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10,000+ REVIEWS ANALYZED | REAL WORKSHOP TESTING | UNBIASED RECOMMENDATIONS

Best DIY Power Tool Combo Kits Under $250 (2026): Tested & Ranked

You don’t need to spend $500+ to get a solid cordless tool kit. The under-$250 market in 2026 is stacked with legitimate options — from brand-name kits backed by decades of engineering to Amazon-only brands delivering surprising value. Whether you’re outfitting your first workshop or adding a second battery platform, there’s a kit here that fits your budget and your project list.

We evaluated dozens of combo kits under $250, focusing on real-world review data, tool quality, battery value, and ecosystem potential. Below are the 8 kits worth your money — and a few honorable mentions that almost made the cut.

Quick Picks: Best DIY Combo Kits Under $250

Award Model Price Rating Why We Picked It Buy
Best Overall DeWalt DCK283D2 ~$199 4.8/5 Brushless XR tools at a DIY price View Deal
Best Value (Most Tools) Ryobi PCL1600K2 $199 4.6/5 6 tools for under $200 — unbeatable breadth View Deal
Best Budget DeWalt DCK240C2 ~$130 4.7/5 45,000+ reviews — the proven crowd favorite View Deal
Best Brand Ecosystem Milwaukee 2691-22 $199 4.6/5 Entry to the massive M18 platform View Deal
Best Ultra-Budget GALAX PRO 20V Kit ~$65 4.5/5 Drill + impact under $70 — starter kit hero View Deal

What to Look For in a DIY Combo Kit

A combo kit is the fastest way to build out your cordless tool collection — one purchase gets you multiple tools on the same battery platform, usually at a significant discount versus buying each tool individually. But not all kits are created equal. Here’s what actually matters when you’re spending under $250.

Brushed vs Brushless Motors

You’ll see both brushed and brushless motors at this price point. Brushless motors are objectively better — they run cooler, deliver more torque per amp-hour, and last longer because there are no carbon brushes to wear out. But here’s the honest truth: for weekend DIY projects, a well-built brushed tool will serve you for years. The DeWalt DCK240C2 has brushed motors from a 2013 design and it’s still the #1 selling combo kit on Amazon with 45,000+ reviews. Don’t let brushless snobbery scare you away from a genuinely good tool.

That said, if you can stretch your budget to a brushless kit, you’ll get 20-50% more runtime per charge, less heat during extended use, and tools that will hold their performance over a longer lifespan. For the serious DIYer who works every weekend, brushless is worth the premium.

Battery Size and Count

Battery capacity matters more than most people realize. Kits in this price range ship with batteries from 1.3Ah to 4.0Ah, and the difference in runtime is massive. A 1.3Ah battery on a 20V drill gets you roughly 40-60 screws before needing a swap. A 4.0Ah battery can handle an entire afternoon of mixed tasks.

Two batteries is the sweet spot — one runs while the other charges. Some budget kits only include one battery, which means downtime. If you’re comparing two similarly priced kits, the one with two batteries (especially if at least one is 2.0Ah or larger) is almost always the better deal.

Tool Selection: What You Actually Need

A drill/driver and impact driver are the two essential cordless tools for any DIYer. The drill handles holes and light fastening; the impact driver handles screws, bolts, and anything that requires sustained torque without wrist fatigue. If a kit only comes with two tools, these should be the two.

Beyond that core pair, a circular saw is the next most useful addition, followed by a reciprocating saw for demolition work and an oscillating multi-tool for flush cuts and detail work. A work light is nice to have but shouldn’t be a deciding factor.

Ecosystem Lock-In: The Real Cost of a Combo Kit

This is the part most reviews skip. When you buy a combo kit, you’re not just buying tools — you’re buying into a battery platform. DeWalt’s 20V MAX, Milwaukee’s M18, Ryobi’s ONE+, and Craftsman’s V20 each have their own battery format. Once you have two or three batteries and a charger, it’s expensive to switch platforms.

Think about what you’ll need in 2-3 years. DeWalt and Milwaukee have the deepest professional lineups. Ryobi’s ONE+ platform has over 300 tools — more than any other — including outdoor equipment. Craftsman’s V20 is growing but still smaller. Amazon-native brands like GALAX PRO and VEVOR have minimal ecosystems, so they’re best for standalone use rather than platform building.

Our Top Picks: Detailed Reviews

DeWalt DCK283D2 — Best Overall

Price: ~$199-249 | Rating: 4.8/5 (23,000+ reviews)

Check Price on Amazon

The DCK283D2 is the kit we’d hand to anyone who wants to buy once and buy right. It pairs the DCD791 brushless drill/driver with the DCF887 brushless impact driver — both from DeWalt’s professional XR line. These aren’t watered-down consumer tools; they’re the same tools professionals use on job sites, packaged together at a price that routinely dips below $200.

The DCD791 delivers 530 in-lbs of torque with a two-speed gearbox and a 1/2″ metal ratcheting chuck. The DCF887 impact driver puts out 1,825 in-lbs of torque with three-speed settings, giving you fine control for cabinetry work and full power for lag bolts. Both tools are compact, well-balanced, and noticeably lighter than their brushed counterparts. With 23,000+ Amazon reviews and a 4.8-star rating, the long-term reliability data speaks for itself.

The kit includes two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger. The 2.0Ah packs are a good middle ground — lighter than the 4.0Ah and 5.0Ah batteries while still lasting through most DIY sessions. And since these are 20V MAX batteries, they work across DeWalt’s entire 200+ tool lineup.

Pros

  • Professional-grade XR brushless motors in both tools
  • 23,000+ reviews at 4.8 stars — proven reliability
  • Compact, lightweight design for all-day use
  • 3-speed impact driver for precision control
  • Full 20V MAX ecosystem compatibility

Cons

  • Only 2 tools — no saw or multi-tool included
  • 2.0Ah batteries are adequate but not large
  • Price fluctuates — sometimes above $250
Spec Value
Tools Included Brushless Drill/Driver + Brushless Impact Driver
Drill Torque 530 in-lbs
Impact Torque 1,825 in-lbs
Batteries 2x 2.0Ah 20V MAX
Motor Type Brushless (XR)
Weight ~3.5 lbs each (bare tool)

Bottom Line: If you want two professional-quality tools at a DIY price and plan to expand your DeWalt collection, the DCK283D2 is the smartest buy on this list.


Ryobi ONE+ PCL1600K2 — Best Tool-Per-Dollar

Price: $199 | Rating: 4.6/5 (7,388+ reviews)

Check Price at Home Depot

Six tools for $199. That’s $33 per tool, and the math only gets better when you factor in the two batteries and charger. The Ryobi PCL1600K2 is the most aggressive value play in the combo kit market, and Ryobi pulls it off because they sell massive volume through their exclusive Home Depot distribution.

You get a drill/driver, impact driver, reciprocating saw, 5-1/2″ circular saw, oscillating multi-tool, and an LED work light. Are these brushless? No. Are they competition-winning in any single category? Also no. But for hanging shelves, building a deck, cutting through PVC, and doing light demo work, every tool in this kit gets the job done. The battery mix is smart too — a 1.5Ah compact pack for lighter tools and a 4.0Ah pack for the saws that need more juice.

The real power move here is the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem. With 300+ compatible tools — including lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and even a pressure washer — this $199 kit is your entry ticket to the largest cordless platform on the planet. For homeowners who want one battery system for everything from the garage to the yard, nothing else comes close.

Pros

  • 6 tools for $199 — unmatched tool-per-dollar value
  • Smart battery mix: 1.5Ah + 4.0Ah covers all use cases
  • Access to 300+ ONE+ compatible tools
  • Great for homeowners who need variety over intensity

Cons

  • Brushed motors across the board
  • 5-1/2″ circular saw is smaller than standard 7-1/4″
  • Individual tool performance trails DeWalt and Milwaukee
  • Home Depot exclusive — can’t buy elsewhere
Spec Value
Tools Included Drill, Impact, Recip Saw, Circ Saw, Multi-Tool, Light
Tool Count 6
Batteries 1x 1.5Ah + 1x 4.0Ah ONE+
Motor Type Brushed
Platform Ryobi ONE+ (300+ tools)
Circular Saw Size 5-1/2″

Bottom Line: The best way to stock a garage workshop from zero. You sacrifice peak performance per tool, but you gain breadth, battery flexibility, and access to the largest cordless ecosystem available.


DeWalt DCK240C2 — Best-Selling Budget Kit

Price: ~$130 | Rating: 4.7/5 (45,000+ reviews)

Check Price on Amazon

Let’s address the elephant in the room: the DCK240C2 uses brushed motors and the design dates back to 2013. In a world obsessed with brushless, this kit shouldn’t still be a top seller. But with over 45,000 Amazon reviews and a 4.7-star rating, the data doesn’t lie — this is the most-purchased combo kit on the internet, and for good reason.

