Ryobi vs DeWalt | Which is Better? | 2023
Power tools can be an expensive investment, so it makes sense to research what’s available and select from the best brands. DeWalt and Ryobi are two of the most popular power tool manufacturers currently in business. DeWalt is a firmly entrenched authority in the production of power tools, while Ryobi is a relative newcomers. Despite this, both manufacturers are worthwhile options for those looking to add to their power tool collection. Need some help settling on which brand to go for? Below, we will compare Ryobi vs DeWalt to help you decide which power tool provider is worth buying from.
About Ryobi
Ryobi is a major Japanese manufacturer that specialises in the product of power tools. Although very popular in Japan, this manufacturer has now garnered an impressive following elsewhere in the world, selling tens of millions of units in North America, Europe and beyond. The company was founded in 1985, with a focus on construction tools, outdoor power tools and related accessories. In more recent years, there has been a seismic shift toward the power tool market. Today, Ryobi is a key competitor in the power tool market, with an expanding product portfolio that includes a complete range of power tool products.
About DeWalt
DeWalt is a more established manufacturer than Ryobi, with the company first starting life in 1922. Originally an American manufacturer that specialised in woodworking machinery and carpentry tools, it has since expanded to include a huge product range of power tools. Although the company has since been absorbed into a larger conglomerate, it maintains a reputation as an ‘American-made’ supplier of power tools. It is also considered a go-to brand for those after heavy-duty products that can handle more heavy-duty applications. Although you will find basic power tool products like sanders, impact drivers and sanders on offer from this brand, you will also find more professional-level equipment designed for use in the construction sector.
Best Value for Money
Many people are reluctant to throw their money at a younger company, which is why some power tool purists may be put off by Ryobi. Although the Japanese tool manufacturer can’t compete with DeWalt’s longevity, it has built an impressive reputation in recent years. Ryobi’s product range continues to grow, year on year, with cross-compatibility and user convenience being chief features of all their products. Ryobi is also developing a name for itself in terms of reliability. Even though the products offered by Ryobi are fairly affordable, you will not have to lower your expectations in terms of build quality, speed and performance.
If you want the reassurance of a more established name, you may find yourself drawn to DeWalt. As DeWalt has been around for many decades, it has justifiably earned itself a solid reputation for reliability and quality. However, it isn’t fair to write off Ryobi as the lesser of the two brands purely because it hasn’t been around for as long as DeWalt. While DeWalt certainly caters to the high-end market searching for high-grade products that can deliver longevity and performance, this only applies to the most expensive products in its line.
Product Range
Any decent power tool brand should offer an exhaustive product range. Thankfully, both DeWalt and Ryobi deliver on this count. Both manufacturers have a huge product portfolio, ranging from basic items like cordless screwdrivers and drills to sanders and grinders. However, Ryobi is geared more toward the amateur and the DIY market. While most products from this manufacturer will cope with everyday applications, they aren’t really intended to be use for professional applications on a regular basis. You will find more expensive options from Ryobi that can accommodate more heavy-duty routines, but if you need gear for trade jobs, you are probably best served by another manufacturer.
However, one area where Ryobi does excel is its multifunctional approach to power tool design. Many products from Ryobi can handle multiple tasks, saving you the expense of having to purchase numerous tools to handle odd jobs. The cross-compatible battery packs developed by Ryobi are also innovative, meaning you can use the same power source between tools of various types. All in all, Ryobi offers around 120 individual power tools in its line-up. However, this number looks set to increase, with more multi tools being added to the roster every year.
DeWalt also have a huge product range for you to choose from. In addition to basic power tool models for less intensive DIY and construction tasks, you will find premium tool products designed for construction jobs and heavy-duty tasks. DeWalt tools are well known for their durability and powerful performance. Many products from DeWalt are powered by 60V motors, making them extremely efficient and dealing with tougher jobs. Despite their heavy-duty applications, DeWalt tools are designed with ease of use in mind. Even the biggest of drills are fairly lightweight, while battery life is also impressive. If you need a power tool that can perform well for long periods of time, the DeWalt product portfolio is definitely worth exploring.
Price Comparison
This is an are where the difference between DeWalt and Ryobi power tools becomes obvious. If you are looking for affordability when making a purchase, Ryobi is the best option for you. Most of Ryobi’s power tools are relatively inexpensive, especially if you buy the tool body only. However, you do need to factor in the additional cost of battery packs, drill bits and accessories. Although these items are relatively affordable in their own right, the overall cost can stack up considerably. However, the versatility of Ryobi’s interchangeable battery technology means you will only need to buy one battery for use with most power tools bought from this manufacturer.
DeWalt is an altogether pricier option for those looking to purchase power tools. Certainly, if you are looking to buy high-end power tools for professional applications, you can expect to pay a considerable amount for your product. However, the high outlying cost of trade power tools is a worthwhile investment for professional contractors when you consider the performance credentials and durability of these products. If you want something more affordable, DeWalt does indeed deliver. This brand has built up a huge product catalogue over the years, so you will find plenty of choice when it comes to basic power tool equipment.
There is a particularly large number of entry-level power tools available from this manufacturer, meaning you have multiple price points to consider when making your purchase. However, the trade off for the lower price tag means you have to compromise when it comes to performance. DeWalt power tools do tend to include integrated batteries, however. This means you do not have to factor in additional costs when selecting power tools for your requirements.
Warranties
You should always pay attention to warranties when buying power tools. If you are only looking to purchase a single tool like a screwdriver, an extended warranty isn’t probably that important to you. However, if you want to build up a sizeable stock of power tools and depend on your equipment to make your living, the guarantee offered by a lengthy warranty is priceless.
As DeWalt is generally the more expensive of the two brands, you shouldn’t automatically assume you will get a better deal when it comes to warranties. In fact, the warranty scheme offered by DeWalt is very similar to what you can expect from Ryobi. Both DeWalt and Ryobi take the same stance when it comes to warranty periods with their power tools. Most of the products on offer by both brands come with a 3-year warranty.
There are some exceptions, especially if you are buying a trade-level product, but the 3-year rule applies to the majority of the product portfolio from both manufacturers. This is good news for those looking to make a saving and shop from Ryobi, but may cause some confusion for those looking for more of a return on their premium investment from pricey DeWalt power tools.
The Verdict
Ryobi and DeWalt are two very different types of power tool manufacturers. Although a newer authority in the power tool market, Ryobi has some unique selling points that set it apart from competitors. The multifunctionality of many of its tools makes Ryobi a good option for the less experienced user, especially those who want to save money on tools for less intensive jobs. Other useful design details like interchangeable batteries lower the cost of investing in Ryobi tools further, while also making them more convenient to use.
However, if you want more power, faster speeds and better results, DeWalt is the best manufacturer to purchase from. This established power tool brand not only offers an incredible range when it comes to products, it also benefits from years of industry experience. This means tools bought from DeWalt will perform beyond your expectations, while the durability of DeWalt products will also impress. The downside is that DeWalt products are generally far more costly than what you might expect to pay when purchasing from Ryobi and similar brands.
