Whether you are a professional contractor, or a regular joe doing it all yourself, power tools have become an industry-standard in any handy person’s workshop.
Choosing what kind of power tools to invest in can be tricky though, especially if you are a first-time buyer. It can get overwhelming trying to decide what the best power tools are for you with so many brands and options.
Many users prefer to stay loyal to specific brands, ensuring compatibility with chargers, batteries, and the general feel of the tools. In this review, we decided to list our favorite power tools on the market right now and give you some background about the brands that are producing them.
Our Top 3 Recommendations
1. DeWalt 20V MAX Brushless Drill
Features
- Three speeds
- Long working time
- A three-year warranty
Price: From $281.05
2. Craftsman V20 4-1/2-in Brushless Cordless Small Angle Grinder
Features
- Cordless and brushless
- Ideal for homeowners and DIYers
- A three-year warranty
Price: From $130.21
3. Hilti 228061 TE 7-C 120V Rotary Hammer Drill Package
Features
- Extremely powerful
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
Price: From $465.31
8 Best Power Tool Brand Contenders for 2021
Ryobi Tools 18V One+ 2-1/2-Inch Compact Band Saw
Price from $144.99
Pros
- Lightweight
- LED light shines on the work surface, diminishing the chance of injury
- Great for at-home use and DIY
- A three-year limited warranty
Cons
- Only one speed
- Not made for professionals
Ryobi tools are known for making the best power tools for homeowners, DIYers, and semi-professionals. Even though not catered to pros, their tools are high quality but not designed to endure the heavy daily use of the professional work site.
Ryobi is one of two power tool product lines created by Techtronic Industries and caters to at-home and semi-professional users, while their professional tool-line is under the Milwaukee brand. This can be useful to understand when browsing power tool brands, so you can decide for yourself which standard is the best fit for you.
The Ryobi selection offers versatility, durability, and strength. They produce tools for plumbing and woodworking, drills, circular saws, impact drivers (corded and cordless), batteries, accessories, etc.
Their 18V ONE+ system consists of 200+ innovative products, all compatible with 18V batteries, giving you versatility in combining the best power tools and products to accomplish any job.
We chose a Ryobi 18V One+2-1/2-inch cordless compact band saw that can cut plastic, wood, and metal.
It allows for up to 225 cuts of 3/4″ conduit, and it’s lightweight and designed to enable overhead use. The LED light shines on the cutting surface, enhancing visibility and diminishing the chance of injury. A cool pommel handle gives comfort during work, and it comes with an included rafter hook for safe storing.
This saw is one of the top power tools offered by Ryobi, and they provide a three-year limited warranty with it.
It does lack some sufficient speed settings, however, and while it comes with an additional 32-7/8″ 18 TPI blade and a hex key, the battery and charger are sold separately. It works with any Ryobi 18-volt battery and is perfect for quick cuts.
DeWalt 20V MAX Brushless Drill
Price from $281.05
Pros
- Three speeds
- Long working time
- A three-mode LED light for workspace illumination
- A three-year warranty
Cons
- No snug fit between the battery and the tool
DeWalt is known as a brand that produces some of the best battery-powered tools, and this brushless power drill is one of the most efficient on the market, running up to 57% longer than brushed models.
Brushed drills use the friction created by small metal brushes to create power and turn the shaft of the drill, while brushless drills rely on a frictionless magnetic mechanism to produce power.
Brushless models are superior in almost every category, except that they come at a bit of a larger cost. They trump brushed drills in durability, performance, efficiency, maintenance, and power. You may have to pay more during the initial purchase, but this extra investment is one that will pay off.
This 20-volt brushless drill from DeWalt is one of the best category representatives. It comes with a belt hook, hard case, two 20 V 5Ah lithium-ion batteries, a charger, and a 3-mode LED light. There are three speeds: low, medium, and high granting options to drill steel, aluminum, and wood.
The handle grips are comfortable, and the drill has a half-inch ratcheting nitro-carburized chuck for gripping strength. Even though this is one of DeWalt’s best power tools, the drill carries a three-year warranty for quality assurance.
