Professional Tool Reviews for Pros

Readers—be they professional or tool enthusiasts ask us about two key brands more than any others: Ryobi and DeWalt. However, in the Ryobi vs DeWalt debate, the issue isn’t so much which brand is more Pro. The real question is whether Pros can accomplish the work needed with a lesser-priced, budget-saving tool versus a more premium model. So, rather than address who makes the best tools between these brands, we plan to talk about both to discuss the differences Pros should consider depending upon the type of work they do and the needs they have.

Along the way, we also plan to cover the history of both DeWalt and Ryobi brands, including their size, number of employees, and parent companies. We also want to examine what tools each company makes and where they make them. Both Ryobi and DeWalt have a prominent place in the retail space. Our job is to help readers understand where each brand fits in the tool “ecosphere”…

Ryobi Limited is a manufacturer of components for automobiles, electronics, and telecommunications industries based in Japan. It also sells printing equipment, building products, and power tools. In 2018, Kyocera Corp purchased the Japan-based Ryobi Limited’s power tool business.

The Ryobi we think of in America is actually Ryobi Power Tools and Ryobi Outdoor Power Equipment. Both are brands of Techtronic Industries, used under license from Ryobi Limited.

Techtronic Industries (also One World Technologies) is also the parent company behind Milwaukee Electric Tool, AEG (AEG Powertools, licensed from Electrolux), Homelite, Hoover US, Hart Tools, Oreck, Dirt Devil, and Vax. Since 1996, the Ryobi brand in America has operated as a subsidiary of Techtronic Industries (TTI), a Hong Kong company founded in 1985.

Ryobi manufactures both corded and cordless power tools with 2021 debuting the ONE+ HP brushless tools. They also make hand tools as well as accessories like saw blades and drill/driver bits.

Around 2008, Ryobi did something no other manufacturer had pulled off. They introduced lithium-ion battery technology while maintaining perfect backward compatibility with every tool they ever made. DeWalt tried this…and failed, having to switch from a brief period of lithium-ion stem packs to a whole new slide pack design with the launch of their XR tools in 2013.

DeWalt is an American company that represents a worldwide brand of power tools for the construction, manufacturing, and woodworking industries. The DeWalt brand actually falls under the umbrella of Stanley Black & Decker. This parent company also owns Irwin Tools, Craftsman, Lenox, Porter-Cable, Proto, Bostitch, Vidmar, and several others.

DeWalt was officially formed in 1923 by Raymond E. DeWalt (who invented the radial arm saw). Eventually, the company was sold to Black & Decker in 1960. Nothing too exciting happened until 2004 when Black and Decker bought Porter-Cable and combined it with DeWalt in Jackson, Tennessee.

DeWalt expanded into the production of hand tools in 2011, and in 2013 they added mechanics’ tools. Three years later, in 2016, DeWalt debuted FlexVolt, the construction industry’s first hybrid voltage battery pack. It runs at either 60V Max (series) or 20V Max (parallel) mode depending upon whether it is placed into a 60V FlexVolt or 20V Max tool.

Internationally, Ryobi and its parent company TTI manufacture a large majority of its cordless power tools and battery-powered products overseas. The company has factories in China, Vietnam, Mexico, Germany, the Czech Republic, and the United States.

In 2016, Ryobi Limited invested $97.5 million into its U.S. subsidiary Ryobi Die Casting USA, purchasing and equipping a 350,000-square-foot facility adjacent to its campus in Shelbyville, Indiana. This facility, however, doesn’t manufacture Ryobi Power Tools which fall under the branding agreement with TTI.

Domestically, Ryobi designs and engineers all of their tools right in Anderson, South Carolina. They also assemble several tool lines in their 1,000,000 square foot manufacturing plant and warehouse. That includes their newest lawnmower line.

Like most power tool companies, DeWalt manufactures much of its inventory overseas. However, the company has made some recent strides to bring more of its manufacturing back to the USA—at least in part. In December 2013, DeWalt announced it would be assembling certain products domestically from globally sourced parts imported from Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Italy, Mexico, the UK, and here in the States. You may have already seen or used some of those products bearing the label “Built in the USA with global materials.”

Fast forward to 2015 and DeWalt operated seven domestic manufacturing facilities to build DeWalt tools and products. These facilities are located in New Britain, Connecticut; Hampstead, Maryland; Shelbyville, Kentucky; Greenfield, Indiana; Cheraw, South Carolina; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Jackson, Tennessee.

