The power tools that shined in 2023 and are leading the pack going into 2024
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About The Awards
Best-In-Class Picks
Our awards honorees are the podium-topping power tools that lead their class in regards to performance, build quality, bang for the buck, and more.
Testing Methodology
We lab test power tools with commercial-grade diagnostic machinery, in addition to testing in real-life applications.
Our Ratings
1,000's of data points are analyzed for all power tools in our test fleet. That firsthand data informs our algorithmic editorial ratings. Only the best-in-class power tools make the cut for our awards.
Picking the Winners
After stack-ranking all tools in our test fleet in key performance and features categories, we select the top models based on their editorial ratings, rankings, and value.
Impact Driver Award Winners
- Award: Top overall
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2953-20
Rankings
21 models tested
Driving speed
Torque
Battery run time
RPM
Bare tool weight
Impacting noise
Rating
4.72 / 5 ⭐️’s
What we like
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2953-20 packs in an impressive performance punch with unmatched torque. It also has class-leading speed under heavy loads and an impressively compact footprint with exceptional build quality.
- Award: DIYer pick
Dewalt 20V Max XR DCF845
Rankings
21 models tested
Driving speed
Torque
Battery run time
RPM
Bare tool weight
Impacting noise
Rating
4.40 / 5 ⭐️’s
What we like
Few impact drivers can match the performance and build quality of the Dewalt 20V Max XR DCF845, especially when considering the price. The performance, build quality, feature set, and price make it a clear podium-topping pick for DIYers and weekend warriors.
- Award: Compact pick
Makita 18V LXT XDT19Z
Rankings
21 models tested
Driving speed
Torque
Battery run time
RPM
Bare tool weight
Impacting noise
Rating
4.62 / 5 ⭐️’s
What we like
The Makita 18V LXT XDT19Z’s speed goes toe-to-toe with other flagship impact drivers and has impressive battery life. But no competing, high-performing models can match the incredibly lightweight and compact footprint. It also offers a vast array of driving modes that are capable of tackling light to heavy-duty tasks.
- Award: 12V pick
Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3453-20
Rankings
21 models tested
Driving speed
Torque
Battery run time
RPM
Bare tool weight
Impacting noise
Rating
4.56 / 5 ⭐️’s
What we like
Any Milwaukee tool with Fuel branding commands high expectations. The Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3453-20 impact driver lived up to those expectations (and more) when put through our lab tests. It leads the sub-compact class with robust torque and speed under load. Its featherlight design and performance profile make it just as valuable for beginners as an all-around tool for the home and for experienced carpenters needing a dedicated light-duty impact driver to fill out their tool arsenal.
- Award: Pro pick
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2953-20
Rankings
21 models tested
Driving speed
Torque
Battery run time
RPM
Bare tool weight
Impacting noise
Rating
4.72 / 5 ⭐️’s
What we like
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2953-20 packs in flagship performance that pros demand on the jobsite. It is filled to the brim with torque and sustains high RPMs under heavy loads, helping to save time in repetitive tasks. The long tool warranty removes any concern over build quality with rugged use on the jobsite.
- Award: Budget pick
Dewalt 12V Xtreme DCF801
Rankings
21 models tested
Driving speed
Torque
Battery run time
RPM
Bare tool weight
Impacting noise
Rating
4.23 / 5 ⭐️’s
What we like
The Dewalt 12V Xtreme DCF801 impact driver is a best-in-class budget pick that casts a thin shadow and won’t break the bank. While no 12V model can match the performance of an 18V impact driver, the DCF801 offers more than enough performance for budget-minded homeowners who value ease of use and weight over brute force. It also offers exceptional build quality at this price point.
- Award: Beginner pick
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge 2760-20
Rankings
21 models tested
Driving speed
Torque
Battery run time
RPM
Bare tool weight
Impacting noise
Rating
4.13 / 5 ⭐️’s
What we like
It’s hard to overstate how exceptionally well-built and balanced the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Surge 2760-20 is. Its hydraulic impulse design delivers a subtle impact under load. It is also incredibly quiet for an impact driver since the oil impulses generate impacts, not a hammering mechanism, as with other impact drivers. There is no better option we’ve tested that is as easy to pick up and use the first time without being intimidating.
