Researched comparisonLast updated October 2026 · How we review
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Quick Answer
The Milwaukee 2836-20 is our pick if you already run M18 batteries: it has the widest oscillation angle here at 4.2 degrees, a 10 setting dial with Auto-Load and a 5 year tool warranty. The Bosch GOP18V-34N is the shortest tool here at 11.1 inches and also carries a 5 year warranty. The Makita XMT04ZB takes StarlockMax, StarlockPlus and Starlock blades. The DeWalt DCS356B has the lowest price, a 3 speed selector and a universal adapter for most blade brands.
- Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2836-20 Oscillating Multi-Tool: best for M18 owners who want the widest oscillation angle here, 4.2 degrees, and a 10 setting dial
- Bosch GOP18V-34N 18V Brushless StarlockPlus Oscillating Multi-Tool: best for DIYers who want the shortest tool here, 11.1 inches, with tool-free StarlockPlus blade changes
- Makita XMT04ZB 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless StarlockMax Multi-Tool: best for Makita LXT owners who want a tool that takes StarlockMax, StarlockPlus and Starlock blades
- DeWalt DCS356B 20V MAX XR Brushless 3-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool: best for 20V MAX owners who want a 3 speed selector and a universal adapter for most blade brands
Prices as of October 19, 2026, 9:49 pm CT.
An oscillating multi-tool makes flush cuts in door jambs and baseboards, plunge cuts in drywall, and scrapes and sands in tight corners. We compared four cordless brushless oscillating tools from DeWalt, Makita, Bosch and Milwaukee, each sold as a bare tool for its brand’s 18V or 20V MAX battery platform.
How We Chose
We picked four well-known power tool brands and matched the class: all four are brushless, cordless and sold as the bare tool, so the battery and charger are extra and the right choice usually depends on which batteries you already own. They are not identical. The blade systems differ: Makita and Bosch use the Starlock family of tool-free mounts, while DeWalt ships a universal adapter and Milwaukee uses its own tool-free lever. DeWalt lists a top speed of 20,000 oscillations per minute but no oscillation angle, and the brands state weight on different bases, so the table compares length instead. The DeWalt and Bosch boxes include blades. Specs come from each manufacturer’s own product pages and manuals, and each card lists the warranty from the manufacturer’s own pages. Prices are the Amazon prices on the date shown.
The Lineup
Specs come from each manufacturer’s own pages and manuals. DeWalt lists a single top speed and no oscillation angle for the DCS356B. Prices as of October 19, 2026, 9:49 pm CT. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Amazon may show a different seller than the brand or Amazon.com. Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2836-20 Oscillating Multi-Tool
$220.00 as of Oct 19, 2026, 9:49 pm CT on Amazon · Widest angle, 10 setting dial
Best for: M18 owners who want the widest oscillation angle here, 4.2 degrees, and a 10 setting dial
Milwaukee’s page for the 2836-20 lists 10,000 to 20,000 OPM, a 4.2 degree oscillation angle, a 10 setting speed dial with an added Auto-Load mode, tool-free blade changes and a 180 degree LED light. The page lists a length of 12.17 inches and a weight of 2.58 pounds, and the manual notes that some blades may need Milwaukee’s blade adapter. We like it for fast cuts in wood and drywall, because the wide angle clears material quickly.
Warranty: 5 years tool
Check Price on Amazon →Bosch GOP18V-34N 18V Brushless StarlockPlus Oscillating Multi-Tool
$135.94 as of Oct 19, 2026, 9:49 pm CT on Amazon · Shortest, 5 year warranty
Best for: DIYers who want the shortest tool here, 11.1 inches, with tool-free StarlockPlus blade changes
Bosch’s page for the GOP18V-34N lists 10,000 to 20,000 OPM, a 3.4 degree oscillating angle, a variable speed dial with six settings in the manual, and a snap-in lever for Starlock and StarlockPlus accessories (not StarlockMax). It lists a length of 11.1 inches, a weight of 2.7 pounds and an LED light, and the box includes a 1-1/4 inch bi-metal plunge cut blade. We like it for work inside cabinets and between studs, where the short body is easier to steer.
Warranty: 5 years limited
Check Price on Amazon →Makita XMT04ZB 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless StarlockMax Multi-Tool
$169.00 as of Oct 19, 2026, 9:49 pm CT on Amazon · Takes all three Starlock types
Best for: Makita LXT owners who want a tool that takes StarlockMax, StarlockPlus and Starlock blades
Makita’s page for the XMT04ZB lists 10,000 to 20,000 OPM, a 3.6 degree oscillation angle, a variable speed dial with soft start, and compatibility with StarlockMax, StarlockPlus and Starlock accessories. It lists an overall length of 12 inches and a built-in LED light, and the tool comes without a battery or charger. We like it for heavier cuts, because it accepts the StarlockMax blades made for high power tools.
Warranty: 3 years limited
Check Price on Amazon →DeWalt DCS356B 20V MAX XR Brushless 3-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool
$99.88 as of Oct 19, 2026, 9:49 pm CT on Amazon · Lowest price, universal adapter
Best for: 20V MAX owners who want a 3 speed selector and a universal adapter for most blade brands
DeWalt’s page for the DCS356B lists a top speed of 20,000 oscillations per minute, a 3 speed selector plus a dual grip variable speed trigger, the Quick-Change accessory system and a universal accessory adapter for most oscillating blade brands. It lists a length of 12 inches, a weight of 2.75 pounds and an LED light, and the box includes two wood blades and the adapter. We like it for the price and the adapter, which lets you use blades you already own.
Warranty: 3 years limited
Check Price on Amazon →Our Take
Pick the Milwaukee 2836-20 for the widest angle and a 10 setting dial if you are on M18. Pick the Bosch GOP18V-34N for the shortest body and a 5 year warranty. Pick the Makita XMT04ZB if you want StarlockMax blades for tougher cuts. Pick the DeWalt DCS356B for the lowest price and the universal adapter. In each case the battery you already own is the tiebreaker.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do these oscillating tools come with a battery?
No. All four are sold as the bare tool, so the battery and charger are sold separately. Each runs on its own brand’s platform: Milwaukee M18, Bosch 18V, Makita 18V LXT and DeWalt 20V MAX.
What is the oscillation angle and why does it matter?
It is how far the blade swings side to side. A wider angle removes more material with each stroke, which tends to cut faster. Milwaukee lists 4.2 degrees, Makita 3.6 degrees and Bosch 3.4 degrees. DeWalt does not list an angle for the DCS356B.
Which blades fit these tools?
Makita’s XMT04ZB takes StarlockMax, StarlockPlus and Starlock accessories. Bosch’s GOP18V-34N takes Starlock and StarlockPlus but not StarlockMax. DeWalt includes a universal adapter for most blade brands, and Milwaukee uses a tool-free lever, with its manual noting that some blades may need an adapter.
Which one has the longest warranty?
Milwaukee lists 5 years on the tool and Bosch lists 5 years limited for its 18V tools. Makita and DeWalt list 3 years limited.
