The Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLRR01B represents Ryobi’s entry into the brushless cordless router market. At $129, it’s the cheapest option when compared to all of the major players in the cordless router space. But can a budget-priced router with a 2ah battery deliver enough performance for real woodworking? After extensive hands-on testing including aggressive power tests in hardwood, I’ll help you decide if the Ryobi ONE+ HP router offers enough value at its low price point.
Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLRR01B: At a Glance
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers, existing Ryobi battery platform users, upgraders from older Ryobi routers
Price (MSRP): $129 (tool only), but may be able to be purchased for less
Bottom Line: The Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLRR01B is an affordable brushless cordless router with variable speed at $129. It includes useful accessories (edge guide and dust chute) and modern features like a brushless motor. However, performance significantly lags behind competitors, especially when it comes to power if you aren’t sizing up on your batteries.
👉 Check current price on the Ryobi PBLRR01B here
Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLRR01B Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Model Number | PBLRR01B |
| Voltage | 18V (ONE+ HP) |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| Speed Range | 15,000 - 30,000 RPM |
| Variable Speed | Yes |
| Horsepower | Not published |
| Collet Size | 1/4" |
| Weight (tool only) | 3lb 1oz |
| Base Type | D-shaped |
| LED Light | Yes |
| Spindle Brake | Yes |
| Plunge Base Available | No |
| Included Accessories | Edge guide, dust chute |
Understanding Ryobi ONE+ HP
The “HP” designation stands for “High Performance” and represents Ryobi’s brushless tool line. This is a significant upgrade from Ryobi’s older brushed motor routers. The brushless motor and variable speed are why I included this router in the comparison—without those features, it couldn’t legitimately compete with the other routers tested.
If you own an older Ryobi 18V router without brushless or variable speed, the PBLRR01B is a worthy upgrade within the Ryobi platform.
What’s in the Box?
For $129, Ryobi provides a reasonable accessory package:
- PBLRR01B router (tool only)
- Edge guide
- Dust chute
- D-shaped base (installed backwards—more on this shortly)
- 1/4″ collet wrench
The included accessories match what Ridgid provides at $179. You get what you actually need for basic routing tasks. No complaints here given the price point.
Design & Ergonomics
At 3lb 1oz without battery, the Ryobi sits in the middle of the weight range. The size and design reveal budget-oriented choices throughout.
Grip Design
The barrel is relatively small, which may suit people with smaller hands. However, Ryobi’s battery shape creates an overhang at the top of the router that can crowd your hand when gripping. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s less comfortable than competitors with better-integrated battery designs.
The rubber grip is adequate but not as substantial or well-textured as the Ridgid’s best-in-class grip or Milwaukee’s premium feel.
The Backwards Base
Like its TTI Group sibling Ridgid, the D-shaped base comes installed backwards from the factory. The square edge should be opposite your grip to provide stability and finger placement, but Ryobi ships it on the same side as your grip.
Grab a screwdriver and flip it around immediately when you unbox it. It takes 30 seconds and makes the base function as intended.
Power Switch
The slide-style power switch requires deliberate effort to engage. It’s not a push button or toggle—you have to slide it with purpose. While there’s no dedicated mechanism to prevent accidental starts, the switch design makes accidental activation unlikely. I don’t see it turning on in your bag by accident.
The Adjustment System: Budget Version
The Ryobi uses a similar adjustment mechanism to Milwaukee and Ridgid (all TTI Group brands), but with budget-oriented compromises.
How It Works
- Unfasten the latch
- For macro adjustments: Push a secondary latch
- For micro adjustments: Turn the dial
- Re-fasten the latch
The Budget Compromises
The latch is plastic instead of metal (Milwaukee and Ridgid use metal). The macro adjustment feels stiffer than its siblings, especially when you get toward the bottom of the adjustment range. The micro adjustment dial also feels less refined.
At this price point, these compromises are expected and acceptable. You’ll get used to it, though it’s noticeably less smooth than Milwaukee’s $199 version.
Power & Performance: The Significant Weakness
The Power Test
I stressed-tested all routers by routing a 1/2″ × 1/2″ rabbet in 2 feet of dense sapele hardwood.
