Ryobi vs Ridgid (2021): Is One Brand Better Than The Other?

The Ryobi vs Ridgid debate is an argument that will seemingly never die among DIYers, power tool enthusiasts and even seasoned contractors. One of the reasons for this is that both brands are manufactured by the same company – TTI, so they will always have that affiliation with each other. Second, they are both known as the go-to brands when it comes to entry and mid-level power tools for first time buyers looking to get into DIY, contracting or even just for general home use. So, which one should you choose? Which one is better?

In this article, we’ll highlight the differences between the two brands, along with their strengths and weaknesses, so that you can choose which one is right for you. To start off, here’s a quick comparison between the Ryobi P1832 kit and the Ridgid GIDDS2-3554587 drill and impact driver kits.

Ryobi vs Ridgid Comparison Chart

Price/Performance

Both Ryobi and Ridgid offer great value. Ryobi is better for homeowners while Ridgid is more suited for professionals.

Ryobi and Ridgid both offer durable and high quality products. Determining which one has the better price to performance will largely depend on how much you are going to use the tools and the type of jobs that you will use them for.

Ryobi tools are cheaper than Ridgid tools in the same class. If you are purchasing a tool for the occasional home repair or if you are a beginner DIYer, then Ryobi offers the better value. It’s also better for people on a budget due to cheaper prices. Cheap doesn’t always mean low quality, and with Ryobi tools, you are still getting durable and quality tools that can get the simple jobs done.

As for Ridgid, they are more expensive because they are designed and engineered to tackle tougher jobs and work for longer periods. If you are a serious DIYer, a hobbyist/enthusiast or a contractor, then there is no doubt that Ridgid will have the better value. These tools can take a beating and still function without issues. They can also sustain a high level of performance on jobs that can take a while to complete.

Warranty

Ridgid’s Lifetime Service Agreement is considered an industry-best.

When it comes to warranty, there is no contest as Ridgid is known for its industry-best LSA or Lifetime Service Agreement. This is a very good warranty policy and all you have to do is register your product within 90 days of purchase. Once you’ve done that, you will be entitled to free service and free parts; this includes batteries, gears, chucks, switches and more. You can call their helpline whenever you need to request a service and they will honor the warranty without issues.

Ryobi, on the other hand, offers a three year limited warranty with a 90 day exchange policy. If your Ryobi tools have faulty workmanship or develop issues within 90 days, you can either have it repaired or replaced by returning the item to the dealer you bought it from. You must present a proof of purchase with the date, as well as all the parts and accessories that came with that tool. If your tool has to be serviced past the 90 day exchange policy period, you will have to send the product to an authorized service center, along with the proof of purchase, and they will either repair or replace the faulty parts, for free.

Ryobi’s warranty policy is decent but it pales in comparison to Ridgid’s Lifetime Service Agreement. If the warranty is a major consideration when buying power tools, Ridgid is the brand for you.

Tools Selection

Ryobi’s larger selection of tools can save you a lot of money if you decide to expand your collection due to compatibility and interchangeability of their batteries and accessories.

Ryobi has a very diverse selection of tools and accessories. Their products include power tools, plumbing tools, woodworking tools, home and garden equipment and more. If you are starting a collection of tools for use around the house or for a DIY hobby, you will find out that compatibility between tools and interchangeable parts and accessories can contribute to a significant amount of savings. In this regard, Ryobi is the better choice because of their diverse product line that has parts and accessories that are compatible with each other and can be interchangeable. You’ll be able to save a lot of money with a Ryobi setup and you don’t have to deal with the hassle of dealing with multiple battery and charger setups for different items.

Ridgid’s product catalog is more limited than Ryobi’s but there are still a lot to choose from. If you don’t need a lot of tools, or you just value performance over compatibility, Ridgid is a solid choice.

Verdict

Ryobi – great for homeowners. Ridgid – great for enthusiasts and contractors.

Ryobi is a brand that caters more to homeowners and casual DIYers. If you need a few tools for simple home repair jobs or if you are just starting out with a DIY hobby, Ryobi products, like the Ryobi P1832 drill and impact driver kit, are a good choice. If you happen to want to expand your collection of tools later on, Ryobi offers a large selection of tools to choose from. You can save a lot of money by going exclusively with the Ryobi brand as most tools share batteries and accessories – you won’t have to buy separate ones.

If you are an enthusiast, a serious hobbyist with your own workshop or a contractor, you will definitely benefit more with Ridgid products like the Ridgid GIDDS2-3554587 drill and impact driver kit. The warranty is outstanding and you might need the warranty as your tools will likely take a beating. Their products are built to last and even though they may be a bit more pricey, they are worth it in the long run.

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