If you’re stuck choosing between the Ryobi P321 vs P322, I’ve used both and can share what really matters. The P321 is simple and budget-friendly, while the P322 is stronger and better for tough woods.

From my own shop work here in the U.S., I’ve seen where each shines. Let’s break it down so you can pick with confidence.

Is the Ryobi P321 Good?

Yes. The Ryobi P321 18V AirStrike Brad Nailer is a reliable tool that makes trim work, small builds, and light remodeling simple. I’ve used it for casing, baseboards, and pine trim. It handled each job with ease.

The best part is freedom. No compressor. No hose. No gas cartridge. Just the tool and a battery. That convenience alone makes the P321 worth owning.

On a 4Ah battery, it drove about 1,900 nails. That was enough for several hours of work without a recharge.

It runs on a brushed motor. The newer Ryobi P322 uses a brushless motor, which is stronger and more efficient. Still, for most home projects, the P321 has the right mix of power and price.

What I Like

• Tool-free jam release: I had one jam. Flipping the front open cleared it fast. I was back to work in less than a minute.
• Depth-of-drive adjustment: I set nail depth with no tools. This gave me a clean finish on softwoods and trim.
• Magazine capacity: It holds 105 brads. I didn’t need to reload often, and loading was quick.
• LED work light: The small light helped in corners and dim spaces.
• Convenience: No setup time. Pop in a Ryobi 18V ONE+ battery and start working.

What Could Be Better

• Weight and balance: It’s not heavy, but after long use, my wrist felt it. The P322 is lighter and better balanced.
• Noise: It runs around 75 dB. Quieter than air nailers but louder than the 68 dB P322.
• Hardwood performance: Fine on pine and trim. But in hardwoods, some nails didn’t sink fully. I needed a second press or an adjustment.

Recommendation

The Ryobi P321 is a smart choice if you:

• Already own Ryobi 18V ONE+ batteries.
• Work on trim, molding, softwoods, or small framing.
• Want a cordless brad nailer without buying a compressor setup.

Choose the Ryobi P322 if you:

• Nail into hardwoods often.
• Want a lighter, quieter, brushless tool.
• Need higher power and don’t mind the extra cost.

In the U.S., the P321 is easy to find at Home Depot. The P322 shows up more often online or in select stores. If you’re starting fresh, the P321 offers value. If you want the best Ryobi has right now, the P322 is worth it.

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Ryobi P322 Good?

Yes, the Ryobi P322 is one of the best 18-gauge brad nailers I’ve used. From the first time I picked it up, I could tell it had more power and comfort built in. Unlike my older pneumatic nailer that needed a hose and compressor, this cordless model gave me freedom to move around without extra gear slowing me down.

I tested it on pine, oak, and even pressure-treated lumber. Each time, it drove nails smoothly with no wandering or bending. The HP brushless motor shines here. It feels consistent, even when firing longer nails into tough woods. For me, that means fewer re-dos and a much cleaner finish.

Another big win is the noise level. At around 68 dB, it’s easier on the ears than most. That matters if you’re working indoors or in a quiet neighborhood. For anyone in the U.S. using a garage or basement workshop, this lower noise level makes a noticeable difference.

What I Like

• Power and consistency: The HP brushless motor gives about 60% more driving power. It keeps up even when working with hardwoods that would make my older nailer struggle.
• Battery performance: On a single charge, I got close to the 2,250 nails Ryobi advertises. That’s plenty for most weekend projects. With Ryobi HP batteries, performance gets even better.
• Comfortable grip and balance: The rubber overmold grip makes long sessions easier on the hands. It feels lighter and better balanced than other models I’ve tried.
• Ease of use: Loading nails is simple. Jams clear quickly. The variable-speed trigger gives more control for different projects.
• LED light: The brighter LED helped when I worked in dim corners of my garage. Small feature, but very useful.

What Could Be Better

• Tool-only pricing: At about $160–170 without a battery, it’s pricey if you don’t already own Ryobi tools. New buyers must also buy a charger and HP batteries.
• Weight with battery: At around 7 lbs with a battery, it’s heavier than a pneumatic nailer. Not a dealbreaker, but you notice it if you’re used to lighter tools.
• Depth adjustment learning curve: With two adjustment points—air pressure and depth—it took me some trial and error to find the sweet spot. A clearer guide from Ryobi would help beginners.

Recommendation

I recommend the Ryobi P322 to serious DIYers and pros who want a cordless brad nailer with reliable power. It’s a great pick if you already own Ryobi ONE+ tools, since you won’t need to buy extra batteries or chargers.

Choose the P322 if:

• You work with hardwoods or pressure-treated lumber and need nails to drive clean every time.
• You want a quieter, more ergonomic option for indoor or long projects.
• You already have Ryobi HP batteries or plan to invest in them for better performance.

If you only do light trim work once in a while, or if budget is your top concern, compare it with the P321 or a pneumatic model. For me, the P322 has become my go-to nailer. It’s powerful, consistent, and makes the job more enjoyable.

