Bosch makes not one, but two completely separate 18V battery systems — and that confusion is the source of more compatibility headaches than any other power tool brand. If your tool has a blue body, it runs Professional batteries. If it’s green, it runs Home & Garden batteries. They do not work together. This page covers both systems, how to tell them apart, and what tools work with what batteries.
Understanding which system you own is critical. Buy a green battery by mistake and it will not fit your blue Professional drill — despite both being Bosch 18V. This guide explains the entire compatibility picture, including the AMPShare multi-brand alliance (Professional only) and the Power for All network (Green only), so you can buy with confidence.
Quick Compatibility Rules
The single most important rule: Blue tools use Professional batteries (GBA or ProCORE series). Green tools use Home & Garden batteries (PBA series). They are not compatible with each other under any circumstances.
Beyond that distinction, here are the core rules:
- All Bosch Professional 18V batteries are cross-compatible — GBA, GBA PROFACTOR, and ProCORE batteries all fit all Professional tools and chargers.
- ProCORE batteries unlock BITURBO boost in compatible Professional tools (roughly 87% more power than standard).
- All Professional chargers work with all Professional batteries — from older GAL 1830 CV to the latest GAL 18V-160 C.
- Professional batteries work in Fein, Rothenberger, and other AMPShare alliance tools — these brands share the same platform.
- Home & Garden batteries work across the Power for All Alliance — Gardena, Wagner, Husqvarna, Flymo, and 150+ tools from 11+ brands use the same PBA batteries.
- Chargers are NOT cross-compatible — a Professional charger will not charge a Green battery, and vice versa.
Professional vs Green — At a Glance
The simplest way to understand Bosch’s 18V ecosystem:
| Feature | Professional (Blue) | Home & Garden (Green) |
|---|---|---|
| Target User | Tradespeople, contractors, professionals | DIYers, homeowners, garden enthusiasts |
| Body Colour | Blue | Green |
| Battery Series | GBA, GBA PROFACTOR, ProCORE | PBA (Power for All) |
| Charger Prefix | GAL | AL |
| Multi-Brand Alliance | AMPShare (Fein, Rothenberger, others) | Power for All (Gardena, Wagner, Husqvarna, Flymo, etc.) |
| Total Tools (UK) | 50+ models | 80+ models (mostly garden) |
| Battery Capacity Range | 2.0Ah to 12.0Ah (with ProCORE) | 1.5Ah to 6.0Ah |
| Special Feature | BITURBO boost (2,000W in compatible tools) | Lightweight, affordable, broad tool network |
| Where to Buy (UK) | Screwfix, Toolstation, Amazon.co.uk | B&Q, Amazon, garden centres |
| Relative Price | Premium | Budget to mid-range |
Bosch Professional 18V Batteries
Professional batteries are built for sustained professional use — longer runtime, higher power delivery, and support for AMPShare tools from Fein and Rothenberger. There are three families: standard GBA, PROFACTOR GBA, and ProCORE.
GBA Standard & PROFACTOR Batteries
The GBA 18V range is the workhorse of Bosch Professional. These are the original batteries — proven across thousands of tools. GBA PROFACTOR batteries add 20% more power output (up to 1,800W) compared to standard GBA, and they retain 80% charge after 12 months of storage.
