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Comparison · 2026

Milwaukee 2953-20 vs DEWALT DCF870B, Makita XDT20T, Metabo HPT WH18DC, Bosch GDX18V-1860CN and Greenworks ISG402: Impact Drivers Compared

Researched by Dmitrii Pakhomov and Daria Govorina · SavingsHook editorial · Published October 16, 2026

The short answer

Most people should get the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2953-20: it pairs the highest torque here (2,000 in-lbs) with the fastest driving speed and a 4.47-in head, provided you already own M18 batteries. If you fasten in occupied homes or crawlspaces, the DEWALT DCF870B is the quieter hydraulic alternative, and if you want a ready-to-use kit with a lifetime tool warranty, the Metabo HPT WH18DC is the value pick. Skip the Milwaukee if you do not own M18 packs: batteries and a charger add $150-250.

Verdict based on specifications, manufacturer documentation and owner reviews. We did not lab-test these products.

ProductKey specsMain drawbackNot for
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/4 in. Hex Impact Driver (Tool Only) 2953-20
Up to 2,000 in-lbs of fastening torque
4-mode DRIVE CONTROL including precision wrench mode
4.49 in. length
Buyers without M18 batteries; overkill for light homeowner work.
Metabo HPT 18V Triple Hammer BOLT Impact Driver Kit (WH18DC, 2.0Ah battery)
Up to 1,859 in-lbs of torque, 0-3,700 RPM, 0-4,000 BPM
Triple Hammer technology with three anvils for faster driving and less vibration
Triple LED light for superior visibility
1,859 in-lbs trails rivals, and the kit ships with compact 2.0Ah batteries.Anyone wanting maximum torque.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Quiet Hydraulic Impact Driver (Tool Only) DCF870B
Quiet hydraulic mechanism instead of a hammer-and-anvil
3-speed mode select switch
0-3,800 RPM no-load speed
Only 500 in-lbs, and torque can drop as the oil heats.Heavy structural screws and lag bolts.
How we picked these products

We compare product identity, specifications, pros/cons and retailer links. Until approved retailer API access is available, current Amazon price, star-rating and review-count data are not republished here.

Read our full methodology →

Prices at a glance

Prices are snapshots. Check the current price with the store.

These six impact drivers span 500 to 2,000 in-lbs of rated fastening torque. The bigger split is mechanism and noise: five use hammer-and-anvil impact, while the DEWALT DCF870B is a hydraulic oil driver DEWALT rates up to 57% quieter. Three are bare tools needing batteries and a charger; three are kits with two packs. Bare weight runs 1.9 to 2.6 lb, head length 4.0 to 5.8 in.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/4 in. Hex Impact Driver 2953-20 (Tool Only)

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 1/4 in. Hex Impact Driver 2953-20 (Tool Only)

Fourth-generation M18 FUEL bare tool: 2,000 in-lbs, 0-3,900 RPM, 4,400 IPM, POWERSTATE brushless, 4.47 in long, 2.2 lb bare (3.9 lb with 5.0 Ah). Four drive modes include Self-Tapping Screw Mode; Tri-LED ring and all-metal belt clip. Owners report gearbox seizures on some early units with a documented gearcase revision. 5-year limited warranty.

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Quiet Hydraulic Impact Driver (DCF870B)

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Quiet Hydraulic Impact Driver (DCF870B)

Hydraulic oil driver rated at 500 in-lbs and 4,200 IPM, 0-1,100 and 0-3,000 RPM, 4.0-in head, 2.2 lb bare. DEWALT claims up to 57% quieter than the DCF787; testers held a normal conversation while driving 3/8 x 3-1/2 lag bolts and 6-in GRK RSS screws. Nine LEDs ring the nose (low, high 20 s, 20 min). Torque can drop as oil heats. Warranty 3 years limited, 1 year free service, 90 days satisfaction.

