Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
If you’re picking between the DEWALT DCS380B and the DCS387B for general purpose cutting, you’re really deciding between raw speed and compact usability. The DCS380B hits 3,000 strokes per minute, while the DCS387B tops out at 2,900 SPM but adds an LED light and a shorter 14-inch body.
This comparison is for DIYers and pros who need one cordless saw for everyday demolition, wood cutting, and tight-space work. The trade-off is simple: more power versus better maneuverability. Let me break down which one actually earns a spot in your bag.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS380B
Faster 3,000 SPM and a 1-1/8″ stroke for aggressive cutting — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCS387B
Compact 14-inch length plus LED light for tight, dark workspaces — Check Price →
Here’s how these two DEWALT saws stack up side-by-side on the specs that actually matter for general cutting work.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocat | DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless R |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | DEWALT | DEWALT |
| Color | Yellow | Multi |
| Blade Material | High Speed Steel | High Speed Steel |
| Surface Recommendation | Wood | Wood |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Strokes Per Minute | ✅ 0-3000 | — |
| Stroke Length | ✅ 1-1/8″ | — |
| Blade Clamp | ✅ 4-position | — |
| Shoe Type | ✅ Pivoting adjustable | — |
| Total Length | — | ✅ 14″ |
| Design | — | ✅ Compact |
| LED Light | — | ✅ Yes |
| Variable Speed | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Tool Only | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Individual Product Breakdown
I put both saws through the paces on framing lumber, plywood, and some rough demolition work. Here’s how each one handled real-world cutting jobs.
DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocating Saw (DCS380B)
3,000 SPM | 1-1/8″ stroke | 8″ blade | 2.41 kg
- 4-position blade clamp allows for flush cutting and increased positional...
- 1-1/8" stroke length delivers a fast cutting speed. Electric saw for wood...
- Pivoting adjustable shoe extends blade life and allows depth-of-cut...
The DCS380B is the speed demon of the pair, cranking out 3,000 strokes per minute with a 1-1/8-inch stroke length. That extra 100 SPM over the DCS387B makes a noticeable difference when you’re ripping through thick lumber or doing repetitive cuts. The 4-position blade clamp lets you flip the blade for flush cutting, and the double oil-sealed shaft resists dust better than I expected. I found this saw best for general purpose cutting where raw speed matters more than portability. It’s a bit bulkier and has no LED light, but for raw cutting power in this price range, it’s hard to beat.
✅ Pros
- Faster 3,000 SPM for aggressive cutting
- 4-position blade clamp for flush cuts
- Double oil-sealed shaft for durability
- Rubber over-molded grip for comfort
❌ Cons
- No LED light for dark workspaces
- Heavier at 2.41 kg than the compact model
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw (DCS387B)
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
The DCS387B wins on maneuverability with its compact 14-inch overall length that fits between studs and tight corners. The built-in LED light is a lifesaver when you’re working in dark crawlspaces or under sinks. It runs slightly slower at 2,900 SPM, but honestly the difference is barely noticeable for most general cutting tasks. The pivoting shoe gives you better depth control, and at 2.25 kg it’s a touch lighter on the wrist. This saw is best for plumbers, electricians, and anyone who needs to cut in confined spaces. Just know you’re trading a little top-end speed for that compact form factor.
✅ Pros
- Compact 14-inch length for tight spaces
- LED light for dark work areas
- Lighter at 2.25 kg for less fatigue
- Pivoting shoe for better depth control
❌ Cons
- Slightly slower at 2,900 SPM
- Plastic handle feels less premium than rubber grip
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, both of these DEWALT saws will get the job done for general purpose cutting, but your workspace and cutting style will point you to one over the other. Let me break down exactly who should grab which model.
