Best socket sets

Shortlist and buying guide · the ranked board is on its way

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What to look for

Six-point sockets grip worn nuts better; check the drive sizes you need.

Models worth comparing

From manufacturers' specifications and published UK reviews, read on 6 October 2026. Not tested by us. In no particular order: these are not ranked, and we do not say which is best until the customer ratings are in.

Budget

Draper 16361 Combined MM/AF Socket Set 3/8in (39 Piece)

First-time home mechanics who want one compact set covering both metric and older imperial fasteners.

Metric sockets from 6 to 22 mm plus nine imperial AF sizes from 1/4 to 3/4 in
Three extension bars (75, 150 and 300 mm), a universal joint and a sliding T-bar adaptor
Includes deep and spark plug sockets; Auto Express named it the winner of its 2025 socket set test

Watch out for: Being a single 3/8 in drive set, it has no 1/2 in sockets for tight wheel nuts or suspension bolts.

Drive: 3/8 in
Pieces: 39
Socket sizes: 6–22 mm; 1/4–3/4 in AF; deep 10, 12, 13 mm
Ratchet: 72-tooth, reversible
Case: Plastic storage case

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Sources: Draper product page · Auto Express socket set test

Mid-range

Sealey Premier Platinum AK7922 Socket Set 3/8in (32 Piece)

DIYers who mostly work on modern metric cars and want quality sockets with a full run of deep sizes.

Standard sockets from 6 to 24 mm and deep sockets from 10 to 19 mm
Fine 90-tooth ratchet with push-button quick release
Metal case with removable EVA foam tray; lifetime guarantee

Watch out for: It is metric only and has no spark plug sockets, and the extensions stop at 150 mm.

Drive: 3/8 in
Pieces: 32
Socket sizes: 6–24 mm; deep 10–19 mm
Ratchet: 90-tooth, quick release
Case: Metal case with foam tray

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Sources: Sealey product page · Auto Express socket set test

Premium

Halfords Advanced 200 Piece Socket and Ratchet Spanner Set

Home mechanics who want one big kit covering three drive sizes, ratchet spanners and bits for most car jobs.

Three drive sizes with 6-point sockets from 4 to 36 mm and deep sockets from 4 to 27 mm
100-tooth ratchets and 72-tooth ratchet spanners, plus an 18 in breaker bar and nylon-coated alloy-wheel sockets
Lifetime guarantee with in-store returns

Watch out for: The case measures 630 x 480 x 100 mm, so it takes up a lot of space and is not one to keep in the boot.

Drive: 1/4 in, 3/8 in and 1/2 in
Pieces: 200
Socket sizes: 4–36 mm; deep 4–27 mm
Ratchet: 100-tooth
Case: Rigid plastic carry case

Sold by Halfords, not on Amazon.

Sources: Halfords product page

Pro

Teng Tools Mecca Pro TM106 Socket Set (106 Pieces)

Experienced home mechanics and mobile technicians who want a trade-brand kit with sockets, spanners and bits in one hard case.

Combines 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 in drive sockets with combination spanners, double flex wrenches and an adjustable wrench
6-point 1/4 and 3/8 in sockets for grip, 12-point 1/2 in sockets from 19 to 32 mm
Chrome vanadium tools made to DIN and ISO standards, with Teng's lifetime guarantee against defects

Watch out for: There is no dedicated 1/2 in ratchet, so the larger sockets are driven through adaptors or the flex-head adaptor, and the full kit weighs about 7.8 kg.

Drive: 1/4 in, 3/8 in and 1/2 in
Pieces: 106
Socket sizes: 1/4 in: 4–13 mm; 3/8 in: 8–22 mm; 1/2 in: 19–32 mm
Ratchet: 45-tooth (1/4 in and 3/8 in)
Case: Hard-wearing case

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Sources: Teng Tools product page

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