Milwaukee Battery Comparison

Whether you're taking on a small home improvement project or a large construction job, you rely on power tools. And for your power tools to work properly, they need long-lasting, reliable batteries and chargers. But figuring out which battery is best for your particular power tool and situation is not always easy.

For this reason, we've put together a guide introducing battery products from Milwaukee Tool, one of the leading brands in the power tool industry. These battery products vary widely in capacity, power, weight and size, so you'll have no trouble finding the perfect batteries for your application.

Different Battery Sizes Available

When browsing our selection of batteries, you'll notice there is either a USB, M4™, M12™, M18™ or M28™ in the product description. These terms refer to the voltage — a term we have all heard, but which not everyone understands. Voltage is the difference in electric potential between the battery's positive and negative terminals. The greater the difference in potential, the higher the voltage. Electric potential refers to the difference in charge between the battery's two terminals. One terminal is positively charged, and the terminal is negatively charged. When a terminal has a negative charge, this means it has an excessive amount of electrons, which are negatively charged particles. A terminal with a positive charge, on the other hand, has an absence of electrons.

Because of the physical separation between these terminals, the electrons cannot travel from the negatively charged terminal to the one with the positive charge. However, once you connect two terminals via a circuit, the electrons can now travel along the circuit's path, going from the negative electrode to the positive electrode. The motion of the electrons here is current, which we measure using amperes, or amps.

Milwaukee® offers batteries of five different voltage levels for power tool batteries.

1. USB

As a relatively new option, USB is a tiny battery commonly used for flashlights. The USB battery we offer is called the Milwaukee® 48-11-2130, which you can use with Milwaukee® Rechargeable products. This exceptionally long-lasting battery, which offers over 2,000 recharges over its lifespan, also boasts the following features.

  • Large capacity: This USB battery has twice the capacity of three AAA alkaline batteries.
  • Fast charge: When using a Milwaukee® REDLITHIUM™ USB Charger, it charges three times faster. You can get 50% of the full charge within 30 minutes, 80% within an hour and a 100% charge in just two hours.
  • Generous warranty: The REDLITHIUM™ USB Battery comes with a two-year warranty.

M4™ Battery

2. M4™

M4™ batteries are four-volt batteries and include products such as the Milwaukee® 48-11-2001, which is a 2.0 amp-hour REDLITHIUM™ Compact Battery Pack. It has 40% more runtime than the previously offered four-volt battery packs and can deliver up to 50% more runtime than competing products. The product is compatible with the 48-59-2001 M4 charger. M4™ products are fairly rare, as most power tools require batteries with more power, like the M12™ and M18™.

3. M12™

As one of the most commonly used sizes, M12™ batteries are, as the name suggests, 12-volt. Smaller and sleeker than their 18-volt counterparts, M12™ batteries are well-suited for those who use tools but don't require a high voltage. One M12™ battery we offer is the Milwaukee® 48-11-2420, which delivers up to twice the runtime, 20% more power and twice the number of recharges of standard lithium-ion batteries. Additional benefits of this product include the following.

  • Compact design: The battery fits in tight spaces and minimizes user fatigue.
  • Onboard fuel gauge: You can see the remaining runtime displayed on the board, meaning you'll have less downtime on the job.
  • All-weather performance: The Milwaukee® 48-11-2420 delivers fade-free power in the most extreme conditions, performing in temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Maximized battery life: This battery features individual cell monitoring and a temperature management system to maximize its life.
  • Compatibility: This battery powers all Milwaukee®'s M12™ cordless power tools.
  • REDLINK™ intelligence: It provides overload protection to prevent users from damaging their power tools in heavy-duty situations. This capability is possible thanks to the total-system communication among the battery, tool and charger.

4. M18™

M18™ is the other most common battery size. Whereas M12™ is ideal for tools that require less power, the Milwaukee® battery M18™ is best for tools needed for heavier-duty jobs that require more power. This 18-volt battery features a larger design and base, which means it is a little heavier. However, depending on the power tool you're using and its application, a bit more weight may be beneficial in some situations. The Milwaukee® 48-11-1815 is a compact M18™ REDLITHIUM™ battery offering 1.5 amp-hours of runtime. Below, we will discuss many Milwaukee® M18™ batteries in depth.

