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20V MAX vs 18V: what the voltage labels really mean
They're the same thing. A "20V MAX" pack and an "18V" pack both use five lithium cells: 20V is the brief peak voltage off the charger, 18V the nominal working voltage. US marketing prints the peak; everyone else prints the nominal. Don't pick a platform on that number.
So why do brands print different numbers?
DeWalt introduced "20V MAX" branding in the US, and Craftsman's V20 and others followed; Milwaukee, Makita, Bosch and Ridgid stayed with 18V. Same cell math either way — which is why our comparison table treats them as one class.
When voltage actually matters
Above the 18/20V class, real differences start: Kobalt's 24V and Flex's 24V run six cells, and the high-power lines — DeWalt FlexVolt 60V, Makita XGT 40V, Metabo HPT MultiVolt 36V — exist for big saws and breakers that genuinely need more. If those tools are in your future, weigh the high-power line, not the headline sticker.
What to compare instead
Ecosystem size, where the platform is sold, warranty, and the honest trade-offs — the fields on every platform profile. Or answer three questions and start from a shortlist.
Common questions
Is a 20V MAX tool more powerful than an 18V tool?
Not because of the label — both run five-cell packs at 18V nominal. Power differences come from the motor, electronics and pack construction, not the marketing number.
Is 24V meaningfully stronger than 18V/20V?
It's one more cell in series (six vs five) — a real but modest step, most visible in high-draw tools. Ecosystem and tool quality still matter more for everyday work.
What is FlexVolt?
DeWalt's 60V line whose packs switch to 20V when clicked into 20V MAX tools — high-power tools without abandoning your existing batteries.
Next: what Ah means · brushless vs brushed · how to choose a platform
Ready to buy into a platform?
These four are what buyers actually cross-shop — the first three are pro-grade, Ryobi is the DIY value pick. Batteries are the lock-in, so start with a kit on the platform you'll stay on.
| Platform | Voltage | Best for | Ecosystem | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | DeWalt 20V MAX | 20V MAX | Professional | Massive | See on Amazon |
| Milwaukee M18 | 18V (M18) | Professional | Massive | See on Amazon |
| Makita 18V LXT | 18V LXT | Professional | Massive | See on Amazon |
| Ryobi ONE+ 18V | 18V ONE+ | DIY & homeowner | Massive | See on Amazon |
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