While the heavy battery makes this drill a bit difficult to handle, the genuine gripe we had with it was the sloppy fit of the battery pack. We recommend you get some sticky tape to keep it in place.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18ga Brad Nailer
Price from $543.30
Pros
- One of the most heavy-duty cordless nail guns
- Works seamlessly
- No need for air compressors or gas cartridges
Cons
- You have to purchase the battery and the charger separately
Milwaukee has a long tradition of making some of the best power tools to own. This brand is the professional-grade product line of Techtronic Industries and offers a vast range of hand and power tools, tool storage options, and outdoor equipment. Both corded and cordless options are available, as well as battery and gas-powered tools.
Everything they make is “nothing but heavy-duty” and catered to professionals in HVAC, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing trade, as well as the average users looking for a higher-end product.
Milwaukee is considered by many to be the best brand of power tools, especially after they invented the technology that enables lithium-ion batteries to be used in power tools.
Because every professional and homeowner needs a nail gun that will impeccably sink the nails into all sorts of wood, we decided to go for their M18 Fuel 18 gauge Brad Nailer. It’s a super-strong nail gun, sitting comfortably on the top of the best battery power tools list.
Using a nitrogen air spring mechanism and RedLithium battery, the combo of their Powerstate Brushless Motor and Redlink Plus Intelligence, the Brad nailer delivers impeccably fast performance and completely eliminates the need to use a compressor or countless gas cartridges. Its cordless design makes it highly portable, and it is incredibly lightweight.
Included is a built-in nail-spitter, eliminating any need to hammer nails in manually! We are so impressed with Milwaukee products that we feel free to name it the best power tool brand for 2021.
Keep in mind that the battery is sold separately with this product, or there is an option available to purchase a kit that comes with a reversible belt hook and tool bag with your M18 battery pack and Multi-Voltage charger.
Craftsman V20 4-1/2-in Brushless Cordless Small Angle Grinder
Price from $543.30
Pros
- Cordless and brushless
- Ideal for homeowners and DIYers
- A three-year warranty
Cons
- The battery dies during prolonged use
Craftsman has been in the tool industry for almost a hundred years. They make different kinds of tools, tool storage, and yard/outdoor equipment. This is a power tools brand that caters to homeowners and hobbyists of all generations.
We liked their V20 cordless angle grinder with a brushless motor. It’s a part of the V20 cordless system, compatible with any V20 batteries from Craftsman. It comes with a grinding guard and wheel, a spanner wrench, a V20 20V MAX 4.0AH Lithium-ion battery, and V20 Lithium-ion fast charger. The tool carries a three-year limited warranty.
This grinder’s handle can be positioned in three ways providing maximum comfort for the user.
As all of the best power tool brands should be, Craftsman designs their tools with the user in mind, meaning that you get versatility, control, safety, and comfort.
It won’t run from dusk ‘till dawn, but it will give you longevity for basic home projects.
Bosch JS365 120V Jigsaw
Price from $120.85
Pros
- Corded (constant power supply)
- A dust blower included
- A one-year limited warranty
Cons
- No LED light
German company Bosch has been one of the best tool brands in the industry since 1886. Their tools are made for all types of professionals, DIYers, and semi-professionals.
Although they make excellent cordless tools, we went with their jigsaw, a 120V corded top handle model. Since corded tools don’t get their power from batteries, they get a continuous supply of power through the electrical cord and always give their max (unlike the batteries you’ll have to charge).
Bosch makes some of the most fantastic saws you can purchase, and this one is no different ranking among their best-rated power tools.
We were amazed by its 6.5 Amp mighty motor and the accuracy of T-shank blades. You can control the operating speed using a trigger on the back of the tool, and it features a multidirectional blade clamp. A tool-less blade system allows for easy-peasy blade exchange.
To make your work experience as enjoyable as possible, Bosch designed a unique ergonomic handle with soft areas and included a dust blower to maintain perfect visibility.
Another feature we found super-useful was the ambidextrous lock-on button. If that doesn’t make the best power tool among the saws, we don’t know what does!
