I find it depends on the job. I have a Ryobi that I use for stripping computers and it is great. But when I am turning 3" screws through cabinets and into studs or drilling a 2" hole in an inch and a half countertop, it just does not have the guts. My Dewalt, purchased more than 20 years ago does and yes it eats batteries, although I have generally gotten more like 3-4 years out of the batteries.