Milwaukee 2953-20 vs DeWalt DCF887B Impact Driver
Updated · Price Drop Radar
Bottom line
TechGearLab bought both drivers and put them through 144 lab tests. The Milwaukee 2953-20 was faster and stronger: it pulled lag bolts in 15 seconds to the DeWalt's 23, and it hit 300 ft-lb of fastening torque to the DeWalt's 238. It is also shorter at 114 mm vs 136 mm, and quieter at 92 dBA vs 100 dBA. The DeWalt DCF887B was slightly better on battery life in that test, and TechGearLab calls it an excellent addition if you already own DeWalt batteries. Buy whichever battery platform you already use. If you don't own one, TechGearLab's data favors the Milwaukee.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2953-20
DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCF887B
Side by side
| Spec | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2953-20 | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCF887B |
|---|---|---|
| TechGearLab overall rating [1] | 85 of 100; named Best Tool-Only Impact Driver | Ranked fifth of 12; category scores below |
| Speed score [1] | 9.9 of 10 | 9.2 of 10 |
| Torque score [1] | 10 of 10 | 8.6 of 10 |
| Convenience score [1] | 8.1 of 10 | 7.0 of 10 |
| Battery score [1] | 4.4 of 10 | 4.9 of 10 |
| Noise score [1] | 5.0 of 10 | 2.0 of 10 |
| Lag bolt test, total time [1] | 15 seconds | 23 seconds |
| Ledger screws into plywood [1] | 3 seconds | 4 seconds |
| Measured fastening torque [1] | 300 ft-lb | 238 ft-lb |
| Measured breaking torque [1] | 300 ft-lb | 300 ft-lb |
| Measured length [1] | 114 mm | 136 mm |
| Noise while driving [1] | 92 dBA | 100 dBA |
| Quick bit insert and drive modes [1][2] | Yes; four RPM settings | Yes; three speeds |
| Light [1][2] | Tri-LED; TechGearLab called it one of the best in the test | Not singled out by TechGearLab |
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2953-20
- Fastest and strongest of the two in TechGearLab's lab tests
- Compact at 114 mm, and one of the quietest drivers tested
- Phenomenal work light and four RPM settings
- Might be too powerful for delicate work, per TechGearLab
- Battery score of 4.4 of 10; a 51-screw run in TechGearLab's battery test
- Battery life is a weakness: 51 ledger screws and three lag bolts on TechGearLab's test battery, vs 103 and seven for the Kobalt
DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCF887B
- Strong, with 300 ft-lb breaking torque like the Milwaukee
- Slightly better battery score in TechGearLab's test
- Easy fit if you already own DeWalt 20V batteries
- Loud at 100 dBA, among the loudest tested
- Slower than the Milwaukee in every timed test
- TechGearLab calls it relatively pricey if you don't own DeWalt batteries
Which one is right for you
| If you are | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Own Milwaukee M18 batteries | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2953-20 | Fastest and strongest in TechGearLab's tests |
| Own DeWalt 20V batteries | DeWalt 20V MAX XR DCF887B | Strong, and your batteries fit |
| Tight spaces or overhead work | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2953-20 | 114 mm long |
| Want a quieter driver | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2953-20 | 92 dBA vs 100 dBA |
| Starting from scratch | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2953-20 | Best test numbers and the best light |
What to look for
Battery platform
Why it matters: The battery and charger are most of the cost, and they fit only one brand's tools.
How to check: Count the Milwaukee M18 or DeWalt 20V batteries you already own.
Watch out: TechGearLab says value depends on which batteries you already have.
Torque and speed
Why it matters: Stubborn bolts and long screws need more torque and faster driving.
How to check: List your toughest jobs, like lag bolts and deck screws.
Watch out: In TechGearLab's lag bolt test the Milwaukee finished in 15 seconds and the DeWalt in 23.
Size
Why it matters: A shorter driver fits between studs and under cabinets.
How to check: Compare 114 mm and 136 mm to your tightest spots.
Watch out: TechGearLab measured the Milwaukee at 114 mm and the DeWalt at 136 mm.
Noise
Why it matters: Impact drivers are loud, and hearing protection matters.
How to check: Wear hearing protection either way.
Watch out: TechGearLab measured 92 dBA for the Milwaukee and 100 dBA for the DeWalt.
Battery size
Why it matters: Tool-only means you supply the battery and charger.
How to check: Buy a larger battery if you work all day.
Watch out: TechGearLab says the Milwaukee needs a bigger battery for long jobs. It removed 51 ledger screws and three lag bolts on a test battery.
Traps and timing
- Both listings are tool-only. They do not include a battery or charger.
- TechGearLab also tested the smaller DeWalt Atomic DCF850, which performed close to the Milwaukee. Don't confuse it with the DCF887B.
- TechGearLab's list price for the Milwaukee 2953 was $150, and it was on sale when checked. Check the live Amazon price for both.
- The Milwaukee 2953 replaces the older 2853. Several reviews online cover the 2853.
- TechGearLab named the Kobalt XTR Max 24V its best overall impact driver, and it beat both in battery life.
Before you check out
- Count the batteries you already own.
- Decide how much torque and speed you need.
- Check the length against your tightest spots.
- Buy hearing protection.
- Check the live Amazon price.
How we put this together
We don't test impact drivers in a lab. We compared the makers' published specs, the Amazon listings and independent reviews, all listed under Sources, and where they disagree we say so. Prices come from Amazon and are refreshed by our system throughout the day.
Price Drop Radar earns a commission on qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. That never decides which product we recommend.
Quick answers
Which impact driver is stronger?
The Milwaukee 2953-20. TechGearLab measured 300 ft-lb of fastening torque vs 238 ft-lb for the DeWalt DCF887B.
Which is quieter?
The Milwaukee, at 92 dBA vs 100 dBA in TechGearLab's measurements.
Which has better battery life?
The DeWalt scored slightly higher, 4.9 vs 4.4 of 10, in TechGearLab's test. Neither matched the Kobalt XTR Max 24V.
Do they come with a battery?
No, these listings are tool-only. You need a compatible battery and charger.
Which is smaller?
The Milwaukee, at 114 mm vs 136 mm.
Sources
- The Best Impact Drivers, TechGearLab
- M18 FUEL 1/4 in Hex Impact Driver (2953-20), Milwaukee Tool
- 20V MAX XR Brushless 3-Speed 1/4 in Impact Driver, tool only (DCF887B), DeWalt