If you’re searching for the best Ryobi cordless drill, you’re in the right place. Ryobi has built a strong reputation for producing dependable power tools that don’t break the bank. But is their cordless drill lineup truly worth your attention? Let’s find out.
Before diving in, it helps to understand how Ryobi compares to others in its class. For instance, if you’ve checked out the best cordless drill overall, you’ll notice Ryobi stands out for its price-to-performance ratio. Or maybe you’re after the best small lightweight cordless drill for easy handling—Ryobi has solid contenders there too. And if your focus is long-term reliability, you might compare it to the best quality cordless drill from premium brands.
Ready to see how Ryobi measures up? Let’s get started!
Our Top Picks
Best All-in-One Kit: Drill Set Bundle with Ryobi 18V Cordless Drill
The Ryobi 18V Cordless Drill Set Bundle offers a practical all-in-one solution for everyday drilling and driving jobs. Featuring the Ryobi P209D drill with a 1.5 Ah lithium-ion battery and charger, this set delivers steady performance for DIY projects and home maintenance. The 24 torque settings and compact body make it comfortable to handle, especially for tight spaces or overhead work. The 40-piece multipurpose drill bit set adds versatility for drilling into wood, metal, and plastic, while the Buho 16-inch tool bag provides organized storage with exterior pockets for quick access.
From a customer’s perspective, the drill’s consistent power and lightweight feel are major advantages for casual users or homeowners. However, those tackling heavy-duty or continuous work may find the single 1.5 Ah battery runs out quickly.
Overall, this Ryobi bundle stands out for its balance of value and convenience. It’s an excellent starter set that combines dependable performance, quality accessories, and brand compatibility with over 250 Ryobi tools—making it a smart buy for light to medium projects.
Best Compact Power: Cordless Drill Set Bundle with Ryobi 18V ONE+ Drill Driver
The Ryobi 18V ONE+ Cordless Drill Set Bundle delivers a versatile and compact solution for home and DIY projects. The set includes the drill, a 1.5 Ah 18-volt lithium-ion battery, charger, a 40-piece bit set, and a 16-inch Buho tool bag. Its keyless 3/8-inch chuck with automatic spindle lock simplifies bit changes, while the built-in LED light improves visibility in tight or dim spaces. The compact, lightweight design makes it easy to handle, and the included impact-rated bits, magnetic screw guide, socket adapters, and nut drivers enhance its versatility.
From a customer perspective, users appreciate the portability, convenience, and well-rounded accessory set, though the 1.5 Ah battery may require frequent charging during prolonged use. The 3/8-inch chuck may also limit heavy-duty drilling tasks.
Overall, this bundle offers solid performance for everyday drilling and driving, combining convenience, a robust accessory set, and Ryobi ONE+ compatibility, making it a great value for light to medium projects.
Best Torque Control: Ryobi 18V ONE+ 3/8 in. Drill Driver Kit Bundle Set
The Ryobi 18V ONE+ 3/8 in. Drill Driver Kit Bundle provides a reliable, user-friendly option for home and DIY projects. Featuring a 24-position clutch, the drill allows precise torque control for screws and fasteners, while the variable speed trigger (0–600 RPM) adapts to different tasks. The built-in LED light enhances visibility in tight or dimly lit spaces. With a compact, lightweight design, the drill is comfortable for extended use, and the included bonus bits and tool bag make it convenient for on-the-go projects.
From a customer perspective, the drill excels in versatility and ease of use, especially for small to medium jobs. However, the 1.5 Ah battery and limited drilling capacity in wood (0.3 in.) may restrict performance for larger or heavy-duty tasks.
Overall, this Ryobi bundle offers solid functionality, precision, and portability, making it a smart choice for casual users seeking reliable everyday performance.
FAQs
Are Ryobi drills any good?
Yes, Ryobi drills are generally considered very good—especially for homeowners, hobbyists, and light to medium-duty professionals. They strike an excellent balance between performance and value. Most Ryobi cordless drills deliver ample power for drilling through wood, metal, and plastic, and their lithium-ion batteries offer solid runtime and quick recharge.
Another strength is Ryobi’s One+ battery system, which works interchangeably with over 200 Ryobi tools. This makes expanding your tool collection cost-effective. While they may not be built for heavy industrial use, Ryobi drills provide outstanding reliability and convenience for most everyday tasks.
Which drill is better, Ryobi or DeWalt?
When comparing Ryobi vs. DeWalt, it depends on your needs and budget. DeWalt is often favored by professionals for its superior power, torque, and rugged construction. Their drills can handle demanding tasks with ease but come at a higher price point.
Ryobi, on the other hand, is ideal for homeowners and DIY users who want reliable performance without overspending. While DeWalt drills are more powerful, Ryobi models often offer similar features—like variable speed control, LED lighting, and ergonomic grips—at a fraction of the cost.
In short: choose DeWalt for professional, heavy-duty use, but Ryobi offers better value for general-purpose drilling.
Is Makita better than Ryobi?
Makita drills are typically considered higher-end than Ryobi. They excel in durability, precision, and torque, making them a top pick for professionals who rely on their tools daily. Makita drills also tend to have brushless motors that deliver better efficiency and longer lifespan.
However, Ryobi still holds its ground for everyday users. It provides excellent functionality and battery compatibility for a much lower price. If you’re a DIYer or occasional user, Ryobi gives you 80% of Makita’s performance for about half the cost. But for long-term professional use, Makita remains the better investment.
What Ryobi drill has the most torque?
As of now, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 1/2-Inch Drill/Driver (Model PBLHM101) delivers the highest torque in Ryobi’s cordless drill lineup. It provides up to 750 inch-pounds of torque, ideal for heavy-duty drilling and driving applications.
This model uses a brushless motor, which improves power efficiency and reduces heat buildup. Combined with the high-capacity 18V ONE+ battery, it can handle tougher materials like hardwood or thick metal sheets with ease. For users who need top-tier performance within the Ryobi ecosystem, this is the drill to choose.
Conclusion
The best Ryobi cordless drill delivers dependable performance, strong battery life, and excellent value for its price. While it may not rival high-end brands like DeWalt or Makita in raw power, Ryobi’s One+ system, ergonomic designs, and consistent quality make it a go-to choice for DIYers and professionals on a budget.
If you’re seeking a reliable cordless drill that can handle a wide range of tasks without breaking the bank, Ryobi deserves a top spot on your shortlist.
