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 cutting tile, masonry, or thin concrete, you’re likely staring at three very different cordless cut-off tools. The DEWALT DCS438B brings a brushless motor and 550 MWO of power, the Milwaukee M12 FUEL spins at 20,000 RPM with a compact 3-inch design, and the WORX WX801L offers a budget-friendly one-hand operation at 19,000 RPM.
I’ve spent time with all three to figure out which one actually earns its place in your toolbox. The real question isn’t just about specs on paper—it’s about which tool feels right for your specific projects, whether you’re a weekend DIYer or a full-time contractor. Let me break down the differences that actually matter.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS438B
Most powerful at 550 MWO with three included wheels and dust shroud for clean tile cuts — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Milwaukee M12 FUEL
Comes as a kit with 4Ah battery and charger, best for Milwaukee users wanting 20,000 RPM in a tiny package — Check Price →
Best Budget: WORX WX801L
Lightest at 2.4 lbs with battery and charger included, perfect for one-handed DIY cuts on a budget — Check Price →
Before I get into the nitty-gritty of how each tool performs on tile and masonry, let me lay out the raw specs side-by-side so you can see the differences at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cut Off | Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3″ Com | WORX Cordless Mini Cutter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | DEWALT | Milwaukee | WORX |
| Voltage | 20V | ✅ 24V | 20V |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Battery Type | — | ✅ Lithium | — |
| Battery Capacity | — | ✅ 4 Ah | — |
| Max Speed | — | ✅ 20000 rpm | 19000 rpm |
| Motor Type | ✅ Brushless | — | — |
| Disc Size | — | ✅ 3″ | 3″ |
| Dimensions | ✅ 4.88″L x 6.06″W x 4.88″H | — | — |
| Material | ✅ Diamond | — | — |
| Style | ✅ Classic | — | — |
| Amperage | — | ✅ 4 A | — |
| Number of Batteries | — | ✅ 1 | — |
| Recommended Use | — | — | ✅ Cutting |
| Color | — | Black/Red | Black, Orange |
Individual Product Breakdown
I put each of these cut-off tools through the same real-world tests — cutting ceramic tile, scoring masonry, and checking how comfortable they feel in the hand. Here’s what I found with each one.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cut Off Tool (DCS438B)
20V | 550 MWO | 20,000 RPM | 3 lbs | Brushless
- POWER THROUGH DIFFICULT APPLICATIONS with brushless motor and 550 MWO**
- CUT A WIDE RANGE OF MATERIALS: Includes Bonded Abrasive Wheel, Diamond...
- ILLUMINATE DARK WORK AREAS with bright LED
This is the most powerful option of the three, and you feel it the moment you start cutting through tile. The 550 MWO brushless motor doesn’t bog down on harder materials, and the 20,000 RPM keeps cuts clean and fast. I love that it ships with three different wheels — bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, and a dedicated diamond tile wheel — so you’re ready for any job right out of the box. The removable dust shroud with AirLock connection is a huge plus if you already own a DEWALT extractor, though it does add some bulk. At 3 pounds, it’s heavier than the WORX, but that weight translates to stability when you’re pushing through masonry.
✅ Pros
- 550 MWO brushless motor handles tough tile and masonry cuts
- Includes 3 wheels: bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, and diamond tile
- Tool-free depth adjustment with mm and inch markings
- LED light illuminates dark work areas
❌ Cons
- Bare tool only — no battery or charger included
- Heaviest of the three at 3 pounds
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3″ Compact Cut Off Tool Kit (2522-21XC)
24V | 20,000 RPM | 4Ah Battery | Includes Charger | Compact
If you’re already invested in the M12 system, this kit is the smartest buy of the three because it comes with the XC 4.0 extended capacity battery and charger right in the box. The 20,000 RPM matches the DEWALT for speed, and the compact body makes it feel noticeably smaller in your hand. I found it excellent for plunge cuts and getting into tight corners where the other tools felt too bulky. The 4Ah battery gives decent runtime, but you’ll want a spare for longer tile runs. It’s the most expensive option here, so you’re paying a premium for the Milwaukee ecosystem and that compact form factor.
