Milwaukee vs DeWalt vs Makita vs Bosch vs Ryobi: Battery Platforms Compared (2026)

Choosing a cordless tool platform in 2026 is not really about the tools. It is about the batteries. Once you buy into a battery system, you are committed for years — your chargers, your spare packs, your entire collection of bare tools all ride on that decision. Switching platforms later means starting from scratch.

The good news: every major brand has been in a cell technology arms race since 2023, and the batteries you can buy today are significantly better than what was available even two years ago. Tabless cells, pouch cells, active thermal management — these are not marketing buzzwords. They represent real engineering improvements that deliver more power, faster charging, and longer battery life. For a deep dive into how these technologies actually work, read our companion article: Power Tool Battery Technology Explained.

This guide breaks down every major battery platform — Milwaukee M18, DeWalt 20V MAX, Makita LXT/XGT, Bosch CORE18V, Ryobi ONE+, and Craftsman V20 — with honest assessments of where each brand stands in February 2026. No brand loyalty, no fanboy takes. Just the facts and real-world trade-offs to help you pick the right ecosystem for your shop.

Quick Comparison — At a Glance

Brand	Platform	Tools	Latest Cell Tech	Max Capacity	Tabless?	Where to Buy
Milwaukee	M18 REDLITHIUM	275+	FORGE (tabless 21700 + pouch)	12.0Ah	Yes	Home Depot
DeWalt	20V MAX	300+	XR POWERPACK (tabless 21700)	15.0Ah (FLEXVOLT)	Yes	Amazon, HD, Lowe’s
Makita	18V LXT / 40V XGT	300+ (combined)	XGT tabless (BL4040F)	8.0Ah (XGT)	Yes (XGT only)	Amazon, HD
Bosch	CORE18V / PROFACTOR	75+	EXPERT (tabless 21700)	12.0Ah	Yes	Amazon, Lowe’s
Ryobi	ONE+ / ONE+ HP	300+	HP Edge (tabless 21700)	9.0Ah	Yes	Home Depot
Craftsman	V20	100+	21700 (limited)	5.0Ah (V20)	No	Lowe’s, Amazon

All platforms use 18V nominal voltage regardless of marketing names (20V MAX, M18, ONE+). Tool counts are approximate as of February 2026.

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Milwaukee M18 REDLITHIUM

Milwaukee’s M18 platform is the gold standard for professional tradespeople and serious DIYers. With 275+ tools on a single battery system and the most aggressive battery technology roadmap in the industry, Milwaukee has earned its reputation as the platform that never holds you back.

The real story in 2026 is FORGE. Milwaukee launched three FORGE batteries — the XC6.0, XC8.0, and HD12.0 — that use a combination of pouch cells and tabless 21700 cells. The pouch-cell XC6.0 is the standout: it delivers HIGH OUTPUT power levels in a compact form factor that fits comfortably on a drill. The tabless 21700 packs (XC8.0 and HD12.0) are built for sustained high-draw tools like grinders and circular saws. If you have ever run an M18 grinder and felt the battery sag under load, FORGE eliminates that.

Milwaukee’s REDLINK PLUS system is the most sophisticated battery management on the market. The battery, tool, and charger all communicate in real-time — the tool adjusts its power draw based on battery temperature and state of charge, while the COOL-CYCLE charger actively cools cells between charges. This extends battery life significantly compared to brands that just charge and hope for the best.

The catch? You are locked into Home Depot. Milwaukee is a Home Depot exclusive, which means no Amazon deals, no Lowe’s sales, and no price competition between retailers. You pay what Home Depot charges. For most pros, that is a minor annoyance. For deal-hunting DIYers, it is a real limitation.

Milwaukee M18 Battery Lineup

Battery	Capacity	Cell Type	Tier	Best For
M18 CP2.0	2.0Ah	18650 / small 21700	Standard	Lightweight tasks, overhead work
M18 CP3.0	3.0Ah	18650 / small 21700	Standard	General use, balanced weight
M18 HIGH OUTPUT XC6.0	6.0Ah	21700	HIGH OUTPUT	High-draw tools, sustained use
M18 HIGH OUTPUT XC8.0	8.0Ah	21700	HIGH OUTPUT	Grinders, circular saws
M18 HIGH OUTPUT HD12.0	12.0Ah	21700	HIGH OUTPUT	Maximum runtime, concrete tools
M18 FORGE XC6.0	6.0Ah	Pouch cells	FORGE	Compact high-output (drills, impacts)
M18 FORGE XC8.0	8.0Ah	Tabless 21700	FORGE	Premium sustained power
M18 FORGE HD12.0	12.0Ah	Tabless 21700	FORGE	Maximum power + runtime

Backward compatibility: Every M18 battery — from the original packs released in 2008 to the latest FORGE cells — works in every M18 tool. No exceptions.

