Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless 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.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

The short answer

Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about occasional DIYers on a budget — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best Cordless Drills

Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver

4.3

4 sourcesall derived$103.25as of Aug 1

The Milwaukee M12 FUEL ½ Inch Drill/Driver delivers impressive performance in a lightweight, compact design ideal for finish work and confined spaces. Reviewer Wayne Cormier praised its ease of use, rubber grip, and ability to handle demanding tasks like 2" hole-saws without slowing down. The tool's durability was confirmed through drop tests from 3 to 8 feet. While reviewers noted the battery removal could be improved, the drill's brushless motor and low weight make it a strong contender for professionals seeking a versatile 12V option. It's particularly suited for contractors who need a lighter alternative to M18 drills but still want substantial power.

Strengths

— Lightweight at 2.6 lbs, half the weight of larger M18 drills
— Key-less chuck accepts all standard bits
— LED indicators on top and below chuck for visibility

Watch-outs

— Battery removal mechanism feels awkward and could be easier
— Limited to 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah battery options

$103.25 · 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

Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver

The Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver is lighter and more compact than the Makita 18V LXT or DEWALT 20V MAX XR, but it's less powerful than the Milwaukee M18 FUEL. It's not as versatile as the Bosch 18V or Ryobi ONE+, but it's more durable and better suited for finish work than the Black+Decker.

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	Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver	Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver
Chuck Size	Key-less	1/2 inch
Battery Voltage	XC4.0 4.0Ah	18V ONE+
No-Load Speed	Low and high speed settings	2-Speed Gearbox With 0 - 450 / 0 - 1,750 RPM
Weight	2.6 lb	—
Torque	350 in-lbs	515 in-lbs.
Voltage	12 volts	18 volts
Motor Type	Brushless	—
Battery Capacity	2.0 Ah	1.5AH
Clutch Settings	—	24-Position Clutch

← See the full ranking of best cordless drills