Is Paying More For Premium Power Tools Worth It? Experts Weigh In

As a jack-of-all trades, I have a favorite brand when I need to add a tool to my collection, and I’m happy to tell you what that is and why I like it. Before I do, let me be clear that it isn’t the one most contractors recommend, and I spoke to several as I researched this story. Unlike them, my top priority usually isn’t precision or longevity but budget, and my favorite brand is definitely budget-friendly. Nevertheless, I’ve never had a problem with performance.

Sure, there’s a difference between premium vs. budget power tools, but whether it’s a difference that makes a difference depends on your needs. When you have to choose, tiny-home builder Jonathan Palley has this advice:

“Budget power tools are a good choice if you aren’t quite sure what you’re buying yet or only need a tool for one specific project. They’ll usually get the job done, especially when they’re brand new. If you use a budget tool until it breaks, it may be time to invest in a premium model. At that point, you’ll know what features are important to you.”

What Are the Differences Between Premium and Budget Power Tools?

“The difference mostly comes down to durability, performance, and long-term value,” says boiler repair pro and composite door manufacturer Myles Robinson. When choosing premium vs. budget power tools, here’s why master plumber Cameron Anderson suggests you might want to pony up the extra dollars:

Durability

No matter how much a tool costs, its housing is usually plastic. It’s what’s inside that matters. Premium tools use higher-grade materials like brushless motors, metal gearing, and high-capacity lithium-ion batteries. Budget tools, on the other hand, often feature all-plastic innards.

Performance

Premium tools work more efficiently, and that makes your life easier when doing tough jobs, says Anderson. “A cheap impact driver might struggle with lag bolts in pressure-treated lumber, but a pro-grade one will drive them effortlessly.”

Longevity and consistency

Because they are made from more durable materials, premium tools keep working longer. Budget tools tend to wear down quickly, meaning they might struggle when pushed too hard, but a premium tool delivers the same power during the first use as it does on the hundredth.

Usability

Premium tools have better ergonomics, meaning they’re designed for comfort during long hours of use.

Warranty

Manufacturers typically offer three- to five-year warranty periods for premium tools but only one year (if that) for budget tools. “That tells you something about how much faith the manufacturer has in their product,” says Anderson.

Premium Power Tools: Pros vs. Cons

Pros

• Premium tools are built better to last longer. As lawn care pro Ryan Farley puts it: “The major difference you’ll tend to see with premium vs. budget power tools is just how long premium tools will last. Certain brands like Honda for lawnmowers, snow blowers, etc are considered premium for a reason—these are the ones you’ll see people still using decades later.”
• Premium tools include performance and safety features you won’t find on cheaper tools. “Some budget tools cut corners on safety features,” says Anderson. “If you’re using a grinder, circular saw, or anything high-speed, you want a tool with proper blade guards, electronic brakes, and overload protection. I’ve seen cheap grinders overheat and nearly cause serious burns.”

Cons

Premium tools cost more — sometimes a lot more. The price difference between a budget circular saw and a top-of-the-line one, for example, can be $300. Because they consume more power, premium tools are also more expensive to operate.

Budget Power Tools: Pros vs. Cons

Budget power tools can’t be all that bad, or no one would buy them. “Over the years, I’ve used everything from cheap, no-name drills to top-tier impact drivers, and I can tell you—there’s a reason pros stick with premium brands,” says Anderson. “But that doesn’t mean budget tools don’t have their place.” Here are two reasons why that place might be in your tool collection and three reasons why not:

Pros

• Budget tools are affordable. That’s important if you need a tool for one-time or occasional use.
• In most cases — but not always — they’ll get the job done. “Honestly, if you’re just doing occasional things around the house like hanging pictures or assembling furniture, budget tools will be just fine—there’s no need to invest in something expensive,” says plumber and HVAC expert Danny Pen.

Cons

• Because they’re made of cheaper materials, budget tools don’t last as long as premium ones. If you use one repeatedly, performance tends to deteriorate over time.
• Budget tools may lack key safety features.
• Batteries for cordless tools may be inferior. “A low-end drill might claim to have a 20V battery,” says Anderson. “But in reality, it won’t hold a charge long or deliver consistent power.”

When to Spend On Premium Power Tools

If you have a job in the trades, you’ll want a premium tool every time. They last longer than budget tools, they’re easier to use, and they do the job — even a tough one — with precision. As Robinson points out: “It’s always worth remembering that tools are an investment. If you’re using them often, paying more upfront can save money in the long run by avoiding frequent replacements.”

DIYers may not need that level of quality. “For DIYers, the decision to go budget or premium depends on how often they’ll be using the tool and what kind of work they’re doing,” he adds. In my DIY experience, it makes sense to choose budget versions of most portable tools, including:

• Drills
• Circular saws
• Bench saws
• Angle grinders
• Sanders

Personally, if I need a shop tool, such as a stationary table saw or drill press, I’m more inclined to spend extra for a premium tool because precision counts in the shop. And I know I’ll be using the tool repeatedly. For lawn and garden tools, Farley has this advice: “If you’re considering a power tool for something you’re going to be doing a lot of, like if you’re purchasing trimmers, a mower, or an edger for a large property, I would personally recommend investing in a premium brand. If it’s not something you’re going to be using as frequently, then I think it’s all right to spring for a budget brand.”

FAQ

Do budget power tools use less power than premium power tools?

Generally, yes. Premium power tools tend to have more powerful motors with higher amperage ratings than budget tools.

What power tool brand is the best?

Here’s where I’ll tell you that my favorite brand is Ryobi. It’s a budget brand, but I find Ryobi tools to be reliable and long-lasting. I’ve had my drill and circular saw for more than 10 years, and I use them both frequently. Ryobi is also an innovative brand that has been offering cordless versions of chop saws, table saws, lawn mowers and other equipment for many years.

The consensus among the contractors I interviewed is that Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita and Bosch are all top-notch premium brands for carpentry, with Milwaukee having a slight edge in popularity. According to Anderson, Metabo and Hilti are the gold standards for metalwork and fabrication, and the best brands for lawn and garden tools are Stihl, Honda and EGO. When it comes to budget brands, the contractors agreed with me that Ryobi gets high marks, as do Ridgid and Black+Decker.

About the Experts

• Jonathan Palley built a tiny home for himself and was so successful that he decided to open a business called Clever Tiny Homes. He is the CEO.
• Myles Robinson operated a boiler repair service for many years until he sold it and opened UK Composite Doors. He has extensive hands-on experience in home maintenance, DIY and improvements.
• Cameron Anderson is an expert in both commercial and residential plumbing. He is the Founder of All Kind Gas & Plumbing based in Brisbane, Australia.
• Ryan Farley is the Founder of LawnStarter, an online marketplace for outdoor home services.
• Danny Penn boasts over 12 years of experience in plumbing, heating, and cooling. He currently leads New Era Plumbing & HVAC in Dracut, MA.

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