Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
If you’re torn between the Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool and the Milwaukee 2526-20 M12 Brushless, you’re really choosing between two battery ecosystems. Both tools spin up to 20,000 RPM, but they take very different paths to get there.
This comparison is for anyone who already owns Ryobi ONE+ or Milwaukee M12 batteries and wants to know which tool deserves a spot in their bag. The core trade-off is battery voltage versus brushless efficiency, and I’ve got the details to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Milwaukee 2526-20
Weighs just 1 pound with brushless motor and LED light — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Ryobi PCL445B
Lowest vibration in its class with lock-on button for fatigue — Check Price →
Let me break down the specs side by side so you can see exactly how these two compact multi-tools stack up on paper.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless O | Milwaukee 2526-20 M12 Bru |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | ✅ 18V | 12V |
| Power Source | Battery | Battery |
| Max Speed | ✅ 20000 rpm | 20000 rpm |
| Min Speed | — | ✅ 10000 rpm |
| Power Rating | — | ✅ 120W |
| Weight | ✅ 1.5 lb | 1 lb |
| Dimensions | ✅ 12x3x6 in | — |
| Color | Green | Red |
| Style | Angled | Angled |
| Recommended Use | Sanding | Cutting |
| Special Features | Low Vibration, Ergonomic | Cordless, LED Light |
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both of these compact multi-tools side by side, focusing on weight, vibration, and real-world cutting and sanding performance. Here’s how each one holds up in daily use.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool (Tool Only)
18V | 20,000 RPM | 1.5 lbs | Lowest Vibration In Its Class
- 18V ONE+ oscillating multi-tool designed for cutting, sanding, scraping...
- Variable speed dial lets you adjust the oscillation rate up to 20,000 OPM...
- Lowest vibration in its class reduces user fatigue for longer periods of...
The Ryobi PCL445B impressed me with its ergonomic design and lock-on button that really does reduce fatigue during longer sanding jobs. At 1.5 pounds, it’s not the lightest option, but the low vibration more than makes up for that extra half-pound. It spins at a solid 20,000 RPM, which handled everything I threw at it from trim cutting to drywall patches. This one’s perfect for DIYers already invested in the ONE+ battery system, though you’ll need to supply your own battery since it’s tool-only.
✅ Pros
- Lowest vibration in its class for smooth control
- Lock-on button reduces user fatigue during long jobs
- 20,000 RPM max speed matches pricier competitors
- Works with the massive ONE+ 18V battery lineup
❌ Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- No LED light for dark workspaces
- Heavier than the Milwaukee at 1.5 pounds
Milwaukee 2526-20 M12 Brushless 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool (Tool-Only)
12V | 20,000 RPM | 1 lb | Brushless | LED Light | 120W
The Milwaukee 2526-20 is the clear winner here for me. At just 1 pound, it’s noticeably lighter than the Ryobi, and the brushless motor delivers that full 20,000 RPM with impressive efficiency. The built-in LED light is a big improvement when you’re working in tight, dark spots like under sinks or inside cabinets. It also has a minimum speed of 10,000 RPM, giving you better control for delicate jobs. The included triangular sandpaper and carry bag are nice bonuses, but the real draw is the compact M12 platform with incredible power-to-weight ratio.
✅ Pros
- Weighs just 1 pound for fatigue-free use
- Brushless motor with 120W power rating
- LED light illuminates dark work areas
- Adjustable speed range from 10,000 to 20,000 RPM
Tool-only — batteries not included
Which One Should You Buy?
After spending time with both of these compact multi-tools, I can tell you the “best” pick really comes down to which battery system you already own and how much weight matters to you. Let me break down who each one suits best.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool is right for you if…
- You already own Ryobi ONE+ 18V batteries and want a tool that shares that platform
- You do a lot of sanding and want the lowest vibration in its class to reduce hand fatigue
- You’re on a budget and don’t need the extra features like an LED light or brushless motor
Milwaukee 2526-20 M12 Brushless is right for you if…
- You’re already in the M12 ecosystem and want a featherlight 1-pound tool that’s easy to handle all day
- You frequently work in dark, tight spaces and need the built-in LED light to see what you’re cutting
- You want brushless efficiency plus variable speed control from 10,000 to 20,000 RPM for finer work
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you don’t already own batteries from either the Ryobi ONE+ or Milwaukee M12 systems, I’d honestly suggest looking at a corded oscillating multi-tool instead. You’ll get unlimited runtime and consistent power without the added cost of buying into a new battery platform.
