Power tools are a necessity if you own a workshop or are a handyperson. Ryobi Tools are among the most preferred power tools due to their resiliency and efficiency. When shopping with Ryobi, you will notice the platform category, which factors in the tools’ voltage. For this reason, we have brought you the Ryobi 18v vs. 40v discussion.
Appliance voltage is a crucial point to consider when getting one. Looking at the two product categories will shed more light on which is the best between 18v and 40v tools. Let’s start with a comparison chart between the two for better understanding.
Comparison between Ryobi 18V and 40V Batteries in Table
The choice between Ryobi 18V and 40V batteries largely depends on the tools they’re intended for and the nature of tasks or projects. Here’s a comparison table between Ryobi 18V and 40V batteries:
| Aspect | Ryobi 18V Battery | Ryobi 40V Battery |
| Voltage | 18V | 40V |
| Power Output | Lower voltage; suitable for lighter tasks. | Higher voltage; suitable for heavier-duty tasks. |
| Compatibility | Compatible with a wide range of Ryobi 18V tools. | Designed specifically for the Ryobi 40V tool series. |
| Weight | Generally lighter and more portable. | Slightly heavier due to higher voltage capacity. |
| Battery Life | Depending on use, it might require more frequent charging | Offers longer battery life due to higher capacity. |
| Price | Often more affordable due to lower voltage. | Slightly more expensive due to increased power. |
| Availability | Widely available in various hardware and online stores. | It might have limited availability in some markets. |
| Application | Suited for light to medium DIY and home tasks. | Ideal for heavier and more demanding applications. |
| Performance | Decent performance for regular household tasks. | Offers increased power for more challenging jobs. |
Ryobi 18v
We start by looking at the Ryobi 18v power tools. They run on the Ryobi 18v ONE+ system, which works in tandem with 18v ONE+ HP brushless motors. The selling factor of the Ryobi 18v, together with its functional system, is its versatility. You have over 260 Ryobi products that can run on the 18v battery pack.
The tools include hammer drills, power saws, hedge trimmers, blowers, plunge saws, and lighting kits. The brushless motors ensure efficiency and operate seamlessly in different speed settings. Durability is another thing to love about the Ryobi 18v tools; after all, they are from Ryobi, a brand that does not spare any effort in quality.
The battery packs of the 18v tools come in various capacities. The lowest capacity is the 1.5AH battery, while the 9.0AH has the highest capacity and is suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Pros of Ryobi 18V
18v Ryobi tools have several benefits, such as durability. It is an essential thing to consider when looking for power equipment, as it translates to longevity. Versatility is the other thing to love about the Ryobi tools. It is evident in the many products under the 18v banner, from battery packs, power saws, hedge trimmers, and table saws.
Still, on versatility, you will love that the battery packs come in different capacities, between 1.5AH to 9.0AH. The brushless utilities are powerful, efficient, and easy to maintain.
Cons
Complaints about Ryobi 18v tools mostly touch on the short running time from the battery packs. However, a high-capacity battery pack will offer excellent running time to get the task done.
Read Also: What Tools Are Made in the USA?
Ryobi 40v
The Ryobi 40v power system has a 40v lithium-ion battery at its core. The Ryobi 40v power tools are the go-to choice if you want to shift from gas-powered tools. They offer as much power as gas utilities but are lighter and noiseless. It translates to convenience, a number one factor to consider when shopping for power tools.
The 40v category has three more divisions, like the 40v for gas-like power and cordless convenience. The other series is the 40v HP for gas-level performance, and finally, the 40v HP Whisper series provides top-grade performance and quiet operation.
Ryobi 40V also boasts versatility, as under its line are over 70 items. They include lawnmowers, blowers, chainsaws, and hedge trimmers. Expect the best functionality from these Ryobi power tools, and you don’t have to compromise the durability in exchange.
Ryobi 40v vs. 40v Hp, what is the difference? The 40v Hp is a high-performance variation, offering more power, longer motor life, and runtime. Also, the HP battery packs charge four times faster, indicating an all-rounded tool.