If you back up to parent company Stanley Black & Decker, USA-based manufacturing occurs on a much wider scale, claiming 48 U.S. manufacturing facilities. The company maintains these facilities across two dozen or so states.

Overseas manufacturing, which still dominates the majority of DeWalt power tools, occurs largely in Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Italy, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Given their growth, the Ryobi vs DeWalt debate tilts towards the latter if you want to find tools with at least some production occurring in the United States.

With companies owned by parent organizations, it can be difficult to estimate the size. DeWalt claims over 10,000 employees across all of its facilities on its LinkedIn page. Since all of the Stanley Black & Decker brands employ a number about 6X greater than that, 10,000 seems to be a relatively believable figure.

Worldwide, Ryobi’s parent company TTI employs more than 22,000 people. Domestically, the company has more than 4,000 employees. In its Anderson County facility, the latest $100 million expansion should wrap up in 2022 by bringing an additional 525 jobs to the area. This occurred after an $85 million investment in 2015 that created 216 new jobs.

The parent company behind Ryobi Power Tools is Techtronic Industries (TTI). Founded in Hong Kong in 1985, TTI includes the following brands:

TTI designs, manufactures, and markets everything from power tools and outdoor power equipment to layout and measurement tools, appliances, and even floor care products. The brands under TTI make products used by tradesmen, consumers, and industrial users across the home, construction, maintenance, and industrial markets.

TTI is listed under the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as Techtronic Ind (669) and was valued at HK$76.050 ($9.81 USD) per share on June 17, 2020, with a market cap of HK$139.25 or $17.9 billion USD. In 2020, TTI saw revenues of $9.8 billion with a gross profit margin of 38.3%, attributing its success to increased strategic investment in new products, manufacturing capacity, geographic expansion, and in-field marketing initiatives.

Behind DeWalt stands Stanley Black & Decker, Inc (SBD). SBD includes the following brands:

Previously known as The Stanley Works, SBD is a Fortune 500 company based in the United States. They manufacture tools, accessories, and fasteners for the industrial, construction, home improvement, and outdoor power equipment markets and also supply security products. Headquartered in New Britain, Connecticut, Stanley Black & Decker arose when Stanley Works and Black & Decker merged in 2010.

As of 2019, Stanley Black & Decker employed around 61,000 people across 60 different countries. Stanley Black & Decker is listed under the New York Stock Exchange as SWK and was valued at $135.31 per share on June 17, 2020, with a market cap of $21.37 billion USD. The company saw $14.4 billion in revenues with an operating margin rate of 13.5%. It attributed its latest growth chiefly to successes in the areas of tools & storage as well as industrial acquisitions.

When comparing the general cost of tools between Ryobi vs DeWalt you quickly realize that both companies make a lot of tools. Ryobi Tool has over 225 tools in its 18V ONE+ line alone, with another 50 or more 40V tools.

DeWalt boasts more than 200 products in its 20V Max line before adding in their new FlexVolt line of tools (around three dozen or more in this category so far) or their corded products.

Clearly, both brands have a large commitment to making tools, however, DeWalt definitely favors the professional contractor and tradesmen while Ryobi goes after the DIY market and trades that don’t require the highest power or torque. We see a lot of Ryobi tools used in the HVAC trades as well as for those doing punch lists and basic home repairs.

Both brands also cover a host of accessories—from blades and bits to hole saws and specialty fasteners. DeWalt takes the lead here, however, with a much larger and deeper assortment of accessories that cross a much wider span of tools. They also have more options when it comes to saw blades and grinder wheels.

DeWalt carries a decisive advantage in the fasteners category. Its parent company acquired both Powers Fasteners and Infastech in 2012. Ryobi doesn’t make any fasteners, nor are we aware of any plans for them to expand into this area.

In general, having reviewed and used literally hundreds of tools from both companies, Ryobi Tools clearly cost less—by far—than comparable DeWalt power tools. Often HALF as much. This mostly has to do with the target audience. Ryobi targets users who don’t need the most torque or the highest speeds. They aren’t likely driving the most difficult fasteners or using their tool for hours at a time but more periodically or occasionally. There are exceptions, however.

DeWalt also tends to include higher-capacity, advanced batteries in their cordless tool kits. Ryobi sells a majority of its tools without a battery. In fact, Ryobi considers this an advantage since you can buy an initial combo kit and then add tools inexpensively until you have a rather large collection.

