18V vs 20V batteries. The truth about the difference!

You’ve got a tough decision to make: 18V or 20V? You can’t really decide which one you want, but before you go ahead and buy either one of them, let’s explore the difference. A lot of people find it confusing to choose between an 18V cordless drill and a 20V cordless drill because they both have a lot of power. But truthfully, the truth is that even though the 20V MAX sounds more powerful than the 18V, it is just as powerful for most projects. Looking at all these similarities and differences can help you better determine what kind of power your project needs. In this article, we’ll explore the different aspects of these two drills so you can make an informed decision on whether to buy an 18V or 20V.

Before we begin…

The debate about whether to purchase an 18V or 20V battery is one that has been discussed by many experts and amateurs already. Some people believe that 18V is still the best choice, while others recommend the 20V MAX products. Regardless of which side you fall on, there are some things you need to keep in mind: The difference between these drills is the nominal and maximum voltage – not quality or any performance, so don’t think just because it says “20V MAX” it automatically means better than an “18V.” In fact, they are both of the same quality and performance.

What are cells? Let’s see clearly.

Each battery is made up of cells. The more cells are wired in parallel in the battery, the stronger it will be and the Voltage will increase. In the other hand cells wired in series will have higher capacity, larger Ah, and run longer during use. All of the cells work with a combined force to provide the required power and runtime.

Each cell has a “nominal” and a “maximum” voltage value.

The maximum value: As much as the cell provides at maximum charge and maximum capacity.

The nominal value: As much as the cell normally (or average or typically.. etc) could provide.

This is a pretty important factor when you consider the fact that the batteries are losing power during use. When the battery is discharged to 99%, the maximum value doesn’t exist anymore, instead, it continues to work at a nominal value.

The truth about 18V vs 20V batteries:

These days all brands are using 18650 type cells in their Lithium-ion batteries. Both 18V and 20V MAX cordless drill batteries have 5 cells (or 10 with double capacity). But there is an important difference between them: which voltage is indicated on the product. So when we look at a 20V MAX drill, we might think it’s 10% more powerful than the 18V. But in reality, there is no difference between 18V and 20V drills, both of their batteries are using 5 cells in parallel and have the same maximum and nominal voltage values. All 18650 cells have a nominal rating of 3,6 volts and a maximum rating of 4 volts.

  • 5 cells x (nominal) 3.6V =18V; 
  • 5 cells x (maximum) 4.0V = 20V.

In essence, some manufacturers make use of the nominal rating (18 volts), while others the maximum rating (20 volts) when labeling their tools and Lithium-ion batteries.

There is no difference between an 18V vs 20V drill in terms of price or power, they are exactly equivalent when it comes to these facts!

There is no difference between an 18V vs 20V drill in terms of price or power, they are exactly equivalent when it comes to these facts!

Legal or Illegal?

In today’s world of marketing and advertising, there is a tendency to stretch the truth. This can be seen in everything from weight loss products to automobiles. Products are often marketed using different tactics to generate higher sales. One example of this is presenting a product in ways that can be perceived as more valuable than its true value, so consumers will buy whatever you’re selling without hesitation and feel cheated when they discover the truth about what really happened. Think about it, someone just replaces their 18V drill because they see that the 20V is stronger. It may seem like an innocent lie but it could lead people astray and make them lose faith in all things related to the product advertised.

What most people don’t know is that there’s nothing illegal about this practice because it’s not technically a lie; it’s just clever marketing! They call it a 20V MAX battery because they’re using the max value (20 volts). The same reason that a 12V battery isn’t called 10.8V is because it uses three cells (3 x 3,6V= 10,8V / 3 x 4V = 12V).

This kind of marketing trick is not used everywhere by manufacturers. The higher value (20V MAX) is mainly seen in America, although the same machine is sold in Europe at nominal value (18V), it is only re-labeled for the EU standard.

Conclusion

The question of 18V vs 20V is the same as asking if you want to buy a 12V battery or a 10.8V, both are exactly equivalent when it comes to price and power. The only difference is one uses the cells’ max voltage (4 volts) while the other has a nominal value (3,6 volts). However, some people may feel more comfortable buying a drill with 20V MAX on it, than one which says 18V, because they believe that having higher numbers means higher power or better quality; which could not be any further from the truth! In the end, what you need to do is check the specs on each drill and make your decision based on that. Make sure you know exactly what’s being offered before making a purchase.

Recommended 18V Cordless Drill Driver

Key Specifications

  • Made in Japan
  • Voltage: 18V (20V MAX)
  • Speed settings: 2 (500 – 1900 rpm)
  • Power: 395 UWO
  • Torque: 442 In-lbs
  • Max bit size: 1/2 inch
  • Comes with one 3Ah battery
  • Weight: 3.8 lbs. with battery

The Makita XFD131 cordless drill driver is a top-of-the-line tool that is perfect for both professional and DIY use. It has two-speed settings, 395 UWO of power, and a max bit size of 1/2 inch. It comes with a 3Ah battery, but you unfortunately only get one in the package.

At just 3.8 lbs., this drill is easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. There is no hammer function on this drill, so it’s not ideal for drilling into masonry. However, it’s perfect for drilling into wood, metal, and plastic. Whether you’re a professional contractor or a weekend warrior, the Makita XFD131 is a great choice for your next cordless drill.

8.1Expert Score
Our BDA Score - Makita XFD131 18V LXT

What is the BDA score? BDA score is our own rating value based on a checklist of more than 45 factors. The evaluation process is based on several aspects, including design, technical features, accessories, quality, popularity, and more.

Conclusion: The Makita XFD131 is a great choice for your next cordless drill. It's perfect for both professionals and DIYers alike, and it comes with some great features that make it a top-of-the-line tool. If you're looking for a powerful and durable cordless drill, the Makita XFD131 is the way to go.

PROS
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Powerful motor
  • Good battery life
  • Ergonomic handle
CONS
  • There is no hammer function

Recommended 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver

Key Specifications

  • Made in the USA
  • Voltage: 20V MAX (18V)
  • Speed settings: 2 (550 – 2000 rpm)
  • Power: 460 UWO
  • Torque: 619In-lbs
  • Max bit size: 1/2 inch
  • Comes with 2 batteries (2Ah)
  • Weight: 3.4 lbs. with battery

The DeWalt DCD791D2 cordless drill is a powerful tool that is perfect for professionals and DIYers alike. It has a voltage of 20V MAX (18V) and comes with two batteries. The drill has two-speed settings (550 – 2000 rpm) and can deliver up to 460 UWO of power. It also has a torque of 619In-lbs, making it perfect for heavy-duty use. The max bit size for this drill is 1/2 inch.

Finally, the drill weighs in at 3.4 lbs. with the battery, making it easy to handle. There is no hammer function, so it cannot be used for drilling into masonry. However, it is more than capable of drilling into wood, metal, and plastic. With its impressive power and features, the DeWalt DCD791D2 cordless drill is a great choice for anyone in the market for a new drill.

9.1Expert Score
Our BDA Score - DeWalt DCD791D2 20V MAX

What is the BDA score? BDA score is our own rating value based on a checklist of more than 45 factors. The evaluation process is based on several aspects, including design, technical features, accessories, quality, popularity, and more.

Conclusion: The DeWalt DCD791D2 is a great choice for anyone in the market for a powerful and feature-rich cordless drill. It is perfect for both professionals and DIYers alike and comes with two batteries. With its impressive power and torque, the DeWalt DCD791D2 is sure to get the job done.

PROS
  • Lightweight and powerful
  • Comes with two batteries
  • Good battery life
  • Great value for the money
CONS
  • There is no hammer function

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