Ryobi’s real advantage over Milwaukee and DeWalt isn’t the price—it’s the ecosystem

Published Sep 30, 2026, 6:00 AM EDT Cory Gunther is a senior author and Newsletter Editor at Valnet, covering cutting-edge tech, Android, and more for How-To Geek. He's covered Android, cars, and technology for over a decade. When he's not reviewing the latest gadget, you can find him off-roading in his Toyota truck, fixing said truck, or doing something outdoors with friends and family. He's covered CES, SEMA, and MWC and reviewed countless phones, TVs, speakers, EVs, e-bikes, and more. Before Valnet, Cory worked for GottaBeMobile. His writing has also appeared on SlashGear, InputMag, and AndroidCentral. He's written over 9,000 articles. Ryobi is a go-to in the DIY and homeowner space for multiple reasons. Not only do they have a ton of tools for just about any task, but they also make dozens of accessories for hobbies, outdoor activities, and more. Just like tools in general, there's a lot of personal preference and brand loyalty involved, and while Ryobi gets hate online, they're clearly winning in several ways. Say what you want about Ryobi, but its 18V ONE+ line continues to dominate at Home Depot, DIYers absolutely love them, and fans everywhere use Ryobi battery packs in tons of gadgets. In case you didn't know, here's why Ryobi keeps winning. Readily available and highly capable Not to mention budget-friendly Whether you're an aspiring DIYer, a new homeowner, or an electrician by trade, you need quality tools to complete the job. Online debates about which brand is the best will never go away, and none of those lists have Ryobi at the top. But that doesn't really matter. For regular folks, DIYers, or hobbyists, they're a no-brainer. Ryobi tools are among the most affordable options on the market, yet durable and capable of handling everything from simple home repairs to massive jobs. I've been buying Ryobi tools for over 20 years, and most of my old blue tools still work. That's saying something. Almost any tool you need will likely be more affordable in the Ryobi section at Home Depot than the Milwaukee red aisle, DeWALT, or Makita. And if you're not a professional using it 8 hours a day, it'll be more than enough. More importantly, Ryobi tools are readily available at any neighborhood Home Depot and can even be delivered the same day with online orders. That's hugely important, as DIYers and homeowners likely have limited time. If I'm in the middle of a project and need something specific, I know I can run to Home Depot, find it at a reasonable price, and be home in 15 minutes to get back to work. The affordability and availability give me peace of mind while working, and I doubt I'm the only one. Ryobi makes a little bit of everything Tools, lighting, camping gear, and so much more Ryobi's ever-expanding selection of 18V ONE+ tools, all of which use the same battery, is the other key to its success. Sure, every other brand has a large selection, but Ryobi's been using the same battery style for 30 years. More importantly, the brand isn't slowing down anytime soon. Every few months, they announce exciting or versatile new tools, accessories, gadgets, or lighting products you'll love. Anything you buy today will work with tools in the future, or tools and battery packs from 20 years ago. Well, as long as it's a Ryobi 18V ONE+ item, as the bigger 40V tools are slightly different. Then, what makes that single battery platform stronger than ever, and key to Ryobi's success, is the endless types of products you can buy from the company. Seriously, Ryobi makes everything. You can buy power tools, lawn care equipment, pool vacuums, fans, lights, speakers, hand tools, workbenches, battery-powered coolers, tire inflators, mechanic-specific items, camping equipment, 18V stick vacuums that'll rival Shark or Dyson, 150-watt battery inverters for emergencies, and the list goes on and on. Credit: Ryobi Ryobi sells pressure washers and power cleaners, tripod lights, chainsaws, glue guns, portable soldering irons, creeper seats, bucket-top vacuums, misting fans, propane heaters, gardening tools, chemical sprayers, and riding lawnmowers. It's actually pretty wild when you think about everything offered under one brand, and that fits a single battery platform. Keep in mind that some items, like a riding lawnmower, won't work with 18V battery packs and instead require a big 80V pack, but it's still a Ryobi product that DIYers and hobbyists will love. All of this is to say that Ryobi makes a little bit of everything at an affordable price, with decent quality and durability, and that's exactly why I think they're winning in the DIY and hobby market, and winning by a landslide. You can't get nearly this many products or categories from any other major tool brand. It's why I can't stop buying Ryobi tools Everything mentioned above is why I continue to buy Ryobi tools and products. And it's why so many DIYers and homeowners do, too. At this point, I have well over 25 power tools, outdoor equipment, multiple fans, a few lights, a Bluetooth speaker, vehicle maintenance products, and probably several more things I'm not remembering. Ryobi is so much more than power tools, and it's why I can't (or won't) stop buying whatever comes next.