Battery Included in Power Tool Combo Kits: What It Is and Is It Worth It?

Battery Included Explained for Buyers

You will often see two distinct labels when shopping for power tool combo kits. These labels tell you exactly what is in the box. The first option is Bare Tool. The second is Battery and Charger Included. Understanding this difference is critical before you make a purchase.

When a listing says Bare Tool, it means you are buying the drill, saw, or driver without any power source. The device relies on a separate battery system. You must already own compatible batteries and a charger. This option is useful if you already have a collection from the same brand. It saves you from buying redundant equipment. However, you cannot use the tool immediately out of the box. You need to ensure your existing batteries fit the new tool.

The Battery and Charger Included option is the complete package. The kit provides the tools, one or more batteries, and the charging station. This is the standard for most combo kits. It ensures you have everything needed to start working right away. You do not need to worry about compatibility. The charger is designed specifically for the included batteries.

Why does this matter to you? It affects your immediate usability and long-term costs. If you are starting fresh, the complete kit is the logical choice. You get a working setup without extra shopping. If you are expanding an existing system, the bare tool might save space and money. Always check the spec sheet. Look for the exact phrase battery included explained to clarify what you are getting. Do not assume a battery is there. The label is your only guide. Read it carefully to avoid surprises when the box arrives.

Bare Tool vs Battery Included Kits

Bare Tool

This designation means the kit contains only the power tools themselves. You do not receive batteries or a charger in the box. This option suits users who already own compatible batteries from the same brand ecosystem. It reduces the initial weight and bulk of the package. However, you cannot use the tools immediately. You must purchase batteries and a charger separately. This adds to the total cost and time before first use. It is a practical choice for contractors who already have a full set of power sources. It allows you to upgrade tools without replacing your existing battery inventory. The trade-off is the need for separate accessories to make the tools functional.

Battery and Charger Included

This option provides a complete, ready-to-use package. The box includes the tools, at least one battery, and a charger. This setup is ideal for DIYers or professionals starting with a new brand. You can begin working immediately upon unboxing. For example, the DEWALT 20V MAX Brushless 3-Tool Woodworking Kit includes two batteries for extended runtime. This eliminates the need for separate accessory purchases. It ensures compatibility between the tools, batteries, and charger. The main trade-off is a higher upfront price for the kit. You also manage the weight of the batteries. This option offers convenience and immediate utility, making it the standard choice for most general users.

Is It Worth The Battery Bundle

Who needs it

You need the battery and charger included option if you are starting fresh with no existing tools. This path saves you the separate purchase of power sources. You get immediate functionality right out of the box. The kit provides a complete system ready for your first project. This is ideal for homeowners who do not own any compatible batteries yet. It eliminates the guesswork of matching voltage systems. You avoid the hassle of sourcing a charger separately. The included components are guaranteed to work with the tools. This ensures compatibility without research. You save time by getting everything required for operation in one package. This choice is practical for those who want a turnkey solution. You do not need to worry about missing pieces. The bundle offers a straightforward entry into the brand ecosystem. It is the most efficient route for new users.

Who can skip it

You can skip the battery bundle if you already own compatible batteries from the same brand. Buying bare tools allows you to use your existing power sources. This option is more cost-effective for experienced users with established tool collections. You avoid paying for batteries you already have. Prioritize tool variety and quantity over the power source. Focus on getting more drills, drivers, or saws for the same budget. Bare tools let you expand your collection incrementally. You can mix and match different tool types as needed. This approach offers greater flexibility for specialized tasks. You only buy batteries when you need more runtime or spares. This strategy maximizes the utility of your current investments. It is better for professionals who rotate between multiple jobsites and tool sets. You gain control over your power source upgrades independently.

Key Kit Glossary Terms

Bare Tool

The power tool sold without any batteries or charger. You must buy these separately or use existing compatible units from the same brand ecosystem.

Voltage

The electrical pressure driving the motor, typically 12V, 18V, or 20V. Higher voltage usually provides more torque and power for heavy-duty tasks.

Amp-Hour (Ah)

A measure of battery capacity. A 2.0Ah battery holds less energy than a 5.0Ah unit, affecting how long you can work before recharging.

Motor Type

Describes the internal mechanism, such as brushed or brushless. Brushless motors offer longer life and better efficiency than traditional brushed designs.

Chuck Size

The diameter of the drill bit holder opening. Common sizes are 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch, determining the maximum drill bit thickness you can use.

Power Source

Indicates whether the tool runs on corded electricity or cordless batteries. Cordless kits offer mobility, while corded tools provide continuous power.

Included Tools

The specific power tools packed in the box, such as a drill, impact driver, or circular saw. Check the list to ensure you get what you need.

