We’ll try our best in this article to debunk all of the myths surrounding the DeWalt vs Ryobi discussion and present you with the facts so that you can make an informed decision.
And, as a result, if you are looking to save money, you’ll probably appreciate the information that we are sharing.
When searching for a new set of power tools for doing projects around the home, there are a number of factors to consider. Before anything else, most homeowners and DIYers compare prices and read all the feedback available for each brand online.
And, among the list of the top brands to choose from, the DeWalt vs Ryobi debate remains one of the most discussed topics for prospective buyers.
A Ryobi saw, drill, cordless combination set, or whatever you are looking at is about half the price of a DeWalt equivalent.
At the same time, it doesn’t take much digging to find a slew of online “experts” advising you to ignore the cheap products. You might be thinking that the less you pay for something, the lower the quality you would get.
So, what should the average homeowner go for?
Dewalt vs Ryobi Overview
First and foremost, DeWalt makes exceptional tools; they’re durable, powerful, and, reliable. They come with a warranty, and they’ve proven themselves on worksites all over the country (and around the world).
Having said that, a lot of people believe that DeWalt is a single entity – a company based in the United States that makes 100% American products.
This is far from the truth. Though the founder Raymond DeWalt started the company in Leola (Pennsylvania), they’ve been operating under a corporate entity since the 1940s.
Today, they’re just a small part of the larger Stanley Black and Decker conglomerate. While a small fraction of their tools are made in the United States (with sourced materials), the vast majority are produced in far-east factories.
Ryobi works in a similar manner. They’re owned and operated by Hong Kong’s Techtonic Industries, another large multinational conglomerate.
It is often misunderstood that DeWalt is a household name in the United States. People think that they’re paying for “American craftsmanship” or something similar, but those days are over.
Check out brands like Channellock or Klein if you are really looking to support 100% American businesses.
Power Tool Comparison
So, let’s get down to business. In terms of DeWalt vs Ryobi cordless tools, the brushless motor is the main marketing feature these days for both brands.
In short, brushless motors outperform the traditional ‘brushed’ motors used in virtually all previous cordless tools. They are far superior when it comes to performance, efficiency, and quality. See our post on brushless vs brushed drill for more information on this topic.
Is this, however, yet another marketing ploy to get you to upgrade to new tools that are priced higher?
Not quite – there are major differences between the 2 types of tools in terms of power, as well as longevity and durability.
Besides, there is a significant price difference: brushless motors are way more expensive.
Regardless, DeWalt has an edge over Ryobi in this area (one that stands out). They currently sell a full range of brushless devices, from sawzalls and circular saws to hammer drills, impact drivers, and even leaf blower machines.
Ryobi, on the other hand, has come out with a brushless hammer drill and a regular cordless drill.
DeWalt vs Ryobi Cordless Tools
Ryobi Drill 18V One+ Lithium-Ion Combination Kit (6-Tools)
If we had to pick one cordless combination tool kit for the average homeowner/DIYer to have in their house, it would be the Ryobi kit. The value for money is high considering the quality of tools you get.
Moreover, it has almost everything you’ll need for your DIY projects. The kit comes with an impact driver, a cordless drill, a circular saw, and a reciprocating saw (Sawzall).
Accessories such as an LED work light, a 900 multi-tool (fantastic addition that you’ll use a lot), 2 batteries, and a charger are also included.
The kit is handy especially if you are a woodworker or DIY enthusiast who is always on the lookout for something new to try. You will be able to take advantage of these tools on a regular basis without any problems.
We are confident that you’ll be satisfied with the tools if you have reasonable expectations of what they can (and can’t) do.
That is to say, this is not the best collection if you’ve just started your first job at a construction site. You could wear down the tools if you beat the hell out of it every day.
Note that if you want a tool combo that’s even cheaper than the 6-tool kit, Ryobi also offers a 4-tool combo that includes everything except the multi-tool and the impact driver.
DeWalt 20V Brushless Cordless Drill Combination Kit (5-tools)
This is DeWalt’s equivalent of Ryobi’s 6-tools combination kit. The 5-tools kit comes with a drill, circular saw, impact driver, and reciprocating saw.
Other accessories include a work light, as well as a charger and a single battery (the Ryobi combo comes with 2 batteries).
Are these tools up to par with Ryobi? Without a doubt. In fact, it can be considered better than the Ryobi in terms of efficiency, construction, and overall performance.
But are they really worth so much more for 1 less tool (multi-tool is available) and 1 less battery? Not really in our opinion.
Application And Usage
First of all, you must be clear on how you plan to use the tool set. Are you going to put the tools through rough usage day in and day out and really wear them down?
If so, you’ll want to pay the higher price and get DeWalt’s stronger construction and better performance.
Simply put, whether you intend to drill through 1/4” angled iron or zip off lug nuts on a large pickup truck, Ryobi tools may not be the best fit.
On the other hand, we recommend Ryobi if all you want to do is do some basic work. The toolset would be perfect for drilling, cutting, and driving for home repair/renovation projects.
Warranty
Some people believe that since DeWalt tools are more expensive, they’ll have a better warranty than Ryobi, or some other less expensive brand.
As a matter of fact, both firms offer the same warranty on all power tools. The industry norm is generally a 3-year limited warranty.
You might be wondering, why DeWalt doesn’t offer a better warranty. This is definitely an area that DeWalt needs to improve upon to justify the higher price point.
Conclusion
So, in regard to the DeWalt vs. Ryobi discussion, people looking to save money should go with Ryobi.
You really can’t beat the value that Ryobi provides if you have reasonable expectations of the tools’ capabilities.
Is it true that DeWalt tools are superior to Ryobi? It may not be the case at almost double the cost.
For most projects (general repairs, deck construction, and drywall installation), Ryobi’s durability, performance, and quality will suffice.