Is Ryobi's Vacuum Any Good? Our Experts Weigh-In

2 min readIf you already own a garage full of Ryobi tools, adding a Ryobi vacuum to the collection makes a certain kind of sense. The company’s ONE+ Stick Vacuum uses the same rechargeable batteries as the brand’s extensive lineup of cordless power tools, so existing Ryobi users can skip buying another battery and charger.But does that power-tool pedigree translate into a good vacuum?The ONE+ is a relatively straightforward cordless stick vacuum. It has a self-standing design, LED lights on the roller head, a removable brush roll, and a dust cup that’s easy to empty. Remove the extension wand and it converts into a handheld vacuum, with a crevice tool and dusting brush included for cleaning furniture, stairs, cars, and other tight spaces.Here at Popular Mechanics, we love a good stick vacuum. Our vacuum expert, Reviews Editor Amber Joglar, says, “Cordless stick vacuums are great because they make everyday cleaning feel less like a chore. They're lightweight, easy to grab for quick messes, and you don't have to worry about being close to an outlet, so you're more likely to actually use one when you see a pile of crumbs or pet hair.”The Home Depot listing says the Ryobi vacuum has a 30 minute battery life, although, as with most cordless vacuums, actual runtime depends on how the vacuum is being used.On paper, the vacuum is missing some of the features found on our list of current cordless stick-vacuum picks. The Ryobi weighs about 8 pounds, according to Home Depot, while our best overall pick, the Dyson V15 Detect, weighs 6.8 pounds and runs for up to 60 minutes. The Dyson also automatically adjusts suction and includes five attachments and two cleaning heads.That makes the Ryobi less of a feature-packed challenger to premium cordless vacuums and more of a practical option for people already invested in the Ryobi ecosystem. The tool-only price also matters: at $169, you're paying for the vacuum itself, but not a battery or charger. For a Ryobi owner with a charged 18V battery on the shelf, that changes the value proposition considerably.Its straightforward design and compatibility with the ONE+ battery system make it appealing for quick everyday cleanups. But shoppers starting from scratch have more specialized cordless vacuums to consider, particularly if lightweight design, filtration, attachments, or maximum cleaning performance are priorities.So, is Ryobi’s vacuum any good? If you’re a loyal Ryobi user, absolutely, yes!Other Stick Vacuums We RecommendBest With Docking StationSarah Connor is a Reviews Editor for Popular Mechanics. She also contributes to Runner’s World, Bicycling, Best Products, and Biography.com. Before joining the Hearst Magazines team, Sarah was a National Content Editor for Hearst Television. She holds a master's in Journalism from Syracuse University and a dual bachelor's in English and Communications from the University of Pittsburgh. When she isn’t writing up a review of the newest gadgets, you can find her heading to the nearest rink for a figure skating session or enjoying the outdoors with her beloved Australian Shepherd, Rosie.