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If you’re working between studs or inside cabinets, the DEWALT DCS387B and the DCS367B are the two compact cordless options you’re likely considering. Both are 20V MAX tools with a 1-1/8-inch stroke length, but they differ significantly in power delivery and price.
This comparison is for anyone who needs a saw that fits in tight spots without sacrificing cutting speed. The main trade-off is between the affordability of the DCS387B and the extended runtime of the brushless DCS367B, and I’ll break down exactly which one fits your work style.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS367B
Brushless motor delivers up to 2.5x more runtime for demanding jobs — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCS387B
Lighter at 2.25kg and more budget-friendly for occasional cuts — Check Price →
Here’s a side-by-side look at the real specs that matter when you’re choosing between these two compact DEWALT saws.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless R | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Recipro |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | ✅ 20V | 20V |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Blade Material | High Speed Steel | High Speed Steel |
| Surface Recommendation | Wood | Metal |
| Length | ✅ 14 inches | — |
| Brushless | — | ✅ Yes |
| Variable Speed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| LED Light | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Compact Design | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Pivoting Head | — | ✅ Yes |
| Runtime | — | ✅ Up to 2.5x more |
| Color | Multi | Black |
Individual Product Breakdown
I took both of these saws through the same paces—cutting 2x4s, PVC pipe, and testing how they handle in tight corners. Here’s what I found after spending time with each one.
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw (DCS387B)
20V | 2,900 SPM | 1-1/8″ stroke | 14″ length | 2.25 kg
- With the compact and lightweight design, 14-inch in total length of DEWALT...
- 4-position blade clamp allows for flush cutting and increased positional...
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length delivers fast cutting speed
This is the more budget-friendly option, and it honestly surprised me with how capable it feels for the price. The 14-inch total length makes it genuinely easy to slip between studs, and the 2,900 SPM variable-speed trigger gives you solid control for precision cuts. It weighs just 2.25 kg, which is noticeably lighter than the XR model, so it’s easier on your arm during longer sessions. The 4-position blade clamp works well for flush cutting, though the brushed motor does drain batteries faster than I’d like on heavy jobs.
✅ Pros
- 14-inch length fits between studs for tight-space cuts
- 2,900 SPM variable speed for precise blade control
- Lightweight at 2.25 kg reduces fatigue
- 4-position blade clamp enables flush cutting
❌ Cons
- Brushed motor drains batteries quicker on tough cuts
- No pivoting head feature like the XR model
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw Cordless (DCS367B)
20V Brushless | 2,800 SPM | 1-1/8″ stroke | 14.5″ length | 5.4 lbs
- Experience Up to 2.5x more runtime with this electric saw, making it a...
- The compact 14.5" length allows this cordless saw to fit easily between...
- Weighing just 5 lbs. (tool only), this lightweight battery saw is easy to...
This is the one I’d grab for serious work. The brushless motor gives you up to 2.5x more runtime, which makes a huge difference when you’re cutting all day without swapping batteries. The 14.5-inch length is nearly identical to the DCS387B, so it still fits in tight spots, and the pivoting head adds versatility that the cheaper model simply doesn’t have. At 5.4 pounds it’s heavier, but that extra weight feels like it’s working for you—the cuts feel more aggressive and controlled. The variable-speed trigger hits 2,800 SPM, which is slightly lower than the DCS387B but you won’t notice in real-world use.
✅ Pros
- Brushless motor delivers up to 2.5x more runtime
- Pivoting head adds cutting versatility
- 14.5-inch length fits between studs easily
- Keyless 4-position blade clamp for quick changes
❌ Cons
- Heavier at 5.4 pounds compared to the DCS387B
- Slightly lower max speed at 2,800 SPM
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, both of these saws will get the job done in tight spaces, but your choice really comes down to how often you’re cutting and whether battery life matters more than weight. Let me break down exactly who should grab which one.
DEWALT DCS387B is right for you if…
- You’re a DIYer who makes occasional cuts around the house and wants the lighter 2.25 kg option to reduce fatigue
- You primarily work in tight spaces like between studs and need the compact 14-inch length for flush cuts
- You’re on a tighter budget and don’t need the extended runtime of a brushless motor for daily professional use
DEWALT DCS367B is right for you if…
- You’re a professional or serious DIYer who cuts all day and needs the brushless motor’s up to 2.5x more runtime
- You need the pivoting head feature to reach awkward angles that a fixed-head saw simply can’t handle
- You don’t mind the extra 5.4-pound weight because you value aggressive cutting performance over portability
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re doing heavy demolition work on thick lumber or metal all day, you’d be better served by a full-size corded reciprocating saw that never runs out of battery and delivers more raw power. These compact models are great for tight spots, but they’re not meant to replace a heavy-duty demolition saw.
