DeWalt DCS356C1 20V MAX XR Oscillating Multi-Tool
The DeWalt DCS356C1 20V MAX XR is positioned as the best balance of professional power and value for most oscillating-tool users, pairing a brushless motor with DeWalt's broad 20V battery ecosystem to lower long-term operating cost for existing DeWalt owners. Compared with Milwaukee's pricier M18 FUEL and Bosch's Starlock system, DeWalt delivers nearly equivalent cutting and sanding performance for a typically lower street price and wider accessory compatibility, making it a top choice for contractors who want solid performance without the premium premium upgrade.
Brushless torque
Long-run battery
Brushless torque
Long-run battery
Review Summary
"Users praise the DCS356C1 for its powerful brushless motor, long battery life, and robust build that handles heavy cutting tasks well. Common criticisms mention noticeable vibration under heavy load and a higher price compared with basic models."
Tight-space ninja
20V MAX XR brushless motor for longer runtime and durability
Tight-space ninja
20V MAX XR brushless motor for longer runtime and durability
Optimized Work Efficiency
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The DeWalt DCS356C1 20V MAX XR is positioned as the best balance of professional power and value for most oscillating-tool users, pairing a brushless motor with DeWalt's broad 20V battery ecosystem to lower long-term operating cost for existing DeWalt owners. Compared with Milwaukee's pricier M18 FUEL and Bosch's Starlock system, DeWalt delivers nearly equivalent cutting and sanding performance for a typically lower street price and wider accessory compatibility, making it a top choice for contractors who want solid performance without the premium premium upgrade.
Brushless torque
Long-run battery
Tight-space ninja
20V MAX XR brushless motor for longer runtime and durability
Variable speed control up to ~20,000 OPM for precise cutting and sanding
Brushless torque
Long-run battery
Tight-space ninja
20V MAX XR brushless motor for longer runtime and durability
Variable speed control up to ~20,000 OPM for precise cutting and sanding
Makita XMT04Z 18V LXT Oscillating Multi-Tool
The Makita XMT04Z 18V LXT stands out for its compact, low-vibration design and excellent ergonomics, offering precise control in finishing and trim work where other, more powerful units like Milwaukee or DeWalt can feel bulky. Financially it rewards users already invested in Makita's extensive LXT battery platform by avoiding extra battery expenditure, and technically it competes well on run-time and reliability even if it doesn't carry Bosch's Starlock accessory interface.
Variable-speed control
Low-vibration whisper
Variable-speed control
Low-vibration whisper
Review Summary
"Buyers appreciate the XMT04Z for its smooth, ergonomic design, reliable brushless performance, and good battery efficiency; it's frequently noted for comfortable one-handed use. Some users feel it’s slightly less powerful than the very top corded/flagship models for extreme-duty work."
Compact powerhouse
18V LXT brushless motor delivering efficient power in a compact body
Compact powerhouse
18V LXT brushless motor delivering efficient power in a compact body
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Optimized Work Efficiency
Skill Development & Mastery
The Makita XMT04Z 18V LXT stands out for its compact, low-vibration design and excellent ergonomics, offering precise control in finishing and trim work where other, more powerful units like Milwaukee or DeWalt can feel bulky. Financially it rewards users already invested in Makita's extensive LXT battery platform by avoiding extra battery expenditure, and technically it competes well on run-time and reliability even if it doesn't carry Bosch's Starlock accessory interface.
Variable-speed control
Low-vibration whisper
Compact powerhouse
18V LXT brushless motor delivering efficient power in a compact body
Variable speed dial up to ~20,000 OPM for controlled multi-material work
Variable-speed control
Low-vibration whisper
Compact powerhouse
18V LXT brushless motor delivering efficient power in a compact body
Variable speed dial up to ~20,000 OPM for controlled multi-material work
$180-250 CAD
Milwaukee 2836-20 M18 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool
The Milwaukee 2836-20 M18 FUEL is the market leader for raw cutting power and on-tool durability, leveraging Milwaukee's FUEL brushless technology and advanced electronics to deliver the fastest cuts and longest life under heavy trade use. It is typically more expensive than DeWalt, Makita and Ridgid, but for users who prioritize maximum productivity and integration with the M18 platform the higher upfront cost is offset by superior throughput and fewer tool replacements on high-use jobsites.
High-torque blast
Rugged endurance
High-torque blast
Rugged endurance
Review Summary
"Owners report the Milwaukee 2836-20 M18 FUEL delivers excellent power, speed, and durability, making it a favorite among professionals; the tool is consistently praised for cutting performance. The main downsides cited are its premium price and occasional complaints about accessory costs."