DeWalt makes compact and entry-level tools available for their Pros, so you have some choice when choosing from their core tools. Ryobi does something similar with both brushed, compact brushless, and brushless tools available across several key products. Overall, DeWalt provides a lot more options for Pro users depending upon the features and capabilities they need and/or want while Ryobi leads the budget category.

In the examples above, you can see that in some places, DeWalt tools cost as much as twice that of Ryobi tools. In other cases, you can grab a full-size DeWalt 20V circular saw kit for a mere $10 premium over a Ryobi.

Ryobi includes a 3-year limited warranty with most of its cordless power tools, chargers, and batteries—including its 20V outdoor power equipment. Some specialty tools include different warranties—but the company notes that on their warranty page. Of note, Ryobi hand tools carry a limited lifetime warranty. Their 40V cordless outdoor products carry a 5-year limited tool warranty and 3-year battery warranty.

You don’t have to register Ryobi tools in order to receive warranty coverage or service. However, the company uses the manufacturing date if you cannot produce a receipt. To get the most out of your warranty, we always recommend registering the tool so you document the purchase date. This goes for DeWalt or Ryobi power tools.

DeWalt includes a 3-year limited warranty on most cordless power tools with a 1-year free service contract and a 90-day money-back guarantee. DeWalt Mechanics Tools are covered by a full lifetime warranty. That means that if any DeWalt mechanics tool fails for any reason, the company will replace it—even without proof of purchase. Other DeWalt hand tools carry a limited lifetime warranty against defects. Finally, a few select DeWalt pneumatic tools carry a 7-year warranty with a 1-year service agreement and a 3-day money-back guarantee.

Check here for more DeWalt warranty information.

So let’s look at brand reputation. Both Ryobi and DeWalt both have a good reputation for making great tools. They simply serve different markets. DeWalt is known as one of the go-to brands for professional tradesmen. Their “Yellow-and-Black” coloring is well-recognized across the industry.

Ryobi dominates the consumer and DIY markets, making tools for more than just residential and commercial construction. With inflators, fans, misters, soldering stations, rotary tools, and Bluetooth radios, Ryobi has something for anyone and everyone. They do, however, lack many higher-end trade-focused products like crimpers, cutters, and threaders. Electricians and plumbers who tackle jobs that require these tools might want to stick with a brand that can cover the array of specialty tools that make their jobs easier.

Ryobi also capitalized on DeWalt’s short-lived 18V XRP tool that used lithium-ion stem-packs. That put Big Yellow about 2-years behind the times. The company eventually switched to slide-pack batteries. By that time, however, Ryobi had truly expanded its ONE+ line with new tools that took advantage of higher power lithium-ion batteries.

Lastly, with its impressive 20V and 60V FlexVolt tools, DeWalt makes some of the most innovative tools for the construction trade industry. If this seems like one big seesaw of back-and-forth, it’s simply because both companies have incredible advantages—aimed squarely at different audiences.

Figure out which camp you fit into, choose accordingly, and you’ll do very well for yourself.

Both DeWalt and Ryobi have long employed brushless tool technology. DeWalt rolled out their brushless tools first, immediately taking advantage of the ability to better control drill and driver speed through electronics. Ryobi has made the move to brushless in just the last few years.

When comparing Ryobi to DeWalt, we also can’t ignore the presence of DeWalt Tool Connect. While the sophisticated Milwaukee ONE-KEY is offered by another TTI brand, Ryobi has no present plans to include this type of technology. If you want some level of tool tracking and inventory control, DeWalt handily wins this contest.

If you want to compare DeWalt vs Ryobi drills, the cost might be your biggest factor. You also need to understand the type of work you typically perform. Do you need to consistently drill through double-stacked headers for running conduit and cable or use large hole saws and self-feed bits? If so, a DeWalt drill like the DeWalt DCD997 can handle a lot more torque for longer periods than something like the Ryobi HP Brushless hammer drill. It also holds up well under load, meaning it slows down very little once you give it a job to do. The DeWalt will also drill much more quickly through concrete.

Be sure to also check out our article on the Best DeWalt Drill

Where the Ryobi HP brushless drill excels, however, is speed. It placed very high in our test track—meaning it tore through everything we threw at it!

