Looking Beyond the RYOBI ONE+ 18V Drill/Driver Kit? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How Each Alternative Compares

Ryobi 18V ONE+ Drill Driver Kit with Bits and Bag

This kit shares the 18V voltage and 3/8-inch chuck size of the Ryobi ONE+ starter set, making it a direct sibling for light duties. It targets users building a Ryobi ecosystem from scratch. The main difference lies in the included accessories and packaging, which this model offers in a bag rather than a holster. You get the same practical entry point for furniture assembly and home repairs. However, you do not gain more power or a larger chuck. If you prefer a different carrying method or just want a standard bundle, this is a viable swap without sacrificing the core 18V performance you expect from the brand.

Ryobi ONE+ HP Compact Brushless 1/2-Inch Drill Driver Kit

This option steps up to a 1/2-inch chuck, offering greater versatility for larger bits and heavier-duty tasks than the original 3/8-inch model. It features a brushless motor for improved efficiency and runtime, which the standard brushed motor in the original kit lacks. At just over one pound, it is significantly lighter and more compact, fitting easily into tight spaces. You get a complete kit with battery and charger included. The trade-off is a higher price point and a different tool profile. If you need to drill larger holes or drive bigger screws, this HP brushless model provides the capacity the original cannot match.

Milwaukee M18 Brushless 1/2-Inch Drill Driver

This Milwaukee model is a bare tool, meaning you must already own M18 batteries and a charger. It shares the 18V power source but upgrades to a 1/2-inch chuck for better bit compatibility. The brushless motor delivers higher performance and durability than the standard Ryobi unit. It weighs 2.5 pounds, making it slightly heavier than the compact Ryobi options. This kit is ideal if you are already invested in the M18 ecosystem and need a high-performance driver without the bulk of a full kit. You give up the convenience of an included battery and charger for superior raw power and ecosystem integration with Milwaukee tools.

Greenworks 24V Brushless 1/2-Inch Drill Driver

This Greenworks drill operates on a 24V system, providing higher voltage power than the 18V Ryobi original. It includes a brushless motor and a 1/2-inch chuck for enhanced capability. The kit comes with a 2.0 Ah battery and a work light, adding utility that the standard Ryobi bundle does not offer. It weighs 2.43 pounds, which is heavier than the compact Ryobi options. This choice suits users who have outgrown 18V tools but still want a single, robust drill for everyday jobs. You trade the Ryobi ecosystem compatibility for higher voltage performance and additional features like the integrated work light.

DEWALT 20V MAX Brushless Drill Driver Kit

This DEWALT kit uses a 20V MAX system, which is technically distinct from the 18V Ryobi platform, though they serve similar markets. It includes a brushless motor for better efficiency and runtime compared to the standard Ryobi model. The kit comes with a battery and charger, making it a complete solution like the original. It weighs 5.07 pounds, making it significantly heavier and bulkier than the Ryobi options. This set is best for users who value DEWALT’s ecosystem and want a complete brushless drill kit. You gain robust power and brand-specific compatibility but accept a heavier tool and a different battery system.

Milwaukee 18V 1/4-Inch Hex Impact Driver

This Milwaukee impact driver is a specialized tool, not a drill driver. It uses a 1/4-inch hex chuck instead of a keyless chuck, designed for high-torque fastening rather than drilling holes. It is a bare tool, requiring existing M18 batteries. It weighs 2.49 pounds and is built for construction crews needing speed and reach in tight areas. This option is ideal if you already have M18 batteries and need a dedicated fastening tool. You give up the drilling capability of the Ryobi kit for specialized high-torque performance. It complements a drill driver but does not replace it for general-purpose tasks.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Ryobi 18V 3/8-Inch Drill Driver Kit

Best for: light home repairs and furniture assembly

Power Source

ONE+ 18V

Voltage

18V

Chuck Size

3/8 in.

Included Tools

Drill Driver

View on Amazon: Ryobi 18V 3/8-Inch Drill Driver Kit Affiliate link

This Ryobi ONE+ kit provides an 18V cordless drill driver with a 3/8-inch chuck. It includes one battery, a charger, twenty drill bits, and a holster. The system is designed for assembling furniture, fixing cabinets, and general DIY tasks. It offers a complete setup for beginners and experienced users who need reliable performance without the hassle of mismatched tools. The included bits allow for immediate use on various projects.