M28 Battery

5. M28™

The M28™ is a 28-volt battery with limited use in a few professional-grade tools. Most applications don't require the level of power it offers.

Which Milwaukee Battery Size Is Best?

Which Size Is Best?

As mentioned above, the vast majority of power tools utilize either the M12™ or M18™ batteries, and which size you select will depend on what your tool requires. However, if you have not yet bought your tools and are trying to decide between 12-volt and 18-volt equipment, consider the following factors.

  • Power: While 18-volt tools are more powerful than 12-volt tools, you may not require all the torque of 18 volts. If you're a professional carpenter, chances are Milwaukee® battery M12™ tools will deliver the power you need. If you're in a situation that involves high-stress and heavy-duty tasks, however, Milwaukee® battery 18V tools may be more suitable for the job. Otherwise, you'll likely find 12 volts are enough for all your tasks.
  • Weight: 12-volt tools and batteries offer the advantage of being more lightweight. If you are often having to work in attics, crawlspaces and working overhead with your arm extended, you will appreciate the lighter weight of the 12-volt tools. If the power level of 12-volt tools is good enough for your purposes, you'll want to choose that platform.
  • Size: 12-volt tools are smaller. If you have limited space in your truck bed or toolbox and 12 volts will deliver the power you need, consider getting as many 12-volt tools as possible. This strategy will free up space and allow you to carry a wide variety of tools, so you can be better prepared for whatever job you encounter.
  • Charge time: M12™ batteries charge faster, which could mean less downtime on the job.
  • Runtime: The Milwaukee® battery M18™ can run for longer than M12™ batteries.

Milwaukee Battery Configurations

Milwaukee® Battery Configurations

M18™ batteries are available in three main configurations, based on the number of Li-ion cells they have.

  1. Compact (CP) battery packs: The CP battery packs feature five Li-ion cells.
  2. Extended-capacity (XC) battery packs: The XC battery packs feature 10 Li-ion cells. M18™ XC batteries can provide certain tools with a power boost, known as the "XC effect." You can expect one of these batteries to give your M18 drill a roughly 10% increase in power. XC battery packs are ideal for tools like drills, reciprocating saws, rotating saws or any tools that need a little more power to make it through tougher material.
  3. High-demand (HD) battery packs: HD batteries have 15 Li-ion cells. They deliver the longest runtime and run cooler, making them suitable for the heaviest-duty M18 cordless power tools. They are ideal for tools like miter saws, table saws or practically any outdoor power tools. This nine-amp-hour battery maintains full power, pushing cordless power tools for longer than any CP or XC battery.

Milwaukee M18 Battery Comparisons

Milwaukee® M18™ Battery Pack Comparison

Now we're going to talk about each Milwaukee® M18™ battery pack available. But before we start, we want to make sure you're familiar with the following two terms.

  • Amp-hour: The products will be in the order of increasing charge capacity, measured in amp-hours. An amp-hour refers to how much current a battery can supply over one hour. For example, if a battery has a charge capacity of one amp-hour, that means the battery can supply current of one amp for exactly one hour, two amps for a half-hour, a third of an amp for three hours, etc., before it becomes discharged completely.
  • High output: You'll notice some of the battery packs with greater capacities contain the words "high output" in their title, which means the batteries feature larger 21700 Li-ion cells. Compare this with standard batteries, which have 18650 cells. The 21700 Li-ion battery cells, in addition to delivering a higher capacity, also provide more power and run cooler. For these reasons, M18 batteries can provide higher output than standard batteries. An easier way of thinking about it is that a high-output battery bumps you to the next level of runtime — but in a smaller-sized battery pack.

Milwaukee® CP Battery Packs

Milwaukee® offers three CP battery packs, with capacities of 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 amp-hours.

CP 15 Battery

CP 1.5

The M18™ 1.5 amp-hour compact battery from Milwaukee®, which weighs only 0.95 lbs, has been around for many years. This lightweight, low-capacity battery is best suited for light-duty jobs such as light drilling, screw-driving and punch-list projects. For DIYers looking at Milwaukee® as a step up, this battery pack is a great, affordable choice.