| Battery Model | Capacity | Runtime (Typical) | Weight | COOLPACK? | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GBA 18V 2.0Ah | 2.0 Ah | 20–30 mins (drill) | 190 g | No | Buy on Amazon |
| GBA 18V 4.0Ah | 4.0 Ah | 40–60 mins (drill) | 380 g | Yes | Buy on Amazon |
| GBA PROFACTOR 18V 4.0Ah | 4.0 Ah | 40–60 mins (drill) | 400 g | Yes | Buy on Amazon |
| GBA 18V 5.0Ah | 5.0 Ah | 50–80 mins (drill) | 475 g | Yes | Buy on Amazon |
| GBA PROFACTOR 18V 5.0Ah | 5.0 Ah | 50–80 mins (drill) | 500 g | Yes | Buy on Amazon |
| GBA 18V 6.0Ah | 6.0 Ah | 60–100 mins (drill) | 570 g | Yes | Buy on Amazon |
| GBA PROFACTOR 18V 6.0Ah | 6.0 Ah | 60–100 mins (drill) | 600 g | Yes | Buy on Amazon |
| GBA 18V 8.0Ah PROFACTOR | 8.0 Ah | 80–130 mins (drill) | 750 g | Yes | Buy on Amazon |
COOLPACK technology is built into most GBA batteries (4.0Ah and above). It keeps the battery cooler during operation and charge, extending lifespan and allowing charging immediately after use without waiting to cool down.
ProCORE High-Performance Batteries
ProCORE is Bosch Professional’s latest battery platform. These are the newest and most powerful 18V batteries Bosch makes. They deliver up to 2,000W of power in BITURBO-capable tools, which is 87% more than standard GBA batteries. ProCORE batteries retain 90% charge after 12 months and support fast-charging in compatible chargers.
| Battery Model | Capacity | BITURBO Compatible? | Max Power Output | Weight | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProCORE 18V 4.0Ah | 4.0 Ah | Yes | 1,300W (standard) 2,000W (BITURBO) |
450 g | Buy on Amazon |
| ProCORE 18V 5.5Ah | 5.5 Ah | Yes | 1,500W (standard) 2,000W (BITURBO) |
600 g | Buy on Amazon |
| ProCORE 18V 8.0Ah | 8.0 Ah | Yes | 1,800W (standard) 2,000W (BITURBO) |
750 g | Buy on Amazon |
| ProCORE 18V 12.0Ah | 12.0 Ah | Yes | 1,800W (standard) 2,000W (BITURBO) |
1,050 g | Buy on Amazon |
| ProCORE 18V 12.0Ah | 12.0 Ah | Yes | 1,800W (standard) 2,000W (BITURBO) |
1,050 g | Buy on Amazon |
ProCORE batteries work in all Bosch Professional 18V tools, including older drills and saws that don’t support BITURBO. In non-BITURBO tools, they simply deliver standard power output. This means you can upgrade a cordless drill from 10 years ago and use modern ProCORE batteries — though they won’t deliver the BITURBO boost unless the tool supports it.
Bosch Home & Garden 18V Batteries (Green)
Home & Garden batteries are the green side of Bosch’s 18V world. These are lighter, more affordable, and designed for intermittent use — gardening, DIY around the house, occasional repairs. They’re also part of the Power for All Alliance, meaning the same PBA batteries work in Gardena, Wagner, Husqvarna, Flymo, and 150+ other tools from 11 brands.
| Battery Model | Capacity | Typical Runtime | Weight | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBA 18V 1.5Ah | 1.5 Ah | 15–25 mins (drill) | 190 g | Buy on Amazon |
| PBA 18V 2.0Ah | 2.0 Ah | 20–30 mins (drill) | 210 g | Buy on Amazon |
| PBA 18V 2.5Ah | 2.5 Ah | 25–35 mins (drill) | 240 g | Buy on Amazon |
| PBA 18V 4.0Ah | 4.0 Ah | 40–60 mins (drill) | 380 g | Buy on Amazon |
| PBA 18V 6.0Ah | 6.0 Ah | 60–90 mins (drill) | 570 g | Buy on Amazon |
All PBA batteries share the same connector and are compatible with every Bosch Home & Garden tool, as well as Gardena, Wagner, and other Power for All Alliance members (see below).
Compatible Professional Tools by Category
Below is a comprehensive list of Bosch Professional 18V tools that work with GBA, GBA PROFACTOR, and ProCORE batteries. All of these tools are blue and sold through trade channels (Screwfix, Toolstation, etc.).
Drill Drivers
- GSR 18V-55 — lightweight, compact, 18 Nm torque. Entry-level cordless drill for light-duty fastening.
