One of the most common questions in the cordless power tool world is whether batteries from one platform — or one brand — can be used in another. The short answer is almost always no, but the details matter. This page covers every major cross-compatibility question and links to our in-depth guides.
Within-Brand Compatibility
Most major tool manufacturers run multiple battery platforms at different voltages. These platforms are generally not cross-compatible within the same brand, with a few important exceptions.
Makita: 18V LXT vs 40V XGT
Makita’s 18V LXT and 40V XGT batteries are not directly interchangeable. Different physical rails, different voltages, different electronics. However, the Makita ADP10 adapter lets you use two LXT batteries in compatible XGT tools — a useful bridge if you’re transitioning between platforms.
Read our full Makita LXT vs XGT compatibility guide →
DeWalt: 20V MAX vs FLEXVOLT
DeWalt’s FLEXVOLT system is uniquely backwards compatible. FLEXVOLT batteries work in all 20V MAX tools (automatically switching to 20V), but standard 20V MAX batteries cannot power 60V or 120V tools. This one-way compatibility makes FLEXVOLT batteries the most versatile option if you own both 20V and 60V tools.
Read our full DeWalt 20V MAX vs FLEXVOLT compatibility guide →
Milwaukee: M12 vs M18
Milwaukee’s M12 and M18 are completely separate platforms with no cross-compatibility. Different battery sizes, different voltages, different rails. Milwaukee does offer a dual charger (M12-18C) that handles both platforms, but the batteries themselves cannot be swapped between tools.
Read our full Milwaukee M12 vs M18 compatibility guide →
Cross-Brand Compatibility
Can you use Makita batteries in DeWalt tools? DeWalt batteries in Milwaukee tools? No. Every major power tool brand uses proprietary battery designs. The physical connectors, pin layouts, and electronic safety systems are all brand-specific. Third-party adapters exist but pose safety and warranty risks.
Read our full cross-brand battery compatibility guide →
Quick Reference Table
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Makita LXT battery in XGT tool? | No (but ADP10 adapter available) |
| Makita XGT battery in LXT tool? | No (no adapter exists) |
| DeWalt FLEXVOLT in 20V MAX tool? | Yes (auto-switches to 20V) |
| DeWalt 20V MAX in 60V tool? | No |
| Milwaukee M12 in M18 tool? | No |
| Milwaukee M18 in M12 tool? | No |
| Makita battery in DeWalt tool? | No |
| DeWalt battery in Milwaukee tool? | No |
| Milwaukee battery in Makita tool? | No |
Key Takeaways
Once you buy into a battery platform, you’re committed to that brand and voltage. The only notable exception is DeWalt FLEXVOLT, which gives you backwards compatibility with 20V MAX tools. For everyone else, plan your battery purchases carefully — your batteries are the most expensive part of your cordless tool collection over time, and they lock you into an ecosystem.
If you’re building a new collection from scratch, consider which tools you need across the full range of voltages a brand offers, and check whether the brand offers within-platform compatibility (like DeWalt’s FLEXVOLT system) before committing.