Pros

• Includes 18V battery and charger for immediate use
• Comes with 20-piece drill and drive bit set
• Features a 3/8-inch chuck for versatile bit compatibility
• Includes a Buho holster for convenient storage

Cons

• 3/8-inch chuck is smaller than the 1/2-inch chucks found on competitor kits
• Only one battery is included, limiting continuous work time
• Standard brushed motor lacks the efficiency of brushless alternatives

Good fit if

• You need a complete kit with bits for immediate home projects
• You prefer the lighter weight and smaller size of a 3/8-inch chuck
• You are starting with the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem for future tool purchases

Skip if

• You require a 1/2-inch chuck for heavy-duty masonry or large bits
• You need multiple batteries for all-day job site work
• You prioritize brushless motor efficiency and longer runtime

Verdict: Ryobi ONE+ 18V Drill/Driver Kit is a practical starter choice for light home repairs and furniture assembly, provided you do not need the heavier-duty capacity of a 1/2-inch chuck or the extended runtime of a brushless system with multiple batteries.

2 Best premium

Ryobi 18V ONE+ Drill Driver Kit with Bits and Bag

Best for: Ryobi ecosystem starters with light duties

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 Ryobi 18V drill/driver kit includes a compact lithium-ion battery, charger, drill bits, and a BUHO tool bag. The 18V power source drives the tool for general drilling and driving tasks. You benefit from compatibility with over 250 other ONE+ tools, making this a solid entry point for a larger ecosystem. It is a complete set for basic home projects.

Pros

• Includes 18V lithium-ion battery and charger
• Comes with a multipurpose drill bit set
• Features a BUHO tool bag for storage
• Compatible with over 250 ONE+ tools

Cons

• Brushed motor is less efficient than brushless options
• 18V voltage is lower than 20V MAX competitors
• Lacks a high-torque impact driver mode

Good fit if

• You want to start a large Ryobi ecosystem
• You need a basic kit for light home tasks
• You prefer having bits and a bag included

Skip if

• You require professional-grade brushless performance
• You need higher voltage for heavy-duty work
• You already own Ryobi batteries and want a tool only

Verdict: Ryobi 18V ONE+ Drill/Driver Kit is a practical starter set for homeowners building a tool collection. It fits users who value ecosystem compatibility over raw power. This kit is best for those starting from scratch with light duties.

3 Also great

Ryobi ONE+ HP Compact Brushless 1/2-Inch Drill Driver Kit

Best for: DIYers needing a lightweight complete kit

Power Source

Cordless battery

Voltage

18V

Maximum Torque

400 in./lbs.

Chuck Size

1/2"

Motor Type

Brushless

Battery Included

Battery & charger included

View on Amazon: Ryobi ONE+ HP Compact Brushless 1/2-Inch Drill Driver Kit Affiliate link

This RYOBI 18V ONE+ HP kit includes a brushless drill, battery, and charger. It delivers 400 in-lbs of torque and two speed settings. The tool weighs 1.08 pounds and measures 6.4 inches long. You get a 24-position clutch and an LED light. The brushless motor offers longer runtime. This set is ideal for users who want a complete, lightweight solution for general DIY tasks.

Pros

• Brushless motor for extended runtime
• Includes battery and charger
• 400 in-lbs of torque
• Lightweight at 1.08 pounds

Cons

• Lower torque than some competitors
• Only two speed settings
• Single sleeve chuck

Good fit if

• You need a complete kit with battery
• You prefer a lightweight tool
• You work on standard DIY projects

Skip if

• You require high-torque professional power
• You need variable speed control
• You already own compatible batteries

Verdict: RYOBI HP Brushless 18V Drill is a compact, lightweight option for DIYers who need a ready-to-use kit with solid, moderate power for everyday tasks.

4 Also great

Milwaukee M18 Brushless 1/2-Inch Drill Driver

Best for: Existing M18 users needing a bare tool

Power Source

M18 Cordless

Voltage

18-Volt

Chuck Size

1/2 in.

Motor Type

Brushless

Battery Included

Tool-Only

Tool Weight

2.5 pounds

View on Amazon: Milwaukee M18 Brushless 1/2-Inch Drill Driver Affiliate link

This Milwaukee M18 drill is a bare tool, meaning you need an existing 18V battery and charger. It features a brushless motor and a 1/2 inch chuck. The compact design weighs 2.5 pounds. It suits users who already own M18 batteries and want a durable, high-torque driver for heavy-duty tasks without buying a new power source.

Pros

• Brushless motor for extended runtime and durability
• 1/2 inch chuck for versatile bit compatibility
• Compact 2.5 pound weight reduces fatigue
• 18V power source for high torque output

Cons

• Sold as a bare tool without battery or charger
• Requires existing M18 battery ecosystem
• No holster or bits included in package

Good fit if

• You already own Milwaukee M18 batteries
• You need a heavy-duty replacement drill
• You prefer brushless motor efficiency

Skip if

• You need a complete kit with battery
• You use a different brand's battery system
• You want a drill with included accessories

Verdict: Milwaukee M18 Brushless 1/2 Inch Drill is ideal for existing M18 users seeking a lightweight, high-performance driver. It delivers reliable power for demanding jobs without the bulk of a full kit.

