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Milwaukee vs Ryobi cordless tools

Specification-based comparison

At a glance

SpecMilwaukee M18 FUEL hammer drill and impact driver kit (2897-22)Ryobi ONE+ 18V drill and impact driver kit
PlatformM18 FUEL18V ONE+, a very large range (per Ryobi)
Drill torque1,200 in-lbs peak, up to 2,000 RPM (hammer drill, per Milwaukee)Up to 515 in-lbs, 0 to 1,750 RPM
Impact driver1,800 in-lbs1,800 in-lbs, 3,400 IPM
MotorPOWERSTATE brushlessSee Ryobi listing
Batteries in kitTwo 5.0Ah REDLITHIUM XCTwo 1.5Ah lithium-ion
ChargerM12-M18 multi-voltage18V charger
Hammer functionYes (hammer drill)Drill/driver only

The table compares a Milwaukee 2897-22 kit and a Ryobi ONE+ two-tool kit using their Amazon listings. The Milwaukee is a higher-tier kit, so the gap in batteries and drill torque reflects that tier difference as well as the brand.

Pick the Milwaukee M18 FUEL hammer drill and impact driver kit (2897-22) if...

You use tools most weeks, drill into masonry or driving long fasteners, and want bigger batteries and brushless motors you can build on with the M18 range.

Pick the Ryobi ONE+ 18V drill and impact driver kit if...

You do occasional projects at home, want low cost per tool and like one battery powering a wide hobby and yard range.

Who should skip both

You only need a small drill for light assembly. A compact kit from either brand is cheaper, or look at DeWalt vs Ryobi for a middle option.

Where to buy

Milwaukee M18 FUEL hammer drill and impact driver kit (2897-22)Milwaukee M18 FUEL hammer drill and impact driver kit (2897-22)M18 FUEL 2704-20 hammer drill and 2753-20 impact driver with two 5.0Ah batteries and charger.Check price on Amazon
Ryobi ONE+ 18V drill and impact driver kitRyobi ONE+ 18V drill and impact driver kitTwo-tool ONE+ 18V combo (PCL206 drill/driver and PCL235 impact driver) with batteries, charger and bag.Check price on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Is Milwaukee better than Ryobi?

For professional and daily use, Milwaukee M18 FUEL is built for heavier duty. For occasional home use, Ryobi gives a lot of capability at lower cost.

Can I use Ryobi batteries on Milwaukee tools?

No. The systems are separate, so each brand needs its own batteries and chargers.

Why is the Milwaukee kit so much more expensive?

It includes brushless FUEL tools and two 5.0Ah batteries, against basic 1.5Ah batteries in the Ryobi kit. Compare tier and kit contents, not only the brand.

Which is better for woodworking?

Either handles drilling and driving in wood. Milwaukee has a stronger line of pro-grade shop and framing tools; Ryobi covers hobby needs for less.

Related

Comparison researched from manufacturer specifications, retailer listings and owner reviews. We have not tested these tools. Confirm current specs and availability before you buy. WorkshopCalc is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases.