Power Tool Charger Compatibility Guide (2026) — Every Brand Covered

Every cordless power tool needs a charger, but knowing which charger works with which battery can be confusing. This guide maps charger compatibility across the major battery platforms: Makita LXT, DeWalt 20V MAX, Milwaukee M18, Ryobi ONE+, Bosch Professional, and others. We’ve also included AC/DC adapters for portable charging on job sites.

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Most people don’t think about chargers. They buy a tool kit that comes with a charger, use it for years, and call it done. But if you’re expanding your tool collection across multiple batteries, or if you own both old and new tools, understanding charger compatibility is critical. Buy the wrong charger and you’ve wasted money. Use the right charger and you can charge any battery in your system quickly and safely.

Charger Compatibility by Brand

Below is a comprehensive reference table showing charger compatibility for the major cordless power tool brands. Links go to Amazon UK search results; check the listing matches the model.

Makita 18V LXT Chargers

Makita UK lists its DC18RC and DC18RD as chargers for 14.4V and 18V LXT slide-style batteries, with charge times for packs from 1.3Ah to 12.0Ah. Times below are Makita UK’s figures.

Key point: Makita UK lists the DC18RC, DC18RD, DC18SD and DC18SF as chargers for 14.4V and 18V LXT batteries. Choose by speed and number of ports: the DC18RC charges a 5.0Ah pack in 45 min, against 110 min on the DC18SD standard charger.

Makita 40V/40V MAX Chargers

Makita’s 40V max XGT batteries use XGT chargers such as the DC40RA and DC40RB. With Makita’s ADP10 adapter, 14.4V and 18V LXT batteries can also be charged on these XGT chargers.

DeWalt 20V MAX Chargers

DeWalt’s US battery manual lists which chargers take its 12V MAX, 20V MAX and 60V MAX FLEXVOLT packs. Times below are from DeWalt’s US charge-time table for the DCB201 (1.5Ah) and DCB205 (5.0Ah); the kit codes in the shop links may differ.

DeWalt FLEXVOLT Chargers

DeWalt’s US battery manual lists the chargers that take its 60V MAX FLEXVOLT packs, including the DCB115, DCB118 and DCB132. Charge times differ: in DeWalt’s table a DCB606 takes 60 min on the DCB118 and 90 min on the DCB115 or DCB132.

Milwaukee M18 & M12 Chargers

Milwaukee sells M18-only chargers (such as the M18 DFC), M12-only chargers (such as the C12 C) and M12-18 chargers with one M12 and one M18 bay (such as the M12-18 C and M12-18 FC). Times below are Milwaukee UK’s figures.

M18 Chargers (18V)

M12 Chargers (12V)

Key compatibility rule: M18-only chargers such as the M18 DFC take M18 packs, and M12-only chargers such as the C12 C take M12 packs. Milwaukee’s M12-18 C and M12-18 FC have one M12 and one M18 bay, so one charger can cover both systems.

Ryobi ONE+ 18V Chargers

Ryobi UK says its RC18120A and RC18150 chargers are compatible with all ONE+ 18V lithium-ion batteries. Times below are Ryobi UK’s figures.

View Ryobi chargers on Amazon

Bosch Professional Chargers

Bosch says its GAL 18V-40 charges Bosch 18V Li-ion batteries, including ProCORE18V, and batteries of AMPShare partner brands with a capacity of 1.3Ah or more.

Charge rates and times below are Bosch’s published figures for a GBA 18V pack (source: GAL 18V-40, GAL 18V-160 C). Times vary with pack capacity and temperature — check the data sheet for your exact battery.

View Bosch chargers on Amazon

Bosch Home & Garden Chargers

Bosch Home & Garden (green) 18V chargers are for Bosch’s green POWER FOR ALL 18V batteries. Times below are Bosch DIY’s figures for a full charge.

View Bosch green chargers on Amazon

AC/DC Vehicle & Site Chargers

For jobs away from mains power, portable AC/DC chargers are essential. These plug into a 12V vehicle outlet or 230V mains and charge batteries on the go.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Makita charger with DeWalt batteries?

Generally no. Each brand’s chargers are made for its own batteries. One exception: Bosch says its GAL 18V-40 also charges batteries of AMPShare partner brands, which share Bosch’s 18V battery system. Check the charger’s battery list.

Are fast chargers worth the extra cost?

Often, if you use your tools regularly or own several batteries. For example, Makita UK lists 45 min for a 5.0Ah pack on the DC18RC rapid charger, against 110 min on the DC18SD standard charger.

Can I leave a battery on the charger overnight?

It depends on the brand. DeWalt’s DCB118 manual says a charged pack may be removed or left in the charger; Makita’s DC18RC manual says to remove the battery after charging. Follow your charger’s manual.

Which charger should I buy if I have old and new batteries?

Check the battery list in the charger’s manual. For example, Makita UK lists 14.4V and 18V LXT packs from 1.3Ah to 12.0Ah for the DC18RC, and DeWalt’s US battery manual lists which chargers take its 12V MAX, 20V MAX and FLEXVOLT packs.