Pros of Ryobi 40V
Things to like about the Ryobi 40v include the power and performance. They are the best tools to have if you want top performance and are also light, adding to their portability and operational ease, making them very convenient. Still, on convenience, you will appreciate how the power tools are silent, more so the 40v HP Whisper series.
Under the Ryobi 40v tag, you find over 70 household, outdoor, and workshop products. Consequently, with the Ryobi power tools, you save money, time, and your surroundings from pollution.
Cons
The main downside with Ryobi 40v utilities is that they can be pretty expensive. However, considering the perks you get from using the tools, you will appreciate the value offered.
Read Also: Comparison Between 12V vs. 20V Drill
Ryobi 18v Vs. 40v Differences
Ryobi 18v and 40v items are similar in that they are from the same manufacturer and are also cordless. It means the operation is effortless, as there is no cord to restrict your movement. The primary difference between the two categories is the voltage.
The other variation is that the 40v products have three subdivisions: 40v, 40v HP, and 40v HP Whisper. Ryobi 18v products seem to be under one category. 18v utilities, at around 270, are more than the 75 40v items. So, it is safe to say that the 18v class is more versatile than its counterpart.
Ryobi 18v vs. 40v Reddit chatrooms look at their respective performance. Many users opt for the 40v due to the noiseless operation and equate it to that of gas-powered tools. From YouTube review videos, you see that a 40v 4AH battery powers a fan longer than an 18v 6AH battery. The 40v tools offer more power and are suitable for heavier tools. On the other hand, the 18v will do better with small handheld tools.
Ryobi 18v Vs. 40v Pressure Washer
A pressure washer comes in handy when cleaning your car or areas outside your house, like the gate and driveway. Ryobi 18v vs. 40v pressure washer, which one should I go for? Both run on brushless motors, translating to a high degree of functionality. The pressure is also similar at 600psi, though you can adjust the 40v from 100psi.
The adjustable GPM is 0.2 to 0.7, which is excellent for washing something big in hours. The 40V has an advantage of runtime, especially with a high-capacity battery pack. Additionally, it operates silently. The 18v pressure washer is lighter at 4.2 pounds without the battery, whereas the 40v utility weighs 8 pounds.
Ryobi 18v Vs. 40v Blower
If you have trees in your compound, you will need a blower to deal with the leaf problem. Ryobi has plenty of blowers to consider. On the Ryobi 18v vs. 40v blower debate, we bring you the 18v ONE+ brushless Whisper edition vs. the 40V HP brushless Whisper.
As you can see, both are Whispers series products, meaning they are noiseless when running. The 40v blower does a better job when you look at its figures of 600CFM and speed of 155mph. It is better than the 18v’s 450CFM and 130mph. All get their power from a 4AH battery.
Ryobi 18v Vs. 40v Hedge Trimmer
The next point of discussion is the Ryobi 18v vs. 40v hedge trimmer. Under the radar are the 18v ONE+ HP brushless Whisper series 24-inch and the 40v HP brushless 26-inch trimmers. The former has an ergonomic handle and is lighter; thus, convenient to handle. Its 24-inch bar will cover a decent area of your hedge when trimming. Its cutting speed is 2800SPM, which can extend to 3200SPM.
The 40v tool has a longer bar at 26 inches, giving it a slight cutting advantage when considering the area covered per swipe. The speed is 3200SPM, and it is slightly heavier by a few pounds than the 18v variant.
Ryobi 18v Vs. 40v Chainsaw
We now focus on the Ryobi 18v vs. 40v chainsaw debate to have close exposure to the differences between the 18v vs. 40v products. Several products are under the chainsaw category, which brings us to the Ryobi 18v vs. 40v pole saw discussion.
The Ryobi 18v 8-inch pole saw comes with a 1.3AH battery and is cheaper than the 40v 10-inch pole saw. The latter is the better due to its long reach, suitable for high-hanging branches and other inaccessible spots.
We can also compare the brushless motor types, where the 18v ONE+ brushless chainsaw is shorter at 12 inches and is lighter. The 40v brushless 14-inch is longer and delivers more power. The bottom is that it is suitable for more demanding duties.
