DeWalt DCS565 6.5″ Circular Saw Review:20V Brushless Power

In this DeWalt DCS565 6.5″ Circular Saw Review, I’m diving into DeWalt’s long-awaited 20V answer to Makita and Milwaukee’s brushless, rafter-hooked, 6.5″ 18V circular saws. After 6-8 years, DeWalt’s brushless, rafter-hooked DCS565 has finally arrived. So, is it worth upgrading from the brushed DCS391? I’ve tested both head-to-head—let’s cut to the chase.

Pros

• Longer Runtime: The brushless motor squeezes more cuts per charge than the DCS391. (See Runtime below)
• Dust Port Win: Keeps indoor jobs cleaner by sucking up most of the dust. A game-changer for remodels or shop work.
• Rafter Hook: Finally, a hook! It’s like wheels on luggage—you can’t go back.
• Smaller: The stubby brushless motor shrinks the already compact DCS391 even further. I love it.

Cons

• Power Trade-Off: Slightly lags the DCS391 on 45° crosscuts under load, but it’s only noticeable in back-to-back tests—not a dealbreaker.
• LED Light: It’s got one now, but DeWalt’s tool lights can be too bright or in your line of sight. Here, it’s the latter—though it hasn’t bothered me much. Just don’t stare at it.

DeWalt DCS565 vs. DCS391: Side-by-Side Specs

Here’s a quick spec showdown between the DCS565 and DCS391, straight from DeWalt’s numbers and my hands-on tests.

Feature	DeWalt DCS565	DeWalt DCS391
Motor Type	Brushless	Brushed
Voltage	20V Max	20V Max
Blade Size	6.5″	6.5″
No-Load RPM	4,950	4,800
Bevel Capacity	0°-50°	0°-50°
Weight (w/5Ah battery and blade)	7.7 lbs	7.6 lbs
Rafter Hook	Yes	No
LED Light	Yes	No
Dust Port	Yes	No
Shoe Material	Magnesium	Steel

Runtime:

The DCS565 flips the script on runtime. Its brushless motor sips power, I’m getting more cuts per charge than the DCS391. In this DeWalt DCS565 6.5″ Circular Saw Review, I ran a test using new, fully charged, 5 Ah batteries. After ripping some plywood and making a few crosscuts the DCS565 cut 18 feet more board feet of 2x lumber than the DCS391.

To keep it fair, I ran another test, recharging and swapping the batteries between saws so each could run the same battery. The DCS565 won both rounds. For pros or DIYers working long hours, this efficiency will keep things moving.

18-Month Update

After 18 months with the DCS565, I’ve got a clearer picture—check the video below for the full rundown. The DCS391 is still being sold as a lower cost brushed alternative, and if you look at the reviews on Home Depot’s site, the 391 has a higher star rating. It’s a solid pick if you’re just after a no-nonsense saw. For me, the DCS565’s runtime and dust port seal the deal. Those extra cuts per charge save time, and the dust control keeps indoor jobs from turning into a sawdust blizzard. It’s become my go-to over the 391.

Price Tag

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Bottom Line: Brushed Power or Modern Edge?

The DCS391 is a straightforward, reliable saw with a lower price, but its runtime lags. The DCS565 brings efficiency, a dust port, and a nicely placed rafter hook—modern touches that shine over time.

Verdict: Pick the DCS565 if you cut often and value runtime and features. Go for the DCS391 if you want a no-frills workhorse. Both deliver DeWalt’s signature durability.

Tested these? Tell us below—did the dust port sway you, or is the 391’s muscle still your pick?

See the tools in action here:

For remodelers, the dust port pairs perfectly with a shop vac—I use DeWalt’s adapters (see my linked article) to keep the mess in check.

Tested these? Tell us below—did the dust port win you over, or do you prefer the 391’s simplicity?