RYOBI 18V Drill Set Lithium-Ion vs RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless (2026): Key Differences
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When you compare the ryobi 18v drill set lithium ion vs one hp 18v brushless, you see two distinct approaches to 18V power. Both kits operate on the same 18V ONE+ platform, meaning your existing batteries fit both tools. The main difference lies in their purpose and motor technology. One is a traditional drill/driver with a brushless HP motor and high torque. The other is a standard drill set focused on versatility with included bits and a bag. You need to decide which tool type serves your projects better.
Key differences
| Aspect | Ryobi 18V ONE+ Drill Driver Kit with Bits and Bag | Ryobi ONE+ HP Compact 1/4 in. Impact Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Tool Type | Drill/Driver | Impact Driver |
| Motor Type | Not listed | Brushless |
| Chuck Size | Not listed | 1/4 in. |
| Maximum Torque | Not listed | 1,700 in./lbs. |
| Included Accessories | Drill bit set, tool bag | Bag |
| Battery Count | 1 Battery | 2 Batteries |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Ryobi 18V ONE+ Drill Driver Kit with Bits and Bag if
- You need a drill/driver for making holes in wood or drywall.
- You want a complete kit with drill bits and a carrying bag included.
- You prefer a traditional chuck that accepts standard drill bits.
Choose Ryobi ONE+ HP Compact 1/4 in. Impact Driver if
- You require high torque for driving long screws or lag bolts.
- You want a brushless motor for longer runtime and durability.
- You need two batteries included for continuous work without waiting to charge.
Verdict: Choose the drill set if you primarily need to drill holes and want a versatile kit with bits. Pick the impact driver if you focus on fastening screws and need the extra torque and brushless efficiency. Your choice depends on whether drilling or driving is your main task.
Drill vs Impact Driver Comparison
tool type
Product A is a drill/driver kit designed for general drilling and driving tasks. It includes a standard chuck for round or hex shank bits. Product B is a compact impact driver. It uses a 1/4-inch hex chuck for quick bit changes. Impact drivers deliver higher torque for driving screws into hard materials. Drills offer more versatility for drilling holes in wood or metal. You choose based on whether you need precision drilling or high-torque fastening.
motor type
Product A features a standard brushed motor. Brushed motors are reliable and cost-effective but may wear down faster over time. Product B utilizes a brushless motor. Brushless motors are more efficient and generate less heat. They typically offer longer run times and increased durability. The brushless design in Product B provides up to 1,700 in./lbs. of torque. This makes Product B better for heavy-duty applications where motor longevity matters.
included accessories
Product A includes a comprehensive drill bit set and a BUHO tool bag. This makes it a complete starter kit for various projects. You get bits for multiple materials right out of the box. Product B includes two 1.5 Ah batteries and a charger. It does not list a bit set or tool bag in its primary features. Product A offers more immediate utility for beginners who need bits. Product B focuses on power tool readiness with extra battery support.
battery capacity
Product A includes one 18V ONE+ Compact Battery. The capacity is not explicitly stated in the provided data, but it is a single unit. Product B includes two 1.5 Ah batteries. Having two batteries allows you to swap them out seamlessly when one drains. This is crucial for continuous work. Product B provides double the battery count. If you need uninterrupted runtime, Product B’s dual battery setup is superior to the single battery in Product A.
voltage platform
Both tools operate on the 18V ONE+ platform. This means they share battery compatibility. You can use your existing RYOBI 18V batteries with either tool. This is a significant advantage for both kits. It ensures that your investment in batteries is protected across different tools. There is no difference in voltage or platform compatibility. Both products offer the same flexibility for expanding your tool collection later.
Choose the Right RYOBI 18V Kit
Homeowners needing versatile drilling and driving
This drill/driver kit includes a comprehensive drill bit set and a BUHO tool bag. It is designed for general purpose tasks where you need a standard chuck for various bit types. The inclusion of the PCL201 charger and PBP002 battery ensures you have everything required to start projects immediately without purchasing additional accessories.
Users requiring high torque for fastening
The brushless motor delivers up to 1,700 in./lbs. of torque, making it ideal for driving large screws or bolts. This compact impact driver features a 1/4-inch hex chuck for quick bit changes. The brushless technology provides efficiency and durability, offering more power per battery charge compared to brushed alternatives for demanding fastening jobs.
Those wanting backup power for longer jobs
This kit comes with two 1.5 Ah batteries, allowing you to swap them out seamlessly during extended use. While the drill kit includes one battery, this impact driver set provides redundancy. You can keep working while one battery charges, ensuring minimal downtime for your projects on the 18V ONE+ platform.
The products compared
Ryobi 18V ONE+ Drill Driver Kit with Bits and Bag
Best for: basic home repairs and light drilling
- Power Source
- 18V ONE+ Cordless
- Voltage
- 18V
- Battery Included
- Battery and charger included
- Included Tools
- Drill/driver, drill bit set, tool bag
View on Amazon: Ryobi 18V ONE+ Drill Driver Kit with Bits and Bag Affiliate link
This kit includes an 18V ONE+ cordless drill driver, a compact battery, and a charger. It also comes with a drill bit set and a BUHO tool bag. The system works with over 250 tools. You get a complete setup for basic drilling and driving tasks. The included bag keeps your bits organized. This is a straightforward option for general household projects.