Quick picks

Our 6 picks

1

DEWALT 20V MAX Brushless 3-Tool Woodworking Kit

Best for: Woodworking projects needing a router

Battery Included

Battery and Charger Included (what this guide is about)

Number of Tools

3

Voltage

20V MAX

Motor Type

Brushless

Battery Capacity

5.0 Ah, 2.0 Ah

Included Accessories

Contractor Bag

View on Amazon: DEWALT 20V MAX Brushless 3-Tool Woodworking Kit Affiliate link

This DEWALT kit includes a router, sander, and jig saw. It features brushless motors for better runtime. You get a 5.0 Ah and a 2.0 Ah battery. The 4 Amp charger is included. The contractor bag helps with storage. This set suits users needing versatile woodworking tools. It offers solid power for various projects.

Pros

• Three brushless tools for efficient performance
• Includes 5.0 Ah and 2.0 Ah batteries
• Variable-speed dial on the router
• Contractor bag for organized storage

Cons

• Higher weight and bulk due to included batteries
• No dedicated carrying case for individual tools
• Limited to 20V MAX voltage platform

Good fit if

• You need a router and sander
• You want brushless motor efficiency
• You prefer a contractor bag

Skip if

• You only need a drill and impact driver
• You prefer corded tools for unlimited runtime
• You need a single-tool starter kit

Verdict: DEWALT 20V MAX 3-Tool Combo Kit fits woodworkers needing a router and sander. It provides strong runtime with two batteries.

2

DEWALT 20V MAX Drill, Impact Driver and Work Light Kit

Best for: Users needing two batteries and a work light

Battery Included

Battery and Charger Included (what this guide is about)

Number of Tools

3

Voltage

20V MAX

Chuck Size

1/2 in. chuck

Included Tools

Drill Driver, Impact Driver, Work Light

Power Source

Cordless

View on Amazon: DEWALT 20V MAX Drill, Impact Driver and Work Light Kit Affiliate link

This DEWALT kit includes a drill, impact driver, and LED work light. It features a 20V MAX system with two batteries and a charger. The drill delivers 300 unit watts out. The impact driver is compact at 5.55 inches. The set weighs 9.4 pounds. You get a 1/2-inch chuck for secure bit gripping. This setup suits users needing versatile cordless power for various tasks.

Pros

• Includes two batteries and a charger
• Drill delivers 300 unit watts out
• Compact 5.55-inch impact driver design
• 1/2-inch single-sleeve ratcheting chuck

Cons

• Heavier at 9.4 pounds total weight
• Motor is not specified as brushless
• No remote or app connectivity listed

Good fit if

• You need a drill and impact driver combo
• You want two batteries included for extended use
• You require a portable LED work light

Skip if

• You prefer brushless motors for efficiency
• You need a lightweight tool under 2 pounds
• You want smart connectivity features

Verdict: DEWALT 20V MAX 3-Tool Cordless Kit offers solid power with two batteries. It fits users who value included runtime and a work light. It is less ideal for those prioritizing brushless technology.

3

CRAFTSMAN V20 4-Tool Cordless Combo Kit

Best for: General home repairs and basic carpentry

Battery Included

Battery and Charger Included (what this guide is about)

Number of Tools

4

Voltage

20V MAX

Chuck Size

1/2 in. chuck, 1/4 in. hex

Included Accessories

6-1/2 in. blade, charger

Included Tools

Drill Driver, Impact Driver, Circular Saw

View on Amazon: CRAFTSMAN V20 4-Tool Cordless Combo Kit Affiliate link

This kit includes a drill, impact driver, circular saw, and task light. It comes with batteries and a charger, so you can start working right away. The drill offers 280 UWO of power with a two-speed gearbox. The impact driver delivers 1,460 in-lbs of torque. The circular saw cuts with a 6-1/2 inch blade. This setup is ideal for users who need a complete, ready-to-use tool set for general home projects.

Pros

• Includes battery and charger for immediate use
• Drill provides 280 UWO of power
• Impact driver delivers 1,460 in-lbs of torque
• Circular saw features a 6-1/2 inch blade

Cons

• Heavier build at 16.9 pounds
• Drill lacks brushless motor technology
• Circular saw has no variable speed trigger

Good fit if

• You want a complete kit with batteries included
• You need a circular saw for cutting 2x material
• You prefer a single system for multiple tools

Skip if

• You require brushless motors for longer life
• You need a lighter tool for overhead work
• You only need a drill and impact driver

Verdict: CRAFTSMAN V20 4-Tool Kit with Batteries suits DIYers who want a ready-to-use set with a circular saw. It is a solid choice for general home repairs and basic carpentry tasks.

