Ryobi ONE+ 18V batteries don’t natively fit tools from DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Makita — every brand uses a different connector shape. However, third-party battery adapters exist that let you use Ryobi batteries in other brands’ tools (and use other brands’ batteries in Ryobi tools). This guide covers how these adapters work, what’s available, the risks, and whether they’re worth it.
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Short Answer
Yes, you can use Ryobi ONE+ 18V batteries in other brands’ tools — and vice versa — with a third-party adapter. Adapters are available for most brand combinations and cost around £12–£24. However, they bypass built-in safety systems, damage linked to one may not be covered by the tool maker’s guarantee, and they are not part of any maker’s battery system.
Available Adapter Combinations
Because Ryobi ONE+ is one of the most popular DIY platforms, there are adapters available in nearly every direction:
| Direction | What It Does | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ryobi ONE+ → DeWalt 20V | Use Ryobi batteries in DeWalt tools | £12–£20 |
| DeWalt 20V → Ryobi ONE+ | Use DeWalt batteries in Ryobi tools | £12–£20 |
| Ryobi ONE+ → Milwaukee M18 | Use Ryobi batteries in Milwaukee tools | £12–£20 |
| Milwaukee M18 → Ryobi ONE+ | Use Milwaukee batteries in Ryobi tools | £12–£20 |
| Ryobi ONE+ → Makita 18V LXT | Use Ryobi batteries in Makita tools | £12–£20 |
| Makita 18V → Ryobi ONE+ | Use Makita batteries in Ryobi tools | £12–£20 |
| 2-in-1 DeWalt/Milwaukee → Ryobi | Use either DeWalt or Milwaukee batteries in Ryobi tools | £16–£24 |
Genuine batteries, chargers and kits for this platform
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Which batteries fit which tools — cross-brand, adapters & Ah, decoded.
Adapters for Ryobi tools are sold under several listing names; one we could confirm on sale is the MT18RL (Makita battery to Ryobi tool). Some adapters include a USB charging port.
How Do These Adapters Work?
Battery adapters are passive connectors that physically bridge one brand’s battery interface to another brand’s tool slot. They route power from the battery’s positive and negative terminals to the corresponding terminals on the tool.
The voltage is compatible across all four major brands: Ryobi ONE+ (18V), Milwaukee M18 (18V), Makita LXT (18V), and DeWalt 20V MAX (nominal 18V; DEWALT gives 20V as the maximum initial voltage). The nominal figures match, but that does not make the batteries interchangeable: an adapter still bypasses the communication between battery and tool.
Safety Risks & Limitations
| Risk | Explanation |
|---|---|
| BMS communication bypass | Each brand’s batteries have onboard Battery Management Systems that communicate with their native tools. Adapters bypass this entirely — the tool can’t read battery state, temperature, or charge level. |
| No automatic shutoff | The tool won’t know when the battery is depleted. Over-discharging damages lithium-ion cells and permanently reduces battery life. |
| Overheating risk | Without temperature monitoring, high-draw tools can push a battery into thermal stress undetected. |
| Warranty cover | Makita and Milwaukee exclude non-Makita or non-approved parts and accessories without naming adapters, and Ryobi’s UK guarantee page states no such exclusion. Damage linked to an adapter may not be covered. |
| Physical bulk | Adapters add 1–2 inches and extra weight between battery and tool, affecting balance. |
| Contact quality varies | Cheap adapters may have poor terminal contacts, leading to intermittent power drops or overheating at the connection point. |
When It Makes Sense
- You have a big Ryobi collection and bought one tool from another brand. An adapter avoids buying an entirely new battery platform for a single tool.
- Using professional batteries in Ryobi tools. If you own Milwaukee or DeWalt professional batteries, using them in Ryobi tools via an adapter can give those tools a performance boost from the higher-quality cells.
- Low-power tools only. LED lights, radios, fans, inflators, and compact drills are safe candidates.
- Temporary or infrequent use. Weekend DIY use carries minimal risk.
When You Should NOT Use an Adapter
- High-draw tools: Circular saws, angle grinders, SDS drills, reciprocating saws.
- If you’re building a new tool collection: Pick one brand and stick with it rather than mixing platforms with adapters.
- Professional daily use: The warranty and safety risks don’t make sense for tools you depend on for income.
The Bottom Line
Ryobi battery adapters work for casual cross-brand use and can save you from buying duplicate battery platforms. They’re best suited for low-power tools used occasionally. For anything demanding or frequent, buying the correct battery for your tool remains the safest and most reliable option.
Related Guides
- Every Ryobi ONE+ 18V Tool and Which Batteries Fit
- How Long Do Power Tool Batteries Last?
- Can I Use a Higher Ah Battery in My Drill?
- Can You Use Makita Batteries in DeWalt Tools?
- Can You Use Milwaukee Batteries in DeWalt Tools?
Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Protecting Your Battery Investment
Regardless of whether you explore cross-brand adapters or stick within the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem, proper battery care ensures your investment lasts. Ryobi UK advises storing batteries in a cool, dry place, ideally between 5°C and 20°C; avoid extreme temperatures and always use approved chargers. If you do use third-party adapters, inspect both the adapter and battery contacts regularly for signs of wear or damage, and never leave adapted setups unattended while charging.
The safest and most reliable approach is to keep each brand’s batteries within their own ecosystem. Ryobi’s ONE+ platform offers over 300 tools, making it likely that Ryobi produces a version of whatever tool you need. Expanding within the same platform gives you guaranteed compatibility, full warranty protection, and optimised performance without the risks associated with cross-brand adapters.
Can I use Ryobi ONE+ batteries in Makita or DeWalt tools?
Not directly. Ryobi ONE+ uses a proprietary battery connection that is incompatible with other brands. Some third-party adapters exist, but they are rare for Ryobi and generally not recommended due to safety concerns (adapters bypass the battery management system). Each brand’s ecosystem is designed to be self-contained.
Why are Ryobi battery adapters less common than other brands?
Ryobi ONE+ tools are positioned as consumer-grade and priced affordably, so the economic incentive to adapt batteries between brands is lower. A new Ryobi battery typically costs less than an adapter for a professional brand. Additionally, the ONE+ battery rail design is unique, making adapter engineering more challenging.
Are there any brands compatible with Ryobi ONE+ batteries?
No major tool brand shares battery compatibility with Ryobi ONE+. The ONE+ platform is exclusive to Ryobi (a TTI brand). However, Ryobi does have the broadest single-platform tool range with 300+ tools, so staying within the ONE+ ecosystem gives you access to virtually every tool category without needing cross-brand compatibility.
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 →