5 Also great

Greenworks 24V Brushless 1/2-Inch Drill Driver

Best for: Users needing 24V power in a compact form

Power Source

24V Cordless

Voltage

24V

Maximum Torque

530 in-lbs

Chuck Size

1/2 in.

Motor Type

Brushless

Number of Tools

1-tool

View on Amazon: Greenworks 24V Brushless 1/2-Inch Drill Driver Affiliate link

This Greenworks 24V drill/driver offers 530 in-lbs of torque and a brushless motor. The 1/2-inch metal chuck accepts standard bits. It runs on a 24V battery, which provides more power than 20V systems. The compact design fits tight spaces. You get a lightweight tool for general drilling and driving tasks.

Pros

• 24V brushless motor for extended runtime
• 530 in-lbs maximum torque
• 1/2-inch keyless metal chuck
• 21+1 position clutch for precision

Cons

• Heavier than 18V competitors at 2.43 pounds
• Only includes one drill/driver tool
• No high-speed impact function listed

Good fit if

• You need more power than 18V tools provide
• You work in tight spaces with this compact design
• You prefer metal chucks for durability

Skip if

• You already own a full 18V ecosystem
• You require an impact driver for heavy fastening
• You want a lighter tool under 2 pounds

Verdict: Greenworks 24V Brushless Drill/Driver delivers higher voltage power in a compact body. It suits users who outgrow 18V tools but need a single, robust drill for everyday jobs.

6 Best budget

DEWALT 20V MAX Brushless Drill Driver Kit

Best for: Users wanting a complete brushless drill kit

Power Source

20V MAX

Voltage

20V

Chuck Size

1/2 In

Motor Type

Brushless

Included Tools

Drill driver

Speed Settings

2 Speed

View on Amazon: DEWALT 20V MAX Brushless Drill Driver Kit Affiliate link

This DEWALT kit includes a 20V MAX brushless drill driver, battery, and charger. The brushless motor extends run time compared to brushed models. It weighs 5.07 pounds and measures 12.5 inches long. The ergonomic handle and LED light aid control and visibility. It suits users needing reliable power for general drilling tasks.

Pros

• Brushless motor for extended run time
• Includes battery and charger
• LED light with 20-second delay
• Ergonomic comfort grip handle

Cons

• Heavier than compact alternatives
• No 20V MAX battery option listed
• Standard chuck size not specified

Good fit if

• You want a brushless motor for longer life
• You need a complete kit with battery and charger
• You prefer a durable yellow tool

Skip if

• You need the lightest possible tool
• You already have 20V MAX batteries
• You require a compact 1/4 inch hex driver

Verdict: DEWALT 20V MAX Brushless Drill Driver Set offers solid power and runtime for users who value brushless efficiency and include a battery in their purchase.

7 Best impact driver

Milwaukee 18V 1/4-Inch Hex Impact Driver

Best for: High-torque fastening with existing M18 batteries

Power Source

Cordless

Voltage

18V

Maximum Torque

2,000"/lbs

Chuck Size

1/4" Hex

Battery Included

Tool Only

Included Tools

Impact Driver

View on Amazon: Milwaukee 18V 1/4-Inch Hex Impact Driver Affiliate link

This tool-only impact driver delivers 2,000 in-lbs of torque and 3,900 RPM. It features a 1/4-inch hex chuck and a compact 4.47-inch body. The 2.2-pound weight aids maneuverability. Four mode drive controls allow precise adjustments. Tri-LED lights improve visibility in dark workspaces. It suits users needing high-speed fastening power without a drill function.

Pros

• 2,000 in-lbs maximum torque for tough fastening tasks
• 3,900 RPM speed for rapid screw driving
• Compact 4.47-inch length fits tight spaces
• Four mode drive control for precision settings

Cons

• Sold as a bare tool with no battery included
• 1/4-inch hex chuck cannot accept standard drill bits
• Lacks a keyless chuck for versatile drilling

Good fit if

• You already own Milwaukee M18 batteries
• You need a dedicated tool for high-torque fastening
• You work in confined spaces requiring a compact profile

Skip if

• You need a drill and driver in one unit
• You do not own compatible 18V batteries
• You require a standard 1/2-inch chuck for drilling

Verdict: Milwaukee M18 18V Impact Driver provides specialized high-torque fastening for existing M18 users. It is ideal for construction crews needing speed and reach in tight areas.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• ryobi one p5231 18v lithium alternatives
• garvee magnetic drill press kit alternatives