Does Lowe’s Sell Ryobi Tools in 2026? (Not What You Think)
If you’re wondering whether you can pick up Ryobi power tools and accessories at your local Lowe’s store, the short answer is no. Lowe’s does not sell Ryobi-branded products in any of its retail stores or on its website.
This may come as a surprise if you’re a loyal Ryobi fan used to grabbing their affordable power drills, saws, nailers and lawn equipment at the home improvement giant. So why doesn’t Lowe’s stock this popular tool brand, and where else can you buy Ryobi products?
In this detailed buyer’s guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about purchasing Ryobi tools in 2024, including:
- Why you won’t find Ryobi products at Lowe’s
- Who really makes and owns Ryobi power tools
- Where to buy Ryobi tools beyond Lowe‘s
- How Ryobi compares to Lowe’s other top tool brands
- If Ryobi is considered a quality tool brand
- Recommendations for Ryobi alternatives at Lowe’s
Let’s start by understanding why Lowe’s and Ryobi don’t mix.
Why You Won’t Find Ryobi Products at Lowe’s
The reason Ryobi power tools and lawn equipment are nowhere to be found on Lowe’s shelves or website is due to an exclusive retail partnership between Ryobi and Home Depot.
Ryobi has a special agreement with Home Depot that gives the home improvement giant exclusive rights to sell Ryobi-branded products in its stores and on HomeDepot.com. Other major retailers like Lowe’s and Walmart are prohibited from selling Ryobi tools based on this exclusive contract.
Home Depot has partnered with Ryobi for over 20 years to offer the tool brand in all its stores. This provides Home Depot a competitive edge over Lowe‘s in the power tools department. Based on 2019 estimates, nearly 10% of all power tools sold at Home Depot are Ryobi, accounting for over $200 million in annual revenue.
So while you can freely shop for Ryobi products at Home Depot, don’t waste your time searching for them at Lowe’s. Ryobi’s exclusive retail agreement blocks Lowe’s from stocking Ryobi tools on their shelves or website.
Who Really Makes and Owns Ryobi Tools?
You may think Ryobi is owned and manufactured by Home Depot since they’re so closely connected. But in fact, Ryobi is owned by the Hong Kong-based company Techtronic Industries, or TTI.
TTI is a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and marketing a portfolio of consumer and professional power tools. In addition to Ryobi, other power tool brands owned by TTI include:
- Milwaukee
- AEG
- Hoover
- Dirt Devil
- Oreck
- Hart
| Brand | Target Customer | Typical Price Point |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | Professional tradespeople | Premium |
| Rigid | Home DIYers / Professionals | Mid-range |
| Ryobi | Homeowners / DIYers | Low-end |
| Hoover | Homeowners | Low-end |
As you can see, TTI strategically positions Ryobi tools as an affordable DIY-focused brand, complementing its other brands at higher price tiers.
Ryobi has proven incredibly popular with home DIYers thanks to the affordability, versatility, and wide assortment of the 18V ONE+ battery-powered system. TTI reports strong growth for Ryobi with over $700 million in annual revenue just for tools.
So while Ryobi has partnered closely with Home Depot for exclusive distribution, the tools themselves are designed and manufactured entirely by the global power tool giant TTI. This gives Ryobi the capabilities and scale of a much larger organization.
Where to Buy Ryobi Tools Beyond Lowe’s
Just because you can’t purchase Ryobi products at Lowe’s doesn’t mean you don’t have plenty of other options for buying Ryobi power tools, lawn equipment, and accessories. Here are the best places to get your hands on Ryobi gear:
Buy Online
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Home Depot – As the exclusive retailer, Home Depot is the #1 stop for Ryobi tools. Their online selection includes over 300 Ryobi products, from handheld tools to mowers and generators. You’ll also find all the latest Ryobi releases here first.
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Direct from Ryobi – Skip the middleman by purchasing tools directly from Ryobi’s website. You can even chat with customer service for personalized recommendations. Ryobi also operates a handful of outlet stores in the US for discounted tool bundles.
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Amazon – Search “Ryobi tools” on Amazon and you’ll find dozens of Ryobi products available to ship, many eligible for Prime delivery. Amazon stocks Ryobi tools directly as an authorized retailer.
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Other Online Retailers – Specialized tool sites like Ohio Power Tool, Tool Barn and Tool Nut also carry a wide range of Ryobi power equipment to ship nationwide.
Buy In-Store
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Home Depot – With over 2,000 brick-and-mortar stores across North America, Home Depot is the largest retailer for finding Ryobi tools in-person. Stores carry the most popular Ryobi tools and lawn items.
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Walmart – Select Walmart stores feature a lineup of Ryobi battery-powered lawn tools and outdoor power equipment, along with some basic hand tools and accessories. Inventory varies by location.
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Menards – Menards stocks a limited selection of Ryobi tools focused on outdoor yard tools and basic power drills/drivers. You’ll find a smaller assortment than Home Depot.
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Farm & Fleet, Blain’s Farm & Fleet – These regional chains carry some Ryobi mowers, trimmers, blowers and other lawn tools ideal for rural properties and farms. Product depth is limited.
So Home Depot is certainly the 800-pound gorilla for availability of Ryobi products both online and in retail stores. But savvy Ryobi shoppers have plenty of alternative options through other major retailers, online pure-play tool sites, and direct from the manufacturer.
