When it comes to power tools, DeWalt is one of the most popular brands on the market. They have a variety of tools and even within the categories of specific power tools, there are several different models with varying features and specs. If you have been shopping for a new DeWalt product, you might be wondering: What is the difference between DeWalt 20V Max and XR?
DeWalt’s 20V Max products are the next best option after the 18V devices. They come with lithium batteries and use a brushed motor. Whereas the 20V XR products are slightly more impressive and powerful with a brushless motor, compact size, and enhanced components.
In this article, we are going to go through each and every similarity and difference between the DeWalt 20V Max models and the XR models, as well as which products are offered within both categories. So keep reading; everything you need to know is right here!
What Do the DeWalt 20V Max Products Have to Offer?
While DeWalt has dozens of products with various voltages and offerings, the company’s 20V Max line is certainly some of their best.
20V Max products have more power than their previously popular 18V options, and they’re certainly more powerful than the 12V or 7.5V options.
The 20V Max items available from DeWalt have brushed motors, as opposed to the XR models which have brushless motors. Brushed motors, though common features of many power tools are quickly becoming far less popular than newer brushless motors.
Although brushed motors work just fine, they are slightly slower than the brushless options, which makes the 20V Max products a little less efficient than the 20V XR.
The 20V Max items are considered standard sized, and include lithium batteries.
What Do the DeWalt 20V XR Models Have to Offer?
On the other hand, the DeWalt 20V XR products are even newer and more well-favored than the 20V Max options.
They are the first items available from DeWalt that offer a brushless motor, which you now know is a slightly more efficient and faster motor. As well, the 20V XR options from DeWalt come in compact sizes as opposed to the standard 20V Max devices.
Compact sizes are great for travel as the power tools are smaller and lighter than their 20V Max counterparts and can fit more conveniently in your tool bag.
As well, the DeWalt 20V XR options have more enhanced components. Depending on which power tool you opt for, the 20V XR devices will have several other features that make it slightly more impressive and easier to use than the 20V Max options.
While both types of power tools are cordless and use lithium batteries, which sets them apart from other DeWalt products, the HR tools’ batteries are considered to be about 33% more powerful than those that come with the 20V Max tools.
What is the Difference Between DeWalt 20V Max & HR?
Hopefully, you now understand the various differences between the 20V Max and the 20V HR power tools from DeWalt. But just to make your life a little easier, we created a table with the various similarities and differences between the two!
| Feature | 20V Max | 20V HR |
| Size | Standard | Compact |
| Motor | Brushed | Brushless |
| Lithium Batteries | Standard | High-Capacity |
| Voltage | 20V | 20V |
| Cordless | Yes | Yes |
| Price Tag | Less Expensive | More Expensive |
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to decide which option is best for you and the work you need to do.
Should You Get the DeWalt 20V Max or the 20V HR?
While at the end of the day deciding whether to opt for the 20V Max or the 20V HR power tool from DeWalt is totally up to you, the general consensus is that the 20V HR line of products are superior to the 20V Max options.
However, you will pay a slightly higher price point for the 20V HR products. Whether or not this increased cost is worth the brushless motor, compact size, and more impressive batteries, is your choice, but it’s important to understand that almost everyone who has purchased the 20V HR power tools believes it is!
The Bottom Line
So, what is the difference between DeWalt’s 20V Max and the 20V HR products? Well, there are several differences.
The first difference is that the 20V HR products come with a brushless motor as opposed to the 20V Max brushed motor, making them faster and more efficient. As well, the 20V HR lithium batteries perform better than those in the 20V Max, and the compact size of the 20V HR tools make them easier to transport than teh 20V Max standard sizes.
The DeWalt 20V HR models are slightly more expensive than the 20V Max options, however, they are widely considered to be worth the increase in price!
