6 Best Socket Sets (October 2026)
The best best socket sets include the DeWalt 34-piece 1/4 and 3/8 inch socket set for mixed home and garage jobs, the WORKPRO 39-piece 1/4 and 3/8 inch socket set for a compact accessory mix, and the EPAuto 40-piece socket set with 72-tooth ratchet for a basic dual-drive kit.
On this page (3 sections)
The best socket set for most home and garage jobs is the DeWalt 34-piece set, with both 1/4 and 3/8 inch drives and SAE and metric sockets. For more pieces in one drive size, GEARWRENCH offers standard and deep sockets, while Tekton covers a wider 3/8 inch range.
Choose by the fasteners you work on and the space around them. A larger piece count can mean more sizes or more socket depths, but it won't help if the set lacks the drive size you need.
Start with our socket size chart if you need to identify the sizes you use. Our socket drive size guide explains the tradeoffs between 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drives.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for mixed home and garage jobsDeWalt 34-piece 1/4 and 3/8 inch socket set
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a compact accessory mixWORKPRO 39-piece 1/4 and 3/8 inch socket set
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a basic dual-drive kitEPAuto 40-piece socket set with 72-tooth ratchet
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itGEARWRENCH 56-piece 6-point socket set
Best for standard and deep sockets - 5
Check itEgofine 34-piece 3/8 inch socket set
Best for a 3/8 inch ratchet starter kit - 6
Check itTekton 73-piece 3/8 inch socket and ratchet set
Best for broad 3/8 inch coverage
Which socket sets are the best picks for different jobs?
The DeWalt is the top pick here because it combines two drive sizes, both measurement systems and a 72-tooth ratchet. The other picks focus on accessories, deep sockets or a larger range within 3/8 inch drive.
We compared the included sizes, drive systems, socket styles and accessories against common home and garage needs. Our score weighs specs and features against what you're shopping for.
| Product | Best for | Drive sizes | Measurement | Ratchet | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt 34-piece 1/4 and 3/8 inch socket set | mixed home and garage jobs | 1/4 and 3/8 in | SAE and metric | 72 teeth; 5-degree arc swing | 8.6 |
| WORKPRO 39-piece 1/4 and 3/8 inch socket set | a compact accessory mix | 1/4 and 3/8 in | SAE and metric | 8.4 | |
| EPAuto 40-piece socket set with 72-tooth ratchet | a basic dual-drive kit | 1/4 and 3/8 in | Metric and English | 3/8 in; 72 teeth | 8.3 |
| GEARWRENCH 56-piece 6-point socket set | standard and deep sockets | SAE and metric | 8.1 | ||
| Egofine 34-piece 3/8 inch socket set | a 3/8 inch ratchet starter kit | SAE and metric | 7.8 | ||
| Tekton 73-piece 3/8 inch socket and ratchet set | broad 3/8 inch coverage | SAE and metric | 7.0 |
DeWalt 34-piece 1/4 and 3/8 inch socket set
- 1/4 and 3/8 inch drive
- SAE and metric
- 72-tooth ratchet
- Locking, stackable case
The two drive sizes and both measurement systems make this a flexible small set for general repairs. Hard-stamped markings and a removable tray add practical storage details.
Pros
- Two drive sizes
- SAE and metric sockets
- Removable inner tray
Cons
- Smaller assortment than the 56- and 73-piece sets
The DeWalt 34-piece set is the best fit if you want one small kit for mixed jobs. Its 1/4 and 3/8 inch drives and SAE and metric sockets reduce the need to choose between separate small sets.
The 72-tooth ratchet has a 5-degree arc swing, which can help in restricted spaces where a larger swing is hard to make. Hard-stamped size markings identify the sockets, and knurled rings give you a textured surface while handling them.
The case locks and stacks with compatible DeWalt mechanics tool sets. Its removable inner tray is designed to fit most standard-height tool chest drawers.
Choose it for general-purpose coverage and orderly storage. If your jobs often involve long studs, compare its smaller assortment with the deep sockets in the GEARWRENCH and Tekton sets.
WORKPRO 39-piece 1/4 and 3/8 inch socket set
- 1/4 and 3/8 inch drive
- SAE and metric sockets
- Spinner handle and extension
- Blow-molded case
The set pairs two drive sizes with a spinner handle, extension, adapter and spin disk. Its dedicated case slots keep the assortment arranged.
Pros
- Two drive sizes and measurement systems
- Several included accessories
- Dedicated case slots
Cons
- Limited 3/8 inch socket range
The WORKPRO set is a good match if you want accessories beyond a ratchet and sockets. It includes a spinner handle, extension bar, adapter and spin disk, alongside 1/4 and 3/8 inch drive sockets in SAE and metric sizes.
