Ryobi is one of the most popular power tool brands, with solutions for everyone from the greenest DIYers to value-minded Pros. Whether you meet one of those criteria or you’re somewhere in the middle, Ryobi surely has something to offer. In fact, the brand just expanded its 18V One+ lineup to offer more than 300 tools!
For this article, however, I’m going to focus on Ryobi’s 18V drills and hammer drills. Since there are quite a few to choose from, it can be hard to differentiate between them to see which one is right for your needs. Rather than recommend a single tool for everyone, I’m breaking my recommendations down into different categories based on performance, ergonomics, and value.
BEST RYOBI DRILL – OUR TOP PICKS
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Best Ryobi Drill Overall
Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Hammer Drill PBLHM101
When I think of the best tools in any category, the leading factor is their performance. For Ryobi, the 18V One+ HP Brushless PBLHM101 hammer drill hits top marks, which is why I’m making it my top pick overall.
With no-load speeds of up to 500 RPM on low and 2100 RPM on high, this drill easily beats the rest of Ryobi’s lineup in speed. This model’s hammering function brings up to 31,000 BPM, and it keeps the same 750 in-lb torque as its predecessor (model P251). Combined, these specs give the Ryobi PBLHM101 a respectable performance level that toes the line into the prosumer class.
Pros
Buy the Ryobi PBLHM101 if you’re looking for:
- Ryobi’s highest-performing hammer drill
- Two-speed gearbox
- Hammer mode
Cons
Consider another model if your deal-breakers include:
- More expensive than others in the lineup
- Heavier than other models
Numbers to Know
- Motor: Brushless
- Chuck: 1/2-inch
- No-load speeds: 500 / 2100 RPM
- Hammer rate: 31,000 BPM
- Max torque: 750 in-lbs
- Bare weight: 2.8 lbs
- Length: 7.54 inches
Price: $99 bare (Special Buy); $179 kit with a 4.0Ah battery and charger
Best Compact Ryobi Drill
Ryobi 18V One+ HP Compact Brushless 1/2-inch Hammer Drill PSBHM01
Compact tools don’t necessarily require you to sacrifice a ton of performance, especially if you value size and weight more than top-end power. Such is the case with my pick for the best compact Ryobi hammer drill, the PSBHM01. This tool sees up to 400 in-lbs of torque, with a 2-speed gearbox that gives you speeds of up to 450 RPM on low and 1700 RPM on high.
All things considered, you can still do a lot with the performance of this tool, even compared to some of Ryobi’s other full-sized drills and hammer drills. Speaking of the hammering function, the PSBHM01 has a blow rate of up to 27,000 BPM to help you drill through concrete and brick.
Pros
Buy this hammer drill if you’re looking for:
- Compact and lightweight; 6.7-inch head length
- Brushless motor
- Two-speed gearbox
- Hammering function
Cons
You should consider other models if your deal-breakers include:
- Not as powerful as Ryobi’s full-sized models
- Not as fast on the top end as the PBLHM101
Numbers to Know
- Motor: Brushless
- Chuck: 1/2-inch
- No-load speeds: 450 / 1700 RPM
- Hammer rate: 17,000 BPM
- Max torque: 400 in-lbs
- Bare weight: 2.5 lbs
- Length: 6.7 inches
Price: $106 bare; $169 kit with a 1.5Ah battery and charger
Best Ryobi Drill for the Money
Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless Compact 1/2-inch Drill/Driver PSBDD01
The Ryobi PSBDD01 drill has largely the same specifications as the hammer drill in the previous entry— in fact, this is that tool’s non-hammering counterpart. If you’re looking for a compact drill but don’t necessarily need a hammering mode, this might be the right Ryobi drill for you.
It keeps the same two-speed settings of 450 RPM on low and 1700 RPM on high, as well as the same max torque of 400 in-lbs. It is ever-so-slightly shorter in length than the PSBHM01 hammer drill, however, with a head length of 6.4 inches.
As a result of lacking a hammering function, this tool also shaves off quite a bit on the price, which is why I recommend it as the best Ryobi drill for the money. At the time of writing, the kit is just $89, including two batteries and a charger.
