DeWalt is frequently cited alongside Makita and Milwaukee as one of the best premium contractor-grade hand and power tool brands on the market. The company has earned a sterling reputation for power, performance, and reliability. That said, the black and yellow tools are also among the most expensive models that you’re likely to find on the shelves of your local hardware store.

Those who are interested in getting tools with similar specs and features to those built by DeWalt, but who want to expand their collection without breaking the bank, might be interested in taking a look at what Harbor Freight has to offer. The company’s website frequently invites its customers to compare its tools to more expensive models made by rival brands, including DeWalt. In particular, you might find that the retailer’s Hercules premium power tool brand and Icon hand tool brand are often compared to DeWalt. There are even some Harbor Freight tools that are more powerful than DeWalt models.

Many of these tools aren’t just more affordable, but they’re also quite highly rated. So you might find that there are quite a few user-approved DeWalt alternatives that are worth buying. By taking a look at the specs offered on the tools themselves and also seeing what customers and pros have had to say about them, you might get a better idea about which of the Harbor Freight options might be a worthwhile substitute for the more expensive DeWalt models.

Harbor Freight often models its designs after popular tools made by rival brands, and several users have noted that one of the company’s miter saws looks a lot like DeWalt’s. That said, you can get this one for a lot cheaper.

The Hercules 15 Amp 12-inch Dual-Bevel Miter Saw (HE74) retails for $349.99, meaning that it’s a full $299 cheaper than the DeWalt 15 Amp 12-inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (DWS780) that you might compare it to. It isn’t just the design that’s similar, either. The specs are pretty impressive as well. This tool’s 15 Amp motor is able to rotate the blade at speeds up to 4,100 RPM. It has a 14-inch crosscut capacity, a 6 ¾-inch vertical cut capacity, and a 7 ½-inch nested capacity for crown molding. The saw can miter 60 degrees to the right or 50 degrees to the left, while the miter detent plate has 10 positive stops and an override system for fine adjustments. 

The tool also includes an LED blade guide system to help line up your cuts, and it comes with a 60-tooth carbide-tipped blade. It boasts an impressive score of 4.9 out of 5 on the Harbor Freight website, aggregated from over 3,600 reviews, with 99% of users claiming that they would recommend the item to others. “The power is incredible,” said one reviewer. “I cut through a 4×4 test piece, and the saw’s motor didn’t bog down at all. The fit and finish is impeccable, and the entire saw was 100% accurate right out of the box.” With that in mind, it’s easy to see why this miter saw is often counted as one of the best Hercules power tools sold at Harbor Freight.

Woodworkers who often utilize rough-cut or irregularly shaped boards will eventually want to invest in a feed-through board planer. The DeWalt 12 ½-inch Thickness Planer (DW734) is one of the top-rated standing planers on the market, regularly being cited as among the most popular choices on sites like Amazon and Home Depot (though the 13-inch model is usually ranked a bit higher). Even so, buying one is a big investment. The yellow and black model retails for $549.00.

Alternatively, you can invest in the Hercules 15 Amp 12 ½-inch Portable Thickness Planer (HE091), which goes for just $399.99. Like the DeWalt, this tool has a 15 Amp motor, promising the same ability to deliver up to 96 cuts per inch. This helps keep board surfaces smooth as they’re planed. It also shares DeWalt’s 3-knife cutting head design. Additionally, the planer has a material removal gauge to help keep cuts consistent across multiple passes, a turret depth stop that makes it easy to maintain a standard thickness across boards, a 4-post carriage lock that helps reduce snipe, and a tool-free dust port with 2 ½-inch and 4-inch diameters for different-sized hoses.

This tool has a 4.8 out of 5 on the Harbor Freight site, with 97% of buyers claiming that they would recommend it. “This thing is solid and does a really stellar job on anything I’ve thrown at it, one reviewer stated. “The price is perfect, the cut quality is great, it’s sturdy, and is ready to go right out of the box. The adjustments are clear and it works really well. This new is far better than buying name brand on marketplace for cheap.”

If you’re interested in getting some pneumatic tools, such as an air-powered nail gun, impact wrench, paint sprayer, or grinder, then you’re going to need a decent air compressor. DeWalt sells a few of these, but they can be quite pricey. The DeWalt 27-gallon 200-PSI Portable Vertical Electric Air Compressor (DXCM271) is a solid option — but it will run you $856.69.