4

CRAFTSMAN V20 Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Kit

Best for: Users needing a complete 20V brushless kit

Battery Included

Battery and Charger Included (what this guide is about)

Number of Tools

2

Voltage

20V

Motor Type

Brushless

Maximum Torque

1,800 in.-lbs.

Chuck Size

1/2 in. chuck, 1/4 in.

View on Amazon: CRAFTSMAN V20 Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Kit Affiliate link

This kit includes a 20V brushless drill/driver and impact driver. It features a 1/2-inch chuck and two-speed gearbox. The drill reaches 2,000 RPM, while the impact driver delivers 1,800 in-lbs of torque. It comes with two batteries and a charger. You get onboard bit holders for quick access. This setup suits users needing reliable power for general construction and DIY tasks.

Pros

• Brushless motors for improved efficiency
• Includes two batteries and charger
• 1/2-inch chuck with two-speed gearbox
• 1,800 in-lbs max driving torque
• Onboard bit holders for convenience

Cons

• Only includes two tools in the kit
• Lacks a dedicated carrying case in the data
• Heavier at 8 pounds compared to bare tools

Good fit if

• You need a complete kit with batteries
• You prefer brushless motor technology
• You want a 1/2-inch chuck size

Skip if

• You require more than two tools
• You need a built-in light
• You want a lighter single-tool setup

Verdict: CRAFTSMAN V20 RP Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Kit provides solid torque and includes batteries. It fits contractors who need ready-to-use power tools without buying extras separately.

5

CRAFTSMAN V20 RP Brushless 2-Tool Combo Kit

Best for: Users needing a two-tool brushless kit with batteries

Battery Included

Battery and Charger Included (what this guide is about)

Voltage

V20

Included Tools

Drill and Impact Driver

Motor Type

Brushless

Maximum Torque

1,500 in-lbs.

Chuck Size

1/2-in.

View on Amazon: CRAFTSMAN V20 RP Brushless 2-Tool Combo Kit Affiliate link

This Craftsman V20 RP kit includes a brushless drill driver and impact driver. It comes with two batteries and a charger. The drill features a 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck and a two-speed gearbox. The impact driver delivers 1,500 in-lbs of torque. This setup suits users needing reliable runtime for heavy-duty tasks on the jobsite.

Pros

• Brushless motors provide up to 25% more runtime for the drill
• Impact driver delivers 1,500 in-lbs of torque
• Includes two batteries and a charger
• 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck improves bit retention

Cons

• Only includes two tools in the kit
• Maximum torque is limited to 1,500 in-lbs
• Heavier build at 8.27 pounds

Good fit if

• You need a complete kit with batteries included
• You require high torque for heavy-duty applications
• You prefer brushless motor technology for extended runtime

Skip if

• You need more than two tools in your combo
• You require a lighter tool for overhead work
• You are looking for higher torque than 1,500 in-lbs

Verdict: Craftsman V20 RP Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Kit offers solid torque and runtime for users who need a two-tool setup with batteries included. It fits professionals who prioritize durability and power over a larger tool count.

6

DEWALT 20V Brushless Drywall Screw Gun and Cut-Out Kit

Best for: Drywall installation and cut-out work

Battery Included

Battery and Charger Included (what this guide is about)

Number of Tools

2

Voltage

20V MAX

Included Tools

Drywall screw gun, cut-out tool

Motor Type

Brushless

Included Accessories

2 batteries, charger

View on Amazon: DEWALT 20V Brushless Drywall Screw Gun and Cut-Out Kit Affiliate link

This kit includes a drywall screw gun and a cut-out tool, both powered by a 20V MAX brushless motor. It comes with two batteries and a charger, ensuring you have power ready for extended jobs. The tools feature a wide variable speed range and four dedicated modes for precise control. This setup is ideal for professionals who need reliable, high-speed performance for drywall installation and cutting tasks.

Pros

• Brushless motor for efficient performance and runtime
• Includes two batteries and a charger
• 26,000 RPM for fast cutting performance
• Four dedicated tool modes for versatile operation

Cons

• Only two tools included in the kit
• No belt clip mentioned in specifications
• Single battery capacity may require swapping for large jobs

Good fit if

• You are installing drywall and need dedicated tools
• You want a brushless motor for longer runtime
• You need a kit with batteries and charger included

Skip if

• You need more than two tools in one kit
• You prefer a corded tool for unlimited runtime
• You require a drill or impact driver in the set

Verdict: DEWALT 20V MAX XR Drywall Combo Kit is a focused solution for drywall installers who need high-speed screw driving and cutting in one package. It fits those who value included batteries and brushless efficiency over a multi-tool variety.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best power tool combo kits under 200
• best power tool combo kits under 300
• battery capacity explained
• battery type explained