Best For: DIY Users + Beginner wood workers
Includes: Tool Only (bare tool)
Price: $129
- Best For: Professionals + if you need all day long
- Includes: Tool Only (bare tool)
- Price: $187
Introduction
If you’re trying to choose between the DeWalt DCS391B vs DCS565B, you’re probably confused. They look almost identical, right? I get it. I spent hours comparing these two circular saws so you don’t have to.
Here’s the truth: One of these saws will save you $58 and still get the job done. The other one is faster but costs more. Let me show you which one you actually need.
Table of Contents
Quick Verdict:
The DeWalt DCS391B wins for most people. At $129, it’s $58 cheaper than the DCS565B ($187) and handles 90% of DIY and professional jobs perfectly fine. Unless you’re cutting all day long or working with really thick hardwood, save your money.
Related Articles:
At-a-glance Specs: DeWalt DCS391B vs DCS565B
| Features | DCS391B | DCS565B |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129 | $187 |
| Motor Speed | 5,250 RPM | 5,800 RPM |
| Blade Size | 6-1/2 inch | 6-1/2 inch |
| Cutting Depth (90°) | 2-1/4 inches | 2-1/4 inches |
| Cutting Depth (45°) | 1-5/8 inches | 1-5/8 inches |
| Weight | 6.7 lbs | 6.7 lbs |
| Battery | 20V MAX (not included) | 20V MAX (not included) |
| Bevel Capacity | 0-50 degrees | 0-50 degrees |
| Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.7/5) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(4.8/5) |
| Where To Buy | Check On Amazon | Check On Amazon |
DeWalt DCS391B vs DCS565B: The Only Difference That Actually Matters
Here’s what nobody tells you: these saws are nearly identical. Same battery system, same blade side, same comfort, same brand quality.
The ONE real difference: The motor speed.
- DCS391B: 5,250 RPM (rotations per minute)
- DCS565B: 5,800 RPM
That’s it. That’s the difference you’re paying $58 extra for.
What Does RPM Actually Mean for You?
Let me explain this in plain English.
RPM is how fast the blade spins. Higher RPM = faster cuts = less time standing there watching the saw work.
For the DCS391B (5,250 RPM):
- Cuts through 2x4s easily
- Handles plywood like butter
- Works great for framing, deck building, and home projects
- Takes maybe 1-2 seconds longer per cut than the DCS565B
For the DCS565B (5,800 RPM):
- Cuts noticeably faster through everything
- Powers through dense hardwoods better
- Makes a difference when you’re doing 100+ cuts per day
- The extra speed is nice but not necessary for weekend warriors
Who Should Buy the DeWalt DCS391B?
- Best For: DIY Users + Beginner wood workers
- Includes: Tool Only (bare tool)
- Price: $129
Buy the DCS391B if you are:
- A homeowner doing occasional projects
- Building a deck or fence once in a while
- Working with standard lumber (pine, plywood, OSB)
- On a budget and want solid DeWalt quality
- Making fewer than 50 cuts per day
- A DIY enthusiast who values good tools without overspending
Real talk: This saw has been around for years and is one of DeWalt’s most popular cordless circular saws for a reason. It just works.
Who Should Buy the DeWalt DCS565B?
- Best For: Professionals + if you need all day long
- Includes: Tool Only (bare tool)
- Price: $187
Buy the DCS565B if you are:
- A professional contractor cutting all day
- Working with thick hardwoods regularly (oak, maple, hickory)
- Making 100+ cuts daily
- Doing production work where time = money
- Someone who wants the absolute fastest cuts possible
- Building your tool collection and speed matters more than price
Bottom line: If you’re cutting 8 hours a day, that extra speed adds up. For everyone else, it’s a luxury.
Battery Life: Do They Last the Same?
Yes and no.
Both saws use the same 20V MAX DeWalt battery system. Neither comes with a battery (that’s why they’re “bare tools”).
Here’s the catch: The DCS565B spins faster, which means it pulls slightly more power. In real-world testing, the difference is barely noticeable. With a 5.0Ah battery, you’re looking at:
- DCS391B: Around 250-300 cuts in 2×4 lumber
- DCS565B: Around 230-280 cuts in 2×4 lumber
The DCS391B might squeeze out a few extra cuts, but we’re splitting hairs here.
Pro tip: If you don’t own DeWalt batteries yet, grab a 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah battery. The 2.0Ah batteries die too fast for circular saw work.
Cutting Performance: The Honest Truth
Pine 2x4s (Most Common Use)
- Both saws cut through like nothing
- DCS565B was maybe 0.5 seconds faster
- You won’t notice the difference
3/4″ Plywood
- Both handled it perfectly
- Smooth, clean cuts from both
- No winner here
Pressure-Treated Lumber
- DCS565B felt slightly more confident
- DCS391B still did the job, just took a breath longer
- Both finished without bogging down
Oak Hardwood (1-1/2″ thick)
- This is where the DCS565B shines
- The extra RPM made a noticeable difference
- DCS391B handled it but worked harder
Cutting Deck Boards All Day
- After 100 cuts, I preferred the DCS565B
- The speed difference adds up over time
- DCS391B got the job done but felt slower by comparison
My take: For 80% of projects, you won’t care. For heavy-duty work or all-day cutting, the DCS565B earns its price.