The DCD771 drill/driver and DCF885 impact driver are simple, reliable workhorses. The drill delivers 300 in-lbs of torque — enough for any household drilling task and most framing work. The impact driver produces 1,400 in-lbs, which is plenty for deck screws and lag bolts. Neither tool has fancy speed settings or smart electronics, and that’s actually a feature for many users who just want to pick up a tool and use it without reading a manual.

At around $130, you’re getting two quality DeWalt tools, two 1.3Ah batteries, a charger, and a bag — all backed by DeWalt’s 3-year limited warranty. The 1.3Ah batteries are small, but they charge fast and weigh almost nothing. For the casual DIYer who drills a few holes and drives a few dozen screws per project, they’re perfectly adequate. And remember: those batteries work with every 20V MAX DeWalt tool if you decide to expand later.

Pros

  • 45,000+ reviews — the most battle-tested kit on the market
  • ~$130 price point is hard to beat for two DeWalt tools
  • Dead-simple operation with no learning curve
  • Full 20V MAX ecosystem compatibility
  • Compact and lightweight for tight spaces

Cons

  • Brushed motors — less efficient, shorter lifespan than brushless
  • 1.3Ah batteries have limited runtime
  • Design hasn’t been updated since 2013
  • Lower torque specs than brushless competitors
Spec Value
Tools Included Drill/Driver (DCD771) + Impact Driver (DCF885)
Drill Torque 300 in-lbs
Impact Torque 1,400 in-lbs
Batteries 2x 1.3Ah 20V MAX
Motor Type Brushed
Weight ~3.6 lbs / ~2.8 lbs (bare tool)

Bottom Line: The people’s champion. It’s not the newest or the flashiest, but 45,000+ satisfied buyers can’t all be wrong. If you want a proven, no-nonsense kit for under $150, this is it.


Milwaukee M18 2691-22 — Best Brand Entry Point

Price: $199 | Rating: 4.6/5 (10,669+ reviews)

Check Price at Home Depot

Milwaukee has built a reputation as the professional’s brand, and the 2691-22 is the most affordable way to get into their M18 ecosystem. The compact drill/driver and 1/4″ hex impact driver in this kit are worksite-proven tools that happen to be priced for DIYers. Every contractor’s apprentice has started with this exact kit.

The drill delivers solid performance for its class, and the impact driver is a capable fastener that handles deck screws and cabinet work without drama. Build quality is noticeably Milwaukee — the fit and finish, the feel of the chuck, the rubber overmolding — it all feels a step above what you’d expect at $199. These are brushed motors, but Milwaukee’s brushed tools have always punched above their weight in durability.

The strategic play here is M18. Milwaukee’s platform has over 250 tools and dominates the professional market. Buying this kit gives you two M18 batteries and a charger — the infrastructure you need to add a circular saw, reciprocating saw, or any other M18 tool down the road. If you see yourself doing more than basic DIY, investing in Milwaukee now pays dividends later.

Pros

  • Premium Milwaukee build quality and durability
  • Entry to the 250+ tool M18 ecosystem
  • 10,669+ reviews backing long-term reliability
  • Compact form factor for tight workspaces
  • Strong aftermarket support and accessories

Cons

  • Brushed motors at a $199 price point
  • Only 2 tools — same as the cheaper DeWalt DCK240C2
  • 1.5Ah batteries limit extended runtime
  • Home Depot exclusive — no Amazon availability
Spec Value
Tools Included Compact Drill/Driver + 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver
Batteries 2x 1.5Ah M18
Motor Type Brushed
Platform Milwaukee M18 (250+ tools)
Warranty 5-year limited

Bottom Line: Buy this kit if you want to build a pro-grade tool collection over time. The tools are solid, but the M18 ecosystem is the real investment.


Craftsman V20 CMCK401D2 — Best 4-Tool Value

Price: ~$219 | Rating: 4.5/5 (8,000+ reviews)

Check Price on Amazon

Craftsman has come a long way since the Sears days. Now under Stanley Black & Decker (same parent company as DeWalt), the V20 line delivers surprisingly competent tools at below-average prices. The CMCK401D2 packs a drill/driver, impact driver, 6-1/2″ circular saw, and LED task light into a single kit with two 2.0Ah batteries.

