Battery Platform Comparison
Seven platforms, one table. Pick the ecosystem that fits how you work.
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At a Glance
| Platform | Voltage | Tools Listed | Price Range | Best For | Battery Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt 20V MAX | 20V | 13 | $80-$200 | General Contractors | 2.0 Ah to 6.0 Ah |
| Milwaukee M18 | 18V | 14 | $100-$250 | Trade Specialists | 2.0 Ah to 12.0 Ah |
| Milwaukee M12 | 12V | 12 | $60-$200 | Compact Platform | 1.5 Ah to 5.0 Ah |
| Makita 18V LXT | 18V | 14 | $80-$220 | 2.0 Ah to 4.0 Ah (40V) | |
| Ryobi ONE+ 18V | 18V | 13 | $30-$150 | Homeowners on a Budget | 1.5 Ah to 4.0 Ah HP |
| Bosch 18V | 18V | 12 | $90-$250 | Woodworkers | 4.0 Ah to 12.0 Ah |
| EGO 56V ARC Lithium | 56V | 12 | $150-$800, | Yard Work | 2.5 Ah to 10.0 Ah |
| Metabo HPT MultiVolt 36V | 36V | 13 | $130-$450 | 2.5 Ah (36V) / 5.0 Ah (18V) |
Our Recommendations
Lowest prices, widest tool selection, and the 6-tool combo kit covers most home projects for $299. You give up build quality and durability compared to pro brands, but for weekend use the tools hold up.
Broadest tool selection of the pro brands, aggressive Home Depot bundle pricing, and the FLEXVOLT upgrade path means one battery platform handles everything from trim to concrete.
No other platform goes as deep into plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and concrete. If your work is specialized, Milwaukee probably makes a tool for it that nobody else does.
Unmatched lineup of one-handed tools, ratchets, and inspection equipment. For electricians, HVAC techs, and automotive work in tight spaces, M12 is the platform nothing else replaces.
KickBack Control, vibration dampening, wireless dust extraction, and the PROFACTOR track saw set Bosch apart for precision woodworking. Smaller catalog, but what they make is refined.
Purpose-built for outdoor power equipment. The 56V motors match gas performance without the noise, exhaust, or pull-start hassle. One mower battery runs the whole yard tool collection.
Battery Compatibility Notes
DeWalt 20V MAX
All DeWalt 20V MAX batteries fit all 20V MAX tools. FLEXVOLT 60V batteries also work in 20V MAX tools at 20V. The 12V MAX line uses different batteries and is not cross-compatible. Chargers are shared between 20V MAX and FLEXVOLT.
Milwaukee M18
Every M18 battery fits every M18 tool, going back to the original 2008 tools. HIGH OUTPUT batteries work in older tools (they just provide longer runtime, not higher performance). M12 batteries are a different platform and do not fit M18 tools. The MX FUEL line (construction equipment) is a third separate platform.
Milwaukee M12
All M12 batteries fit all M12 tools. M12 and M18 are separate platforms with different battery connections. You cannot put an M12 battery in an M18 tool or vice versa. Milwaukee sells M12/M18 combo chargers (48-59-1812) so you can charge both from one station.
Makita 18V LXT
All Makita 18V LXT batteries fit all 18V LXT tools. The 18V X2 tools use two LXT batteries simultaneously for 36V power. The 40V MAX XGT platform is a separate, incompatible system. Makita also sells an 18V-to-40V adapter (ADP10) but it only provides physical mounting, not voltage conversion.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V
Every Ryobi ONE+ battery (including old NiCad packs) physically fits every ONE+ tool. HP batteries provide extra performance only in HP brushless tools but still work normally in standard tools. The 40V HP platform (yard tools) is a separate system. ONE+ batteries do not fit 40V tools.
Bosch 18V
All Bosch 18V batteries fit all Bosch 18V tools, including PROFACTOR tools. CORE18V batteries provide better performance in PROFACTOR tools because of higher discharge rates, but standard batteries still work. Bosch also makes a 12V platform (not cross-compatible) and the BITURBO 18V tools that specifically require CORE18V batteries for full performance.
EGO 56V ARC Lithium
All EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries fit all EGO 56V tools. The Z6 riding mower uses four standard batteries simultaneously. EGO does not make power tools (drills, saws, etc.), so cross-compatibility with indoor platforms is not applicable. EGO batteries do not fit any other brand.
Metabo HPT MultiVolt 36V
MultiVolt batteries are dual-voltage: they run at 36V in 36V tools and at 18V in 18V Metabo HPT tools. The switching is automatic and requires no adapter. Older 18V-only batteries do NOT work in 36V tools because they cannot deliver the higher voltage. If you own 18V Metabo HPT tools, buying MultiVolt batteries upgrades both platforms at once. The charger handles both battery types.
Try Before You Commit
A battery platform is a long-term investment. Before locking in, borrow tools from friends who own different platforms. Hold them, use them, see how the batteries swap. Spec sheets do not capture ergonomics.
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