Build Quality and Design
Here’s where things get interesting: these saws feel identical in your hands.
What’s the same:
- Same rubber over-molded handle (comfortable grip)
- Same weight (6.7 lbs, very light)
- Same magnesium shoe (won’t rust)
- Same dust blower keeps your cut line visible
- Same electric brake stops the blade fast
- Same spindle lock for easy blade changes
The tiny difference:
- DCS565B has 57° bevel capacity vs 50° on the DCS391B
- Realistically, most people never bevel past 45° anyway
Accuracy and Cut Quality
Both saws deliver clean, straight cuts. The accuracy comes down to you, not the saw.
Tips for better cuts with either saw:
- Use a speed square or guide
- Let the saw do the work (don’t force it)
- Keep your blade sharp
- Support your material properly
I made crosscuts, rip cuts, and bevel cuts with both. Zero complaints on either one.
Durability: Will They Last?
Both are DeWalt tools, so yes, they’ll last if you treat them right.
Things I love about both:
- Metal guards (not cheap plastic)
- Magnesium base won’t bend or rust
- Sturdy depth adjustment
- Tough as nails construction
Common problems with both models:
- The depth adjustment can get sticky over time (clean and lubricate it)
- The bevel lock sometimes loosens (check before cutting)
- Dust buildup in the motor vents (blow it out regularly)
Take care of your saw and it’ll take care of you for years.
Value for Money: The $58 Question
Let’s break down the value of the DeWalt DCS391B vs DCS565B:
DCS391B at $129:
- Excellent value for DIYers
- Proven reliability
- Handles most jobs without complaints
- Saves you $58 for batteries or other tools
DCS565B at $187:
- Better value for professionals
- Faster cuts save time on big jobs
- Worth it if speed matters to your workflow
- That $58 extra pays for itself if you’re cutting daily
My honest opinion: The DCS391B is one of the best bang-for-buck cordless circular saws period. The DCS565B is great, but most people won’t use that extra speed enough to justify the cost.
What Do Other Users Say?
I checked hundreds of reviews on both models. Here’s the pattern:
DCS391B Reviews:
- “Perfect for weekend projects”
- “Plenty of power for framing”
- “Best cordless saw under $150”
- “Wish I bought this years ago”
DCS565B Reviews:
- “Fast as lightning”
- “Great for contractors”
- “Cuts hardwood like butter”
- “Worth the extra money if you use it daily”
Common complaint for both: Neither includes a battery. Plan to spend another $80-150 on a battery and charger if you don’t have them.
Alternatives Worth Considering
If you’re still not sure about the DeWalt DCS391B vs DCS565B, here are other options:
Cheaper alternative:
- Black+Decker BDCCS20B ($79) – Good for light use, not as powerful
Similar price to DCS391B:
- Makita SH02R1 ($149 with battery) – Great deal, slightly heavier
- Milwaukee M18 2630-20 ($139) – Excellent if you’re in the Milwaukee battery system
Similar price to DCS565B:
- Makita XSS02Z ($179) – Comparable speed and power
- Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2732-20 ($199) – Brushless motor, very powerful
My take: If you’re already invested in DeWalt batteries, stick with DeWalt. If you’re starting fresh, any of these are solid choices.
Final Verdict: DeWalt DCS391B vs DCS565B
- Best For: DIY Users + Beginner wood workers
- Includes: Tool Only (bare tool)
- Price: $129
After testing both saws and comparing every detail, here’s my recommendation:
Buy the DeWalt DCS391B if you want the best value. At $129, it’s $58 cheaper and delivers 90% of the performance. Perfect for homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and light professional use.
Buy the DeWalt DCS565B if you’re a professional contractor who cuts all day or regularly works with hardwoods. The extra speed justifies the $187 price tag for people who need maximum efficiency.
The clear winner: DeWalt DCS391B
Why? Because most people reading this don’t need that extra 550 RPM. The DCS391B is plenty fast, super reliable, and leaves you with $58 to buy batteries or beer. It’s been my go-to recommendation for years.
FAQs
Do these saws come with batteries?
No. Both the DCS391B and DCS565B are “bare tools” (tool only). You need to buy 20V MAX DeWalt batteries separately.
Can I use the same battery for both?
Yes. All DeWalt 20V MAX batteries work with both saws.
Which blade should I use?
Both use 6-1/2 inch blades with a 5/8 inch arbor. For general use, grab a 24-tooth framing blade or 40-tooth finish blade.
Is the DCS565B brushless?
No, neither saw is brushless. Both have standard brushed motors.
Can these cut through metal?
Not recommended. These are designed for wood. Use a metal-cutting saw for metal.
What’s the warranty?
DeWalt offers a 3-year limited warranty on both models.
Will these cut a 4×4 in one pass?
No. Maximum cutting depth at 90° is 2-1/4 inches. A 4×4 is 3.5 inches, so you’ll need to flip it and cut from both sides.
Do I need a 5Ah battery or will 2Ah work?
A 2Ah battery will work but dies fast. I strongly recommend 4Ah or 5Ah batteries for circular saw work.
