Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

Bosch 12V Max Brushless Compact Drill/Driver vs Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.2 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about occasional DIYers on a budget — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #5 in Best Cordless Drills

Bosch 12V Max Brushless Compact Drill/Driver

4.2

4 sources1 derived$159.99as of Jul 31

The Bosch 12V Max EC Brushless Lithium Ion Drill and Driver is praised for its compact, lightweight design that makes it ideal for cabinet installation and fine finish work where larger tools would be cumbersome. Reviewers highlight the brushless motor's longevity and improved runtime, as well as the 20+1 clutch settings for precise screw driving. However, it's not recommended for heavy-duty applications, and some users noted that the bit storage mechanism degrades with use. This tool is best suited for professionals and DIYers doing detailed carpentry work rather than heavy construction tasks.

Strengths

— Compact size and lightweight design perfect for tight spaces and detailed work
— Brushless motor provides twice the lifespan of previous generation models
— 20+1 clutch settings allow for precise torque control during screw driving

Watch-outs

— Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks or driving thick screws
— Onboard bit storage wears down over time and no longer holds bits snugly

$159.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Cordless Drills

Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver

4.5

3 sources2 derived$65as of Aug 1

The Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver is praised for its lightweight, compact design and brushless motor that delivers good performance for home and hobby use. Reviewers noted the keyless chuck and included battery kit as significant advantages. However, it's not recommended for professional construction workers who need durability for extended daily use. Popular Woodworking's Collin Knoff called it a superior option to most 12V drills, suitable for 98% of tasks with lower fatigue. The tool is well-balanced and ergonomically designed, making it ideal for general DIY projects around the house.

Strengths

— Lightweight and compact design for reduced fatigue during use
— Keyless chuck allows quick bit changes without tools
— Includes two 1.5AH batteries and charger in the kit

Watch-outs

— Lacks power compared to full-sized 18V drills
— The tool is heavy

$65 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Bosch 12V Max Brushless Compact Drill/Driver

The Bosch 12V Max Brushless Compact Drill/Driver is more compact and lightweight than the Milwaukee M12 FUEL or Makita 18V LXT, but it lacks the torque and power of the Milwaukee M18 FUEL or DEWALT 20V MAX XR. It's not suited for heavy-duty tasks like the Black+Decker or Ryobi ONE+, making it ideal for detailed finish work only.

Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver

The Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver is lighter and more ergonomic than the DEWALT 20V MAX XR or Makita 18V LXT, but it's less powerful and lacks the torque of the Milwaukee M18 FUEL or Bosch 18V. It's a budget-friendly option compared to the Black+Decker, but not as robust for heavy-duty use.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Bosch 12V Max Brushless Compact Drill/Driver	Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver
Chuck Size	1/4 Hex Chuck (PS22-02)	1/2 inch
Battery Voltage	12V Lithium-ion	18V ONE+
No-Load Speed	0-1,300 rpm	2-Speed Gearbox With 0 - 450 / 0 - 1,750 RPM
Torque	180 in. lbs (PS22-02)	515 in-lbs.
Clutch Settings	20+1	24-Position Clutch
Battery Capacity	2 Ah	1.5AH
Motor Type	Brushless	—
Weight	1.6 lb	—
Voltage	12 volts	18 volts

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