Which is better for cutting metal?

The corded 12 Amp saw. It is rated to 100 mm in steel and holds speed under load from a wall outlet. The 20V saw will cut metal but slows as the battery drains.

The corded saw has no batteries to wear out, so its service life depends on the motor and brushes. The 20V kit's batteries will lose capacity over years of charge cycles and cost money to replace.

Is the 20V kit worth $199?

Yes if you need cordless freedom: the price includes a brushless saw, a 6.0Ah battery, a 4.0Ah battery and a case. If you always work near an outlet, put the money toward the corded saw instead.

Which is lighter to use overhead?

The 20V saw at 5.73 lb. The corded saw is about 7.7 lb plus the cord's drag, which matters on ladders and ceilings.

Can the corded saw do flush cuts?

Yes. Its 4-position blade clamp lets you turn the blade for flush cutting, which the 20V saw's twist clamp does not advertise.

How loud is the corded saw?

Rated 101 dB(A) sound power and 93 dB(A) sound pressure, so wear hearing protection for extended cutting.

DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Brushless Reciprocating Saw with 6.0Ah and 4.0Ah Starter Kit vs DeWalt 12 Amp Corded Reciprocating Saw

Buy the corded DWE305 if the saw lives in a shop or you cut hard material all day: it is $199 at Home Depot for the kit, while the 12 Amp corded saw is the stronger, better-rated tool on paper. Buy the 20V MAX XR kit if you need to cut away from an outlet or want two batteries and a case in one purchase. The corded saw's price was not given, so compare it at checkout against the $199 kit as of November 3, 2026.

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