✅ Pros
- Kit includes XC 4.0 battery and charger — ready to use immediately
- Compact design excels at tight corner cuts
- 20,000 RPM matches the DEWALT for cutting speed
- 4.7-star rating from 431 reviews — highest satisfaction score
❌ Cons
- Most expensive of the three options
- 4Ah battery drains faster on thick tile cuts
WORX Cordless Mini Cutter (WX801L)
20V | 19,000 RPM | 2.4 lbs | Battery & Charger Included | PowerShare
- 3" Cutting disc, compact for one hand operation.
- Includes 3 cutting discs and 1 grinding disc
- 19000 RPM
This is the lightest and most affordable option, weighing just 2.4 pounds with the battery included. True one-hand operation makes it perfect for quick cuts overhead or in awkward positions where the heavier tools feel clumsy. The 19,000 RPM is only slightly slower than the others, and for thin concrete, plastic, and basic tile work, it gets the job done. I noticed it struggles more on thicker masonry — the lower power shows when you push hard. It comes with 3 cutting discs and 1 grinding disc plus a battery and charger, so it’s a complete package. The PowerShare battery system means it shares batteries with other WORX tools, which is great if you’re already in that ecosystem.
✅ Pros
- Lightest at 2.4 lbs — ideal for one-hand operation
- Includes battery, charger, 3 cutting discs, and 1 grinding disc
- Most affordable option of the three
- PowerShare battery compatible with other WORX tools
❌ Cons
- 19,000 RPM lacks power for thick masonry cuts
- No dust shroud or depth adjustment features
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested all three, and honestly, the “best” pick comes down to what you already own and how heavy your work gets. Let me match each tool to the person who’ll actually be happy with it.
DEWALT DCS438B is right for you if…
- You’re already in the DEWALT 20V MAX system and want the most power — 550 MWO for cutting through thick tile and masonry without bogging down.
- You do professional-grade work and need the dust shroud with AirLock connection to hook up an extractor for clean indoor cuts.
- You want three different wheels included (bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, diamond tile) so you can switch materials without buying extras.
Milwaukee M12 FUEL is right for you if…
- You own other M12 tools and want a kit that includes the XC 4.0 battery and charger — no extra purchase needed to start cutting.
- You frequently work in tight spaces and need the most compact 20,000 RPM tool that still delivers full-speed cuts.
- You value the highest customer satisfaction — 4.7 stars from 431 reviews — and trust the Milwaukee FUEL brand reputation.
WORX WX801L is right for you if…
- You’re a DIYer on a budget who wants a complete kit — battery, charger, 3 cutting discs, and 1 grinding disc all included for the lowest price.
- You need one-hand operation for overhead cuts or awkward angles — at 2.4 pounds, it’s the lightest option by far.
- You already own WORX PowerShare tools and want to share batteries across your collection.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re cutting large-format porcelain tile or doing heavy masonry work every single day, none of these 3-inch tools will replace a proper tile saw or a larger 4-1/2 inch angle grinder. These are for quick, portable cuts — not production work.
For most people, the DEWALT DCS438B is my top pick because it delivers the most power and versatility right out of the box. But if you’re already in the M12 or WORX ecosystem, stick with what you know — the battery savings alone make it worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for tile cutting: DEWALT DCS438B or Milwaukee M12 FUEL?
For tile specifically, I’d give the edge to the DEWALT DCS438B because it ships with a dedicated diamond tile wheel right in the box — the Milwaukee doesn’t include any wheels at all. Both spin at 20,000 RPM, so cutting speed is identical, but the DEWALT’s 550 MWO brushless motor gives it more torque when pushing through harder porcelain. The Milwaukee wins on compactness if you’re cutting in tight spaces, but for straight tile work, the DEWALT is ready to go the moment you open the box.