- GSR 18V-90 FC — 90 Nm torque with BoschFlex coupling and electronic torque limiter. Mid-range drill driver.
Impact Drills
- GSB 18V-55 — 1,300 bpm percussion, 55 Nm. Hammer function for drilling into masonry and tile.
- GSB 18V-90 C — 1,500 bpm percussion, 90 Nm. COOLPACK battery support. Heavy-duty impact drill.
Impact Drivers & Wrenches
- GDR 18V-200 — 200 Nm torque. General-purpose impact driver for fastening and light drilling.
- GDX 18V-200 — 200 Nm driving torque. Compact, lightweight impact driver.
- GDS 18V-EC — High-speed impact driver. Up to 3,000 bpm for rapid fastening.
Angle Grinders
- GWS 18V-7 — 115 mm disc. Compact grinder for cutting and grinding. 10,500 rpm.
- GWS 18V-10 C — 125 mm disc. Standard angle grinder with COOLPACK support. 11,000 rpm.
- GWS 18V-15 SC BITURBO — 125 mm disc with BITURBO support. Up to 2,000W power when paired with ProCORE 5.5Ah or larger. Exceptional cutting speed.
Rotary Hammers
- GBH 18V-22 — 2.0 J single-blow energy. SDS chuck for masonry drilling. 4,000 bpm.
- GBH 18V-26 — 2.6 J single-blow energy. Heavier-duty rotary hammer. 4,000 bpm.
- GBH 18V-45 C BITURBO — 4.5 J with BITURBO support. Compact rotary hammer with maximum power when paired with ProCORE batteries. Ideal for overhead hammering.
Circular Saws
- GKS 18V-57 — 165 mm blade. 4,800 rpm. Compact cordless circular saw for crosscutting.
- GCM 18V-216 BITURBO — 216 mm mitre saw with BITURBO support. Delivers 2,000W in BITURBO mode. Sliding rails for longer crosscuts.
Jigsaws & Reciprocating Saws
- GST 18V-155 — 3,000 spm (strokes per minute). Orbital action for faster cutting. Compact jigsaw.
- GSA 18V-32 — 3,200 spm reciprocating saw. Pruning blades for branch cutting.
Sanders
- GSS 18V-13 — 130 mm orbital sander. Dust collection compatible. Variable speed.
- GEX 18V-125 — 125 mm orbital sander with electronic speed control and COOLPACK support.
Multi-Tools
- GOP 18V-34 — Oscillating multi-tool. Tool-free accessory change. Ideal for cutting drywall, tile, and wood.
Garden Tools (Professional Advanced Line)
- AdvancedGrassCut — Cordless grass trimmer / strimmer.
- AdvancedChain — Compact chainsaw.
- AdvancedHedgeCut — Cordless hedge trimmer.
AMPShare — Powered by Bosch
AMPShare is Bosch Professional’s multi-brand battery alliance. If you own Bosch Professional 18V batteries, you can use them in compatible tools from Fein and Rothenberger — without adapters, without converters, with full power delivery.
This alliance has existed since 2008 and is a major advantage over single-brand systems. You’re not locked into Bosch tools; you can expand into professional-grade oscillating multi-tools, threading and plumbing equipment, and specialty tools from other manufacturers, all powered by the same batteries.
Fein Tools (AMPShare Compatible)
Fein is a German specialist tool manufacturer owned by Bosch. AMPShare Fein tools include:
- MULTIMASTER 18 Oscillating Multi-Tools — The gold standard for cutting drywall, tile, and wood. More powerful and refined than Bosch’s GOP model.
- ASCM 18 Cordless Drill Screwdriver — High-torque drill driver with electronic torque adjustment.
- Select impact drivers and specialty tools — Fein makes tools for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work that use AMPShare batteries.
Rothenberger Tools (AMPShare Compatible)
Rothenberger manufactures professional plumbing and heating tools. AMPShare Rothenberger tools include:
- ROPIPE Threading Machines — Cordless threader for galvanised and stainless steel pipe.
