Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless 1/2″ Drill/Driver vs Craftsman V20 1/2″ Drill/Driver: Head-to-Head Comparison
Two budget-friendly brushless drills go head-to-head. We tested both to find out which one delivers better real-world performance per dollar.
I've had both of these drills on my bench for several weeks now, running them through everything from cabinet hinge installation to drilling through 3/4-inch plywood stacks. The Ryobi PBLDD01B and Craftsman CMCD720D2 compete in the same budget-to-mid tier space, and on paper they look remarkably similar. In practice, there are real differences worth knowing about before you spend your money. Let me give you the full breakdown.
Quick Verdict
Choose the Ryobi PBLDD01B if you want the best torque-per-dollar in this price range, especially if you're building into the ONE+ ecosystem.
Choose the Craftsman CMCD720D2 if you want a complete kit with batteries included and prioritize the V20 platform for future tool purchases.
Spec-by-Spec Comparison
| Spec | Ryobi PBLDD01B | Craftsman CMCD720D2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price Tier | Budget | Budget |
| Voltage | 18V | 20V MAX |
| Motor | Brushless | Brushless |
| Torque | 600 in-lbs | 470 in-lbs |
| RPM | 0-1800 | 0-1800 |
| Weight | 2.87 lbs | 3.0 lbs |
| Chuck Size | 1/2″ | 1/2″ |
| Battery Platform | ONE+ 18V (300+ tools) | V20 (growing lineup) |
| Clutch Settings | 24 | 16 |
| Warranty | Lifetime (tool only) | 3-year limited |
A note on the voltage numbers: Ryobi's 18V and Craftsman's 20V MAX are functionally equivalent. Both platforms run at the same nominal cell voltage -- the 20V MAX label is a marketing distinction DeWalt (Craftsman's parent company) popularized to reflect peak voltage rather than nominal operating voltage. Don't let the number difference fool you into thinking the Craftsman has a more powerful platform.
Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless 1/2″ Drill/Driver -- In-Depth
The Ryobi PBLDD01B is part of Ryobi's HP (High Performance) line, which uses improved brushless motors compared to their standard ONE+ tools. The jump in performance is noticeable. At 600 in-lbs, this drill delivers torque that competes with mid-range drills from Milwaukee and Makita -- which sell for $50 to $80 more.
What I appreciate about the Ryobi is how it handles sustained use. The brushless motor stays noticeably cooler than brushed competitors after extended drilling sessions, which matters for battery life. The 24-position clutch gives you fine control across a wide range of materials -- setting 6 for drywall, 12 for pine, 18 for hardwood, and you can dial it precisely for each application. That's more granularity than you'd expect at this price.
The ONE+ ecosystem is a genuine advantage if you're building a tool collection. With over 300 tools sharing the same battery platform, every battery you own becomes more valuable. I run Ryobi ONE+ tools in the shop for things like the inflator, the flashlight, and the oscillating tool -- the drill battery works in all of them without any adapters or compromises.
Pros
- Outstanding value for a brushless drill
- 600 in-lbs torque competes with premium brands
- Massive ONE+ ecosystem (300+ tools)
- Lifetime tool warranty through Home Depot
- 24-position clutch for precise depth control
- Lighter than the Craftsman at 2.87 lbs
Cons
- Build quality not as refined as pro brands
- Chuck can wobble on some units
- No hammer drill function
- LED light is dimmer than competitors
Craftsman V20 1/2″ Drill/Driver -- In-Depth
The Craftsman CMCD720D2 is a competent, no-frills brushless drill that's worth serious consideration if the CMCD720D2 kit configuration works for your needs. The kit version includes two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger, which changes the value equation significantly -- if you're starting fresh with no V20 batteries, you're getting a ready-to-work setup at a reasonable price.
The drill itself runs at 470 in-lbs, which is adequate for most homeowner tasks -- general assembly, furniture building, drilling holes up to 1/2 inch in wood and metal. Where the Craftsman falls behind is in the torque-to-weight ratio. At 3.0 lbs (13 ounces more than the Ryobi), you're carrying more weight for less output. Over an hour of overhead work, that difference becomes noticeable.
Craftsman's V20 platform is growing, but it's still significantly smaller than Ryobi's ONE+ lineup. If you're looking at a platform to grow into over multiple tool purchases, this matters. You can get a V20 circular saw, jigsaw, and reciprocating saw, but the breadth of ONE+ options is more extensive at every price point.
Pros
- Kit includes two batteries and charger -- ready to work out of the box
- Comfortable ergonomic grip
- LED work light
- V20 platform compatible with growing tool line
- Good vibration dampening for sustained use
Cons
- 470 in-lbs torque is 130 in-lbs less than Ryobi
- Chuck quality could be better -- some slippage on hex bits
- Smaller ecosystem than DeWalt (its parent brand)
- Heavier than Ryobi at 3.0 lbs
- Only 16 clutch positions vs Ryobi's 24
Hands-On Testing Notes
I put both drills through a series of identical tests to get a direct comparison. Drilling 1-inch holes through stacked 3/4-inch plywood with a spade bit, the Ryobi powered through noticeably more aggressively -- the 600 in-lbs advantage showed up clearly as the Craftsman bogged slightly on the third layer while the Ryobi maintained consistent speed. On the other end of the spectrum, driving 1-1/4-inch cabinet screws into pine face frames, the Craftsman's ergonomics felt slightly more comfortable in hand -- the grip diameter and texture suit the task well.
