DEWALT vs Makita Reciprocating Saw: Best Recip Saws 2026

The DEWALT DCS367B 20V MAX XR ($209.00) is the premium DeWalt reciprocating saw on this page and the most capable option in the comparison. The XR brushless motor delivers extended runtime and the compact design — shorter than traditional recip saws — fits into wall cavities, between joists, and behind pipes where full-size saws can't reach. This compact form factor is the primary differentiation from the budget DCS380B ($127.66) and the reason professionals pay the premium. Against the Makita XRJ04Z ($119.95) and XRJ07ZB ($175.42), the DCS367B costs more but benefits buyers already in the DeWalt 20V MAX ecosystem. Battery compatibility across an entire tool lineup is real value: one charger, one battery platform, interchangeable between circular saw, drill, and recip saw. The DCS367B's variable speed trigger enables precision control that the basic DCS380B's simpler trigger doesn't match. The honest limitation: at $209 tool-only, battery and charger add another $50–100 for users without DeWalt batteries. The XR brushless system is overkill for homeowners who occasionally cut tree branches or do infrequent demo work. The DCS380B at $127.66 covers those use cases adequately. The DCS367B earns its price for contractors and serious DIYers running it daily.

The Makita XRJ04Z 18V LXT ($119.95) is the entry-level Makita reciprocating saw on this page — the right starting point for buyers in the Makita 18V LXT ecosystem who need a basic recip saw for occasional cutting tasks. The 18V LXT battery system is Makita's flagship platform with broad compatibility across over 100 tools, so buyers already invested in LXT get immediate value from battery reuse. Against the DEWALT DCS380B ($127.66) at a similar price, the choice reduces to ecosystem: DeWalt 20V MAX versus Makita 18V LXT. Performance is comparable at this tier — both are brushed-motor entry-level recip saws with similar SPM ratings. The decision should be made based on which battery platform you already own or which brand's broader lineup you're building toward. The honest limitation is the tool-only pricing: the XRJ04Z lists at $119.95 for the saw alone, and Makita 18V batteries and chargers add $50–100+ to the real cost for buyers starting fresh. The variable speed trigger requires learning to apply appropriate pressure for different materials — too aggressive and blades snap. Against the sub-compact XRJ07ZB ($175.42) on this page, the XRJ04Z is a full-size tool with more blade stroke travel, better for sustained cutting rather than tight-space access.

The DEWALT DCS380B ($127.66) is the budget entry point of the DeWalt lineup on this page — a brushed-motor 20V MAX recip saw that covers the most common use cases at the lowest price in the comparison. The 3,000 SPM cutting speed is adequate for lumber, PVC, and light demolition. The 4-position blade clamp accepts standard blades in four orientations, useful when cutting in different directions or flush-cutting near surfaces. Against the DeWalt DCS367B ($209.00) on this page, the DCS380B costs $81 less by using a brushed motor instead of brushless. The practical difference: shorter battery runtime per charge and more heat generated during sustained use. For homeowners who use a recip saw occasionally — pruning trees, cutting old pipes, opening walls for a single remodel project — the brushed motor is perfectly adequate. Contractors running the saw for hours daily will notice the runtime gap. Against the Makita XRJ04Z ($119.95) at a similar price point, this is primarily an ecosystem decision. Both are competent entry-level recip saws. DeWalt's broader 20V MAX lineup is a slight advantage for buyers who also own DeWalt drills, circular saws, or grinders. The honest limitation: tool only, and the 20V MAX battery adds cost for buyers starting from scratch.

The Makita XRJ07ZB Sub-Compact Brushless ($175.42) occupies a unique niche in this comparison: at 3.7 lbs, it's the lightest and most compact reciprocating saw on the page, designed specifically for tight-access cuts where a standard recip saw won't fit. HVAC runs, bathroom renovations, cutting in between studs — the sub-compact body gets into places the DeWalt DCS367B ($209.00) and DCS380B ($127.66) cannot reach despite their overall quality advantage. Against the Makita XRJ04Z ($119.95), the XRJ07ZB costs $55 more and delivers a brushless motor for better battery efficiency and a sub-compact form factor for tight-space work. If your cutting primarily happens in open areas, save the $55. If you're regularly cutting in confined spaces — wall openings, under sinks, in ceiling joists — the sub-compact design is worth the premium. The honest limitation is blade stroke: the sub-compact design restricts blade travel compared to full-size recip saws, making it slower on thick lumber and less efficient for sustained demolition work. The XRJ07ZB is a specialist tool for access-limited cutting, not a replacement for a full-size saw in general demolition. Like all Makita LXT tools, batteries and charger are sold separately — budget accordingly.