Drills Award Winners
- Award: Top overall & top hammer drill
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2904-20
Rankings
18 models tested
Drilling speed
Driving speed
Torque
RPM
Bare tool weight
Noise
Rating
4.67 / 5 ⭐️’s
What we like
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2904-20 Hammer Drill checks all the boxes for a heavy-duty power tool built to withstand rugged use. It offers class-leading torque, sustains high RPMs under heavy drilling and driving loads, and includes an exceptionally long tool warranty. The included auxiliary arm and Milwaukee’s Autostop kickback control technology effectively reduce the risk of injury.
- Award: DIYer pick
Dewalt 20V Max XR DCD805
Rankings
18 models tested
Drilling speed
Driving speed
Torque
RPM
Bare tool weight
Noise
Rating
4.25 / 5 ⭐️’s
What we like
The Dewalt 20V Max XR DCD805 Hammer Drill shined in our lab tests with exceptional speed in heavy-duty drilling and driving applications, matching or beating other flagships in these categories. The fact that it does so at a far lower price makes it an easy choice for homeowners wanting a powerful drill.
- Award: Compact pick
Dewalt 20V Atomic DCD799
Rankings
18 models tested
Drilling speed
Driving speed
Torque
RPM
Bare tool weight
Noise
Rating
4.02 / 5 ⭐️’s
What we like
Some highly compact power tools sacrifice too much performance to cut weight and reduce the footprint size. The Dewalt 20V Atomic DCD799 Hammer Drill is better balanced with a performance-oriented design that is short from tip to tail, helping it drill more easily in tight quarters. Thanks to the compact footprint, it is also reasonably lightweight.
- Award: 12V pick
Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3404-20
Rankings
18 models tested
Drilling speed
Driving speed
Torque
RPM
Bare tool weight
Noise
Rating
4.45 / 5 ⭐️’s
What we like
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3404-20 Hammer Drill is worthy of its flagship status in the coveted Fuel power tool lineup. 12V drills are fantastic options for homeowners, and this is one of the top picks in that category due to its power, speed, and build quality. Add in the fact that the 3404-20 is incredibly light and compact, and you’ve got a deep bench of features that are unmatched in the 12V class.
- Award: Pro pick
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2904-20
Rankings
18 models tested
Drilling speed
Driving speed
Torque
RPM
Bare tool weight
Noise
Rating
4.67 / 5 ⭐️’s
What we like
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2904-20 Hammer Drill is worthy of a spot in a pro tool belt due to its speed and torque. It shined in our drilling and driving speed tests designed to test performance at the top of a drill’s range. In the rare instance it bogs down and binds up, Milwaukee’s Autostop kickback control technology instantly stops the motor to prevent wrist injuries. The high BPM also vastly improves speed when drilling cement and thick lumber.
- Award: Budget pick
Milwaukee M18 2607-20
Rankings
18 models tested
Drilling speed
Driving speed
Torque
RPM
Bare tool weight
Noise
Rating
4.21 / 5 ⭐️’s
What we like
Budget-focused buyers will be hard-pressed to find a competing drill that offers as much performance and build quality at this price point. The Milwaukee M18 2607-20 Hammer Drill includes a brushless motor for improved longevity and efficiency and a ratcheting all-metal chuck, two rare features at such a low price point. But Milwaukee didn’t stop there. It includes Milwaukee’s best-in-class tool warranty and is faster than most budget models. The 2607-20 is a fantastic way to cheaply get into the coveted Milwaukee ecosystem.
- Award: Beginner pick
Ryobi 18V One+ PSBHM01
Rankings
18 models tested
Drilling speed
Driving speed
Torque
RPM
Bare tool weight
Noise
Rating
3.55 / 5 ⭐️’s
What we like
The Ryobi 18V One+ PSBHM01 Hammer Drill is perfect for beginners. The performance profile is better than most 12V drills, yet it is more compact and lighter than other 18V models. This “hybrid” sweet spot isn’t intimidating for beginners and offers enough performance to grow with you as you tackle more demanding DIY projects and routine tasks around the home. The added versatility of a hammer drill is a cherry on top that improves speed in certain drilling applications.