20V MAX TOOL CONNECT 5Ah Battery (2 Pack)

Features

  • 5.0 Ah capacity per battery; two batteries included
  • Compatible with 20V MAX tools and chargers
  • TOOL CONNECT chip ready (DCE042 sold separately) for asset tracking with the Site Manager app
  • LED state-of-charge indicator
  • Bluetooth-enabled features: last-seen location, pairing/identification, alerts and diagnostics
  • Secure pairing: pairs to one phone at a time; pairing via hold-pair button (approx. 3–5 seconds)
  • LEND and out-of-range disable features to limit or disable battery use remotely

Specifications

Battery Capacity (Ah) 5
Battery Type 20V MAX* (Lithium-Ion)
Battery Voltage (V) 20
Charge Time (Min) 60
Number Of Pieces 2
Product Height (In) 10.63
Product Length (In) 8.25
Product Width (In) 3.6
Product Weight (Lbs) 3.1
Product Weight (Oz) 49.6
Included Connectivity Features Bluetooth; TOOL CONNECT chip ready
Warranty 3 Year Limited Warranty; 1 Year Free Service; 90 Days Satisfaction Guaranteed

Two 20V MAX lithium-ion battery packs (5.0 Ah each) compatible with 20V MAX tools and chargers. Batteries are TOOL CONNECT chip ready (DCE042 chip sold separately) to enable asset tracking and management through the Tool Connect Site Manager app. Integrated LED indicates state-of-charge. Bluetooth features support pairing, identification, and remote functions such as alerts and disablement.

Model Number: DCB205BT-2

DeWalt 20V MAX TOOL CONNECT 5Ah Battery (2 Pack) Review

4.6 out of 5

I’ve been rotating a pair of 5Ah Tool Connect batteries through a mix of 20V MAX tools for the past few weeks—yard gear on weekends, drilling and fastening during the week, and a grinder and circular saw when needed. On paper they’re straightforward: two 5.0Ah packs, Bluetooth-enabled, with a fuel gauge. In practice, they’re a solid blend of runtime and management features aimed at both individual users and crews who care about tracking where their batteries go.

Build and usability

These are the familiar XR-style 5.0Ah form factor with a snug slide-on fit across 20V MAX tools. The pack housing is tough and the locking tabs engage positively, even on older tools. The integrated LED state-of-charge indicator is bright and accurate; I consistently saw it track in quarter increments that matched what I felt in runtime. It’s a small feature that saves trips back to the charger and helps you stage packs appropriately before a task.

Physically, they add a bit of heft compared to 2.0Ah or 3.0Ah packs. On compact drills and impact drivers you’ll feel the weight, though it helps balance rear-heavy tools like a grinder or circular saw. On outdoor tools—blowers, hedge trimmers, and mowers—the extra mass is a non-issue and the runtime gain is worth it.

Performance and runtime

Runtime depends heavily on the tool and workload, but the 5.0Ah capacity is a sweet spot for general use. With a brushless drill/driver and impact, one pack covered half a day of fastening in pine and light steel without swapping. On a 4.5–5-inch grinder doing intermittent cutting and light grinding, I needed the second pack by mid-afternoon. For yard work, a single pack on a blower got me through a lengthy cleanup. The key advantage here is having two identical packs: while one charges, the other works, and you don’t compromise on output by mixing in a smaller capacity.

Voltage sag under load was well-controlled. Even near the last bar, the packs held tool speed and torque until the final drop-off, which is what you want—predictable performance rather than a gradual, mushy fade. Thermal management was also sensible. After continuous high-load work on the grinder, the charger paused until the pack cooled, then resumed automatically.

Charging

On a standard 20V MAX charger, these packs repeatedly hit full from one bar in about an hour, which aligns with their spec. The LED on the pack and the charger’s indicators agreed, and the app (more on that below) confirmed charge status. I ran them on a few different chargers in the line without issue. If you tend to cycle packs back-to-back, plan for one charging while the other is in use; the two-pack rhythm works well for solo users or small crews.

Connectivity and Tool Connect

The headline feature is Bluetooth. Pairing is simple: hold the pair button for a few seconds and connect in the Tool Connect app. In daily use, three things stood out:

  • Identification and last-seen location: If a pack gets left on a job or tucked into the wrong bag, the app’s last-seen location (based on your phone) is genuinely useful. For small teams or anyone working across multiple sites, this saved me a retrieval trip more than once.
  • Diagnostics: Basic status, battery health indicators, and firmware updates are accessible in the app. I appreciated the quick glance at cycle counts and temperature warnings.
  • Security controls: You can set LEND durations and choose to disable a pack when it’s out of range. It works as a soft tether: if a battery leaves the configured range without being “lent,” the tool won’t run until it’s back or the timer expires.

A few gotchas to note. These packs pair to one phone at a time. That’s a security plus but can be inconvenient if multiple people need to manage them. The LEND feature solves most of that, but it requires a touch of discipline to operate smoothly in a crew environment. If you enable out-of-range disable, be sure your team understands the rules or you’ll field “my tool won’t turn on” calls. Also, keep location services enabled on the managing phone; otherwise, you lose the last-seen benefit.

If you’re managing a larger fleet, you can tie these batteries into the Site Manager ecosystem, and you can also add DCE042 chips to non-connected tools for unified asset tracking. For a one- or two-person shop, the built-in Bluetooth is enough. For a superintendent trying to wrangle dozens of batteries, the broader ecosystem is the play.

Reliability

Over my test period, both packs behaved as expected. They arrived partially charged, took a full charge on first go, and held it. I did trigger a thermal pause once after running a grinder continuously; the charger’s cool-down logic was appropriate, and the pack finished charging afterward without fuss. As always with lithium-ion, store them at a partial charge if they won’t be used for a while and avoid leaving packs in hot vehicles. The app’s temperature alerts are a handy safety net.

