Which is better for cutting metal?

The DeWalt. Its brushless motor, 1-1/8 in. stroke and counterbalance handle steel better, and it lists metal as a material. The Ryobi will cut metal with the right blade but is built for lighter work.

Is the Ryobi really tool only?

Yes. The PCL515B listing includes no battery and no charger. Budget for a ONE+ 18V battery and charger if you do not own them, which narrows the price gap.

The DeWalt should. Brushless motors run cooler and last longer under daily use, and the counterbalance reduces vibration wear. The Ryobi is fine for occasional jobs but its brushed motor is the weaker point.

Is the DeWalt worth the extra $149.98?

Yes if you cut often or need the included battery and charger. For a few cuts a month, the Ryobi at $66.00 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026, does the job for far less.

Which is easier to use overhead?

The Ryobi. At 3.74 lb it is about 1.3 lb lighter than the 5 lb DeWalt tool, which matters when cutting above your head.

Do they use the same batteries?

No. The DeWalt runs on 20V MAX packs and the Ryobi on ONE+ 18V packs. Neither accepts the other's batteries.

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit w/ XR POWERPACK vs Ryobi ONE+ 18V PCL515 Reciprocating Saw

Buy the Ryobi PCL515 if you want a light, cheap recip saw for occasional cuts and already own ONE+ batteries. Buy the DeWalt DCS384WW1 if you cut daily, need more power and runtime, and want a kit with a battery and charger. The Ryobi is $66.00 at Amazon as of November 4, 2026, against $215.98 at The Home Depot for the DeWalt kit. That is a $149.98 gap, and the DeWalt kit includes an XR POWERPACK battery while the Ryobi listing is tool only.

Today the Ryobi ONE+ 18V PCL515 Reciprocating Saw costs $149.98 less at its best price.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.