10 Best Socket Sets [Buying Guide]

This 47-piece set has a 3/8-inch drive, which is the ideal size for most of your around-the-house or basic automotive projects. It comes in both standard and deep lengths for SAE and metric sockets and includes the complete series from  5/16 to 3/4 inches and 8 to 19 millimeters. It has two extension bars for tricky areas and a universal joint in case a bolt is at a weird angle.

The 90-tooth ratchet is more precise than many others on this list, so it does not need to be swung far to work. This makes it useful for cramped areas. Even with all these features, this is a compact set that doesn’t have extra pieces you may never use. If you want a basic set that covers everyday vehicle repairs and projects, this is a good set to have on hand.

This 205-piece set contains 62 sockets in both SAE and metric sizing. It comes with 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/2-inch drive, in case you need that extra torque that most socket sets don’t give you. The 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch drive sizes also include deep sockets for reaching tight places and extension bars for even trickier spots. There is also a 1/2-inch drive extension bar, for added reach without sacrificing torque.

The set also includes a bit driver with 33 bits, so if you don’t have a screwdriver set on hand, you can still continue with your project. And with 28 hex keys, you’re pretty much covered for anything you run into when working on your car or elsewhere. If you’re looking to be prepared for anything, this set can get you started.

This 1/4-inch drive socket set includes ten metric sockets and an extension bar for hard-to-reach places. The sockets measure from 4 millimeters to 13 millimeters. To keep the sockets together and organized, they snap securely into the plastic holder.

The ratchet has 24 teeth, meaning it needs to swing about 15 degrees to be used, so in a super tight space, it may get tricky. This is by no means an extensive toolset, but if you’re just looking for a couple of basic uses for your socket set, this one is inexpensive, contains basic sizes, and fits in well in a toolbox.

With 108 pieces, this socket set will cover most of your garage project needs. In addition to a wide array of 3/8 and 1/4-inch drive sized sockets, it also includes a 22-piece bit set and two sets of 14 hex keys, both standard and metric. Although it may not cover every project under the sun, it has enough tools for most of the things you’ll run into when working on your car.

Most reviews highlight how firmly the pieces fit in the case. You don’t have to worry about anything falling out when you open the container, which saves time and makes it easy for you to find the right tool. Plus, this set is covered by a full lifetime warranty by the manufacturer.

This is one of the smaller socket sets on this list, so if you’re wanting to do a variety of extensive projects, this may not be what you’re looking for. However, a smaller set also means that you’re not lugging around (or paying for!) tools that will lay untouched for years. And 40 pieces still gets you a lot of variety, including 15 1/4-inch drive sockets, 14 3/8-inch drive sockets, a 1/4-inch drive socket driver handle with several bits, and more.

According to a few reviews, the sizes of the sockets can be hard to read. However, if you keep things snapped into place in the case, knowing what’s what shouldn’t be too big of a problem. In addition to these features, the Stanley brand offers a full lifetime warranty, so you can rest assured that this socket set will have you covered for years to come.

This 57-piece socket set includes both SAE and metric sizes, allowing you to work on a variety of projects. In addition to a normal-sized ratchet, it also includes a 3/8-inch drive stubby ratchet — which has a short handle — so that you are able to use the set in tighter areas.

With both a three-inch and a six-inch extension, you have even more versatility to reach tricky places. It also has an attachable joint, which gives you more flexibility to your reach. One potential downside to this set is that the case does not include a handle. If you’re not using the case or don’t carry it around often, this may not be an issue. If you’re going to be working with your socket set at strange angles, this could be the set you’re looking for.

This AmazonBasics set includes many hex keys in both SAE and metric sizes, which are always useful to have on hand. It also includes several combination wrenches in both SAE and metric and a 1/4-inch drive handle with several screwdriver bits. You are getting more than just a socket set with this tool kit!

On the socket side of things, you get many popular socket sizes in both metric and SAE, as well as 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch deep sockets. A couple of reviews mention that the case does not hold the pieces that well, so be aware of that. But if you are looking to collect a wide range of tools at an affordable price, this toolset could be a good first purchase.

This set contains a variety of sockets in both 1/4-inch drive and 3/8-inch drive. It also includes a 3/8-inch drive extension bar for reaching tight areas. There is only a 3/8-inch ratchet, but the set includes an adapter so that you can use the 1/4-inch sockets. It also includes a 1/4-inch drive spinner handle to give you a different angle on a tricky bolt.

This set is small compared to many others on this list, but that just means you’re not paying for tools you will never use. If you’re looking for an affordable socket set for basic maintenance, this set could be what you want.

This 135-piece Craftsman set includes 41 3/8-inch socket tools, 33 1/4-inch socket tools, and 19 1/2-inch socket tools. This versatile set gives you the ability to balance size and power, depending on your needs. In addition, the set includes a bit driver and several bits.

If you have a Craftsman metal case, this case is designed to fit well in it for easy organization. And with its sturdy case and solid tools, this set is meant to last. Plus, Craftsman offers a full lifetime warranty on this socket set so you don’t need to worry about being unable to replace tools if something happens.

This 69-piece set includes both 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch drive sockets and ratchets and sockets in both SAE and metric. It also has extension bars, deep and semi-deep sockets, and even two spark plug sockets, so you can work on a variety of automotive projects.

This is a very affordable set, especially considering the number of pieces included. It may not be the highest quality toolset, but if you are not going to be using your socket set often, then this is an inexpensive purchase that can get the job done.