Ryobi vs DeWalt: Which is better?

Torn between Ryobi and DeWalt tools?

When it comes to tool needs, Ryobi and DeWalt are two pretty well-known names in the industry. While one comes with the track record and experience to gain a slight edge, the other focuses on convenience and innovation to quickly gain ground.

Aaron Barnett of BangingToolbox suggests: Both are good and, given specific circumstances, either can make an excellent choice.  

In this review, we will compare both DeWalt and Ryobi tools and find out: What tools each brand does best.

History

Before we get to compare DeWalt vs Ryobi, let’s look into their rich history.

DeWalt history

Founded in 1922 by Raymond DeWalt, who is credited for having perfected the first ever woodworking machine [1], the company became a known global provider of tools and services.

With over 100 years of experience, DeWalt is an American favorite amongst many professionals and hobbyists.

Ryobi history

The Japanese-owned Ryobi (Ryobi Seisakusho Ltd.) was founded in 1943 and primarily supplied diecast products [2]. In 1968, Ryobi began the production of power tools.

Roughly 50 years later, the company would then be known internationally as a reliable manufacturer of affordable and ergonomic power tools.

Origin country and manufacturing plants

DeWalt origin & manufacturing plants

DeWalt is based in America and was founded in Leola, Pennsylvania.

Today, DeWalt’s headquarters is located in Baltimore, Maryland with its main manufacturing plant in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Ryobi origin & manufacturing plants

Ryobi is based in Japan and was founded in Fuchu, Hiroshima which is where its headquarters is located.

Ryobi erected multiple local manufacturing plants in Japan, with a single American plant in Shelbyville, Indiana. Global manufacturing is now primarily in China.

Warranty and aftersales support

DeWalt warranty & aftersales support

For DeWalt’s long list of products, the company offers different kinds of warranty, from no-break drill bit guarantees to limited replacement and repair warranties up to 7 years on select products.

Specific tool lines, such as those for mechanics, are covered with lifetime warranties.

While DeWalt honors long warranties so long as in force, their some mixed reviews, even though I have never had a problem.

Ryobi warranty & aftersales support

Most Ryobi tools have 3-year limited warranties, with some select tools having 5.

With a smaller catalog overall, Ryobi does offer lifetime warranties for select hand tools as well as their garage door opener motors.

Since Ryobi is a smaller DIY brand, compared to DeWalt, their after-sales service is considered to be a bit rough due to the limitation of return and repair options.

Pricing and quality

DeWalt pricing and quality

DeWalt has been around for more than a century and continuously refines its manufacturing and distribution processes.

The company’s experience and adherence to strict material sourcing ensure that its products are built to last. Of course, valuably sourced tools come with an equally higher price tag. 

Ryobi pricing and quality

Since Ryobi is localized in Japan, Ryobi International manufactures its tools in various parts of the world, meaning that quality can differ depending on where you purchase your Ryobi tool/s.

Geared more towards homeowners, Ryobi tools are often more affordable.

Which is more cost-efficient?

DeWalt is more cost-efficient. It may be more expensive, but it often outlasts and outperforms the competitor’s tool equivalents.

1. Product portfolio

DeWalt range of products

The company worked long enough to offer tool solutions for almost any application.

From essential hand tools for home use to industrial-grade power tools for construction and demolition.

DeWalt boasts an array of accessories and miscellaneous items that go perfectly with their tools.

Ryobi range of products

Ryobi holds a smaller product portfolio and mainly focuses on portable and cordless tools.

The tool manufacturer comes with a small selection of garden tools, as well as a massive range of power tools for home-based and professional projects.

Who displays a better portfolio?

DeWalt overall, but Ryobi is a suitable choice for smaller projects.

2. Brushless combo kits

DeWalt combo tool kit

DeWalt’s combo kit,  DCK694P2, offers 6 20v brushless-motor power tools, from its 20vMax lithium-ion tool line, which are all designed to be able to take on even heavy-duty use along with a premium contractor’s bag.

