If you are shopping for DeWalt tools, you have come across two families of batteries that look similar but are not in the same league: the 20V MAX and the FlexVolt. Confusion is normal; DeWalt uses the same physical casing for both, and both sometimes display "20V" on the label.
At Équipement Polar, we have been distributing DeWalt 20V MAX and FlexVolt batteries in Canada since 1991. This guide explains the real difference between the two platforms, and most importantly, which one to buy based on the tools you already own or plan to add to your fleet.
Our Quick Picks
- You only have 20V tools → DCB205 20V MAX 5Ah: $118
- First FlexVolt purchase / mixed use → DCB606 FlexVolt 6Ah: $199
- Best FlexVolt capacity/price ratio → DCB612 FlexVolt 12Ah: $328
- Maximum jobsite runtime → DCB615 FlexVolt 15Ah: $438
- Best 20V duo for the day → DCB208 20V MAX 8Ah (pair): $328
Comparison table of available DeWalt batteries
| Model | Platform | Capacity | Compatible with | Price CAD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCB205 | 20V MAX | 5 Ah | 20V tools only | $118 |
| DCB208 (pair) | 20V MAX | 8 Ah (x2) | 20V tools only | $328 |
| DCB606 | FlexVolt | 6 Ah (20V) / 2 Ah (60V) | 20V and 60V tools | $199 |
| DCB612 | FlexVolt | 12 Ah (20V) / 4 Ah (60V) | 20V and 60V tools | $328 |
| DCB615 | FlexVolt | 15 Ah (20V) / 5 Ah (60V) | 20V and 60V tools | $438 |
Prices in Canadian dollars at the time of publication. Check the current price on the product page. Free shipping on orders over $150 everywhere in Canada from equipementpolar.com.
Understanding the two DeWalt platforms
The 20V MAX platform
The 20V MAX has been DeWalt's standard platform for over ten years. It powers the vast majority of the catalog: drills, impact drivers, reciprocating saws, impact wrenches, lights, and a good portion of cordless outdoor power equipment. A 20V MAX battery comes in several capacities, from 1.5 Ah for lightweight tools up to 8 Ah for heavy-duty use.
The FlexVolt system
FlexVolt is a dual-voltage battery technology. The same battery operates at 20V on a standard tool and automatically switches to 60V when installed on a FlexVolt tool (circular saws, grinders, high-power blowers, rotary hammers). The voltage change occurs via the internal configuration of the cells, without any user intervention. In practice, a FlexVolt battery does everything a 20V MAX does, with the added capability of powering more powerful tools.
Why the confusion exists
Both batteries have the same casing format and clip onto the same 20V tools. Nothing visually prevents you from confusing them. The difference lies in the internal chip and the cell configuration, which are invisible to the eye. For this reason, the exact model (DCB205, DCB606, DCB612, DCB615...) is the only reliable information, not the "20V" label alone.
Compatibility: one-way
A 20V MAX battery can only power 20V tools. A FlexVolt battery powers 20V tools AND 60V/120V FlexVolt tools. Therefore, FlexVolt covers everything 20V covers; the reverse is not true. This is why you can add FlexVolt to an existing 20V fleet without buying anything else, but not vice versa.
1. DCB205 — DeWalt 20V MAX 5Ah Battery
The starting point for any 20V DeWalt tool fleet. If you only buy one battery, this is the one.
The DCB205 is the most versatile 20V MAX battery in the DeWalt catalog. Its 5 Ah covers the majority of residential needs and light jobsite tasks without making the tool heavy. Since it lacks the FlexVolt cell configuration, it costs significantly less than a dual-voltage battery of comparable capacity.
For an electrician, carpenter, or advanced DIYer equipped with standard 20V tools (drill, impact driver, reciprocating saw), it is the go-to battery: lightweight on tools held for long periods, and durable enough for half a day of intensive work.
Pros
- Lowest price in the selection — $118
- Compatible with 200+ DeWalt 20V tools
- Lighter than an equivalent FlexVolt battery
- Standard format, easy to find as a spare
Things to consider
- Does not work on FlexVolt 60V tools
- 5 Ah may be limited for a full day on an energy-hungry tool
Ideal for: Any 100% 20V tool fleet — drills, drivers, reciprocating saws, lights.
Not ideal for: Those who own or plan to get a FlexVolt 60V tool — see the DCB606 below.
Price: $118
View the DCB205 at Polar →2. DCB606 — DeWalt FlexVolt 6Ah Battery
The FlexVolt entry point. The battery to get as soon as your first 60V tool enters your fleet.
The DCB606 is the lightest and most affordable of the FlexVolt batteries. It automatically switches to 20V on your standard tools and to 60V on a FlexVolt circular saw, grinder, or rotary hammer. It is the logical choice when a single 60V tool justifies moving to dual voltage, without wanting to invest in maximum capacity right away.
Pros
- Lowest entry price in FlexVolt — $199
- Also works on all your existing 20V tools
- Lighter than the DCB612 and DCB615
Things to consider
- Only 2 Ah in 60V mode — limited runtime on energy-hungry tools
- For intensive 60V use, the DCB612 or DCB615 last longer
Ideal for: First FlexVolt tool, occasional 60V use, light mixed 20V/60V fleet.
Not ideal for: Intensive 60V jobsite use all day long — see the DCB612 or DCB615.
Price: $199
View the DCB606 at Polar →3. DCB612 — DeWalt FlexVolt 12Ah Battery
The best capacity/price balance in FlexVolt, for those who regularly use a 60V tool.
