It’s no secret that Ryobi gets a lot of hate online. You’ve probably seen videos on social media poking fun at the bright lime-green tools, and asking for advice in a Reddit tool forum will quickly get responses about just how “bad” they are. If that’s the case, why are they so popular, and why do DIYers keep buying them?
Fun fact: the same company (TTI) that owns Ryobi also owns Milwaukee, which is why they’re both so prominent in Home Depot. I’m not saying they’re the same, but it’s something to think about.
Especially if you’re the right customer
People love to trash on a product or brand to help justify their own purchase, and tool enthusiasts are a passionate bunch, all claiming their team color is the best. I’m talking about those yellow DeWALT tools to the mighty red Milwaukee line.
Turns out, Ryobi tools are actually pretty great, especially for the target audience. Ryobi makes excellent tools that are often marketed to new homeowners, DIYers, and occasional users. And for that market, they’re an excellent option, delivering good performance at a great price.
Ryobi isn’t trying to directly compete with some heavy-duty tool you’ll find on a construction site, although it’s not uncommon to see Ryobi in those locations, either. I know multiple mechanics and an electrician who all use Ryobi, and use them daily. If there’s a problem, they offer a pretty great warranty, and buying a replacement is fast and affordable.
These are highly capable tools with a solid track record of more than 20 years, and they’re not slowing down. The company constantly adds to its selection, and more are coming in 2026.
I’m not a mechanic, and I don’t use my Ryobi tools every single day. However, I can tell you that I own 20+ Ryobi tools, and I’ve used them to rebuild a patio deck, replace all the suspension in my truck, rebuild an engine, change spark plugs, build furniture and swing sets, remodel a laundry room, and perform several other various tasks. I’ve never had a Ryobi tool fail, and the 18V battery packs hold up well, too.
Readily available at any Home Depot
You always know where to find more tools that are compatible with your batteries
Another reason Ryobi tools are so popular is their ease of access. Home Depot is the most popular hardware store in the United States, and every one of its locations is filled with lime-green Ryobi tools on the shelves. The big-box retailer is also wildly popular in Canada and Mexico, and is full of Ryobi and Milwaukee tools.
Whenever you need a new tool, even an obscure tool, there’s a good chance Ryobi makes one and sells it at Home Depot. For example, as a new homeowner, I constantly do little projects around the house. Whether I need a Brad Nailer, an impact wrench, or something else, I know Home Depot will have what I’m looking for, and more importantly, it’ll be affordable.
The only tool you can’t use is the one you don’t have. So, the next time you’re in need of a tool and don’t want to spend a fortune, head to Home Depot and grab something by Ryobi.
A huge selection that’s relatively affordable
Good tools at a reasonable price
Every major power tool brand has a growing collection of tools that all run off the same battery. It’s what makes them so popular and what locks you into their ecosystem.
The Ryobi 18V One+ system lets you use the same battery with nearly 400 different cordless power tools and accessories, so you don’t need to own multiple battery packs or chargers. The 18V line is what you’ll see most of, which powers drills, impact wrenches, Bluetooth speakers, leaf blowers, Brad nailers, vacuums, table saws, sawzalls, fans, lights, and more.
Ryobi also has an even bigger 40V system for those who need more power, but many of those are for lawn care. Then, there’s even a Ryobi 80V platform designed to replace gas-equivalent tools. As I said earlier, Ryobi offers a little of everything.
At this point, I own well over 20-25 Ryobi tools, and I don’t plan to slow down. I have everything from drills and drivers to impact drivers, angled ratchets, my lawn mower (which uses a bigger 40v battery), weed eater, garage fan, electric grease gun, saws, orbital sanders, and much more.
The reason Ryobi is so popular, and why DIYers keep buying them, is due to the massive 350+ tools that run on the same battery. Ryobi has a huge collection, more arrive all the time, and they’re often more affordable than the competition. Ease of access, performance, and affordability are all key factors.
You wanna tell them they’re wrong?
I can tell you that without a doubt, I’m extremely happy with all of my Ryobi tools. My brushless impact wrench is way better than a comparable Craftsman model the neighbor has, and users on Reddit agree. The next time I happen to need a new tool for around the house or in my yard, I’ll be buying another Ryobi.
For example, one Reddit user who’s an Electrician by trade recently started ditching their expensive Milwaukee tools, and is “starting to love Ryobi.” Another user mentioned that the price premium for Milwaukee or DeWALT simply wasn’t worth it, especially for around-the-house use, and they could easily replace them with Ryobi at a lower price point and still be happy with the results.
Most owners agree that Ryobi is still one of the best bangs for your buck, especially for homeowners.
You can have your preferences, but Ryobi isn’t “bad”
I’m not saying Ryobi is the best, or that your beefy DeWALT or Makita tool isn’t great. Each brand has its own wins, but in casual daily use, Ryobi is hard to beat. If you need a tool for around the house, light repairs, or DIY projects, consider Ryobi the next time you’re wandering the hardware store looking at price tags.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
