Ryobi claims more than 250 tools compatible with a single 18V battery platform. This figure, displayed by the manufacturer itself, raises a concrete question: does this interoperability translate into consistent performance across the entire range, or does it mask quality gaps between product categories?
Brushless motors vs. brushed motors: the technical gap within the Ryobi range
Since 2023-2024, Ryobi has been generalizing brushless motors (without brushes) across an increasing part of its 18V ONE+ range. This transition affects drills, lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, and several high-end garden tools.
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A brushless motor eliminates the mechanical friction of brushes. The motor’s lifespan increases, maintenance decreases, and the battery’s energy efficiency improves. For the user, this concretely means more runtime per charge and fewer wear parts to replace.
However, this upgrade creates a significant price gap between entry-level models and brushless models. A user checking the reviews on the Ryobi brand will quickly notice that positive feedback mainly concerns recent models, while criticisms often target older brushed models still on the market.
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| Criteria | Brushed models (entry-level) | Brushless models (ONE+ HP) |
|---|---|---|
| Motor lifespan | Average, brush wear | Superior, no motor wear parts |
| Battery runtime | Standard | Improved (better efficiency) |
| Maintenance | Brush replacement possible | Almost none on the motor |
| Price | Competitive | Significantly higher |
| Suitable usage | Occasional DIY | Regular to semi-intensive use |
This table summarizes the central divide of the current range. Buying Ryobi without distinguishing between these two motor families amounts to comparing products that do not have the same positioning.
18V DIY tools vs. 36V garden tools: two perceptions of reliability
Feedback collected between 2023 and 2025 on specialized forums and review platforms paints a clear picture. The 18V ONE+ DIY tools are deemed adequate for home use, but show their limits as usage frequency increases.
The 18V drill drivers, for example, satisfy users who drill wood or screw occasionally. Criticisms arise when these tools are used on hard materials or during prolonged sessions: loss of torque, overheating, rapid decline in battery life.
In contrast, the 36V tools dedicated to gardening (lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, blowers) receive evaluations that bring them closer to semi-professional brands. The power delivered and the ability to handle thick vegetation or substantial areas are regularly highlighted.
- On Avis-Vérifiés, Ryobi has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 1,621 reviews collected over the past twelve months, with 69% of ratings being 5 stars.
- Users on Reddit describe Ryobi as the best value for money for homeowners, provided they do not expect professional performance.
- Negative feedback (about 7% of ratings at 1 or 2 stars on Avis-Vérifiés) mainly concerns customer service and premature breakages on entry-level models.
This distinction between the two voltage ranges is rarely emphasized in commercial descriptions. Yet, it conditions long-term satisfaction.
Ryobi ONE+ battery compatibility: an advantage that becomes a potential trap
The ONE+ system is Ryobi’s main marketing argument: one battery, over 250 tools. The principle is real and works. An 18V battery purchased with a drill will power a blower, sander, or circular saw from the same range.
The entry cost for the battery and charger represents a significant part of the initial purchase. Once equipped, bare tools (sold without a battery) become financially attractive. This business model encourages staying within the Ryobi ecosystem, even if a competitor offers a more efficient tool in a given category.
The trap manifests in the long term. Lithium-ion batteries lose capacity over charge cycles. Replacing a Ryobi battery represents a considerable cost, and the temptation to buy generic batteries raises questions about compatibility and safety.
Original batteries vs. compatible alternatives
Ryobi only certifies its own batteries. Third-party alternatives, available on major online sales platforms, offer a lower price but without the manufacturer’s warranty. Several user reports indicate differences in runtime and reliability with these unofficial batteries.
Sticking to original Ryobi batteries protects the warranty and ensures compatibility, but increases the total cost of ownership over several years.
Ryobi’s price positioning against competing brands
Ryobi is positioned between consumer brands (Black+Decker, Einhell) and professional brands (Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee). This intermediate positioning explains both the appeal and the criticisms.
For an occasional DIYer, the price of a Ryobi drill driver or garden tool remains lower than that of an equivalent Makita tool. The performance difference exists, but it is only felt in intensive or professional use.
For a regular user accumulating tools, the ONE+ system reduces the marginal cost of each new tool since the batteries are already acquired. This calculation works as long as one stays within the 18V range. Moving to 36V involves new batteries and additional investment.
The rating of 4.5/5 on Avis-Vérifiés, supported by over 1,600 recent reviews, reflects a majority satisfaction for domestic use. The 5% of one-star ratings remind us that reliability is not uniform across the entire catalog, and the choice of model (brushless or not, 18V or 36V) largely determines the final experience.