Power tools are a must-have if you’re someone who loves fixing up your own home or also if you’re a professional tradie.
They’ll help you perform your tasks much more effectively and also with more accuracy, saving you both time and patience.
However, there are so many power tools on the market in this day and age that it can be difficult to sort through the good from the bad.
There are more premium and recognized brands, but then there are also more reasonably priced brands that sometimes don’t get the recognition they deserve.
We’ve done all the research and put all our expertise together to bring you the best power tool brands in 2021.
Whether you’re just an at-home DIYer or even a professional tradesman or laborer, these power tool brands will help you get the job done in no time.
Please bear in mind that this list is not ordered from best to last, but is merely a combination of what we consider the best power tool brands around currently.
What is considered the best will be subjective to what the user wants to use their tools for and may be considered ineffective and useless to another user.
1. DeWalt
DeWalt is an American tools manufacturer that has been around since 1923 and was started by Raymond E. DeWalt.
The brand is recognized as being one of the most highly regarded power and hand tool brands around in today’s day.
Raymond E. DeWalt was the inventor of the radial arm saw which sought to upgrade and replace the manual table and hand saw.
After a quick and successful company growth through their initial twenty years, DeWalt Inc was sold to American Machine & Foundry Co, which was one of the United State’s largest recreational equipment companies around the time of 1949.
DeWalt Inc was then sold to Black & Decker and went through a whole re-brand transition to idealize DeWalt as the brand for professional and commercial use, whilst Black & Decker would be regarded as the alternative for amateurs DIYers.
To this day, DeWalt is still a registered trademark of Black & Decker and has an expansive portfolio of power tools, hand tools, hardware, and accessories.
DeWalt produces both corded and cordless power tools and their takeover of German brand ELU has seen them manufacture woodworking tools as well.
Their FlexVolt platform is one of their most innovative products, a battery that is the first of its kind that automatically changes voltage when it’s placed in different power tools.
Best Dewalt Products
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill / Driver Kit
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DEWALT DCS331B 20-Volt MAX Li-Ion Jig Saw with Premium XR Li-Ion Battery
[amazon fields=”B07HMK2JDG” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
2. Milwaukee
Milwaukee is another highly recognized American power tool company that is now a subsidiary brand of Hong-Kong-based company called Techtronic Industries, that also happens to own power tool companion Ryobi, vacuum cleaner dominators Hoover and AEG.
The Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation was founded in 1924 but was previously known as the A. H Peterson tool company.
This original company was created when A.H Peterson added Albert. F Siebert was a personal business partner, but production came to a halt in 1923 when a fire completely destroyed the facility and the business had to go to public auction.
Original partner Siebert bought the remaining assets in the company and formed what we now know as Milwaukee. Since then the company has seen 4 takeovers from European, American, and now Chinese businesses.
The Milwaukee brand is recognized for its innovation of the one-handed drill, the Hole-Shooter which also led to the brand being a major supplier for tools for the US Navy.
Since then the brand has introduced products like the Sawzall, a reciprocating saw which would soon replace the manual hacksaw.
Milwaukee is incredibly popular with professionals in the trade and DIY industry but is also found in homes across the country for general amateur DIYers who are willing to extend their budgets.
The company produces gas-powered, corded, and cordless tools including the 12-volt, 18-volt, and 72-volt platforms.
The One-Key by Milwaukee is a custom-built cloud-based program that is compatible with many of their tools and adds extra convenience for keeping on top of your power tool inventory.
Best Milwaukee Products
Milwaukee Electric Tools 2648-20 M18 Random Orbit Sander
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Milwaukee Cordless 3/8″ Sub-Compact Ratchet w/ Variable Speed Trigger
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3. Ridgid
The Ridge Tool Company, or what is better known by their brand name Rigid was formed in Ohio, United States in 1923 and is now a subsidiary company of Emerson Electronic.
The Rigid tools are primarily manufactured for plumbing, construction, and HVAC purposes.
The brand made its name with its unique red pipe wrenches and the company now produces 300 types of tools, including power tools.
However, Rigid’s selection of power tools is pretty limited but does contain the most commonly used saws, drills, and impact drivers.
As Rigid doesn’t specialize in power tools like other brands, their battery technology is not as advanced and is not as compatible or interchangeable with their variety of tools.
Although, all the 17V platform-tools from Rigid have interchangeable batteries.
Despite the brand’s lack of compatibility with batteries, they do offer a solid warranty on their power tools so you know they’re built to last and can guarantee great quality, which is why they’re deserved of a place on our recommendations.
Best Ridgid Products
Ridgid 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 1/2 in. Cordless Compact Drill/Driver
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Ridgid Fuego 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Compact 2 Speed Drill
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4. Craftsman
Craftsman is another tool manufacturer owned by parent company Black + Decker and was originally a house brand established by Sears in 1927.
