Ryobi Vs. Milwaukee (Their Market, Reputation, Performance)

Last Updated on August 28, 2022 by Barry Gray

Which company out of Ryobi and Milwaukee manufactures the best power tools?

I always feel this is a tricky question to answer, and it’s because it involves two giant companies that have indeed managed to establish themselves within the industry. Also, when you have two companies producing such a wide range of power tools, it’s easy to see how you may have no idea where to even begin.

But don’t worry because I’ve spent time unpicking both companies to then look at drawing some sorts of comparisons. I aim to make your life much easier when deciding on the brand name you wish to purchase.

However, let me make one thing clear from the outset. I’m not going to compare individual products between the two brands. Instead, I intend to give you some background information on each company followed by reasons why their products are so good.

Oh, and I’ll also tell you more about what to expect from the tools to help you decide if they are the perfect fit.

The History of Ryobi

First is the history of Ryobi. This Japanese company was launched in 1943 under the name Ryobi Seisakusho Co. Ltd.

But here is something that may surprise you. They didn’t start off life as a company that manufactured power tools.

Instead, they started making die-cast products, and it wasn’t until 1968 that they began producing power tools. That was after a short-lived trip into the world of making fishing tackle.

But even then, Ryobi only sought to manufacture and sell power tools within Japan. They had no intention of venturing outside the country until just after 2000, when they finally opted to push into other countries.

That is why people in the West think that Ryobi has only recently started to manufacture power tools. However, that’s not the case. They may not have as long a history as the likes of Milwaukee, but they certainly know what they are doing in manufacturing these tools.

The Parent Company of Ryobi

But as is the norm with these companies and brands, a bigger name that you may never have even heard of actually owns them. In this instance, the picture gets a bit confusing.

The reason why it’s confusing is that the power tools that we see on the market in countries such as the United States or the UK refer to a company called Ryobi Power Tools or even Ryobi Outdoor Power Equipment.

But here’s the thing. These names are operated by a company called Techtonic Industries, which owns many companies within the tools industry. (Spoiler alert: it also includes Milwaukee)

Having a company that owns so many brands does mean Ryobi at least has the might and power to push out its tools. That’s one reason their name plays such a prominent role in the industry.

The History of Milwaukee

Milwaukee was first launched in 1922, but after a fire in 1923 wiped everything out, they were relaunched in the format we know them as in 1924.

But as a company, they were involved in developing power tools right from the outset. They were even responsible for producing a portable power drill back in 1922, and that was a rare thing since it was the early days of power tools.

In the early years, Milwaukee focused on manufacturing a tool known as the Hole-Shooter, while a considerable part of their business also dealt with repairing tools. In a way, that meant they could begin to understand what people were doing wrong with tools or what they would like them to do.

In 1930, they produced an electric drill, and things really did start to take off for them from that point on. This was followed by an electric hammer in 1935, which you could then convert to a drill, and other tools would follow.

However, 1951 would prove to be a big year for the company, launching their Sawzall reciprocating saw. If you know anything about Milwaukee, chances are it will be that Sawzall name, and I know I was surprised when I discovered just how long it has been on the market.

Now, Milwaukee has a vast number of tools and accessories tied to its name, but I’ll talk more about that later.

The Parent Company of Milwaukee

As I mentioned earlier, Techtonic Industries is the name behind Milwaukee since they bought the name back in 2005. It means they fall under the same company as Ryobi and various others you may have heard of.

Companies such as VAX, Hoover, and Dirt Devils are also owned by this huge company, but they certainly see Milwaukee as one of their more premium brands.

Ryobi Tools

Ryobi is perhaps best known for its cordless tools with the ability to use one battery between their different tools. However, they do produce some corded tools as well.

The History of Their Cordless Tools

So many power tool companies had tried to create a range whereby one battery could become interchangeable with different tools, but it was Ryobi that successfully created this back in 2008. That would change everything for the company, and I know it’s the reason why I became aware of the brand several years ago.

The Manufacturing Process

Ryobi tools are actually manufactured in different locations around the world. This does include plants in the United States, but this is truly a global company. So, I cannot turn to you and tell you where individual tools are manufactured as the picture is far too complex.

But often, this is what happens with the tools you can purchase in the United States.

Ryobi will manufacture individual components and parts in different countries. They will then ship those parts to the United States where it’s all put together like a puzzle. They then test and even design new tools in the US before putting them out on the market.

Their Range of Tools and Accessories

I think that Ryobi has an impressive array of tools available on the market, with the main focus being on their 18V ONE+ line. This line uses their Lithium-ion battery, and you have over 250 different tools to choose from within that line.

I feel that this line covers almost every eventuality you care to imagine, and I know I have too many options to choose from. Also, they do have a number of tools within a 40V range, but they are fewer in number at only just over 40 different tools.

When it comes to accessories, I admit that Ryobi is not the best. Sure they do have them, but they tend to focus more on the production of the actual tool rather than various bits and blades to attach to them.

That’s not me saying they don’t have them. They most certainly do, but don’t expect there to be hundreds of options available to you. It’s just not going to work out like that.

Who Do They Sell to?

Now the big question that I know everyone is waiting for me to answer is which market is the main focus for Ryobi?

I see Ryobi as aiming at the enthusiastic DIY’er, where they want a robust tool that can perform exceptionally well, but there’s no need for a heavy-duty tool. Also, they have targeted a market where cost is a potential issue, and they have managed to achieve this thanks to their Lithium-ion battery.

Only having to purchase one battery, which can then be used across the entire range, does mean the individual tool is not expensive. That lower price tag, in my opinion, will draw people in but I’ll talk more about the cost and compare it to Milwaukee later.

So, while it’s not viewed as a brand that focuses on the professional market, its tools are still used by people that know and understand how to use them and get the most out of the tool itself.

Why I Think You Should Purchase Ryobi Tools

When I spend time checking out different Ryobi tools, certain things tend to leap out.

The first thing is the cost. I know you have to purchase a battery and the charger at the outset, but this could be a one-off charge with you using one single battery all the time. Well, I wouldn’t recommend this. Instead, I would suggest getting two batteries to allow one to charge while you use the other.

But that aside, I do see Ryobi tools as then becoming budget-friendly. For many, that’s a huge reason to go ahead and purchase their tools, as you can work at building your collection of tools without it burning a massive hole in your pocket.

The Quality

But while the price is a real advantage, I don’t see that as the main reason you want to purchase a Ryobi tool. For me, it’s the balance between affordability and quality of the tool.

I see Ryobi as manufacturing high-quality tools that certainly feel as if they will last for some time. The battery slides into any tool within the range with absolute ease, and that’s fantastic. After that, they are easy to operate, so anybody can take advantage of the power that comes with these tools and get the results they were looking for.

Milwaukee Tools

Milwaukee tools are a whole other brand to contend with in this industry, and they certainly have a strong name attached to them. People see them as the tool for the professional, and I do have to agree with that sentiment.