Choosing the right hammer drill and impact driver set can feel like a big decision for any DIY enthusiast or professional. These two tools are the heart of any project, allowing you to drill through tough masonry and drive screws with incredible speed. In this guide, we will help you understand the difference between impact driver and hammer drill sets so you can pick the perfect pair for your home or jobsite.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 10 Hammer Drill And Impact Driver Set Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit with 2 Batteries, Charger, and Carrying Bag
The DEWALT 20V MAX combo kit is a legendary starter set for homeowners and light contractors. It balances power and portability perfectly, making it easy to tackle everything from hanging shelves to building a small deck.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ High-performance motor delivering up to 300 unit watts out (UWO).
- ✓ Compact 1/4-inch impact driver with a length of only 5.55 inches.
- ✓ Ergonomic handles designed for comfort during long working sessions.
- ✓ Includes two 20V MAX Lithium-Ion batteries and a contractor bag.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this set because it is incredibly reliable for daily household tasks. It is lightweight enough for one-handed use but has the power to drive large screws into pressure-treated lumber without breaking a sweat.
Best For
This kit is ideal for new homeowners and DIYers who need a high-quality, entry-level set that will last for years.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for a two-tool brand-name kit.
- Very lightweight and easy to handle in tight spaces.
- The impact driver offers a surprising amount of torque for its size.
Cons:
- Uses brushed motors rather than the newer brushless technology.
- The included 1.3Ah batteries have a shorter runtime than pro-grade options.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Work good; the set is very practical for home projects since the tools are very lightweight and easy to use. I recommend 100% and good price.
Customer Review: This is a fantastic set. The drill and hammer drive are strong and the battery life is fantastic. I can’t recommend it enough.
2. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit with Two 4Ah Powerpack Batteries
Step up to professional-grade performance with the DEWALT XR series. This kit features brushless motors that provide more runtime and power than standard models, making it a favorite for heavy-duty construction tasks.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ DCD806 hammer drill is up to 109% more powerful than previous versions.
- ✓ DCF845 impact driver features 30% more torque for tough fastening.
- ✓ Brushless motor technology for increased efficiency and motor life.
- ✓ Comes with two high-capacity 4Ah Powerpack batteries for extended use.
Why We Recommend It
The “XR” stands for extreme runtime, and it shows. We love the Powerpack batteries which stay slim but pack a punch, allowing you to work all day without the tool feeling too heavy or cumbersome.
Best For
Professionals and serious hobbyists who need a hammer drill and impact driver set capable of drilling through concrete and driving heavy lags.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Brushless motors stay cool even under heavy loads.
- Incredible battery capacity with the 4Ah packs.
- The hammer drill handles masonry with ease.
Cons:
- More expensive than the entry-level 20V MAX kits.
- The extra power can be overkill for very light delicate work.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This is a solid pair of dewalt power tools. Love the slim 4amp batteries and the ergo feel of the impact and drill. Lots of power and a great price for this set.
Customer Review: This is a solid pair of dewalt power tools. Love the slim 4amp batteries and the ergo feel of the impact and drill. Lots of power and a great price for this set.
3. Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit with High Performance Brushless Drill and Impact Driver
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel kit is widely considered the gold standard for jobsite durability. These tools are built to survive drops, dust, and heavy daily use while providing unmatched torque.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Powerstate Brushless motor delivers the highest power in its class.
- ✓ Redlink Plus Intelligence ensures optimal performance and protection.
- ✓ Fastest driving speed of any impact driver in the M18 lineup.
- ✓ Includes two 5.0Ah XC batteries and a durable hard case.
Why We Recommend It
If you want tools that never quit, this is the set. The 5.0Ah batteries provide immense runtime, and the “Fuel” technology ensures the tools don’t bog down even when drilling large holes through thick lumber.
Best For
Trade professionals like electricians and plumbers who need peak performance and a rugged carrying case.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Industry-leading torque and speed.
- Excellent battery life with the 5.0Ah packs.
- The hard case provides much better protection than a soft bag.
Cons:
- The tools and batteries are slightly heavier than competitors.
- Premium pricing reflects the high-end build quality.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: These tools are great. They have plenty of power to do the job and are very well built.
Customer Review: Dynamite set. This is by far the best deal on Milwaukee Fuel tools out there. Hard cases are great for keeping everything organized.
4. DEWALT 20V MAX FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit with 5.0Ah Battery Pack
The FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE kit is unique because the hammer drill can sense when a larger Flexvolt battery is attached, boosting its power by up to 42%. It’s a “smart” tool for those who want scalability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ DCD999 hammer drill gets more power when paired with FLEXVOLT batteries.
- ✓ 20x brighter 3-mode LED light to illuminate dark workspaces.
- ✓ Heavy-duty 1/2-inch metal chuck for superior bit gripping strength.
- ✓ Compatible with the entire DEWALT 20V and 60V battery ecosystem.
Why We Recommend It
We love the versatility here. You can use standard 20V batteries for light tasks, but if you need to drill through thick concrete, you can pop in a Flexvolt battery and the tool transforms into a beast.