Harbor Freight’s alternative to this is the Fortress 27 Gallon 200 PSI Oil-Free Vertical Shop/Auto Air Compressor (FT27200). You can already see that it matches most of the specs right there in the name, but this compressor also has a soft-start motor, a full roll cage for the pump and motor assembly, a hose wrap, a cord wrap, 10-inch tires, an integrated control panel, 2-inch gauges, and two universal brass couplers. It has an effective regulated pressure range of 0-155 PSI and delivers 5.1 SCFM at 90 PSI. Best of all, it’s just $399.99 — less than half the price of the DeWalt.

This guy has a 4.5 out of 5 on the Harbor Freight site with a 90% customer recommendation rating. There are a couple of scattered complaints about how long the compressor takes to reach the desired pressure and a few more stating that the 78 dB motor is too loud, but the vast majority of reviews are positive. “Fills up from zero to full in 9:38 seconds,” one reviewer said. “Ran it for 30 minutes straight for the initial break-in period. The drain valve is a little lower than I’d like, but it’s still workable. Solid unit, unbeatable price.”

Another tool you might be considering for your collection is an angle grinder. These are incredibly useful for all kinds of tasks, from cutting to grinding to sanding. That said, they’re also one of the most nerve-wracking tools for even pros to use due to their rapid rotation and the fact that they offer less guard protection than most cutting tools, so you want to make sure that you get a good one.

Harbor Freight compares its Hercules 13 Amp 4 ½-inch to 6-inch Trigger-Grip Angle Grinder (HE65) to the exceptionally highly rated DeWalt 13 Amp 4 ½-inch Corded Angle Grinder (DWE43116). Both of these tools have the same-sized electric motor, but the DeWalt only promises 9,000 RPM when not under load, while the Hercules edges past it at 10,000 RPM. It also has a trigger-grip handle with an optional lock-on function, a 2-position side handle, a metal gear case, and comes with three separate tool-free guards for different-sized attachments: 4 ½-inch, 5-inch, and 6-inch. The Hercules is also $99.99 while the DeWalt is $158.99.

This tool has a 4.8 out of 5 on the Harbor Freight website with a 97% recommendation rate. “You can pay twice as much for a similar tool, but why?” asked one reviewer. “I removed tile in my large kitchen and used this tool to remove the glue underneath. […] I had this grinder going for hours at a time for close to a week. Very solid tool.” There are a handful of negative reviews, but there don’t appear to be any consistently reported issues that suggest a problem in the tool’s design.

Another woodworking tool that might be on your list is a good fixed-base router. You’ll need one of these if you want to create those fancy patterned edges on table tops, cut out smooth slots to use as handles, or any other number of applications that involve shaping and removing wood.

The DeWalt 12 Amp Corded 2 ¼ Horsepower Fixed and Plunge Base Router Kit (DW618PKB) retails for $244.00 and allows you to make just about any type of cut you might want. It’s also worth noting that this particular kit includes a tool bag, which the Harbor Freight model does not. That said, the Hercules 12 Amp Variable Speed Fixed Base Router with Plunge Base (HE041) has the same size motor and just about everything you might need to make fixed and plunge cuts, and it will only run you $124.99.This is a variable-speed router that promises 10,000-25,000 RPM. It has a 6-speed variable control dial, integrated dust collection, works with ¼-inch and ½-inch shanks, has a built-in LED worklight, and adjusts within 1/64-inch increments.

The tool has a 4.8 out of 5 on the Harbor Freight site with an impressive 98% recommendation rate. “I was impressed the first time I hit the power switch,” said one of the reviewers. “The feel of power through the handles. The way it removed oak and pine both with ease. The accessories were easy to use. The dust removal system works well and not blown into your face. Incredible power for a great price.”

Harbor Freight asks customers to compare several of its tools and accessories to models made by other brands right on its website, suggesting that it offers products that are comparable to pro-grade models at a fraction of the price. In preparing this article, we started by looking at several of the Harbor Freight products that explicitly stated that they were comparable to models made by DeWalt. We had several criteria for the options that we chose: We wanted to make sure that we were not only showcasing tools and accessories that were similar in design, but also ones that advertised comparable specifications and features while being sold at a significantly lower price than their DeWalt counterparts.

