Choosing a cordless power tool platform is one of the biggest decisions a tradesperson or serious DIYer will make. Once you invest in batteries, chargers, and a handful of tools, switching brands becomes expensive. So which platform deserves your money — Makita 18V LXT, DeWalt 20V MAX, or Milwaukee M18?
This guide compares these three professional battery platforms on battery technology, tool range, price and ecosystem lock-in.
Browse Makita 18V LXT Batteries on Amazon
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Quick Comparison Overview
| Feature | Makita 18V LXT | DeWalt 20V MAX | Milwaukee M18 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 18V nominal | 18V nominal (20V MAX is the maximum initial voltage; sold as 18V XR in the UK) | 18V nominal |
| Battery range | Packs up to 12.0Ah (BL18120) | FLEXVOLT packs include the 12.0Ah DCB612 | Packs up to 12.0Ah (HIGH OUTPUT and FORGE) |
| Tool count (maker’s own claim) | Over 325 tools (Makita UK) | Not published by DeWalt UK | Over 325 solutions (Milwaukee UK) |
| High-power option | 18V×2 (36V) tools using two LXT packs | FLEXVOLT 54V / 108V (US: 60V / 120V MAX) | MX FUEL (separate battery platform) |
| Best for (our view) | Electricians, carpenters, value-seekers | General contractors, renovation crews | Plumbers, electricians, heavy-duty trades |
| Avg Battery Price (5.0Ah) | £55–£70 | £60–£80 | £65–£85 |
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.
Get the free Power-Tool Battery Compatibility Handbook (PDF)
Which batteries fit which tools — cross-brand, adapters & Ah, decoded.
Battery Technology Compared
Makita 18V LXT
Makita’s 18V LXT batteries use a slide-on connection; packs run up to the 12.0Ah BL18120. For more power, Makita’s 18V×2 (36V) tools use two LXT batteries at once, so no separate battery platform is needed.
Makita says its Star Protection technology “enables real-time data exchange between tool and battery to guard against overload, over-discharge, and overheating.”
DeWalt 20V MAX
DeWalt’s “20V MAX” refers to the maximum initial battery voltage; the nominal voltage is 18V, the same nominal figure as Makita LXT and Milwaukee M18.
Where DeWalt stands out is FLEXVOLT. FLEXVOLT batteries automatically switch voltage depending on the tool — 18V or 54V in the UK (20V MAX or 60V MAX in the US) — and some tools take two FLEXVOLT packs for 108V (US: 120V MAX). That lets one battery family run both compact and heavy-duty tools.
Milwaukee M18
Milwaukee UK says the M18 system has “over 325 solutions”, including the M18 FUEL sub-line.
Milwaukee’s larger M18 packs include 12.0Ah HIGH OUTPUT and FORGE batteries; Milwaukee says the M18 FORGE 12.0Ah “delivers up to 50% more power than the M18™ HIGH OUTPUT™ 12.0 Ah battery”. For equipment beyond 18V, Milwaukee sells MX FUEL, a separate battery platform.
Tool Range and Ecosystem
All three brands offer drills, impact drivers, saws, grinders and lighting on these platforms. Speciality ranges (outdoor, plumbing, electrical) differ and change often, so check the maker’s current list for the tool you need.
Runtime and Performance
We have not tested these tools and found no comparable runtime figures from the makers, so we do not rank them on runtime. Within any platform, battery capacity (Ah) is the main lever: a bigger pack runs longer but weighs more.
Price Comparison
Entry cost is an important factor. Here’s what you can expect to pay for a basic starter kit (hammer drill + 2x 5.0Ah batteries + charger + case):
| Brand | Starter Kit Price (typical) | Extra 5.0Ah Battery | Replacement Charger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita | £250–£320 | £55–£70 | £30–£45 |
| DeWalt | £280–£350 | £60–£80 | £35–£50 |
| Milwaukee | £300–£380 | £65–£85 | £40–£55 |
Makita generally offers the best value, particularly for starter kits. Milwaukee commands a premium but justifies it with build quality and trade-specific features. DeWalt falls in the middle and frequently runs promotions with free batteries or bonus tools.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
Choose Makita 18V LXT if:
- You want the best value for money across a large tool range
- You need garden and outdoor tools on the same battery platform
- You’re a carpenter, electrician, or general tradesperson
- You prefer a proven, mature platform with wide third-party support
Choose DeWalt 20V MAX if:
- You need high-power tools like table saws and mitre saws on battery
- You want the most seamless voltage scaling (20V → 60V → 120V)
- You do renovation work and need a broad, reliable range
- You value ergonomic design and a lighter overall feel
Choose Milwaukee M18 if:
- You’re a plumber, electrician, or HVAC technician needing speciality tools
- You want Milwaukee’s HIGH OUTPUT and FORGE packs
- Build quality and durability are your top priorities
- You need the ONE-KEY digital tool tracking system
Can You Use Batteries Across Brands?
No — Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee batteries are not cross-compatible. Each brand uses a proprietary slide-on connection, and the electronics are not interchangeable. Third-party adapters do exist, but we generally recommend against them for safety and warranty reasons. See our guide on third-party battery safety for more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DeWalt 20V the same as Makita 18V?
Yes, in terms of actual working voltage. DeWalt’s “20V MAX” refers to the peak (unloaded) voltage, while the nominal voltage is 18V — identical to Makita’s 18V LXT and Milwaukee’s M18. The names differ; nominal voltage alone does not tell you how the tools compare in power.
Can I use Makita batteries in a Milwaukee tool?
No. Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee each use proprietary battery connections that are physically and electronically incompatible. You cannot interchange batteries between these brands without a third-party adapter, which is not part of any maker’s battery system; damage linked to one may not be covered by the tool maker’s guarantee, and we have not tested any adapter.
Which brand has the most cordless tools?
By the makers’ own counts, Makita UK says LXT has over 325 tools, Milwaukee UK says M18 has over 325 solutions, and Ryobi UK says ONE+ has over 200 tools. We found no DeWalt UK count. The makers count differently, so treat these as rough guides.
Which battery platform is best for a homeowner?
For homeowners and casual DIYers, Makita 18V LXT offers the best value with a huge range of both power tools and garden equipment on one battery. However, if budget is a primary concern, consider Ryobi ONE+ — it’s aimed at DIY users and generally cheaper.
Where to Buy
Ready to start building your tool collection? Check current prices:
Makita 18V LXT on Amazon DeWalt 20V MAX on Amazon Milwaukee M18 on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn’t affect the price you pay.
Video Guide
No single brand wins across every category. Your best choice depends on which tools you already own — switching platforms is rarely worth the cost.
Related Guides
- Power Tool Battery Warranty Guide by Brand
- Power Tool Battery Recycling: How and Where
- Which Ryobi ONE+ Battery Should You Buy?
- Power Tool Battery Glossary: Ah, V, Wh Explained
Which battery platform is best: Makita, DeWalt, or Milwaukee?
Each platform has strengths, and none wins in every category. The best choice depends on which tools you need and which batteries you already own.
Can you mix batteries between Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee?
No. Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee batteries are not cross-compatible. Each brand uses a proprietary battery interface. Third-party adapters exist, but they are not part of any maker’s battery system, and damage linked to one may not be covered by the tool maker’s guarantee.
Which brand has the most 18V tools available?
By the makers’ own counts, Makita UK says LXT has over 325 tools, Milwaukee UK says M18 has over 325 solutions, and Ryobi UK says ONE+ has over 200 tools. We found no DeWalt UK count. The makers count differently, so treat these as rough guides.
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 →