If you only intend to drill 1/2-inch or smaller holes or tackle the occasional Tapcon, Ryobi can definitely handle that. It can also take care of heavier use when it’s not your daily grind. The price of a Ryobi HP Brushless drill runs around half that of DeWalt—so you might begin to see the appeal for some users. When we evaluate the best cordless drills we always consider value—and Ryobi has it in spades.

Interestingly, Ryobi makes a smaller hammer drill than DeWalt—measuring almost a half-inch less in length. Measuring both tools shows that the Ryobi weighs almost a pound less. You can definitely feel the difference when you pick up each tool, though the Ryobi certainly doesn’t feel cheaply made.

If you want a more compact tool, DeWalt gives you several choices across the line. They have compact reciprocating saws, compact drills, and compact (Atomic) impact drivers. With Ryobi Tools, you can opt for their Compact HP Brushless line of tools, but no 12V models exist. They do, however, have one-handed reciprocating saws, mini 4-inch circular saws, and other tools that save on space.

For “Yellow” compact tools, check out DeWalt Atomic tools that promise both reduced size and more affordability. Overall, DeWalt has a much broader selection of truly compact tools. Ryobi has prioritized value over size. As a result, their tools typically measure a bit longer, and weigh a tad more, than higher-priced brands.

If the above hammer drill comparison indicates anything, it’s that these tools remain fiercely competitive. When comparing the Ryobi vs DeWalt impact driver, two things immediately jumped out. From our best impact driver comparison, we know that the DeWalt DCF850 shaves over 1 1/2-inches off the length of the Ryobi. We also know that DeWalt has significant advantages in both speed and tested torque.

We do like the chuck-based tri-LED light DeWalt uses—it illuminates the work area much more clearly. The DeWalt DCF850 features 3-speeds while the Ryobi gives you 3-speeds as well as an Assist mode that helps when tightening and removing fasteners.

In this contest, both tools do very well, and we expect that—solely based on these two tools alone—this would be a difficult decision. In reality, the choice will have much more to do with the product line you choose as a professional or home user.

The Ryobi high-torque impact wrench performed admirably in our testing. As such, it matches up pretty well against the DeWalt DCF899 impact wrench in power and speed.

Let’s consider some other Ryobi vs DeWalt impact wrench considerations. First, if you want a larger tool, DeWalt makes the DCF897 3/4″ impact wrench. Ryobi, however, stops at a 1/2-inch tool. Second, Ryobi offers something DeWalt doesn’t—an Auto mode for controlling speed while fastening and loosening nuts and bolts.

Switching to the mid-torque, the Ryobi P262 impact wrench provides up to 450 foot-pounds of fastening torque. Compare that to the 330 foot-pounds on the DeWalt DCF896 1/2″ impact wrench.

DeWalt has more compact options with other Atomic impact wrenches. No matter how you slice it, even the smallest Ryobi 3/8-inch impact driver sticks out nearly 1/2-inch past the smallest DeWalt 1/2-inch DCF922 Atomic impact driver.

When it comes to buying a DeWalt vs Ryobi circular saw, we have to say that DeWalt gets the clear nod for Pro-level performance. Ryobi makes a great 7-1/4″ cordless saw, but it doesn’t have the professional feel of either of DeWalt’s excellent offerings. Ryobi also doesn’t yet have a rear-handle saw, though they do have both blade-right (7-1/4″) and blade-left (6-1/2″) models.

The price for the tools differs almost as much as their physical traits. The DeWalt 60V DCS578 adds nearly two pounds to the weight of the Ryobi PBLCS300B, making for a heavier-duty tool. The DeWalt also features an aluminum shoe while the Ryobi uses stamped steel. Believe it or not, the Ryobi actually features a slightly better sightline for cutting.

One additional note—of the two brands, only DeWalt has a capable DCS520 track saw. They also have the DWS520 if you want a corded model.

Once again, Ryobi has several miter saws that present an excellent value. For overall performance, however, DeWalt wins this category hands-down. In the Ryobi miter saw vs DeWalt miter saw debate, you first need to decide what kind of work you intend to do.

When we wrote up our best 12-inch miter saws article, we quickly noted models that had excellent fence clearance and above-average capacity. The DeWalt DWS716XPS miter saw remains a favorite of ours. We love the LED cutline that lets you see your cut—even in broad daylight. This saw also cuts 6-1/2 in. vertical base and 6-5/8 in. of vertically nested crown molding.

