Worx’s 18-volt tools run on two battery systems, and only one is still made: the 20V PowerShare lithium platform.
A Worx trimmer that won’t hold a charge usually isn’t broken — the battery just belongs to a dead platform. Worx sold tools for years on a nickel-cadmium 18V system, then moved to 20V PowerShare lithium, and the two never swap. Picking the right pack takes about two minutes once you know which label is on your tool.
Which Battery Platform Does Your Worx Tool Use?
Check the tool’s battery label, owner’s manual, or product page and sort it into one of three groups before you shop: 18V Ni-Cd, 18V MaxLithium/20V PowerShare, or something else entirely.
The naming is confusing. Worx’s current US platform is branded 20V PowerShare, and Worx also markets compatible lithium packs as “18V MaxLithium.” That’s the same lithium system wearing two labels, so an 18V MaxLithium battery and a 20V PowerShare battery are interchangeable. The old 18V nickel-cadmium platform is a different chemistry, a different physical connection, and a discontinued product line.
Which Amp-Hour Rating Fits How You Work?
Capacity sets runtime, weight, and cost — nothing else. A higher-Ah pack does not make a tool more powerful, and it does not change voltage or mechanical fit. Small packs suit quick jobs and long stretches overhead; big packs suit big yards but add heft, and Worx pairs them with its Pro and ProPlus lines.
| Battery Model | Capacity & Platform | What It’s Best For |
|---|---|---|
| WA3520 | 1.5 Ah, 20V lithium-ion | Light trimming and detail work where low weight matters most |
| WA3525 | 2.0 Ah, 20V PowerShare & 18V MaxLithium | Worx lists it as fitting all 20V and all 18V Worx tools; 1-year warranty |
| WA3575 | 2.0 Ah, 20V PowerShare | A lightweight MaxLithium pack for everyday household and yard tasks; 1-year warranty |
| WA3577 | 2.5 Ah, 20V PowerShare | Worx claims 25% more runtime than a 2.0-Ah pack; 3-year warranty |
| WA3669 | 2.0 Ah, 20V PowerShare | Standard-capacity spare for PowerShare tools |
| WA3675 | 5.0 Ah, 20V PowerShare Pro | Longer runs on bigger jobs, with the extra weight that comes with it |
| WA3676 | 4.0 Ah, 20V PowerShare ProPlus | Extended runtime for heavy or repeated use |
| WA3678 | 8.0 Ah, 20V PowerShare Pro | Maximum runtime for the longest sessions; heaviest and costliest option |
| WA3127 | 1.5 Ah, 18V Ni-Cd | Discontinued legacy pack for older Ni-Cd tools only — never for PowerShare |
Why Does the Charger Trip People Up?
The charger matters as much as the battery, and it’s the most common place a purchase goes wrong. First, check whether a charger is included: Worx’s WA3577 page states the charger is not included and lists roughly a 5-hour charge time using charger model WA3732. Worx also points buyers toward the WA3881 60-Minute Quick Charger or the WA3884 Dual-Port Quick Charger for faster charging.
Second, match the charger to the battery model. Worx lists charger WA3742 for lithium packs including the WA3520, WA3525, WA3512, WA3512.1, WA3522, WA3544, WA3575, and WA3578. Don’t drop a battery into a charger unless Worx identifies that charger for that model — mixing Ni-Cd and lithium charging hardware is not a shortcut. To compare packs side by side before committing, this breakdown of the top Worx 18-volt battery options covers the practical differences.
The lithium chemistry is low-maintenance:
What Do the Old 18V Ni-Cd Numbers Fit?
If your tool runs on the discontinued nickel-cadmium platform, only the WA3127 or its equivalents will work — and the list of matching tools is short. Worx identifies the 18V Ni-Cd WA3127 as a replacement for the WG150, WG152, WG153, WG250, WG541, WG900, WG901, WA3709, and WA3710. The official Worx batteries and chargers catalog confirms current model availability.
Three mistakes cost people the most money: don’t assume two physically similar packs are compatible — match platform and model exactly; don’t read “18V MaxLithium” as the old Ni-Cd system; and don’t skip the manual’s exclusions, because a bigger pack your manual rules out is money wasted. Prices shift constantly and Worx’s catalog pages don’t reliably show them, so check the live US product listing before ordering.
Common Questions
Can I Use the Discontinued Ni-Cd Pack in a PowerShare Tool?
No. The 18V Ni-Cd and 20V PowerShare lithium platforms are separate systems with different chemistry and connections. Worx does not list Ni-Cd packs as compatible with PowerShare tools, and forcing one can damage the tool or battery. Match the platform your tool was built for.
Does a Higher Amp-Hour Battery Make My Tool Stronger?
No. Amp-hours set runtime, not cutting power or torque. A 5.0-Ah pack runs longer than a 2.0-Ah pack in the same tool, but adds weight and cost, and Worx’s manual may exclude certain capacities. Choose capacity around how long you work and how much the tool weighs in your hands.
How Do I Know If a Charger Comes With the Battery?
Read the specific product page before ordering. Worx’s WA3577 listing states the charger is not included and gives roughly a 5-hour charge time with the WA3732 charger. Some packs ship alone, so factor a charger into the cost unless you own one Worx lists for that battery model.
Sources
- Worx. “Batteries & Chargers” Official catalog listing current PowerShare battery models and capacities.
- Worx. “20V PowerShare 18V MaxLithium 2.0 Ah Battery (WA3525)” Confirms cross-compatibility with all 20V and 18V Worx tools and the 1-year warranty.
- Worx. “18V Ni-Cd Battery (WA3127)” Lists the discontinued Ni-Cd pack’s compatible tool models.