The Best 20V Batteries for Power Tools
With the advent of lithium-ion batteries, power tools reached a new height of convenience and portability. Instead of having to find the nearest outlet or relying on sub-par batteries, these new 20V batteries are built tough to take on any job that comes their way. If you have a power tool that’s compatible with 20V batteries and you’re looking for a replacement, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a list of the best ones available so you can get up and running again.
What to Look For
When narrowing down the best 20V batteries for power tools, we considered the available amp hours, compatibility, reliability, and price. If you want a classic battery design with great amp hours and run time, the DEWALT 20V MAX XR battery is our top choice. If you’re a little tight on cash and are still looking for a great bargain, the CaliHutt 6.0Ah 20V replacement battery set packs a big punch for a low price. Read on to see all our top choices and find the battery that’s right for your setup.
Dewalt 20V MAX XR Battery
The gold standard
If you have a 20V Dewalt power tool and you’re looking to get a replacement battery, it doesn’t get any better than this. This battery has five amp hours, so it’s made to last longer than other 20V battery options. It also weighs only 1.4 pounds, so it won’t add too much weight to your tool while you’re using it. Just like everything Dewalt makes, it’s built tough. For massive power that won’t weigh you down, this battery is a sure winner.
Pros:
- It has 60% more battery capacity than a standard 20V MAX battery pack
- Compatible with all Dewalt 20V MAX tools
- Has a LED fuel gauge on the side to indicate how much battery power is left
Cons:
- Retail price is fairly high, but it’s been known to go on sale
Dewalt 20V Max XR 20V Battery 2-Pack
It’s said that two heads are better than one, and the same goes for batteries. With this two-pack from Dewalt, you can have the same quality and durability that their DCB205 battery has, but double. That’s twice as much run time, which makes for more convenience during long jobs or projects that require multiple tools. If you have several Dewalt tools, you can stock up on batteries to reduce charging time in the middle of a job. Whether you’re a handyman with your own business or just someone who likes to be prepared, you can’t go wrong with this purchase.
Pros:
- Better price than buying individually
- Much more power than a standard 20V battery set
- Allows you to charge one while you use the other or use two at once
Cons:
- Adding a charger increases the price by a significant amount
Dewalt 20V MAX Battery Starter Kit with 2 Batteries
The more the merrier
If you’re new to power tools and you’re looking to start off on the right foot, this battery starter kit is a great way to do it. This kit comes with two Dewalt lithium-ion batteries rated at five amp hours each, one charger, and a carrying bag to house it all. These batteries work with all Dewalt 20V power tools, and since it comes with two, you can make sure you always have one ready on deck. Even if you already have a charger and battery in your toolbox, these extras will make sure you have everything you need to take on any job without running out of juice.
Pros:
- Comes with a bag to store additional tools
- Charges 12V, 20V, and 60V batteries
- Has a combined total of around 10 hours of battery run time
- Saves more money when buying the whole kit
Cons:
- The bag isn’t big enough to hold many tools along with the battery and charger
Craftsman V20 Lithium Ion Battery Two-Pack
Only the best
Craftsman tools have been around for almost 100 years, and in that time, they’ve developed quite a name for themselves. If you prefer the Craftsman line of 20V power tools, these are the batteries you need. These work for all the standard 20V Craftsman power tools and come with four amp hours for lasting power, a far cry from their standard model. They even have LED indicators to show how much battery power is left. If you own Craftsman tools, these are a much-needed upgrade.
Pros:
- Less expensive than competing brands
- Not as heavy as top competitors, so they won’t add much weight
- Has triple the runtime of the standard 1.3 Ah lithium-ion battery
Cons:
- Won’t work for all Craftsman power tools
CaliHutt 2Pack 6.0Ah 20V Replacement Battery
Don't break the bank
Even though this replacement battery comes from a third-party brand, that doesn’t mean it’s any less powerful than the competition. This two-pack of lithium-ion batteries comes with a whopping six amp hours and plenty of power to spare. They’re affordable, long-lasting, and, best of all, they work with all standard Craftsman V20 cordless tools. If you’re looking to add some backup batteries to your tool setup, this is a cheap and convenient way to do it.
Pros:
- Has built-in circuit protection to keep your tools safe
- Requires less charge time than most competitors
- Less than half the price of Craftsman two-pack battery set
Cons:
- Doesn’t fit the Craftsman 20V max Bolt-On and DieHard series
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all 20v power tool batteries work with all brands of power tools?
Most power tool batteries are not compatible with power tools of a different brand. However, most power tools within that brand tend to use the same battery. For example, most Dewalt 20V power tools use the same battery. The same goes for Craftsman, Ryobi, etc.
What do amp hours mean?
Amp-hours are often abbreviated as Ah, and they refer to the length of time a battery can produce one amp of power per hour. They loosely refer to battery life, though it doesn’t necessarily mean that a 5 Ah battery will last for five hours. However, a higher amp hour rating is certainly better than a low one.
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