Best For
Users who already own DEWALT Flexvolt tools or plan to expand into high-powered 60V equipment soon.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Intelligent power boost with Flexvolt batteries.
- The LED light is actually bright enough to use as a flashlight.
- High-quality metal chuck prevents bit slipping.
Cons:
- The hammer drill is quite heavy compared to the compact XR models.
- Requires Flexvolt batteries (sold separately) to reach full potential.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This DeWalt drill and impactor combo has absolutely blown me away! The drill is a beast – it powers through anything I throw at it.
Customer Review: As someone who tackles a lot of DIY projects, this combo has exceeded all expectations. Reliable and powerful.
5. Milwaukee M18 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver XC Combo Kit with Two Batteries
This classic Milwaukee M18 set offers the rugged dependability the brand is known for but at a more accessible price point than the Fuel series. It uses a brushed motor that is easy to maintain and very tough.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Includes the 2607-20 hammer drill and 2656-20 impact driver.
- ✓ All-metal gear case and chuck for extreme jobsite durability.
- ✓ Compact design allows for better accessibility in cramped workspaces.
- ✓ Built-in LED lights to illuminate the work surface.
Why We Recommend It
This is a “workhorse” kit. We recommend it because it doesn’t have complicated electronics, making it incredibly durable for users who work in harsh environments where tools get bumped and bruised.
Best For
Workers who need a reliable, no-frills toolset that can handle concrete, metal, and wood daily.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely robust all-metal construction.
- Excellent ergonomics and balanced weight.
- Reliable 4-pole frameless motor.
Cons:
- Brushed motor is less efficient than brushless versions.
- The tools are slightly larger than the modern “Compact” series.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: In my line of work I put these to the test everyday drilling through brick and concrete. This is the toughest battery drill I have ever used.
Customer Review: Solid performance. It isn’t the fanciest tool, but it works every single time I pull the trigger.
6. CRAFTSMAN V20 RP Brushless Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit with Two Batteries and Charger
Craftsman has returned to its roots with the V20 RP series. These brushless tools offer fantastic runtime and a classic feel that many DIY enthusiasts appreciate for weekend projects.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Brushless motors provide up to 25% more runtime for the drill.
- ✓ Drill produces 350 unit watts out for heavy-duty applications.
- ✓ 2-speed gearbox with ranges of 0-600 and 0-1,900 RPM.
- ✓ Impact driver features high torque for easy fastening of long screws.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this set for its balance of price and technology. You get the benefits of brushless efficiency without the steep “pro” price tag, and the tools feel very comfortable in the hand.
Best For
Homeowners who want modern brushless technology for their home maintenance and assembly tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent trigger modulation for precise control.
- Noticeable runtime improvement over older Craftsman models.
- Compact design is great for working inside cabinets.
Cons:
- The battery ecosystem is smaller than DEWALT or Milwaukee.
- Not designed for extreme heavy-duty professional masonry work.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: For a mid-level power tool, both work smoothly and with considerable power. Nice feel in the hand. The impact driver was useful for lag screws.
Customer Review: Battery power is substantial, and the trigger modulation is really good. It feels like a high-end tool but at a much better price.
7. Makita XT269T 18V LXT Brushless Cordless 2-Piece Combo Kit with 5.0Ah Lithium-Ion Batteries and Charger
Makita is famous for having the world’s largest 18V slide-style battery system. This brushless kit is refined, smooth-running, and comes with high-capacity batteries that charge incredibly fast.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Efficient BL Brushless motor optimizes battery use for 50% longer runtime.
- ✓ Hammer drill delivers 530 in.lbs. of Max Torque for serious power.
- ✓ Star Protection Computer Controls protect against overloading and overheating.
- ✓ Impact driver is compact and ergonomic, weighing only 3.3 lbs with battery.
Why We Recommend It
Makita tools have a “precision” feel that other brands sometimes lack. The brushless motor is electronically controlled to match torque to the application, which makes the tool very efficient and smooth.
Best For
Woodworkers and contractors who appreciate refined tool performance and need fast-charging batteries.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The 5.0Ah batteries provide an massive amount of work per charge.
- Extremely fast battery charging compared to other brands.
- Very well-balanced tools that reduce wrist fatigue.
Cons:
- The battery charger has a loud fan (though it helps charge faster).
- The price is on the higher end for a two-piece kit.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This drill/impact driver kit showed me how tools SHOULD function. The impact driver is my most used and indispensable tool I own and it is POWERFUL.
Customer Review: The build quality of both the drill and the impact driver is exceptional. This set has exceeded my expectations in both value and performance.
8. BOSCH 18V Brushless Compact Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit with Two 2.0Ah Batteries and Bag
Bosch specializes in compact power. This 18V kit is one of the smallest on the list, making it the absolute best choice for working in tight spots like under sinks or inside shelving units.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Professional-grade compact drill with a powerful brushless motor.
- ✓ Impact driver features a 1/4 inch hex and variable speed trigger.
- ✓ Electronic Cell Protection helps prevent battery overheating.
- ✓ Includes two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger in a sturdy bag.
