Two of the most cross-shopped miter saws, compared on the things that actually differ.
Verdict
The Makita is a cordless dual-battery saw with a rail-forward design that sits closer to the wall, and it generally has the edge on cut finish and dust collection. The DeWalt is corded, costs considerably less, and gives up little in capacity. Buy the Makita if you work off a truck or want the cleanest cut; buy the DeWalt if the saw lives in a shop with power at hand.
| Makita XSL06PT Cordless | DeWalt DWS779 Corded | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Two 18V batteries, 36V | 15 amp corded |
| Blade | 10 in | 12 in |
| Rail design | Forward rails, sits near wall | Rear rails, needs clearance |
| Dust collection | Notably effective for a miter saw | Modest |
| Cut finish | Very clean | Good |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
You move between sites, you want the saw against a wall in a tight shop, or dust collection matters to you. Miter saws are the worst dust offenders in most shops and this is one of the few that captures a useful share of it.
Check Makita XSL06PT Cordless on Amazon
The saw stays in one place near an outlet and you want the most capacity per dollar. A 12-inch corded saw for two thirds the price is a lot of tool, and the cut quality difference is smaller than the price gap suggests.
Check DeWalt DWS779 Corded on Amazon
For everything short of repeated cuts in thick hardwood, yes. A dual-battery saw spins a 10-inch blade at full speed and the practical limit is battery life rather than power.
The Makita, clearly, though no miter saw collects dust well by the standards of a table saw. Pairing either with a dust extractor rather than a shop vac makes more difference than the saw choice.
For capacity, yes. A 12-inch saw cuts taller stock standing against the fence. For finish, blade quality matters more than either: a good 60-tooth blade transforms a mediocre saw.
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these units side by side. Confirm current prices and specifications before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.