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If you’re shopping for a cordless reciprocating saw, you’ve probably noticed these three DEWALT 20V MAX models sitting side by side on Amazon. The DCS380B hits 3,000 SPM, the DCS387B is the compact option at just 14.75 inches long, and the DCS382B brings a brushless motor to the table.
I’ve dug through the specs and user feedback on all three to help you figure out which one actually makes sense for your money. The real question here is whether you need raw speed, a smaller footprint, or the efficiency of brushless power — and I’m going to break down exactly who should buy which.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS380B
Fastest at 3,000 SPM with a 1-1/8″ stroke and a 4.7-star rating from 8,547 reviews — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCS387B
Compact 14.75″ design with LED light and highest 4.8-star rating from 4,507 reviews — Check Price →
Best Brushless: DEWALT DCS382B
Brushless motor for efficiency with 2-finger trigger and keyless blade clamp — Check Price →
Here’s the side-by-side spec breakdown I pulled from the product listings so you can see exactly how these three DEWALT saws stack up.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DEWALT 20V MAX Reciprocat | DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless R | DEWALT 20V MAX* Reciproca |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | ✅ 20V | 20V | 20V |
| Strokes per minute | ✅ 0-3000 | Variable | Variable |
| Stroke length | ✅ 1-1/8″ | — | — |
| Blade clamp type | ✅ 4-position | Keyless | Keyless |
| Shoe type | ✅ Pivoting | — | — |
| Length | — | ✅ 14″ | — |
| Motor type | — | — | ✅ Brushless |
| Trigger type | Variable speed | Variable speed | ✅ 2-finger variable |
| LED light | — | ✅ Yes | — |
| Power source | Battery | Battery | Battery |
| Blade material | High Speed Steel | High Speed Steel | High Speed Steel |
| Surface recommendation | Wood | Wood | Wood |
| Color | Yellow | Multi | Black |
The biggest spec difference I noticed is that the DCS380B tops out at 3,000 SPM while the DCS387B maxes out at 2,900 SPM — that extra 100 strokes per minute could matter if you’re cutting through tougher materials.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time comparing the specs, ratings, and real-world feedback for each of these three DEWALT 20V MAX saws. Here’s my honest take on each one and who I think should buy it.
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...
This is the workhorse of the three — the 3,000 SPM top speed is the fastest here, and that 1-1/8″ stroke length really moves material. The 4-position blade clamp lets you do flush cuts, and the rubber over-molded grip feels solid in hand. It’s the heaviest of the bunch at 2.41 kg, so if you’re holding it overhead all day you’ll feel it. With a 4.7-star rating from over 8,500 buyers, this is the proven choice for general demolition and framing work.
✅ Pros
- Fastest at 3,000 SPM for quick cuts
- 4-position blade clamp for flush cutting
- Double oil-sealed shaft resists contamination
- Proven track record with 8,547 reviews
❌ Cons
- Heaviest at 2.41 kg — tiring for overhead cuts
- No LED light for dark spaces
- Brushed motor — less efficient than DCS382B
DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw (DCS387B)
2,900 SPM | 1-1/8″ Stroke | 14.75″ Length | LED Light
- 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 compact design is what makes this one special — at just 14.75 inches long, it fits between studs and gets into tight spots the others can’t reach. It’s also lighter at 2.25 kg, and the built-in LED is genuinely useful when you’re working in a dark crawlspace. The 2,900 SPM is slightly slower than the DCS380B, but you’ll barely notice. With a 4.8-star rating from 4,507 reviews and over 1,000 bought in the past month, this is the crowd favorite for confined-space work.
✅ Pros
- Compact 14.75″ length fits between studs
- LED light brightens dark work areas
- Highest rating at 4.8 stars from 4,507 reviews
- Lighter at 2.25 kg for better control
❌ Cons
- Slightly slower at 2,900 SPM vs DCS380B
- Plastic handle feels less premium than rubber grip
- Brushed motor — not as efficient as brushless
DEWALT 20V MAX* Reciprocating Saw (DCS382B)
Brushless Motor | 1-1/8″ Stroke | 2-Finger Trigger | 223.6W
- Optimized cutting power and efficiency: get more work done with the stout...
- Speed control and comfort: 2-finger variable trigger design offers ease of...
- Fast cuts: rapidly saw through various materials with 1-1/8 in. stroke...
The brushless motor is the headline here — it’s more efficient than the brushed motors in the other two, which means better battery life and more power per charge. The 2-finger variable trigger is comfortable for extended use, and the twist-style keyless blade clamp makes swaps quick. It’s the priciest of the three, and with only 1,260 reviews it hasn’t been battle-tested as long as the others. If you’re already invested in DEWALT 20V or FLEXVOLT batteries and want the most modern tech, this is your pick.
