DeWalt DCS578B vs Milwaukee 2732-20: FlexVolt 60V Against M18 FUEL 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw

Where these two differ

Both are 7-1/4 inch brushless cordless saws at 5,800 RPM with an electric brake. The DeWalt runs on FlexVolt 60V packs and has the power of a corded saw with a 2-9/16 inch depth and 57 degree bevel. The Milwaukee runs on M18 packs, is built around a magnesium shoe and guards, cuts 2-1/2 inches deep and bevels to 50 degrees. On a High Output pack the Milwaukee is close to the FlexVolt in 2x lumber.

This comparison is based on the published specifications and manuals for both saws and on recurring owner feedback. We have not run either saw ourselves.

Power in wet lumber

The FlexVolt rips a wet pressure-treated 2×12 without slowing. The Milwaukee on a High Output pack rips the same board with a little less reserve and slows a touch on a long rip. Both crosscut 2x and 4×4 framing without trouble. On dry deck boards there is nothing between them.

Build and handling

The Milwaukee magnesium shoe and guards are lighter and survive a drop off a sawhorse; owners praise the build. The DeWalt is heavier with a solid metal shoe and sits well on a cut.

Batteries and runtime

FlexVolt packs run the DeWalt chainsaw, mower and blower. M18 packs run a wider yard range including the Milwaukee mower, blower, trimmer and chainsaws. Both saws drain a mid-size pack in an afternoon of joists.

Blades and setup

Both take 7-1/4 inch blades with a 5/8 inch arbor. A 24-tooth framing blade suits both for joists; a 40-tooth blade cleans up deck board ends. Depth and bevel adjust with levers on both.

Yard jobs this decides

A deck with wet pressure-treated framing favors the DeWalt by a little. Fence rails, pickets, raised beds and a shed are a draw. The battery decides the rest; both platforms have full yard ranges.

Warranty and support

On the DeWalt DCS578B, DeWalt covers it with a three-year limited warranty, one year of free service and a 90-day money-back guarantee. On the Milwaukee 2732-20, Milwaukee covers M18 FUEL tools with a five-year warranty and M18 packs with three years. Both makers run service networks in the US and both honor the warranty only with proof of purchase, so keep the receipt with the manual. Registration takes a few minutes online and is worth doing the day the tool arrives.

Common owner complaints

DCS578B owners mention weight and pack cost. 2732 owners mention wanting High Output packs for full power. Neither has a reliability pattern.

Which one should you buy

Buy the DCS578B on FlexVolt or for the most power in wet framing. Buy the 2732-20 on M18 or for a lighter, tougher saw with a wider yard platform.

Our verdict

The DeWalt DCS578B edges this comparison on power and cut capacity. The Milwaukee 2732-20 is close behind with the better build and platform.