Rapid accessory swap
POWERSTATE brushless motor for high cutting speed and durable performance
Rapid accessory swap
POWERSTATE brushless motor for high cutting speed and durable performance
Optimized Work Efficiency
Time-Saving Convenience
Tech-Savvy Living
The Milwaukee 2836-20 M18 FUEL is the market leader for raw cutting power and on-tool durability, leveraging Milwaukee's FUEL brushless technology and advanced electronics to deliver the fastest cuts and longest life under heavy trade use. It is typically more expensive than DeWalt, Makita and Ridgid, but for users who prioritize maximum productivity and integration with the M18 platform the higher upfront cost is offset by superior throughput and fewer tool replacements on high-use jobsites.
High-torque blast
Rugged endurance
Rapid accessory swap
POWERSTATE brushless motor for high cutting speed and durable performance
Variable speed range (up to ~22,000 OPM) paired with M18 battery platform for long runtime
High-torque blast
Rugged endurance
Rapid accessory swap
POWERSTATE brushless motor for high cutting speed and durable performance
Variable speed range (up to ~22,000 OPM) paired with M18 battery platform for long runtime
Bosch GOP18V-34N 18V StarlockPlus Oscillating Multi-Tool
The Bosch GOP18V-34N with StarlockPlus earns its place by offering the Starlock accessory interface, which transfers more power to blades and holds accessories more securely than universal clamps—making it ideal for demanding demolition and precision cutting where accessory loss or slippage is costly. Technically it often outperforms rivals on accessory-driven efficiency, and while Starlock-compatible blades can be a bit pricier, the improved cutting speed and reduced accessory wear provide measurable savings for specialist users.
Starlock precision
Instant blade wizardry
Starlock precision
Instant blade wizardry
Review Summary
"Reviewers highlight the Bosch GOP18V-34N’s StarlockPlus system for fast, secure accessory changes and strong, consistent performance across applications. A minority mention battery runtime varies with workload and that it can be noisy at high speeds."
silky-smooth control
StarlockPlus interface for maximum accessory engagement and efficient power transfer
silky-smooth control
StarlockPlus interface for maximum accessory engagement and efficient power transfer
Intellectual Stimulation & Creativity
Optimized Work Efficiency
Skill Development & Mastery
The Bosch GOP18V-34N with StarlockPlus earns its place by offering the Starlock accessory interface, which transfers more power to blades and holds accessories more securely than universal clamps—making it ideal for demanding demolition and precision cutting where accessory loss or slippage is costly. Technically it often outperforms rivals on accessory-driven efficiency, and while Starlock-compatible blades can be a bit pricier, the improved cutting speed and reduced accessory wear provide measurable savings for specialist users.
Starlock precision
Instant blade wizardry
silky-smooth control
StarlockPlus interface for maximum accessory engagement and efficient power transfer
Brushless motor design offering strong performance and extended runtime
Starlock precision
Instant blade wizardry
silky-smooth control
StarlockPlus interface for maximum accessory engagement and efficient power transfer
Brushless motor design offering strong performance and extended runtime
Ridgid R862105B 18V OCTANE Oscillating Multi-Tool
The Ridgid R862105B 18V OCTANE is the value-oriented choice that brings a high-torque brushless motor and practical feature set at a lower entry price, often bundled in kits to reduce initial investment for small contractors and DIYers. Although it trails Milwaukee and Bosch on peak performance metrics, Ridgid's competitive pricing and strong service/support reputation make it an attractive financial option for teams that need dependable day-to-day performance without the premium spend.
Cordless powerhouse
OCTANE punch
Cordless powerhouse
OCTANE punch
Review Summary
"Users value the Ridgid R862105B OCTANE for offering strong brushless power and excellent value for the price, making it a solid choice for pros and serious DIYers. Some buyers report occasional build or accessory-quality issues, but overall satisfaction is high."
Jobsite tough grin
OCTANE brushless motor delivering strong cutting performance within the Ridgid ecosystem
Jobsite tough grin
OCTANE brushless motor delivering strong cutting performance within the Ridgid ecosystem
Optimized Work Efficiency
Time-Saving Convenience
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Ridgid R862105B 18V OCTANE is the value-oriented choice that brings a high-torque brushless motor and practical feature set at a lower entry price, often bundled in kits to reduce initial investment for small contractors and DIYers. Although it trails Milwaukee and Bosch on peak performance metrics, Ridgid's competitive pricing and strong service/support reputation make it an attractive financial option for teams that need dependable day-to-day performance without the premium spend.
Cordless powerhouse
OCTANE punch
Jobsite tough grin
OCTANE brushless motor delivering strong cutting performance within the Ridgid ecosystem
Variable speed control up to ~20,000 OPM for accurate cuts, sanding, and scraping
Cordless powerhouse
OCTANE punch
Jobsite tough grin
OCTANE brushless motor delivering strong cutting performance within the Ridgid ecosystem
Variable speed control up to ~20,000 OPM for accurate cuts, sanding, and scraping