Achieve maximum versatility and expect peak performance from the DCD996 3-speed hammer drill, lithium-ion LED work light, the DCS367 reciprocating saw, the DCS570  circular saw, the DCF887 impact driver, and the DCS355 oscillating tool.

The all-in-one combo kit already includes batteries for all tools along with a 3-year limited warranty for the entire package.

In addition, this combo kit does have a variation includes a 100-pc drilling set.

Ryobi combo tool kit

Ryobi’s combo kit,  P1819-A98601G, includes the same tools as that of DeWalt’s, only that it includes a bonus 60pc multi-material drill and drive kit.

All the tools are from Ryobi’s patented ONE+ line, meaning that their batteries are universally compatible with any other tool from the same line.

The ONE+ set of tools includes 6 18v power tools, mainly the ½” drill driver, the ONE+ 1800 impact driver, the Ryobi ONE+ variable-speed reciprocating saw, the Ryobi ONE+ 5 ½” circular saw, the Ryobi ONE+ multi-tool, and a Ryobi ONE+ 160-lumen work light.

All tools come tucked in a nice contractor’s bag along with the company’s standard 3-year limited tool and battery warranty.

Better combo kit?

Get Ryobi’s combo kit, especially if you’re starting out. It’s a great way to get into power tools and save on the cost of individually getting 6 essential tools.

Otherwise, DeWalt is the way to go for long-term investment and serious interest in building and DIY. 

3. Cordless drills

DeWalt cordless drills

Ryobi cordless drills

Which one produces better cordless drills?

Dewalt wins out despite having a slightly higher initial cost. The battery compatibility and runtime along with cordless portability make Dewalt the better choice. 

Moreover, consider Makita cordless drills.

4. Impact drivers

Here’s our comparison for Ryobi vs Dewalt impact drivers:

DeWalt impact drivers

DeWalt displays a range of impact drivers from cordless brushless 9.6v kits to their famous 20vMAX line.

Most of their impact drivers are in the ¼” standard and are displayed in several 2-tool combo kits.

Ryobi impact drivers

Ryobi bears a more limited stock of impact drivers as opposed to their drills.

With Ryobi having a slight edge in terms of compactness and variable speed (4-speed), the brand doesn’t have as many combo kits, limiting the options available. 

Who makes better impact drivers?

DeWalt maintains a better range of compatible tools, and the power is better, when choosing an impact driver you want the most powerful tool you can find.

You can get Ryobi if you’re mainly looking for Ryobi tools only.

5. Impact wrenches

DeWalt impact wrenches

Impact wrenches by DeWalt are made to destroy your tasks to competition.

With a range of impact wrenches ranging from ½” to ⅜” along with battery sizes from 12 to 20v and more.

Though not as numerous as their impact drivers, their impact wrenches come in combo kits. 

Ryobi impact wrenches

Ryobi mainly produces ½” and ⅜” wrenches, as well.

While some DIY tools have a compact, brushless motor, Ryobi don’t yet have wrench combo kits that I know of.

Which brand creates more powerful impact wrenches?

For Ryobi vs DeWalt impact wrenches, DeWalt simply boasts more options and more power than the brushed motor options.

But for maximum power don’t be scared to have a try with a Milwaukee instead.

6. Circular saws

DeWalt circular saws

DeWalt circular saws can be corded, cordless, brushed, or brushless.

Our tools can tote differently sized saw blades ranging from 4 ½” to 8 ½” and certain models can have as much as 60v of power!

Ryobi circular saws

Ryobi circular saws reach up to 7 ¼” at most, still good for the majority of small projects, but cannot handle anything that would require a bigger blade.

The brushless and ONE+ circular saws are great on the go. 

Heavy-duty circular saws

DeWalt is always offering combo kits with most models being designed for heavy-duty use. Ryobi is good for more mobile DIY use.