CP 2.0

The 2.0 amp-hour compact battery has 33% more capacity than the 1.5 amp-hour battery, thanks to a cell upgrade that didn't come at the cost of more weight or size. At 1.1 pounds, the CP 2.0 only weighs 0.15 pounds more than the CP 1.5. Just like with the 1.5 amp-hour battery pack, the 2.0 is also a great choice for light-duty drilling, screw-driving and punch-list projects. You may even be able to pop one into a circular saw to make a few final cuts at the end of your day. If you're using heavy tools like Milwaukee® drills, SURGE™ hydraulic drivers or impact drivers, consider using 2.0 amp-hour batteries to keep down their weights.

High-Output CP 3.0

Milwaukee®'s 3.0 amp-hour high-output battery is its most advanced 1P compact battery. It uses the larger 21700-sized lithium-ion cells, enabling it to run 50% cooler and with 50% more power than the CP 1.5 and CP 2.0. It also offers twice the runtime capacity of the 1.5 amp-hour and 50% that of the 2.0 amp-hour. It boasts a smaller footprint and, at 1.33 pounds, drops the weight of the XC 3.0 by 15% with the same capacity. For this reason, it's a good choice for reducing the weight on your Milwaukee® drills, impact drivers and some cordless electrical and plumbing equipment.

Milwaukee® XC Battery Packs

Milwaukee®'s XC battery packs are available as 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 or 6.0 amp-hour batteries, allowing you to adjust your tools to any work demands.

XC 3.0

The M18™ XC 3.0 battery pack was Milwaukee®'s original 2P extended-capacity pack, and is still available in several kits. It is not as popular as the 4.0 and 5.0 amp-hour battery packs. The 3.0 amp-hour high-output battery may someday replace it, since it provides the same capacity at around half the size. At 1.69 pounds, this M18™ battery weighs significantly more than its counterpart, the CP 1.5. It is best suited for heavier tools like SAWZALLS®, rotary hammers and cordless circular saws, although larger batteries have considerably longer runtime.

XC 4.0 Battery

XC 4.0

The Milwaukee® M18™ 4.0 amp-hour battery once held the top spot as the go-to 2P pack, although the XC 5.0 has now taken its place. It offers 33% more capacity than the XC 3.0, and you can buy this battery as part of a battery/charger start kit or multi-pack. The XC 5.0 may soon entirely replace the 4.0 as the 2P pack of choice.

The 4.0 is a baseline battery for Milwaukee®'s bigger mid-level tools like SAWZALLS®, circular saws, rotary hammers, plumbing and electrical tools. For newer tools with more power, consider using the high-output or 5.0 amp-hour batteries, depending on what the tool is.

XC 5.0

Milwaukee®'s M18™ 5.0 amp-hour battery is the go-to 2P battery and perhaps the most popular battery in the entire line. Due to an upgrade to a lithium-ion cell, it boasts 67% more capacity than the XC 3.0 and 25% more than the XC 4.0, despite having about the same weight and footprint. If you own XC 3.0 batteries and they've come to the end of their useful lives, consider upgrading to the XC 5.0 batteries.

This battery can do practically anything — you can use it with your Milwaukee® impact drivers and drillers to achieve a longer runtime. You can also reasonably power most Milwaukee® M18 FUEL™ products using this battery, but keep in mind some of Milwaukee®'s newer tools will work better with high-output battery packs.

As the 5.0 is fairly lightweight, it's a good option for reducing weight when using Milwaukee® OPE tools like Quik-Lok™, although the runtime may not be sufficient.

XC 6.0

Milwaukee®'s 6.0 amp-hour high-output battery is a fantastic choice for running almost any M12 or M18 FUEL™ product, even the majority of tools that prefer a high-output pack. The only exceptions are the Super SAWZALL® and the M18 FUEL™ Table Saw if they're going to be the main tools on a long workday.

High-Output XC 8.0

The 8.0 amp-hour high-output battery is basically the 5.0 XC with its cells swapped out for the higher-density 21700s. As the most advanced 2P pack available, it has 60% more capacity than the 5.0 amp-hour battery.

As this battery is relatively large, we recommend you use it mainly for M18 FUEL™ products that prefer a high-output battery, although it also works on miter saws and rotary hammers. Compact tools and many of the lighter M18™ tools feel too heavy and unbalanced when used with this battery.