For the typical DIYer who already has ONE+ batteries lying around, the Ryobi is the smart, budget-friendly pick. But if you’re a pro or serious enthusiast who values the lightest tool with the most features, the Milwaukee 2526-20 is worth every penny — that 1-pound weight and LED light make it my top recommendation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for sanding — the Ryobi PCL445B or the Milwaukee 2526-20?
For sanding, I’d give the edge to the Ryobi PCL445B. It’s specifically marketed with the lowest vibration in its class, and that really matters when you’re holding a tool against a surface for extended periods. The lock-on button also helps reduce user fatigue, which is huge for sanding projects that take 20 minutes or more. That said, the Milwaukee is a full half-pound lighter, so if you’re sanding overhead or on a ladder, the weight savings might win you over.
Is the Milwaukee 2526-20 worth the extra money over the Ryobi?
Yes, if you value the brushless motor and LED light — but only if you’re already in the M12 battery system. The Milwaukee runs on 12 volts but delivers the same 20,000 RPM top speed as the Ryobi’s 18-volt motor, and the brushless design is more efficient. You also get a minimum speed of 10,000 RPM for finer control, plus a lighter 1-pound body. If you’re starting from scratch with no batteries, the Ryobi’s lower entry cost makes it the smarter budget move.
Which tool is lighter and easier to handle?
The Milwaukee 2526-20 wins this one hands down at just 1 pound, compared to the Ryobi’s 1.5 pounds. That half-pound difference doesn’t sound like much, but after 15 minutes of cutting or sanding, you’ll definitely feel it. The Milwaukee also has a more compact footprint at 12 x 5 x 3 inches versus the Ryobi’s 12 x 3 x 6 inches, making it easier to fit into tight spaces.
Can both tools use the same accessories and blades?
Yes, both use the standard OIS (Oscillating Input System) universal accessory interface, so you can swap blades and sanding pads between them. That means your existing multi-tool blades will work with either tool, which is a nice bonus if you’re switching brands. Just keep in mind that batteries are not interchangeable — the Ryobi uses ONE+ 18V batteries while the Milwaukee uses M12 12V batteries.
Which has better runtime — 18V Ryobi or 12V Milwaukee?
It really depends on which battery you pair with each tool. The Ryobi’s 18V platform generally offers larger capacity batteries, so you can get longer runtime with a big ONE+ pack. However, the Milwaukee’s brushless motor is more efficient, meaning it squeezes more work out of each charge on its 12V batteries. For typical DIY tasks, both will last through a reasonable session, but the Ryobi has the edge if you need all-day runtime with a high-capacity battery.
Which is better for a homeowner who does occasional projects?
For a casual homeowner, I’d recommend the Ryobi PCL445B without hesitation. It’s competitively priced, and if you already own any Ryobi ONE+ tools, you probably have compatible batteries sitting around. The low vibration and ergonomic design make it comfortable for occasional weekend projects, and the 20,000 RPM speed handles everything from cutting door jambs to sanding drywall patches. The Milwaukee is a better tool overall, but it’s overkill for someone who only reaches for a multi-tool a few times a year.
My Final Verdict
The Milwaukee 2526-20 is my clear winner here. It’s a full half-pound lighter at just 1 pound, packs a brushless motor that delivers the same 20,000 RPM as the Ryobi, and adds an LED light plus variable speed down to 10,000 RPM — all in a more compact package. The Ryobi PCL445B is still a solid runner-up, especially if you’re already invested in the ONE+ 18V battery system.
If you’re sitting on the fence, ask yourself one question: which battery platform do you already own? If it’s M12, get the Milwaukee without hesitation. If it’s ONE+, the Ryobi’s low vibration and ergonomic design make it a smart, budget-friendly choice that won’t disappoint.
Winner: Milwaukee 2526-20 M12 Brushless
For pros and serious DIYers who want the lightest tool with the most features — the 1-pound body, LED light, and brushless efficiency make it the best compact multi-tool I tested.
Runner-Up: Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool
- 18V ONE+ oscillating multi-tool designed for cutting, sanding, scraping...
- Variable speed dial lets you adjust the oscillation rate up to 20,000 OPM...
- Lowest vibration in its class reduces user fatigue for longer periods of...
For homeowners already in the ONE+ ecosystem — the lowest vibration in its class and lock-on button make it comfortable for sanding and occasional cuts, all at a friendlier price.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.