Cordless Tools 2025: Which Battery System to Choose?

Choosing the right cordless tool system is one of the most important investments for any maker or craftsman. Once you choose a brand, you'll likely stay with it for years. Let's thoroughly analyze the main market players in 2025.

Main Battery Systems

Makita LXT 18V

Ecosystem:

• 275+ tools
• Widest selection on market
• Compatibility across entire range

Battery technology:

• 1.5 Ah to 6.0 Ah standard
• BL1860B with indicator
• Fast charging in 25-55 min

Advantages:

• Huge tool selection
• Availability in rental shops
• Quality Japanese manufacturing
• Reasonable prices

Disadvantages:

• Conservative innovation
• Heavier batteries
• More expensive large batteries

DeWalt 18V XR / FlexVolt

Ecosystem:

• 200+ 18V tools
• FlexVolt 54V/18V system
• PowerStack technology

Battery technology:

• XR Li-Ion 2.0-12.0 Ah
• FlexVolt voltage switching
• PowerStack - thinner batteries

Advantages:

• FlexVolt versatility
• Powerful tools
• American tradition
• Bluetooth batteries

Disadvantages:

• Higher price
• Heavy FlexVolt batteries
• Less compact

Bosch Professional 18V

Ecosystem:

• 150+ tools
• ProCore batteries
• AMPShare alliance

Battery technology:

• Standard 2.0-6.0 Ah
• ProCore 4.0-12.0 Ah
• Cool pack technology

Advantages:

• German quality
• AMPShare compatibility
• Compact design
• Biturbo motors

Disadvantages:

• Smaller ecosystem
• Higher prices
• Fewer innovations

Milwaukee M18 Fuel

Ecosystem:

• 250+ tools
• One-Key technology
• Widest power range

Battery technology:

• RedLithium 2.0-12.0 Ah
• High Output versions
• 21700 cells

Advantages:

• Most powerful tools
• One-Key tracking
• Innovative solutions
• Long runtime

Disadvantages:

• Premium prices
• Heavy HO batteries
• Aggressive marketing

Comparison Table

*On batteries with registration

New Technologies 2025

1. Pouch Cell Batteries

DeWalt PowerStack:

• 50% smaller volume
• 25% lower weight
• Better heat dissipation
• Higher performance

Disadvantages:

• Limited capacity so far
• Higher price
• Less durable?

2. 21700 Cells

Milwaukee High Output:

• 50% more energy
• Higher current capability
• Longer lifespan
• Faster charging

Used in:

• Milwaukee M18 HO
• Makita XGT 40V
• Some e-bike batteries

3. Smart Batteries

Features:

• Bluetooth monitoring
• GPS tracking
• Condition diagnostics
• Charging optimization

Available with:

• DeWalt (selected models)
• Milwaukee One-Key
• Festool (premium)

AMPShare Alliance

Revolutionary brand cooperation:

Members:

• Bosch Professional
• Fein
• Rothenberger
• Wagner
• Steinel
• and more...

Advantages:

• One battery, multiple brands
• Specialized tools
• Cost savings
• Less electronic waste

Special Systems

Festool 18V

For whom:

• Professional carpenters
• Premium segment
• Systainer organization

Price: 3-4x higher than competition

Metabo LiHD

Specialties:

• Fastest charging
• 3 years warranty free
• Robust construction
• Made in Germany

Ryobi ONE+

For whom:

• Hobby makers
• Occasional use
• Limited budget
• Garden equipment

Cost/Benefit Analysis

Scenario: Home Workshop Setup

Basic needs:

• Drill/driver
• Angle grinder
• Jigsaw
• Flashlight
• 2x 5Ah batteries
• Charger

Price comparison:

ROI Calculation

Professional use (250 days/year):
- Premium tools: $860
- Time savings: 30 min/day
- Hourly rate: $12
- Annual savings: $1,500
- ROI: 7 months

Hobby use (50 days/year):
- Mid-range: $700
- Savings vs rental: $14/day
- Annual savings: $700
- ROI: 12 months

How to Choose the Right System

1. By Use Type

Professional:

• Milwaukee or Makita
• Focus on power and runtime
• Wide ecosystem
• Service network

Advanced Maker:

• DeWalt or Bosch
• Balanced price/performance
• Quality basic tools
• Growth potential

Occasional Maker:

• Ryobi or Einhell
• Affordable price
• Basic functionality
• Wide availability

2. By Specialization

Carpenter:

• Festool (if you can afford it)
• Makita (reasonable choice)
• Bosch (AMPShare advantage)

Plumber:

• Milwaukee (M12+M18)
• Rothenberger (AMPShare)
• Ridgid (lifetime warranty)

Electrician:

• Milwaukee (compact M12)
• DeWalt (wide selection)
• Wiha (speedE)

3. By Budget

Under $800:

• Ryobi ONE+
• Einhell Power X-Change
• Worx PowerShare

$800 - $1,600:

• Makita LXT
• Bosch Professional
• Metabo

Over $1,600:

• Milwaukee Fuel
• DeWalt FlexVolt
• Festool

Tips for Maximum Battery Life

1. Storage:

   • 40-60% charge
   • Temperature 50-77°F
   • Dry environment
   • Remove from tools

2. Charging:

   • Don't let discharge to 0%
   • Use original chargers
   • Ventilate during charging
   • Don't charge frozen

3. Usage:

   • Rotate batteries
   • Don't overload
   • Clean contacts
   • Monitor temperature

Future of Cordless Tools

2025-2030 Trends:

1. Solid-state batteries:

   • 2x higher capacity
   • Faster charging
   • Longer lifespan
   • Higher safety

2. Voltage unification:

   • More 18V/20V max
   • Fewer proprietary systems
   • Greater compatibility

3. IoT integration:

   • Predictive maintenance
   • Fleet management
   • Automatic ordering
   • Tool sharing

Conclusion

Choosing a battery system is a long-term investment. Consider your current and future needs, budget and work type. For professionals, it's worth investing in Milwaukee or Makita, hobby makers can be satisfied with Ryobi. The important thing is to stay within one ecosystem and gradually expand it.

Where to Buy

Visit your local tool dealer or check major online retailers for the latest prices and availability.