Like DeWalt, Ryobi has several miter saws to choose from—ranging from 7-1/4″ to 12″. They also have sliding and non-sliding options as well as a basic stand. None of their options, however, provide innovative features or tall rear fences for cutting complex crown molding. Instead, Ryobi prioritizes value. Their most entry-level corded saw runs just $99 on sale.

We’re glad you asked that question (even if you technically didn’t!) With cordless saws, we love the Ryobi PBT01B 7-1/4″sliding miter saw. If you already have batteries and a charger, the price is only a $10 premium over their corded model and it cuts almost as well.

The DeWalt FlexVolt DHS790 performs really well—really as a corded replacement. Built on the platform of the well-regarded DWS780 miter saw, this tool packs plenty of power and has an available adapter to let you run it off AC power when needed.

Finally, if you want a compact model, it’s hard to beat the cordless DeWalt DCS361B which packs the ability to cut over 175 2x4s using a single 4Ah 20V Max battery.

OK, so we covered company history, dynamics, technology, and products. After that, it really comes down to doing some of your own research in terms of who you want to get behind with your hard-earned dollars. The question of whether Ryobi is better than DeWalt comes down to who you are and how you intend to use your tools. From our perspective, however, we see two solid companies serving two completely different markets. Both companies provide lots of tool innovation—just in different ways. If you work in the trades and plan to use trade-specific tools all day long, DeWalt makes the better choice. If your trade doesn’t require very specialized tools for plumbing and electrical and you don’t work your tools to the max—Ryobi can save you lots of money.

Disagree with conclusion or have some opinions of your own? Leave them in the comments below!

When he's not remodeling part of his house or playing with the latest power tool, Clint enjoys life as a husband, father, and avid reader. He has a degree in recording engineering and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another since 1992.

Clint’s career has covered nearly the entire realm of audio and video production. After graduating at the top of his class with an Associates Degree in Recording Engineering, he began working for the famed Soundelux studios in 1994, one of the largest post-production companies specializing in audio for feature films & television. Working on a myriad of feature films, Clint honed his skills as a dialogue editor, foley editor, and sound designer. Years later, he moved into the expanding area of video editing, where he served as the company’s senior AVID video editor for three years.

Working for such clients as Universal Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, NASA, Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, SEGA, NASCAR, and others, Clint dealt extensively with client management as well as film & video editing, color correction, and digital video & MPEG compression. He also carries several THX certifications (Technician I and II, THX Video), and is ISF Level II Certified.

After founding the CD Media, Inc. publishing company in 1996, he went on to help start or grow several successful online publications, including Audioholics (as Editor-in-Chief for 12 years), Audiogurus, and AV Gadgets. In 2008, Clint founded Pro Tool Reviews followed by the landscape and outdoor power equipment-focused OPE Reviews in 2017. He also heads up the Pro Tool Innovation Awards, an annual awards program honoring innovative tools and accessories across the trades.

Crediting his excellent staff for the success of what is now the largest power tool review publication in the industry, Clint DeBoer hopes to see continued growth for the company as it rapidly expands its reach. Pro Tool Reviews critically reviews hundreds of hand tools, power tools, and accessories each year to help inform users about the best and newest products in the industry. Reaching everyone from the construction industry professional and tradesman to the serious DIYer, Pro Tool Reviews helps tool consumers shop better, work smarter, and stay aware of what tools and products can help put them at the top of their game.

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Very useful information. Thank you Clint.

Who’s idea to compare those two?! I strongly disagree with this idea. Those are totally different soup. Don’t even compare. Even though I’m Japanese, I know Dewalt makes way better than Ryobi.

Very well researched, and well written article about two very good tool companies, and their products. Thank you very much.

I really like DeWalt tools but with that being said, I also own several Ryobi tools. I do Handyman work so in some instances, the Ryobi is just fine. As a matter of fact, I prefer them. If I was a pro, I would probably stick with DeWalt. It comes down to the bottom line as most pros know. With Handyman work, you can switch up between the two. I’ll personally continue to use both. Thanks for the very informative article!

My first Ryo is was a cordless 18v drill with niches. Got a good 10 years in com.ercial refrigeration service . It started dying after drilling 6 4inch holes in a 1/8 metal cabinet. Limped along another month till it smoked. Bought a lithium battery one cause it used the same size as the Nicad one.since the. Have a week Wacker, hammer drill and impact gun been satisfied with all. Retired since 2013 so I guess they’ll outlive me.

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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros

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