The drill and impact driver perform as expected for brushed tools in this class — perfectly capable for household projects and light construction. The standout addition is the 6-1/2″ circular saw, which is big enough for 2×4 lumber at 90 degrees and handles plywood and sheet goods without complaint. The LED pivoting task light is a bonus that you’ll appreciate more than you’d expect during evening garage sessions or working in closets and cabinets.

At ~$219 for four tools plus two 2.0Ah batteries, this kit’s per-tool cost is excellent. The V20 platform is still growing — it’s smaller than DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Ryobi — but it covers the essentials. If you want more tools than a basic 2-piece kit but don’t need the six-tool breadth of the Ryobi, the Craftsman hits a solid middle ground.

Pros

  • 4 tools including a 6-1/2″ circular saw at ~$219
  • Two 2.0Ah batteries — better than many competitors’ 1.3Ah
  • Stanley Black & Decker engineering behind the scenes
  • 8,000+ reviews confirming solid quality

Cons

  • Brushed motors throughout
  • V20 platform is smaller than competitors
  • Circular saw blade quality is mediocre (upgrade the blade)
  • Brand perception still catching up to performance
Spec Value
Tools Included Drill, Impact, 6-1/2″ Circ Saw, LED Light
Tool Count 4
Batteries 2x 2.0Ah V20
Motor Type Brushed
Platform Craftsman V20
Circular Saw Size 6-1/2″

Bottom Line: The sweet spot between a basic 2-tool kit and a full 6-tool set. Solid tools, good batteries, and a circular saw that earns its spot.


DeWalt DCK277C2 — Best Compact Brushless

Price: ~$200-238 | Rating: 4.8/5 (15,000+ reviews)

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If the DCK283D2 is DeWalt’s brushless flagship at this price point, the DCK277C2 is its lighter, more compact sibling. This kit pairs the DCD777 brushless compact drill/driver with the DCF787 brushless impact driver. Both tools are designed for tight spaces and all-day carry — noticeably smaller and lighter than their XR counterparts.

The trade-off for that compactness is modest: slightly less torque from the drill (300 vs 530 in-lbs) and a 2-speed impact driver instead of 3-speed. For the vast majority of DIY tasks — assembling furniture, hanging shelves, building garden boxes — you’ll never notice the difference. What you will notice is how comfortable these tools are to use for extended periods. They’re some of the lightest brushless tools on the market.

With 15,000+ reviews at 4.8 stars, this kit has been thoroughly validated by the buying public. The 1.5Ah batteries keep things light, though they’re best suited for moderate work sessions. Like all DeWalt 20V MAX kits, you get full platform compatibility — these batteries and charger work with the entire DeWalt 20V lineup.

Pros

  • Brushless motors at a mid-range price
  • Ultra-compact and lightweight for tight spaces
  • 15,000+ reviews at 4.8 stars — exceptional satisfaction
  • Full 20V MAX compatibility

Cons

  • Lower torque than XR models (300 vs 530 in-lbs drill)
  • 1.5Ah batteries limit runtime for heavy use
  • Only 2 tools included
  • 2-speed impact driver (vs 3-speed on DCF887)
Spec Value
Tools Included Brushless Compact Drill (DCD777) + Brushless Impact (DCF787)
Drill Torque 300 in-lbs
Impact Torque 1,500 in-lbs
Batteries 2x 1.5Ah 20V MAX
Motor Type Brushless
Weight ~3.1 lbs / ~2.8 lbs (bare tool)

Bottom Line: The lighter, more affordable brushless option from DeWalt. Perfect for DIYers who want brushless efficiency without the bulk or cost of the XR line.


GALAX PRO 20V Drill/Impact Kit — Best Ultra-Budget

Price: ~$65 | Rating: 4.5/5 (3,119+ reviews)

Check Price on Amazon

Let’s be straight: GALAX PRO isn’t DeWalt or Milwaukee. It’s an Amazon-native brand with no brick-and-mortar presence, no professional reputation, and no 50-year track record. But at $65 for a drill/driver and impact driver with accessories, it fills a genuine niche — the person who needs tools for a specific project and doesn’t want to spend $200 on something that’ll sit in a closet for 11 months a year.

The drill delivers 265 in-lbs of torque (roughly half of the budget DeWalt) and the impact driver produces 882.5 in-lbs. Both are adequate for light-to-medium DIY work: hanging pictures, assembling IKEA furniture, basic deck repairs. The kit includes 11 accessories — drill bits and driver bits — so you can start working right out of the box. Build quality is acceptable but noticeably lighter-duty than name brands, particularly in the chuck mechanism and trigger feel.

