Makita vs Ryobi: Which Power Tools Brand is Better in 2023?
Makita and Ryobi are two of the biggest names in power tools today. Both of them have massive lineups of cordless power tools running on lithium-ion batteries, but they occupy different spaces. Makita is known for making high-end tools that professionals rely on to withstand daily abuse. While you will find Ryobi tools in the bags of some professionals, it’s certainly not as common. That doesn’t mean Ryobi doesn’t make good tools though. And if you were to check the tool collections of homeowners, you’d likely find more Ryobi tools than Makita.
Both of these companies manufacture similar lines of tools, making them a very fair comparison. If you’re looking to start a collection of cordless power tools, these are two of the brands you’re most likely to consider. So, let’s take a closer look at what each one offers and determine which is a better choice in 2023.
A Quick Comparison
Brand name | Makita | Ryobi |
Established | March 21, 1915 | December 16, 1943 |
Headquarters | Anjo, Aichi, Japan | Fuchu, Hiroshima, Japan |
Product lines | 18V LXT Cordless | 18V ONE+ Cordless, 40V cordless |
Parent company/ major Subsidiaries | Makita | Techtronic Industries |
Brief History of Makita
Makita was originally founded as a company that sold and repaired electric motors in 1915. It wasn’t until 1958 that they started manufacturing tools, which they continue to do today. Their first tool was a portable electric planer, and they were the first company in Japan to produce one. One year later, in 1959, they became a full-fledged electric power tool manufacturer and began exporting power tools with a major shipment of 1,300 planers to Australia.
In 1962, the company changed its name from Makita Electric Works to Makita Electric Works, Ltd., and went public on the Nagoya Stock Exchange. The next year, Makita became entirely debt-free—two years before their 50 th anniversary as a company.
Makita went on to create their first rechargeable power tool in 1969; the 6500D battery-powered drill. The following year, Makita U.S.A. Inc. was established in the United States. Makita continued to expand its international branches over the years, creating Makita companies in many major countries.
In 1984, Makita Corporation of America was created in the US, and they began producing power tools in America one year later. The entire company changed its name to the Makita Corporation in 1991; the same year they started producing power tools in Europe.
They made the first nickel hydride battery tool in the late 90s, exhibiting the 6213D rechargeable driver-drill at the Chicago Hardware Show in 1997. Throughout the 2000s, Makita continued to grow and expand its reach by opening branches across the globe. By 2010, they were producing their new brushless line of power tools. The year 2015 marked the company’s 100 th anniversary.
Brief History of Ryobi
Ryobi’s history isn’t quite as deep as Makita’s. The company was first started in 1943 as the Ryobi Seisakusho Company, Ltd. In 1944, they held their opening ceremony and began the manufacture and sale of die-cast products. A decade later, Ryobi began producing plastic die-cast products as well. Then, in 1961, Ryobi was listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and started to create offset printing presses.
For the first few decades of the company, Ryobi was creating die-cast products, door closers, and even fishing tackle. It wasn’t until 1968 that Ryobi started to produce power tools, which is what they’re mainly known for today.
Ryobi introduced their corporate identity system in 1975, which was later reviewed in 1994, when a new corporate logo and company colors were chosen; giving us the bright-green Ryobi tools that we’re used to now.
In the 2000s, big changes came for Ryobi. At the turn of the century in the year 2000, Ryobi sold its North American power tools business. One year later, they also sold their European branch, and in 2002, they let go of their power tools business in Oceania as well. Since then, Techtronic Industries has been producing power tools in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand under the Ryobi name. They now manufacture and distribute Ryobi tools in these markets, though they have no capital relationship with Ryobi.
The remainder of the Ryobi power tools business was purchased by the Kyocera Group in 2018, though it doesn’t affect tools sold in the markets that are covered by Techtronic Industries.
Makita vs. Ryobi: Manufacturing
Makita
Makita has an extensive distribution network across the US, with The Makita Corporation of America located in Buford, Georgia. The American branch of Makita works closely with engineers who spend time on American job sites to meet the needs of American contractors.
But Makita is a global brand with branches in more than 40 countries. Their tools are produced all over the world, not just in the US. In total, they have 10 manufacturing plants that are currently operating across the globe, with additional factories located in Japan, Brazil, China, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Dubai, Thailand, Germany, and Romania.
Ryobi
Currently, Ryobi has 12 running factories in six countries. However, not all of these factories are used for producing power tools. It gets more confusing, however, because Ryobi sold its power tool businesses in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. These branches were sold to a Hong Kong-based company, Techtronic Industries, that continues to manufacture and sell tools under the Ryobi name.