Makita 18V LXT Brushless 4-Speed Impact Driver Kit (XDT20T)

Makita 18V LXT Brushless 4-Speed Impact Driver Kit (XDT20T)

Kit with 1,590 in-lbs in a 4.5-in head, 0-3,600 RPM, 0-3,800 IPM across four speeds, plus Assist, two Tightening, Quick-Shift and reverse auto-stop modes. 1.9 lb bare (3.3 lb with 5.0 Ah). 360-degree LED ring with diffuser. Includes two BL1850B 5.0 Ah batteries, DC18RC charger and bag; 3-year warranty. Rear selector changes modes one-handed. No independent torque measurement; specs match the older XDT19.

Metabo HPT 18V Triple Hammer BOLT Impact Driver Kit (WH18DC)

Metabo HPT 18V Triple Hammer BOLT Impact Driver Kit (WH18DC)

Three-anvil Triple Hammer: 1,859 in-lbs, 0-3,700 RPM, 0-4,000 IPM, 4.5-in head, 2.0 lb bare (2.7 lb with 2.0 Ah). Five modes (Soft, Bolt, Bolt Single, Power, Self-Drilling Screw) at 900/2,900/3,400/3,700 RPM. IP56 sealed. Kit: two 2.0 Ah batteries, UC18YFSL charger, case; accepts 18V and 18V/36V MultiVolt packs. Lifetime tool warranty, 2 years batteries, 1 year charger. Rivals offer higher torque.

Bosch GDX18V-1860CN FREAK Impact Driver and Wrench

Bosch GDX18V-1860CN FREAK Impact Driver and Wrench

Hybrid 1/4-in hex holder inside a 1/2-in square anvil: 1,860 in-lbs fastening (155 ft-lb), 3,240 in-lbs breakaway (270 ft-lb), three speeds 0-1,100/0-2,300/0-3,400 RPM, 5.8-in head, 2.6 lb bare. Assist modes A and B; Auto Bolt Release. Two owners report hex holder failing to retain bits. 5-year tool/charger, 3-year battery warranty.

Greenworks ISG402 24V 1950 in-lbs Brushless Impact Driver Kit

Greenworks ISG402 24V 1950 in-lbs Brushless Impact Driver Kit

Homeowner kit: 1,950 in-lbs, 0-2,600 RPM, 3,500 IPM, brushless, 3-speed, 5 in long, 2 lb bare (3 lb with 2.0 Ah). Includes two 2.0 Ah batteries, charger, bag and one bit; 24V POWERALL platform of 200+ tools. Recharge 55-60 minutes per 2.0 Ah. 3-year warranty. No independent torque verification.

Torque, speed and control

Rated fastening torque: 500 in-lbs DEWALT, 1,590 Makita, 1,859 Metabo HPT, 1,860 Bosch, 1,950 Greenworks, 2,000 Milwaukee. Top speed: 3,900 RPM Milwaukee, 3,700 Metabo HPT, 3,600 Makita, 3,400 Bosch, 3,000 DEWALT high, 2,600 Greenworks. Mode counts: Milwaukee 4, Metabo HPT 5, Makita 4, Bosch 3 speeds plus 2 assist, Greenworks 3, DEWALT 2. Only the DEWALT is hydraulic; the other five are hammer-and-anvil, so the quietest is also the least powerful.

Size, weight and handling

Bare weight: Makita 1.9 lb, Metabo HPT and Greenworks 2.0 lb, Milwaukee and DEWALT 2.2 lb, Bosch 2.6 lb. Head length: DEWALT 4.0 in, Milwaukee 4.47 in, Makita and Metabo HPT 4.5 in, Greenworks 5 in, Bosch 5.8 in. With batteries: Milwaukee 3.9 lb on 5.0 Ah, Makita 3.3 lb, Greenworks 3 lb, DEWALT 2.9-3.8 lb. Bosch’s hybrid head is longest and least comfortable in tight spaces; DEWALT and Milwaukee fit between joists and in cabinets.

Bare tool vs kit

Makita, Metabo HPT and Greenworks include two batteries, a charger and a bag or case, ready to use.

Who should buy which


Prices and specs collected from manufacturer/retailer listings and public reviews; always confirm current price and stock on the linked page before buying.

Impact Drivers