We examine the best battery for Bosch power tools in the UK. As you may know Bosch are a German brand who sell a lot of power tools in the UK. They also sell a lot of garden tools which are now cordless, but in this article we focus on their power tools such as cordless drills, saws etc.
In their power tool range Bosch split their power tools into two distinct markets:
- Bosch Home and Garden - designed for home use and DIY. (These tools are coloured green)
- Bosch Professional - designed for professionals and those working in the trades. (These tools are coloured blue)
The reason we mention this is that different batteries are used for each range of tools. So if for example you buy a cordless drill in the Home and Garden range, then you will need a compatible battery from that range. All tool manufacturers now use Lithium-Ion batteries. (L-ion). Some older tools may still use Nicad batteries but those are almost extinct.
Buying the right battery will ensure the best optimal performance and efficiency.
Understanding Battery Basics - Power and Capacity
All tool manufacturers, including Bosch, are now producing cordless power tools. For those to work, they need a battery to power them and also a battery charger to recharge the battery. Choosing the right battery for your Bosch power tool is crucial for top performance and efficiency.
It's like filling your car with the right fuel – using the wrong one can lead to sputtering, decreased mileage, and even damage. But with a basic understanding of key battery specifications, you can navigate the world of Bosch batteries like a pro.
There are two important parts to a battery which you should understand.
- Voltage - measured in Volts. This is a key factor in determining the overall power of the battery and the higher the voltage the more powerful the battery will be. Higher voltage batteries deliver more power for heavier-duty tasks.
- Capacity - measured in Ampere Hours (Ah) - this measures the capacity of the battery and in simple terms how long the battery will last without needing to be charged. These typically range from 1.0Ah to 6.0 Ah. The larger the capacity the longer the battery will last without needing a charge. Almost always the higher the capacity is the more expensive the battery will be. (Sometimes the higher capacities are sold on offer so worth keeping an eye out for those)
1. What Battery Voltage Sizes do Bosch Use?
- 18V: The most versatile and widely used, perfect for everyday DIY projects like drilling, sawing, and sanding. Think of it as the "regular unleaded" of Bosch batteries.
- 36V: Delivers double the power for tackling professional-grade jobs like demolition, heavy-duty cutting, and driving large fasteners. Think of it as the "premium high-octane" option.
2. What Capacity Sizes do Bosch Use?
As explained earlier, Amp-hours (Ah) tell you how much "fuel" your battery holds. The higher the Ah rating, the longer your tool will run on a single charge. It's like the size of your gas tank – a larger tank lets you go further before needing a refill. For example, a 4.0Ah battery will run your tool twice as long as a 2.0Ah battery of the same voltage.
Here's a handy table comparing common Bosch battery voltages and their typical applications:
Voltage | Typical Applications |
|---|---|
18V | Drilling, sawing, sanding, light grinding, fastening |
36V | Demolition, heavy-duty cutting, driving large fasteners, impact wrenches, lawn mowers etc |
3. Watt-hours (Wh): The Energy Gauge
Watt-hours (Wh) combine voltage and Ah to give you a total picture of the energy stored in the battery. It's like knowing how many miles you can expect to get out of a full tank of gas. Multiplying voltage by Ah gives you the Wh rating. For example, a 18V 4.0Ah battery has 72 Wh (18V x 4.0Ah).
Bosch Battery Faimilies
Bosch have two voltages in this range:
- 18 Volts (2.5 Ah, 4.0 Ah and 6.0 Ah)
- 36 Volts - for heavy duty garden tools
Bosch Home and Garden 18V battery (2.5Ah)
POWER FOR ALL 18V System
The POWER FOR ALL 18V system from Bosch is a game-changer. It's like having a universal key that unlocks a world of cordless freedom. Say goodbye to multiple batteries cluttering your toolbox – one POWER FOR ALL battery powers over 100 tools from Bosch and its alliance partners, including drills, saws, sanders, and some lawnmowers.
POWER FOR ALL offers a range of capacities to match your needs:
- 2.0Ah - Compact and lightweight, perfect for quick tasks around the house.
- 2.5Ah - Popular with many buyers for drills and drill/drivers
- 3.0Ah - A middle ground, balancing runtime with portability.
- 4.0Ah - The workhorse, powering demanding projects for extended periods.
- 5.0Ah and above - Unleash professional-level power for heavy-duty jobs.
Remember, higher capacity means longer runtime but also a slightly heavier battery. Choose the sweet spot that fits your typical projects and arm strength.
POWER FOR ALL isn't just about compatibility; it's about smart technology too. Look for batteries with:
- CoolPack technology: Keeps the battery cool, extending its lifespan and performance.
- LED fuel gauge: Know exactly how much juice you have left at a glance.
