If you’ve been thinking about diving into RYOBI tools, you’re not alone. A couple years ago, I picked up my first RYOBI combo kit from Home Depot and I’ve been adding to that collection ever since. Along the way, I’ve learned some valuable lessons — the good, the not-so-good, and the downright awesome.

In this post, I’ll share five things I wish I had known before buying into the RYOBI platform, including which tools are worth every penny, which ones to avoid, and how to get the most out of RYOBI batteries and accessories.

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Watch The Full Youtube Video Here: RYOBI REGRETS: 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying!

Why RYOBI Tools Deserve a Closer Look

RYOBI sometimes gets labeled as a “DIY brand” and looked down on by folks loyal to DeWALT, Milwaukee, or Makita. But after two years of heavy use in my woodworking shop, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by RYOBI’s innovation, durability, and performance — especially their ONE+ HP line.

Here’s the deal:

Over 300 tools now run on the same 18V ONE+ battery platform.
In 2024 alone, RYOBI launched 27 brand-new 18V tools.
Their latest EDGE batteries bring serious performance gains.

If you’re thinking about getting started with cordless tools, RYOBI is one of the strongest ecosystems out there.

👉 Shop ALL RYOBI Tools at Home Depot

1. Not All RYOBI Tools Are Created Equal

When I bought my first combo kit, I didn’t realize that all of the tools were brushed motors, not brushless.

Brushed tools = budget-friendly, but lower power and shorter run time.
Brushless tools = more efficient, longer battery life, and more power.

If you want the best experience, skip the older brushed tools and go straight for the RYOBI ONE+ HP brushless line.

👉 RYOBI ONE+ HP Tools

2. Batteries Make or Break the Experience

RYOBI’s battery lineup has evolved, and it matters which one you choose:

Standard ONE+ batteries – They’ll work, but performance is average.
High Performance batteries – A big step up in power and runtime.
EDGE batteries – Their newest design with tabless technology for maximum performance.

I tested the EDGE batteries against older models and the difference was obvious — faster cuts, stronger drills, and longer life.

👉 RYOBI EDGE Battery
👉 High Performance Batteries

3. The Hidden Gem Tools You’ll Love

Some RYOBI tools have really impressed me. These are must-haves for woodworking and shop work:

ONE+ HP Palm Router – Compact, comfortable, and surprisingly powerful.
👉 RYOBI Router
Barrel Grip Jigsaw – One of the best jigsaws I’ve ever used at this price point.
👉 Barrel Grip Jigsaw
AirStrike 18-Gauge Brad Nailer – Reliable, cordless convenience.
👉 Brad Nailer
ONE+ HP Drill/Driver – Solid ergonomics, plenty of power, and comparable to higher-end brands.
👉 HP Drill

These tools have been game changers in my shop and are worth every penny.

4. Tools I’d Avoid (At Least for Now)

Not everything in the RYOBI lineup hits the mark. Here are a few I recommend steering clear of:

Table Saw – The fence system just isn’t up to par compared to rack-and-pinion designs from other brands.
Older brushed tools – Fine for light DIY, but not for serious woodworking.
Steel Link Wall Cabinet – Too flimsy for the price.

If you’re investing in your shop, skip these and stick with RYOBI’s newer brushless HP tools.

5. Durability and Battery Life

One of the biggest misconceptions I had going in was that RYOBI tools wouldn’t last. After two years of daily abuse— dropping, knocking, and pushing them hard — I’ve had zero failures.

Battery life is slightly shorter compared to DeWALT or Milwaukee, but with multiple packs and a rapid charger, it hasn’t slowed me down.

👉 RYOBI Rapid Charger Options

Bonus: RYOBI Link Storage System

I recently added the RYOBI Link storage system to my shop, and it’s been a pleasant surprise. From battery shelvesto drill organizers and small parts bins, it keeps everything neat and easy to find.

👉 RYOBI Link Storage

Final Thoughts

If I had to start over, I’d still choose RYOBI — but I’d go straight into the ONE+ HP line and pair it with EDGE batteries from the start. That combination gives you pro-level performance without breaking the bank.

RYOBI continues to roll out new tools every year, which means the platform is strong and only getting better.

So, would I buy RYOBI again? Absolutely — just a little smarter this time.

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