I've been doing DIY projects for well over 20 years at this point, and I've used tools from all sorts of brands.In my personal shop, I use RYOBI 18V and Milwaukee M12.Here are the 6 differences that actually matter between the brands from my personal experience.
RYOBI has the bigger and more mature ecosystem If I was buying just one battery platform, RYOBI would win—hands down Close While the ecosystem isn't , it does play a huge part in the tools that I use.I have used RYOBI tools for probably 20 years now to help my family with renovations and such, and I've owned my own set of RYOBI tools for about 7 years.I've also owned Milwaukee M12 tools for about the same length of time—around seven years.
Throughout that time, one thing has remained true: RYOBI has a far greater number of tools than Milwaukee could ever dream to have.You name it, RYOBI has a tool for it.Random obscure tools like RYOBI's handheld cultivator, patio sweeper, or even large log splitter are just things that I wouldn't expect Milwaukee to make.
So, why does this make a difference after a year of use? Well, I have several batteries for either brand, and being part of the RYOBI ecosystem means that there's likely a tool for any job I need and I already have a battery for it in my workshop.Milwaukee's tools genuinely feel better in my hand The fit and finish is a step above RYOBI's, no question Having used Milwaukee's M12 and RYOBI's 18V tools for nearly a decade side-by-side, my M12 tools are the first ones I reach for, no question.They just feel better in the hand.
Part of it could be that they're 12V instead of 18V, which makes them lighter and easier to use.However, a lot of it comes down to the feel and ergonomics of the tools themselves.I just feel like the build quality is better, the grips are better, and the way the tools act in the hand are better.
If I have a choice between grabbing my Milwaukee or RYOBI tools for a job, I'll pick up the Milwaukee, hands down.Both brands can take a beating and keep on working I never worry about whether a drop or tumble will knock either tool out of commission Any tool around my house is going to take a beating, there's no doubt about it.My Milwaukee and RYOBI tools are no exception.
They've been dropped from several feet high onto my shop's concrete floor, left in the rain, used outside in the garden, and so much more.I've not had a tool from either brand stop working from the abuse I've put them through.Now, that's not to say that they're indestructible.
I have definitely seen both RYOBI and Milwaukee tools destroyed on a job site.However, under normal use, especially homeowner/DIY use, both Milwaukee and RYOBI tools have definitely held up for me over the years, with no signs of stopping any time soon.I reach for my M12 tools before my RYOBI tools almost every time I really only grab my RYOBI 18V tools when a specific need comes up Now, I think this would be the same if I had Milwaukee M18, but I reach for my 12V M12 tools 9 out of 10 times.
They're just easier to use, smaller, lighter, and get the job done for me when I need it.There are very few times when I the extra power of an 18V system in my DIY projects.The only time I specifically reach for RYOBI over Milwaukee is for when I don't have an equivalent tool with my Milwaukee kit.
It's easier (and cheaper) to expand my RYOBI tool collection than Milwaukee—even with M12 tools RYOBI tools are just easier to come by for a lower price When it comes to buying new tools, there's no doubt that RYOBI are among the most affordable options on the market.With places like Direct Tools Factory Outlet existing, as well as the many sales Home Depot does on RYOBI tools, there's almost always a deal to be had.Milwaukee tools, even the M12 lineup, are just more premium, and therefore more expensive.
So, if I'm buying a new tool, my default is to go with RYOBI unless I find a specific sale on the Milwaukee tools I need—or it simply isn't available for RYOBI.Tool price doesn't always equate to tool quality My Milwaukee and RYOBI drills both work almost the same, though one costs way more While my Milwaukee tools are way more expensive than my RYOBI tools, both work relatively the same.They've both lasted the same length of time, they both have seen their fair share of abuse, and they both get a lot of use in my shop.
Really, one of my most used tools is my 3-speed RYOBI impact that I paid $15 for.It was a refurbished unit I got from Direct Tools, but it has served me very well over the years with zero problems.Likewise, the brand-new Milwaukee tools I own have served me just as well with zero problems.
At the end of the day, the quality from both Milwaukee and RYOBI is pretty close.What you're really paying for is a slightly more premium build.Milwaukee M12 FUEL Combo Kit What's Included M12 impact driver, hammer drill, 3/8-inch ratchet, charger, two batteries Cordless? Yes If you're looking for a great DIY starter kit from Milwaukee, this M12 3-tool combo kit is it.
With an impact driver, hammer drill, and 3/8-inch ratchet, along with a 4Ah and 2Ah battery, this kit is a great starting point for projects both at home and on your vehicle. $409 at Home Depot Expand Collapse Ryobi 18V ONE+ 6 Tool Combo Kit This is the ultimate starter kit for tackling all your household repairs and DIY projects.Get six tools, two battery packs, a charger, and a carry case, all for one low price at the Home Depot. $299 at Home Depot Expand Collapse The best decision you can make as a DIYer is to find a platform and stick with it I have two main tool platforms in my house: RYOBI 18V, Milwaukee 12V.That's it.
I have been to shops and homes where there were half a dozen tool brands in use.Two or three Makita tools, a few RIDGID, some RYOBI, Milwaukee 18V, Festool, you name it, they were all there.The best thing you can do as a DIYer or homeowner is to just pick a battery platform and stick to it.
My platforms are Milwaukee M12 and RYOBI 18V.At some point, I do plan to sell my RYOBI tools for Milwaukee's M18 platform, but only so I can have matching tools—no other reason.Which is why it likely won't happen for a long time, if ever.
So, if you're trying to decide between Milwaukee and RYOBI, just pick one and stick with it.You can't go wrong.
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