Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V Brushless Drill/Driver
Best Compact BrushlessRyobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Drill/Driver
Best Value BrushlessPrice
$180-$220
$129-$160
Summary
Don't let the 12V rating fool you — the M12 FUEL punches like an 18V drill in a package half the size. The Spruce called it 'a beast in disguise' after two years of real-world use.
Ryobi's brushless 18V drill delivers genuine performance at a fraction of Milwaukee or DeWalt prices. The ONE+ battery platform powers 300+ tools, making it the smartest entry point for building a cordless tool collection.
Pros
- 400 in-lbs torque matches many heavier 18V drills
- Only 5.95 inches long — fits in the tightest spaces
- Brushless motor with exceptional battery life per The Spruce's 2-year test
- Includes 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah batteries in the kit for flexible runtime
- LED worklight, metal belt clip, and fuel gauge included
- Brushless HP motor for better runtime and durability than older Ryobi brushed models
- ONE+ battery platform compatible with 300+ Ryobi tools including outdoor equipment
- Lightweight ergonomic design minimizes arm fatigue per Good Housekeeping testers
- 2,100 RPM max speed and 750 in-lbs torque competitive with pricier brands
- Backed by Home Depot's 3-year warranty
Cons
- Handle may feel too large for users with smaller hands
- Stiff speed selector switch reported by testers
- Lags slightly when drilling holes deeper than 1.5 inches with spade bits
- More expensive than comparable 12V brushed options
- Not suited for the toughest tasks like boring holes in concrete or dense hardwoods
- Build quality and durability below Milwaukee and DeWalt for professional use
- Battery platform not compatible with other brands if you switch ecosystems
Our take
This is the drill I'd recommend to anyone who works in tight spaces or hates arm fatigue. At 2.5 lbs with 400 in-lbs of torque, it matches many 18V drills on performance while being dramatically easier to handle all day.
Ryobi gets unfairly dismissed by tool snobs, but the brushless HP line is legitimately good. For a homeowner who doesn't need to drill concrete all day, this drill will handle everything you throw at it — and the battery ecosystem is unmatched for the price.
Buy
