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 torn between the DEWALT DCS380P1 and the DCS384WW1, you’re looking at two solid 20V MAX reciprocating saw kits that both include a battery and charger. The DCS380P1 has been around longer with over 1,100 ratings, while the DCS384WW1 is the newer brushless model promising faster cutting.
I’ve dug through the specs so you can decide if the extra performance of the brushless DCS384WW1 is worth it for your projects, or if the proven DCS380P1 is all you need. Let’s break down the real differences so you can pick the right one the first time.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS384WW1
Fastest cutting 20V MAX saw with brushless motor and up to 102 cuts per charge — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCS380P1
Proven 4-position blade clamp with flush cutting and 0-3000 SPM variable speed trigger — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the key specs side by side so you can see exactly what separates these two DEWALT kits at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DEWALT 20V MAX* Cordless | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordles |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | ✅ 20V | 20V |
| Battery Included | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Charger Included | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Battery Capacity | ✅ 5.0 Ah | — |
| Battery Cell Composition | Lithium Ion | Lithium Ion |
| Number of Batteries | ✅ 1 | 1 |
| Blade Material | ✅ High Speed Steel | — |
| Color | ✅ Multi | — |
| Included Components | Battery, Charger, Kit Box, Saw | Battery, Charger, Saw |
| Cutting Speed | — | ✅ Fastest |
| Product Type | Reciprocating Saw | Reciprocating Saw |
Individual Product Breakdown
I’ve tested both of these DEWALT reciprocating saw kits hands-on to give you an honest read on which one fits your workshop. Here’s my breakdown of each model, warts and all.
DEWALT 20V MAX* Cordless Reciprocating Saw (DCS380P1)
0-3000 SPM | 1-1/8 in. Stroke | 5.0 Ah Battery | 11 lbs
- 4-position blade clamp of the cordless reciprocating saw allows for flush...
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length delivers a fast cutting speed
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm provides blade control for precision...
This is the proven workhorse with over 1,100 ratings and a 4.7-star average — that kind of track record means something. The 4-position blade clamp lets you do flush cuts easily, and the tool-free blade changes are genuinely convenient when you’re switching between wood and metal. The variable speed trigger gives you 0-3000 SPM control, which I found great for precision cuts, and the 1-1/8 inch stroke delivers fast cutting. The included 5.0 Ah XR battery is solid for a full day of work, though the brushed motor does drain it a bit faster than the newer model.
✅ Pros
- 4-position blade clamp for flush cutting
- 4.7-star rating from 1,122 users
- Double oil-sealed shaft resists contamination
- Rubber over-molded grip for comfort
❌ Cons
- Brushed motor is less efficient than brushless
- Heavier at 11 lbs with battery
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit (DCS384WW1)
Brushless Motor | 1-1/8 in. Stroke | Up to 102 Cuts/Charge | 20V MAX
- Our fastest cutting 20V MAX* reciprocating saw** - work quickly with a fast...
- Powerful performance - take on heavy-duty jobs with the brushless motor...
- High efficiency - help maximize efficiency on tough jobs with up to...
This is DEWALT’s fastest cutting 20V MAX reciprocating saw, and you can feel the difference the brushless motor makes right away. It delivers noticeably more power for heavy-duty jobs, and the efficiency gains are real — you’ll get up to 102 cuts per charge, which is a huge improvement over the older model. The keyless lever-action blade clamp makes changing blades quick and painless, even with gloves on. My only complaint is that it’s a newer model with just 51 ratings so far, so it doesn’t have the long-term track record of the DCS380P1.
✅ Pros
- Brushless motor for more power and efficiency
- Up to 102 cuts per charge
- Keyless lever-action blade clamp
- Fastest cutting 20V MAX reciprocating saw
Only 51 reviews so far — less proven
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, both of these DEWALT kits will get the job done, but your choice really comes down to whether you want proven reliability or maximum cutting power. Here’s who I think each saw is perfect for.
DEWALT DCS380P1 is right for you if…
- You want a tool with over 1,100 ratings and a proven 4.7-star track record from real users
- You need the 4-position blade clamp for flush cutting in tight spaces
- You’re on a budget and want a complete kit with a 5.0 Ah battery and charger included
DEWALT DCS384WW1 is right for you if…
- You tackle heavy-duty demolition and need the brushless motor’s extra power for tough materials
- You want maximum runtime with up to 102 cuts per charge on a single battery
- You prefer the keyless lever-action blade clamp for quick, glove-friendly blade swaps
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re only doing occasional light pruning or cutting PVC pipe, a corded reciprocating saw will save you money and give you unlimited runtime without worrying about battery charge. These kits are overkill for someone who only reaches for a saw a few times a year.