The DCB612 doubles the capacity of the DCB606 in 60V mode (4 Ah vs 2 Ah), which significantly reduces recharging stops on a circular saw or grinder used all day. In 20V mode, its 12 Ah also makes it one of the most durable batteries in the catalog for your standard tools.
Pros
- Doubles the 60V runtime compared to the DCB606
- 12 Ah at 20V — excellent runtime on standard tools too
- Same price as a pair of DCB208 20V, but with 60V compatibility included
Things to consider
- Heavier than the DCB606 — felt on a tool held at arm's length for long periods
- A fast 60V charger (DCB118) is recommended to avoid long charging times
Ideal for: Regular FlexVolt use — circular saw, grinder, or rotary hammer used several times a week.
Not ideal for: Tools held for long periods overhead where extra weight is an issue — the DCB606 remains lighter.
Price: $328
View the DCB612 at Polar →4. DCB615 — DeWalt FlexVolt 15Ah Battery
Maximum runtime in the FlexVolt lineup, for the most demanding jobsite days.
The DCB615 is the most durable DeWalt battery available at Polar. On a power-hungry 60V tool — circular saw, high-power blower, rotary hammer — its 5 Ah in 60V mode keeps downtime to a minimum. It is the preferred choice for crews working all day without easy access to a charger.
Pros
- Highest runtime in the FlexVolt lineup — 15 Ah at 20V, 5 Ah at 60V
- Minimizes interruptions on the jobsite all day
- Compatible with the entire 20V and 60V fleet
Things to consider
- The most expensive and heaviest in the selection
- Longer charging time on a standard charger — a fast DCB118 charger is highly recommended
Ideal for: Intensive, all-day jobsites, crews who want to minimize recharging downtime.
Not ideal for: Occasional use or tight budgets — the DCB606 or DCB612 are sufficient for the majority of uses.
Price: $438
View the DCB615 at Polar →Need help choosing?
Our advisors in Quebec City and Chicoutimi know every model in this selection. Free advice, in-store or over the phone.
Contact our experts See all DeWalt batteries →Which charger with which battery
A standard 12V/20V charger like the DCB115 charges 20V MAX and FlexVolt batteries in 20V mode, but slower for high-capacity models. To take full advantage of a FlexVolt battery, a fast 60V-compatible charger like the DCB118 significantly reduces charging time.
| Model | Compatible | Type | Price CAD |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCB115 | 12V / 20V | Standard | $35 |
| DCB118 | 20V / 60V | Fast | $99 |
| DCB102 | 12V / 20V | Dual port | $148 |
| DCB104 | 20V (4 batteries) | Quad port | $248 |
On a job site with multiple tools in rotation, a dual-port DCB102 or quadruple-port DCB104 charger prevents queues at power outlets and keeps a battery ready at all times.
Which battery to choose based on your usage
You only have 20V tools
Stick to 20V MAX. The DCB205 5 Ah covers the majority of residential and light professional needs at a lower cost than FlexVolt. There is no benefit in paying for dual-voltage if no tool uses it.
You own or plan to get 60V FlexVolt tools
FlexVolt becomes necessary, not optional. A DCB606 or DCB612 powers these tools while remaining usable with your existing 20V fleet.
You are already equipped with 20V and want to add a FlexVolt tool without replacing everything
This is the most common scenario, and the good news: no need to replace your existing 20V batteries. Buy one or two FlexVolt batteries dedicated to the 60V tool and keep your 20V MAX batteries for the rest of your fleet. FlexVolt adds to your system; it does not replace it.
You work on a job site all day
Prioritize capacity (Ah) over technology. A DCB615 15 Ah or a pair of DCB208 20V 8 Ah batteries will both reduce the number of stops, depending on the tools you use most throughout the day.
Practical tip: The model number (DCB2XX for 20V MAX, DCB6XX for FlexVolt) is the only reliable way to distinguish the two platforms. The "MAX" label alone is not enough, and buying FlexVolt "just in case" for a tool that will never use it in 60V mode makes no economic sense.
Ready to choose your DeWalt battery?
Équipement Polar has been distributing DeWalt 20V MAX and FlexVolt batteries since 1991. Free shipping on orders of $150 or more, anywhere in Canada.
See 20V MAX batteries → See FlexVolt batteries →FAQ: DeWalt 20V vs. FlexVolt Batteries
Yes. A FlexVolt battery automatically switches to 20V mode on a standard 20V tool. No configuration required.
No. A FlexVolt tool requires a FlexVolt battery to operate in 60V mode. A standard 20V MAX battery does not have the necessary cell configuration.
No. In 20V mode, a FlexVolt battery delivers the same voltage as a 20V MAX. The tool cannot distinguish between the two.
No, unless you are adding 60V tools to your fleet. The two platforms coexist perfectly: keep your 20V MAX for your current tools and add FlexVolt only for the tools that require it.
For intensive, all-day use, aiming for 5 Ah and above in 20V MAX, or 6 Ah and above in FlexVolt, significantly reduces the number of recharges needed.
Équipement Industriel Polar has been distributing DeWalt 20V MAX and FlexVolt batteries since 1991. Visit us in-store in Quebec City (3425 Bd Wilfrid-Hamel) and Chicoutimi, or online at equipementpolar.com. Free shipping on orders over $150, anywhere in Canada in 2 to 5 business days.