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If you’re staring at three similar WORX Sonicrafter boxes, I get the confusion. The WX698L.9 is the newest brushless tool-only option with a 5° oscillation angle, while the WX696L is the proven budget-friendly workhorse with 5,000-20,000 OPM. The WX698L takes that same brushless motor and bundles it with a battery and charger.
This comparison is for DIYers who want the best cutting speed and comfort without overpaying for features they won’t use. The real trade-off comes down to whether you already own WORX 20V batteries or need a complete kit. Let me break down which one actually deserves your money.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: WORX WX698L Kit
Full brushless kit with battery, charger, and 5° angle for 2× faster cutting — Check Price →
Runner-Up: WORX WX698L.9 Tool Only
Same brushless 20,000 OPM power with 3× less vibration — perfect if you own batteries — Check Price →
Best Budget: WORX WX696L
Proven 4.7-star tool with battery included at a lower price — best value for casual users — Check Price →
Here’s how the three Sonicrafter models stack up side-by-side so you can see exactly what changes between them.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | WORX Cordless Oscillating | WORX Cordless Oscillating | WORX Cordless Oscillating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | ✅ 20V | 20V | 20V |
| Oscillation angle | ✅ 5° | — | 5° |
| Speed settings | Adjustable | Two speed | Variable |
| Speed range | — | ✅ 5000-20000 OPM | — |
| Anti-vibration | ✅ Yes | — | ✅ Yes |
| Blade compatibility | — | ✅ Universal | — |
| Battery included | No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Charger included | No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Accessories included | ✅ Yes | — | ✅ Yes |
| Use case | DIY renovation | Cutting, sanding, scraping | Renovation cutting & sanding |
The biggest difference I noticed is that only the WX698L and WX698L.9 get the 5° oscillation angle and brushless motor, while the WX696L tops out at a 2-speed 5,000-20,000 OPM range with a lighter 2.8-pound build.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time digging through the specs and user feedback on all three to see which one actually delivers on its promises. Here’s my honest take on each.
WORX Cordless Oscillating Tool WX698L.9
20V Brushless | 5° Oscillation | 20,000 OPM | 3.23 lbs | Tool Only
- 1. 5° Oscillation angle: delivers 2× faster cutting with the Worx...
- 2. Brushless Motor 2.0: offers improved performance, delivering up to...
- 3. 3× Less vibration: with VibraFree Technology for greater comfort during...
This is the newest brushless model, and it shows. The 5° oscillation angle delivers 2× faster cutting than standard tools, and the VibraFree Technology cuts vibration by 3×, which I really appreciate during longer sanding sessions. The Auto-load mode adjusts speed based on pressure, so it feels smart in hand. The only catch is the battery isn’t included — you’ll need an existing WORX 20V battery to make it work.
✅ Pros
- 5° oscillation angle for 2× faster cutting
- Brushless motor delivers up to 20,000 OPM
- 3× less vibration with VibraFree Technology
- Tool-free Hyperlock clamping system prevents blade slippage
❌ Cons
- Battery not included — extra cost if you’re new to WORX
- Only 30 customer reviews so far, less field-tested
WORX Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool WX696L
20V | 5,000-20,000 OPM | 2.8 lbs | Battery & Charger Included | Universal Fit
- [SO MANY USES] Ideal for sawing, sanding, scraping, removing grout...
- [COMPATIBLE WITH OTHER BRANDS] The Universal Fit System accepts blades from...
- [DO IT ALL WITH THE SAME BATTERY] Worx Power Share is compatible with all...
This is the proven crowd-pleaser with a 4.7-star rating from over 511 buyers, and it’s easy to see why. The two-speed motor hits 5,000 to 20,000 OPM, and the Universal Fit System accepts blades from most major brands, which saves you money down the road. It comes with a 2.0Ah battery, charger, woodcutting blade, sanding pad, 20 sanding sheets, and a carry bag — everything you need out of the box. The trade-off is no brushless motor or 5° angle, so it won’t cut as fast as the newer models.
✅ Pros
- Battery and charger included at a great value
- Universal Fit System works with major brand blades
- On-board blade changing wrench that never gets lost
- Lighter at 2.8 lbs for easier maneuverability
❌ Cons
- Only 2 speeds, less control than 5-setting dial
- No brushless motor — less efficient and more vibration
WORX Cordless Oscillating Tool WX698L
20V Brushless | 5° Oscillation | 20,000 OPM | 3.3 lbs | Battery & Charger Included | LED Light
- 1. 5° Oscillation angle: delivers 2× faster cutting with the Worx...
- 2. Brushless Motor 2.0: offers improved performance, delivering up to...
- 3. 3× Less vibration: with VibraFree Technology for greater comfort during...
This is the full package — same brushless motor and 5° oscillation angle as the WX698L.9, but with a 2.0Ah battery and 2A quick charger included. The 5-setting variable speed dial gives you precise control, and the Auto-load mode adjusts power based on pressure, which is great for different materials. The Universal Fit System works with major brand accessories, and the LED light is a nice touch for dark corners. At 3.3 pounds it’s slightly heavier than the WX696L, but the extra power and features justify it.
✅ Pros
- 5° oscillation angle delivers 2× faster cutting
- Brushless motor hits up to 20,000 OPM
- Battery and charger included — ready to go
- LED light illuminates the cutline in low-light spaces
❌ Cons
- Fewer reviews (19) — newer product with less feedback
- Heavier than the WX696L at 3.3 lbs
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, there’s no single winner here — it all depends on whether you already own WORX 20V batteries and how much cutting speed you actually need. Let me match each tool to the right buyer.