Best value battery: Milwaukee 48-11-1850 M18 HIGH OUTPUT XC5.0 — the sweet spot between price, weight, and performance for most M18 tools.

Who should choose Milwaukee: Professional tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs) who need the widest selection of professional-grade tools and do not mind Home Depot exclusivity. If your livelihood depends on your tools, Milwaukee is the safest bet. Also check out our Milwaukee vs DeWalt head-to-head comparison if you are deciding between the two.

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DeWalt 20V MAX

DeWalt’s 20V MAX platform wins on two fronts: the widest retail availability of any brand (Amazon, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and more) and the most simultaneous battery technologies running at once. That second point is both a strength and a source of endless confusion.

Let us clear up the naming mess. DeWalt currently sells four distinct battery lines under the 20V MAX umbrella:

• Standard 20V MAX — Your basic 18650 and 21700 packs (1.3Ah to 5.0Ah). Reliable, affordable, and what most DIYers need.
• XR POWERSTACK — Pouch cell technology in a compact form factor. The 5.0Ah POWERSTACK is roughly the size of a traditional 2.0Ah pack. These were originally called POWERSTACK, then rebranded to XR POWERSTACK. They are NOT discontinued — just renamed.
• XR POWERPACK — Tabless 21700 cells, launched June 2024. This is DeWalt’s answer to Milwaukee FORGE. Higher sustained power, better thermal performance.
• FLEXVOLT — Dual-voltage batteries (20V/60V) that automatically switch voltage based on the tool. The 6.0Ah to 15.0Ah range enables corded-power performance in tools like table saws and miter saws.

Yes, that is four battery technologies coexisting on one platform. The engineering is impressive. The marketing is a disaster. But here is what matters: every single one of those batteries works in every 20V MAX tool. Full backward and forward compatibility. FLEXVOLT batteries even work in standard 20V MAX tools (they just run at 20V).

DeWalt’s battery management is simpler than Milwaukee’s — the intelligence sits in the battery pack itself rather than requiring three-way communication. Each pack has its own fuel gauge with runtime estimation, and the ventilated housing design uses strategic cell spacing for passive cooling. It works, but it is not as sophisticated as REDLINK PLUS.

DeWalt 20V MAX Battery Lineup

Battery	Capacity	Cell Type	Line	Best For
DCB203 20V MAX	2.0Ah	18650	Standard	Light-duty, compact tools
DCB205 20V MAX	5.0Ah	18650/21700	Standard	General use workhorse
DCBP034 XR POWERSTACK	5.0Ah	Pouch cells	POWERSTACK	Compact high-output
XR POWERPACK	5.0-8.0Ah	Tabless 21700	POWERPACK	Maximum sustained power
DCB606 FLEXVOLT	6.0Ah	21700	FLEXVOLT	Dual-voltage 20V/60V tools
DCB615 FLEXVOLT	15.0Ah	21700	FLEXVOLT	Table saws, miter saws

Backward compatibility: All 20V MAX batteries work in all 20V MAX tools. FLEXVOLT batteries are backward compatible with 20V MAX tools (running at 20V). FLEXVOLT tools require FLEXVOLT batteries to access 60V mode.

Best value batteries:

• DeWalt DCB205 20V MAX 5.0Ah — The everyday workhorse. Good capacity, reasonable price, fits every 20V MAX tool.
• DeWalt DCBP034 POWERSTACK 5.0Ah — If you want compact power, this pouch-cell pack punches way above its size class.
• DeWalt DCB606 FLEXVOLT 6.0Ah — Essential if you own any 60V tools. Works great as a standard 20V pack too.

Who should choose DeWalt: DIYers and pros who want the widest retail availability and price competition. If you like hunting for deals across Amazon, Home Depot, and Lowe’s, DeWalt gives you the most options. FLEXVOLT is also a compelling reason — no other brand lets you run a full-size table saw on battery power as effectively.

