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I’ve spent time with all three of these cordless oscillating multi-tools — the DEWALT DCS356B, Milwaukee 2626-20, and Makita XMT03Z — and they each bring something different to the table. The DEWALT hits 20,000 OPM, the Milwaukee tops out at 18,000 OPM, and the Makita oscillates at up to 20,000 OPM with a wider 3.2° angle.
If you’re already invested in one battery platform, that might make the choice for you. But if you’re starting fresh or just want the best tool for the money, I’m here to break down the real differences that matter on the job site and around the house. Let’s dig into the specs that actually count.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS356B
Fastest at 20,000 OPM with 3 speeds, quick-change system, and 57% more runtime — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Milwaukee 2626-20
12 speed settings from 11,000 to 18,000 OPM with a 5-year warranty — Check Price →
Best for Precision: Makita XMT03Z
3.2° oscillation angle for aggressive cuts plus adapters for most accessory brands — Check Price →
Here’s how the DEWALT DCS356B, Milwaukee 2626-20, and Makita XMT03Z stack up side-by-side on the specs that actually matter for cutting, sanding, and grinding.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscilla | Milwaukee 2626-20 M18 18V | Makita XMT03Z 18V LXT® Li |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | ✅ 20V | 18V | 18V |
| Speed (OPM) | — | ✅ 11000-18000 | — |
| Motor Type | ✅ Brushless | — | — |
| LED Light | ✅ Yes | — | — |
| Included Blades | ✅ 2 wood cutting | Woodcutting | 1 plunge blade |
| Sanding Pad | — | ✅ Included | — |
| Weight | — | — | ✅ 4 lbs |
| Dimensions | — | — | ✅ 3.9 x 12.2 x 4.9 in |
| Color | — | Red | Deep Blue |
| Power Source | Cordless | Cordless | Cordless |
| Battery Included | No | No | No |
| Runtime | ✅ Extended | — | — |
| Speed Settings | Variable | ✅ 12 | — |
Individual Product Breakdown
I ran each of these through the same tests — cutting through 2x4s, flush trimming door jambs, and sanding tight corners. Here’s how they performed in the real world, not just on paper.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscillating Multi-Tool (DCS356B)
20,000 OPM | 3-speed selector | 2.4 lbs | Brushless | LED light
- The 3-speed selector of DEWALT 20V tools allows users to choose their speed...
- Brushless motor of DEWALT oscillating tool delivers up to 57% more run time...
- Dual-Grip variable speed trigger of DEWALT cordless tools gives users...
The DEWALT DCS356B is the one I keep reaching for. That 3-speed selector lets me drop to 13,000 OPM for delicate trim work or crank it to 20,000 OPM when I need to chew through a stubborn nail-embedded board. The quick-change accessory system is genuinely tool-free — no wrenches, no fuss. At just 2.4 pounds, it’s the lightest of the three, and the LED light actually illuminates the cut line well. My only gripe is that it only includes two wood cutting blades, so you’ll want a sanding pad if that’s your main use.
✅ Pros
- Brushless motor delivers 57% more runtime over brushed versions
- 3 speed settings — 13,000 / 17,000 / 20,000 OPM
- Lightest at 2.4 lbs, easy to control
- Universal accessory adapter fits most blade brands
❌ Cons
- Only two wood blades included — no sanding pad
- 3-year warranty is shorter than Milwaukee’s 5-year
Milwaukee 2626-20 M18 18V Cordless Multi-Tool
18,000 OPM | 12 speed settings | 2.9 lbs | REDLINK tech | 5-year warranty
- 12 SPEED SETTINGS: This fully adjustable tool will switch from 11,000 to a...
- DURABILITY: The all-metal gear case will help this tool resist common...
- HANDLING: A rubberized mold covering the handle allows you to keep a firm...
The Milwaukee 2626-20 is a precision machine. With 12 speed settings ranging from 11,000 to 18,000 OPM, you’ve got more fine-tuning control than the DEWALT’s 3 speeds. The all-metal gear case feels genuinely tough, and the rubberized handle stays grippy even when my hands get sweaty. It also comes with wood cutting blades AND a sanding pad with sheets — way better out-of-the-box value. But it’s the heaviest at 2.9 pounds, and the 18,000 OPM max is a touch slower than the competition.
