An impact wrench is a square-drive (usually 1/2 or 3/8) for bolts and nuts. This page is drivers. Do not buy a wrench because the title said “impact.” If you still need holes, buy the drill first — or the DCK240C2 combo, flagged as a combo.
1/4-hex is the anvil. Every pick here takes 1-inch hex bit tips. Socket adapters exist. They are how people break adapters. Use an impact wrench for stubborn bolts.
Voltage is mostly marketing in this class. DeWalt 20V MAX, Craftsman V20, and SKIL 20V sit in the same nominal 18V world as Ryobi ONE+, Makita LXT, and Milwaukee M18. Shop the motor, the anvil, and the batteries you already own.
Kit vs tool only. Only the SKIL ID6739B-10 and the DCK240C2 combo on this page are verified kits with a pack and charger. Everything else is tool only. A bare driver is not a deal if you still have to buy a 2.0Ah and a charger.
Platform lock-in. DeWalt 20V MAX, Ryobi ONE+, Craftsman V20, Makita LXT, and SKIL PWR CORE 20 do not share packs. Milwaukee M18 does not either, and you shop that at Home Depot. Already own a drill kit? Buy the driver that eats those batteries. Brand comparison: DeWalt vs Milwaukee vs Ryobi.
3-speed vs one trigger. The DCF845B, DCF887B, CMCF830B, and SKIL kit are 3-speed. Speed 1 is the cabinet-hinge setting. The DCF870B is 2-speed hydraulic. The PSBID01 is a compact HP with a variable trigger. Milwaukee adds a fourth self-tapping mode at Home Depot.
Third-party and stock. Check current price and seller on Amazon. The ATOMIC listing is an NBX carton. The ONE+ compact is discontinued on Ryobi.com. Buy Home Depot exclusives at Home Depot, not from third-party Amazon sellers.
The other garage tools. Same-day sheet goods are a circular saw, not an impact driver.
FAQ
Which impact driver should I buy? Start with the batteries you already own. On DeWalt 20V MAX: the DCF845B is the current 3-speed XR, the DCF887B is the proven older 3-speed, the DCF850B is the short ATOMIC (non-retail carton), and the DCF870B is the quiet one. On Craftsman V20 and watching the budget: the CMCF830B. No batteries yet: the SKIL ID6739B-10 kit comes with a battery and charger. Need a drill in the same box: the DCK240C2 combo.
Do I need an impact driver or a drill? If you still need to drill holes, buy the drill first. An impact driver has no chuck for hole saws and spade bits. Add the driver on the same battery platform once you are driving a lot of screws. Our best cordless drills guide covers the drill side, and Best Cordless Drill Under $100 covers a tight budget.
Is a 1/2-inch impact wrench the same tool? No. An impact driver takes 1/4-inch hex bits and drives screws. An impact wrench has a square drive for sockets, bolts, and lug nuts. If that is the job, see our DeWalt DCF900B impact wrench review. Do not buy a wrench as your everyday driver.
Is the quiet hydraulic driver worth it? If you work indoors or in occupied homes and already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries, yes. DeWalt rates the DCF870B up to 57% quieter than its DCF787. It feels different from a standard impact, and its torque number is not comparable to a 1,825 in-lbs XR. More in our DeWalt DCF870B review.
Can I start with just an impact driver? You can. The SKIL ID6739B-10 kit includes a battery and charger. You will still want a drill the first time you need a hole, so the DCK240C2 combo, a brushed drill and driver in one box, is the other starter option here.
Already on Milwaukee M18? The 2953-20 is the benchmark on this page. It is a Home Depot line in the US, so buy it at Home Depot.
Related
DeWalt vs Milwaukee vs Ryobi · Best Cordless Drills · Best Cordless Drill Under $100 · Best Circular Saws
Prices and Amazon offers change. We don’t list live prices; check Amazon for the current price and seller. Manufacturer RPM, torque, and “fasteners per charge” claims are the manufacturers’ published ratings, not tests we ran. The DCF850B listing we verified is an NBX carton. The Ryobi PSBID01 is discontinued at the manufacturer.
For a compact hammer-drill alternative, see the DeWalt DCD805 compact hammer drill alongside our cordless-drill guide.
Want the short ATOMIC in more depth? See our DeWalt DCF850 Atomic impact driver review.
For the quiet pick, see our DeWalt DCF870B hydraulic impact driver review. Driving lug nuts or 1/2-inch bolts instead of screws? That is an impact wrench, like the DeWalt DCF900B.