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Makita 18V LXT and 40V XGT

Makita takes a fundamentally different approach from every other brand on this list: two separate, incompatible battery platforms running side by side. The 18V LXT is the legacy platform with 200+ tools, and the 40V XGT is the premium platform with 100+ tools and counting. There is no adapter between them. This is intentional.

The 18V LXT lineup is staying around long-term — Makita has publicly committed to continuing development. For woodworkers and general contractors who do not need maximum power, LXT remains excellent. The batteries use traditional 18650 cells, which means they are affordable, widely available, and proven reliable. The BL1850B 5.0Ah is one of the best values in the power tool battery market.

The 40V XGT platform is where Makita’s engineering ambition shows. XGT tools are genuinely more powerful — we are talking corded-tool performance from tools like the XGT circular saw and rotary hammer. The XGT BL4040F (4.0Ah tabless 21700, launched 2025) is Makita’s first tabless battery and it delivers noticeably faster charge times and better sustained output than the standard XGT packs.

Makita’s Star Protection BMS deserves special mention. It uses a UART protocol running at 9600 bps for bidirectional communication between the battery, tool, and charger. This is arguably the most technically advanced battery management system on the market — it monitors individual cell voltages, temperatures, and charge cycles in real-time. The fan-cooled rapid chargers (DC18RD for LXT, DC40RA for XGT) are also best-in-class for charge speed.

Makita Battery Lineup

Battery	Capacity	Cell Type	Platform	Best For
BL1820B	2.0Ah	18650	18V LXT	Lightweight tasks
BL1850B	5.0Ah	18650	18V LXT	Best value LXT pack
BL1860B	6.0Ah	18650	18V LXT	Maximum LXT runtime
BL4025	2.5Ah	21700	40V XGT	Compact XGT tasks
BL4040	4.0Ah	21700	40V XGT	General XGT use
BL4040F	4.0Ah	Tabless 21700	40V XGT	Premium — fast charge, high output
BL4080F	8.0Ah	21700	40V XGT	Maximum XGT runtime
ConnectX	10.5Ah	21700	40V XGT	Concrete/cutting equipment

Backward compatibility: Within each platform only. All LXT batteries work in all LXT tools. All XGT batteries work in all XGT tools. You cannot cross-use between platforms — there is no adapter.

Best value batteries:

• Makita BL1850B 18V LXT 5.0Ah — One of the best battery deals in power tools. Reliable, affordable, and compatible with the massive LXT ecosystem.
• Makita BL4040 40V XGT 4.0Ah — The standard XGT pack if you are going 40V. Good balance of price and capacity.

Who should choose Makita: Woodworkers who value build quality and precision, and contractors who want a clear upgrade path. Start with LXT for everyday tools, add XGT for high-demand applications like demolition and concrete work. Makita’s engineering-first approach appeals to users who appreciate technical quality over marketing.

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Bosch CORE18V / PROFACTOR

Bosch has the smallest cordless ecosystem on this list at around 75 tools, but what they lack in breadth they make up for in engineering innovation. The CoolPack thermal management system is genuinely unique: the battery housing itself is thermally conductive, pulling heat away from cells at a rate Bosch claims is 7x faster than standard plastic housings. It is passive, has no moving parts, and it works.

The big news for Bosch in 2026 is the EXPERT battery line, launched January 20 at World of Concrete. EXPERT uses tabless 21700 cells and adds active thermal monitoring on top of the CoolPack passive cooling. Early reports suggest charge times are down 25-30% compared to standard CORE18V packs. This puts Bosch back in the conversation with Milwaukee FORGE and DeWalt POWERPACK — they were falling behind, and EXPERT is a strong correction.

Bosch’s branding is simpler than DeWalt’s but still has some overlap. CORE18V is the base platform (all current 18V batteries). PROFACTOR is a branding tier for higher-output tools and batteries (8.0Ah and up). Both use the same battery interface — a PROFACTOR battery works in any CORE18V tool and vice versa.

One important note on retail: Bosch cordless tools are available on Amazon and Lowe’s, but NOT at Home Depot. If Home Depot is your primary tool store, Bosch is not an option.

