Ryobi beats pricier grinder
A hands‑on test found the Ryobi HP angle grinder matched the performance of a higher‑end brushless DeWalt XR model without noticeable differences, and the Ryobi carries a 4.6/5 rating on Home Depot’s site (slashgear.com). (slashgear.com)
A recent hands-on comparison found Ryobi’s ONE+ HP angle grinder kept pace with a pricier DeWalt XR model in real cutting and grinding work. (slashgear.com) SlashGear’s roundup, published April 11, 2026, said the Ryobi ONE+ HP 18-volt brushless 4-1/2-inch grinder showed “no noticeable performance differences” against a DeWalt 20-volt Max XR grinder in use. The article compared the Ryobi’s $129 Home Depot price with a DeWalt model listed at $134.43. (slashgear.com) Home Depot’s product page lists the Ryobi PBLAG01B at 9,200 revolutions per minute and shows 1,008 customer reviews with a 4.6 out of 5 rating. Ryobi says the tool is part of its 18-volt ONE+ battery system and backs it with a three-year manufacturer warranty. (homedepot.com) (ryobitools.com) Angle grinders are handheld tools that spin a 4-1/2-inch wheel fast enough to cut metal, smooth welds, and remove rust. Home Depot says cordless models trade a power cord for lithium-ion battery packs, which makes battery platform and tool price part of the buying decision. (homedepot.com) That comparison lands as Home Depot sells grinders across distinct battery ecosystems, including Ryobi’s 18-volt ONE+ line and DeWalt’s 20-volt Max line. For shoppers already invested in one platform, the tool-only price often matters more than the sticker on a full kit. (homedepot.com 1) (homedepot.com 2) DeWalt’s case rests less on price than on safety and jobsite features. Home Depot’s listings for DeWalt XR grinders highlight kickback brake systems, electronic clutch protection, and wheel-stop braking measured in about two seconds or less on one model. (homedepot.com 1) (homedepot.com 2) Ryobi has also refreshed the line since the PBLAG01B listing went up. Home Depot now carries a newer PBLAG02B version and a kit version with battery and charger, both sold under the same ONE+ HP brushless branding. (homedepot.com 1) (homedepot.com 2) The upshot from the test was narrow but clear: in at least one side-by-side tryout, the cheaper Ryobi did the same basic work without an obvious drop in performance. That leaves buyers choosing between lower entry cost on one side and DeWalt’s added protection features and brand positioning on the other. (slashgear.com) (homedepot.com)
