Makita’s biggest 18V range, common on site and at home.
See the Makita platformChoose your 18V battery once.
Every brand uses its own battery and they don’t mix. I compare six major 18V platforms so you know which kit to buy first and which tools you can add later.
See the six platformsBrand comparisonsStart with the platform, not the tool
A Makita battery won’t fit a DeWalt drill. Your first purchase decides every one after it, so here’s what each system offers.
A trade 18V range; its FlexVolt batteries also fit the XR tools.
See the DeWalt platformBosch’s blue range. Its batteries are part of the AMPShare alliance with other brands.
See the Bosch platformBuilt for the trades. I don’t link it on Amazon: here’s why.
See the Milwaukee platformOne battery for the workshop and the garden, at lower prices.
See the Einhell platformAimed at DIY at home, with lots of tools on the same battery.
See the Ryobi platformThe brand match-ups people search for most
Platforms head to head: range, batteries, starter kits and who each one makes sense for.
- Makita LXTvsDeWalt XRRead the comparison
- Bosch Professional 18VvsMakita LXTRead the comparison
- Milwaukee M18vsDeWalt XRRead the comparison
The best of each tool
For each type of tool, the models worth buying on each platform, what each one offers and who it’s for.
How to choose a platform in five questions
Before you look at models, get these answers straight. The full guide explains which platform fits each combination.
Read the guide- What will you use it for: jobs around the house, a renovation or daily work?
- Which tools will you need in two years’ time, not just today?
- Do you already own an 18V battery?
- How much do you want to spend on the first kit?
- Do you want to use the same battery in the garden?
How I compare
Three rules I follow on every page. The full method.
Data from the official spec sheet
Torque, weight, voltage and what comes in each kit come from the manufacturer’s spec sheet, not the advertising.
What owners say
I read buyer reviews and trade forums to see what goes wrong with real use.
No made-up tests
If I haven’t used a tool, I say so. I never publish tests I haven’t done.