Why We Recommend It
We love the German engineering behind Bosch tools. They feel incredibly solid despite their small size. This is a great best cordless drill alternative if you need something more compact for assembly tasks.
Best For
Kitchen installers, cabinet makers, and anyone working in confined spaces frequently.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and small for overhead work.
- Very reliable brushless motor with good longevity.
- Ergonomic grip is very comfortable for smaller hands.
Cons:
- 2.0Ah batteries won’t last as long as the 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah options.
- Lower overall torque compared to the “heavy-duty” lines.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: I have used Bosch tools for years and have never been disappointed. These are light and plenty powerful for my needs.
Customer Review: Perfect for tight spaces. The drill is compact enough to fit where my other ones couldn’t.
9. DEWALT 20V MAX Brushless Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit featuring Hammer Drill with FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE and Battery
Similar to our #4 pick, this kit focuses on the high-power Flexvolt Advantage hammer drill but often includes different battery configurations to fit professional budgets and needs.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ DCD999 hammer drill handles the toughest concrete drilling tasks.
- ✓ Brushless motor designed for maximum efficiency and power.
- ✓ Heavy-duty 1/2″ chuck for superior bit retention.
- ✓ Integrated LED light with 3 modes for working in dark corners.
Why We Recommend It
This is for the user who wants the absolute top-of-the-line DEWALT technology. If you are drilling through masonry daily, the Flexvolt Advantage provides that extra kick you need to finish the job faster.
Best For
Heavy construction, masonry work, and professional contractors who need the most powerful 20V drill available.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unbeatable power in the 20V category.
- The LED lighting is superior to almost any other brand.
- Rock-solid build quality that feels like it can handle a drop.
Cons:
- Expensive investment for a home DIYer.
- The drill is bulky and can be heavy for overhead use.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: This is the king of 20V drills. When you put a 60V battery on it, the power increase is insane. It drills through concrete like butter.
Customer Review: A bit heavy, but it hasn’t met a hole it couldn’t drill yet. Great professional set.
10. DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver Set with 2-Speed Motor, XR Lithium-Ion Batteries, Charger, and Bag
Rounding out our list is the most popular entry-level DEWALT drill set. While it doesn’t include the impact driver, it is the most affordable way to enter the 20V system with a tool that handles both drilling and driving.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Compact, lightweight design fits into very tight areas.
- ✓ High-speed transmission delivers two speeds for different tasks.
- ✓ 1/2-inch single sleeve ratcheting chuck for tight bit grip.
- ✓ Ergonomic handle provides comfort and control.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this for people who just want one reliable tool for light home repairs. It’s a great way to start your collection before you decide to add specialized tools later on.
Best For
Light furniture assembly, hanging pictures, and general household maintenance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- The most affordable brand-name option.
- Very lightweight and easy for anyone to use.
- Great battery life for light tasks.
Cons:
- Does not have a hammer mode for masonry.
- Missing the high-torque impact driver found in other kits.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: Battery life is excellent but it’s also very nice having a backup charged. Heavy enough I know I bought quality.
Customer Review: This is pound for pound the best drill/driver I have ever owned. Lightweight and much easier on my wrists.
Complete Buying Guide for Hammer Drill And Impact Driver Set
Essential Factors We Consider
When looking for a hammer drill and impact driver set, you need to consider more than just the brand name. The most important factor is brushless vs brushed motors. Brushless motors are more efficient and last longer, though they cost more. You also need to look at battery capacity, measured in Amp-hours (Ah). A 2.0Ah battery is great for light work, but a 5.0Ah battery will let you work all day. It is also worth checking the difference between a drill and a hammer drill to ensure you actually need the “hammer” function for masonry work.
Budget Planning
Budget sets usually range from $100 to $160 and are perfect for home use. They typically use brushed motors and smaller batteries. Professional sets can cost $300 or more but offer brushless motors, high-capacity batteries, and hard carrying cases. If you plan on using your tools every weekend, spending a little more upfront for a brushless set is usually worth the investment.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a combo kit is almost always cheaper than buying the tools separately. Plus, having a matching set means you can swap batteries between the drill and the driver as you work. This makes your workflow much smoother and ensures you never have to stop a project to wait for a charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I really need both a hammer drill and an impact driver?
A: Most people find that having both makes work much faster. You use the hammer drill to create holes (especially in brick or concrete) and the impact driver to sink screws without stripping the heads. It saves you from constantly switching bits in a single tool.
Q: Can I use an impact driver as a regular drill?
A: Yes, you can buy hex-shank drill bits for an impact driver. However, it isn’t as precise as a regular drill and can be much louder. For clean, precise holes in wood or metal, a standard drill is still better.
Q: What is the benefit of a “Hammer” mode?
A: The hammer mode adds a pulsing, percussive action that helps the drill bit chip away at hard materials like brick, stone, or concrete. Without it, you will likely burn out your drill bits trying to get through masonry.
Choosing a hammer drill and impact driver set is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to your toolbox. Whether you go with the professional power of Milwaukee or the reliable value of DEWALT, having the right tools makes every project easier and more fun. Ready to start your next build? Check out our top recommendations on Amazon today and get to work!