WORX WX698L.9 is right for you if…
- You already own WORX 20V or 40V Power Share batteries and just need the bare tool
- You want the fastest cutting with the 5° oscillation angle and don’t mind buying accessories separately
- You appreciate the Auto-load mode that adjusts speed based on pressure for different materials
WORX WX696L is right for you if…
- You’re a casual DIYer who wants everything in the box — battery, charger, blades, sanding paper, and a carry bag
- You want to save money and don’t need the 5° angle or brushless motor for occasional cutting and sanding
- You value the Universal Fit System that accepts blades from most major brands, so replacements are cheap
WORX WX698L is right for you if…
- You’re starting fresh and want the complete brushless kit with battery, charger, and all accessories included
- You need the 5-setting variable speed dial for precise control across wood, metal, and masonry
- You work in dim spaces and want the LED light to illuminate your cutline clearly
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re a professional contractor who uses an oscillating tool daily for heavy demolition or continuous production work, you’d probably be better served by a corded model with constant power and no battery runtime limits. These 20V cordless tools shine for home renovation and weekend projects, not eight-hour workdays.
For the most common buyer — a homeowner who wants a complete, ready-to-use kit with modern brushless performance — I’d point you to the WX698L. It gives you the 5° angle and 20,000 OPM speed with the battery included, so you’re not hunting for extras later. If you already have WORX batteries, grab the WX698L.9 instead and save the difference. And if you’re strictly budget-minded with lighter needs, the WX696L is still a fantastic deal at its price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for cutting speed: the WX698L.9 or the WX696L?
The WX698L.9 wins on cutting speed, hands down. Its 5° oscillation angle delivers 2× faster cutting compared to the WX696L’s standard design, and the brushless motor pushes up to 20,000 OPM. The WX696L also hits 20,000 OPM, but without the wider 5° arc, each pass removes less material. If you’re doing a lot of plunge cuts into wood or drywall, the 5° model will finish noticeably faster.
Is the WX698L worth the extra money over the WX696L?
For most DIYers, yes — as long as you’re comparing the tool-only version against a complete kit. The WX698L gives you the brushless motor, 5° angle, 5-setting speed dial, Auto-load mode, and LED light that the WX696L simply doesn’t have. The WX696L is lighter at 2.8 pounds and cheaper, but you’re giving up the modern features that make cutting more comfortable and controlled. If you already have batteries, the WX698L.9 is a smart upgrade; if you need the kit, the WX698L bundles everything.
Which model has less vibration during use?
The WX698L and WX698L.9 both feature VibraFree Technology that cuts vibration by 3× compared to standard tools. The WX696L doesn’t have this anti-vibration system, so it transfers more of that buzz into your hands during longer sanding or scraping sessions. If you’re doing detail work or have hand fatigue issues, the anti-vibe models are worth the extra cost.
Can I use the same accessories across all three models?
Yes, but with a caveat. The WX696L uses a Universal Fit System that accepts blades from most major brands, and the WX698L and WX698L.9 also feature Universal Fit System interfaces. So your existing blades should work across all three. The difference is the WX698L models come with a tool-free Hyperlock clamping system that holds blades more securely and eliminates slippage, while the WX696L uses a wrench-based system with an on-board stored wrench.
Is the WX696L still worth buying in 2025 with the newer models out?
Absolutely — if you’re on a budget or only need occasional use. The WX696L has a 4.7-star rating from 511 buyers, which is the strongest track record of the three. It comes with a battery, charger, blade, sanding pad, 20 sanding sheets, and a carry bag at a lower price point. You just have to accept the 2-speed motor instead of the 5-setting dial and skip the brushless efficiency. For light trimming, sanding, and scraping around the house, it’s still a fantastic value.
Which model should I pick if I’m buying my first oscillating multi-tool?
I’d recommend the WX698L because it’s the complete package with no surprises. You get the brushless motor, 5° angle for faster cuts, 5-setting speed dial, Auto-load mode, LED light, battery, charger, and all the accessories right in the box. The 4.4-star rating is a bit lower than the WX696L’s 4.7, but that’s mostly because it’s newer with only 19 reviews. You won’t need to buy anything else to start your first project.
My Final Verdict
The WORX WX698L is my clear winner — it combines the brushless motor and 5° oscillation angle for 2× faster cutting with a battery and charger included, so you’re ready to work right out of the box. The 5-setting speed dial and LED light make it the most versatile and comfortable option of the three. The WX696L is the runner-up for budget-conscious buyers who don’t need the extra speed or anti-vibration tech.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you already own WORX 20V batteries? If yes, grab the WX698L.9 and save some money. If not, the WX698L kit is the smartest single purchase — you get everything you need without hunting for extras later.
Best Overall: WORX WX698L
- 1. 5° Oscillation angle: delivers 2× faster cutting with the Worx...
- 2. Brushless Motor 2.0: offers improved performance, delivering up to...
- 3. 3× Less vibration: with VibraFree Technology for greater comfort during...
For the DIYer who wants maximum performance with zero extra purchases — the 5° angle, brushless motor, and included 2.0Ah battery make this the complete package.
Runner-Up: WORX WX696L
- [SO MANY USES] Ideal for sawing, sanding, scraping, removing grout...
- [COMPATIBLE WITH OTHER BRANDS] The Universal Fit System accepts blades from...
- [DO IT ALL WITH THE SAME BATTERY] Worx Power Share is compatible with all...
For the budget-minded buyer who wants proven reliability — 4.7 stars from 511 reviews, universal blade compatibility, and everything included at a lower price.
Third Place: WORX WX698L.9
- 1. 5° Oscillation angle: delivers 2× faster cutting with the Worx...
- 2. Brushless Motor 2.0: offers improved performance, delivering up to...
- 3. 3× Less vibration: with VibraFree Technology for greater comfort during...
For the WORX battery owner who wants the same brushless power and 5° angle as the winner but doesn’t need another charger cluttering the garage.
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