The 1/4 inch drive socket range is broad, while the 3/8 inch drive selection is limited to 7/16, 1/2 and 9/16 inch, plus 11, 12 and 13 mm. That makes this kit more suited to smaller sockets than jobs needing a wide 3/8 inch assortment.
Each socket has a dedicated place in the blow-molded case, and the sizes have clear markings. The sockets are heat-treated chrome vanadium steel with a polished chrome surface.
Pick it if the included spinner handle and adapter suit your work. If you need more 3/8 inch socket sizes, GEARWRENCH or Tekton offers a larger range.
EPAuto 40-piece socket set with 72-tooth ratchet
- 1/4 and 3/8 inch drives
- Metric and English sizes
- 72-tooth ratchet
- Plastic organizing case
This set brings together two drive sizes, metric and English sockets, and a 72-tooth ratchet. The plastic case keeps the pieces together for basic car or household work.
Pros
- Two drive sizes
- Metric and English sizes
- 72-tooth ratchet
Cons
- Exact socket coverage needs checking before you choose
The EPAuto set is a straightforward choice for buyers who want two drive sizes and a 72-tooth ratchet in one kit. It includes metric and English sockets and comes in a plastic organizing case.
The sockets are hardened, treated chrome vanadium steel with a chrome-plated, mirror-polished finish. The 3/8 inch reversible ratchet has 72 teeth, a useful feature to compare if your work calls for smaller ratchet movements.
Check the exact socket sizes before you order to make sure they fit your usual fasteners. A 40-piece count alone won't tell you which sizes are covered.
Choose EPAuto when dual-drive basics and a 72-tooth ratchet matter most. Consider WORKPRO if you specifically want a spinner handle, adapter and spin disk.
GEARWRENCH 56-piece 6-point socket set
- 3/8 inch drive
- SAE and metric
- Standard and deep 6-point sockets
- 120-position ratchet
The broad 3/8 inch set combines standard and deep sockets in SAE and metric sizes. It also includes extensions, a universal joint and a 120-position ratchet.
Pros
- Standard and deep sockets
- 6-point openings
- Extensions and universal joint
Cons
- Only 3/8 inch drive
The GEARWRENCH set suits buyers who want both standard and deep sockets in a single 3/8 inch drive kit. Its 56 pieces include 6-point SAE and metric sockets, with 13 standard SAE, 14 standard metric, 11 deep SAE and 14 deep metric sockets.
It also includes a 120-position ratchet, two extensions and a universal joint. GEARWRENCH says its off-corner loading design helps reduce fastener rounding, while hard-stamped markings identify socket sizes.
The single drive size keeps the system focused, but it may be limiting if your work calls for 1/4 inch tools. Check our guide to choosing a mechanics tool set if you're comparing a socket kit with a broader collection.
Egofine 34-piece 3/8 inch socket set
- 3/8 inch ratchet
- SAE and metric sockets
- 6-point openings
- Extension bar
This set pairs a 3/8 inch ratchet with 1/4 and 3/8 inch drive sockets in SAE and metric sizes. A 3-inch extension, socket adapter and drill adapter add connection options.
Pros
- SAE and metric sockets
- 6-point openings
- Extension and adapters
Cons
- 1/4 inch sockets use an adapter with the included ratchet
The Egofine set suits buyers who want a 3/8 inch ratchet paired with smaller and larger sockets in both measurement systems. Its 34 pieces include 1/4 and 3/8 inch drive sockets, a quick-release ratchet, a 3-inch extension bar and two adapters.
The metric range spans 5 to 19 mm across the two socket drive sizes. SAE sizes range from 5/32 to 7/8 inch, with gaps, so match the individual sizes to your fasteners.
The 6-point sockets are heat-treated chrome vanadium steel with a polished chrome surface. A storage case keeps the assortment together, and size marks identify each socket.
Pick it when those size ranges fit your work and you're comfortable using the adapter for the 1/4 inch sockets. Choose GEARWRENCH or Tekton if you specifically need a set that includes deep sockets.
Tekton 73-piece 3/8 inch socket and ratchet set
- 3/8 inch drive
- SAE and metric
- Shallow and deep 6-point sockets
- Breaker bar and extensions
The 73-piece set covers a wide range of SAE and metric sizes in shallow and deep 3/8 inch sockets. A breaker bar, extensions and universal joint round out the included tools.