- ROCOOL Pipe Cooling Systems — Portable cooling system for soldering work.
- Various plumbing and HVAC tools designed for rapid battery swap between Bosch, Fein, and Rothenberger.
Cross-Compatibility Rules
- All Bosch Professional GBA, GBA PROFACTOR, and ProCORE 18V batteries work in Fein and Rothenberger tools without adapters.
- Fein and Rothenberger batteries (if they make them) also work in Bosch Professional tools.
- ProCORE batteries deliver full BITURBO power in compatible Fein tools.
No official Bosch Professional charger works with Fein or Rothenberger tools directly — you need their proprietary chargers. However, the batteries are cross-compatible, which is the advantage of AMPShare.
Power for All Alliance (Green Batteries)
Power for All is the consumer-facing multi-brand alliance for 18V batteries. Bosch Home & Garden (green), Gardena, Wagner, Husqvarna, Flymo, and 150+ tools from 11 brands all use the same PBA connector and battery interface. This means a Bosch green PBA battery works in any Power for All Alliance tool without adapters or limitations.
Power for All Brand List
If you own a Power for All Alliance tool, you can swap batteries with users of any of these brands:
- Bosch Home & Garden (green) — DIY drills, saws, garden tools
- Gardena — Premium garden equipment (owned by Bosch)
- Wagner — Spray painting equipment
- Husqvarna — Garden chainsaws and trimmers (professional grade)
- Flymo — Robotic lawn mowers and garden tools
- STIHL (select models) — Garden power tools
- Kärcher — Pressure washers and cleaning equipment
- Metabo — Professional garden tools (select models)
- 150+ additional tools from 11+ brands worldwide
This alliance covers garden tools primarily. For workshop power tools, Power for All Alliance offers less depth than the Professional AMPShare alliance, but the garden tool network is enormous.
Bosch Professional vs Home & Garden Comparison Table
This table summarises the key differences between the two Bosch 18V systems:
| Aspect | Professional (Blue) | Home & Garden (Green) |
|---|---|---|
| Batteries Can Interchange | GBA, PROFACTOR, ProCORE all work together | All PBA batteries work together |
| Cross-System Compatible | No. Blue batteries DO NOT fit green tools. | No. Green batteries DO NOT fit blue tools. |
| Chargers Compatible | GAL chargers only for Professional. Not compatible with green. | AL chargers only for Home & Garden. Not compatible with blue. |
| Multi-Brand Alliance | AMPShare (Fein, Rothenberger) — workshop tools | Power for All (Gardena, Wagner, Husqvarna, etc.) — garden tools |
| Typical Use | Tradespeople, contractors, daily professional use | DIYers, homeowners, intermittent use |
| Durability/Build | Heavier, more robust, longer lifespan | Lighter, more compact, adequate for hobby use |
| Tools Available (UK) | 50+ models, all power tool categories | 80+ models, mostly garden focused |
| Battery Capacity Range | 2.0Ah — 12.0Ah (ProCORE) | 1.5Ah — 6.0Ah |
| Special Features | BITURBO boost, COOLPACK cooling, high power density | Lightweight, broad third-party compatibility |
| Price (Typical per Battery) | £60–140 | £30–60 |
Charger Compatibility
Professional Chargers (GAL Series)
- GAL 18V-40 Compact — Standard Professional charger. 30 mins for 4.0Ah GBA.
- GAL 18V-160 C — Fast charger with COOLPACK support. 30 mins for 5.0Ah. Recommended.
- GAL 18V-160 C AirCooled — Ultra-fast variant with active cooling. 20 mins for 4.0Ah.
- GAL 18V-40 Professional — Entry-level slow charger. Included in starter kits.
All GAL chargers work with GBA, PROFACTOR, and ProCORE batteries. Newer chargers support fast-charging for ProCORE, but all are backward compatible.
Home & Garden Chargers (AL Series)
- AL 18V-10 — Standard Home & Garden charger. 45 mins for 2.0Ah PBA.
