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Ryobi often gets brushed off in the tool aisle at Home Depot. Many DIYers and professionals alike turn their noses up at the bright green brand, assuming it’s inferior to Milwaukee, DeWalt, or Makita. In fact, Ryobi recently topped a YouTube poll as the “most hated” tool brand, pulling in 38% of the vote.
But is this hate really justified? Or is Ryobi quietly one of the most underrated tool companies on the market today? This breakdown takes a closer look at Ryobi’s history, strengths, weaknesses, and whether the criticism is fair.
Key Takeaways
- Ryobi has deep roots — founded in Japan in 1943, with power tools dating back to 1968.
- Owned by TTI (which also owns Milwaukee, Ridgid, and Hart), Ryobi benefits from serious corporate backing and rapid product development.
- Affordability is unmatched — a full kit of essential tools costs hundreds less than competing brands.
- Over 260 tools run on the same 18V ONE+ battery, giving Ryobi unmatched versatility.
- Award-winning design and strong warranties add credibility often overlooked by critics.
- Not ideal for heavy construction — Ryobi shines for DIYers, homeowners, and beginner woodworkers, not jobsite abuse.
- Some tools are worth skipping (like the table saw and miter saw), but the core lineup delivers great value.
A Brief History of Ryobi
Ryobi began in Japan in 1943 as a die-cast component company. By 1968, they had launched their first power drill, kicking off decades of tool production. In August 2000, Ryobi was acquired by Techtronic Industries (TTI) — the same company that owns Milwaukee, Ridgid, and Hart.
Unlike typical holding companies, TTI allows each brand to operate independently with their own engineering, product development, and sales teams. This autonomy explains why Ryobi continues to innovate in its own lane while benefiting from TTI’s manufacturing power.
Why Ryobi Wins Over DIYers
1. Price That Can’t Be Ignored
A complete Ryobi tool set with a drill, driver, sander, jigsaw, and circular saw costs around $400–$500. Comparable kits from Milwaukee or DeWalt run hundreds more. For beginners or homeowners, this price difference makes Ryobi an easy choice.
2. The ONE+ Battery Advantage
Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ platform supports more than 260 tools — from drills to string trimmers to leaf blowers. Even more impressive, today’s batteries remain backward-compatible with Ryobi tools dating back to 1996. That kind of consistency is rare in the power tool world.
3. Innovation and Awards
Ryobi has received multiple Red Dot Design Awards, Good Design Awards, CES Innovation Awards, and more. Despite the stigma, the brand has a track record of forward-thinking tool design.
4. Availability at Home Depot
Convenience matters. With Ryobi stocked nationwide at Home Depot, homeowners can pick up tools immediately instead of waiting for online orders.
5. Warranties Comparable to Premium Brands
Ryobi offers a 3-year limited warranty on its tools, putting it on par with other major brands. While Milwaukee extends some tools to 5 years, Ryobi still provides solid coverage for the price point.
Where Ryobi Falls Short
Ryobi isn’t designed for professional contractors who work on demanding job sites. Common complaints include:
- Durability — not built to withstand daily abuse in harsh environments.
- Smaller tool sizes — for example, the circular saw in Ryobi kits often comes with a 5½-inch blade, limiting cutting depth.
- Feature trade-offs — higher-end tools (like Milwaukee) often offer better LED placement, variable speeds, or brushless motors that deliver more power and efficiency.
Still, for weekend woodworkers, hobbyists, and homeowners, Ryobi tools hold up just fine — especially if treated with care.
Tools to Approach with Caution
While Ryobi’s core lineup is impressive, there are a few tools seasoned users often avoid:
- Ryobi Table Saw — plagued by an unreliable fence system that struggles to stay square.
- Ryobi Miter Saw — for its price point, competitors like DeWalt generally offer better accuracy and features.
These outliers aside, most Ryobi tools compare surprisingly well against Ridgid, and in some cases, even Milwaukee.
The Verdict: Is the Hate Justified?
Ryobi is far from perfect, but dismissing the brand outright is shortsighted. For DIY projects, beginner woodworking, or household fixes, Ryobi offers excellent value, unmatched versatility, and surprising quality.
Yes, professionals working on job sites may prefer Milwaukee or DeWalt for durability. But for the average homeowner, Ryobi more than gets the job done. The hate? Mostly misplaced.