The 5 Best Toolboxes of 2025
In 2025, we tested the Decked Sixer 16 and the Decked Halfrack 32. These weather-proof boxes are made of thick, impact-resistant polymer. They have thick gasketing at the lids and pressure venting in case of an elevation change. The downsides are that they offer little to no compartmentalization for hand tools, and they’re quite expensive, with the smaller Sixer 16 typically selling for about $90. These durable boxes would be good for a lot of things, but there are better options when it comes to hand tools.
We tested the Stanley STST16410 16 in. Toolbox. At around $25, it’s a decent bargain and it’s a solid enough version of the basic plastic toolbox. While it feels a little more durable than the Black+Decker we recommend, with only two small organizers and a tray, it lacks the compartmentalization and versatility.
Veto Pro Pac has a wide variety of other tool bags, ranging from large, wheeled bags, like the Tech XL Wheeler to smaller pouches, like the MPMX, which can be hung off a belt. Their LC Compact Tool Bag is a smaller version of our pick and even smaller is the MC Compact Tool Bag. They also offer open-top versions of their bags as well as a variety of backpack options. We’ve used quite a few Veto Pro Pac items over the years and are consistently impressed with their function and durability. Although expensive, they’ve proven to be exceptional, long-lasting items that can provide decades of reliable use.
We did test a few modular components that we thought could be used as individual toolboxes. The Milwaukee Packout Compact Toolbox is a nice, sturdy box, and we like that it can attach itself to the rest of the Milwaukee system, like the Packout Organizer. The downside is that it doesn’t offer much in the way of hand-tool organization.
The Milwaukee Packout Backpack is loaded with smart storage options, and it can click into other Packout accessories. At around $130, it’s pricey compared with our Klein Tools pick, and because the front doesn’t open up as far, it’s harder to work out of.
We liked the well-built DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 Compact Tool Bag, but it’s a little small for our needs and designed with a focus on a contractor, with a protected area for a laptop and phone.
The DeWalt ToughSystem 2.0 Jobsite Tool Bag is very large and consists mostly of one single compartment. It’s not the right item for organized hand tools, but if you’re looking to keep a few cordless tools together, it’s a nice option.
The DeWalt TSTAK I – Long Handle is another item that offers both compartmentalized storage and a larger bin underneath. But as is the case with most other toolboxes like this, tools end up in a disorganized pile. The smaller, compartmentalized storage is better on the Black+Decker box we recommend.
The Craftsman 20-in Plastic Toolbox offers no-frills, zero-organization tool storage. We like that it’s inexpensive and pretty durable, but it’s not a great option for a primary toolbox. However, if you’re looking for a way to store a bunch of supplies or parts for short money, we would recommend this box.
The DeWalt 24″ Tote With Power Tool Case is a two-part setup like the Black+Decker, and a solid option for someone looking to store a few larger items. Unfortunately, the single basin of the lower box offers no organization.
The Custom LeatherCraft 1539 18″ Multi-Compartment Tool Carrier, a previous pick, is a nice tool bag, but it lacks many of the finer points that make the Crescent bags so successful. It has no rubber bottom, it’s floppy, and it doesn’t have the solid feel of our picks.
The Eliauk Portable Aluminum Tool Box has two drawers and an upper bin area. The more-polished look doesn’t offset the fact that it’s not that large, and the whole thing has a cheap feel to it.
There is nothing that makes the Husky 16 in. Pro Tool Backpack or the Husky 16 in. Tool Backpack stand out against the competition. Neither one has much to offer, even at the lower cost.
The Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Tool Bag Backpack is priced about the same as our recommended backpack and shares many of its features, but it’s a little more cramped, and the front doesn’t open up as easily.
We’ve looked at many toolboxes that offer the single basin and the removable tray. None of them have any features that offset the overall inconvenience of a heap of tools. These models include the DeWalt One Touch Toolbox and the 28-inch Stanley FatMax Structural Foam Toolbox.
We did not consider any open-top designs, such as the Custom LeatherCraft 1528 11″ Electrical & Maintenance Tool Carrier or the Klein Tools Tradesman Pro Tool Tote.
Bucket liners, like the Bucket Boss 10030, offer a good amount of vertical storage but are tough to store and carry. Plus, it’s easy to lose tools at the bottom of the bucket.
This article was edited by Harry Sawyers.