- AL 18V-30 — Fast charger. 20 mins for 2.0Ah, 45 mins for 6.0Ah.
All AL chargers work with all PBA batteries. Home & Garden chargers are slower than Professional chargers because the batteries are lighter duty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a blue Bosch battery in a green tool?
No. Blue Professional batteries (GBA, PROFACTOR, ProCORE) will not fit green Home & Garden tools. The connectors are physically different. This is the single most important compatibility rule for Bosch 18V tools. Check your tool colour before buying batteries.
Can I use a green battery in a blue tool?
No. Green Home & Garden batteries (PBA) will not fit blue Professional tools. Again, the connectors are different. You cannot mix them under any circumstances.
Do Bosch Professional batteries work in Fein or Rothenberger tools?
Yes — if the tool is an AMPShare tool. Fein MULTIMASTER oscillating multi-tools, Rothenberger ROPIPE threading machines, and other AMPShare Alliance tools use the same battery connector as Bosch Professional. No adapters needed. However, Fein and Rothenberger have their own chargers; you can’t charge Fein batteries in a Bosch charger.
Do Bosch green (Home & Garden) batteries work in Gardena, Wagner, or Husqvarna tools?
Yes. All Power for All Alliance batteries are interchangeable. A Bosch PBA 18V 4.0Ah battery works in any Gardena, Wagner, Husqvarna, or Flymo Power for All tool without adapters or limitations.
What’s the difference between GBA and ProCORE?
ProCORE is Bosch Professional’s latest battery platform (launched 2021). It delivers up to 2,000W in BITURBO-capable tools, which is 87% more power than standard GBA. ProCORE batteries charge faster in compatible chargers and retain 90% charge after 12 months vs. 80% for GBA. However, both work in all Professional 18V tools. If you’re starting fresh, ProCORE is worth it; if you already own GBA batteries, they remain fully usable.
Which Bosch battery should I buy?
If you have blue Professional tools, start with GBA 18V 4.0Ah or GBA PROFACTOR 5.0Ah. If you need maximum power, ProCORE 5.5Ah or 8.0Ah. For green Home & Garden tools, PBA 18V 4.0Ah is the sweet spot for most DIYers.
Capacity matters: 2.0–2.5Ah for light work, 4.0Ah for general use, 5.0Ah+ for heavy sustained work or multi-tool setups.
Are Bosch batteries expensive?
Professional batteries are premium-priced (£60–140 per battery) but offer excellent lifespan and reliability. Home & Garden batteries are budget-friendly (£30–60) and work in 11+ brands via Power for All Alliance, giving you flexibility. Both are typically cheaper than equivalent Makita or DeWalt batteries when you factor in multi-brand compatibility.
Can I use older Bosch batteries in new tools?
Yes. All Bosch Professional GBA batteries (even from 2010+) work in modern Pro tools. All Bosch Home & Garden PBA batteries (even older ones) work in modern green tools. Backward compatibility is guaranteed across the entire Bosch 18V range — Professional and Home & Garden separately.
/ProCORE) batteries are completely incompatible. The connector, voltage, and power delivery are different. No adapters exist, and attempting to force a Professional battery into a Home & Garden tool (or vice versa) will damage the tool.
Buy with certainty by checking your tool’s body colour and battery label before purchasing. Blue tools need blue batteries; green tools need green batteries. Once you’ve bought the right system, you’re set for life — the batteries are backwards compatible within their system and forward compatible with future tools.
For comparison with other brands, see our guides to Makita 18V LXT, DeWalt 20V MAX, and Ryobi ONE+ 18V.