It runs smoothly, so get ready for some cutting action! And with four orbital-action settings, it cuts everything from softwood to mild steel. On top of all else, it has an eight-foot-long cord!
You’ll get a complete package: the tool itself, a jigsaw blade, a bevel hex key with onboard storage, a steel anti-splinter insert, a plastic overshoe, and a case to carry all of that. It will not fail the expectations; you’ll be convinced it’s undoubtedly one of the best power tools of 2021.
We’d like to have a LED light included, but, unfortunately, this jigsaw doesn’t feature it.
There is one more reason to love Bosch: they focus on sustainability, responsibility, fairness, legality, diversity and are known for their charity (a charitable organization Robert Bosch Foundation owns 92% of the company).
Hilti 228061 TE 7-C 120V Rotary Hammer Drill Package
Price from $465.31
Pros
- Extremely powerful
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Dust removal system
- A two-year warranty
Cons
- Not the best for angular grinding
Hilti is one of those brands with a long tradition of creating tools for professionals and heavy-duty jobs. They make top-rated power tools in the category of jack- and rotary hammers and drills, outshining all other brands.
Our top choice is their signature corded TE 7-C rotary hammer. You’ll see their prices are on the higher end, but the tools are worth every single penny, and we’ll tell you why.
We look at rotary hammers/drills as a hand extension for every pro who battles with concrete and masonry. A reliable, heavy-duty hammer drill will not only win against concrete, brick, and stone, but it will also chisel and drill into steel and wood, handling all the use and abuse.
This is one of those high-end power tools every pro likes to invest in. It packs a powerful impact spinning against surfaces or hammering up and down. The unique D-shaped handle is designed to ease the strain as much as possible, providing an ergonomic fit.
This tool is small in size and lightweight, which only adds to the overall comfort of handling it.
Additionally, it has forward/reverse switches for greater flexibility.
Thanks to the Dust Removal System, it will virtually leave no mess on the worksite, and while it’s not the best at angled drilling, most high-quality power tools are also known to get bound up or skip from time to time.
Hilti also prides itself on sustainability and the principles of the circular economy. As such, they recycle used batteries and tools or refurbish and donate used goods. They’ve managed to keep their scrap rate at 0.06%. They deserve a round of applause and maybe even the award for best power tool company.
Ridgid 18-Volt 5-Piece Combo Kit
Price from $529.99
Pros
- Five tools plus more accessories!
- Perfect for every job
- A lifetime warranty (including spare parts and batteries!)
Cons
- Amazon doesn’t give you a lifetime warranty
Ridgid exclusively makes professional line tools designed with quality and extreme durability in mind. Their claim to fame was inventing the modern pipe wrench in 1923, and they have been producing high-quality and durable tools for over one hundred years.
We couldn’t decide on just one tool from this brand, so we went with their 18V five-piece combo kit to show you just what the best power toolset looks like.
They include in this kit a circular saw, a reciprocating saw, a hammer drill/driver, an impact driver, and a LED torch. It also comes with an 18V charger, two 18V batteries, two bits, a blade wrench, a spare blade for each saw, an auxiliary handle, and two belt hooks.
All of that is securely packed into a contractor’s bag, with operator manuals included. When you register within 90 days of purchase, you get a lifetime warranty that includes free service, batteries, and part replacements! With this best power tool combo kit, you’ll get great tools and accessories and never have to worry about them breaking or needing to be replaced.
The set covers the basics for any job and works perfectly even in the toughest of settings. The tools are heavy-duty and robust but still lightweight. The impact driver comes with a tri-beam LED light for a clear view of the working surface.
With the circular saw, you get an integrated dust blower to keep that surface clean, and the reciprocating saw adds On/Off orbital action.
We’ll throw in a tip for buying this Ridgid’s best cordless power tool set—get your tools from the official site or at Home Depot. Although Amazon offers lower prices, it isn’t an authorized seller of the brand, and you won’t be able to register the tools nor get the warranty.
