Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ power tool system is massive, but one thing that’s often overlooked is the battery pack. In recent years, the biggest advancement isn’t a tool, but the new “EDGE” battery technology that powers them. It’s a pack that promises extra power, longer runtime, and more. If you’re in the market for a new battery, here’s what you need to know and whether it’s worth buying.
Since many tools come with a battery, many people don’t end up buying an extra until they finally need to. If you’re in that situation and trying to decide among the cheapest battery, a Lithium-ion HP (High Performance), and the newest EDGE line, you’re probably wondering if they’re worth the hype.
What to know about Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ EDGE Battery
It’s more than just marketing
Released in late 2024, Ryobi’s EDGE battery packs aren’t necessarily new, but they’re still slowly but surely gaining popularity. They’re also really expensive. Whether or not you buy one will depend on several factors, but first, here’s why they’re a big deal.
There are two major upgrades in each EDGE battery pack. The first is the use of 21700 cells vs. the old-school 18500 cells. The new cells are more powerful, more compact, and have an increased runtime, all while fitting in the same casing the company has used for 30 years. In fact, a Ryobi 18V ONE+ 4Ah EDGE battery is smaller and lighter than a regular 4Ah battery thanks to the improvement.
And the second is a new tabless design, which is similar to the technology behind Milwaukee’s FORGE battery system. By employing a tabless design, each battery can deliver more power, run cooler, and operate more efficiently. Let me explain.
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On older models, like a normal 18V ONE+ battery, the rolled-up energy sheets on each cell had a single metal strip—called a tab—to pass electricity and power. Each 18500 (or even 21700) cell has a tab, which is a serious bottleneck.
Imagine trying to get an entire football stadium crowd in and out through one small hallway. That’s the old system. Newer tabless battery packs, like Ryobi’s EDGE, turn the entire cell edge into a single massive connection point for power to flow in and out. That’s like turning a football stadium’s single hall entrance into the entire side of the building being open. In other words, a single-lane road turned into a 20-lane highway.
Ryobi’s EDGE battery technology also features a new COOL-CORE Pro plate to improve heat dissipation, improved internal electronics for communication between the battery and tool, better vibration damping, and a more durable design inside and out.
As you can imagine, that’s a game-changer. By simply upgrading to an EDGE battery, your existing tools become more powerful. Another big aspect is significantly faster charging, thanks to the improved design, topping off in only 30 minutes.
So, are Ryobi EDGE battery packs worth buying?
Absolutely, but it depends on what tool you use
Credit: Ryobi
According to Ryobi, EDGE batteries can deliver between 30–50% more power in a compact package, along with significantly improving battery life and runtime. Basically, they’re smaller, more powerful, cooler, charge faster, and should last longer thanks to the improved design.
So, what’s the catch? Naturally, that’s the price tag. You can get a regular Ryobi 18V ONE+ 4Ah battery for around $129, although they’re often on sale for $89 or bundled with power tool kits. Ryobi’s new 18V 4Ah EDGE battery is $150, or you’ll be spending $230 for the bigger 8Ah model. And the 40V EDGE batteries cost an arm and a leg.
That’s a pretty big deal, especially if you’re a casual DIYer who only uses your tools around the house on occasion. However, a new EDGE battery will undoubtedly deliver a better experience.
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Where things get a little tricky is deciding whether they live up to the hype or are worth the higher price tag. And that’s because you’ll notice the biggest difference with high-output or high-draw tools. Reviews all over Reddit, YouTube, and tool forums confirm that a Ryobi EDGE battery will net you huge gains with a saw, blower, impact wrench, chainsaw, and things of that nature.
However, on household essentials like a drill, while there are still gains, they’re not all that noticeable and may not be enough to justify the higher price tag. Sure, your Ryobi 18V Impact Driver will be faster with an EDGE battery, and last longer between charges, but if you’re a casual DIYer, does 1–2 seconds matter all that much?
Small household tools from Ryobi probably don’t need an EDGE battery pack, but there are no downsides to using one. On the flip side, anyone using large Ryobi tools, tackling big jobs, or is busy on a job site, an EDGE battery is a must-have.
Furthermore, any of Ryobi’s 40V tools will greatly benefit from a 40V EDGE battery pack. Your lawn mower, edger, or any other 40V tool will be substantially better. However, a regular 40V battery is $159, while the 40V EDGE batteries are $229.
Ryobi’s 18V and 40V EDGE batteries make its expansive lineup even better
At the end of the day, the EDGE lineup delivers real results and brings Ryobi closer to competing with professional, high-end tool brands like Milwaukee. While these new battery packs cost more, they’re certainly worth the investment if you frequently use high-power tools. And even if you don’t, you’ll still benefit from more power, extended runtime, and faster charging.
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