Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver vs Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.0 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about occasional DIYers on a budget — read the strengths below before deciding.

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver
Ranked #8 in Best Cordless Drills
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver
4 sources3 derived

The Black+Decker 20V Max PowerConnect LD120VA is a budget-friendly, lightweight drill designed for simple household tasks like hanging artwork or assembling prefabricated furniture. Reviewers noted it lacks the power for demanding jobs, with one test showing the drill smoking while drilling through a door. While it includes a full set of bits and a bit holder, its single-speed operation and underpowered performance make it unsuitable for serious construction work. It's best for occasional users who need a basic tool for light-duty projects.

Strengths
  • Relatively lightweight at 2.6 pounds
  • Comes with a complete set of drill bits including Phillips, flatheads, and twist sizes
  • Includes a bit holder integrated into the body
Watch-outs
  • Not built for tough work or heavy-duty tasks
  • Only one speed setting
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Cordless Drills
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver
3 sources2 derived$65as of Aug 1

The Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver is praised for its lightweight, compact design and brushless motor that delivers good performance for home and hobby use. Reviewers noted the keyless chuck and included battery kit as significant advantages. However, it's not recommended for professional construction workers who need durability for extended daily use. Popular Woodworking's Collin Knoff called it a superior option to most 12V drills, suitable for 98% of tasks with lower fatigue. The tool is well-balanced and ergonomically designed, making it ideal for general DIY projects around the house.

Strengths
  • Lightweight and compact design for reduced fatigue during use
  • Keyless chuck allows quick bit changes without tools
  • Includes two 1.5AH batteries and charger in the kit
Watch-outs
  • Lacks power compared to full-sized 18V drills
  • The tool is heavy

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver

The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver is the lightest and most affordable in the group, but it's underpowered compared to the Milwaukee M18 FUEL or DEWALT 20V MAX XR. Unlike the Ryobi ONE+, it includes a bit holder and removable battery, but it's not suitable for serious construction work like the Makita 18V LXT or Bosch 18V.

Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver

The Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver is lighter and more ergonomic than the DEWALT 20V MAX XR or Makita 18V LXT, but it's less powerful and lacks the torque of the Milwaukee M18 FUEL or Bosch 18V. It's a budget-friendly option compared to the Black+Decker, but not as robust for heavy-duty use.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/DriverRyobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver
Chuck Size⅜"1/2 inch
Battery Voltage20V Max18V ONE+
Battery Capacity1.5 amp-hour1.5AH
Weight2.6 lb
Voltage20 volts18 volts
No-Load Speed2-Speed Gearbox With 0 - 450 / 0 - 1,750 RPM
Torque515 in-lbs.
Clutch Settings24-Position Clutch
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