The Best Power Tool Sets for Your Needs and Budget, Tested

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Power Tool Sets for Your Needs and Budget, Tested and hope the blog can help you.

Whether you want to upgrade your workshop inventory for heavy-duty work or improved ergonomics, these highly rated sets are ideal.

When you find yourself in need of some new power tools, consider buying an entire corded or cordless tool combo kit to get a real bang for your buck. We researched more than 40 kits and spent 30 hours testing the best-reviewed cordless power tool sets from a variety of power tool brands. Whether you need a pro-quality kit for heavy-duty construction and demolition work or a lightweight ergonomic kit for minor home repairs, this guide can help. Read on to find the best power tool set for your workshop.

1. BEST OVERALL: Milwaukee M18 18V 6-Tool Combo Kit
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Ryobi 18V One+ 4-Tool Combo Kit
3. BEST BRUSHLESS: DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless 6-Tool Combo Kit
4. BEST COMPACT: Ridgid 18V SubCompact 8-Tool Combo Kit
5. BEST DRILL SET: Craftsman V20 Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit
6. BEST BATTERY LIFE: Makita 18V LXT Cordless 6-Piece Combo Kit

How We Tested the Best Power Tool Sets

We began our selection process by determining which power tools consumers most desired in a set. Drill/drivers, impact drivers, circular saws, and reciprocating saws topped the list, followed distantly by less popular picks, such as oscillating tools or finish nailers. Next, we researched brand loyalty and customer reviews of the top 15 power tool brands to find out which companies had the best reputation for powerful, durable, comfortable, and otherwise capable tools. Finally, we built a prospective list of more than 40 power tool sets before whittling the list down to those found in this guide.

We brought each of these tool sets into our workshop for side-by-side comparisons of the competing tools from each brand. For instance, we tested each drill/driver by drilling a series of holes into wood with a ⅜-inch spade bit, and then into concrete with a ¼-inch masonry bit. We recorded the number of holes made with each drill in 1 minute and noted subjective observations about ergonomics, operator comfort, perceived power, and overall ease of use.

Similarly, we tested each circular saw by ripping 4-foot strips of plywood, cutting 2×4 lumber, and trimming a 4×4 post with opposing cuts. We recorded cutting speed, observed the cleanliness of the cuts, and noted any subjective observations as we did with the drill/drivers. We also tested the impact drivers and reciprocating saws similarly to round out our tests of the most popular tools from every kit.

Lastly, we took each tool set along on one of our building projects for a workday. We noted the strengths and weaknesses of each from the standpoint of all-day use. We also weighed (without batteries) and measured each of these tools before scoring every kit on a rubric. We compared all of the measurable and subjective data for every set before giving each set its own award category.

Our Top Picks

We tested these kits side by side in a controlled workshop setting to determine the best power tool sets for different needs. Keep reading to find out more about these sets and how they performed.

Best Overall

Milwaukee M18 18V 6-Tool Combo Kit

Product Specs 

• Tool count: 6
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
• Motor type: Brushless drill and impact driver, all others brushed

Pros

• Heavy-duty, pro-quality tools hold up to the rigors of construction and demolition projects
• Competitive price point relative to the tool quality and capability
• Kit includes the most popular tools for a wide range of DIY and construction projects
• Two 2 amp hour (Ah) M18 batteries deliver good runtime per charge

Cons

• Small tool bag only fits the drill/driver, impact driver, and bits
• Some users may prefer a heavy-duty hammer drill over the lightweight drill/driver

Milwaukee offers more than 200 items in its M18 line of contractor-grade 18-volt cordless tools. This six-piece set includes two brushless tools—a ½-inch drill/driver and a ¼-inch impact driver—along with a 6½-inch circular saw, a variable-speed Sawzall reciprocating saw, a 4½-inch cut-off grinder, and an oscillating multi-tool, all with brushed motors. The kit includes two 2Ah batteries, a charger, and a tool bag.

Of all the power tool sets we tested, the Milwaukee six-piece combo delivered the best combination of tool selection, price-to-value ratio, heavy-duty performance, operating comfort, and battery life.

We especially liked the saws and grinder in this kit. The circular saw includes a blade brake for safety, an easy-to-use lever action depth adjuster, and a generously sized base plate that gives it a smooth glide motion with good stability. While ripping plywood and cutting 2×4 and 4×4 lumber, it provided ample power with no hesitation. Although Milwaukee’s circular saw and cut-off grinder tied in performance with DeWalt’s offerings in our tests, the cordless Sawzall scored highest in tough cutting ability among all of the reciprocating saws we tested.

At just under 2½ pounds, the brushless drill driver was the second lightest among all of the drills we tested, but it proved more capable than most by scoring second highest on our drill test. However, for consistent heavy-duty applications, a cordless hammer drill would be preferable to the lightweight drill/driver here, especially given the highly capable ¼-inch hex drive impact driver that also comes with this kit.

We also really liked the oscillating multi-tool. It can be used for aggressive demolition cutting or for sanding. In our tests, we found that it cuts and sands very effectively and transfers minimal vibration to the hand.