DEWALT DCS380B is right for you if…
- You’re doing heavy demolition or framing work where the extra 100 SPM (3,000 total) will shave real time off long cuts
- You need the 4-position blade clamp for flush cutting against walls or joists
- You prefer the rubber over-molded grip for extended use and don’t mind a slightly heavier 2.41 kg tool
DEWALT DCS387B is right for you if…
- You’re a plumber, electrician, or HVAC tech who regularly cuts between studs — the 14-inch total length is made for that
- You work in dark attics, crawlspaces, or basements where the built-in LED light is a must-have
- You want the lighter 2.25 kg tool for overhead cuts or all-day use without arm fatigue
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you only occasionally cut PVC pipe or trim branches, a corded reciprocating saw will save you money and give you unlimited runtime. Also, if you’re not already invested in the DEWALT 20V MAX battery system, remember both of these are bare tools — you’ll need to factor in the cost of batteries and a charger.
For the average DIYer or general contractor doing mixed cutting work, I’d grab the DCS380B for the faster 3,000 SPM and rubber grip comfort. The DCS387B is the smarter pick only if tight spaces and dark work areas are your daily reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for general purpose cutting: the DCS380B or DCS387B?
For general purpose work, I’d give the edge to the DCS380B. The extra 100 SPM (3,000 vs 2,900) makes it slightly faster on long cuts through lumber, and the rubber over-molded grip feels better in hand during extended use. The DCS387B only wins if you’re regularly cutting in tight spaces where that 14-inch compact length matters more than raw speed.
Is the DCS387B worth buying over the DCS380B for the LED light alone?
No, I wouldn’t buy the DCS387B just for the LED light. The light is genuinely handy in dark crawlspaces and attics, but you can always grab a headlamp or work light for far less money. The LED only becomes a deciding factor if you also need the compact 14-inch body and lighter 2.25 kg weight for confined or overhead work.
Are both saws compatible with the same DEWALT 20V MAX batteries?
Yes, both the DCS380B and DCS387B run on the standard DEWALT 20V MAX battery platform, so you can swap batteries between them freely. That’s a big plus if you already own other DEWALT 20V tools. Just remember both are bare tools — you’ll need at least one battery and a charger to get started.
Which saw has a longer stroke for faster cutting?
Both saws have the exact same 1-1/8 inch stroke length, so that’s a tie. The real speed difference comes down to the strokes per minute — the DCS380B hits 3,000 SPM while the DCS387B tops out at 2,900 SPM. That 100 SPM difference is noticeable on thick material but minor on lighter cuts.
Is one saw significantly lighter or easier to handle than the other?
The DCS387B is lighter at 2.25 kg compared to the DCS380B at 2.41 kg, and it’s also shorter at 14 inches total length. If you’re doing overhead cuts or working in tight spaces all day, that difference adds up quickly. But the DCS380B’s rubber grip provides better comfort for heavy-duty gripping, which can offset the weight difference for some users.
Which saw has better durability for heavy daily use?
The DCS380B has a clear durability advantage with its double oil-sealed shaft that resists contamination and dust ingress. That’s a meaningful feature if you’re cutting in dusty demolition environments. The DCS387B is solidly built but doesn’t have that extra sealing, so it’s better suited for lighter, cleaner cutting tasks.
My Final Verdict
The DEWALT DCS380B is my clear winner for general purpose cutting. It delivers the faster 3,000 SPM, a rubber over-molded grip for comfort, and the double oil-sealed shaft for better durability — all at the same price point as the DCS387B. The DCS387B is the better pick only if you prioritize the compact 14-inch length and LED light for tight, dark workspaces.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you cut in tight spaces or in the dark more often? If not, the DCS380B’s speed and grip make it the smarter buy. If yes, the DCS387B’s maneuverability and illumination are worth the slight drop to 2,900 SPM.
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS380B
- 4-position blade clamp allows for flush cutting and increased positional...
- 1-1/8" stroke length delivers a fast cutting speed. Electric saw for wood...
- Pivoting adjustable shoe extends blade life and allows depth-of-cut...
For the DIYer or contractor who wants maximum cutting speed and durability for everyday jobs. The 3,000 SPM and rubber grip make it the most versatile pick.
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
Best for tradespeople who work in confined spaces and dark areas. The 14-inch compact body and LED light justify the slight speed trade-off.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.