There is currently one Ryobi plant in the United States, located in Shelbyville, Indiana, though it’s for Ryobi Die Casting and not Ryobi Tools, which are now owned by different companies. Most, if not all Ryobi tools today are produced in China.
Краткий ликбез про электроинструмент , продаваемый в России. Часть 4 .
Продолжу пост про популярные в России бренды инструмента . Но читая комментарии понял, что немного рассказать и о мировых брендах не помешает. Предыдущая часть о самых популярных брендах – здесь https://pikabu.ru/story/kratkiy_likbez_pro_yelektroinstrumen. , и здесь https://pikabu.ru/story/kratkiy_likbez_pro_yelektroinstrumen. , а статистика по рынку России и мировому рынку – здесь https://pikabu.ru/story/kratkiy_likbez_pro_yelektroinstrumen. .
Перед этим я хотел бы сделать важное пояснение : если вы сравниваете инструмент разных брендов , то делайте это для инструмента одного года выпуска / покупки и при одинаковых условиях эксплуатации. Поясню: перфоратор розничной ценой 4000 руб в 2013 году и сейчас – это 2 разных перфоратора , стоимость первого на заводе будет 40-45$ , второго – от силы 25 $ ( примерные цифры данные для российских СТМ ) .
Итак , один из самых крупных и при этом один из самых молодых игроков на мировом рынке инструментов : TTI group ( Китай ) . Входят бренды Milwaukee, Aeg, Ryobi . Сами по себе бренды имеют долгую и славную историю , и были выкуплены новым владельцем .
11) Milwaukee- действительно крутой бренд , основной конкурент DeWalt на родном американском рынке ( на который приходится основная доля продаж ) . Не считайте рекламой – в РФ бренд почти не поставляется , а если и встречается время от времени – то цена явно выше рынка и часто смысл в покупке за такую цена отпадает . Для тех, кто живет в Штатах – в крупных местных сетях часто бывают распродажи Milwaukee и цена бывает просто шоколадной .
12) AEG – по статусу ниже Milwaukee , но на части моделей AEG отдельные ЗЧ взаимозаменяемы с Milwaukee . В РФ у бренда сложная судьба – импортируется ограниченная и часто самая дешевая гамма товаров , что одновременно откладывает тень на репутацию , да и ценник должен быть ниже ( и уж точно не выше Макиты и Боша ) . С ЗЧ часто проблемы. Здесь стоит пояснить , что AEG бытовая техника и AEG инструмент не имеют ничего абсолютно общего , кроме бренда . У них разные владельцы . Сейчас бренд выводится из ассортимента ряда сетей , и его можно купить выгодно .
13) Ryobi – еще один неплохой бренд , знаменитый тем , что одним из первых предложил использовать универсальные аккумуляторы для всей линейки инструмента , да и вообще много сделал для популяризации аккумуляторного направления электроинструмента . Основная проблема на российском рынке – еще менее адекватная цена и отсутствие ЗЧ . В РФ ушлые продавцы чащу всего предложат вам Ryobi по цене на уровне Makita или чуть ниже , рассказав , что это также японский бренд . Зачем ? Потому что товар должен стоить минимум на 30-40% дешевле аналогов Макита , а продавцы замотивированы продавать маржинальный товар . И именно из-за жадности продавцов , ключевые модели и топовая аккумуляторная гамма сейчас в РФ могут стоить дороже Bosch, Metabo и даже DeWalt . При этом в Штатах Ryobi можно рекомендовать к покупке , особенно в наборах ( сетах) с аккумуляторной системой one + . Там вы легко найдете подобный набор из шуруповерта , болгарки , циркулярки , фонаря , 2 акков Li –Ion по 3Ah и зарядки всего за 11-12 тыс руб . У нас подобный набор Ryobi продается раза в 2 дороже .
14) Hitachi. Hitachi электроинструмент уже больше не имеет никакого отношения к материнской японской машиностроительной компании , принадлежит американскому фонду, который в свою очередь владеет и брендом Metabo. Поставки Hitachi в РФ прекращены , оставшийся инструмент можно найти в магазинах по довольно сладким ценам . Со следующего года бренд будет называться HiKoki, цены вырастут . Сам по себе инструмент был довольно инновационным , но с ростом доллара в 2014 году большинство технологичных новинок в РФ не поставляются . Бюджетная серия носит маркировку SS в конце , но остается довольно хорошим инструментом , особенно болгарки и деревообработка . Что касается перспектив в РФ , то скорее всего , концерн будет фокусироваться на продвижении своего 2 бренда – Metabo.