Their tool lines used the ‘good, better, best’ pricing structure which sought to differentiate and target consumers based on their professions or level in DIY.
Craftsman was bought from Sears by power tool powerhouse Stanley Black + Decker in 2017 for $900 million. Despite the sale, Sears holds a 15-year royalty-free license for the Craftsman brand and will still receive a percentage of money from sales until the license has expired.
The Craftsman brand is hugely popular with homeowners and general DIYers and is readily available in home improvement stores across the country.
This popularity may be down to the unlimited lifetime warranty that is offered by the brand, which states any defective or damaged products can be returned, replaced, or repaired free of charge and without the need for proof of purchase.
However, this warranty does not apply to power tool products.
Craftsman offers a variety of power tools, but one of their most renowned products is the WeedWacker string trimmer.
The VersaSystem organizer and storage solution from Craftsman is also synonymous with the target market being homeowners and non-professionals.
Best Craftsman Products
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Brad Nailer Kit
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CRAFTSMAN V20 4-1/2 -Inch Angle Grinder
[amazon fields=”B07MFD6N3L” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
5. Black + Decker
Black + Decker is another American power tools manufacturer that is wholly owned by the giants of the power tool industry, Stanley Black & Decker.
The original company was founded in 1910 and created the world’s first hand-held electric drill in 1917.
Black + Decker merged with Stanley Works in 2010, exactly 100 years after the creation of the brand to become Stanley Black & Decker, and now finds itself boasting a portfolio of other power tool manufacturing brands like DeWalt, Lenox, Porter-Cable, and the aforementioned Craftsman.
The Black + Decker brand is targeted at homeowners and the general consumer market, in contrast to professional tradesmen.
Their power tools are user-friendly and generally more affordable than its sibling brands but the power of these tools is most certainly sacrificed so they can be as affordable as they are.
Best Black + Decker Products
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX JigSaw with Battery And Charger
[amazon fields=”B078C5S3NC” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit
[amazon fields=”B076HPKK19″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
6. Kobalt
Kobalt is a line of power tools and other mechanical or hand tools owned by the home improvement store Lowe’s.
It is considered the house brand for Lowe’s and sits above Lowe’s other two brands of tools Project Source and Blue Hawk.
Kobalt is very similar to Ryobi in the way they are both designed with the casual user in mind and their prices also correspond.
Many will say that Ryobi is of a higher-quality, but those who regularly shop at Lowe’s or buy the bulk of their power tools from the Kobalt line will argue differently.
The Kobalt products are used by many homeowners and DIY hobbyists but are rarely ever used by professionals in the trade.
Their affordable price makes them very alluring to people renovating their homes and offers good quality and a good variety of tools that can tackle any job in the home.
Kobalt has a handful of power tools that are compatible with interchangeable batteries, which makes it an ideal option for those looking to stay on a budget and keep their power tool collection at a minimum.
Their interchangeable batteries come with a 3-year warranty and you are honored a free replacement or repair within this period by Lowe’s or any other retailer that sells the line of power tools.
Best Kobalt Products
Kobalt 24-Volt Max-Volt 1/2-in Drive Cordless Impact Wrench
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Kobalt 24-Volt Max 6-1/2-in Cordless Circular Saw Brake
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7. Festool
Festool is a German brand of power tools founded in 1925 by Albet Fezer and Gottlieb Stoll under the original name Fezer & Stoll.
The Festool company is now a subsidiary brand of TTS Tooltechnic Systems who focuses its products around dust extraction.
Festool’s first achievement was manufacturing the world’s first portable chainsaw back in 1927 and since then made its name through the production of track saws and woodworking tools.
The German engineering of these tools is impressive and the quality of their products is reflected in the price, as they are more expensive than competitors.
Their dust collection products are very popular with professional carpenters and contractors alike as the system makes it easier for them to clean up after they’ve completed a job in someone’s home.
Festool operators in 26 countries over the world, however, their products are manufactured primarily in Germany or the Czech Republic.
Festool products are user-friendly but general consumers are put off due to the slightly higher price point, which is why the power tools are mainly used by professionals.
Best Festool Products
Festool – High Power 4.0AH Battery Pack with Airstream and Bluetooth
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Festool C18 Li 5.2Basic 564619 Cordless Drill
[amazon fields=”B00XILT7NE” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
8. Bosch
The multinational engineering and technology company Bosch was founded by Robert Bosch back in Stuttgart in 1886.
The brand has become a household name for many all across the world, having produced products from washing machines, to refrigerators and even having their own power tool lines.
The company is 92% owned by a charitable organization that funds scientific, social, and technological research.
So whilst they do pride themselves on the quality of their products, they are also passionate about finding innovations for the future.
Bosch’s power tools products are marketed at DIYers and homeowners thanks to the competitive prices for the performance-quality of them.