Ryobi PBLRR01B Result: 38 seconds with three shutdowns (2ah battery)
This is significantly slower than all competitors. For context:
- Bosch: 10 seconds (4ah battery)
- DeWalt: 10 seconds (5ah battery)
- Flex: 11 seconds (2.5ah battery)
- Milwaukee: 13 seconds (2ah battery)
- Ridgid: 13 seconds (4ah battery)
- Metabo HPT: 13 seconds
- Makita: 21 seconds (2ah battery)
- Ryobi: 38 seconds (2ah battery)
Critical Context: The Ryobi used a 2ah battery—the same size Milwaukee used. But Milwaukee finished in 13 seconds while Ryobi took 38 seconds. The Milwaukee was three times faster with the same battery capacity. This suggests the Ryobi’s motor simply lacks power, not just battery capacity.
The 2ah battery came with Ryobi’s kit, which reinforces that this router isn’t designed for demanding cuts. A larger battery would likely improve performance somewhat, but it would still lag behind the competitors.
Real-World Performance
The Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLRR01B can handle typical routing tasks, but with limitations:
Edge Profiling: Can complete roundovers and chamfers in hardwood, but requires slower feed rates and more passes than competitors. Aggressive feeding will bog down the motor or trigger thermal shutdowns.
Template Routing: Works for template routing with patience. The D-shaped base (once properly installed) provides reasonable stability.
Dado Cuts: Can handle shallow dados with multiple passes. Don’t expect to hog out material quickly—this router rewards patience, not speed.
The variable speed control (15,000 – 30,000 RPM) provides adequate range, though the actual cutting performance doesn’t match routers with similar RPM ranges.
Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLRR01B vs the Competition
Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLRR01B vs Ridgid R860444B
These are TTI Group siblings at different price points.
Where Ryobi Wins:
- Price: $129 vs $179—$50 cheaper
Where Ridgid Wins:
- Performance: 13 seconds vs 38 seconds—nearly 3x faster (though with a bigger battery)
- Build Quality: Metal components vs more plastic
- Adjustment: Less stiff, more refined mechanism
- Grip Ergonomics: Better overall comfort
- Feel: More substantial and professional
Verdict: The $50 difference is absolutely worth it if you can afford it. The Ridgid is dramatically faster and feels like a professional tool. The Ryobi works, but the performance gap is significant.
Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLRR01B vs Metabo HPT M1808DAQ4
Where Ryobi Wins:
- Price: $129 vs $149—$20 cheaper
- Base Material: Not plastic (though still budget-tier)
Where Metabo Wins:
- Performance: 13 seconds vs 38 seconds—nearly 3x faster (though with a bigger battery)
- Weight: 2lb 9oz vs 3lb 1oz—lighter
- One-Handed Operation: Unique advantage for repetitive work
- Build Quality: More solid despite plastic base
Verdict: The Metabo costs $20 more but delivers dramatically better performance. Unless $129 is your absolute maximum budget, the Metabo is worth the upgrade.
Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLRR01B vs Milwaukee 2723-20
Where Ryobi Wins:
- Price: $129 vs $199—$70 cheaper
Where Milwaukee Wins:
- Performance: 13 seconds vs 38 seconds with the same 2ah battery—3x faster
- Build Quality: Significantly more premium throughout
- Adjustment: Much more refined mechanism
- Ergonomics: Better grip design
- Accessories: Includes second base
- Feel: Professional-grade tool
Verdict: The Milwaukee costs $70 more but is a dramatically better router. If you’re already in the Ryobi platform and $129 is your budget, the Ryobi works. If you can afford more, the Milwaukee is worth every penny of the difference.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lowest price ($129)
- Brushless motor and variable speed (upgrade from older Ryobi routers)
- Includes edge guide and dust chute
- Slide switch design unlikely to activate accidentally
- Adequate for light-duty routing tasks
- Good entry point into cordless routing
Cons
- Significantly underpowered compared to competitors, even with equivalent 2Ah batteries
- Stiffer adjustments than premium options
- Small barrel with hand crowding from battery overhang
- Base installed backwards from factory
- No plunge base available
Who Should Buy the Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLRR01B?
