Power tools · owner-verdict comparison

DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill vs DeWalt DCS356B: what real owners say

Real owners rate these about evenly: 89% of 56 DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill owners recommend it, vs 86% of 35 for the DeWalt DCS356B.

Verdicts aggregated from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube owner comments — affiliate reviews excluded. Sample sizes differ; judge accordingly. How we score

DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill

89%of 56 owners recommend
89% recommend · 6% neutral · 5% don't
Owners praise
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Powerful for its small size
  • Tough, solid, well-balanced build
Owners complain about
  • Triggers and switches can feel cheap
  • No kickback/anti-rotation protection
Full owner report →

DeWalt DCS356B

86%of 35 owners recommend
86% recommend · 3% neutral · 11% don't
Owners praise
  • Fast, easy quick blade change
  • Precise, controllable trigger and speed
  • Versatile all-rounder, endless uses
Owners complain about
  • Strong vibration in the hand
  • Speed switch jams with grit or dust
Full owner report →

Which should you buy?

Get the DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill if
  • Homeowners and DIYers wanting a capable everyday drill
  • Tradespeople needing compact power in tight spaces
  • Owners upgrading from older or entry DeWalt drills
Skip it if
  • Buyers who need a hammer-drill function (get the 805)
  • Anyone wanting built-in kickback protection
Get the DeWalt DCS356B if
  • Tradespeople and remodelers using one nearly daily
  • DIYers wanting a versatile all-rounder tool
  • Owners upgrading from other-brand multitools
Skip it if
  • Those sensitive to hand vibration
  • Anyone needing a compact head for very tight spaces

What DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill owners say

For the money I would say that this is a great setup for Professionals and DIY/Weekend warriors.
@morinbaptiste636 on YouTube
The DCD800 is the latest and greatest drill and the DCF850 is the newest impact driver.
Cyral on Reddit
definitely not worth the upgrade to the newer ones
@jncn1490 on YouTube

What DeWalt DCS356B owners say

well worth it. I've ran my DeWalt multi tool for miles, almost 10 years, and it's still going
@Tool_Addicted_Carpenter on YouTube
The trigger is the best. You can roll on the power very smoothly.
@Everythingisgoingtobealright on YouTube
The Pivot on the bldae holder gets in the way, although its quick to change blades, you cant get the depth of cut or see the cutting edge clearly in tight spaces, like underneath the sink etc, The Fein is so much more compact at the head.
@johnr1038 on YouTube

DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill vs DeWalt DCS356B: frequently asked questions

Is the DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill or the DeWalt DCS356B better?

Real owners rate these about evenly: 89% of 56 DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill owners recommend it, vs 86% of 35 for the DeWalt DCS356B.

Who should get the DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill?

Owners point the DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill at homeowners and DIYers wanting a capable everyday drill, and tradespeople needing compact power in tight spaces.

Who should get the DeWalt DCS356B?

Owners point the DeWalt DCS356B at tradespeople and remodelers using one nearly daily, and dIYers wanting a versatile all-rounder tool.

What do owners complain about?

The most-cited downside of the DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill is triggers and switches can feel cheap. For the DeWalt DCS356B, it's strong vibration in the hand.