Ryobi P514 vs. P515: Which One’s Best?

The Ryobi P514 and P515 are nearly identical reciprocating saws. They both offer superior power and convenience, and their descriptions are virtually identical. So, which one is best? Simply looking at the description makes the answer to this question unclear.

Simply put, these two reciprocating saws offer the exact same features, power, and functionality. However, the P515 is more affordable and lightweight, making it the better of the two options.

To find out more about how these two products are virtually identical or how the P515 stands out against the P514, read on. This article gives you a comprehensive overview of the two products and how they compare to one another.

At a Glance

Let’s look at the key points of each product.

Overview of the Ryobi P514

The Ryobi P514 is an affordable, convenient, and high performing reciprocating saw within the Ryobi One+ system. From its tool-less blade changing to the non-slipping handle, the Ryobi P514 is a tool that can easily saw through many materials with little to no extra hassle on your part.

This model is extremely convenient and comfortable to use. It includes a non-slip handle because of the rubber grip. This allows you to safely hold the reciprocating saw during use. The handle is also anti-vibration, which prevents fatigue by absorbing shock.

As for cutting power, the Ryobi P514 can make 0 to 3100 strokes per minute all by the power of the Ryobi batteries. This provides a variety of smooth cutting operations for different jobs. The fact that this reciprocating saw can saw through so many materials on battery operation makes it convenient and powerful.

The Ryobi P514 is also safe. It comes with a tool-less blade changing mechanism. This allows you to swap out blades without the need of extra tools. This makes changing tools faster, more convenient, and safer.

All around, the Ryobi P514 is highly convenient, easy to use, and powerful. It comes with several design and functional features that make it a superior reciprocating saw for both professionals and amateur users.

Overview of the Ryobi P515

In many ways, the Ryobi P515 is identical to the P514. In fact, this model is virtually the same, making it difficult to know why Ryobi made two different reciprocating saws. To put it simply, the Ryobi P515 is the same as the P514 with the exception of price and weight.

As for the features, the Ryobi P515 is identical to the P514. For example, it comes with quick blade changes, an anti-vibration handle, rubber over mold, and it is compatible with the Ryobi One+ system. This makes the P515 similar to the P514 in many ways.

The Ryobi P515 also performs the same as the P514. For example, the motor can alternate between 0 to 3100 reciprocations per minute. Once again, this variable speed allows you to get the power and speed depending on the exact job.

Despite having virtually the exact same features and cutting abilities, the Ryobi P515 is slightly lighter. This lightweight will make the Ryobi P515 easier to use and prevent fatigue while using the tool.

At the same time, the Ryobi P515 is more affordable than the P514. Though you might be able to find a P514 on sale every now and then, the P515 is almost always cheaper, yet it still offers the exact same features and powers as the P514.

Just like the Ryobi P514, the P515 is a highly convenient, powerful, and safe reciprocating saw. For basically the same features and power, the Ryobi P515 offers a more affordable price and more lightweight design, making it better for a variety of users.

What are the differences between them?

Performance

Edge: Neither

Both the Ryobi P514 and Ryobi P515 offer the same cutting power and features. For this reason, neither performs better than the other. Instead, both reciprocating saws provide highly impressive, powerful, and convenient sawing abilities.

Durability

Edge: Neither

Both the Ryobi P514 and P515 are highly impressive in terms of durability. Ryobi only puts out materials and products that are highly durable and long lasting. Both of these products should last you a long time, especially if you use them as directed.

Design

Edge: Ryobi P515

Design is really the only feature that separates the Ryobi P514 from the P515. Design wise, the two reciprocating saws are similar in that they have a rubberized mold, shock absorption, and a convenient hold. This makes both models comfortable and easy to use.

The two models differ, however, in weight. The Ryobi P515 is smaller than the P514. Though this may seem like a small issue, it will make your job much easier, especially if you are sawing for long periods of time.

Price

Edge: Ryobi P515

Price is one of the few ways in which the two Ryobi reciprocating saws differ from one another. The Ryobi P515 is more affordable than the P514. This is an incredibly important distinction since the two reciprocating saws offer the same features and sawing abilities.

Whereas price often times denotes lesser performance abilities, the price does not denote the same thing for these Ryobi reciprocating saws. In contrast, the P515 provides the exact same cutting performance ability at a lower price.

What the Users Say

In addition to our own research, we looked to see what other users thought about these products. As we assumed, the reviews for both of these products are nearly identical, with their overall user rating being the exact same. This is what we found about both products:

Ryobi P514

Users love the Ryobi P514. The words “durable,” “good quality,” and “powerful” were used often to describe this reciprocating saw. The fact that the saw was both affordable and good quality made it a hit among users.

The comfortability and multi-purpose nature of this reciprocating saw were also frequently praised. Many users claimed that the handle did a great job at combatting fatigue and vibrations during use.

Overall, reviews were positive, but there were a few drawbacks. Most notably, several users noted that the battery life was short. This is a bit disheartening since it is supposed to be unique, based on the Ryobi One+ system.

Another drawback of this model is that its cordless design means that it is not as powerful as some users needed. Although this is a drawback if you need a lot of power, it is to be an expected issue with any cordless design tool.

Ryobi P515

In many ways, the Ryobi P515 had the exact same reviews as the P514. The biggest positive of this tool was its price. Several users noted that it practically pays for itself after one use. This makes it highly affordable. We completely agree with this benefit.

Users were also impressed by the usability of this product. People found it incredibly easy to use and long lasting. This, paired with its price, made it completely worth the payment. Once again, this is a positive we saw coming.

Just as with the P514, the P515 is not as powerful as corded models. This is to be expected, and those with intense sawing needs may need a corded model instead.

Conclusion

Overall, the Ryobi P514 and Ryobi P515 are identical in terms of performance and durability. However, we believe that the Ryobi P515 is the better of the two options purely because it offers the exact same features and functions at a lower price and lighter weight. This makes the model more affordable and convenient, in addition to its exact same power and function.