Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

Milwaukee M18 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.

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The short answer

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about professional tradesmen needing top-tier performance — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Cordless Drills

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver

4.6

3 sources2 derived$296.71as of Jul 31

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver earned a 9.4/10 rating from Pro Tool Reviews, praised for its quick drilling, excellent low-speed torque, and consistent top-3 performance in testing against competitors like Makita, DeWalt, and Hilti. Reviewers noted its 1400 in-lbs torque, 33,000 BPM hammering rate, and AutoStop safety feature. While it excels overall, some individual tests showed it was narrowly beaten by other models. This drill is ideal for professional tradesmen and serious DIY users seeking high performance and durability.

Strengths

— Top-tier performance with 1400 in-lbs max torque
— 500 RPM low speed and 2100 RPM high speed
— 33,000 BPM hammering rate

Watch-outs

— High-capacity batteries can affect tool balance
— Not flawless in all individual tests compared to competitors

$296.71 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #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 M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver outperforms the DEWALT 20V MAX XR in torque and speed, and is more durable than the Ryobi ONE+ or Black+Decker models, but it's heavier and more expensive than the Makita 18V LXT or Bosch 12V Max. Its 33,000 BPM hammering rate sets it apart from competitors like the Bosch 18V or Makita 18V LXT.

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 M18 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver	Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver
No-Load Speed	500 RPM	2-Speed Gearbox With 0 - 450 / 0 - 1,750 RPM
Torque	1400 in-lbs	515 in-lbs.
Weight	3.3 lb	—
Voltage	18 volts	18 volts
Battery Voltage	M18 FUEL	18V ONE+
Motor Type	Brushless	—
Chuck Size	1/2 inch	1/2 inch
Battery Capacity	5.0Ah	1.5AH
Clutch Settings	—	24-Position Clutch

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