Я читаю комментарии и выписал список брендов , про которые также надо рассказать . Но в 1 пост умещать ответы на все вопросы сложно . В любом случае — спрашивайте , в ближайшее время отвечу на все вопросы .
Ryobi vs Makita: Which is the Better Tool Brand?
If you walk into any big box, home improvement, or hardware store these days and you are likely to find an array of choices on power tools available. Sometimes, the row of options seems endless, and choosing the right tool for your purpose can be a daunting task. Whether you are a home hobbyist, do-it-yourselfer, woodworker, or a professional tradesperson, I’m sure you’ve heard of both Ryobi and Makita. However, technology and products change quickly these days, and the differences may not be as obvious as they once were.
Ryobi, initially known as an entry level brand, is now a viable asset in anyone’s toolbox, regardless of skill level or intended use, but does Makita still have the edge despite Ryobi’s positive reputation?
In this Ryobi vs Makita comparison I’ll tackle all of the info you should know about both of these popular power tool brands. Let’s dig in!
Ultimately, Makita tools can be much more expensive, but they extremely high quality, durable, and long lasting. When compared to Ryobi tools, Makita are going to produce more power but they come with a higher price tag. If you use your tools often, go with Makita. If you don’t need the best of the best, Ryobi is a solid choice that’ll get the job done.
In This Article:
Makita vs Ryobi: Quality & Reliability
For many years, Makita has been associated with long-lasting and top tier quality in the cordless power tool space. That hasn’t changed in recent years and Makita’s standards do not seem to be wavering in light of increased competition in the industry.
Deeply seated in the “top 3” (along with DeWalt and Milwaukee) and many times ranked over all others by professionals that regularly abuse their tools, Makita is the premium option on the market when it comes to quality manufacturing and long term reliability in cordless power tools.
With compact and sleek designs, Makita’s line of cordless power tools feel comfortable and professional in hand while Ryobi’s tools are still a bit larger and a bit “clunky” feeling in comparison.
As I mentioned earlier, Ryobi was once known as an entry level tool and heavily marketed toward hobbyists and home use. However, in today’s market, Ryobi is providing incredibly robust tools at affordable prices. Maybe the Ryobi brand hasn’t been around long enough to completely develop a polished reputation, but their current offerings are definitely pushing them in that direction.
With the external fit and finish on Ryobi tools being a bit lacking when compared to Makita, it tends to indicate that the internal workings of their tools are also of lower quality.
As expected, Ryobi normally trails Makita in many YouTube torture tests like this one that compares Makita vs Ryobi Impact Drivers.
Ryobi vs Makita: Product Lineup
As with any power tool manufacturer today, there are LOTS of options out there.
Both Makita and Ryobi offer an extensive lineup of both corded and cordless tools whether you’re completing DIY projects or taking your tools to the job site.
In terms of cordless tools, an impressive display of versatility definitely comes from Makita’s LXT platform touting 325 different tools available, all utilizing the same 18V slide battery system.
Having the world’s largest 18V battery compatible system available for nearly any tool tradespeople could need definitely puts you in the king’s court.
Makita’s expansive line of cordless power tools ranges from their “bread and butter” drills and impact drivers all the way to push mowers and even augers, but the company remains rooted in providing tools for the trades going as far as specialized offerings like concrete and masonry saws.
Makita offers both cordless and corded tools including circular saws, sanders, miter saws, outdoor equipment, and much more.
Ryobi does have a similar product line in their Ryobi 18V ONE+ System offering 280 different tool solutions. Many of the tools are comparable to Makita’s offerings, but there are a few isolated specialty tools like the compact cultivator and cordless table saw that Makita does not currently offer.
All of that being said, 200+ tool options gives ample opportunity that either brand is likely going to have what you need for your next project, but Makita does offer more cordless tools you can choose from.
Makita vs Ryobi: Features
While both companies offer highly efficient Lithium Ion battery technology in their cordless power tools, there are some differences when it comes to performance and battery life.
Ryobi has an additional level of “eliteness” in some of their 18V ONE+ tools. They are referred to as “HP” or High Performance.
These tools come with brushless motors and advanced electronics whereas the original line of 18V ONE+ tools are outfitted with traditional “brushed” motors. While brushless motors are more expensive, they are also more efficient, quieter, and produce more torque than traditional tool motors.
