Ryobi ONE+ Impact Drivers Ranked: Brushless Power vs Compact Control

Best for
Existing ONE+ owners on a simple driver

The RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 1 4 in. Impact Driver, model PCL235B, is the straightforward option. Its title lists 1,800 in-lbs of torque and 0 to 3,400 impacts per minute, and the specs add a built-in LED work light and a 1/4 in. hex chuck. It is sold tool only, so the battery is not included.

That is the whole story the listing tells; its feature and description fields contain unrelated replacement-parts text, so details like length, weight and motor type are not specified. It suits someone who already owns Ryobi ONE+ batteries and wants a capable driver for furniture assembly, deck screws and mounting a TV bracket. It gives way to the HP brushless models if you want more torque or a more compact body.

Best for
Tight spaces with batteries already owned

Best for
First-time buyers wanting a ready kit

The ONEAND HP 18V BRUSHLESS Cordless 1/4 in. Impact Driver (the “ONEAND” in the title is how the listing renders ONE+) is the Ryobi HP brushless impact driver with the highest torque here: 2,200 in-lbs, with up to 2,900 rpm and variable speed, per the specifications. It is tool only.

The listing does not give impacts per minute, length, weight or model number, and a “battery capacity: 4” entry makes no sense for a bare tool, so ignore it. Still, if your projects include long lag screws, framing a gaming loft or driving into dense lumber, the extra torque over the compact models is the reason to pick this one. For comparison with other high-output 18V drivers, our 18V impact driver guide shows how brushless tools stack up.

• 2,200 in-lbs max torque
• Up to 2,900 rpm with variable speed
• 1/4 in. hex chuck
• Tool only

The ONEAND 18V Cordless 3 8 in. Impact Wrench is a different tool from the drivers above. Instead of a hex chuck for bits, it has a 3/8 in. square drive for sockets, and the listing gives 220 ft-lbs of torque. It works with all Ryobi 18V ONE+ batteries and is sold tool only.

The rest of the spec table is unreliable: a speed of “500 revolutions per week” and a “drilling capacity” entry are clearly data errors, so the listing effectively does not specify speed. A 3/8 in. wrench is a common size for car work, lawn equipment and bolts on a home workshop bench. It suits anyone who needs a Ryobi 18V impact wrench without jumping to the heavier 1/2 in. model.

The ONEAND HP 18V BRUSHLESS Cordless 4-Mode 1/2 in. HIGH Torque Impact Wrench, model PBLIW01B, is the Ryobi 1/2 in. impact wrench for the biggest fasteners. The title confirms an HP brushless motor, four modes and a high-torque design, and the specs list a weight of 5.1 pounds and a metal build.

The listing does not specify its torque figure, speed or what each of the four modes does, which is a real gap for a tool bought for power. Check the manufacturer’s spec sheet before buying if you need a specific number. It suits drivers doing wheel changes, suspension work or heavy equipment maintenance; for more detail on this model, see our Ryobi high torque impact wrench review.

The RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Compact 1/4 in. Impact Driver Kit, the Ryobi PSBID01K, is the only kit in this list. It includes the compact impact driver, two 1.5 Ah lithium-ion batteries, an 18V charger and a tool bag. The brushless motor provides up to 1,700 in-lbs of torque and up to 3,800 impacts per minute, with variable speed up to 2,900 rpm.

The description says the tool is just 5.3 inches long and is 26% more compact and over 23% lighter than the brushed version, which makes it easier for overhead work and tight spots. Having two batteries means one can charge while you work. The 1.5 Ah packs are small, though, so for longer sessions you may want a bigger battery later. It suits first-time Ryobi buyers who want everything in one box, and it answers the Ryobi impact driver kit vs tool only question for anyone without batteries.

• Two 1.5 Ah batteries, charger and bag
• Up to 1,700 in-lbs and 3,800 IPM
• 5.3 in. long brushless body

The Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Cordless Compact Brushless 1/4 in. Impact Driver PSBID01 is the same compact tool as the kit, sold tool only with no battery or charger. The features list a brushless motor for longer runtime and motor life, up to 3,800 IPM, a variable speed trigger up to 2,900 rpm, 1,700 in-lbs of torque, an on-board LED worklight and a knurled 1/4 in. hex collet for one-handed bit release.

Its spec table contains obvious errors, including a max speed of 2.9 rpm and a torque of 0.42 N m, so rely on the feature bullets instead. At 5.3 inches long, it is the pick for working inside cabinets, behind a media console or in a cramped desk build, provided you already own ONE+ batteries.

• 1,700 in-lbs torque and up to 3,800 IPM
• Variable speed up to 2,900 rpm
• LED worklight and one-handed bit release
• Tool only