Bosch is a trailblazer in battery technology and has a top-class selection of cordless power tools which are ultimately reliable.
It’s an all-round great brand that covers all the essential boxes needed to make great power tools.
The prices are significantly higher than rivals who also focus their products towards a consumer market, but this is rightfully accepted by most who consider the battery and performance to be some of the best around.
They have a varied selection of power tools available in both corded and cordless formats. Bosch’s notable 18V platforms are easy to handle and offer power that balances with the battery life.
For this reason, many higher-end DIYers or professional tradespeople have Bosch power tools in their collection.
Best Bosch Products
BOSCH Power Tools Jigsaw Kit
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Bosch Cordless Electric Screwdriver 12V Kit – 5-In-1 Multi-Head Power Drill Set
[amazon fields=”B074GYX6XG” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
9. Metabo (formerly owned by Hitachi)
Metabo is a German power tools manufacturer founded in the 1920s. The company got its name from its first creation ‘Metallbohrdreher’ which was a hand drill created by founder Albrecht Schnizler.
Since then the German company has seen many takeovers, including notably one by Japanese company Hitachi in 2016, however, it was sold a year later to global investment company KKR.
The Metabo company has all the usual suspects in their list of power tool products, including angle grinders, impact drills, and power saws. They’re also pioneers in battery technology with their LiHD platform used across their product lines.
The Metabo brand does retain a focus on professional users and the consensus about the brand is good, however, their selection of products comes up limited compared to other competitors like DeWalt.
The company has over 20 distribution centers across the world as of right now which permits them to be a reputable brand in the industry.
Best Metabo-Hitachi Products
Metabo HPT 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw
[amazon fields=”B07PX44JQM” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
Metabo HPT Angle Grinder | 4-1/2-Inch | Includes 5 Grinding Wheels & Hard Case
[amazon fields=”B07L21GNHL” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
9. Hilti
Hilti is a multinational company based in Liechtenstein that develops and manufactures products for construction and manufacturing industries.
Their products are marketed towards higher-end professionals.
Hilti is very popular amongst professionals and contractors and you’ll find it difficult to get your hands on them in just general home improvement stores due to their professional-grade quality and construction.
They have a wide selection of tools available, many of which are not carried by competitors in the market. Their professional-grade tools are used for heavy-duty use for big construction jobs.
Hilti was the first company to introduce electro-pneumatic hammer drills to the market and it still continues to be one of their best-known products to this day.
The customer service from the Hilti brand is faultless – as it should be for the higher-end prices of their products.
They have headquarters in North America, India, and Northern Europe to exceedingly cover all grounds for all areas of their business.
If you’re an at-home DIYer looking for some new power tools, then you’ll probably want to look elsewhere unless you’re willing to stretch your budget to cover the professional prices of Hilti.
Best Hilti Products
Hilti SF 2H-A Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver Kit
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Hilti E 7-C 120-volt Rotary Hammer Drill Package
[amazon fields=”B00UNBGPP0″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
10. Skil
Skil is a Chinese-owned power tools manufacturer based in Illinois. It is owned by the parent company Chevron.
The company was founded in New Orleans in the early 1920s by French immigrant Edmond Michel and land developer Joseph Sullivan.
Michel was the brains behind innovations as he was always experimenting with new ways to mechanize manual hand tools.
The French immigrant was the first person to create the first electric hand saw which was a motorized machete.
Skil used to manufacture their power tools to be marketed to professional-grade level however, over time they have altered their target consumer to be one of a do-it-yourself level which widens their potential market.
There more professional-grade products are sold under the subsidiary brand SKILSAW.
They have a respectable product portfolio but their main attraction for the brand is the saws, which belong to the SKILSAW subsidiary.
1937 was the turning point for the company as it saw the creation of the Skilsaw Model 77 which was considered the workhorse on building sites.
If you’re after an electrical saw to add to your collection then Skil should be your go-to brand.
Best Skil Products
SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide, 15 Amp/7-1/4″
[amazon fields=”B01BD81BLO” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
Skil Rechargeable 4V Cordless Screwdriver
[amazon fields=”B07F23B9FH” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
11. Makita
Makita is a Japanese manufacturer of power tools and was founded in 1915 by Mosaburo Makita. The company has factories that operate all across the world and bring an annual sales revenue of nearly $5 billion.
Makita didn’t start manufacturing power tools until 1958 and now produces some of the most well-known branded tools out there, which make up the highest percentage of their sales revenue.
Makita power tools are mostly found on construction sites or in workshops and even have a great selection of yard equipment available for professional consumers as well.
The brand even produces job site radios, fans, and cordless coffee machines which is sure to be a winner with your employees on-site.
Despite being produced all over the world, the quality of all their products is consistent wherever you buy it from.
