Milwaukee has 3 battery systems, and you’re probably using the wrong one

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to buy another power tool, Milwaukee offers three main battery systems. And depending on what you plan on using it for, there’s a good chance you’re buying or using the wrong one.

Milwaukee offers an extensive lineup of cordless power tools in various sizes and performance levels, from the compact M12 to the full-size M18 to the industrial-strength MX FUEL line. To be more specific, M12 tools have 12-volt battery systems, while M18 tools are all 18-volt, similar to what you’ll find from Ryobi and other brands. For most, the M12 and M18 platforms are all that matter. Here’s what to know, and more importantly, which one to buy.

Milwaukee M12 Subcompact Tools

Small but mighty, and perfect for homeowners

Before we go too far, it’s important to remember that almost every power tool brand offers a single battery that can power dozens, if not hundreds, of power tools. When you buy a Milwaukee M12 tool and battery, you’ll now be part of an ecosystem where dozens of tools run on that same battery. But if you ever want to buy an M18 tool, you’ll need a new battery and another charger.

DeWALT offers 20V tools, Ryobi offers ONE+ 18V and 40V tools, and Milwaukee offers several variants as well. The first of the three main Milwaukee tool systems is the Milwaukee M12 sub-compact. Most of these tools are smaller than what you’ll find in the M18 line, Ryobi’s 18V system, or the DeWALT 20V lineup.

Milwaukee’s M12 line is small but mighty, and most of the newer M12 Brushless tools offer exceptional power, torque, and performance for the size. In total, a single M12 battery can power over 150 different tools. I’m talking about your everyday drill, driver, impact wrench, Sawzall, fans, lights, sanders, and so much more.

Most M12 tools are smaller than M18 tools, more affordable, and have smaller, lighter battery packs, too. This makes them excellent options for homeowners, those working in tight spaces, or anyone who values compact performance. For example, the M12 compact drill is smaller than most drills and comes equipped with a tiny M12 battery. It’s lightweight, easy to use, yet delivers nearly the same performance as select M18 variants.

If you’re a homeowner, DIYer, or casual hobbyist, the Milwaukee M12 platform is for you. In fact, our own Patrick Campanale bought some M12 tools while saving up for bigger M18 models, then realized they were more than enough, and he didn’t need anything more powerful. Most buyers will feel the same way after investing in the M12 lineup.

I’m not saying regular people shouldn’t buy Milwaukee’s M18 tools; it offers a bigger selection than M12, and you might need one of those, but for most situations, a Milwaukee M12 tool is absolutely capable of any job at home.

Milwaukee M18 Cordless Power Tools

Bigger, stronger, and more expensive

Then, there’s the extremely capable Milwaukee M18 tool platform. These tools are big, powerful, highly capable, and among the most popular in the industry. Each tool runs on bigger M18 battery packs in various sizes, and you can get far larger M18 battery packs with a longer runtime than anything in the M12 lineup.

Milwaukee’s M18 tool lineup is comprehensive, and any M18 battery pack can power 250+ different Milwaukee tools. Almost anything you might need is probably available on Milwaukee’s M18 line. A big part of its success is the focus on trade-specific tools, niche items, and other tools you can’t get from the competition.

Credit: Milwaukee

Naturally, Milwaukee’s M18 tools are typically larger, more expensive, and heavier. They’re extremely powerful, versatile, and durable, which is why they’re commonly found on job sites among mechanics, electricians, and other trades. As mentioned above, if a mechanic needs a specialty tool and already uses Milwaukee, they’ll likely find it at Home Depot in the M18 aisle.

Again, you can’t use M12 cells with an M18 tool, and you can’t put an M18 battery in a smaller M12 tool — and that’s important. With that in mind, most professionals, people working in a specific trade, or hardcore DIYers will want to spring for the Milwaukee M18 line over the smaller M12 platform.

Which Milwaukee battery platform to buy?

An argument for choosing M12

So, which Milwaukee battery system is best for you? Well, that depends on your wants, needs, profession, and budget. However, it’s pretty easy to see the appeal of the Milwaukee M12 lineup for most people. They’re smaller, lighter, still plenty powerful, and often cost a little less than their M18 cousins.

If you’re a homeowner, a DIYer, love getting into hobbies, or even an at-home mechanic, you’ll absolutely love all that the Milwaukee M12 platform has to deliver. Honestly, if all you do is casual repairs around the house, assemble furniture, and hang the occasional shelf or TV wall mount, and you’re buying M18, you’re spending more than you need to. Leave those to professionals or bigger jobs.

On the flip side, even many professionals choose the smaller M12 tools over Milwaukee’s larger M18 platform. The photo above is of a bunch of M12 tools on a Cornwell tool truck. The driver said that most jobsite professionals reach for smaller, lighter M12 tools, and that most of his M18 inventory sits on the truck for too long. In that case, Milwaukee’s M12 might be perfect for both sides.

It all depends on the job at hand

At the end of the day, it all depends on the job you’re trying to complete. Milwaukee’s bigger M18 platform is by far the most popular, and it’s the biggest, and for good reason. Homeowners and professionals everywhere choose it for the vast lineup and excellent power output. Plus, it’s better to have more power and not need it than to have a tool that’s underpowered and wastes space on your shelf.

You can’t go wrong either way, but most people will be perfectly happy with smaller and lighter Milwaukee M12 tools.