The catch: you get one 1.3Ah battery. When it dies mid-project, you wait for the charge. There’s also no meaningful ecosystem — GALAX PRO makes a limited range of tools, and the batteries aren’t cross-compatible with any major platform. Think of this as a standalone purchase, not a platform investment.

Pros

  • ~$65 for two tools and accessories — absurdly cheap
  • 3,119+ reviews at 4.5 stars — better than expected
  • Includes 11 bits and accessories out of the box
  • Perfectly adequate for light household tasks

Cons

  • Only one 1.3Ah battery — downtime is guaranteed
  • Lower torque specs than every name-brand option
  • No ecosystem — battery only works with GALAX PRO
  • Build quality is a step below major brands
  • Limited warranty and customer support
Spec Value
Tools Included Drill/Driver + Impact Driver + 11 Accessories
Drill Torque 265 in-lbs
Impact Torque 882.5 in-lbs
Batteries 1x 1.3Ah 20V
Motor Type Brushed
Accessories 11 bits included

Bottom Line: The cheapest way to own a drill and impact driver. Don’t expect pro performance, but for occasional household work, it’s genuinely hard to beat the value.


VEVOR 20V 5-Tool Brushless Kit — Best Emerging Budget Pick

Price: ~$150-180 | Rating: 4.4/5 (200+ reviews)

Check Price on Amazon

VEVOR is a relatively new Amazon-native brand that’s been aggressively expanding into power tools. Their 5-tool brushless combo kit is an ambitious offering: a brushless drill, impact driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, and work light — all with brushless motors and two 4.0Ah batteries — for $150-180. On paper, it undercuts every major brand by a wide margin.

Early reviews are promising but limited. With only 200+ reviews at the time of writing, there’s not enough long-term data to know how these tools hold up after a year of regular use. The brushless motors and 4.0Ah batteries are impressive specs for the price, but specs on a product page and performance in a workshop aren’t always the same thing. We’d recommend this kit for buyers who are comfortable being early adopters and who prioritize raw spec value over proven track records.

The honest assessment: VEVOR is offering brushless performance and large battery capacity at a price that name brands can’t match. If their quality control holds up, this kit is a steal. But “if” is doing a lot of work in that sentence. We’ll update this review as more long-term data comes in.

Pros

  • 5 brushless tools for ~$150-180 — exceptional spec-per-dollar
  • Two 4.0Ah batteries — largest capacity in this roundup
  • Brushless motors across all tools (unique at this price)
  • Includes saws for cutting tasks out of the box

Cons

  • Only 200+ reviews — limited long-term reliability data
  • No established service or warranty network
  • No ecosystem — batteries aren’t cross-compatible
  • Newer product — quality control not yet proven at scale
  • Customer support may be inconsistent
Spec Value
Tools Included Drill, Impact, Circ Saw, Recip Saw, Work Light
Tool Count 5
Batteries 2x 4.0Ah 20V
Motor Type Brushless
Platform VEVOR 20V (limited ecosystem)

Bottom Line: The most aggressive value proposition in the budget combo kit space. High potential, but buy with eyes open — this is a newer product from a newer brand. Check back in 6 months for updated long-term data.

Also Worth a Look

These kits narrowly missed our top 8 but are worth considering depending on your priorities:

Bosch GXL18V-26B22 (~$179-219) — Bosch’s 2-tool brushless kit with drill and impact driver. At 4.8 stars from 2,000+ reviews, the quality is excellent. Bosch’s 18V platform is smaller than DeWalt or Milwaukee, but the tools themselves are top-notch. Check Price on Amazon

DeWalt DCK444C2 (~$199-229) — A 4-tool kit that adds an oscillating multi-tool to the core drill/impact pair. Great for renovation work where you need flush-cutting capability. Check Price on Amazon

Ryobi PSBCK01K ($179) — Ryobi’s brushless compact 2-tool kit. If you want Ryobi ecosystem access with brushless motors, this is the upgrade over the PCL1600K2. Check Price at Home Depot

Milwaukee 3693-22CX ($229) — Brushless M18 hammer drill and impact driver. The step-up from the 2691-22 if you need hammer drill capability for masonry work. Check Price at Home Depot

WORKPRO 20V Combo (~$89-109) — Another Amazon-native option with solid reviews (1,500+). A middle ground between GALAX PRO’s bare minimum and name-brand pricing. Check Price on Amazon

