DeWalt DCS391 vs Milwaukee 2730-20: Cordless Circular Saws Compared
FriendsWithTools.io earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you. We do not test these tools ourselves — all claims are sourced from manufacturer specifications, retailer listings, and aggregated user reviews, each linked inline. Prices and ratings were verified on April 2026 and may have changed.
The DeWalt DCS391 and Milwaukee 2730-20 both run 6-1/2 inch blades on 18V/20V platforms and cut through a 2x4 without drama. The DCS391 is the brushed workhorse that's been on jobsites for years. The 2730-20 is Milwaukee's brushless answer with a magnesium guard and slightly better efficiency per charge. If you're choosing between these two, you're really choosing between battery ecosystems and whether brushless matters to you.
Quick Verdict
The Milwaukee 2730-20 wins for anyone who cuts all day. The brushless motor stretches battery life significantly and won't need brush replacements after a year of hard use. The DeWalt DCS391 is $40 less and spins slightly faster, which makes it a solid pick for weekend warriors and anyone already loaded up on 20V MAX batteries.
Brushless motor means fewer battery swaps and no carbon brush maintenance over the life of the tool.
$139 bare is $40 less. The saw cuts the same depth and spins faster. Good enough for most people.
5,150 RPM produces slightly cleaner edges in sheet goods where tearout matters.
Included rafter hook lets you hang the saw between cuts instead of setting it on a plank.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | DeWalt DCS391 | Milwaukee 2730-20 |
|---|---|---|
| Blade Size | 6-1/2 in | 6-1/2 in |
| Depth of Cut (90 deg) | 2-1/4 in | 2-1/4 in |
| Depth of Cut (45 deg) | 1-5/8 in | 1-5/8 in |
| No-Load Speed | 5,150 RPM | 5,000 RPM |
| Battery Platform | 20V MAX | 18V (M18) |
| Weight (bare) | 6.9 lb (bare) | 7.0 lb (bare) |
| Motor Type | Brushed | Brushless (POWERSTATE) |
| Brake Type | Electric brake | Electric brake |
DeWalt DCS391
Price: $139 (Home Depot)
Pros
- 5,150 RPM is faster than the Milwaukee, which means cleaner crosscuts in plywood
- Magnesium shoe resists warping and stays flat after drops
- $40 cheaper bare tool, which adds up when you're outfitting a crew
Cons
- Brushed motor burns through batteries faster and needs carbon brush replacements eventually
- 6.9 lb bare is hefty for overhead rafter cuts
- No dust port adapter in the box
Milwaukee 2730-20
Price: $179 (Home Depot)
Pros
- Brushless motor delivers 30 to 50% more cuts per charge than the brushed DCS391
- Magnesium upper and lower guards reduce flex under bevel cuts
- Rafter hook included for hands-free storage between cuts on a ladder
Cons
- $40 premium over the DeWalt for the same cutting depth
- 5,000 RPM is 150 RPM slower, though the difference is barely noticeable
- 7.0 lb bare is the heavier of the two by a tenth of a pound
Best For
High-volume framing (50+ cuts per day)
Milwaukee 2730-20
Brushless motor means fewer battery swaps and no carbon brush maintenance over the life of the tool.
Budget-conscious first cordless saw
DeWalt DCS391
$139 bare is $40 less. The saw cuts the same depth and spins faster. Good enough for most people.
Plywood ripping with a guide rail
DeWalt DCS391
5,150 RPM produces slightly cleaner edges in sheet goods where tearout matters.
Ladder and scaffold work
Milwaukee 2730-20
Included rafter hook lets you hang the saw between cuts instead of setting it on a plank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can either saw cut a 2x6 in one pass?
No. Both max out at 2-1/4 inches at 90 degrees, which clears a 2x4 (1-1/2 inches actual) but not a 2x6 (1-1/2 x 5-1/2 inches) on the wide face. You'd need a 7-1/4 inch saw for that.
Is the brushed vs brushless difference worth $40?
If you cut daily, yes. The brushless 2730-20 will outlast the DCS391's motor and save you money on batteries over two years. For weekend use, the brushed motor will last years before the brushes wear out.
Do these accept the same blades?
Yes. Both take standard 6-1/2 inch circular saw blades with a 5/8-inch arbor. Diablo, Freud, and the stock blades from either brand are interchangeable.