What's inside
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How the systems work
Metabo HPT MultiVolt and DeWalt FlexVolt are both battery platforms built to run high-demand cordless tools without giving up compatibility with a lower-voltage tool range. The important difference is how each battery changes voltage and which tools can use it.
A MultiVolt battery can supply 36V to compatible 36V tools or 18V to Metabo HPT 18V tools. A FlexVolt battery changes its configuration to supply 60V for compatible DeWalt tools or 20V for DeWalt’s 20V MAX tools. In both cases, the battery’s voltage depends on the tool connection; it does not make an ordinary lower-voltage tool more powerful.
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These are separate ecosystems. A MultiVolt pack does not fit a FlexVolt tool, and neither brand’s batteries work across to the other. Before buying, check the exact tool’s battery requirements and whether a bare tool or kit makes more sense for your setup.
At-a-glance comparison
| Factor | Metabo HPT MultiVolt | DeWalt FlexVolt |
|---|---|---|
| High-voltage operation | 36V in compatible tools | 60V in compatible tools |
| Lower-voltage compatibility | 18V Metabo HPT tools | 20V MAX DeWalt tools |
| Battery interchange | Across compatible MultiVolt 36V and 18V tools | Across compatible FlexVolt 60V and 20V MAX tools |
| AC option | Some tools can use a separate AC adapter | No equivalent general-purpose AC adapter across the platform |
| Best fit | Buyers who want one pack for Metabo HPT’s 18V and 36V tools, or value corded operation on select tools | Buyers already invested in DeWalt 20V MAX, or building around its 60V tools |
Voltage alone is not a useful measure of runtime or cutting speed. Battery capacity, tool design, material and workload all matter. Compare the tool you need and its included battery, not just the large voltage number on the pack.
Compatibility and ecosystem
FlexVolt’s strongest practical advantage is its connection to DeWalt’s broad 20V MAX lineup. A FlexVolt pack can power compatible 20V MAX tools, so someone with a collection of those tools can use a high-capacity pack in both a 60V saw and a lower-voltage drill. That pack may be heavier and more expensive than needed for a small drill, though.
MultiVolt offers a similar bridge between Metabo HPT’s 36V and 18V tools. Its distinctive extra option is the AC adapter available for certain tools. That can be handy in a workshop or at a fixed worksite when an outlet is nearby and a battery is charging. It is not a substitute for a battery when you need to move around, and the adapter only works with tools designed to accept it.
Neither system is automatically the better buy just because it spans two voltages. Tool selection, local kit pricing, battery availability and your existing packs matter more. Check that the exact tool is listed as compatible: shared brand or voltage labels do not guarantee every battery fits every tool generation.
Runtime, weight and handling
High-demand tools can drain a pack quickly. Cutting thick stock with a circular saw, grinding under load or drilling a large hole with an auger can use far more energy than driving screws. A bigger-capacity battery usually extends runtime, but it also adds weight and can make a tool tiring to hold overhead. For a drill or impact driver used all day, a smaller compatible pack may be the better choice.
Heat is another limit. Long, hard cuts can warm both battery and tool; protection electronics may reduce output or stop operation until temperatures fall. Letting a hot pack cool in open air is safer than immediately putting it on a charger, and repeatedly pushing through shutdowns is a poor way to finish a cut. Keep spare packs available for sustained work rather than expecting one battery to run continuously.
Battery capacity figures are not perfectly comparable between brands or voltage configurations. Read the pack label and tool specifications, and remember that advertised runtime varies with the test conditions. A battery’s ability to run a lower-voltage tool does not mean it will deliver the same runtime as a smaller, lighter pack optimized for that job.
Which system should you buy?
Choose FlexVolt if you already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries and want to add a compatible 60V tool without starting another battery collection. It is also the straightforward choice if the DeWalt tool lineup has the specific saw, outdoor tool or other equipment you need. Compare kit prices carefully: a bare tool can be a good value when you already have suitable batteries, while a kit may be cheaper than buying a pack and charger separately.
Choose MultiVolt if Metabo HPT has the tools you want, you value a battery that spans its 18V and 36V lines, or an AC adapter would be useful for a compatible stationary tool. If you are starting from scratch, price the tool, two batteries and charger as a system. A small discount on a bare tool can disappear once you add packs and charging equipment.
For occasional work, the cheaper option is often enough. If your jobs are short and you do not need a high-demand tool, buying a second battery platform solely for its higher-voltage badge is hard to justify. Consider a cordless tool combo kit from the platform you already own before investing in another charger and battery range.
Check before you buy
Confirm the tool’s voltage, the battery models it accepts, whether the listing includes a charger, and what capacity the included pack has. Check the total kit weight if you will use the tool overhead or on a ladder. For heavy cutting or grinding, budget for a spare battery and allow for cooling time; for light drilling and fastening, a smaller pack may save money and reduce fatigue.
Also verify warranty terms and battery availability from sellers you trust. A platform only pays off if you can replace a worn pack without hunting for an obscure listing. Compare a MultiVolt battery and charger or a FlexVolt battery and charger against the cost of a kit before deciding. The right system is the one that powers the tools you will actually use, with enough runtime for the job and no unnecessary battery weight.
FAQ
Which system should you buy?
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