Your cordless drill is only as good as the battery powering it. Whether you’re driving screws into softwood or boring large-diameter holes through hardwood, the capacity and discharge rate of your battery directly affects how long you can work and how much torque the tool delivers under load.
Below we break down the best battery options for cordless drills across the three major platforms — Makita 18V LXT, DeWalt 20V MAX, and Milwaukee M18 — so you can pick the right cell for your drill and your budget.
Quick Recommendations
| Use Case | Makita 18V LXT | DeWalt 20V MAX | Milwaukee M18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best all-round | BL1850B (5.0Ah) | DCB205 (5.0Ah) | 48-11-1850 (5.0Ah) |
| Best for heavy drilling | BL1860B (6.0Ah) | DCB206 (6.0Ah) | 48-11-1860 (6.0Ah) |
| Best lightweight / overhead | BL1830 (3.0Ah) | DCB204 (4.0Ah) | 48-11-1840 (4.0Ah) |
Why Battery Choice Matters for Drills
Cordless drills are moderate-draw tools. For light-duty screw driving, a compact 2.0–3.0Ah battery keeps weight down and is perfectly adequate. Once you step up to hammer-drill mode or start using large spade bits and holesaws, power draw increases significantly and a 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah pack will give you noticeably longer runtime between charges.
As a general rule: match your battery capacity to your workload. A 3.0Ah pack is ideal for quick jobs and overhead work where weight matters. A 5.0Ah pack is the best all-rounder for most tradespeople. A 6.0Ah pack is worth the extra weight if you drill large holes or use the hammer function frequently.
Best Batteries for Makita Cordless Drills
Makita’s 18V LXT platform powers drills like the DHP486 hammer drill driver. All LXT batteries are backward and forward compatible within the 18V LXT range — a BL1830 fits the same tools as a BL1860B.
Makita BL1850B — Best All-Round (5.0Ah)
The 5.0Ah BL1850B hits the sweet spot between runtime and weight for most drilling tasks. It provides enough capacity for a full day of moderate use and is the battery most commonly bundled in Makita kit deals.
Makita BL1860B — Best for Heavy Drilling (6.0Ah)
If you regularly use the DHP486 in hammer mode or drill large-diameter holes, the 6.0Ah BL1860B gives you roughly 20% more runtime over the BL1850B. The weight increase is minimal.
Makita BL1830 — Best Lightweight Option (3.0Ah)
For overhead work, cabinet installation, or any job where you want to minimise fatigue, the compact 3.0Ah BL1830 shaves noticeable weight off the tool. Runtime is shorter, so keep a second battery on the charger.
See all compatible batteries on our Makita 18V LXT Battery Compatibility page.
Best Batteries for DeWalt Cordless Drills
DeWalt’s 20V MAX platform covers drills like the DCD791 brushless drill driver and the DCD996 3-speed hammer drill. All 20V MAX batteries are interchangeable across the platform — and FLEXVOLT batteries also work in 20V MAX tools (running at 20V).
DeWalt DCB205 — Best All-Round (5.0Ah)
The DCB205 is DeWalt’s workhorse 5.0Ah battery. It balances runtime and weight well for general drilling and driving, and is widely available at competitive prices.
DeWalt DCB206 — Best for Heavy Drilling (6.0Ah)
The 6.0Ah DCB206 is the pick if you use the DCD996 in hammer mode regularly. The extra capacity means fewer battery swaps during demanding tasks like drilling into masonry.
DeWalt DCB204 — Best Lightweight Option (4.0Ah)
At 4.0Ah the DCB204 is noticeably lighter than the 5.0 and 6.0Ah packs while still offering decent runtime for screw driving and light drilling.
See all compatible batteries on our DeWalt 20V MAX Battery Compatibility page.
Best Batteries for Milwaukee Cordless Drills
Milwaukee’s M18 platform includes drills like the 2804-20 M18 FUEL hammer drill and the 2503-20 M18 FUEL drill driver. All M18 batteries are cross-compatible within the M18 range — but M12 batteries do not fit M18 tools.
Milwaukee 48-11-1850 — Best All-Round (5.0Ah)
The M18 REDLITHIUM XC5.0 is Milwaukee’s go-to battery for everyday drilling. It delivers consistent power output and solid runtime across moderate-demand applications.
Buy Milwaukee 48-11-1850 on Amazon
Milwaukee 48-11-1860 — Best for Heavy Drilling (6.0Ah)
For sustained hammer-drilling or large-hole work with the 2804-20 FUEL, the 6.0Ah High Output battery provides the current delivery and runtime that heavy applications demand.
Buy Milwaukee 48-11-1860 on Amazon
Milwaukee 48-11-1840 — Best Lightweight Option (4.0Ah)
The 4.0Ah XC pack keeps things light for overhead drilling and quick tasks. A good choice if you prioritise comfort over maximum runtime.
Buy Milwaukee 48-11-1840 on Amazon
See all compatible batteries on our Milwaukee M18 Battery Compatibility page.
Full Comparison Table
| Battery | Platform | Capacity | Best For | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita BL1850B | 18V LXT | 5.0Ah | All-round drilling | Amazon |
| Makita BL1860B | 18V LXT | 6.0Ah | Heavy drilling / hammer mode | Amazon |
| Makita BL1830 | 18V LXT | 3.0Ah | Lightweight / overhead | Amazon |
| DeWalt DCB205 | 20V MAX | 5.0Ah | All-round drilling | Amazon |
| DeWalt DCB206 | 20V MAX | 6.0Ah | Heavy drilling / hammer mode | Amazon |
| DeWalt DCB204 | 20V MAX | 4.0Ah | Lightweight / overhead | Amazon |
| Milwaukee 48-11-1850 | M18 | 5.0Ah | All-round drilling | Amazon |
| Milwaukee 48-11-1860 | M18 | 6.0Ah | Heavy drilling / hammer mode | Amazon |
| Milwaukee 48-11-1840 | M18 | 4.0Ah | Lightweight / overhead | Amazon |
Frequently Asked Questions
What size battery is best for a cordless drill?
For most users, a 5.0Ah battery is the best all-round choice. It offers a good balance of runtime and weight. If you mainly drive screws and do light drilling, a 3.0–4.0Ah pack saves weight. For heavy hammer-drilling or large-hole boring, step up to 6.0Ah.
Can I use a higher capacity battery in my drill?
Yes. Within the same platform (e.g. Makita 18V LXT), any battery capacity fits any tool. A 6.0Ah battery works in the same drill as a 2.0Ah — it’s just heavier and lasts longer. The tool draws only what it needs.
Does a bigger battery make my drill more powerful?
Not directly. A larger battery gives you longer runtime, not more torque. However, high-capacity packs can sustain their voltage better under heavy load, which means the drill may feel slightly more consistent during demanding tasks near the end of a charge.
Can I use DeWalt FLEXVOLT batteries in a 20V MAX drill?
Yes. FLEXVOLT batteries are backward compatible with all 20V MAX tools. They will run at 20V in a 20V MAX drill and provide excellent runtime thanks to their high capacity. See our DeWalt 20V MAX and FLEXVOLT compatibility guide for full details.
Are Milwaukee M12 and M18 batteries interchangeable?
No. M12 and M18 use different physical connectors and voltages. An M12 battery will not fit an M18 drill. See our Milwaukee M12 vs M18 compatibility guide for more details.