Do I need different chargers for different capacities (2Ah vs 5Ah)?

No. A single charger works with all batteries of the same platform, regardless of capacity. A larger pack simply takes longer to charge. Buy one charger that fits your use case (slow for hobby, fast for professional).

What’s the difference between standard and fast chargers?

Fast chargers deliver a higher charging current than standard ones, so they refill a pack in less time. Because faster charging generates more heat, many fast chargers include active cooling (for example, Makita says its DC18RC has a cooling fan). Charge rates and times vary by model and battery — use the manufacturer’s figures for your exact charger and pack rather than a general rule of thumb.

Can I use a 12V car charger with my drill on a job site?

Some brands sell 12V vehicle chargers. For example, Milwaukee’s M12-18 AC charges M12 and M18 packs from a vehicle socket, and Milwaukee UK lists 55 min for an M12 2.0Ah pack. Charging from a vehicle socket is usually slower than on a mains fast charger.

Which Charger Should You Buy?

Your charger choice depends on three things: your brand, your use pattern, and your budget.

For Hobby & Light DIY Users:

• Makita: DC18RC (single port, standard speed) — £25–35
• DeWalt: DCB101 or DCB115 (single port) — £30–45
• Milwaukee: M12-18 C (one M12 and one M18 bay) or C12 C (M12 only) — £40–60
• Ryobi: RC18120A (2.0 A) — £25–35
• Bosch: GAL 18V-40 (standard compact) — £30–50

These chargers are adequate for weekend DIY, light gardening, and occasional drilling. Charge times are longer (for example 95 min for a DeWalt DCB205 on the DCB101), but you’re paying less upfront.

For Regular Home Workshop Users:

• Makita: DC18SF (four ports, charges two at a time) — £45–65
• DeWalt: DCB132 (two ports) — £50–80
• Milwaukee: M12-18 FC (fast, one M12 and one M18 bay) — £60–85
• Ryobi: RC18150 (5.0 A) — £40–60
• Bosch Professional: GAL 1880 CV (8 A) — £60–80

These are the Goldilocks chargers — they balance speed, features, and cost. Charging times drop: for example, Milwaukee UK lists 59 min for an M18 5.0Ah pack on the M12-18 FC. If you own 2–3 batteries and swap between tools regularly, you’ll notice the improvement.

For Professionals & Contractors:

• Makita: DC18RD (two rapid ports) — £70–100
• DeWalt: DCB118 (8 A, FLEXVOLT) or DCB104 (four ports) — £80–120
• Milwaukee: M18 DFC (6 A to both bays) — £100–140
• Bosch Professional: GAL 18V-160 C (16 A, with active air cooling)

Fast multi-port chargers are essential on busy job sites. Faster charge times mean you can rotate batteries throughout the day without waiting. Dual and multi-port chargers let you charge two or more batteries simultaneously, maximizing uptime.

Charger Safety & Best Practices

Many modern chargers include safety features such as these (check your charger’s manual):

• Temperature monitoring — Chargers detect over-temperature and throttle charge rate
• Overcharge protection — Once fully charged, chargers switch to trickle charge or stop
• Short circuit protection — Chargers detect faults and shut down
• Cell balancing — Multi-cell batteries charge each cell evenly

Best practices:

• Charge within the temperature range in your charger’s manual (for example, DeWalt says 4–40°C). Avoid direct sunlight and damp areas.
• Don’t leave batteries on chargers permanently — charge when needed and remove.
• Keep charger vents clear. Don’t cover or block airflow.
• Use the correct charger for your battery platform. Never attempt DIY adapters.
• Inspect battery connectors regularly for corrosion. Clean with a dry cloth if needed.
• Replace chargers if they smell of burning plastic or show signs of damage.

Charger Comparison Across All Brands

Summary: Quick Charger Buying Guide

Step 1: Identify your brand and platform (Makita LXT, DeWalt 20V MAX, Milwaukee M18, Ryobi ONE+, Bosch Professional, etc.).

Step 2: Choose your charge speed:

• Slow (1.0–2.0A): Budget-friendly, overnight charging, hobby use. Cost: £20–40
• Standard (2.0–3.0A): Good balance, home workshop. Cost: £40–70
• Fast (3.6–5.0A): Job sites, professionals, multiple batteries. Cost: £70–150

Step 3: Decide on ports:

• Single-port: Cheapest, adequate for one battery at a time
• Dual-port: Charge two batteries simultaneously (recommended for most users)
• Multi-port (4–6): Contractor or fleet charging, overkill for most DIYers

Step 4: Buy from reputable retailers (Amazon.co.uk, Screwfix, B&Q, Toolstation) to ensure warranty and genuine products.

Once you’ve chosen your brand, check that a charger is listed for the batteries you plan to buy. Invest in quality — a £60–80 fast dual-port charger delivers convenience and flexibility.

Battery Compatibility guide for a full compatibility matrix.