Milwaukee Battery Reviews 2023 – Comparing & Reviewing Top Options

If there is one thing Milwaukee does well, it’s maintaining a massive line of tools. This is great, but reading reviews on them shows it can also be a problem if you aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of the brand. For the most part, their tools and batteries are interchangeable. However, they are separated into several categories.

Understanding what each battery is capable of and its intended uses will give you a good idea of which category of tools will be best for you. Reading reviews from consumers like you, paired with personal experience with each of these batteries, we’ve come up with a list of the top options for batteries. Then we will discuss some of the major differences within each category to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision because these tools aren’t cheap!

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		M18 XC 5.0	Compatible with all M18 tools Excellent life on a single charge Quick charge compatible	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		M12 XC 4.0	Compatible with all M12 tools Lightweight Reasonably priced	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		M18 High Output HD 12.0	Compatible with all M18 tools Incredible battery life Performs under the worst conditions	CHECK PRICE
		M28 XC 3.0	Decent battery life Heavy-duty construction Designed for commercial use	CHECK PRICE
		M18 CP 1.4	Compact size Reasonably priced	CHECK PRICE

The 6 Best Milwaukee Battery Options

1. Milwaukee M18 XC 5.0 – Best Overall

Milwaukee’s M18 battery-operated tool line is one of their top sellers, and the M18 XC 5.0 is the best overall battery you can get that balances quality with price. There are less expensive batteries in the M18 line. However, there is a significant difference in how long the other batteries last.

The XC 5.0 is ideal for demanding tools such as the circular saw or reciprocating saw. Also, if you use a heavy drill to drill holes in stainless steel, the XC 5.0 is suitable. However, if this is an everyday task, it may be best to upgrade to the HD12—which is also on this list.

2. Milwaukee M12 XC 4.0 – Best Value

The M12 Milwaukee line is not as heavy-duty as the M18. And being a 12-volt versus an 18-volt line hinders its ability to keep up. However, the XC 4.0 performs well and easily reaches the number two spot. As long as you’re not looking for a battery that will perform under heavy commercial or industrial use, it will not disappoint.

Compared to the M12 3.0 battery, this one is significantly bigger. The benefit is a much longer-lasting battery, but the main draw of the M12 line is how compact it is. If you don’t mind the extra size, this is a superior battery. Read about the 3.0 amp-hour battery below if you prefer a smaller battery.

3. Milwaukee M18 High Output HD 12.0 – Premium Choice

Rounding out our top three is the High Output HD 12.0 in the M18 line. Price-wise, you’re looking at spending quite a bit more on this battery compared to XC 4.0. However, you will notice a massive difference in battery life. When it comes to the type of work these tools are designed to do, you won’t always be able to charge batteries on a job site. So, a battery that can realistically last through an entire workday is a huge win.

The major downside to this battery is its physical size. This is not the battery you will want to run on your drill all day unless you have forearms the size of tree trunks. You will not be able to maneuver the drill with the dexterity you often need. It is an excellent battery for demanding tasks or tools, though. If it weren’t for the size, this battery could easily take the top one or two positions on this list.

• See Also: Milwaukee M18 Chainsaw Review 2022: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

4. Milwaukee M28 XC 3.0

It’s a shame the M28 is not more popular. This 28-volt line pumps out the power you need to get any job done. However, Milwaukee has stated that its focus is the M12 and M18 lines, so there won’t be any expansion on the M28 line.

But if you don’t need a massive selection of tools and need something that can keep up with everything you can throw at it. The M28 XC 3.0 is worth looking at if you can find them. For their size, the batteries are comparable in weight to the big M18 batteries. While you can’t buy them directly from Milwaukee anymore, some suppliers still have the M28 line, and Milwaukee still honors their manufacturer’s warranty.

5. Milwaukee M18 CP 1.4

In most cases, if you’re running the M18 line, you’re not worried about a compact size. Other than using a massive battery in the drill, bigger is almost always better. For the price, the CP 1.4 is a great addition to your kit if you’re running things like portable lights or other low-demand tools.

If your main tools are products like the saw or impact drills, this compact battery will not be ideal. It’s a popular battery but more as an accessory battery versus a working battery. The other plus is how fast its charge times are, even with a regular charger. So, if you have random small tasks throughout the day, it’s a reasonable, cheap option.

• See Also: Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 Miter Saw Review 2022: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

6. Milwaukee M12 3.0

If you’re looking for the most compact batteries for your M12 tools, the 3.0 AH battery is a good option. It’s not the most durable or long-lasting battery, but it’ll do well for small jobs around the house or the shop. Another benefit is that it charges quickly, even using a regular charger.

Overall, this M12 battery will keep you going as long as you’re not expecting commercial runtimes or dropping it from the top of a ladder. However, if you’re not buying it for the compact size, you’re better off upgrading to the XC 4.0 battery.

• See Also: Milwaukee M12 Soldering Iron Review 2022: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Milwaukee Battery Option

Settling on a particular battery for your Milwaukee tools is not as simple as reading a list of the top options. You’ll need more information to make the best buying decision possible because Milwaukee has such a diverse line. Below, we’ve gathered some information on the differences between Milwaukee’s various batteries.

Milwaukee Tool Lines

There are two main tool lines still available, and one that isn’t growing anymore yet remains a solid option if you can find a retailer that still has some in stock.

Different Battery Types

Other than the line the battery belongs to, two things determine what a battery is best suited for. Each battery has an amp-hour (ah) rating. In short, this determines how long a battery can is expected to last under a normal load. For example, the M18 XC 4.0 is an extended capacity battery with an ah rating of 4. This leads us to the other determining factor of Milwaukee batteries. You’ll notice four acronyms when looking at which battery to use. Below we’ll discuss each of them and their ideal applications.

• See Also: Milwaukee Hand Tools – Top 10 Choices Reviewed

Conclusion on the Top Milwaukee Battery Options

After reading the reviews and trying these batteries out, we’re confident that these are some of the best options Milwaukee has available. They have a diverse line with some differences in each category. Hopefully, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the right battery.

If you’re looking professional quality battery, the M18 XC 4.0 is an incredible option, and if you need something even longer-lasting, the High Output HD12.0 will be the ticket. However, it’s significantly heavier. If you’re looking for something right in the middle, the M12 line and its XC 4.0 battery will give you the power to get most jobs done.