The 11 Best Socket Sets of 2023

Best Overall

Sunex Tools 3342 3/8-Inch Drive Master Impact Socket Set

4.4

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This excellent collection of 42 sockets, each crafted from chromium-molybdenum alloy steel, marries a wide range of metric, deep metric, SAE, and deep-SAE sockets with affordability and top quality performance that you can trust. It is built for use on an impact wrench—a power tool that delivers far more torque than you could achieve with just muscle power alone. You can also use these with your regular ratchet, making this set even more versatile.

This set is perfect for the DIY auto mechanic who is looking for an upgrade, or the professional automotive technician who is seeking out an addition to their beloved but likely well-worn tools. With metric and deep metric sockets ranging from 10 millimeters to 19 millimeters each, and with SAE and deep SAE sockets ranging from 5/16 inch to 3/4 inch, Sunex is confident that you’ll have the right tools for the job with their impact sockets—especially when you attach their complimentary 3-inch extension for those awkward, hard-to-reach jobs.

Sunex’s versatile impact sockets, which boast radius corner design for enhanced torque and come in their own heavy-duty case for stylish, safe, and convenient storage.

Price at time of publish: $74

_{Material: Chromoly steel | Set Size: 42 pieces | Deep Sockets Included: Yes | Impact Sockets: Yes | Drive Size: 3/8 inch}

Best Budget

WORKPRO 39-Piece Socket Set

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Socket sets can be expensive, especially sets that include ratchets and adapters. However, if you only need a basic set of sockets to keep in your car for emergency repairs, want a set for occasional household use, or need sockets for simple maintenance on your car, motorcycle, or RV, then there's no reason to break your budget. The WORKPRO 39-Piece Socket Set is not extensive but provides good-quality tools at a very reasonable price.

You get a 3/8-inch ratchet with a 1/4-inch adapter for use on smaller sockets, as well as a 1/4-inch spinner handle. There are 15 SAE sockets with a 1/4-inch drive, 13 metric sockets with a 1/4-inch drive, and three SAE and metric sockets with 3/8-inch drives. There's also a 1/4-inch extension bar. All components are chrome vanadium steel with rust- and heat-resistant finishes. The entire set fits nicely in a plastic storage box, and each socket's space is clearly marked with its size. All in all, this is a great set for the price.

Price at time of publish: $23

_{Material: Chrome vanadium | Set Size: 39 pieces | Deep Sockets Included: No | Impact Sockets: No | Drive Size: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch}

Best for Home Mechanics

Stanley STMT71652 123-Piece Socket Set

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For the amateur mechanic or car enthusiast who wants it all without spending a bundle, there’s only one set out there that combines the variety and quality of a higher-end collection with the affordability of a mid-range set: the Stanley STMT71652 123-Piece Socket Set. This crowd-pleaser comes loaded with 123 of the most useful tools, including over 70 sockets, more than 20 screwdriver bits, two ratchets, and a spinner handle.

This set is a great investment for beginners who are looking for an entry-level socket set or semi-pros who are seeking a backup toolbox of bits. It pulls no punches in providing buyers with all the right tools for their next minor automotive or household repair project, and it will come in handy for a multitude of tasks both in the garage and around the house.

Price at time of publish: $58

_{Material: Chrome vanadium | Set Size: 123 pieces | Deep Sockets Included: Yes | Impact Sockets: No | Drive Size: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch}

Best for Motorcycles

MulWark Premium Master 34-Piece Socket Set

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If you ride a motorcycle and like to take care of basic maintenance yourself, chances are you don’t need a high-end socket set—you just need a good set that's comprehensive enough to meet most of your needs. This nicely complete set of sockets from MulWark does the trick, with all the basic sockets you are likely to want for repairs on your car, motorcycle, bicycle, ATV, or machinery. 

This set includes 17 each of SAE and metric hex sockets in all of the common sizes. Note that it does not include a ratchet, however, nor does it have a variety of extenders, adapters, or other accessories that are often found in higher-priced socket sets. Should you require those, you will need to buy them separately. The set does include a sturdy plastic organizing case, though. 

Still, this affordable set of sockets is a great addition to your motorcycle maintenance toolkit, with more than enough variety and durability to take on basic tasks. All in all, MulWark’s 34-piece socket set is a compact, complete, and competitively priced addition to any amateur mechanic's collection.

Price at time of publish: $42

_{Material: S2 steel | Set Size: 34 pieces | Deep Sockets Included: No | Impact Sockets: No | Drive Size: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, and 1/2 inch}

Best Complete

DEWALT DWMT73803 168-Piece Mechanic Tool & Socket Set

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If you want not only a very comprehensive set of 6-point sockets in both metric and SAE sizes but also a wide selection of hex keys, combination wrenches, nut drivers, adapters, and ratchets, then the DEWALT 168-Piece Mechanic Tool & Socket Set is just what you've been looking for. All pieces are heavy-duty, professional-quality tools with a polished chrome vanadium finish. All of the sockets and box-end wrenches incorporate DEWALT's DirectTorque Technology, which provides superior torque without damage to fasteners.

The set includes three 72-tooth, quick-release ratchets with 1/4-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inch drives. There are 35 1/4-inch sockets in both metric and SAE sizes, 36 3/8-inch sockets in both metric and SAE sizes, and 19 1/2-inch sockets in metric and SAE sizes. There are 28 hex keys, half SAE and half metric. You get 12 combination wrenches in all the common sizes, as well as a large assortment of adapters and extensions for working on spark plus and other specialized tasks, including 22 MaxFit bits for driving screws and other fasteners.

The entire set fits nicely in the included sturdy box. The total weight of the set is approximately 23 pounds, so it's reasonably lightweight for easy transport.

