If you already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries and mainly make routine framing and jobsite cuts, a 20V MAX saw such as the DCS570 is the practical fit. If you make demanding cuts often or already own FLEXVOLT batteries, consider the 60V MAX DCS578. Its battery requirement matters: a 20V MAX pack does not power this 60V MAX saw.
How to choose between the DCS570 and DCS578
- Choose the DCS570 if you want a 7-1/4-inch saw for general cutting and can use batteries you already own for DEWALT 20V MAX tools.
- Consider the DCS578 if frequent demanding cuts make the 60V MAX platform appealing and you have, or plan to buy, a compatible FLEXVOLT battery.
- Compare the complete package, not just the saw model: tool-only and kit SKUs can include different batteries, chargers and other items.
These are recommendations based on platform and intended use, not a claim that one saw has been proven faster in real material. The published speed figures below are manufacturer specifications; no controlled, independent head-to-head test is established here.
What the published specifications show
| Model | Platform | Blade | No-load speed | Maximum cut depth at 90° | Availability note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DCS570 | 20V MAX XR | 7-1/4 in. | 5,500 rpm | 2-9/16 in. | DEWALT listing: DCS570P1 kit. Confirm the exact SKU and regional package. |
| DCS573 | 20V MAX FLEXVOLT Advantage | 7-1/4 in. | 5,500 rpm | 2-9/16 in. | DEWALT currently marks the model discontinued on its product page. |
| DCS578 | 60V MAX FLEXVOLT | 7-1/4 in. | 5,800 rpm | 2-9/16 in. | DEWALT regional listing: tool-only version; battery sold separately. |
Specifications are DEWALT-published figures for the listed models. The higher no-load rpm listed for the DCS578 is not proof that it will cut a given board faster: material, blade, battery, cut conditions and other factors matter.
Battery compatibility: 20V MAX is not the same as a 60V MAX tool
DEWALT describes FLEXVOLT packs as changing voltage when moved between compatible tools. A FLEXVOLT battery can be used with compatible 20V MAX tools and with 60V MAX tools; a 20V MAX battery does not power the 60V MAX DCS578. Check the tool and battery manual for compatibility. DEWALT explains the platform on its FLEXVOLT battery-system page.
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- 5150 RPM motor delivers power and speed to make the most demanding cuts with ease
- High strength and lightweight magnesium shoe provides jobsite durability for long-term cut accuracy
- Optimized rubber over molded comfort grip delivers optimal balance and control of electric saw for wood cutting
- 0-50° bevel capacity allows for aggressive bevel cuts for a multitude of applications
- 6-1/2 inch 18-tooth carbide-tipped blade included for cutting 2 times material at 90° and 45° and more cuts per charge. Maximum cut depth @ 90°: 2-1/8 inches (2.125 in). Maximum cut depth @ 45°: 1-5/8 inches (1.625 in)
The voltage labels refer to maximum initial voltage. The DCS570 manual identifies nominal values of 18V and 54V for the 20V MAX and 60V MAX systems, respectively. The labels should not be read as the voltage maintained continuously under load; see the DCS570 manual.
What FLEXVOLT Advantage means
The DCS573 is a 20V MAX FLEXVOLT Advantage saw, not a 60V MAX saw. DEWALT says FLEXVOLT Advantage tools gain power when paired with a FLEXVOLT battery; the claim is specific to that tool-and-battery pairing. The DCS573 is currently marked discontinued by DEWALT, so verify availability and condition before considering one. See DEWALT’s FLEXVOLT Advantage overview.
Rank #2
- OUR MOST POWERFUL 20V MAX* CIRCULAR SAW - Cut through tough applications with up to 1,700 MWO.
- UP TO 368 CUTS PER CHARGE** - Make fast cuts with a powerful brushless motor that delivers up to 5,500 RPM (no-load).
- HIGH VERSATILITY - Take on a wide range of materials with a maximum depth of cut of 2-9/16 in. at a 90° and a maximum depth of cut of 2 in. at a 45°.
- ELECTRIC BRAKE Avoid wide, imprecise cuts with an automatic electric brake designed to stop the blade from coasting after the trigger switch is released.
Kit contents can change the value of the purchase
Compare the exact model suffix and included items before choosing between a kit and a bare tool. For example, DEWALT lists the DCS570P1 as a kit with a 20V battery and charger. The DCS578X2 kit includes two 9Ah FLEXVOLT batteries and a charger. Those contents are not interchangeable with the tool-only versions; check the relevant DCS570P1 listing and DCS578X2 listing for the package offered in your region.
DEWALT’s DCS578X2 listing says “up to 47% more power” for a DCS578 with a DCB609 60V MAX FLEXVOLT battery compared with a DCS575 with a DCB606 battery. That is the manufacturer’s stated comparison—not a DCS578-versus-DCS570 test result. DEWALT identifies the DCB609 as a 9Ah 20V/60V battery on its FLEXVOLT battery-system page.
Rank #3
- Our most powerful 20V MAX circular saw - cut through tough applications with up to 1,700 mwo.
- Up to 368 cuts per charge - make fast cuts with a powerful brushless motor that delivers up to 5,500 RPM (no-load).
- High versatility - take on a wide range of materials with a maximum depth of cut of 2-9/16 in. at a 90° and a maximum depth of cut of 2 in. at a 45°.
- Electric brake – avoid wide, imprecise cuts with an automatic electric brake designed to stop the blade from coasting after the trigger switch is released.
Runtime, cut depth and practical fit
DEWALT states that the DCS570P1 can make 330 crosscuts in 2 × 4 pine. This is the manufacturer’s runtime figure for that listing; it is not a guarantee for other batteries, wood species, blades or work patterns. Use it as a qualified manufacturer claim, not a direct runtime comparison with the DCS578.
DEWALT lists both the DCS570 and DCS578 with a maximum 2-9/16-inch cut at 90°. For the DCS570, the listing also gives a 2-inch cut at 45°. These published capacities can help check whether a saw suits your intended cuts, but confirm the manual and the exact regional model before relying on a measurement for a particular setup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check handling, price and accessories before buying
Weight, balance, current price and package contents can vary by SKU and region; the cited manufacturer pages do not establish a stable, complete comparison across all three models. If possible, handle the saw with the battery you expect to use, and compare current local listings for the exact kit or bare-tool SKU.
DEWALT lists the DW3278 rip guide as compatible with the DCS570, DCS573 and DCS578. Confirm fit for the exact saw before ordering through DEWALT support.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT brushless motor provides optimal cutting performance in a variety of materials
- HIGH MANEUVERABILITY with its lightweight and compact design
- QUICKLY ADJUST the bevel capacity from 0 - 50° with the tool-free bevel lever
- CONVENIENT STORAGE on the jobsite with the built-in rafter hook
- ADDED SAFETY: Electric brake quickly stops the blade after the trigger is released
Decision checklist
- List the DEWALT batteries and chargers you already own. A 20V MAX battery investment points toward a compatible 20V MAX saw such as the DCS570.
- If considering the DCS578, make sure your battery plan includes a compatible FLEXVOLT pack; a 20V MAX pack alone will not run it.
- Match the platform to your work frequency and cut demands. Treat that as a use-case decision rather than a proven speed ranking.
- Compare the complete SKU contents—battery capacity and count, charger, and included accessories—against what you already have.
- Verify current model status, regional availability, weight and price, especially if considering the discontinued DCS573.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