Once we had picked out a few options, we broke down what the product was, how its specs and features compared to those of the rival DeWalt model, and the difference in price. We also took a look at what users have had to say about these tools to get a better idea of whether or not they actually live up to Harbor Freight’s promises in real-world applications, and whether any weaknesses were regularly reported that potential buyers might want to know about.

Drivers often value reliability when shopping for a new SUV, as a car with longevity makes for a better investment over time. If you’re looking for a good SUV that will go the distance, iSeeCars.com has recently published its rankings of the Most Reliable 5-seater SUVs for 2026.

The methodology behind these rankings is based on three separate measurements: A reliability score incorporating iSeeCars.com’s own research; value retention, which calculates the amount of depreciation compared to that vehicle’s MSRP that occurs over a five-year period; and a safety score, which uses both IIHS’ Top Safety Pick honorees and NHTSA’s five most recent years of crash testing results. From all this, iSeeCars.com rates each vehicle with reliability scores that range from one through 10 and a quality rating that puts together each five-seat SUV’s reliability, resale value, and safety results. 

The iSeeCars.com team ran more than 312 million vehicles through its analysis in its comprehensive studies of the longest-lasting cars and how much they depreciate over a five-year period. Other iSeeCars.com projects have provided this sort of invaluable data in the past, such as when the website revealed that Toyota was the longest-lasting car brand in 2025. With all of this in mind, we can now list the five top five-seater SUVs, according to iSeeCars.com. Every single one of these SUVs is made by a Japanese automaker, with four different brands represented.

The Mazda CX-5 took fifth place in iSeeCars.com’s Most Reliable 5-Seater SUVs rankings. The CX-5 had a reliability score of 7.9 out of 10, which when added to its 8.2 for value retention and 8.0 for safety, gave it an overall score of 8.0 on a 10-point scale. In addition, the Mazda CX-5 has won several other awards from iSeeCars, including No. 1 of the 20 most reliable crossover SUVs under $30,000, No. 1 of the 12 most reliable small SUVs under $30,000, and No. 2 of the best crossover SUVs for the money. 

The all-new 2026 Mazda CX-5 2.5S, which our reviewer found that had ample space and tech but lackluster performance, has a starting price of $31,485 including destination fee. For that, you get a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that drives all four wheels. Other standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an eight-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, and a 12.9-inch touchscreen display.

The newest version of the Mazda CX-5 has not yet been made available for testing by the automotive press, but Car and Driver has estimated its performance, using the same basic drivetrain used by the previous model, at 8.2 seconds for the 0-60 mph run and quarter-mile performance of 16.5 seconds. Cargo capacity is 34 cu. ft. behind the second row, opening up to 67 cu. ft. with that row folded down.

Fourth place in iSeeCars.com’s rankings went to the Honda CR-V. It earned a reliability score of 7.9, the same as the Mazda CX-5, but higher marks in the other categories (8.7 for value retention and 9.0 for safety) gave the CR-V a higher overall score of 8.5. Other iSeeCars awards won include No. 1 of the 66 best crossover SUVs, No. 1 of the 29 best Japanese crossover SUVs, and No. 1 of the 19 best small SUVs.

While our review of the off-road oriented 2026 Honda CR-V Trailsport discovered that it was rugged but a bit too specialized, the Honda CR-V remains popular among five-seater SUV buyers, with pricing starting at $32,370 for the FWD LX non-hybrid. The 2026 CR-V is available in both hybrid and non-hybrid models, with the latter powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine putting out 190 horsepower, driving either the front wheels or all four through a CVT automatic. The hybrid setup boosts the power to 204 horsepower, with a choice of FWD or AWD on most models. 

Car and Driver has done performance testing of both the hybrid and non-hybrid versions of the Honda CR-V. The AWD hybrid did 0-60 mph in 7.3 seconds, a quarter-mile in 15.8 seconds at 86 mph, and skidpad roadholding of 0.79g. The AWD gas engine model did 0-60 mph in 8.1 seconds, the quarter-mile in 16.3 seconds at 89 mph, and 0.82g on the skidpad. Cargo capacity is 39 cu. ft. behind the second row and 77 cu. ft. when that row is folded down.