- Syneon Chip: Optimises performance and protects the battery from overload.
PBA 18V 2.5Ah W-B
- This is an 18V battery and part of the 18V POWER FOR ALL home and garden range.
- It measures 158 x 55 x 152 mm and weighs 500 grams
- It has a good run time and a good choice for most DIY jobs around the home
- Comes with a standard 2 year warranty, which can be extended to 3 years if you register your purchase online.
- Average charge time is 1 hour
Check Amazon UK for Availability- Price when reviewed £35.10 - 92% buyer satisfaction based on 8,000+ reviews
PBA 18V 4.0Ah PowerPlus
- This battery is compatible with almost all of the DIY & Garden (green) tools
- Measures 118 x 101 x 84 mm and weighs 640 grams
- It has a long run time and a good choice for high-performance applications such as lhedge cutting or for any sanding and grinding job around the home
- Comes with a standard 2 year warranty, which can be extended to 3 years if you register your purchase online.
- Average charge time is 1.5 hours
Check Amazon UK for Availability- Price when reviewed £60 - 92% buyer satisfaction based on 3,000+ reviews
PBA 18V 6.0Ah W-C
- This battery is compatible with almost all of the DIY & Garden (green) tools
- Measures 117 x 65 x 84 mm and weighs 667 grams
- It has a long run time and a good choice for high-performance applications such as lawn mowing, vacuuming or sawing work
- Comes with a standard 2 year warranty, which can be extended to 3 years if you register your purchase online.
- Average charge time is 1 hour
Check Amazon UK for Availability- Price when reviewed £103.87 - 92% buyer satisfaction based on 500+ reviews
Bosch Home and Garden Charger AL 1830 CV 18 Volt
- We have also included the charger that Bosch sell for their 18V range of batteries.
- This charger is compatible with all Home & Garden 18V batteries, and all battery capacities (Ah)
- It is known as their quick charger and has an average 40 minute charging time
- It uses a "ready to go" signal to let you know what the level of charge is
- Charge Time at 1.5 Ah (ReadyToGO 80%/100%) approx.: 25/35 mins
- Charge Time at 2.0 Ah (ReadyToGO 80%/100%) approx.: 35/45 mins
- Charge Time at 2.5 Ah (ReadyToGO 80%/100%) approx.: 40/60 mins
Check Amazon UK for Availability- Price when reviewed £23.79 - 90% buyer satisfaction based on 1,700+ reviews
Bosch Professional Battery Sizes
Bosch use 5 different voltage sizes in their Professional range:
- 10.8Volts
- 12 Volts
- 18 Volts
- ProCORE 18 Volts
- 36 Volts
These batteries can range from 2Ah right up to 12Ah so there is quite a bit of choice. The most popular and best selling, by a huge distance is the home and garden 18V option, though most tradesmen will use the professional range of battery. Let's first look at their 36V options.
Professional 36V System: Unleash the Beast Within Your Tools
Bosch Professional GBA 36 V/4.0 AH Battery
When delicate DIY projects give way to heavy-duty jobs, the 36V system from Bosch steps into the ring, ready to throw punches with raw power. These batteries unleash a double dose of voltage, transforming your tools into muscle-bound workhorses.
36V batteries pack a serious punch in the "fuel tank" department too. Extended runtime options let you power through long projects without stopping to recharge. No more mid-job battery swaps, just uninterrupted productivity that keeps you on top of your game.
Even when the fuel gauge dips low, the 36V system keeps you moving. With rapid charging technology, you can juice up your battery in record time, minimising downtime and maximising your productivity. Forget waiting hours for a recharge – get back to tackling those tough jobs in a heartbeat.
GBA 36V 2.0Ah
- 18 Volts Lithium-Ion battery 2Ah
- Color: Navy Blue
- Min. 50% longer runtime (cf. 1.3 Ah battery)
- CoolPack technology for up to 100% longer lifetime (cf. battery without CoolPack)
- Bosch flexible power system – battery suitable for all tools in one voltage class
Check Amazon UK for Availability- Price when reviewed £121.32 - 88% buyer satisfaction based on 100+ reviews
GBA 36V 4.0Ah
- 36 Volts 4Ah Lithium-Ion battery
- Min. 50% longer mileage (see 2,6–Ah battery)
- Bosch flexible Power System-Battery Suitable for all devices of a volt class
- CoolPack technology for up to 100% longer life (see without Battery Pack)
- Extremely robust-fully functional, even after falling from 3.28 yrd (3 m) on concrete
Check Amazon UK for Availability- Price when reviewed £211.95 - 92% buyer satisfaction based on 150+ reviews
Bosch AL 3620 CV 36v Cordless Li-ion Battery Charger 240v
- Part of the pro range
- Robust design
- Compatible with all Home & Garden 36V batteries, and all battery capacities (Ah)
- "Ready to Go" signal indicates that the battery is ready to use (80% charged) e.g. 2.5 Ah battery is ready to use after 40 minutes (80% charged)
- Intelligent, gentle charging process leads to long battery lifetime
- One battery fits all – suitable for all Professional range batteries 36V
Check Amazon UK for Availability- Price when reviewed £51.95 - 90% buyer satisfaction based on 300+ reviews
Bosch Legacy Battery Range
Some of you DIY users might still be using older Bosch tools powered by 10.8V, 12V or 14.4V batteries. These reliable workhorses have served you well, tackling countless projects and leaving their mark on countless surfaces.