Is the WORX WX801L powerful enough for masonry, or should I spend more?
The WORX will handle thin concrete and light masonry, but I wouldn’t recommend it for anything thicker than about an inch. At 19,000 RPM with less overall power than the other two, it bogs down noticeably on denser materials. If you’re doing occasional thin concrete cuts, save your money — the WORX works fine. If masonry is a regular job, spend the extra on the DEWALT with its 550 MWO motor.
Is the Milwaukee M12 FUEL worth the extra money over the WORX WX801L?
That depends entirely on whether you already own M12 batteries. If you’re starting from scratch, the WORX is the smarter buy because it includes a battery, charger, and multiple discs for a much lower price. But if you’re already in the Milwaukee ecosystem, the M12 FUEL is absolutely worth it — you get 20,000 RPM, a more compact body, and a 4.7-star rating from 431 reviews. The 4Ah XC battery included in the kit also gives you better runtime than the WORX.
Which tool is best for one-handed operation?
The WORX WX801L is the clear winner here at just 2.4 pounds — that’s a full 0.6 pounds lighter than the DEWALT. Its compact design and one-hand operation make it perfect for overhead cuts or working in awkward positions. The Milwaukee is also quite manageable due to its smaller footprint, but it doesn’t have the same feather-light feel as the WORX.
Does the DEWALT DCS438B come with everything I need to start cutting?
Almost — the DEWALT is a bare tool, so you’ll need your own 20V MAX battery and charger. But it does include three wheels (bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, and diamond tile) plus a 1-7/16 inch arbor adapter ring and hex wrench. If you already own DEWALT 20V batteries, you’re good to go immediately. If not, factor in the cost of a battery and charger when comparing to the Milwaukee kit.
Which tool has the best dust control for indoor tile work?
The DEWALT DCS438B is the only one of the three with a real dust solution — its removable dust shroud features tool-free depth adjustment with mm and inch markings, plus an AirLock connection for hooking up a DEWALT extractor. Neither the Milwaukee nor the WORX offer any dust collection at all. If you’re cutting tile indoors, that dust shroud is a huge deal for keeping your workspace clean and your lungs protected.
My Final Verdict
The DEWALT DCS438B is my clear winner for anyone serious about tile and masonry work. Its 550 MWO brushless motor delivers more power than the others, and the included diamond tile wheel plus dust shroud with AirLock connection make it the most complete package straight out of the box. The Milwaukee M12 FUEL is the runner-up, best for those already invested in the M12 system who want the most compact 20,000 RPM tool available.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you already own batteries? If yes, stick with your brand. If not, the DEWALT gives you the most capability for your money, and the included wheels mean zero extra purchases before your first cut.
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS438B
- POWER THROUGH DIFFICULT APPLICATIONS with brushless motor and 550 MWO**
- CUT A WIDE RANGE OF MATERIALS: Includes Bonded Abrasive Wheel, Diamond...
- ILLUMINATE DARK WORK AREAS with bright LED
For the buyer who wants maximum power (550 MWO) and doesn’t want to buy extra wheels — this ships with three different cutting discs ready to go. The dust shroud with AirLock connection is a bonus you won’t find on the other two.
Runner-Up: Milwaukee M12 FUEL
For Milwaukee loyalists who want a complete kit with the XC 4.0 battery and charger included. The compact body and 20,000 RPM make it ideal for tight spaces, and the 4.7-star rating from 431 reviews speaks to its reliability.
Best Budget: WORX WX801L
- 3" Cutting disc, compact for one hand operation.
- Includes 3 cutting discs and 1 grinding disc
- 19000 RPM
For the DIYer who wants a complete, affordable package at just 2.4 pounds with battery, charger, and multiple discs included. Perfect for light tile work and one-handed cuts where portability matters more than raw power.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.