Their cordless power tools are excellent and feature one voltage in comparison to multiple batteries that competitors incorporate.
Best Makita Products
Makita XMT03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Multi-Tool
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Makita XSF03R 18V LXT Lithium-Ion COMPACT Brushless Cordless Drywall Screwdriver Kit
[amazon fields=”B0713Y2M3X” value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
12. Ryobi
Ryobi is another Japanese brand of power tools that are marketed towards homeowners and hobbyists due to their affordable price and more compact designs.
The Ryobi brand is owned by parent company Techtronic Industries, who also happen to own power tools companion Milwaukee.
The brand was formed in 1943 but didn’t start production of their power tools until 1968, so were late additions to the power tools industry in relation to competitor brands.
The power tool products are found primarily in home improvement store Home Depot and can be found readily available online.
Ryobi’s signature bright green tools are easy to differentiate from the rest so there should be no problem trying to find them in-store somewhere or online.
They’re high-quality and durable enough to withstand DIY around the home and will still do a good job on job sites, but will not be able to endure the heavy-duty requirements of being used on a construction site every day.
Their power tools are certainly not the cheapest on the market but their middle-of-the-range price points are reflective of the high-quality and durable constructions which will last homeowners a lifetime.
Ryobi also offers the One+ battery which is an 18V Lithium-Ion and is compatible with all of the tools in the One+ range keeping it extra simple for the everyday consumer.
Best Ryobi Products
Ryobi One P505 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless 5 1/2″ 4,700 RPM Circular Saw
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Ryobi R18IW3-0 ONE+ 3-Speed Impact Wrench
[amazon fields=”B0177CI5J6″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large”]
13. Worx
Worx is a Chinese company that manufactures and produces lines of lawnmowers, garden equipment, and of course, power tools.
Worx is owned by parent company Positec Tool Corporation and has headquarters based in North Carolina to oversee business in the US.
Their products are sold in major retailers across the United States including home improvement stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot, Walmart, and Costco, so are readily accessible for all budding or passionate DIY enthusiasts.
Their power tool products are reasonably priced, targeted at the general consumer which does however affect the overall power of each individual product.
If you’ll only be getting your Worx power tools out for fixing up areas of your home, then you should experience no issues but if you’re going to demand a lot of use from these Worx tools you’ll find yourself frustrated with the speed and power they can give you.
Worx offers respectable warranties across their power tools, which gives added peace of mind to their customers who’ll want to get big usage out of their tools.
Best Worx Products
WORX Switchdriver 2-in-1 Cordless Drill and Driver with Rotating Dual Chucks and 2-Speed Motor with Precise Electronic Torque Control
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WORX WX550L Axis Convertible Jigsaw To Reciprocating Saw with Orbital Mode, Variable Speed, & Tool-Free Blade Change System
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Buying Guide
What makes a good power tool brand?
What the power tool will be used for is the fundamental consideration when finding the best power tool brand.
If you’re someone who just wants a handful of power tools to complete odd jobs around the home or to help on some fun DIY projects then you won’t need any heavy-duty branded power tools and some lower-end scale tools will be more than enough for you.
However, if you are going to need these power tools for use on construction sites and will end up enduring some heavy-duty usage, then you should go for brands like DeWalt or Hilti, as they are highly recommended within the professional industry.
Some brands specialize in particular power tools, for example, Skil is very well-known for their high-quality electric saws so would come best recommended if you’re in the market for those.
You’ll need to find out what certain brands specialize in and go from there.
Regardless of how high-end or expensive these brands are, you’ll want to make sure that the motor included with your power tools is more than adequate otherwise it defeats the purpose of even having an electric tool as you may as well use a manual one.
Make sure to check on the product’s output and torque rating before buying so you don’t get left disappointed.
If you’re after some cordless power tools then the battery should be your main priority in your hunt.
The power tool cannot operate without a battery and cordless power tools come with rechargeable batteries that’ll only be able to last for a certain amount of time.
Lithium-Ion batteries are the most long-lasting and provide much better performance than Nickel-Cadmium batteries.
Power tools that are compatible with interchangeable batteries are also a bonus and will allow you to use the same battery across a whole range of power tool products.
Should you stick to one power tool brand?
If you’ll only want to purchase corded power tools, then there is no great need to stick to just one particular power tool brand as they can all be plugged into a socket.
However, if you’d like to keep your collection looking the same as in design, colors and even have a more suitable storage solution through branded tool boxes or shelves then you could try to stick to one brand.
Consumers should try to stick to one brand if they’re going to buy cordless power tools.
Most cordless power tools nowadays have interchangeable batteries available that can be swapped between different tools, saving you the hassle and money of having to buy numerous batteries.
If you were to have different branded power tools, then that would require you to have different batteries and chargers for individual brands, which can get very confusing especially if your collection is expansive.