Once you buy into a battery platform, you are in it for a while. Batteries are expensive and they do not cross between brands. This is not a brand loyalty argument. It is a practical guide to what each platform does well and where the gaps are.
Milwaukee M18: the broadest tool range ¶
Milwaukee's M18 platform has the widest range of tools of the three. If there is a cordless version of a tool you need, Milwaukee probably makes it in M18. The FUEL sub-line uses brushless motors and is the performance tier. Battery compatibility runs across the full M18 range, including older tools. The main downside is price: Milwaukee tools and batteries cost more than the equivalent Makita or DeWalt. If you are building a full kit from scratch, the upfront cost is higher.
Makita 18V LXT: the longest-established platform ¶
Makita's 18V LXT has been around since 2005, which means there is a large second-hand market for batteries and tools. The tool range is deep, particularly in the areas of finishing and woodworking. Makita's brushless tools are competitive with Milwaukee on performance. The star-shaped battery terminal is a Makita-specific design that some users find more secure than the slide-in designs used by Milwaukee and DeWalt. Battery prices are generally slightly lower than Milwaukee.
DeWalt 20V MAX: the value entry point ¶
DeWalt's 20V MAX (which is nominally 18V under load, the same as the others) is often the most affordable entry point for a cordless kit. The ATOMIC and FLEXVOLT sub-lines extend the range upward. DeWalt's TSTAK case system is genuinely useful for site organisation. The tool range is slightly narrower than Milwaukee at the specialist end, but covers everything a general tradesperson needs. A good choice if you are starting fresh and want to keep initial costs down.
When it makes sense to run two platforms ¶
Some tradespeople run Milwaukee for heavy tools (impact wrench, circular saw, reciprocating saw) and a second brand for lighter tools where the battery weight matters less. This is a reasonable approach if you already have batteries in both systems. Starting two platforms from scratch is expensive and not worth it for most people. If you are starting fresh, pick one and go deep on it.
We stock all three platforms in depth, including bare tools, kit combos, and replacement batteries. If you want to talk through which platform suits your work, call ((503) 741-2280.