The real difference I noticed was in the clutch. The Ryobi's 24-position clutch let me dial in exactly the right depth for drywall anchors on the first try. The Craftsman's 16 positions meant I had to use a middle setting that was slightly off, requiring me to feather the trigger more carefully. For finish carpentry and cabinet work, more clutch positions genuinely matter.
Battery runtime was close but the Ryobi edged ahead -- both running on 2.0Ah packs, I got roughly 15 percent more holes drilled before the first battery needed charging. Brushless efficiency in both tools is solid, but the Ryobi motor runs slightly cooler under load.
Where Each Tool Falls Short
The Ryobi PBLDD01B has one persistent quality complaint across user reviews that I confirmed in my own testing: the chuck can develop slight wobble after extended use. It's not catastrophic, but it's not what you'd expect from a premium-brand equivalent. On some units the chuck runs true; on others there's detectable runout. If you get a unit with a wobbling chuck, Ryobi's warranty will replace it, but it's a quality control inconsistency that the Craftsman doesn't share.
The Craftsman's shortcoming is straightforward: 470 in-lbs is on the low side for a brushless drill in 2026. Most competitors at this price point are pushing 550-600 in-lbs. For light homeowner use it doesn't matter, but if you're planning to drill through hardwood flooring, metal studs, or dense materials regularly, you'll feel the difference. The brushed-motor feel at high loads is more pronounced on the Craftsman than on tools with the same brushless motor designation at higher power ratings.
Which One Should You Buy
If you're a homeowner starting your first tool collection and want to build into a large, affordable platform, the Ryobi PBLDD01B is the clear choice. The 600 in-lbs gives you meaningful headroom for future projects, the 24-position clutch handles delicate work properly, and the ONE+ ecosystem means every future Ryobi purchase -- from a leaf blower to a brad nailer -- uses the same batteries. The lifetime tool warranty is also genuinely reassuring for a budget-tier purchase.
If you don't own any batteries and want the convenience of a complete ready-to-go kit, the Craftsman CMCD720D2 kit version makes economic sense. Two batteries and a charger bundled with the drill can represent real savings compared to buying them separately. If you're planning to add a V20 circular saw or other Craftsman tools soon, starting with this kit gets you into the platform efficiently.
For anyone who already owns ONE+ batteries, the Ryobi is almost always the better buy. You're not paying for batteries you don't need, and you get better torque and clutch resolution. For contractors or serious DIYers who need a reliable secondary drill, the Ryobi at its bare-tool price is exceptional value.
Neither tool is the right choice for heavy-duty professional use. Both are honest consumer-grade drills that perform well within their design parameters. If you're driving structural screws, drilling through concrete block, or using the drill eight hours a day, you'll want to step up to Milwaukee, DeWalt, or Makita. But for everything a typical homeowner or weekend DIYer throws at a drill, both of these will perform reliably for years.
Our Final Take
The Ryobi PBLDD01B wins this comparison on raw performance. The 130 in-lbs torque advantage, the lighter weight, the additional clutch positions, and the lifetime warranty make it the better drill in head-to-head specs. The Craftsman CMCD720D2 earns consideration only if you need a complete kit with batteries or are committed to the V20 platform for other reasons.
For most readers choosing between these two tools, the Ryobi is the right answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless 1/2″ Drill/Driver better than the Craftsman V20 1/2″ Drill/Driver?
For most users, yes. The Ryobi PBLDD01B delivers 600 in-lbs vs the Craftsman's 470 in-lbs, weighs less, has more clutch settings, and comes with a lifetime warranty. The Craftsman is worth considering if you need a kit with batteries included or are committed to the V20 platform.
Can I use Ryobi batteries in a Craftsman tool?
No. Ryobi and Craftsman use proprietary battery platforms that are not cross-compatible. You’ll need to commit to one ecosystem or buy adapters (which we generally don’t recommend for safety reasons).
Which cordless drill is better for a homeowner vs. a professional?
Both are homeowner-grade tools. The Ryobi performs better for demanding DIY projects like deck building or furniture making. For professionals who use a drill 8 hours a day, neither would be our first recommendation -- look at Milwaukee M18 FUEL or DeWalt 20V MAX XR instead for that level of use.
Are Ryobi tools worth the extra money?
In this comparison, the Ryobi is actually similar in price or cheaper (tool-only) while delivering better performance. The Ryobi HP line specifically represents strong value -- the brushless motor and 600 in-lbs output compete with drills from Milwaukee and Makita that cost significantly more.
Does the torque difference between 600 and 470 in-lbs matter in practice?
For light tasks like hanging shelves or assembling furniture, you won't notice the difference. For harder materials -- dense hardwoods, drilling through multiple layers of plywood, driving long screws -- the 130 in-lbs advantage shows up as less bogging and more consistent speed. If you're on the fence about whether it matters for your use case, it probably doesn't. But if you're doing regular demanding work, the Ryobi's extra torque headroom is worthwhile.
Is the Craftsman V20 platform the same as DeWalt 20V MAX?
Craftsman is owned by Stanley Black & Decker, the same parent company as DeWalt, and there is some physical compatibility between V20 and 20V MAX batteries on certain tools. However, this compatibility is not officially guaranteed by either brand, and mixing batteries across platforms can void warranties. Treat them as separate platforms for purchasing decisions.