Pros
- Broad SAE and metric ranges
- Shallow and deep sockets
- Breaker bar and extensions
Cons
- Only 3/8 inch drive
The Tekton set offers a broad 3/8 inch socket range for buyers who need both shallow and deep sockets. It includes 6-point SAE and metric sockets, an 8-inch quick-release ratchet, an 18-inch breaker bar, two extensions and a universal joint.
Its SAE sockets run from 1/4 to 1 inch, while its metric range runs from 6 to 24 mm. Large stamped markings identify sizes, and Tekton says the radiused corners help prevent rounding by applying force to fastener flats.
This is a substantial kit at 16.6 lb. Choose it when range and socket depth matter more than keeping the case light or having multiple drive sizes.
What should you compare before buying a socket set?
The best socket set is the one whose drive size, measurement system and socket range fit the jobs you expect to do. Use those details before comparing piece counts or case features.
Which drive size makes the best socket set for your work?
A dual-drive kit can serve more types of jobs, while a single-drive kit may offer more sockets in that system. DeWalt, WORKPRO and EPAuto include 1/4 and 3/8 inch drives, while GEARWRENCH and Tekton focus on 3/8 inch drive.
Egofine combines 1/4 and 3/8 inch drive sockets with a 3/8 inch ratchet and an adapter for the smaller sockets. That differs from having a separate ratchet for each drive size.
If you need more context, read our complete mechanics tool set buying guide. It can help you decide whether to buy a socket set or a broader tool collection.
Should you choose SAE, metric or both?
Choose both systems when your work may involve fasteners measured in inches and millimeters. Every pick in this roundup includes SAE or English and metric sizes.
If you know your equipment uses only one system, compare the exact range in that system instead of choosing by total piece count. Our SAE vs metric guide explains the difference.
When are deep sockets useful?
Deep sockets help reach nuts farther along threaded studs when a shallow socket can't seat fully. GEARWRENCH and Tekton include both standard or shallow and deep sockets.
Consider the fastener depth as well as the size. A socket that fits across the flats may still be too short to reach the nut, while a deep socket may be too long for a confined space.
Does a larger piece count mean a better set?
No, piece count alone doesn't show useful coverage. It can include accessories and duplicate socket sizes in different depths.
Compare the socket sizes, drive sizes and included tools. WORKPRO's accessory mix includes a spinner handle and spin disk, while Tekton's higher count includes shallow and deep sockets.
How should sockets be stored?
A case with dedicated slots helps keep sizes together and makes missing sockets easier to spot. WORKPRO has individual socket slots, while DeWalt's removable tray is designed to fit most standard-height tool chest drawers.
Check whether the case fits your storage space and whether you can read the size markings. For more organization ideas, see our socket set storage guide.
Which socket set should you choose?
Choose DeWalt for mixed home and garage jobs, with two drive sizes, SAE and metric sockets, and a ratchet with a 5-degree swing. Choose GEARWRENCH for standard and deep sockets with a 120-position ratchet, or Tekton when a broad 3/8 inch range and breaker bar matter most.
If you need a wider assortment of tools beyond sockets, compare our best mechanics tool sets. Your best socket set depends on the fasteners and access needs you encounter most.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for mixed home and garage jobs
DeWalt 34-piece 1/4 and 3/8 inch socket set
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for a compact accessory mix
WORKPRO 39-piece 1/4 and 3/8 inch socket set
8.4/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a basic dual-drive kit
EPAuto 40-piece socket set with 72-tooth ratchet
8.3/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What should a good socket set include?
A useful set should match your fasteners, with the right drive size and SAE or metric sockets. For varied household and garage tasks, both 1/4 and 3/8 inch drives can be useful.
Check the exact socket sizes and whether you need deep sockets, extensions or a universal joint.
Is a 1/4 or 3/8 inch drive socket set better?
A 1/4 inch drive set suits smaller sockets and tighter access, while 3/8 inch drive covers a broader range of general work. DeWalt, WORKPRO and EPAuto include both drive sizes.
For help matching the drive to your jobs, see our guide to socket drive sizes.
Do I need SAE and metric sockets?
Choose both SAE and metric if you work on equipment that may use either measurement system. All 6 sets here include both systems, though their size ranges differ.
Our SAE or metric socket set guide explains how to choose when you want to start with one.
Are deep sockets worth having?
Deep sockets are worth having for nuts on longer threaded studs when a shallow socket can't seat fully. The GEARWRENCH and Tekton sets include deep sockets alongside standard or shallow options.
If you mostly handle exposed fasteners on short studs, a smaller set may meet your needs.
How do I choose socket sizes?
Start with the fasteners you encounter most, then check whether their sizes are SAE or metric. Compare those needs with each set's socket range, since piece count alone doesn't show which sizes are included.
Use our socket set sizes chart to check common sizes in order.
