DeWalt Vs Kobalt: Which Power Tools Are Worth Buying? Here's What The Reviews Say

DeWalt has been making power tools for over 100 years. Few manufacturers come close to its reputation for quality, durability, and reliability. According to Lifestory Research, it has been the most trusted power tool brand in the country for four straight years.

Kobalt is Lowe's exclusive house brand, launched in 1988. It is seen by many independent reviewers as creating great tools for serious DIY enthusiasts. Not quite to the same standard as DeWalt, but it is a more affordable brand. When the best power tools are ranked, Kobalt is mentioned as a direct rival for Ryobi, which is high praise, but it's DeWalt that takes the top spot.

Popular power tool review sites almost invariably provide positive comments for both ranges, making it a challenge to answer the question of which is worth buying between DeWalt and Kobalt. The majority of feedback suggests they both are, but in different markets: DeWalt tools are generally aimed at contractors and other professionals, while Kobalt targets homeowners. However, there are certainly overlaps. DIYers prepared to invest in what are often seen as the best power tools on the market might be inclined to buy DeWalt. Cost-conscious professionals looking for high performance and value for money may choose Kobalt. Lowe's is the only retailer that sells both brands, so we checked out those reviews to get their customers' opinions.

At the top of the list of must-have power tools is a cordless drill/driver. Circular saws are another popular pick. So we compared the equivalent DeWalt and Kobalt models head-to-head. Note that Kobalt's 24V batteries have an extra cell compared to DeWalt's, theoretically producing more power. Also, most DeWalt power tools come with a three-year warranty, whereas Kobalt's is typically five.

Ratings range from 4.4 stars up to 4.8 stars, which is impressive. Customers consider DeWalt's drill/driver powerful and lightweight. One commented on Lowe's website, "By far the best I've owned." Kobalt buyers often feel the same about their tools, though one or two had concerns with quality control. DeWalt's circular saw scored for power, performance, and build quality, while Kobalt customers considered theirs well-balanced, powerful, and precise. However, perhaps tellingly, one Kobalt customer on Lowe's website said, "It's no DeWalt..." and that the 24V battery was not, in practice, more powerful. Nevertheless, if customer reviews are any indication, then power tools from both brands are worth buying. Complaints about either brand are rare. Battery life is sometimes criticized, but that's true with all cordless tools.

In truth, it's unfair to make direct DeWalt versus Kobalt comparisons. Few brands compete on level terms with DeWalt. Kobalt isn't targeting that market; they are taking on consumer brands like Ryobi, Skil, and Craftsman, and often come out on top. The bottom line is that both are worth buying. Which one will depend on your needs.

I am House Digest's expert carpenter and remodeler, and I've worked with dozens of different power tools from just about every brand on the market. I understand how they should perform in practical environments, whether we're talking about premium equipment from DeWalt or mid-range machinery from Kobalt.

To supplement my own experience, we took a general overview of each range, looking at dozens of different models to compare specifications and prices. It was no surprise that DeWalt power tools cost more, but Kobalt's feature sets and figures were often similar and appear to be excellent value for money.

To back up our findings, we looked at a number of independent websites that are well-known for their power tool reviews, and because they are the only retailer that sells both, we relied on feedback from Lowe's customers. We might have guessed that people would have a high opinion of DeWalt power tools, but not that Kobalt's would often exceed people's expectations and offer such competitive performance. It underlines their growing reputation as one of the best power tool ranges for homeowner use.