✅ Pros
- Brushless motor for better efficiency
- 2-finger trigger for comfortable control
- Twist-style keyless blade clamp for quick changes
- On-board LED for dark workspaces
❌ Cons
- Priciest of the three models
- Only 1,260 reviews — less proven track record
- Listed weight seems off at 0.27 g (likely a typo)
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, there’s no single “right” answer here — it all comes down to what you’re cutting and where you’re cutting it. Let me break down who each saw is actually built for.
DEWALT DCS380B is right for you if…
- You’re doing heavy demolition and need the fastest cuts at 3,000 SPM
- You want the most proven saw with over 8,500 reviews backing it up
- You need flush cutting capability with the 4-position blade clamp for tight spots
DEWALT DCS387B is right for you if…
- You’re cutting between studs or in tight spaces where the 14.75″ length matters
- You work in dark attics or crawlspaces and need the built-in LED
- You want the highest-rated option at 4.8 stars from over 4,500 buyers
DEWALT DCS382B is right for you if…
- You already own DEWALT 20V or FLEXVOLT batteries and want brushless efficiency for longer runtime
- You prefer the 2-finger trigger for comfort during long cutting sessions
- You want the newest tech with the twist-style keyless blade clamp for quick swaps
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re cutting metal pipe or rebar on a daily basis, you might be better off with a corded reciprocating saw that won’t drain batteries. And if you only need to make occasional cuts around the house, a corded model or even a manual handsaw could save you money without the battery investment.
For most DIYers and general contractors, my pick is the DCS380B — it’s the fastest at 3,000 SPM, has the most reviews, and delivers the best value for the price. But if tight spaces are your daily reality, the compact DCS387B is worth the slight speed trade-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for value — the DCS380B or the DCS387B?
For pure value, I’d give the edge to the DCS380B. It’s the fastest at 3,000 SPM with the same 1-1/8″ stroke as the DCS387B, and it has over 8,500 reviews confirming its reliability. The DCS387B costs the same but drops to 2,900 SPM — that extra 100 strokes per minute on the 380B gives you faster cuts for your money.
Is the DCS382B worth the extra money over the DCS380B?
That depends on how much you value battery life. The DCS382B’s brushless motor is more efficient than the DCS380B’s brushed motor, which means you’ll get more cuts per charge. But the DCS380B is faster at 3,000 SPM and has a much longer track record with 8,547 reviews. If you’re on a budget, the DCS380B delivers more speed per dollar — the DCS382B only makes sense if you’re already invested in DEWALT batteries and want maximum runtime.
Which DEWALT reciprocating saw is best for tight spaces?
The DCS387B wins this one hands down. At just 14.75 inches long, it’s designed to fit between studs and work in confined areas where the other two won’t reach. It also has an LED light to help you see in dark crawlspaces and attics. The DCS380B and DCS382B are both longer, so they’re not ideal for tight-spot work.
What’s the difference between the DCS380B and DCS382B motors?
The DCS380B uses a brushed motor while the DCS382B has a brushless motor. Brushless motors are more efficient, generate less heat, and typically last longer — that’s why the DCS382B is priced higher. But the DCS380B compensates with raw speed at 3,000 SPM versus the DCS382B’s unspecified SPM rating. For most homeowners and DIYers, the brushed DCS380B is plenty, but pros who use their saw daily will appreciate the brushless efficiency.
Which saw has the best customer reviews?
The DCS387B has the highest rating at 4.8 stars out of 5, based on 4,507 reviews. The DCS380B sits at 4.7 stars but with far more feedback — 8,547 reviews — which gives me more confidence in its long-term reliability. The DCS382B also has 4.7 stars but only 1,260 reviews, so it’s still proving itself in the market.
Are all three saws compatible with the same DEWALT batteries?
Yes, all three run on the DEWALT 20V MAX battery platform. The DCS382B goes a step further and also works with DEWALT FLEXVOLT batteries, which the spec sheet confirms. That means if you already own DEWALT 20V tools, any of these saws will drop right into your existing setup without needing new batteries.
My Final Verdict
The DEWALT DCS380B is my clear winner for value. It delivers the fastest cutting speed at 3,000 SPM, has the most proven track record with 8,547 reviews, and comes at a price that undercuts the DCS382B. The DCS387B is the runner-up — its 14.75-inch compact length and 4.8-star rating make it the better choice if you work in tight spaces.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you need to cut in confined areas? If yes, grab the DCS387B. If not, the DCS380B gives you more speed for the same money — that’s the value play.
Best Value: 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...
Fastest at 3,000 SPM with a 1-1/8″ stroke and the most reviews of any saw here. Perfect for general demolition and framing where speed matters.
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
Compact 14.75″ length with LED light and the highest 4.8-star rating. Best for tight spaces and dark work areas.
Best Brushless: DEWALT DCS382B
- Optimized cutting power and efficiency: get more work done with the stout...
- Speed control and comfort: 2-finger variable trigger design offers ease of...
- Fast cuts: rapidly saw through various materials with 1-1/8 in. stroke...
Brushless motor for maximum battery efficiency with 2-finger trigger comfort. Best for pros who need longer runtime per charge.
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