7. Miter saws

DeWalt miter saws

The biggest and best miter saws take on the size of 12”! DeWalt offers compound miter saws, sliding miter saws, sliding compound miter saws, and sliding bevel miter saws.

That was a mouthful but having all adjustments is what you’d look for in order to get fast, accurate, and precise miter cuts from a decent tool.

Ryobi miter saws

Ryobi miter saws are a bit smaller, with their largest models being only 7 ¼”.

However, the saws do have sliding, compound, and sliding compound models too.

Their smaller sizes make them easier to handle and move around.

A better tool for making miter cuts?

When it comes to the DeWalt vs Ryobi miter saw, Ryobi’s smaller catalog actually makes it easier to select a saw for something as straightforward as mitering.

DeWalt offers more specialized options for projects needing more advanced custom miter cuts.

8. Table saws

DeWalt table saws

DeWalt features a diverse selection of 10” table saws with some even including folding and rolling stands.

Most of their models are designed to be job-site compatible and, as such, are robust and durable even whilst being portable.

A lot of their models are kitted with their site-pro modular guarding system.

Ryobi table saw

Ryobi produces roughly the same-sized table saws, with the exception of 7” tabletop tile saw and an 8 ¼” compact model.

While this tool brand doesn’t have as much variation and is a scratch below DeWalt’s hardier models. We find Ryobi to be cheaper and convenient for home use.

Who does it better?

Choose DeWalt if you have to have a table saw. You can go with a Ryobi one, but only for occasional or seasonal use.

For ultimate safety, however, you can have a look at the Stopsaw it might be a safer option if you are torn between Ryobi vs DeWalt table saws.

9. Jigsaws

DeWalt jigsaws

DeWalt’s cordless jigsaws are almost the best around. And offer single bare tools, kits, and even blades.

Choose between a barrel-grip design, as well as models still using U-shanks.

Ryobi jigsaws

Ryobi exhibits a small selection of corded and cordless jigsaws but surprisingly boasts variable speed, orbital, and brushless models.

Better precision cutting?

Ryobi may actually pull a little bit ahead here. While DeWalt offers longer-lasting and more powerful models, the key aspects of a jigsaw are precision and ease of use. 

My friend says that Makita can do it even better.

10. Planers

DeWalt thickness planers

DeWalt produces mobile hand planers and portable thickness planers.

Portable bench planers should have a quality mix of functional variety – from an adjustable 3 ¼” cordless brushless planer to a 13” three-knife, two-speed mobile planer.

Ryobi thickness planers

Ryobi offers corded, cordless, and benchtop electric planers as well.

However, they don’t go beyond the standard dimension of 3 ¼” for hand planers and 12 ½” for portable thickness planers.

Who planes better?

I do, jokes aside – Thickness planers are expensive no matter where you get one but the value is worth the investment.

Invest in DeWalt as their models you get way more bang for your buck in terms of durability and accuracy – Check out here, and thank me later.

11. Angle grinder

DeWalt angle grinders

Our buddies can offer a lot of angle grinding – of varying sizes. DeWalt pretty much manufactures any kind of angle grinder you’d need, from small 4 ½” tools to heavy-duty 9” ones.

Often includes added attributes such as paddle switches and kickback brakes.

Ryobi angle grinders

Ryobi mainly deals with small 4 ½” angle grinders since these are more catered towards home use.

What you lack in variety, Ryobi offers in certain uniqueness, like the ONE+ compact brushless ¼” right angle die grinder.

Better all-around grinder?

DeWalt for general and all-around use. Ryobi can be used for home improvement projects. For 9 inches look into the Bosch as it is more comfortable to hold with a vibration reduction handle.

For something a bit smaller and easier to control consider a Makita, the Japanese know how to grind! and size doesn’t affect power here.

12. Biscuit joiners

DeWalt biscuit joiners

The DW682K is DeWalt’s premiere and only joiner tool. It’s a plate/biscuit joiner with 6.5 amps of power and a 10000 RPM motor capable of tackling even hardwood, making it a great tool for multiple applications.