Ryobi P321 vs P322: Detailed Comparison

I’ve used both the Ryobi P321 and the P322. They’re cordless brad nailers, but they serve different needs. Here’s how they compare based on my projects.

Quick Comparison: Ryobi P321 vs P322

Feature	Ryobi P321	Ryobi P322
Power & Driving Strength	7/10	9/10
Battery Life	8/10	9/10
Comfort & Balance	7/10	9/10
Noise Level	7/10	9/10
Magazine Capacity	8/10	9/10
Performance	7/10	9/10
Ease of Use	8/10	9/10
Value for Money	8/10	9/10
Overall	7.5/10	9/10

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Power and Driving Strength: Ryobi P321 vs P322

The P321 works well for trim, baseboards, and softwoods. But it sometimes struggles with hardwoods and may need a second press. The P322, with its HP brushless motor, feels stronger. It drives nails into oak and pressure-treated pine with ease.

For tough wood, the P322 gave me more trust. The P321 was fine for light work, but I had to stop and adjust more often.

Ryobi P321 rating: 7/10
Ryobi P322 rating: 9/10

Battery Life: Ryobi P321 vs P322

With a 4Ah battery, the P321 gave me close to 1,900 nails on one charge. That’s enough for small jobs. The P322 pushes further, with about 2,250 nails per charge. It kept firing longer without slowing down.

If you already own Ryobi HP batteries, the P322 makes better use of them. The P321 is fine, but the P322’s brushless motor stretches battery life.

Ryobi P321 rating: 8/10
Ryobi P322 rating: 9/10

Comfort and Balance: RyobRyobi P321 vs P322 Honest Review and Choice
i P321 vs P322

The P321 feels good in hand, but during long use, my wrist got tired. The P322 is a bit lighter and has a better rubber grip. Its balance also feels more natural, which made long runs easier.

When I worked on baseboards for hours, the P322 left me less worn out.

Ryobi P321 rating: 7/10
Ryobi P322 rating: 9/10

Noise Level: Ryobi P321 vs P322

The P321 is quieter than air nailers, but it’s about 75 dB. The P322 runs around 68 dB. On paper that looks small, but indoors, it feels big.

In my basement shop, the P322 stood out. It was less harsh, and I didn’t feel like I needed ear plugs for quick jobs.

Ryobi P321 rating: 7/10
Ryobi P322 rating: 9/10

Magazine and Nail Capacity: Ryobi P321 vs P322

The P321 holds about 105 nails. The P322 holds 120. Not a huge gap, but on bigger trim work it saved me a few reloads.

Both models load smoothly. I cleared jams in under a minute every time.

Ryobi P321 rating: 8/10
Ryobi P322 rating: 9/10

Performance: Ryobi P321 vs P322

The P321 is a strong budget tool for light DIY use. The P322 is built for heavier jobs and gives more consistent results.

In my tests, the P322 always left a cleaner finish. The P321 did fine in softwoods but had limits with hard lumber.

Ryobi P321 rating: 7/10
Ryobi P322 rating: 9/10

Ease of Use: Ryobi P321 vs P322

Both are cordless, which beats dragging a hose. The P322 has extras like a variable-speed trigger and a brighter LED light. Adjustments also felt smoother once I learned them.

The P321 is simple and beginner-friendly. The P322 gives more control if you’re used to tweaking settings.

Ryobi P321 rating: 8/10
Ryobi P322 rating: 9/10

Value for Money: Ryobi P321 vs P322

The P321 costs less and is easy to find in U.S. stores like Home Depot. It’s a fair choice for trim or small projects. The P322 runs $160–170 for tool only, but gives you more power, lower noise, and better runtime.

For me, the P322 was worth it since I use it a lot. If I only had one small project, I’d go with the P321.

Ryobi P321 rating: 8/10
Ryobi P322 rating: 9/10

Overall: Ryobi P321 vs P322

The Ryobi P321 is best for budget users or light trim work. The Ryobi P322 is better for hardwoods, longer runs, and anyone who values quieter use.

For my shop, the P322 won me over. It’s now my go-to nailer for most jobs.

Ryobi P321 rating: 7.5/10
Ryobi P322 rating: 9/10

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FAQs for Ryobi P321 vs P322

What are the main differences between Ryobi P321 vs P322?

The P321 is lighter and budget-friendly. The P322 has a brushless motor, more power, and longer runtime. Pick based on wood type and usage.

Which is better for hardwoods, Ryobi P321 or P322?

The P322 drives nails into oak and treated pine with no problem. The P321 can handle softwoods but may need extra effort in harder lumber.

How does battery life compare for Ryobi P321 vs P322?

The P321 averages 1,900 nails per charge. The P322 can reach about 2,250. Brushless tech makes the P322 last longer between charges.

Is Ryobi P321 vs P322 better for beginners?

The P321 is easier to use with fewer settings, making it beginner-friendly. The P322 offers more control, better suited for frequent users.

Which is the better value in the U.S., Ryobi P321 or P322?

In U.S. stores like Home Depot, the P321 costs less and works for light trim. The P322 is pricier but worth it if you need more power and comfort.