You’ll Love This Router If:
- Budget is your primary constraint – $129 vs $179+ is a meaningful difference
- You’re locked into Ryobi batteries – Makes sense if you own multiple Ryobi tools
- You’re upgrading from an older Ryobi router – The brushless motor and variable speed are significant improvements
- You do light-duty routing – Occasional edge profiling in softwoods works fine
- You’re a beginner experimenting – Low cost reduces risk while learning
Look Elsewhere If:
- You work with hardwoods regularly – The power limitations will frustrate you, especially with smaller batteries
- You’re not locked into Ryobi – Better options exist for $20-50 more
- You want a long-term solution – You’ll likely upgrade within a year or two
See How It Compares
I tested the Ryobi alongside seven competing routers in a full head-to-head video. You can watch that comparison here:
FAQ: Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLRR01B Questions
Is the Ryobi ONE+ HP router any good?
The Ryobi ONE+ HP router is functional for light-duty routing tasks, but it lags behind competitors in performance. For occasional edge profiling in softwoods or light use, it’s adequate. For regular woodworking in hardwoods, it’s underpowered. At $129, it’s the cheapest brushless cordless router with variable speed in this test, which is its main selling point. If you’re locked into Ryobi batteries or $129 is your absolute budget, it works. Otherwise, spending $50-70 more gets you dramatically better performance.
Ryobi PBLRR01B vs older Ryobi routers – what’s better?
The PBLRR01B is significantly better than older Ryobi 18V routers thanks to the brushless motor and variable speed control. Older Ryobi routers used brushed motors without variable speed, making them less efficient and less versatile. If you own an older Ryobi router (P601, PCL424B, or similar) and want to stay in the Ryobi platform, the PBLRR01B is a worthwhile upgrade. However, if you’re comparing the PBLRR01B to routers from other brands, it’s still the slowest and least powerful option tested.
Is the Ryobi brushless trim router powerful enough?
For light-duty routing in softwoods or occasional use, yes. For regular woodworking in hardwoods or demanding cuts, no. The Ryobi took 38 seconds to complete a 1/2″ × 1/2″ rabbet cut that competitors finished in 10-13 seconds, and it shut down three times during the test. This was with the 2ah battery that came with the kit. A larger battery might improve performance somewhat, but the fundamental power limitation remains. If you primarily work with hardwoods or need to remove material efficiently, spend more on a more powerful router.
Ryobi ONE+ HP router for beginners – is it good?
Yes, the Ryobi ONE+ HP router can be good for beginners, especially those on a tight budget. At $129, it’s the most affordable way to get into cordless routing with a brushless motor and variable speed. The low cost reduces financial risk while you’re learning. However, if you can afford the $149 Metabo HPT or $179 Ridgid, those offer better performance that will serve you longer as your skills develop.
Is Ryobi good for woodworking?
Ryobi tools are adequate for hobby woodworking, DIY projects, and occasional use. They’re budget-oriented tools that sacrifice some performance and durability for lower prices. For casual woodworkers who use tools occasionally, Ryobi offers good value. For professionals, serious hobbyists, or anyone working regularly with hardwoods, Ryobi’s limitations become frustrating. The brand’s strength is price and battery platform compatibility—if you own multiple Ryobi tools, staying in the platform makes economic sense despite performance compromises.
Final Verdict
The Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLRR01B is exactly what you’d expect from a $129 cordless router: functional but limited. It includes modern features (brushless motor, variable speed) and useful accessories (edge guide, dust chute), making it the most affordable entry into quality cordless routing. But the performance gap is noticeable, especially when it comes to power.
The Ryobi makes sense for three specific groups: buyers for whom $129 vs $179+ is a meaningful difference, people locked into Ryobi’s battery platform, and upgraders from older Ryobi routers. If none of those apply, spending $20-70 more gets you dramatically better performance that will serve you longer.
Ryobi delivered a functional budget router. Just understand what you’re getting—and more importantly, what you’re not getting—at this price point.
👉 Check current price on the Ryobi PBLRR01B here