Where to Buy Bosch Batteries in the UK
Professional (Blue) Batteries:
- Screwfix — Full Professional range, competitive pricing, fast delivery
- Toolstation — Professional focus, often has bundle deals
- Amazon.co.uk — Largest selection, often best pricing on Popular models
- Makro — Trade pricing if you’re registered as a business
Home & Garden (Green) Batteries:
- B&Q — Bosch green batteries, bundled with tools
- Amazon.co.uk — Cheapest option for individual batteries
- Screwfix — Some green stock alongside blue
- Garden centres — Gardena and Bosch green tools (limited battery selection)
View Bosch Professional batteries on Amazon
View Bosch Home & Garden batteries on Amazon
Summary
Bosch’s two 18V platforms — Professional (blue) and Home & Garden (green) — can seem confusing at first, but the rule is simple: blue batteries only fit blue tools, green batteries only fit green tools. Within each system, all batteries are fully compatible. Beyond Bosch, Professional batteries extend into AMPShare (Fein, Rothenberger), and Home & Garden batteries work across Power for All Alliance (Gardena, Wagner, Husqvarna, Flymo, and 150+ other tools).
Whether you choose blue or green depends on your use case. Professional is built for daily tradespeople; Home & Garden is for DIYers and garden enthusiasts. Both offer excellent value, strong backward compatibility, and access to multi-brand tool ecosystems that competitors can’t match.
For side-by-side brand comparison, see our guides to all major cordless power tool brands: Makita LXT, DeWalt 20V MAX, Milwaukee M18, and Ryobi ONE+.
& Garden (green) tools: A PBA 18V 4.0Ah is the all-round sweet spot for most DIYers. 2.0–2.5Ah is fine for occasional light tasks; 5.0–6.0Ah is overkill unless you’re running garden equipment that demands sustained power.
Multi-tool setups: If you’re buying two tools (e.g. drill + impact driver, or drill + circular saw), invest in two 4.0Ah batteries. This allows one to charge while you work with the other.
Cross-System Incompatibility — Professional vs Home & Garden
This is the most critical point: Bosch Professional (blue) and Bosch Home & Garden (green) 18V systems are NOT compatible with each other. A GBA or ProCORE battery will never fit a green Home & Garden tool, and vice versa. The connector design, voltage regulation, and form factors are completely different.
No adapters exist, and Bosch does not make cross-system converters. If you own blue and green tools, you must buy batteries for each system separately — the only workaround is to give up one system and standardise on the other.
To avoid costly mistakes: Before buying your first battery, check your tool’s colour and model number. Write it down. Take a photo. This single step prevents buying the wrong battery and wasting £50–100.
System Comparison: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Bosch Professional (Blue) if you:
- Use your tools daily or for professional work
- Want maximum power and runtime (up to 12Ah capacity with ProCORE)
- Need BITURBO boost (87% extra power in compatible tools)
- Want access to specialist tools from Fein and Rothenberger
- Prefer a single 18V platform across all your Bosch work tools
- Are willing to pay a premium for durability and performance
Choose Bosch Home & Garden (Green) if you:
- Use tools occasionally or for DIY projects
- Want lightweight, compact batteries (easier to handle)
- Prefer lower costs (batteries & chargers are cheaper)
- Need access to a massive garden tool ecosystem (150+ tools from 11 brands)
- Focus on garden work, landscaping, or outdoor maintenance
- Want simplicity and broad compatibility across Power for All
Professional vs Home & Garden Batteries — Final Buyer Decision
Professional (Blue) Batteries: Best for: A GBA PROFACTOR 18V 5.0Ah or ProCORE 18V 5.5Ah is ideal if you own Professional tools and need one workhorse battery. Pair with a GAL 18V-160 C fast charger for 30-minute charging. Total investment: £200–250 for battery + charger. This is premium but built to last 5+ years with intensive daily use.
Home & Garden (Green) Batteries: Best for A PBA 18V 4.0Ah is the all-round sweet spot for most DIYers. 2.0–2.5Ah is fine for occasional light tasks; 5.0–6.0Ah is overkill unless you’re running garden equipment that demands sustained power.
Multi-tool setups: If you’re buying two tools (e.g. drill + impact driver, or drill + circular saw), invest in two 4.0Ah batteries. This allows one to charge while you work with the other.