Compatibility

These packs worked with every 20V MAX tool and charger I tried. That compatibility is the point—drop them into your existing lineup and gain runtime and tracking with minimal friction. The only operational quirk is the Bluetooth tie to a single phone: if you plan to share packs across multiple users, set up lending durations or designate a manager account for administrative controls.

Warranty and service

The warranty coverage is reassuring: 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. For batteries—consumables that see hard use—that’s respectable and adds a layer of confidence if you’re buying for a crew.

Tips to get the most out of them

  • Label the packs and keep them paired consistently to the same phone or Site Manager account to avoid confusion.
  • Use LEND for shared situations; set sensible durations that match your typical shifts.
  • Update firmware through the app when prompted; it’s quick and can improve stability.
  • Rotate the pair evenly to balance cycle counts and extend overall service life.
  • Let hot packs cool before charging; you’ll charge faster and stress the cells less.

What could be better

  • Single-phone pairing is a double-edged sword. It’s secure, but it adds friction unless you commit to the LEND workflow or centralized management.
  • The out-of-range disable is powerful but easy to misconfigure. It’s best for controlled environments; on open jobs with subcontractors in and out, keep it conservative.
  • These are not light batteries. If ultra-compact tools and overhead work are your daily norm, consider mixing in a smaller capacity for those tasks and using these 5.0Ah packs for heavier tools.

Who these make sense for

  • Pros and serious DIYers who want a dependable, all-day 5.0Ah option and appreciate the insurance policy of last-seen tracking.
  • Small crews that misplace batteries often and need simple recovery and lending features without adopting tags and chips across the board.
  • Fleet managers who are already leaning into Tool Connect and want batteries that slot into Site Manager alongside chipped tools.

Recommendation

I recommend these 5Ah Tool Connect batteries for anyone invested in the 20V MAX platform who values both runtime and accountability. The core battery performance is on target—fast charging, predictable output, and solid build—while the Bluetooth layer adds practical benefits: finding misplaced packs, checking health, and enforcing reasonable controls in shared environments. The single-phone pairing and optional disable features require a bit of process to avoid hiccups, but used thoughtfully they’re assets, not obstacles. If you just want basic power with no interest in connectivity, DeWalt’s standard 5.0Ah packs will do the job. If you want power plus smart tracking with a real warranty behind it, this two-pack is a strong choice.



Project Ideas

Business

Contractor Battery Rental Kiosk

Deploy self-serve kiosks at supply houses or large jobsites to rent 20V MAX batteries by the day. Use LEND mode with due times, out-of-range disable for overdue returns, and last-seen to recover misplaced units. Offer tiered pricing (standard vs. high-capacity) and auto-bill for late returns.


Battery Fleet Management Service

Provide construction firms with a subscription that tracks every battery: who has it, last-seen location, cycle counts, and health. Install smart lockers on-site for check-in/out, automate replacement schedules, and reduce loss with geofences and disable-on-theft protocols. Sell it as cost savings and accountability.


Cordless Event Lighting & Power Rentals

Rent out battery-powered work lights, fans, and USB-C hubs for events, pop-ups, and film shoots. Use the batteries’ Bluetooth IDs to track inventory by job, set return alerts, and remotely disable if gear goes missing. Offer bundled ‘power packs’ with guaranteed run times using 5Ah packs.


Mobile Pop-Up Repair/Install Service

Launch a van-based service for quick installs and repairs where mains power is unavailable. Equip techs with standardized 20V tools and a pool of 5Ah packs; track assignment and usage in the app, set out-of-range alerts, and rotate charging to maximize uptime. Bill a convenience premium for rapid, cordless deployment.


Community Tool Library Management Platform

Build a SaaS for makerspaces and neighborhood libraries that uses Tool Connect data to manage deposits, due dates, and battery availability. Members scan a QR to borrow batteries; the platform enforces lending rules via disable-on-overdue, provides analytics on utilization, and reduces shrink.

Creative

Off-Grid Photo/Video Power Kit

Build a compact tote that uses 20V MAX battery adapters (with integrated USB/12V outputs) to power LED panels, monitors, and chargers for cameras on location. Use the Bluetooth pairing and last-seen to keep track of which battery is in each kit and set low-charge alerts before shoots. The LED fuel gauge makes rotating packs quick during takes.


Camping/Overland Modular Power Crate

Create a rugged crate with docking bays for two or more 20V MAX batteries feeding a USB-C PD hub, 12V socket, and LED area light. Snap in fresh packs as needed, and use the app’s last-seen and out-of-range alerts to avoid leaving batteries behind at camp. Perfect for inflating air mattresses, running fans, or charging phones and radios.


Neighborhood Tool Library Battery Wall

Build a community lending station with labeled slots for shared batteries. Use QR codes that link to LEND mode and return deadlines; out-of-range disable deters walk-offs. A simple display shows which neighbor has each pack and the state-of-charge so borrowers grab what they need and return on time.


Interactive ‘Power Mosaic’ Art Piece

Design a wall-mounted installation where each slotted 20V battery lights a segment of an LED matrix and triggers a unique sound. Pair each battery for identification so different packs ‘play’ different tones or colors. Visitors insert/rotate batteries to remix the visuals and audio in real time.


Emergency Grab-and-Go Kit

Assemble a backpack with a 20V-compatible work light, radio, USB-C power adapter, and compact inflator. Keep two 5Ah batteries paired to your phone; set periodic check reminders and low-charge alerts. In a power outage, you have lighting, device charging, and air for tires/rafts ready to go.