
DEWALT DCS380BDEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Recip Saw
Ranks first on our Best Score with a 1.125 in stroke and 0-3000 spm.
- Weight
- 5.75 lb
- Battery energy
- —
- Top strokes per minute
- 3,000 spm
The best reciprocating saw depends on the job. Demolition favors long stroke length and high strokes per minute. Tight framing work favors a short, light body. Speed control, tool-free blade changes, and a brushless motor also matter. We put 16 products on one spec sheet so you can compare stroke length, speed, weight, length, and warranty side by side. Where a maker does not publish a spec, we say so instead of guessing.
Quick answer
Ranked from 16 reciprocating saws that met our standard, compared on stroke length, max stroke speed, brushless motor.
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Ranks first on our Best Score with a 1.125 in stroke and 0-3000 spm.

Pairs a brushless motor with an LED light and a 1.125 in stroke.

Weighs 3.75 lb with a variable speed trigger and 3-year warranty.
| Spec | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Scoreout of 100 | 79 | 75 | 72 | 66 | 65 | 61 | 60 | 59 | 58 | 57 |
| Power source | Battery | Battery | battery | battery | Battery | Battery | battery | battery | Battery | battery |
| Battery energyWh | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 84 Wh | 84 Wh | — |
| Stroke lengthin | 1.13 in (best in row) | 1.13 in (best in row) | 1.00 in | — | 1.00 in | 1.13 in (best in row) | 1.10 in | 1.10 in | 0.59 in | 1.10 in |
| Strokes per minutespm | 0–3,000 | 0–2,900 | — | — | 0–3,000 | — | 0–3,500 (best in row) | — | — | — |
| Weightlb | 5.75 lb | 5.40 lb | 3.75 lb | 3.70 lb | 4.45 lb | 8.75 lb | — | 3.00 lb | 2.00 lb (best in row) | — |
| Overall lengthin | 6.12 in (best in row) | 13.75 in | 17.09 in | 13.69 in | 16.20 in | 19.30 in | 10.94 in | 14.10 in | 13.77 in | 10.90 in |
| Tool-free blade change | Yes | Yes | — | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in LED light | — | Yes | — | Yes | — | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Brushless motor | No | Yes (best in row) | — | Yes (best in row) | No | Yes (best in row) | — | Yes (best in row) | Yes (best in row) | — |
| Variable speed trigger | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Warrantyyr | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | — | 3 years | — | — | — | — | — |
We reviewed 24 reciprocating saws and kept only the 16 that pass every check below. Those are ranked by a Best Score built from spec fit for this job, warranty, sales rank.
These reviews are based on specifications and listing information, not hands-on use. We read the numbers and explain what they mean for cutting wood, metal, and demolition work.
Top Best Score with a long stroke and 3000 spm
It lists a 1.125 in stroke and a 0-3000 spm variable speed trigger. A longer stroke moves the blade farther on each pass, which helps in framing lumber and demolition cuts.
It weighs 5.75 lb and measures 6.12 in long. That length is the lowest among the models that list it, though the listing does not explain how length was measured. The motor is not brushless, so expect a brushed design.
Handling features include a 4-position blade clamp with tool-free changes and a pivoting adjustable shoe. The maker says the shoe extends blade life and sets depth of cut. A double oil sealed shaft is meant to resist contamination. The warranty is 3 years. It has no built-in LED light listed.
VerdictA well-rounded pick for wood, metal, and demolition on paper.
Brushless DEWALT with LED and 1.125 in stroke
The DEWALT DCS367B ranks second, with a Best Score of 72. Its brushless motor is the main step up from the top-ranked model. Brushless designs generally suit longer jobs, and the listing claims up to 2.5x more runtime.
Cutting specs are close to the leader. Weight is 5.4 lb. Overall length is listed as 13.75 in, though the listing text also says 14.5 in.
A built-in LED light helps in dark cavities. The 4-position keyless clamp allows tool-free blade changes and flush cuts. The warranty is 3 years. Choose this one if tight spaces and low light matter more than the last bit of speed.