Get the Milwaukee power tool set at The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

Ryobi 18V One+ 4-Tool Combo Kit

Product Specs 

• Tool count: 4
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
• Motor type: Brushed

Pros

• Budget-friendly price makes it a great choice for less demanding projects
• Drill/driver and impact driver deliver similar power to that of higher-priced alternatives
• Lightweight, compact circular saw makes fast, clean cuts in small-dimension lumber
• Durable tool bag neatly stores all tools, batteries, and charger

Cons

• Heavier drill/driver and impact driver than the higher-priced competition
• The brushed motors deliver lower battery efficiency and shorter runtime per charge

There is no need to spend a small fortune on professional-grade tools if they will be used infrequently or only for light-duty projects. This Ryobi power tool set features four reliable tools to help wrap up weekend chores without breaking the bank. The set includes a ½-inch drill/driver, ¼-inch hex drive impact driver, 5½-inch circular saw, and an LED work light, all with cost-effective brushed motors. It comes with one 1.5Ah battery, one 4Ah battery, a charger, and a tool bag.

High-quality, inexpensive power tools tend to weigh more than their high-end counterparts. The Ryobi drill/driver (third heaviest) and impact driver (heaviest) outweighed some of their more expensive competitors while delivering similar working power. Although the added weight could increase operator fatigue over the course of many hours, the cost savings may be worth the added effort for smaller jobs. This kit sells at about half the price of the next cheapest kit we tested.

With its compact 5½-inch blade, Ryobi’s cordless circular saw is proportionally built for cutting small-dimension lumber. When we tested it on 2×4 lumber, it was subject to binding and hesitation after only a few cuts. Extended use depleted the battery much faster than other saws we tested. However, when we cut 1×4 lumber, the battery lasted more than twice as long. We found it best to use the included 4Ah battery for the saw and the 1.5Ah battery for the drill and impact driver.

Get the Ryobi power tool set at The Home Depot.

Best Brushless

DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless 6-Tool Combo Kit

Product Specs 

• Tool count: 6
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
• Motor type: Brushless

Pros

• Heavy-duty professional-grade tools with high-efficiency brushless motors
• LED flashlights on all tools increase work visibility in lower-light conditions
• Kit includes 2 long-lasting 5Ah batteries and charger

Cons

• Premium price point for heavy-duty contractor-grade tools
• Right-side blade design on the circular saw may be less comfortable for some users

This DeWalt 6-tool combo kit allows users to drill through wood, metal, plastic, and even mortar with the included ½-inch hammer drill. It has three speed settings and a full metal ratcheting chuck to keep the user’s bits secure during use. The ¼-inch impact driver is lightweight and compact and comes with three LED lights that make it ideal for working in tight, dimly lit spaces.

This power tool kit includes a reciprocating saw with an adjustable four-position blade clamp for more precise cuts. The 7¼-inch circular saw comes with a strong, durable carbide blade. Also included is a handy LED work light with a hang loop and ratcheting tilt adjustment. In addition to six brushless 20-volt tools, the kit includes two 5Ah batteries, a rapid charger, and a large carry bag.

In our tests, the DeWalt six-tool set proved its worth for heavy-duty projects and extended use. With the included 5Ah batteries and their efficient brushless motors, these tools consistently outworked the competition in terms of operating power, and often runtime as well.

The hammer drill opened more holes faster than any of the other drills we tested, and the DeWalt circular saw was the only one in our lineup that could trim a 6×6 post with opposing cuts. It did so easily, without hesitating or binding. However both of these tools were significantly heavier than the competition, which could be a drawback for some users or for light-duty applications.

It also bears noting that the DeWalt cordless circular saw was the only one we tested with its blade on the right. This is the way most corded circular saws have been made forever. The blade-right configuration is safer for right-handed workers who are using the front and rear handles to guide the blade because neither hand crosses over the moving blade. But it also places the saw’s weight on the wasted edge of the wood, and it may obscure the cutline somewhat during one-handed operation.

The reciprocating saw weighed less than the top performer and featured a more compact design. But it transferred more vibration through the handle, which could be uncomfortable for extended use. The cut-off grinder simply worked well without qualification. We really liked the comfortable paddle-style trigger. This brushless kit would be a fantastic choice for big-time DIYers or construction pros who prioritize hard-working tools with extended battery life.

Get the DeWalt power tool set at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Compact

Ridgid 18V SubCompact 8-Tool Combo Kit

Product Specs 

• Tool count: 8
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
• Motor type: Brushless

Pros

• Lightweight subcompact tools are easy and comfortable to operate
• Efficient brushless motors save battery life and deliver outstanding power for the size
• 3 batteries totaling 8Ah of battery storage eliminate downtime for recharging
• Kit includes 8 of the most popular tools for home repairs and DIY projects

Cons

• These subcompact tools are lightly built and less capable for heavy-duty projects
• The large kit may include some unneeded tools

Compact power tools offer working performance comparable to other tools, but they weigh less and maneuver more easily in tight areas where larger tools don’t fit. They also make an excellent choice for those with limited storage space, or to reduce user fatigue through long work days.

