DeWalt DCS573B Review: 20V FLEXVOLT Advantage Circular Saw

Why the DeWalt DCS573B is worth a look

DeWalt's DCS573B occupies a clear strategic position in the 20V MAX lineup: it is the 7-1/4-inch saw you buy when you want to stay in the DeWalt ecosystem and have the option to upgrade power later without replacing the tool. The FLEXVOLT Advantage platform means that plugging in a higher-capacity 60V FLEXVOLT battery — the DCB606 or DCB612 — routes more current to the brushless motor and produces measurably faster cuts through dense material. With a standard 20V MAX pack, the DCS573B behaves like any good 20V cordless saw; with a FLEXVOLT pack, cut speed and sustained power through long production runs improves significantly.

That flexibility is genuinely useful for contractors who already carry FLEXVOLT packs for the DCS577B worm-drive or the DCS374B band saw, and it gives the DCS573B an upgrade path that most cordless saws lack.

Cutting performance across materials

Dimensional lumber is where the DCS573B is most comfortable. At 5,500 RPM with a 24-tooth framing blade, it rips through 2x10 SPF in one fluid stroke without the motor hunting for speed. The 2-9/16-inch cutting depth at 90 degrees handles double-stacked decking and notched rim joists in two passes, which is the practical measure of a 7-1/4-inch saw for framing work.

Plywood and sheet goods go fine with the stock blade on rough cuts. For finish plywood where tearout matters — cabinet sides, stair risers — the 24-tooth framing blade leaves a ragged exit edge. Swap in a 40-tooth ATB blade and the DCS573B makes clean enough cuts for finish work without a track saw. The aluminum shoe stays flat under load, which is the prerequisite for accurate freehand cutting on large panels.

Pressure-treated lumber and wet framing material respond well because the brushless motor maintains RPM under load rather than bogging. Extended rip cuts through green lumber are where cordless saws typically struggle most, and the FLEXVOLT Advantage scaling helps here — the 60V pack keeps blade speed more consistent through dense knots than the 20V pack does.

Build quality and ergonomics

The aluminum shoe is a standout. Stamped-steel shoes flex and warp; aluminum holds its reference plane and can be trued with a machinist's square if it ever shifts. The 57-degree bevel range is wider than the 45 or 50 degrees on most competitors and genuinely useful for hip-roof framing and some stair stringer cuts. Detents at 22.5 and 45 degrees click firmly — there is no ambiguity about whether the shoe is seated.

The integrated rafter hook folds out of the way when not needed and is strong enough to hold the tool on a 2x6 rafter or roof truss. That detail matters during layout work when you need both hands free but a surface to set the saw on is inconvenient.

At 8.2 lbs bare the DCS573B is not the lightest 7-1/4-inch cordless saw. The Milwaukee 2731-20 is 7.5 lbs bare, and over a long cutting session that 0.7-lb difference becomes perceptible in the forearm. Overhead cuts are where you feel the weight most clearly.

Battery ecosystem and runtime

The value proposition of the DCS573B depends substantially on which batteries you already own. A DCB205 5.0Ah 20V MAX pack delivers solid runtime for a day of residential framing — typically 100 to 120 crosscuts in 2x4 lumber per charge, according to DeWalt's published data. A DCB606 6.0Ah 60V FLEXVOLT pack increases both runtime and sustained cut speed, and if you already own one for another tool in the lineup, there is no additional cost to that upgrade.

For buyers entering the DeWalt ecosystem fresh, the DCS573B as a bare tool at around $249 requires adding at least a 20V MAX battery and charger, pushing total cost past $300. The Milwaukee 2731-20 and Ryobi PBLCS300B both offer competitive performance at lower entry points for new-to-the-platform buyers.

Safety features

The electric brake deserves mention. It stops blade rotation in roughly two seconds after the trigger releases, compared to five to eight seconds of freewheel on saws without a brake. Over a day of cuts, that adds up to more blade visibility before setting the tool down and meaningfully reduces the risk of setting a still-spinning blade onto a surface or against a hand.

Who this saw fits

The DCS573B is the obvious choice if you already own DeWalt 20V MAX or FLEXVOLT batteries and want a full-size 7-1/4-inch saw with a flat aluminum shoe, wide bevel range, and the electric brake. The FLEXVOLT Advantage upside is a genuine differentiator among 20V-class cordless saws.

Buyers starting fresh who compare the DCS573B against the Milwaukee 2731-20 will find the Milwaukee lighter and comparably capable for around the same bare-tool price. The DeWalt wins on bevel range (57 vs 50 degrees) and the aluminum shoe; the Milwaukee wins on weight and arguably on platform breadth for contractors already carrying M18 packs.

The Ryobi PBLCS300B undercuts both on price and is the right answer for budget-conscious homeowners. The Skil 5280-01 at $70 is the corded reference point — no battery costs, unlimited runtime, and 5,300 RPM for under $75.

For a DeWalt loyalist, the DCS573B is one of the strongest 7-1/4-inch cordless saws available and well worth its price in the context of a complete FLEXVOLT system.