Makita’s LXT line of tools does pack a bit more punch when it comes to features as ALL of their 325 tool options are equipped with brushless motor technology. Makita has been outfitting cordless power tools with brushless motors for almost 20 years, so it’s no surprise that their entire line is now utilizing this technology. In addition to the embedded technology in Makita’s tools, their chargers also utilize a built-in fan system that enhances charging efficiency making it one of the fastest charging batteries on the market.
Makita also offers several of their larger 18V compatible tools as the LXT X2 line which combines the power of two 18V batteries maximizing available power to the tool.
Lastly, Makita offers another unique feature in its LXT line which is referred to as their Sub-Compact’s. These are geared more toward the standard tradespeople tools, but offer a smaller footprint and ergonomic feel while still delivering the same performance and power as Makita’s premium tools.
When it comes to features and functionality, Makita has Ryobi beat.
Wondering how their impact drivers stack up? Check out the video below!
Hi, I’m Emilee. I’m a woodworker, crafter and world class figure-outer. Mama Needs a Project is where I share all of my DIY adventures. I believe down to my core that working with your hands to physically create something will change your life!
I hope browsing Mama Needs a Project will leave you inspired and fired up to tackle your next DIY project. While Emilee is no longer actively blogging, her passion for woodworking can be found anywhere she goes.
Ryobi Vs Makita Cordless Drills [Pros and Cons]
In terms of inevitable comparison of Ryobi vs. Makita power tools, there is really only one factor to consider:
Is it worth saving your extra money in going with the Ryobi brand, or will it be more advantageous in the long run to spend a little bit more and get a quality power tool from Makita?
When it comes to quality and performance, Makita hands down makes better tools, longer battery life, better durability, more efficiency and power, and better construction. Makita is simply better in a lot of aspects.
However, it is quite hard to ignore the fact that you can practically save a ton of money by simply going with the Ryobi lineup.
Which is a brand that’s introduced some surprisingly quality tools over the last few years.
Now, in this article, we want to aid you to decide on which is actually the most suitable choice for your specific do-it-yourself projects.
Do you want the professional and quality performance of Makita, or are you good with the budget performance of the Ryobi brand?
That said, we will be comparing key features, price points, and reviews of each brand’s newest lineup of power tools. So make sure to read on and find out for yourself.
A Brief History between Ryobi vs. Makita
Not surprisingly, many consumers presently end up basing their loyalty or buys to a certain brand off of manufacturing regulations.
It seems like more and more consumers are getting fed up with seeing that “Made in China” note on the box of whatever products they’re purchasing and they link it with a general lack in overall quality of a certain product.
Though this is true in many cases, Ryobi is actually a budget brand that’s able to hold its own in terms of durability, construction quality, and performance.
Sadly, we can’t totally say the same anymore for brands like Craftsman, Kobalt, and Black and Decker.
Furthermore, Ryobi is actually a daughter company that is owned by a huge international conglomerate Techtronic Industries, and yes, most of their products are manufactured in China.
That’s why you can rest assured that when it comes to budget power tool selections, they have been the leaders of the pack ever since Craftsman began going downhill over ten years ago.
In addition, because Ryobi is owned by the same parent company, many of their products come out of the same manufacturing plants like Milwaukee tools, and we all know that Milwaukee is some of the most impressive quality out there.
On the other hand, the Japanese-based company, Makita is entirely their own company. In fact, they don’t fall under the umbrella of certain larger corporate ownership.
Though they certainly take advantage of outsourcing manufacturing to lessen manufacturing costs, built quality has never at all been a problem with Makita as they have always been at the absolute forefront of performance as well as reliability.
Ryobi vs. Makita Cordless Drills Review
1. Ryobi P277 One+ 18 Volt Lithium Ion 1/2 Inch 2-Speed Drill Driver (18 Volt Batteries Not Included / Power Tool Only),Green
This drill-driver is the most essential power tool to have in your arsenal. It is a necessity for most renovation or construction projects around your household.
For homeowners as well as do-it-yourself enthusiasts, the Ryobi Li-Ion P277 is the go-to drill-driver. Adjust this drill-driver’s torque to fit the job with the 24-position clutch.
Thanks to its keyless chuck, change bits with only one hand, so now you can swap between driving screws and boring holes without setting the drill down.
Making these bit switches even much convenient is because of its onboard magnetic storage unit at the base of the drill-driver so users can keep whatever they need for the driving task in one place.
Though if this tool is not convenient enough, users can use whichever Ryobi battery they have available to power this impressive power tool.