Price at time of publish: $150

_{Material: Chrome vanadium | Set Size: 168 pieces | Deep Sockets Included: Yes | Impact Sockets: No | Drive Size: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch}

Best Portable

Stalwart 75-HT4023B Ratchet, Metric Socket and Bit Set

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Technology advances quickly, which makes it likely that something that worked yesterday will require repairs today. As any handyman can attest, tools that are both compact and portable are necessary for tackling unexpected day-to-day repair jobs. Stalwart’s 75-HT4023B Ratchet, Metric Socket and Bit Set just so happens to fit your everyday needs to a T.

This budget-friendly set boasts big value in a small case, packing a ratchet wrench alongside a collection of eight metric sockets (5 mm to 12 mm) and 12 screwdriver bits of various sizes (three Phillips, three flat, three Pozi, and three Torx). That means you’ll never be without the right gear for any minor household or automotive repair.

While this set is a little small, it’s great for jobs where limited space would otherwise impede larger tools. Its smaller size makes it a perfect fit for your glove compartment or kitchen drawer.

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Material: Not listed | Set Size: 26 pieces | Deep Sockets Included: No | Impact Sockets: No | Drive Size: 1/4 inch}

Best for Spark Plugs

Sunex Spark Plug Socket Set 8845

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If you spend much time working on cars or other gas-powered engines, either as a hobby or professionally, then you know the value of a good set of socket wrenches specifically designed for accessing and turning spark plugs, whether they be inside your automobile, motorcycle, lawn mower, chainsaw, trimmer, or truck. And the Sunex 8845 3/8-Inch Spark Plug Socket Set definitely qualifies as a top-choice set for this task.

The Sunex set includes seven sockets, all made of CR-V alloy steel for maximum strength: three standard 2.5-inch-long sockets in common sizes 9/16, 5/8, and 13/16 inch; one 2.5-inch-long thin-wall 16 mm socket; and three 6-inch-long sockets in sizes 9/16, 5/8, and 13/16 inch. Among them all, you’ll be able to grab and turn any spark plug. The set also includes a heavy-duty plastic box to store the sockets when not in use.

Price at time of publish: $48

_{Material: CR-V alloy steel | Set Size: 7 pieces | Deep Sockets Included: Yes | Impact Sockets: No | Drive Size: 3/8 inch}

Best Professional Grade

Sunex Tools 3580 3/8-Inch Drive Master Impact Socket Set

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The old saying "You get what you pay for" isn't always true, but it is in this case. You'll pay quite a bit more than for other picks here, but you'll also get top quality. The Sunex 3580 3/8-Inch Drive Master Impact Socket Set is truly a behemoth of a socket set, sporting 80 pieces, including metric, deep, universal, and external star sockets, along with a variety of extensions.

Crafted from chromium-molybdenum alloy steel—a testament to their durability—these sockets are built to last for years, with deep sockets that are ideal for removing lug nuts, and a universal joint that pivots up to 22 degrees, so reaching tough-to-manage fasteners is a cinch.

This multifaceted selection of the most common sizes truly stands out among the competition. While it carries a price tag worthy of such a comprehensive selection, these sockets are likely to replace your favorite former go-to tools.

Price at time of publish: $220

_{Material: Chromoly steel | Set Size: 80 pieces | Deep Sockets Included: Yes | Impact Sockets: Yes | Drive Size: 3/8 inch}

Best for Around the House

Craftsman CMMT99448 102-Piece Home Tool & Socket Set

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Typically, socket sets contain just those: lots of sockets and perhaps a ratchet or two. However, if you want not just a socket set but also a set of basic home tools, then you'll like the Craftsman 102-Piece Home Tool & Socket Set. This handy collection is perfect for anyone who's just starting to build a tool set, to keep as a backup or extra set of tools in an RV or vacation home, or for handypeople who like to have a comprehensive tool set in an easily carried case.

The set includes two 72-tooth ratchets: one 1/4 inch and one 3/8 inch. There are 10 1/4-inch SAE sockets, 10 1/4-inch metric sockets, 10 3/8-inch SAE sockets, and 10 3/8-inch metric sockets, plus a spinner bar with bit adapter and 30 specialty bits, an extension adapter, and metric and SAE hex key sets. For household tasks, you get a hammer, four screwdrivers, three types of pliers and a wrench, and even a utility knife. All are sturdily built from steel with comfortable handles that are easy to grip. The set includes a plastic case to hold everything, so you won't need a separate tool box for storage.

Price at time of publish: $109

_{Material: Polished steel | Set Size: 102 pieces | Deep Sockets Included: No | Impact Sockets: No | Drive Size: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch}

Best Small Set

Egofine 12-Piece ¼-Inch Socket Set

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Some people don't need a large set of sockets but just want a small set that fits easily into their tool box and can be brought out for occasional tightening or loosening of fasteners on cars, motorcycles, ATVs or other small vehicles, or even for a lawnmower or patio furniture. If you're such a person, then the Egofine 12-Piece Socket Set is what you're looking for. This small set of chrome vanadium steel sockets includes 10 metric sockets, one quick-release 1/4-inch ratchet, and one 4-inch extension adapter.

The components of the set all fit securely into the small plastic holder. While this socket set isn't suited for the amateur mechanic who needs larger ratchets and a wider selection of sockets, it's a great choice for the handyperson who simply wants to have common sizes of sockets on hand when needed. The price is very reasonable.

Price at time of publish: $15

_{Material: Chrome vanadium | Set Size: 12 pieces | Deep Sockets Included: No | Impact Sockets: No | Drive Size: 1/4 inch}