The Subaru Outback took third-place honors in the iSeeCars.com rankings. It garnered a reliability score of 8.0, slightly higher than the Honda CR-V’s 7.9. In value retention, the Outback received an 8.1, while it also got a 9.0 in the safety ranking, giving it an overall ranking of 8.4. Other iSeeCars awards include No. 1 of the 66 best off-road crossover SUVs, No. 1 of the 66 most reliable crossover SUVs, and No. 1 of the 56 best crossover SUVs for snow.

The 2026 Subaru Outback is all-new, leading our reviewer to state that its interior was enough to overlook its otherwise divisive looks. This seventh-generation Outback sits higher off the ground than its predecessor and looks more like a traditional SUV thanks to its wider and longer stance. Its powertrain options are largely carried over, with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine producing 180 horses in base form, while a turbocharged 2.4-liter mill kicks it up to 260 horsepower. Both engines send their power through a CVT automatic and then to all four wheels, while the AWD system incorporates an X-mode for when it becomes necessary to venture off the beaten path. Subaru Outback pricing starts at $36,445 for the Premium trim.

Car and Driver has put the Outback through performance testing, with a turbocharged version doing the 0-60 mph sprint in 6.0 seconds and the quarter-mile in 14.6 seconds at 97 mph. Cargo space comes in at 35 cu. ft. behind the second row, opening up to 81 cu. ft. with that row folded away.

 The Toyota 4Runner, a rugged body-on-frame SUV with excellent off-road capability, took second place in the iSeeCars.com Most Reliable 5-Seater SUVs rankings. The 4Runner scored a reliability score of 8.1, with an 8.9 for value retention and a 7.0 for safety. Overall ranking was 8.0. Additional awards included No. 1 of 31 midsize SUVs with the best resale value, No. 1 of the 31 most reliable midsize SUVs, and No. 1 of the most reliable midsize SUVs under $50,000. Pricing for the 4Runner starts at $43,365 for the entry-level SR5 base trim with rear-wheel drive.

As with many five-seater SUVs available today, the 2026 Toyota 4Runner offers a choice of traditional gas and hybrid trim levels; if you’re unsure which one you should decide on, SlashGear has a handy guide on picking the right 4Runner for you. The gas engine model is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 278 horsepower mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. A full-time 4WD system with two-speed transfer case is an available option. The hybrid 4Runner starts with the same engine and transmission, adding an electric motor for a combined output of 326 horsepower.

The performance of the Toyota 4Runner has been demonstrated by Car and Driver. The non-hybrid does 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds, while the hybrid does it in 6.7 seconds. Quarter-mile times were 15.7 seconds at 90 mph for the gas engine model and 15.3 seconds at 88 mph for the hybrid. Skidpad roadholding was 0.74g for both versions. Cargo-hauling capability for the five-seat 4Runner is 43 cu. ft. behind the second row and 83 cu. ft. with the second row folded. 

The Toyota Land Cruiser received top honors in the iSeeCars.com Most Reliable 5-Seater SUV rankings. With a reliability score of 8.5 and value retention score of 8.6, the Toyota Land Cruiser got an overall score of of 8.5, even though a safety score for this off-road capable vehicle was not available. The Toyota Land Cruiser also received awards for No. 1 of the 55 best five-seater SUVs, No. 1  of the 33 best SUVs with three rows, and No. 1 of the 33 most reliable SUVs with three rows, though that last award doesn’t apply to the latest year’s model, which only has two rows. Pricing for the 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser starts with the Land Cruiser 1958 trim at $59,095.

The Toyota Land Cruiser has a single drivetrain similar to that of the 4Runner hybrid, using the same 2.4-liter, 326-horsepower turbo engine with electric assist. It is connected to the same eight-speed automatic, but with a 4WD system that includes crawl-control, hill-descent control, low-range gearing, and locking center differential as standard. Our review of the Toyota Land Cruiser revealed that it not only was both genuinely off-road capable as well as more affordable than the old Land Cruiser.

Car and Driver testing of the Toyota Land Cruiser showed the vehicle capable of doing the 0-60 mph run in 7.7 seconds, with the quarter-mile taking 16.2 seconds at 86 mph. Roadholding on the 300-foot skidpad was 0.69g. The Land Cruiser’s cargo capacity was measured at 38 cu. ft. behind the second row, more than doubling that to 82 cu. ft. when the those seats are folded down.