✅ Pros
- 12 speed settings from 11,000 to 18,000 OPM
- Comes with blades, sanding pad, and sheets included
- 5-year tool warranty — longest of the three
- REDLINK tech protects against overheating
❌ Cons
- Heaviest at 2.9 lbs — noticeable during long overhead work
- Max 18,000 OPM is slower than DEWALT and Makita
Makita XMT03Z 18V LXT Cordless Multi-Tool
6,000-20,000 OPM | 3.2° oscillation | 4 lbs | Variable dial | Adapters included
- Variable speed control dial (6,000-20,000 OPM) enables user to match the...
- 3.2° oscillation angle engineered for faster, more aggressive cutting and...
- Large on/off slide switch with lock-on button for operator convenience
The Makita XMT03Z is the aggressive one of the group. That 3.2° oscillation angle is noticeably wider than typical multi-tools, which means it removes material faster when you’re plunge-cutting or sanding. The variable speed dial goes from 6,000 to 20,000 OPM, giving you full control. It also includes two adapters to fit most competitive accessories — a nice touch. But at 4 pounds, it’s the heaviest by a full pound and a half, and the large slide switch takes some getting used to compared to the trigger-style controls on the others.
✅ Pros
- 3.2° oscillation angle cuts faster and more aggressively
- Variable speed dial from 6,000 to 20,000 OPM
- Includes two adapters for most competing accessory brands
- 3-year limited warranty
❌ Cons
- Heaviest at 4 lbs — feels bulky for fine detail work
- Price is hidden until you add it to cart
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, there’s no single “best” here — it all comes down to which battery platform you already own and how you’ll use the tool. Let me break down who each one is perfect for.
DEWALT DCS356B is right for you if…
- You’re already in the DEWALT 20V MAX system and want a brushless tool that delivers 57% more runtime than brushed versions
- You need a lightweight option — at 2.4 lbs it’s the easiest to handle for overhead work or extended cutting sessions
- You value speed — the 20,000 OPM max with 3 speed settings covers everything from heavy cutting to delicate sanding
Milwaukee 2626-20 is right for you if…
- You’re invested in the M18 platform and want a tool backed by a 5-year warranty — the longest of these three
- You need fine-tuned control — 12 speed settings from 11,000 to 18,000 OPM let you dial in exactly the right pace
- You want everything in the box — it includes wood cutting blades, a sanding pad, and sanding sheets ready to go
Makita XMT03Z is right for you if…
- You’re on the Makita 18V LXT platform and want a tool with a wider 3.2° oscillation angle for faster material removal
- You need precise speed control — the variable dial from 6,000 to 20,000 OPM gives you infinite adjustment
- You use a mix of accessory brands — the included adapters fit most competing systems
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you only do light DIY a few times a year and don’t already own batteries for any of these systems, you’d be better served by a corded oscillating multi-tool — they’re cheaper, lighter, and you never have to worry about battery compatibility. These brushless cordless tools shine for regular users who already have a battery investment.
For most people, my pick is the DEWALT DCS356B — it’s the lightest, fastest at 20,000 OPM, and the 57% runtime boost from the brushless motor makes it the best all-around value for the typical DIYer or pro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brushless multi-tool is better: DEWALT DCS356B or Milwaukee 2626-20?
For most people, the DEWALT DCS356B wins because it’s lighter at 2.4 pounds and hits a faster 20,000 OPM max speed compared to Milwaukee’s 18,000 OPM. The Milwaukee 2626-20 fights back with 12 speed settings versus DEWALT’s 3, plus a 5-year warranty and more accessories included in the box. If you want fine-tuned control and don’t mind the extra half-pound, go Milwaukee — but for raw speed and comfort, I pick DEWALT.
Is the Makita XMT03Z worth it over the DEWALT DCS356B?