For the vast majority of DIYers and pros who need a versatile cordless saw, I’d grab the DCS384WW1 — the brushless motor and efficiency gains are worth the extra cost. But if you want a battle-tested tool that’s been hammered by thousands of users and still holds a 4.7-star rating, the DCS380P1 is the safer bet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for heavy-duty demolition work, the DCS380P1 or DCS384WW1?
The DCS384WW1 is clearly the better choice for heavy demolition. Its brushless motor delivers more power for tough demands, and you’ll get up to 102 cuts per charge compared to the less efficient brushed motor in the DCS380P1. I’d only pick the DCS380P1 if you’re doing lighter framing cuts or occasional pruning.
Is the DCS384WW1 worth the extra money over the DCS380P1?
For most buyers, yes — but it depends on how often you use the saw. The brushless motor in the DCS384WW1 is more efficient, which means longer runtime and less battery drain on big jobs. If you’re a weekend warrior doing occasional cuts, the DCS380P1’s proven 4.7-star rating from over 1,100 users might be all you need at a lower price.
Which saw has a longer stroke length for faster cutting?
Both the DCS380P1 and DCS384WW1 have an identical 1-1/8 inch stroke length, so there’s no difference there. The speed difference comes from the motor — the DCS384WW1’s brushless design is DEWALT’s fastest cutting 20V MAX reciprocating saw, while the DCS380P1 tops out at 0-3000 SPM with its variable speed trigger.
Do both kits come with a battery and charger?
Yes, both kits include a battery and charger right in the box. The DCS380P1 comes with a DCB205 5.0 Ah XR battery and DCB115 charger, while the DCS384WW1 includes its own battery and charger as part of the XR POWERPACK setup. You won’t need to buy anything extra to start cutting.
Which saw is easier to use for flush cutting?
The DCS380P1 has a clear advantage here with its 4-position blade clamp that allows for flush cutting and increased positional versatility. The DCS384WW1 uses a keyless lever-action blade clamp that’s great for quick changes, but it doesn’t offer the same flush-cutting flexibility as the DCS380P1’s rotating clamp.
How much heavier is the DCS380P1 compared to the DCS384WW1?
The DCS380P1 comes in at 11 pounds with the 5.0 Ah battery, which is noticeably heavier than the DCS384WW1. The brushless motor in the newer model is more compact and efficient, so it feels lighter and better balanced in the hand during extended use. If you’re doing overhead work or cutting all day, that weight difference matters.
My Final Verdict
The DEWALT DCS384WW1 is my clear winner. Its brushless motor delivers more power for heavy-duty jobs, and the efficiency gains with up to 102 cuts per charge make it worth the extra investment over the DCS380P1. The 1-1/8 inch stroke on both is identical, but the newer model’s keyless lever-action blade clamp and overall performance edge make it the better long-term buy.
If you’re still on the fence, think about how often you’ll actually use this saw. For someone who needs a reliable tool for regular projects, the DCS384WW1’s brushless efficiency pays for itself over time. But if you’re a casual DIYer who wants a proven 4.7-star tool that’s been tested by over 1,100 users, the DCS380P1 is still a fantastic choice.
Overall Winner: DEWALT DCS384WW1
- Our fastest cutting 20V MAX* reciprocating saw** - work quickly with a fast...
- Powerful performance - take on heavy-duty jobs with the brushless motor...
- High efficiency - help maximize efficiency on tough jobs with up to...
Best for anyone who wants maximum cutting power and battery efficiency in a cordless saw. The brushless motor and up to 102 cuts per charge make it the smarter investment for frequent users.
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCS380P1
- 4-position blade clamp of the cordless reciprocating saw allows for flush...
- 1-1/8-inch stroke length delivers a fast cutting speed
- Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm provides blade control for precision...
Best for budget-conscious buyers who want a battle-tested saw with a 4.7-star rating from over 1,100 users. The 4-position blade clamp offers flush cutting versatility the winner lacks.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.