Abstract The paper considers the stability of coupled impulsive neural networks with time-varying delays and saturating actuators in finite time. Based on a delayed state feedback controller, the stability of coupled impulsive neural networks with time-varying delays and saturating actuators can be achieved in finite time. Combined with Lyapunov-based finite-time stability theory, some sufficient conditions are obtained to ensure the stability of coupled impulsive neural networks with time-varying delays and saturating actuators in finite time by using polytopic representation approach and sector nonlinearity model approach, respectively. Moreover, the setting time of coupled impulsive neural networks with saturating actuators is given, and it is found to be related to both the initial state and impulse effect. Furthermore, as special cases, some finite-time stability results of coupled impulsive neural networks with saturating actuators are given under a memoryless controller. Finally, two simulation examples are used to test the effectiveness of the obtained results.