Ryobi biscuit joiners

Ryobi’s JM82GK is the little brother to DeWalt’s DW682K. With roughly the same specifications and attributes, Ryobi is a tad bit smaller. 

Better at joining woods

The Ryobi cuts with a greater angle range (0 – 135°).  

But the Dewalt is very competitively priced for a Pro brand tool, and why many readers here at Bangingtoolbox go with this option. 

I, however, respect the Lamello biscuit joiner.

13. Wood routers

DeWalt wood routers

DeWalt, of course, exhibits a wide assortment of different kinds of routers. With brushless cordless compact routers, plunge routers, and D-base routers. 

Ryobi wood routers

Ryobi displays a fair amount of routers too, with the addition of an intermediate router table which is basically their one-ups on DeWalt.

For wood routing

Place your bets with me on DeWalt since they practically pioneered tool-assisted woodworking in the workshop. Seeing as how routers are mainly for woodworks, it’s easy to see why DeWalt wins out here. But you have to also factor in what Makita has to offer.

14. Finishing and brad nailers

DeWalt nailers

DeWalt boasts a high-end range of 15 – 16GA straight and angled finishing nailers, along with an even larger selection of at least 18GA brad nailers.

Expect brushless cordless variants as well as select combo kits.

Ryobi

Ryobi produces a pretty good-sized stock of finishing and brad nailers much like that of DeWalt’s and with nearly the same specifications.

One good kit on offer is a 2-in-1 brad and finish nailer combo.

Who fastens better?

DeWalt for brad nailers and Ryobi for DIY finishing nailers.

15. Nail guns

DeWalt nail gun

DeWalt does have some special nailers such as head and coiled framing nailers, as well as some 23GA pin nailers and metal connector nailers.

Ryobi nail gun

Ryobi doesn’t have much outside of brad and finishing nailers. The biggest they accommodate is 23GA pins. 

Better nail guns

DeWalt presents more options.

I’m not a fan of battery-powered nail guns yet though, the tool is just too heavy.

16. Bench grinders

DeWalt bench grinders

DeWalt is proud mainly of the DW756 6” bench grinder and the DW758 8” bench grinder, which are both pretty rugged and accurate tools.

These are built to last and feature cast iron bases and motor housings for even more longevity.

Ryobi bench grinders

Ryobi takes pride of its BG612G 6” bench grinder which operates similarly to DeWalt’s 6” grinder.

The main distinction the BG612 is the built-in LED lighting for improved visibility and a heavy gauge steel base for improved stability.

For stationary grinding

Ryobi for shop use. Anything greater that’s when you get the DeWalt 8”.

17. Compressors

DeWalt compressors

DeWalt boasts a long list of air compressors, from small, 1-gallon trim compressors, to site-ready 120-gallon electric air compressors.

With pretty much all compressor types and sizes for your need for personal, shop, construction, and building use.

Ryobi compressors

Ryobi only made the P739 1-gallon electric air compressor. It’s a handy and portable 14lb unit with a max pressure of 120 psi.

It’s ideal for small projects and makes for a handy air compressor should you need one.

Which one makes better air compressors?

DeWalt. You have way more options and their models offer more versatility. 

18. Reciprocating saw

DeWalt reciprocating saws

DeWalt presents a range of highly capable corded and cordless saws with varying outputs to meet exact project needs.

Whether it’s a small, home improvement project or a complete demolition, you have the freedom to pick from 12 – 20v units from various tool lines.

Ryobi reciprocating saws

Ryobi offers a smaller pool of saws, with the addition of a compact, one-handed brushless model.

Their models are a bit smaller and built for convenience and lighter applications.

For medium to heavy demolition cutting

DeWalt for medium-heavy demolition applications. Ryobi for crafts and small removal work.

19. Leaf blower

DeWalt leaf blowers

With a range of models that you can sift through they mostly do the same thing, except when you see the larger variations.