Milwaukee® HD Battery Packs

Milwaukee®'s HD battery packs, which have 15 Li-ion cells, have a reputation for their long runtime and cool operation. They are available in two options.

HD 9.0

The 9.0 amp-hour high-demand battery from Milwaukee® is the foundational power source for the company's OPE line and several other tools. While it doesn't run as cool or deliver as much power as the high-output battery, it is preferable when you need sustained power instead of faster, more powerful bursts.

High-Output HD 12.0

Milwaukee®'s 12.0 amp-hour high-output pack is the cream of the crop. Its impressive 216 watt-hours provide the user with three times the capacity of an XC 4.0. For the newest tools with the most power, this pack is the go-to battery. You can find it in kits with the 2732 circular saw, SDS-Max rotary hammers, M18 FUEL™ chainsaw and table saw.

For tools or products like lighting you don't need to carry regularly, this pack provides the longest runtime. It also gives a boost to tools such as the SWITCH TANK™, as long as the extra battery weight doesn't bother you.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MILWAUKEE® BATTERIES

1. What's the Best Milwaukee® Battery?

The best battery for your needs will depend on your specific application and priorities. To make a confident selection, consider factors like:

  • What tool you plan to use the battery with
  • Whether you prefer long runtime or short charge time
  • Whether you will need the battery to handle heavy-duty tasks

2. What Is the Difference Between Milwaukee® Batteries?

Milwaukee® batteries feature different voltages. Voltage impacts weight, charge time, runtime and compatibility with various tools. For example, a Milwaukee® M18™ provides 18 volts and lasts longer than a Milwaukee® M12™ battery, which offers 12 volts.

3. How Long Do Milwaukee® Batteries Last?

Milwaukee® batteries are designed to last for a certain number of charges. As a result, the lifespan of a Milwaukee® battery varies depending on how frequently you use it and whether you store it properly. To figure out about how long your battery will last, check the warranty.

4. Is It Bad to Leave Milwaukee® Batteries on the Charger?

Leaving your Milwaukee® batteries on their chargers will not cause damage. However, you should still unplug the charger and remove batteries soon after they finish charging whenever possible, as heat generated by the plugged-in charger can contribute to performance loss over time.

5. How Do You Store Milwaukee® Batteries?

To keep Milwaukee® batteries performing at their best, make sure to follow the instructions for storage and maintenance. In general, you should store your lithium-ion battery packs inside at room temperature. Ensure batteries are kept well away from sources of moisture, as exposure to water or excessive humidity can cause the terminals to corrode. In addition, try to avoid leaving your batteries in overly hot or cold temperatures, as this can shorten their lifespan.

Milwaukee® lithium-ion batteries last longer in long-term storage than other battery types, so you can leave them for up to one year before charging as normal. If you need to keep a battery on the shelf for the long term, store it at about 50% charge for the most stable battery chemistry.

Explore the Power Tool Battery Pack

Explore Milwaukee Power Tool Battery Packs and Chargers Available Online

At Construction Fasteners and Tools, we provide our customers with the batteries and chargers they can trust to help them complete their projects. In addition to our high-quality, reliable products, we also offer the following benefits to our customers.

  • Large selection: We have a wide range of power tools, hand tools, safety equipment and much, much more. We have more than 100 brands to choose from, and even if we haven't listed the item you're searching for, there's a good chance we can — and will — get it for you.
  • Proven track record: Construction Fasteners and Tools is a locally owned and operated business, and we have been serving our community for 15 years.
  • Competitive pricing: With Purchasing Power from the Fasteners Group, we can offer competitive prices on any supplies you need.
  • Quick turnaround times: We get your orders to you as quickly as possible, with most orders shipping on the same day.
  • Free shipping on qualifying orders: We offer free shipping for Milwaukee®, Bosch, Dewalt and Makita orders over $99. Visit our site to find out more details.
  • Friendly, helpful staff: Our talented team of staff members is always eager to help. Customer service is the single most fundamental part of our business, and we believe customers buy products from people, not companies.

Let Construction Fasteners and Tools be your primary supplier for all construction, manufacturing, maintenance and industrial applications. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us by email.