Pros
- Includes 18V ONE+ cordless drill driver
- Comes with compact battery and charger
- Features a drill bit set for multipurpose use
- Includes a BUHO tool bag for storage
Cons
- Lacks brushless motor technology found in HP models
- Drill bit set may not cover all specialized tasks
- Standard motor may offer less runtime than brushless options
Good fit if
- You need a basic drill for light household tasks
- You want a complete kit with bits and bag
- You plan to expand your tool collection later
Skip if
- You require high-torque brushless performance
- You need a professional-grade impact driver
- You already own compatible batteries and chargers
Verdict: Ryobi 18V Drill Set with Battery is a solid entry-level choice for homeowners who need a reliable drill and basic bits. It fits those starting a tool collection or needing occasional repairs.
Ryobi ONE+ HP Compact 1/4 in. Impact Driver
Best for: High-torque driving tasks in tight spaces
- Power Source
- Cordless battery
- Voltage
- 18V
- Maximum Torque
- 1,700 in./lbs.
- Chuck Size
- 1/4 in.
- Motor Type
- Brushless
- Battery Included
- (2) 1.5 Ah batteries, charger, bag
View on Amazon: Ryobi ONE+ HP Compact 1/4 in. Impact Driver Affiliate link
This RYOBI kit includes a compact impact driver with a brushless motor. It delivers 1,700 in./lbs. of torque for driving fasteners. The set comes with two 1.5 Ah batteries and a charger. Its 1/4-inch hex chuck accepts standard bits. You get a durable build in a green finish. This setup suits users needing high torque in a small form factor.
Pros
- Brushless motor provides up to 1,700 in./lbs. of torque
- Includes two 1.5 Ah batteries for extended runtime
- Compact 1/4-inch chuck accepts standard bits
- Lightweight design at 5.6 pounds total kit weight
Cons
- Only includes 1.5 Ah batteries, which have lower capacity
- Single tool focus limits versatility without additional purchases
- No drill function, requiring a separate driver for holes
Good fit if
- You need high torque for driving long screws
- You prefer brushless motors for efficiency
- You want a compact tool for tight spaces
Skip if
- You require a drill and driver combo in one
- You need high-capacity batteries for long jobs
- You prefer corded tools for constant power
Verdict: RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Impact Driver offers strong torque in a compact package. It fits users who prioritize power and efficiency for driving tasks over drilling versatility.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Ryobi 18V ONE+ Drill Driver Kit with Bits and Bag | Ryobi ONE+ HP Compact 1/4 in. Impact Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | 18V ONE+ Cordless | Cordless battery |
| Voltage | 18V | 18V |
| Maximum Torque | not stated | 1,700 in./lbs. |
| Chuck Size | not stated | 1/4 in. |
| Motor Type | not stated | Brushless |
| Battery Included | Battery and charger included | (2) 1.5 Ah batteries, charger, bag |
| Included Tools | Drill/driver, drill bit set, tool bag | Compact impact driver |
| Battery Capacity | not stated | 5.0 Ah, 1.5 Ah |
| Dimensions | not stated | 12.8 × 8 × 4 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 5.6 pounds |
| Color | Clear | Green |
| Model | BND-EMK1-001 | PSBID01K |
Frequently asked questions
Is the RYOBI ONE+ HP impact driver brushless?
Yes, the RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Impact Driver features a brushless motor. This motor type is designed to improve efficiency and extend runtime. It delivers high torque in a compact package, making it suitable for driving tasks where power is prioritized over drilling versatility.
What is the difference between the drill driver and impact driver?
The drill driver uses a standard chuck for round or hex shank bits, ideal for drilling holes and general driving. The impact driver uses a 1/4-inch hex chuck and delivers rotational force for high-torque tasks. You should choose the drill for versatility and the impact driver for driving screws.
Does the RYOBI ONE+ HP impact driver come with batteries?
Yes, this kit includes battery packs with capacities of 5.0 Ah and 1.5 Ah. These batteries power the 18V brushless motor. The 18V ONE+ platform allows you to use these batteries with other compatible RYOBI tools in your collection.
How heavy is the RYOBI ONE+ HP impact driver?
The RYOBI ONE+ HP Impact Driver weighs 5.6 pounds. Its compact dimensions are 8 inches wide, 4 inches high, and 12.8 inches long. This size makes it suitable for working in tight spaces while still providing strong torque for demanding driving tasks.
Is the basic RYOBI drill kit good for beginners?
Yes, the Ryobi 18V Drill Set is a solid entry-level choice. It includes a drill driver, bits, and a tool bag. This kit is designed for homeowners starting a tool collection or needing reliable performance for basic home repairs and light drilling tasks.
Can I use the same batteries for both tools?
Yes, both tools operate on the 18V ONE+ platform. Any RYOBI 18V battery you own will fit both the drill driver kit and the impact driver. This compatibility ensures you do not need separate battery systems for different types of power tools.
What is the chuck size for the impact driver?
The RYOBI ONE+ HP Impact Driver features a 1/4-inch hex chuck. This specific chuck size is designed to hold hex-shank bits securely. It is optimized for driving screws and bolts rather than the versatile drilling capabilities offered by a standard drill chuck.