With more attributes and performance options, some are more attractive to real gardening professionals. 

Ryobi leaf blowers

Ryobi creates less variation, but the design and performance of their models actually make them rather suitable for the task.

Who makes better leaf blowers?

Ryobi actually suffices here. You don’t need the most premium tools to blow away piles of leaves.

20. String trimmers

DeWalt string trimmers

DeWalt produces 13 – 17” string trimmers, with some models even being cordless.

Some models are found to fold for increased portability and storage.

Some heavy hitters such as the 27 cc curved and straight shafts on the gas string trimmers stand out.

Ryobi string trimmers

Ryobi manufactures smaller trimmers, some only at 12”, but their compact size makes them easier to handle.

Surprisingly, expect a lot of combo kits, and some individual models double as edgers. 

Who makes better string trimmers?

Ryobi have more than enough performance and kit combinations. But Dewalt is stronger and more durable in the long run around the backyard.

21. Cordless chainsaws

DeWalt cordless chainsaws

DeWalt boasts an impressive variety of cordless chainsaws. Some models even have longer up-time thanks to brushless motors.

The power tool brand offers models ranging between 12 – 18” bars with handy attributes to take on most kinds of wood.

Ryobi cordless chainsaws

Ryobi produces more compact chainsaws, with some having only 8” bars. Fortunately, their larger 18” model is a brushless one, combining efficiency and performance.

Note: Smaller chainsaws are better for smaller and lighter jobs, and when reaching high into a tree. 

Who makes stronger cordless chainsaws?

Get DeWalt for general and all-around use. They have chainsaws for almost any tree-trimming task.

22. Orbital sander

DeWalt orbital sanders

DeWalt produces numerous 5” single or variable speed random orbit sanders. Some even come in combo kits.

While these are certainly capable, most, if not all, are corded.

Ryobi orbital sanders

Ryobi supplies one cordless and one corded model, mainly identical in appearance and performance.

With the cordless model leading slightly ahead in terms of convenience and maneuverability.

Better orbital sanders

Get a DeWalt for shop and consistent use. Get a Ryobi cordless if you’re a mobile worker.

23. Belt sanders

DeWalt belt sanders

DeWalt surprisingly offers a limited stock and discontinued their belt sanders. Dewalt did have a compact model, a 1010W model, and a 75mm model.

I’m guessing the belt would not stay aligned. This problem actually exists with many branded belt sanders still on the market. Dewalt is properly protecting their reputation here, as belt sanders commonly have alignment issues.

Ryobi belt sanders

Ryobi produces two cordless belt sanders, with their  ½” x 18” model sporting a file-type sanding face which is good for getting into tight spaces.

Additionally, they have a 4” x 36” belt/disc sander with favorable dual-functionality.

Better belt sanders

I would look elsewhere when it comes to a belt sander.

24. Jobsite radios

Ryobi’s jobsite radios

Ryobi only released its P742 ONE+ compact Bluetooth radio. It’s rather small and with an effective range of up to 30 feet.

Looks more like a giant walkie-talkie than a radio “don’t ya think?” 

DeWalt jobsite radios

DeWalt is actually known for its crisp and loud job site radios. Their radio designs are compact and robust, able to take on the stresses of a busy worksite.

Most of their models are modernized – Bluetooth capable and double as chargers.

Who makes a better jobsite radio?

DeWalt. Tried and tested.

Each brand is best at what it does.

What brand is best for DIYers?

Ryobi was introduced with the intent of giving homeowners a more targeted and accessible tool line, making it perfect for DIYers.

Ryobi’s focus on convenience and ergonomics makes its tools more suitable for lighter applications and home use.

What tool company suits professionals?

There’s no mistaking that DeWalt is up there with the other big contenders in the tool industry. They certainly have the experience and reputation to be a renowned name amongst professionals.

The performance and longevity of their tools certainly speak for themselves.