VerdictA brushless, lit option that trails the leader mainly on speed and score.
RYOBI ONE+ saw with light weight, sparse specs
The RYOBI PCL515B ranks third with a Best Score of 69. It weighs 3.75 lb, lighter than the DEWALT models ranked above it. Less weight means less fatigue when cutting overhead or working one-handed for long stretches.
Stroke length is 1 in, shorter than the 1.125 in on the leading DEWALT saws. A shorter stroke usually cuts more slowly in thick lumber. The maker does not publish strokes per minute here, so top speed is unknown. It does list a variable speed trigger.
Overall length is 17.09 in, longer than several rivals, which may matter between studs. The listing does not mention tool-free blade change, an LED light, or a brushless motor. The warranty is 3 years. The listing text is mostly about replacement parts, so detail is thin. Pick it if you already own RYOBI ONE+ batteries and want a light saw.
VerdictA light, battery-platform choice with fewer published specs to judge.
DEWALT ATOMIC: light, brushless, and lit
The DEWALT ATOMIC DCS369B ranks fifth, with a Best Score of 65. Its weight is 3.7 lb, which is lighter than the DCS380B and DCS367B ranked above it. That helps with overhead cuts and long sessions.
It has a brushless motor, an LED light, tool-free blade release, and a variable speed trigger. The listing says it is 37% lighter than the DCS367. Overall length is 13.69 in, though the listing text gives 12.5 in front to back.
The maker does not publish stroke length, strokes per minute, or warranty in this data. That makes cutting power hard to compare with the others. Without a stroke figure, we cannot say how it handles thick demolition work. It suits tight plumbing and remodel jobs where weight and size matter most.
VerdictA compact brushless saw, though missing specs limit the comparison.
CRAFTSMAN V20 with 3000 spm and tool-free changes
It lists 0-3000 spm, matching the highest strokes per minute among the five models that publish it. High speed helps in softer wood and quick rough cuts.
Stroke length is 1 in, shorter than the 1.125 in on several DEWALT saws. That can mean slower progress in thick material. Weight is 4.45 lb, lighter than both top-ranked DEWALT models. Overall length is 16.2 in, though the listing text says 14.5 in.
The motor is not brushless, and no LED light is listed. Tool-free blade release and a full variable speed trigger are included, along with an overmolded handle for comfort. The warranty is 3 years. It fits buyers invested in the V20 battery system who want a lighter saw with strong top speed.
VerdictA fast, fairly light saw whose short stroke limits heavy cutting.
Best among the reviewed tools
Stroke length is how far the blade travels each pass. Longer strokes remove more material per pass, which helps with demolition and thick lumber. In this lineup, 1.125 in is the longest listed. Shorter strokes can feel smoother but cut more slowly.
Strokes per minute shows how fast the blade moves. A variable speed trigger lets you start slow on metal and go faster in wood. Among the five models that list it, 3000 spm is the highest. Several makers do not publish it.
A lighter saw is easier to hold overhead and between studs. Weights here run from 2 lb to 11.25 lb. Heavier models often add battery or motor mass. Match the weight to how long you cut and in what position.
Tool-free blade change saves time when switching between wood and metal blades. An LED light helps in dark cavities. A brushless motor is a common feature on newer saws. Also check the warranty, since not every maker lists one.
It lists a 1.125 in stroke, 0-3000 spm, tool-free blade change, and a 3-year warranty. It does not have a brushless motor or LED light listed.
For cutting speed in wood and demolition, usually yes. A longer stroke moves the blade farther each pass. The longest stroke listed here is 1.125 in. Shorter strokes can suit lighter, more controlled work.
Not always. Brushless motors are a common feature on newer saws, and the listings for several models highlight them. The top-ranked DEWALT DCS380B is not brushless but still leads on our spec score.
The Seesii SRW02-SD is the lightest of the 11 products at 2 lb. It also has the shortest listed stroke, 0.591 in. Lighter weight can reduce fatigue, but a shorter stroke may cut more slowly.
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