Bosch Battery Lineup

Battery	Capacity	Cell Type	Line	Best For
GBA18V40	4.0Ah	21700	CORE18V	Compact everyday use
GBA18V63	6.3Ah	21700	CORE18V	Extended runtime
GBA18V80	8.0Ah	21700	PROFACTOR	High-demand tools
GBA18V120	12.0Ah	21700	PROFACTOR	Maximum runtime
EXPERT (new)	TBD	Tabless 21700	EXPERT	Premium — active monitoring + fast charge

Backward compatibility: All Bosch 18V batteries work in all Bosch 18V tools, including PROFACTOR tools. No exceptions.

Best value batteries:

• Bosch GBA18V80 CORE18V 8.0Ah — The workhorse PROFACTOR pack. Excellent runtime with CoolPack thermal management.
• Bosch GBA18V120 12.0Ah — If you need maximum runtime and do not mind the weight, this is a beast.

Who should choose Bosch: Users who prioritize engineering quality and already own Bosch tools. The CoolPack system genuinely extends battery life, and if EXPERT delivers on its early promise, Bosch batteries will be among the best available. But the small ecosystem is a real limitation — you may find yourself needing a second brand for tools Bosch does not make.

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Ryobi ONE+ / ONE+ HP

Ryobi does something no other brand on this list can claim: backward compatibility spanning nearly 30 years. A battery you buy today works in a Ryobi ONE+ drill from 1996. That is an extraordinary commitment to compatibility, and it is the single biggest reason Ryobi has the most loyal DIY customer base in the industry.

The ONE+ platform has two tiers. Standard ONE+ batteries (1.5-4.0Ah) use traditional 18650 cells with basic voltage-only monitoring. They are cheap, they work, and they are fine for lawn tools, flashlights, and light-duty applications. ONE+ HP batteries (4.0-9.0Ah) use 21700 cells with IntelliCell technology — additional contacts on the battery that enable real-time communication with HP-compatible tools. HP tools with HP batteries deliver noticeably more power than the same tool with a standard battery.

The HP Edge batteries (launched 2024) are Ryobi’s entry into the tabless cell race. They use tabless 21700 cells with what Ryobi calls Cool-Core Pro — laser-welded straps and integrated heat sinks. This is the first time Ryobi has matched the premium brands on cell technology, and the results are solid. HP Edge batteries charge significantly faster and maintain higher output under sustained load compared to standard HP packs.

The elephant in the room: Ryobi tools are not built for professional abuse. The batteries are good — genuinely good, especially the HP Edge line. But the tools themselves are designed for the DIY and homeowner market. If you are running tools 8 hours a day on a job site, Ryobi is not the answer. For weekend warriors, home renovators, and budget-conscious buyers, it is arguably the best value in the entire power tool market.

Ryobi ONE+ Battery Lineup

Battery	Capacity	Cell Type	Tier	Best For
PBP003	1.5Ah	18650	Standard ONE+	Lightweight tasks, included with kits
PBP2003	2.0Ah	18650	Standard ONE+	General light use
PBP004	4.0Ah	18650	Standard ONE+	Extended runtime, non-HP tools
PBP2005	4.0Ah	21700	ONE+ HP	Balanced HP performance
PBP007	6.0Ah	21700	ONE+ HP	Extended HP runtime
HP Edge	4.0-9.0Ah	Tabless 21700	ONE+ HP Edge	Premium — fast charge, maximum output

Backward compatibility: ALL ONE+ batteries work in ALL ONE+ tools — past, present, and future. Back to 1996. HP features (IntelliCell communication) only activate in HP-compatible tools, but the battery still physically works in any ONE+ tool.

Best value batteries:

• Ryobi PBP2005 ONE+ HP 4.0Ah — The best all-around Ryobi battery. HP performance at a reasonable price.
• Ryobi PBP007 ONE+ HP 6.0Ah — More runtime for demanding HP tools like the brushless circular saw.

Who should choose Ryobi: Budget-conscious DIYers, homeowners, and anyone building a large collection of tools without spending a fortune. Ryobi’s ecosystem covers everything from drills to lawn mowers to portable fans. The combo kit deals are often the best way to start. If you are not running tools professionally, Ryobi gives you more tools for less money than any other brand.

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Craftsman V20

Let us be honest: Craftsman’s V20 battery platform is a generation behind every other brand on this list. There are no tabless cells, no pouch cells, no advanced BMS, and no active thermal management. The batteries use standard 18650 and limited 21700 cells with basic protection circuits. That is it.