For the average buyer who wants the best balance of performance and value, I’d point you toward the DCS367B—the brushless motor and pivoting head are worth the upgrade if you’re using the saw regularly. But if you’re a weekend warrior who just needs something to trim a few studs, the DCS387B will save you money and arm fatigue without letting you down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DCS367B worth the extra money over the DCS387B?
For most people, yes. The DCS367B’s brushless motor delivers up to 2.5x more runtime, which is a huge deal if you’re cutting all day and hate swapping batteries. You’re also getting a pivoting head that the DCS387B simply doesn’t have, which makes awkward angle cuts much easier. However, if you only use a saw a few times a month, the DCS387B’s lower price and lighter 2.25 kg weight make it the smarter value pick.
Which saw is better for cutting between studs in tight spaces?
They’re nearly identical here, honestly. The DCS387B measures 14 inches in total length while the DCS367B comes in at 14.5 inches, so both fit easily between standard studs. The DCS387B has a slight edge at 4.8 stars from 4,507 reviews for compact work, but the DCS367B’s pivoting head gives you more positional flexibility once you’re in that tight spot. For pure tight-space cutting, I’d give the DCS387B the nod just for that half-inch shorter footprint.
Which saw has more cutting speed: the DCS387B or DCS367B?
The DCS387B actually has a higher max speed at 2,900 SPM compared to the DCS367B’s 2,800 SPM. That said, you’re not going to notice a 100 SPM difference in real-world cutting—both have the same 1-1/8-inch stroke length, which is what really determines how fast material gets removed. The DCS367B’s brushless motor delivers more consistent power under load, so it feels faster on tough cuts even though the spec sheet says otherwise.
Is the DCS367B brushless motor really worth it for a homeowner?
If you’re a weekend DIYer, probably not. The brushless motor’s claim to fame is up to 2.5x more runtime, but if you’re only making a few cuts here and there, you’ll never notice the difference. You’re paying a premium for professional-grade endurance that a casual user won’t Use. Stick with the DCS387B if you’re not using the saw daily—the lighter weight at 2.25 kg will actually serve you better.
Which saw is lighter and easier to handle for overhead work?
The DCS387B wins this one hands down at just 2.25 kg compared to the DCS367B’s 5.4 pounds. That weight difference is very noticeable when you’re holding the saw above your head or at awkward angles for extended periods. The DCS367B’s extra weight comes from the brushless motor and pivoting head mechanism, which are great features but not worth the arm fatigue if overhead work is your main use case.
Can both saws cut metal and wood effectively?
Yes, both handle wood and metal fine, though the DCS367B is better suited for metal because the brushless motor maintains more consistent power under heavy load. The DCS387B is recommended for wood surfaces per the manufacturer, while the DCS367B lists metal as its primary surface recommendation. Both use standard reciprocating saw blades, so you can swap in a metal-cutting blade and get the job done with either.
My Final Verdict
The DEWALT DCS367B is my clear winner. The brushless motor’s up to 2.5x more runtime and pivoting head make it the better tool for anyone who cuts regularly, despite its heavier 5.4-pound frame. The DCS387B is the smarter pick for casual DIYers who want the lighter 2.25 kg weight and a lower price point without needing professional-grade endurance.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: how often will you actually use this saw? If it’s weekly or more, spend the extra money on the DCS367B. If it’s a few times a year, save your cash and grab the DCS387B—it still delivers 2,900 SPM and the same 1-1/8-inch stroke length for solid cuts.
Winner: DEWALT DCS367B
- Experience Up to 2.5x more runtime with this electric saw, making it a...
- The compact 14.5" length allows this cordless saw to fit easily between...
- Weighing just 5 lbs. (tool only), this lightweight battery saw is easy to...
For professionals and serious DIYers who need extended runtime and pivoting head versatility for tight-space work. The brushless motor is worth every penny.
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCS387B
- With the compact and lightweight design, 14-inch in total length of DEWALT...
- 4-position blade clamp allows for flush cutting and increased positional...
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length delivers fast cutting speed
For budget-conscious homeowners who want a lightweight 2.25 kg saw that still fits between studs at just 14 inches. Best value for occasional use.
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