Should You Buy a Tool Combo Kit or Build Your Own Set?

If you’re gearing up for home projects, one of the first questions is the classic debate: tool combo kit or build your own set — should you grab a bundled set or piece your setup together one tool at a time?

The answer? It depends. We’ll break down the real pros and cons, who should go with a kit, and when it makes more sense to build your own collection.

Plus, we’ll show you a few kits that are actually worth buying — and how to tell if one’s not.

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✅ The Case for Combo Kits

A quality combo kit gets you working faster, with matched tools that share batteries and chargers.

Why it makes sense:

• Saves money — Kits are usually cheaper than buying each tool separately
• Same battery system — All tools run on the same platform
• Includes basics — Drill, impact driver, saw, light, and charger
• Fast setup — You can go from zero to job-ready in one box

Combo kits are great if:

• You’re moving into a new home and starting from scratch
• You need multiple tools right away
• You want to stick to one brand/platform

But not all kits are created equal. Some include filler tools you’ll never use — or cheap versions that don’t hold up.

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❌ When Combo Kits Aren’t Worth It

Sometimes, buying a combo kit just doesn’t make sense — especially if you already own some tools or want higher-end performance.

Why you might skip the kit:

• Limited choice — You’re stuck with what’s in the box
• Filler tools — Many kits include low-value tools (flashlights, plastic oscillating tools, etc.)
• Not always pro-grade — Budget kits often cut corners on power and build

Skip the kit if:

• You already own a few cordless tools from another brand
• You want to build a higher-end setup over time
• You prefer to hand-pick specific tools for your projects

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Middle Ground: Buy a Small Kit, Then Add-On

A smart move for many DIYers is to buy a solid 2- or 3-tool kit, then add only what you need later.

This gives you the battery + charger + core tools at a discount, while letting you expand with better-quality specialty tools over time.

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How to Spot a Combo Kit That’s Not Worth It

Before you hit “buy,” check for these signs that a combo kit might be more fluff than function:

• Filler tools you won’t use — like weak flashlights, duplicate screwdrivers, or random gadgets
• Only 1 battery included — not enough if you’re using multiple tools back-to-back
• No real savings — sometimes it costs the same (or more) than buying tools separately
• Poor reviews or underpowered tools — especially on saws and drills
• No case or charger — a “kit” without basics isn’t much of a deal

If a kit looks like a bargain but leaves you needing more parts just to use it, it’s probably not the right call.

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Best Tool Combo Kits Worth Buying in 2025

Here are three kits we actually recommend — based on value, battery platform, and tool quality.

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✅ Best Overall Value

DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless 5-Tool Combo Kit

• Includes drill, impact driver, circular saw, work light, and reciprocating saw
• Powerful 20V MAX batteries (2 included)
• Solid mid-range performance — good for most DIY projects

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✅ Best Compact Home Kit

RYOBI 18V ONE+ 6-Tool Kit

• Great for apartment, condo, or first-home projects
• Includes drill, impact driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, multi-tool, and light
• Lightweight tools, same battery as all RYOBI ONE+ gear
• Often comes with a bag and charger

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✅ Best Pro-Grade Starter Set

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2-Tool Combo Kit (Drill + Impact)

• Extremely durable and powerful
• Includes M18 brushless tools with long runtime
• Perfect base for a long-term pro setup
• Add other M18 tools as you grow

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Final Word: Which Should You Do?

If you’re still deciding between a tool combo kit vs buying separate tools, here’s what makes sense for real-world DIYers. — go with a combo kit. Choose one with tools you’ll actually use and batteries you can expand on.

If you’ve already got a couple of good tools, or want to build a top-tier setup over time, skip the big kits and piece together exactly what you want.

Need help deciding? Hit our Tools We Recommend page — or drop us a message.

Here’s how the top cordless brands actually stack up when you put them to work.