Makita XOB01T 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander Kit
Price from $329.00
Pros
- Cordless
- A three-year limited warranty
- The Star Protection Controls monitor the use and prevent risks of overloading, overheating, and damage
Cons
- You only get about 45 minutes of work time
The next contender for the best brand for power tools is Makita. They make a wide range of industrial-quality power tools. Originally based out of Japan, they now manufacture worldwide and offer a 30-day refund or replacement policy with all of their products. All of their tools come with extra accessories for organization and ease of use.
We found their cordless 5-in Random Orbit Sander powered by 18V Li-ion batteries to be among the best cordless tools for woodworkers. Every woodworker knows how hard it is to battle the cord while standing on a ladder or a scaffold, so having a cordless option proves to be convenient and much safer.
Moreover, this sander has an ergonomic handle to provide maximum user comfort.
It has a one-touch electronic control switch for three speeds, and while the battery will get you around 45 minutes of work per charge (up to 65 minutes on low speed), it’s better for outdoor use than the corded option.
18V batteries power some of the best cordless power tools of different brands, but Makita went a step further. Their 18V batteries have the fastest charge times (no more than 45 minutes), and the charger is equipped with a built-in fan.
Your work surface will stay clean thanks to the through-the-pad dust collection system, and the kit includes two 18V 5.0Ah batteries, a dust bag, a 5-in abrasive disc, and a rapid charger, all neatly packed into a tool bag.
What helped to justify Makita’s place on our list of the best power tool brand options is the smart Star Protection Computer Controls that monitors the tool’s use and the batteries in real-time, reducing the risk of overheating, overloading, over-discharging, and damage.
These tools are compatible with all of the Makita batteries that feature a star symbol, which indicates Star Protection compatibility, and all products come with a three-year warranty. This bonus makes staying brand-loyal a huge perk.
Choosing the Best Power Tools
There’s no doubt that power tools have changed the working man’s industry, and now shopping for tools is about more than just picking out the hammer with the right grip. With so many different considerations, it can be hard to decide which tools are best.
Looking at the reputation and standards of the different power tool brands can help make this decision so much easier. Most of the best power tools brands specialize in different aspects of their tools, priding themselves in creating quality products with specific features that all of their tools will possess.
Whether you need a tool collection with long battery life, tools that are entirely compatible with one another, industrial-grade durability, or just something to use around the house, knowing the focus of each power tool brand will help you narrow it all down and still get the best power tools for the money.
People Also Ask
There are a lot of great power tools brands out there. Some of the top names in the industry are DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ridgid, Bosch, Hilti, Craftsman, Ryobi, Makita, Festool.
According to The Lifestory Research 2020, DeWalt has the title of the most trusted power tool brand among its customers, which says a lot! Craftsman is a runner-up, followed by Milwaukee, Makita, and Bosch.
Remember—not every brand fits everyone’s needs, so don’t feel bad doing your research on other tools.
Most cordless tools of the newer generations get their power from lithium-ion batteries. These provide more power and can run for longer amounts of time. Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Ryobi, Craftsman, and Skil are some brands that use this technology today.
Although Milwaukee paved the way for Li-ion batteries, we have to call it a tie between them and DeWalt.
There are some downsides to this type of battery. They are more expensive, and they can get damaged or even catch on fire. Makita, however, created an intelligent solution to monitor the conditions of use, to prevent the batteries from overheating and damage.
Both Milwaukee and DeWalt have a stellar reputation for quality and reliability. Their prices are similar, and the tools of both brands are exceptional. They both offer warranties that vary in length, from a year to a lifetime.
The batteries that power their tools are super-powerful. They consistently offer innovations in the industry, making them leaders in their fields (Milwaukee started the trend of Li-ion batteries, and DeWalt created a FlexVolt line of 60V tools).
In the end, it’s up to you to decide.
DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Hilti, Bosch are among the power tool brands that cater to professionals and produce high-end tools for heavy-duty jobs.
The most used cordless tools among the professionals are power drills, drill drivers, reciprocating saws, hammer drills. The users prefer 18V batteries, especially the Milwaukee M18 system.
Among the corded ones, these are the most loved and the best power tools: the demolition hammer, rotary hammers, pipe threading machine, drill driver, drain cleaning machine, hammer drills, circular saws, reciprocating saws.