Either the newer One+ system li-ion batteries or older Ni-Cads can work to get your projects done in just a matter of minutes.
For anything such as simple repairs to complicated construction or assembly projects, you must get the Ryobi P277. You’ll not be disappointed.
PROS:
- Quite and smooth performance
- Comes with better grip, perfect shape, and selectable speed better than the auto-speed they have had recently
- Its battery last a long time and is strong enough to drive heavy-duty screws
- This unit of drill itself is very simple and easy to use, and come with enough power and usage time from a battery charge to do certain tasks
- One+ compatible so you can power this drill-driver with Ryobi’s 18 volts batteries from the one+ system li-ions
- Easy handling using its notched rubber grip that improves friction so users can use the drill in different weather settings
- Convenient storage with its magnetic bit holder so users can keep all of their drill accessories in one place, which ultimately makes the task a breeze
- Users can now control the torque with its 24-position clutch attached to a 2-speed gearbox to fit a number of jobs that need driving fasteners or drilling holes
- Easy bit changes with its ½ inch keyless chuck which can easily switch bits without any kind of tool at all
CONS:
- Quite hefty
2. Makita XPH10Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2″ Hammer Driver-Drill (Tool Only)
This cordless drill from Makita amalgamates torque and speed in a compact size. For improved versatility, it can be operated as a drill driver or a hammer drill-driver, and is crafted for applications in concrete, masonry, metal, and wood.
The Makita XPH10Z 18V LXT Lithium-ion cordless ½ inch hammer driver-drill comes with a four-pole motor that gives 480 inches per pound of max torque and up to 1,900 revolutions per minute, not to mention that it also offers 28,500 BPM in its high-speed setting.
It also weighs only 3.4 pounds with the battery not included for extra comfort.
Furthermore, with its extra XPT or Extreme Protection Technology, this drill is designed for improved water and dust resistance and is perfect for use in harsh workplace conditions.
It is part of Makita’s expanding 18 volts li-ion series, which is the world’s largest cordless tool line-up powered by an 18 volts li-ion slide-style battery.
And lastly, Makita 18 volts li-ion batteries have the fastest charge times in their class, so they spend more time working and less time sitting on its charger.
PROS:
- Compatible with Makita 18 volts li-ion batteries with a star symbol
- All-metal gears for improved durability
- Rubberized soft grip gives enhanced comfort on the project
- Comes with Dual LED lighting system with afterglow which helps illuminate your workplace
- Weighs only 3.4 pounds with battery for less operator fatigue
- Compact and ergonomic design at only 8-3/4 inch long
- Comes with variable 2-speed design which covers a vast range of hammer, driving, and drilling applications
- Makita-built 4-pole motor gives 480 inch per pounds of max torque
CONS:
- Quite hefty
- Not really powerful
What Can We Say About Ryobi vs. Makita
Okay, so this is why we are here, let’s take a look at some actual power tool reviews.
In terms of power tools, multi-tool combo kits usually represent the best value for the money, and this is where budget choices such as Ryobi can actually save you some significant amount of money.
Though if you are in the market looking for a single tool, that is only a drill then there’s usually not enough of a price discrepancy to justify the savings you will get on a Ryobi tool, unlike the reliability and performance you will get with Makita.
For instance, take cordless drill combo sets. You can select Makita’s brand new XPH10Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2″ Hammer Driver-Drill – two of the best-rated power tools on the market behind only Milwaukee’s Fuel – for only slightly more than Ryobi’s new P277 One+ 18 Volt Lithium Ion 1/2 Inch 2-Speed Drill Driver.
Recommendation
Now, let’s proceed with the final say here.
If you are only seeking to choose a cordless drill, then for us there is not enough of a price discrepancy between Makita and Ryobi to skip out on the performance that you can get with Makita – spend a little more extra bucks and get yourself the ideal cordless drill.
On a side note, we can’t really high enough the insane value that you can get with a Ryobi 4 or six-tool combo.
If you’ve got realistic expectations of what the power tools are built for light, standard do-it-yourself projects, then you can certainly save yourself a chunk of change by going with Ryobi over Makita.
Furthermore, you do have a couple more options when it comes to combo tool kits if you are not looking to get one of the full-blown 4 or six-piece sets.
For instance, Ryobi offers their cordless drill and circular saw combo with a charger and battery that you can pick up for next to nothing.
Moreover, Makita’s best value combo set is also available in a 3-piece kit, where you can get a reciprocating saw, impact driver, and cordless drill with the rock-solid 18 volts LXT battery platform.