A cordless router lets you profile edges, cut grooves and trim laminate without a mains lead. Routers spin at high speed (Makita lists 10,000–30,000 min⁻¹ for its DRT50) and run continuously while cutting, so battery choice affects how long you can work before swapping packs.
Below we compare the best battery options for cordless routers across Makita 18V LXT, DeWalt 20V MAX, and Milwaukee M18 so you can match capacity to your routing tasks.
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 use | BL1860B (6.0Ah) | DCB206 (6.0Ah) | 48-11-1860 (6.0Ah) |
| Smaller pack | BL1830 (3.0Ah) | DCB204 (4.0Ah) | 48-11-1840 (4.0Ah) |
Starter packs by platform
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Before you buy: check that the size, fitting/bore and maximum-rated speed marked on the accessory match what your tool’s manual specifies. We have not physically tested these products; listings are compiled from published specifications. These are affiliate links.
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Which batteries fit which tools — cross-brand, adapters & Ah, decoded.
Why Battery Choice Matters for Routers
A router motor runs the whole time the cutter is engaged, unlike a drill or nailer that works in short bursts. The makers do not publish runtimes for these tool and battery pairs, and we have not tested them, so we do not estimate them.
Weight is less of a concern with routers than with overhead tools, because the router sits on the workpiece. For freehand edge work a lighter tool is easier to handle, but check real pack weights: Makita UK lists its 3.0Ah and 5.0Ah LXT packs at about the same weight (0.64 kg and 0.63 kg).
Best Batteries for Makita Routers
Makita’s 18V LXT platform powers routers like the DRT50Z and the newer DRT52Z compact trim router.
Makita BL1850B — Best All-Round (5.0Ah)
The BL1850B is our pick for most routing work on the DRT50 or DRT52. Makita UK lists it at 0.63 kg, about the same as the 3.0Ah BL1830B, so the extra capacity costs little in weight. Makita does not publish a runtime for this pair, and we have not tested one.
Makita BL1860B — Best for Heavy Use (6.0Ah)
The BL1860B has 20% more capacity than the BL1850B, and Makita UK lists it only 30 g heavier (0.66 kg vs 0.63 kg), so it suits prolonged plunge routing or heavy edge profiling in hardwood. Makita does not publish a runtime for this pair.
Makita BL1830 — Smaller Pack (3.0Ah)
The BL1830 is a 3.0Ah pack for quick chamfers and laminate trimming. It does not save weight, though: Makita UK lists the BL1830B at 0.64 kg, about the same as the 5.0Ah BL1850B.
Best Batteries for DeWalt Routers
DeWalt’s 20V MAX platform includes the DCW604NT brushless router with plunge base.
DeWalt DCB205 — Best All-Round (5.0Ah)
The DCB205 is DeWalt’s 5.0Ah 20V MAX pack (US part number; DeWalt’s UK 5.0Ah 18V XR pack is the DCB184) and our pick for the DCW604NT and similar routers. DeWalt does not publish a runtime for this pair, and we have not tested one.
DeWalt DCB206 — Best for Heavy Use (6.0Ah)
The DCB206 has 20% more capacity than the DCB205, for sustained plunge routing, housing joints or deep profiles. DeWalt US lists it at 2.25 lb against 1.54 lb for the DCB205, so expect a little more weight.
DeWalt DCB204 — Best Lightweight (4.0Ah)
The DCB204 is a 4.0Ah pack, slightly lighter than the 5.0Ah DCB205 (DeWalt US: 1.4 lb vs 1.54 lb), for laminate trimming and light chamfering.
Best Batteries for Milwaukee Routers
Milwaukee’s M18 platform offers the M18 FTR FUEL trim router with variable speed 10,000–31,000 RPM.
Milwaukee 48-11-1850 — Best All-Round (5.0Ah)
The 48-11-1850 is Milwaukee’s US M18 REDLITHIUM XC5.0 pack (Milwaukee’s UK 5.0Ah M18 pack is the M18 B5) and our pick for general routing on the M18 FTR. Milwaukee does not publish a runtime for this pair, and we have not tested one.
Buy Milwaukee 48-11-1850 on Amazon
Milwaukee 48-11-1860 — Best for Heavy Use (6.0Ah)
The 48-11-1860 is Milwaukee’s US M18 REDLITHIUM XC6.0 pack (an XC pack, not a HIGH OUTPUT one), with 20% more capacity than a 5.0Ah pack, for extended profiling sessions.
Buy Milwaukee 48-11-1860 on Amazon
Milwaukee 48-11-1840 — Smaller Pack (4.0Ah)
The 48-11-1840 is Milwaukee’s US M18 REDLITHIUM XC 4.0 pack, for quick jobs and touch-ups. It may not save much weight: Milwaukee UK lists its 4.0Ah and 5.0Ah M18 packs (M18 B4, M18 B5) at the same 0.7 kg.
Buy Milwaukee 48-11-1840 on Amazon
Full Comparison Table
| Battery | Platform | Capacity | Best For | Buy Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita BL1850B | 18V LXT | 5.0Ah | All-round routing | Amazon |
| Makita BL1860B | 18V LXT | 6.0Ah | Heavy profiling / production | Amazon |
| Makita BL1830 | 18V LXT | 3.0Ah | Laminate trim / quick jobs | Amazon |
| DeWalt DCB205 | 20V MAX | 5.0Ah | All-round routing | Amazon |
| DeWalt DCB206 | 20V MAX | 6.0Ah | Heavy profiling / plunge work | Amazon |
| DeWalt DCB204 | 20V MAX | 4.0Ah | Light trim / chamfers | Amazon |
| Milwaukee 48-11-1850 | M18 | 5.0Ah | All-round routing | Amazon |
| Milwaukee 48-11-1860 | M18 | 6.0Ah | Heavy profiling / production | Amazon |
| Milwaukee 48-11-1840 | M18 | 4.0Ah | Freehand edge work | Amazon |
Watch: Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a battery last when routing?
The makers do not publish runtimes for these tool and battery pairs, and we have not tested them, so we do not estimate them. Actual runtime depends on cutter size, material hardness and depth of cut.
What’s the best battery size for trim routing?
For laminate trimming and light edge work, a 3.0–4.0Ah pack is often enough, but check pack weights, as a smaller pack is not always lighter (Makita UK lists its 3.0Ah and 5.0Ah LXT packs at about the same weight). For sustained edge profiling or plunge routing, step up to 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah.
Does plunge routing drain the battery faster?
Yes, generally: deeper cuts take more effort than shallow edge trimming, so expect a shorter runtime. We have no maker figures for the difference. If you regularly cut deep housing joints or grooves, a 6.0Ah pack is worth considering.
Can I use a bigger battery in my router?
Yes. Within the same platform, packs of different capacities normally fit the same tools (check your tool’s manual). A 6.0Ah works in the same router as a 2.0Ah — it’s just heavier and lasts longer.
Are Makita, DeWalt and Milwaukee router batteries interchangeable?
No. Makita 18V LXT, DeWalt 20V MAX (UK: 18V XR) and Milwaukee M18 are separate battery systems. You cannot use a Makita battery in a DeWalt router. See our Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee compatibility pages.
How we compile this guide
We cross-reference compatibility details against manufacturer specifications where available, official tool manuals, and the physical standards that govern fitment (bore sizes, arbor diameters, voltage platforms, connector types). We prioritise primary sources over retailer listings, flag anything we can’t confirm, and re-verify the data on a regular cycle. Where we give a buying recommendation, we tell you the reasoning — not just the link. More on our method →