Pros
Buy this drill if you’re looking for:
- Compact and lightweight; 6.4-inch head length
- Brushless motor
- Two-speed gearbox
- Less expensive than its hammer drill counterpart
Cons
You should consider other models if your deal-breakers include:
- No hammering function
- Lower performance than Ryobi’s top model
Numbers to Know
- Motor: Brushless
- Chuck: 1/2-inch
- No-load speeds: 450 / 1700 RPM
- Max torque: 400 in-lbs
- Bare weight: 2.5 lbs
- Length: 6.7 inches
Price: $99 bare; $89 kit (Special Buy) with (2) 1.5Ah batteries and charger
Best Budget Ryobi Drill
Ryobi 18V One+ 3/8-inch Drill Kit PCL201K1
The Ryobi PCL201K1 is a newcomer to the 18V One+ lineup, launching in early 2024. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the brand’s more powerful options, it will get the job done if your needs lie in the DIY or household area. If you’re going to use a drill a few times per year to hang some pictures or install some cabinet fixtures, this might be the right Ryobi drill for you.
This drill’s under-$60 price point makes it my pick for the best budget Ryobi drill— and that’s the kit price! The PCL201K1 achieves speeds of up to 600 RPM, with a weight of 2.8 pounds including the kitted 1.5Ah battery. One thing to note is that this tool has a brushed motor, which means it’s not as efficient as its brushless counterparts. If this is a deal-breaker for you, consider moving up a tier to the Ryobi PSBDD01 mentioned above.
Pros
Buy this drill if you’re looking for:
- Lightweight, compact design
- Much less expensive than Ryobi’s other picks
Cons
You should consider other models if your deal-breakers include:
- Brushed motor
- Single speed gearbox
Numbers to Know
- Motor: Brushed
- Chuck: 3/8-inch
- No-load speeds: 600 RPM
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
Price: $59.97 kit with a 1.5Ah battery and charger
Best Ryobi Drill Combo Kit
Ryobi 18V One+ Brushless Hammer Drill/Impact Driver 2-Tool Kit PBLCK02K
If you’re looking for the best Ryobi drill/impact driver combo kit you can get your hands on, look no further than the PBLCK02K One+ HP Brushless hammer drill/impact driver kit. Not only does it feature my top Ryobi hammer drill pick (the PBLHM101), but you’re also getting the Ryobi PBLID02 impact driver in this kit, which is Ryobi’s current flagship impact driver model.
If you’re someone who is just entering into Ryobi’s 18V platform and needs to round out your tool arsenal, this kit is a great way to get started. Plus, at a price point of $229 for the two tools, two batteries, a charger, and a carrying case, you’re saving quite a bit of money compared to buying everything separately.
Price: $269 with a 2.0Ah battery, 4.0Ah battery, and charger
Best Ryobi Drills: More Options
While the models listed above are my picks for the best drills and hammer drills in their categories, you might still be looking for the Ryobi drill that’s right for your needs. If that’s the case, here are some other models that I recommend.
Best for Concrete
18V One+ HP Brushless 1-inch SDS-Plus Rotary Hammer
Ryobi’s most powerful SDS-Plus rotary hammer, ideal for tackling tough concrete-drilling jobs.
Best Right-Angle Ryobi Drill
18V One+ HP Compact Brushless Right Angle Drill
Work in tight spaces with quick drilling performance with this tool, which sees speeds up to 1700 RPM.
BEST RYOBI DRILL BUYING GUIDE – WHAT WE LOOK FOR
Performance
Performance is our number one priority for good reason—if the drill can’t do the job, it’s worthless. Given the choice between two or more models, we’ll typically go with whichever one can do the job most effectively and efficiently.
Features
Features that make the job more efficient, easier, or more convenient come into play as you work your way up the price scale. Not everyone needs all the bells and whistles, but if you can add some (or all) within your budget, you get a tool that you can genuinely enjoy using.
In general, here are the features we look for on a drill:
- Brushless or brushed motor
- Number of standard modes
- Smart controls
- Smart tracking/inventory
- Clutch design
- Drill/driver/hammer drill selection design
- LED light design
- Chuck size/type
- Belt hook
- Unique features
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of a drill can make or break your experience. One that’s overweight, poorly balanced, or doesn’t feel right in your hand can make every day feel like Monday. As you’re shopping, see if you can pick up the drill you’re considering and see how it feels in your hand. Work the trigger and all the controls to make sure there’s nothing about the physical design that is a deal-breaker for you.
Even when you can’t pick up a drill before buying, compare the weight to other models you’re considering. If the work or projects you have planned are space-limited, be sure to check the head length as well.
Price and Value
Most people have a budget they’d like to stay in when they’re buying a drill. As I’m shopping, I first consider the performance followed by features and ergonomics. I’m a value guy, so I’m always looking for the best balance of everything (plus a sale price if I’m lucky). However, your priorities may be different—that’s why we offered so many recommendations and information to help you compare.
Remember to look beyond just the drill you’re considering, though. Take a look at what other tools you can power using the same batteries. When you go with Ryobi’s 18V system, it’s more than 300 products that all work on One+ batteries.
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