Ryobi 18v Vs. 40v Mower
Our picks for the Ryobi 18v vs. 40v mower subjects are the 18V ONE+ HP lawn mower and the 40v HP brushless lawn mower. You will realize that 40v mowers are more than ten, whereas 18v only has two products at the moment.
Back to our selections, you find that their runtimes do not differ much at 42 minutes for the 18v and 48 minutes for the 40v. The deck size, cutting height, and weight are almost similar for the two mowers.
Ryobi 18v Vs. 40v Leaf Blower
The 40v leaf blower is better in noiseless operation, efficiency, and power. The 18v, while slightly lower in performance, does better in handling due to a lighter frame and is also cheaper. The 18v blower is perfect for home use, as it is easy to use. Go for the more powerful 40v blower for commercial uses or if you want to cover a large area.
Read Also: What is The Difference Between Milwaukee M12 vs. M18 Batteries?
Related Queries
Which Is Better, 18-Volt Or 40-Volt?
A higher voltage means you can get more energy from the same amount of current. In this vein, you will realize that 40-volt tools have more potential energy than their 18-volt counterparts. When looking at the Ryobi 40-volt vs. 18-volt tool comparisons, you realize that the latter offers more power and runtime when running on similar-capacity batteries.
Are Ryobi 18v and 40v Interchangeable?
Due to the varying mounting mechanisms, you cannot use the 18v and 40v battery packs interchangeably. However, chargers can work either as long as you have the adapters or invest in dual-platform chargers that can support all.
Can I Use A 40v Battery on an 18v Tool?
An 18v tool will, most of the time, have a mounting mechanism that is incompatible with a 40v battery unless you use an adapter. The voltage is also higher than the recommended, which may bring issues to the tool you are using. It may cause an overload leading to malfunctioning. It is best to use a 40v battery on a 40v tool and an 18v battery on an 18v tool.
How Long Does A 40v 4AH Ryobi Battery Last?
Battery runtime is a crucial factor to check on when shopping for one. Ryobi batteries are some of the finest you can get with a decent runtime. For instance, a 40v 4AH battery can support you for up to 140 minutes. It is excellent, especially when handling heavy tasks. The higher the capacity, the more the runtime; so if you want more time go for batteries with more ampere-hours.
Are 40v Tools More Powerful?
Higher voltage translates to more potential energy. 40v tools will work with batteries of the same voltage and produce more power than those with a lower voltage. If you seek longer runtime and more power, go for tools with a high voltage.
Can I Use A 40v Ryobi Battery in an 18v Tool?
While you may want more power from your tool, you should never use a battery with 10% more voltage than recommended. It may be too much for the tool to handle and damage some parts. Additionally, an 18v tool has a different mounting mechanism that will not hold a 40v tool unless you use a special adapter. You do not have to go through all that risk as you may spoil your tool.
How Long Do Ryobi 18v Batteries Last?
Ryobi products will never disappoint, with their selling appeal being their robust construction and top-grade functionality. Ryobi 18v batteries have a great runtime but depend on their capacity. For instance, a 4AH battery can run for up to 80 minutes. It is perfect for household handheld tools like a power drill. A 6AH battery will hold you for roughly 100 minutes. The higher the amperage per hour, the longer it runs.
Is Higher Voltage Better for Cordless Tools?
A higher voltage means your tools will work with batteries of a similar voltage, which have more potential energy. For cordless tools, it means you have more operating power and longer runtimes, a thing to appreciate, especially with a large workload. The main downside to higher voltage tools is that they may be costly, and the battery pack is heavy, a worthy compromise for top-notch performance.
Final Words
Power tool voltage is a huge determinant of how it will serve you. The Ryobi 18v vs. 40v discussion unearths several things you need to know about voltage variation and its effect on performance. Ryobi Tools is a leading brand in the power equipment sector, with plenty of utilities at your disposal.
The tools are reliable and will serve you for a long time if properly used and maintained. As we sum up, always use the right battery for your tool to be in great shape. A mismatch can lead to poor performance, and damage to the tool’s parts may be shocking but not unexpected.
