BL1860B vs. BL1850: Which Makita 18V Battery is Right for Your Tools?

If you use Makita cordless tools, you’ve likely come across both the BL1860B and BL1850 batteries. Both are part of Makita’s 18V LXT lithium-ion lineup and are built for reliable performance. The main difference is the amp-hour (Ah) rating, which affects runtime.

The BL1850 is a 5.0Ah Makita 18V battery battery. It offers a solid balance between weight and run time, making it a good everyday option. It’s ideal for drilling, driving, or light sawing jobs.

The BL1860B, on the other hand, is a 6.0Ah battery. That extra amp-hour gives you roughly 20% more run time than the BL1850. It’s a better fit for heavy-duty work like grinding, extended sawing, or all-day job site tasks.

Both batteries feature Makita’s STAR Protection technology, which prevents overheating and over-discharging. They also include charge level indicators.

If you want more runtime with fewer battery swaps, go with the BL1860B. If you’re looking to keep things lighter but still get solid performance, the BL1850 is a dependable choice. Either way, you get quality and compatibility with all Makita 18V LXT tools.