But let's be honest, technology marches on, and so does Bosch. While we commend your dedication to your legacy tools, we also want to gently nudge you towards the future. Bosch have moved on to their POWER FOR ALL, the revolutionary system that can be used on over 100 tools under one battery umbrella. Drills, saws, sanders, lawnmowers, even home appliances.
GBA 12V 2.0AH Battery
- 12 Volts Lithium-Ion battery
- Color: Black
- Battery Capacity: 2.0 Ah
- Cell Technology: Lithium-Ion
- Battery Voltage: 12v (10.8v)
Check Amazon UK for Availability- Price when reviewed £19.99 - 94% buyer satisfaction based on 5,500+ reviews
GBA 12V 3.0AH Battery
- 12 Volts Lithium-Ion battery
- Scope of Supply: GBA 12V 3.0Ah
- Voltage: 12.0
- Compact 3.0 Ah battery in the 12 V category
- Compact design is ideal for the 12 V tool range
- Optimised battery capacity makes it suitable for most 12 V applications
- Professional 12V System: Compact performance. Maximum freedom. The tool is Compatible with all Bosch Professional 12 V and 10.8 V rechargeable batteries and Chargers
Check Amazon UK for Availability- Price when reviewed £37.75 - 92% buyer satisfaction based on 3,500+ reviews
GBA 12V 6.0AH Battery
- 12 Volts Lithium-Ion battery
- 50% more runtime CO to existing 12 V 40 Ah
- Bosch flexible power system – 100% compatibility for 108 V & 12 V tools
- Compact and lightweight for easy handling
Check Amazon UK for Availability- Price when reviewed £69.25 - 92% buyer satisfaction based on 800+ reviews
Bosch Battery Care
Your Bosch batteries deserve some TLC to keep them performing at their best. With a little care and attention, you can extend their lifespan and ensure maximum runtime for your projects. Here are some of my best tips:
- Avoid extreme temperatures - Heat and cold are battery kryptonite. Store them in a cool, dry place, ideally between 50°F and 77°F. Avoid leaving them in hot cars or freezing garages.
- Partial charge is best - Don't fully drain your batteries before charging. Maintaining a 20-80% charge level minimises stress and prolongs their life.
- Match the charger - Always use the correct Bosch charger for your specific battery model. Using the wrong one can damage both the battery and the charger.
- Clean those contacts - Dirt and corrosion can hinder charging efficiency. Wipe the battery contacts with a clean, dry cloth before charging.
- Give them a rest - Even batteries need a break! Don't keep them constantly plugged in as it can shorten their lifespan.
Protection Plans: Peace of Mind for Your Power Pack
Invest in a Bosch battery protection plan for extra peace of mind. Depending on the plan, you get benefits like:
- Extended warranty - Protection beyond the standard warranty period.
- Free battery replacement - Coverage for battery failure due to manufacturing defects.
- Priority service - Quicker turnaround time for repairs or replacements.
Sustainable Disposal
When your batteries finally reach the end of their road, don't just toss them in the trash. Bosch offers convenient and responsible battery disposal options:
- Return to authorized retailers - Many Bosch retailers have battery recycling programs.
- Use designated collection points - Look for local battery recycling centers in your area.
- Never incinerate or landfill batteries - They contain harmful materials that can contaminate the environment.
Bosch Battery FAQ
Q. How long do Bosch batteries last?
A. The answer is the same to the question, "how long is a piece of string?" It depends on how much the battery is being used. For most home owners, power tools are used for occasional jobs and the odd DIY project that comes along.
Q. Can I use compatible third-party batteries with my Bosch tools?
A. While Bosch generally recommends using original batteries for optimal performance and safety, compatible third-party batteries are available. Make sure they are reputable brands and meet the same voltage and capacity requirements as the original batteries. Always read the user manual for your tool before using any battery, regardless of brand.
Q. What are the benefits of a Bosch battery protection plan?
A. Bosch battery protection plans offer extended warranty, free battery replacement for manufacturing defects, and priority service for repairs or replacements. This can give you peace of mind and save you money in the long run, especially if you use your tools frequently.
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