This eight-piece Ridgid tool set includes all of the most popular cordless tools, each powered by a high-efficiency brushless motor: ½-inch drill/driver, ¼-inch impact driver, 6½-inch circular saw, reciprocating saw, LED work light, 3-inch multi-material saw, ⅜-inch impact wrench, and ⅜-inch right-angle drill. The kit also comes with one 4Ah and two 2Ah batteries, a charger, and two tool bags for easy transport.

In our tests, all of the Ridgid power tools delivered excellent runtime per charge and an outstanding ratio of power to weight. To be clear, this was not a heavy-duty kit, but each tool’s compact size and ergonomic design were well complemented by a highly capable brushless motor. The tools delivered top scores for comfort and ease of operation, making this an excellent pick for a wide range of home repair, DIY, and small-to-midsize building projects.

The Ridgid drill/driver and impact driver, on paper, are less powerful in terms of torque and revolutions per minute (rpm) than most of the competitors we tested. Both weighed the least among their peers, too. However, in our test projects, they drilled and screwed to a similar effect as the rest of the test group—with the exception of the heavy-duty DeWalt hammer drill.

The 6½-inch circular saw was also the lightest in its size class, with only the Ryobi 5½-inch saw weighing less. It cut plywood and 2×4 lumber easily and cleanly, but it hesitated a couple of times in the 4×4 post. Similarly, the lightweight reciprocating saw was simple to maneuver with one hand and easily sliced through 2×4 framing with nails, but it felt underpowered when it came to steel bolts.

Tool runtime for this kit was outstanding. We did not deplete the batteries on any of the individual tool tests in our allotted test time. Plus, this was the only kit to include three batteries; the others only offered two. They combined for a total of 8Ah, second only to the 10Ah total available from the DeWalt kit’s two 5Ah batteries.

Get the Ridgid power tool set at The Home Depot.

Best Drill Set

Craftsman V20 Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit

Product Specs

• Tool count: 2
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
• Motor type: Brushed

Pros

• Excellent runtime per charge, even with the relatively small 1.5Ah batteries
• Budget-friendly price point for quality home maintenance and DIY tools
• Mid-weight construction and comfortable design features for all-day use
• Power and performance compatible with general medium-duty use

Cons

• Does not have heavy-duty torque required for construction and demolition projects

Since the rise in popularity of cordless tools, drills and drivers have led the category. Although some projects easily progress with corded or hand saws, the mobile convenience of cordless twist tools is hard to overlook. This Craftsman 20-volt cordless drill set provides a solution for all drilling and fastening needs. It includes a two-speed ½-inch drill/driver and a ¼-inch impact driver, plus two 1.5Ah batteries, a charger, and a heavy-duty tool bag.

We really liked the Craftsman cordless drill set for general use; the drill performed well in wood and concrete drilling. It operated smoothly, felt comfortable, and did not deplete its relatively small battery during the testing time frame. The impact driver drove dozens of lag bolts smoothly into treated lumber, with similar comfort and consistency as the competition.

Both the drill and the impact driver scored in the middle of our test group in terms of weight and power, but the kit price and average price per tool actually fall at the low end of the group. For those who only need a drill and driver set, and for Craftsman-brand enthusiasts, this is a nice bargain for a set of quality tools.

Get the Craftsman power tool set at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware. 

Best Battery Life

Makita 18V LXT Cordless 6-Piece Combo Kit

Product Specs

• Tool count: 6
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless
• Motor type: Brushed

Pros

• Kit includes 4 compact tools powered by long-lasting 3Ah batteries
• The included rapid charger powers up a depleted battery in about a half hour
• Heavy-duty tool bag with extra pockets and wheels for better organization and easy transport
• Tools are substantially designed and built for comfort and durability

Cons

• Not designed for heavy-duty construction and demolition projects

The Makita six-tool combo kit has enough tools for big projects with the battery power to keep them running all day long. The kit features a two-speed ½-inch drill driver, a ¼-inch impact driver, a 6½-inch circular saw, a variable-speed reciprocating saw, an LED work light, and a cordless vacuum for quick cleanup. It also includes two 3Ah batteries, a rapid charger, and a wheeled storage bag for easy transport.

In our tests, the size and weight of the Makita power tools compared most closely to the Ridgid set, but slightly heavier, with smoother operation and a bit more power. Makita battery life and charging time were best overall among all of the sets we tested. The rapid charger recharged fully depleted 18-volt 3Ah batteries in 31 minutes, second only to the 22-minute recharging time of the Milwaukee M18 2Ah batteries. But the Makita batteries delivered more drilling, screwing, and cutting time per charge. When we took these tools to our project site for the day and worked with one battery while the other charged, the second battery was always fully charged before we depleted the one we were using.

Although this kit did not drill or cut as aggressively as our builder-grade Milwaukee and DeWalt kits, the tools felt both more comfortable and more substantially constructed than the other mid-weight kits, and the motors ran more smoothly. The drill and impact driver produced a bit more torque, and the circular saw blade made cleaner cuts than similarly sized competition. We also liked the inclusion of the vacuum in this kit for quick cleanup of sawdust or drill shavings after completing a project.

Get the Makita power tool set at