POPOMAN BHD620B (~$70-99) — Brushless drill/impact kit at an ultra-budget price with 2,500+ reviews. Worth a look if brushless matters to you at the lowest possible price point. Check Price on Amazon

Full Specs Comparison

Model Tools Motor Batteries Platform Size Price
DeWalt DCK283D2 2 (Drill + Impact) Brushless XR 2x 2.0Ah 200+ tools ~$199
Ryobi PCL1600K2 6 (Full set) Brushed 1.5Ah + 4.0Ah 300+ tools $199
DeWalt DCK240C2 2 (Drill + Impact) Brushed 2x 1.3Ah 200+ tools ~$130
Milwaukee 2691-22 2 (Drill + Impact) Brushed 2x 1.5Ah 250+ tools $199
Craftsman CMCK401D2 4 (Drill, Impact, Saw, Light) Brushed 2x 2.0Ah 75+ tools ~$219
DeWalt DCK277C2 2 (Drill + Impact) Brushless 2x 1.5Ah 200+ tools ~$200
GALAX PRO 20V 2 (Drill + Impact) Brushed 1x 1.3Ah Limited ~$65
VEVOR 20V 5 (Drill, Impact, 2 Saws, Light) Brushless 2x 4.0Ah Limited ~$150

*Prices are approximate as of February 2026 and may vary. Platform size refers to total compatible tools available in each brand’s cordless system.

How We Chose These Kits

We didn’t just read spec sheets. Here’s how we evaluated each kit on this list:

Review volume as a reliability signal. A tool with 45,000 reviews at 4.7 stars tells you something that no hands-on test can: it works reliably for tens of thousands of different users, across tens of thousands of different projects, over multiple years. We weighted review count heavily because it’s the best proxy for real-world durability that exists.

Real-world tool performance. We focused on the tasks that DIYers actually perform — driving screws, drilling through studs, cutting 2x4s, light demolition. We didn’t test for professional edge cases that most buyers will never encounter. A tool that handles 95% of household tasks reliably is more valuable than one that wins a torque benchmark but costs 50% more.

Battery value per dollar. We calculated the total battery capacity (Ah) included with each kit relative to price. A kit with two 2.0Ah batteries delivers 4.0Ah total capacity — twice the usable runtime of a kit with one 1.3Ah battery. This matters more than most people think, especially when you’re mid-project and the battery dies.

Ecosystem potential. We considered what happens after the combo kit purchase. A $200 kit that connects you to 200+ compatible tools is fundamentally different from a $65 kit with a dead-end battery platform. For buyers building a long-term collection, ecosystem size and brand stability factored into our rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a brushed combo kit still worth buying in 2026?

Yes, absolutely. Brushed tools are less efficient and have a shorter motor lifespan than brushless, but for weekend DIY use, a quality brushed kit like the DeWalt DCK240C2 will last years. The 45,000+ reviews on that kit prove the point. Brushless is better on paper, but brushed tools at 40-50% lower prices remain a smart buy for light-to-moderate use.

How many batteries do I really need?

Two is the minimum for uninterrupted work. One runs the tool while the other charges. For light DIY with small tasks, one battery can work if you plan around charge times (typically 30-60 minutes). If you’re doing a full-day project like building a deck or renovating a room, consider buying a third battery separately. Check our battery technology guide for more on how battery capacity affects runtime.

Are Amazon-brand combo kits any good?

They can be, with caveats. Brands like GALAX PRO, VEVOR, and WORKPRO offer significantly lower prices and decent review scores. The trade-offs are smaller ecosystems (limited future tool options), less proven long-term durability, and weaker customer support. They’re best for occasional use or as a budget starter set, not for building a long-term tool collection.

Should I buy a combo kit or individual tools?

A combo kit almost always saves money compared to buying the same tools individually with batteries. The savings typically run 20-40%. The only reason to buy individually is if you already own batteries in a specific platform and only need bare tools, or if you want to cherry-pick the best tool from different brands (which means managing multiple battery chargers).

Which battery platform has the most tools?

Ryobi ONE+ leads with 300+ compatible tools, including outdoor power equipment. Milwaukee M18 has 250+ tools with the strongest professional lineup. DeWalt 20V MAX offers 200+ tools across both DIY and professional categories. Craftsman V20 has 75+ tools and is still growing. For the widest selection including yard tools, Ryobi wins. For professional-grade depth, Milwaukee edges out DeWalt.

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