Two Titans, One Decision

When it comes to professional-grade cordless circular saws, DeWalt and Milwaukee consistently top the conversation. Both brands have earned their reputations through decades of job-site performance, and both offer mature 18V/20V battery platforms with extensive tool lineups. But when you're spending real money on a tool you'll use constantly, "both are good" isn't enough of an answer.

This comparison digs into the factors that actually matter on the job: power, blade quality, ergonomics, and ecosystem value.

The Contenders

For this comparison, we're looking at each brand's flagship 7-1/4" 18V/20V brushless circular saw — the workhorses of their respective lineups.

  • DeWalt DCS573B – 20V MAX, 7-1/4", brushless, left-blade design
  • Milwaukee 2732-20 – M18 FUEL, 7-1/4", brushless, left-blade design

Head-to-Head Specs

Feature DeWalt DCS573B Milwaukee 2732-20
Voltage 20V MAX M18 (18V)
No-Load Speed 5,250 RPM 5,800 RPM
Bevel Capacity 57° 50°
Weight (tool only) ~7.3 lbs ~7.9 lbs
Blade Side Left Left
Brake Electric brake Electric brake

Power and Cutting Performance

Milwaukee's M18 FUEL platform is well-known for delivering power that rivals corded tools. The 2732-20 cuts through thick lumber with authority and handles sheet goods smoothly. DeWalt's DCS573B is no slouch either — its higher bevel capacity (57° vs. 50°) gives it an edge for complex bevel cuts in trim and finish carpentry.

Edge: Milwaukee for raw cutting speed; DeWalt for bevel versatility.

Ergonomics and Handling

DeWalt comes in slightly lighter, which matters during long cutting sessions. Its rubberized grip and guard design feel intuitive, and the line-of-sight to the blade is excellent for right-handed users. Milwaukee's handle is well-contoured and its magnesium shoe adds rigidity without excessive weight. Both are comfortable — but personal preference plays a role here.

Edge: Slight advantage to DeWalt on weight; Milwaukee on build feel.

Battery Ecosystem Depth

Both ecosystems are mature and deep. Milwaukee M18 is widely regarded as having one of the broadest professional tool lineups on the market — particularly strong in trades-specific tools. DeWalt's 20V MAX platform integrates with their FLEXVOLT line, allowing higher-voltage tools to use the same batteries (in compatible tools), which is a compelling long-term value proposition.

Edge: Milwaukee for breadth of professional tools; DeWalt for FLEXVOLT battery upgrade path.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose DeWalt if:

  • You're already invested in the 20V MAX / FLEXVOLT ecosystem
  • You do a lot of bevel cutting and need that extra degree of range
  • Weight savings over a long day matter to you

Choose Milwaukee if:

  • You're in the trades and want the broadest professional ecosystem
  • Raw cutting power and speed are your top priorities
  • You value Milwaukee's POWERSTATE motor and REDLINK intelligence system

The Bottom Line

There is no bad choice between these two saws. Both will handle virtually any cutting task you throw at them. The real decision comes down to your existing battery investment and which ecosystem better serves the rest of your tool needs. If you're starting from zero, spend time looking at the full tool lineup from each brand before committing — your circular saw purchase is really a platform decision.