How Ryobi Compares to Lowe’s Other Top Tool Brands
Lowe’s may not offer Ryobi tools, but they do carry several other major tool brands that compete closely with Ryobi in terms of quality, performance and price point. Here’s an overview of how Ryobi stacks up against some of Lowe’s top names in power tools:
| Brand | Target Customer | Typical Price Point | Key Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryobi | Home DIYers | Low-end | Affordability, wide assortment |
| Kobalt | Home DIYers | Low-mid end | Exclusive to Lowe‘s |
| Craftsman | Home DIYers | Low-mid end | Trusted brand name |
| PORTER-CABLE | Home DIYers | Low-mid end | Reliability, value |
| DEWALT | Professionals / DIYers | Mid-high end | Performance, durability |
| Bosch | Professionals / DIYers | Mid-high end | Precision, accuracy |
| Metabo HPT | Professionals / DIYers | Mid-high end | Power, reliability |
Here‘s a more detailed look at how Ryobi stacks up to some of Lowe’s top brands:
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Kobalt – Kobalt is the signature house brand for Lowe’s stores, similar to Ryobi at Home Depot. Kobalt offers comparable quality and performance to Ryobi for a slightly higher price.
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Craftsman – Once an independent icon, Craftsman tools are now owned by Lowe’s. Craftsman matches up well with Ryobi in terms of target DIYer audience and affordable prices.
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PORTER-CABLE – Known for delivering reliable performance at an approachable price point, Porter-Cable tools compete directly with Ryobi’s value positioning.
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DEWALT – Considered a more professional, premium brand, DEWALT outpaces Ryobi in power and durability but comes at a significantly higher cost.
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Bosch – Renowned for precision German engineering, Bosch tools are similar in quality to DEWALT but generally more expensive than Ryobi.
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Metabo HPT – Formerly Hitachi, Metabo HPT focuses on durable, long-lasting power tools priced above Ryobi’s lineup.
While Ryobi doesn’t sell at Lowe’s, savvy shoppers can find comparable alternatives from Kobalt, Craftsman or PORTER-CABLE to tackle DIY projects without breaking the bank. And pros can step up to DEWALT, Bosch or other pro brands for more heavy duty needs.
Is Ryobi Considered a Quality Brand for Power Tools?
While Ryobi may not have the long legacy of big names like DEWALT or Makita, it’s established itself as a quality brand that reliably delivers good-enough performance for the majority of home DIYers. Here’s a rundown of Ryobi’s reputation as a tool brand:
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Affordable – Ryobi tools are typically priced 20-40% below major competitors. Lower prices open up tools to more first-time home DIYers.
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Decent reliability – Experts note you may need to replace Ryobi tools sooner than pro brands. But they work fine for occasional household projects.
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Light duty rating – Ryobi tools are designed for home use like installing cabinets, not daily pro job site use. But some contractors do use Ryobi successfully.
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Leading battery platform – Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ battery system powers over 225 tools, earning praise for versatility and convenience.
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Good variety – From work lights to power washers, Ryobi’s range covers most home DIYer needs. Their lawn tools in particular stand out.
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Strong reviews – Ryobi earns over 4 out of 5 stars on average from Home Depot buyers. Many reviewers mention excellent value.
So while serious contractors demand the durability of Milwaukee, Makita or DEWALT, Ryobi still delivers entirely satisfactory performance for most homeowners tackling occasional DIY projects. The affordable price point and breadth of the 18V platform make Ryobi a great entry point before stepping up to pricier pro brands.
Recommendations for Ryobi Fans Shopping at Lowe’s
As a loyal Ryobi fan, you may feel let down that Lowe’s doesn’t sell your favorite brand. But by understanding Ryobi’s home improvement store strategy, you can still easily purchase Ryobi products directly through Home Depot or other retailers.
And for your shopping at Lowe’s stores, here are some recommended alternatives to Ryobi that won’t break the bank:
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Kobalt – For an exclusive Lowe’s homeowner brand comparable to Ryobi, check out Kobalt power tools and outdoor equipment.
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Craftsman – Now owned by Lowe’s, Craftsman offers classic products similar in quality and price to Ryobi’s lineup.
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PORTER-CABLE – This brand provides reliable performance and better warranties than Ryobi at a very similar price point.
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DEWALT Xtreme – The 20V Xtreme line from DEWALT delivers pro-grade tools at an affordable price for savvy shoppers.
While Ryobi has partnered with Home Depot, you can still find quality tools for occasional home improvement projects at Lowe’s by shopping brands like Kobalt and Craftsman instead. Or step up to PORTER-CABLE or DEWALT Xtreme for added power and durability.
Conclusion
Ryobi has established itself as a high-value DIY power tool brand thanks to affordable prices, versatile batteries, and a wide assortment of electric equipment for home needs. But due to an exclusive retail partnership with Home Depot, you won’t find Ryobi products stocked at Lowe’s stores.
Determined Ryobi fans still have plenty of options for purchasing Ryobi tools directly from the manufacturer, at Home Depot, or through online retailers like Amazon. And Lowe’s offers comparable alternatives from brands like Kobalt and Craftsman.
For homeowners tackling occasional DIY projects, Ryobi delivers on both value and performance. So don’t feel locked out of the Ryobi system just because your local Lowe’s store doesn’t carry the brand. With a variety of purchasing options, you can still take advantage of Ryobi’s affordable selection of tools powered by the convenience of the ONE+ battery platform.