Which DEWALT 20V Reciprocating Saw Matches Your Demo Work?
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If you want a DEWALT tools reciprocating saw, the short answer is this: pick the ATOMIC DCS369B if you mostly cut in cramped spaces with one hand, the XR DCS384B if you tear out walls and cut pipe all day, and one of the compact 20V MAX models if you want a balanced middle ground. Every saw here runs on the same 20V MAX battery platform, and every one is sold as a bare tool, so battery and charger are separate purchases.
This DEWALT reciprocating saw comparison covers six models. They split into three groups: a one-handed compact (DCS369B), three mid-size saws built for general framing and remodel work (DCS380B, DCS367B, DCS387B), and two brushless XR saws aimed at heavier cutting (DCS384B and a renewed DCS382B). Think of it like building a loadout: you trade reach and raw speed against weight and handling, and the right answer depends on the job you run most often.
JOB SHEET
Which DEWALT Reciprocating Saw Should You Buy
- One-handed pruning, overhead cuts and tight cabinets: DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw (DCS369B)
go to no. 01 - General framing and flush cutting with a classic layout: DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw (DCS380B)
go to no. 02 - Long remodel sessions where runtime matters: DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw (DCS367B)
go to no. 03 - Cutting between studs with a simple compact tool: DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw (DCS387B)
go to no. 04 - Full demolition, wood and metal, maximum cutting speed: DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Brushless Cordless (DCS384B)
go to no. 05 - A brushless XR saw bought renewed: DEWALT DCS382B 20V MAX* XR Brushless
go to no. 06
No. 01
of 6
Dewalt
DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw

9.4
/10
Our score
Well rated
Scored 9.2/10 or higher
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
One-handed cuts in tight overhead spots
Pros
- 5-inch front-to-back length
- Brushless motor
- Tool-free blade release
- Belt hook and two blades included
Cons
- Lower 2,800 spm top speed
- Listing weight figures conflict
The DEWALT ATOMIC 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw is the DEWALT DCS369B ATOMIC, the one-handed saw of the group. The listing puts it at 12.5 inches front to back and says it is 37 percent lighter than the DCS367. It uses a brushless motor, a variable-speed trigger, a pivoting shoe and a tool-free blade release, and it tops out at up to 2,800 strokes per minute according to the description.
One thing to flag: the listing gives two different weights. The specification table says 16 ounces, while the description says 3.13 lbs. The description figure lines up with the “37 percent lighter” claim, but the listing does not settle it, so treat the exact weight as unconfirmed. Either way, this is the lightest-feeling pick here, and it is the one to grab for pruning branches, cutting inside cabinets, or working above your head where a two-handed saw gets tiring fast.
Where it gives way: its top speed is the lowest listed, and it has no stated stroke length. For serious demolition, the DCS384B or DCS367B is the better fit. The box includes a belt hook and two blades.
- 12.5-inch front-to-back length for one-handed use
- Brushless motor and LED work light
- Pivoting shoe with more contact points than a fixed shoe
- Belt hook and two blades included
No. 02
of 6
Dewalt
DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw

8.4
/10
Our score
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
Budget-minded 20V owners needing flush cuts
Pros
- 14-inch total length
- 4-position blade clamp
- Up to 2,900 spm
- Bright LED
Cons
- No brushless motor listed
Best for
Long remodel days between studs
Pros
- Brushless, up to 2.5x runtime claim
- 5-inch compact length
- 4-position keyless clamp
- Built-in LED
Cons
- Speed figures differ within listing
- Heavier than the ATOMIC
Best for
Straightforward framing and flush-cut work
Pros
- Up to 3,000 spm
- 4-position blade clamp
- Double oil sealed shaft
- 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- Listing unclear on brushless motor
- No LED mentioned
The DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw is the DEWALT DCS380B, the full-size classic in this lineup. It delivers up to 3,000 strokes per minute with a 1-1/8 inch stroke length, which is the kind of stroke that chews through framing lumber quickly. The keyless, lever-action 4-position blade clamp lets you mount the blade in four directions, including for flush cutting against a floor or wall.
Durability details stand out here: the listing mentions a double oil sealed shaft to resist contamination, a rubber overmolded grip and a pivoting adjustable shoe that extends blade life and lets you control cut depth. It also carries a 3-year limited warranty. The listing is inconsistent on the motor, though. The specification field says “Brushless,” but neither the title nor the feature list mentions a brushless motor, so do not buy it on that basis alone. The listed dimensions of 1 x 1 x 1 inch are clearly placeholders, so the listing does not really specify size. No LED is mentioned.
This model suits someone who wants a straightforward, fast saw for renovation and framing. If you need to fit between studs, the DCS387B or DCS367B is the more compact option.
No. 03
of 6
Dewalt
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw

8.0
/10
Our score
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
The DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw is the DEWALT DCS367B, a compact brushless saw built for long days. DEWALT claims up to 2.5 times more runtime, a figure the listing footnotes as an average using a DCB205 battery against an older model in 2×4 wood. At 14.5 inches long it fits between studs, and it keeps the 1-1/8 inch stroke and 4-position keyless blade clamp.
The feature list and description say up to 2,900 strokes per minute, while the spec table says 2,800. Expect a top speed in that range. Weight is listed at about 5 lbs tool only (5.4 pounds in the specs), and there is a built-in LED plus a 3-year limited warranty. The spec sheet also lists metal as the recommended surface, which fits its role as an all-round remodel saw.
This is the pick for remodelers and trades who run a recip saw for hours and want brushless efficiency in a compact body. If you only make occasional cuts, the DCS387B covers similar ground without the XR tier. Pair it with other DeWalt 20V power tools you already own, since it works with all 20V MAX batteries and chargers.
No. 04
of 6
Dewalt
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw

8.0
/10
Our score
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw is the DEWALT DCS387B, the compact non-XR option. Its total length is 14 inches in the feature list (the spec table says 14.75 inches), so it slips between studs and into confined spaces. It keeps the 1-1/8 inch stroke, the 4-position blade clamp for flush cutting and a variable-speed trigger up to 2,900 strokes per minute.
A bright LED and pivoting shoe round out the package. The listing does not mention a brushless motor; its special feature is listed as variable speeds. Weight is given as 2.25 kg, roughly 5 lbs.
This saw suits homeowners and DIYers who want compact handling and flush cutting without paying for XR features. For heavier or longer sessions, step up to the DCS367B.
No. 05
of 6
Dewalt
DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Brushless Cordless

9.0
/10
Our score
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
Heavy demolition in wood and metal
Pros
- Fastest-cutting 20V MAX recip claim
- Up to 102 cuts per charge
- Counterbalance vibration reduction
- TOOL CONNECT chip ready
Cons
- Longest body at 19.3 inches
- Tracking chip sold separately
The DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Brushless Cordless is the DEWALT DCS384B, which DEWALT calls its fastest-cutting 20V MAX reciprocating saw. It pairs a brushless motor with a 1-1/8 inch stroke and up to 3,000 strokes per minute no-load, and DEWALT quotes up to 102 cuts per charge in 2×12 pine.
It also adds a counterbalance mechanism to limit vibration, which matters a lot when you are leaning into demolition cuts all afternoon. The listing recommends it for wood and metal, adds an onboard LED, a keyless lever-action clamp and a pivoting shoe, and makes it TOOL CONNECT chip ready (the DCE042 chip is sold separately). The trade-off is size: at 19.3 inches long it is the longest saw here, at 4.5 pounds.
This is the demo pick for contractors and serious renovators. If you already run higher-voltage gear, compare it against DeWalt FlexVolt tools before deciding. If you need to work between studs, the DCS367B is easier to fit.
- Brushless motor with fastest-cutting 20V MAX claim
- Counterbalance mechanism to reduce vibration
- Up to 102 cuts per charge in 2×12 pine
- TOOL CONNECT chip ready
No. 06
of 6
Dewalt
DEWALT DCS382B 20V MAX* XR Brushless

9.4
/10
Our score
Well rated
Scored 9.2/10 or higher
Affiliate link. Price and stock live at Amazon and change there, not on this page.
Best for
Buyers comfortable with a renewed tool
Pros
- Brushless motor
- 2-finger variable trigger
- Twist-style keyless clamp
Cons
- Renewed, not new
- Sparse specs in listing
The DEWALT DCS382B 20V MAX* XR Brushless is sold through Amazon Renewed, so you are buying a refurbished unit rather than a new one. The listing describes a brushless motor, a 2-finger variable trigger, a 1-1/8 inch stroke, a compact body for range of motion and a twist-style keyless blade clamp.
The data here is thin. The listing does not specify strokes per minute, weight, length or warranty terms, so compare carefully before buying. The DEWALT DCS382B makes sense for a buyer who wants a brushless XR saw and is comfortable with renewed condition. If you want full specifications and a new-tool warranty, the DCS367B or DCS384B is the safer route.
What Sets These Models Apart
| Model | Motor (per listing) | Max speed | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCS369B ATOMIC | Brushless | 2,800 spm | 12.5 in front to back |
| DCS380B | Unclear in listing | 3,000 spm | Not specified |
| DCS367B XR | Brushless | 2,800-2,900 spm | 14.5 in |
| DCS387B | Not listed as brushless | 2,900 spm | 14-14.75 in |
| DCS384B XR | Brushless | 3,000 spm | 19.3 in |
| DCS382B XR (Renewed) | Brushless | Not specified | Compact, size not specified |
Figures in this table are copied from the Amazon listings for these models.
NOTES
Buying Tips for DEWALT Reciprocating Saws
Start with the space you cut in. A reciprocating saw that fits between 16-inch stud spacing saves a lot of awkward angles, which is why compact models like the DCS367B and DCS387B exist. If you mostly cut overhead or one-handed, length and weight matter more than top speed, and the ATOMIC wins. For a closer look at the small-body options, see our guide to the compact DeWalt reciprocating saw.
Next, look at stroke length and motor. A 1-1/8 inch stroke removes more material per pass, and brushless motors generally run cooler and get more work out of a battery. For demo work, a counterbalance mechanism like the one on the DCS384B helps reduce the shake that tires your arms.
Finally, remember that all six are tool-only. Budget for 20V MAX batteries if you do not own them, and larger-capacity packs will help runtime on the brushless saws. Also check condition: the DCS382B is renewed, which is worth knowing before you compare it to new tools.
FAQ
Which DEWALT reciprocating saw is the fastest?
DEWALT calls the DCS384B its fastest-cutting 20V MAX reciprocating saw, with up to 3,000 spm no-load and a 1-1/8 inch stroke. The DCS380B also lists up to 3,000 spm.
Is the DEWALT DCS369B ATOMIC good for demolition?
It is built for one-handed, compact cutting rather than heavy demo. For tearing out walls, the DCS384B or DCS367B is a better match.
What is the difference between the DEWALT DCS367B and DCS387B?
Both are compact, fit between studs and use a 4-position blade clamp. The DCS367B is an XR model with a brushless motor and a runtime claim of up to 2.5x; the DCS387B listing does not mention a brushless motor.
Do these saws come with a battery?
No. Every model here is sold as a bare tool, so battery and charger are sold separately.
Is the renewed DCS382B worth considering?
It can be if you are comfortable with a refurbished tool. The listing is short on specs, so confirm warranty and condition details before buying.