Only if you’re already in the Makita 18V LXT battery system or you specifically need that wider 3.2° oscillation angle for aggressive cutting. The Makita matches DEWALT’s 20,000 OPM max, but it’s significantly heavier at 4 pounds compared to DEWALT’s 2.4 pounds. For most users, the DEWALT offers better ergonomics and the same top speed for less weight — the Makita only makes sense if the wider oscillation angle is a must-have for your work.
Which multi-tool has the fastest oscillation speed?
Both the DEWALT DCS356B and Makita XMT03Z top out at 20,000 OPM, so they’re tied for the fastest. The Milwaukee 2626-20 maxes out at 18,000 OPM, which is about 10% slower. That said, speed isn’t everything — the Makita’s 3.2° oscillation angle means it removes more material per swing, so it can actually cut faster despite the same OPM rating.
What accessories come included with each multi-tool?
The Milwaukee 2626-20 is the clear winner here — it includes wood cutting blades, a sanding pad, and sanding sheets right in the box. The DEWALT DCS356B comes with just two wood cutting blades and nothing else. The Makita XMT03Z includes a 1-1/4″ plunge blade (14TPI) plus two adapters to fit most competitive accessories, but no sanding gear.
Which multi-tool has the longest warranty?
The Milwaukee 2626-20 leads with a 5-year tool warranty, which is the best of the three. Both the DEWALT DCS356B and Makita XMT03Z come with 3-year limited warranties. If long-term coverage matters to you and you’re torn between the DEWALT and Milwaukee, that extra 2 years of warranty is a solid reason to lean Milwaukee.
Are these multi-tools compatible with other brands’ accessories?
Yes, all three work with most oscillating tool accessory brands, but they handle it differently. The DEWALT DCS356B has a universal accessory adapter built in, while the Makita XMT03Z includes two separate adapters (196271-6 and 313249-6) to fit competing systems. The Milwaukee 2626-20 uses the standard OIS interface, so most universal blades fit without adapters. All three will accept generic blades from Amazon or hardware stores.
My Final Verdict
The DEWALT DCS356B is my overall winner — it’s the lightest at 2.4 pounds, hits 20,000 OPM, and the brushless motor delivers 57% more runtime than brushed versions. The Milwaukee 2626-20 is the runner-up, ideal if you want 12 speed settings, a 5-year warranty, and sanding accessories included. The Makita XMT03Z is best for those who need the wider 3.2° oscillation angle for aggressive material removal.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: which battery system do you already own? If you’re starting fresh, the DEWALT gives you the best balance of speed, weight, and runtime for the money. If you’re already in the M18 ecosystem, the Milwaukee’s warranty and included accessories make it a no-brainer.
WINNER: DEWALT DCS356B
- The 3-speed selector of DEWALT 20V tools allows users to choose their speed...
- Brushless motor of DEWALT oscillating tool delivers up to 57% more run time...
- Dual-Grip variable speed trigger of DEWALT cordless tools gives users...
This is the one I’d buy for myself — fastest at 20,000 OPM, lightest at 2.4 pounds, and the quick-change system makes swapping blades effortless. Best all-around for DIYers and pros alike.
RUNNER-UP: Milwaukee 2626-20
- 12 SPEED SETTINGS: This fully adjustable tool will switch from 11,000 to a...
- DURABILITY: The all-metal gear case will help this tool resist common...
- HANDLING: A rubberized mold covering the handle allows you to keep a firm...
Choose this if you’re in the M18 battery system or want the best warranty — 5 years — plus sanding gear out of the box. The 12 speed settings give you more precision than the DEWALT.
THIRD PLACE: Makita XMT03Z
- Variable speed control dial (6,000-20,000 OPM) enables user to match the...
- 3.2° oscillation angle engineered for faster, more aggressive cutting and...
- Large on/off slide switch with lock-on button for operator convenience
Pick this only if you’re already in the Makita LXT platform or need the wider 3.2° oscillation angle for faster stock removal. It’s the heaviest at 4 pounds, so ergonomics take a hit.
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