18V Best by platform
18V batteries
Always buy your brand’s genuine batteries. For almost everything, a 4 or 5 Ah one. If you’re starting with “body only” tools, the two-battery pack with a charger beats buying them separately.
Reviewed on 5 November 2026 · Data from the official spec sheets, linked on each model · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
18V batteries only work in tools from their own platform. On Amazon you’ll see lots “compatible with” Makita or DeWalt: I don’t recommend them.
Makita warns that non-genuine batteries can break the communication between battery, charger and tool, void the guarantee and can catch fire. The US Power Tool Institute gives the same warning.
What to look for before you buy
- 2 Ah: drills and drivers, low weight.
- 4-5 Ah: the all-rounder, also for saws and grinders.
- Over 6 Ah: power-hungry machines and long days; they’re heavier.
- A charge indicator on the battery itself.
- Genuine, and sold by the brand or by Amazon.
Makita 18V LXTThe standard
Makita BL1850B 5.0 Ah
Makita LXT’s standard battery. On Amazon it’s listed under its part number, 197280-8.
| Capacity | 5.0 Ah |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.63 kg |
| Charge indicator | Yes |
| Charging | About 45 min with the DC18RC |
Makita: 2 × BL1850B + DC18RC charger
To get started with “body only” tools. Makita part number 197570-9; the kit’s official page doesn’t load, so I link the charger’s.
| In the box | 2 × 5.0 Ah batteries + DC18RC fast charger |
|---|---|
| Charging | About 45 min per battery |
DeWalt DCB184 5.0 Ah
DeWalt XR’s standard battery. Note: it has a 1-year guarantee (POWERSTACK ones get 3).
| Capacity | 5.0 Ah |
|---|---|
| Charge indicator | Yes, 3 LEDs |
| Protection | Overheating, overcharging and deep discharge |
DeWalt DCB1104P2: 2 × DCB184 + charger
DeWalt’s starter pack. The DCB1104 charger works with 12V and 18V batteries. On amazon.co.uk I only found the European-plug version (DCB1104P2-QW), so the button goes to the official page.
| In the box | 2 × DCB184 5.0 Ah batteries + DCB1104 charger |
|---|
Bosch Professional GBA 18V 4.0 Ah
The standard blue battery, which also works in other brands’ AMPShare tools. It doesn’t fit green Bosch.
| Capacity | 4.0 Ah |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.6 kg |
| Charge indicator | Yes |
| Technology | COOLPACK: better heat dissipation |
| Charging with GAL 18V-40 | 48 min to 80%, 65 min to 100% |
Bosch Professional: 2 × GBA 4.0 Ah + GAL 18V-40
Blue Bosch’s official starter set. I can’t confirm the amazon.co.uk listing comes with a UK-plug charger, so the button goes to the official spec sheet.
| In the box | 2 × GBA 18V 4.0 Ah batteries + GAL 18V-40 charger |
|---|---|
| Charging | 48 min to 80%, 65 min to 100% |
Einhell PXC+ 18V 4.0 Ah Sealed
The toughest battery on this list: sealed against dust and water (IP57). Ideal if you also use it in the garden.
| Capacity | 4.0 Ah |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.6 kg |
| Charge indicator | Yes, 3 LEDs |
| Protection | IP57: dust and water jets |
Einhell PXC Starter Kit: 2 × 4.0 Ah + Twincharger
Two batteries and a charger that charges both at once.
| In the box | 2 × 4.0 Ah batteries + Power X-Twincharger 3 A (charges two 18V batteries at once) |
|---|
Ryobi RB1850X 5.0 Ah
Ryobi ONE+’s standard battery. I haven’t found it on its own on amazon.co.uk: the button goes to the official spec sheet.
| Capacity | 5.0 Ah |
|---|---|
| Charge indicator | Yes, 4 levels |
| Technology | Lithium+ with IntelliCell (monitors each cell) |
| Charging | About 60 min with a 5 A charger |
Ryobi RC18150-250G: 2 × 5.0 Ah + fast charger
Ryobi’s starter pack with two big batteries. I couldn’t confirm it on amazon.co.uk: the button goes to the official page.
| In the box | 2 × 5.0 Ah batteries + fast charger |
|---|
The pros and cons summarise opinions that come up again and again in the reviews and forums linked in the sources. I haven’t tested these tools in person.
What about Milwaukee?
I don’t include it with an Amazon link: its extended guarantee only covers purchases from an authorised distributor. If you already have M18 batteries, look for this model with the official dealer locator.
My pick
A genuine 4-5 Ah battery from your brand. If it’s your first, the pack with a charger.
Sources
- Makita BL1850B 5.0 Ah: official spec sheet
- Makita: 2 × BL1850B + DC18RC charger: official spec sheet
- DeWalt DCB184 5.0 Ah: official spec sheet
- DeWalt DCB1104P2: 2 × DCB184 + charger: official spec sheet
- Bosch Professional GBA 18V 4.0 Ah: official spec sheet
- Bosch Professional: 2 × GBA 4.0 Ah + GAL 18V-40: official spec sheet
- Einhell PXC+ 18V 4.0 Ah Sealed: official spec sheet
- Einhell PXC Starter Kit: 2 × 4.0 Ah + Twincharger: official spec sheet
- Ryobi RB1850X 5.0 Ah: official spec sheet
- Ryobi RC18150-250G: 2 × 5.0 Ah + fast charger: official spec sheet
- Makita: warning about non-genuine batteries
- Power Tool Institute on third-party batteries
Specs checked on the manufacturers’ websites on 5 November 2026. I don’t publish prices because they change every day.
More tools
- Combo kits
- Combi drills
- Impact drivers
- Mitre saws
- Circular saws
- Jigsaws
- Multi-tools
- Angle grinders
- Workshop vacuums
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