But that honest assessment comes with context. Craftsman V20 tools are not trying to compete with Milwaukee or DeWalt for professional users. They are built for the homeowner who needs a drill, a circular saw, maybe a leaf blower, and does not want to spend $400 before they have finished their first project. On that front, Craftsman delivers.

The V20 ecosystem has grown to 100+ tools, which covers all the basics and some specialty items. The V60 line (separate batteries) handles outdoor power equipment like mowers and trimmers. Pricing is aggressive — you can often get a V20 drill/driver kit with a battery and charger for under $80.

Craftsman’s distribution is primarily through Lowe’s, with some availability on Amazon. The CMCB204 V20 4.0Ah battery runs around $50 — roughly half the price of an equivalent Milwaukee or DeWalt pack.

Who should choose Craftsman: First-time tool buyers and homeowners who want to spend as little as possible on a functional cordless tool collection. If your projects are hanging shelves, assembling furniture, and basic home maintenance, Craftsman does the job. Just do not expect to grow into professional-grade work on this platform.

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The Verdict — Which Platform Should You Choose?

There is no single “best” battery platform. There is only the best platform for how YOU use tools. Here is how we would break it down:

Best for professionals: Milwaukee M18. The largest professional tool selection, the most advanced battery technology (FORGE), and the best battery management system (REDLINK PLUS). Yes, you pay a premium. Yes, you are locked into Home Depot. But for guys and gals whose tools pay the bills, Milwaukee has the deepest bench in the game.

Best overall value: DeWalt 20V MAX. Available at more retailers than any other brand, with competitive pricing and three battery technology tiers. FLEXVOLT dual-voltage is a unique advantage — if you need cordless table saw or miter saw power, no one else offers this. The naming confusion is real, but the platform underneath is excellent.

Best for woodworkers: Makita. Makita tools are built with a precision and refinement that woodworkers appreciate. The LXT platform is a terrific value for everyday work, and XGT is there when you need corded-class power. The two-platform approach is a drawback, but it gives you a clear entry-level and upgrade path.

Best budget option: Ryobi ONE+. Three hundred tools. Nearly thirty years of backward compatibility. Batteries that cost half what the premium brands charge. For homeowners and DIYers, Ryobi is the clear winner on value. The HP Edge batteries bring genuinely modern cell technology to the budget tier.

Best for engineering quality: Bosch CORE18V. If you care about battery longevity and thermal management, Bosch’s CoolPack technology is the real deal. The new EXPERT line adds tabless cells to an already impressive cooling system. The small ecosystem is a real limitation, but for the tools Bosch does make, the battery engineering is top-tier.

Best for light DIY: Craftsman V20. If you just need a drill, a saw, and a leaf blower and your budget is tight, Craftsman gets you there for the least money. Just go in with realistic expectations about battery technology and tool longevity.

A word on ecosystem lock-in: Switching battery platforms is expensive. You are not just buying new batteries — you are replacing every bare tool, every charger, and every spare pack. Before you commit, think about what tools you will need over the next 5-10 years. Check the brand’s tool lineup and make sure they cover your anticipated needs. Starting with a combo kit is the most cost-effective way to enter any platform.

Battery Deals — Best Value Right Now

Award	Model	Price	Rating	Why We Picked It	Buy
Best Overall Value	DeWalt DCB205 20V MAX 5.0Ah	~$65	4.8/5	Affordable, fits 300+ tools, proven reliable	View Deal
Best Compact	DeWalt DCBP034 POWERSTACK 5.0Ah	~$99	4.7/5	Pouch cells deliver full power in half the size	View Deal
Best for Makita	Makita BL1850B 18V LXT 5.0Ah	~$55	4.8/5	Best value pro-grade battery on the market	View Deal
Best Dual-Voltage	DeWalt DCB606 FLEXVOLT 6.0Ah	~$119	4.7/5	20V/60V auto-switch, works in everything	View Deal
Best High-Capacity	DeWalt DCB210 20V MAX 10.0Ah	~$149	4.6/5	Maximum runtime for all-day use	View Deal
Best Budget	Craftsman CMCB204 V20 4.0Ah	~$50	4.4/5	Cheapest name-brand 4.0Ah pack available	View Deal

Prices are approximate as of February 2026 and may vary. Milwaukee and Ryobi batteries are Home Depot exclusives — check HomeDepot.com for current pricing.