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Best Circular Saw [2021]


Dewalt DWS535B Worm Drive Circular Saw

  • Super-strong motor
  • Magnesium base plate
  • All metal body



Generally, we aren’t going to list the most expensive option as the best overall, but when the shoe fits, you wear it. The Dewalt DWS535B is the most powerful, most feature-packed circular saw that we saw. The all-metal body and the magnesium blade are a great bonus. Make sure to get the “B” (for brake) version!

Sale


Makita 5477NB Hypoid Saw

  • Hypoid gears for better performance
  • Oil bath technology
  • Thin guard for tighter cutting ability



As far as value goes, Makita did a great job with the Makita 5477NB Hypoid Saw. It has a strong motor, a special gearing system, and the durability to last forever (nearly).

Sale



When you don’t need a ton of power, or a ton of weight, the Worxsaw WX429L is the best option. It is ultra-lightweight, easy to hold, and easy to use. Unless you’re on a construction site, this will be sufficient.

How We Picked

With so many to choose from, where do you start? Marketing departments are spending millions to convince you that they’ve got the best products, best features, and best prices. From laser sights to hanging points, to electrical impedance safeties, what is right for you?

Well, that’s exactly where this list can help you out.

We’ve put together a list of the 11 best circular saws. These are the circular saws that we’ve found to be the best value for your money while making sure to get the job done right.

If you’ve been searching for the best circular saw, then this list is for you.

Dewalt DWS535B Worm Drive Circular Saw

Dewalt DWS535B Worm Drive Circular Saw

Specs:

  • AMP: 15
  • RPM: 4,800
  • Blade Diameter: 7 1/4″ (7.25in)
  • Magnesium Base Plate
  • 13.8 pounds

The Dewalt DWS535B Worm Drive Circular Saw is great for heavy-duty jobs. It’s strong and durable and doesn’t get bogged down, even in the worst of situations. But, it’s HEAVY! If you are looking for a circular saw for your DIY projects, look elsewhere. If you want a circular saw that will cut through anything, and take the abuse of a construction site, this the DWS535B is perfect.

Dewalt DWS535B Worm Drive Circular Saw side

Dewalt has been around for quite some time, providing some of the best tools for any work site for years. And, starting out our list of the best circular saws is the Dewalt DWS535B Worm Drive Circular Saw.

Let’s get this out of the way first – this is the most expensive circular saw on our list.

Now that we’ve addressed the price, let’s talk about the DWS535B (B stands for “brake”. You want this option not the DWS535).

Dewalt DWS535B Worm Drive Circular Saw front

Dewalt built this thing for WORK. The motor is super strong and able to cut through most any material without much bogging down (if any). It can work with 7 1/4” (7.25in) blades and will reach a maximum of 4,800 RPMs. You can reach a cut depth of 2 7/16” at 90 degrees and a cut depth of 1 7/8” at 45 degrees.

As for the body, it is built using almost all metal, instead of cheap plastic on less important parts. The base plate is made out of magnesium, which won’t bend or flex too much. Plus, the base plate is ribbed for structural rigidity and reduced flex.

Dewalt DWS535B Worm Drive Circular Saw top

The cord is reinforced using the “Toughcord” system from Dewalt. They state that the cord can withstand 4x the normal jerk before failure of other standard power cords. If you tend to be a little harder on your power cords, this could be helpful.

Overall

This is the most expensive circular saw that we put on the list, be it is built to be a workhorse. If you want a dependable work site circular saw, the Dewalt DWS535B Worm Drive Circular Saw should be at the top of your list too.


Dewalt DWS535B Worm Drive Circular Saw

  • Super-strong motor
  • Magnesium base plate
  • All metal body

Makita 5007F Circular Saw

Makita 5007F Circular Saw

Specs:

  • AMP: 15
  • RPM: 5,800
  • Blade Diameter: 7 1/4″ (7.25in)
  • Aluminum Base Plate
  • 11.1 pounds

The Makita 5007F Circular Saw is a great option for the work site or a weekend DIY project. It’s fairly light, weighing in at only 11.1 pounds. It does not have a variable speed control or electric brake, so be careful when you finish your cuts.

Makita 5007F Circular Saw cutting into wood

Unlike other competitors, Makita doesn’t use bright colors to grab your attention. Instead, they focus their attention on building high-quality, ultra-durable, price-conscious tools perfect for the work site or a weekend DIY project.

Makita 5007F Circular Saw close-up

The Makita 5007F Circular Saw is designed to cut through most materials with ease. The motor may not be as strong as some of the more expensive circular saws reviewed, but Makita made up for the torque aspect by spinning the blade at an insane 5,800 RPMs. It works with a 7 1/4” (7.25in) blade and can reach a cut depth of 2 3/8” at 90 degrees and a cut depth of 1 3/4″ at 45 degrees. The base plate is made out of aluminum, which will bend some if pinned up or dropped. But overall, it is built to last.

Makita 5007F Circular Saw on wood

Overall

For what the Makita 5007F Circular Saw costs, this is an absolute steal. The high-speed motor really takes the work out of most cuts, plus the saw can work with multiple materials including tile and metal. While it does not have a variable speed control, or an electronic brake, it still does the job well. If you want a high-quality, budget-friendly circular saw that will handle almost any job, this is a great place to start.


Makita 5007F Circular Saw

  • 5,800 RPMs
  • Lightweight body
  • LED’s to help with visibility

SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw

SKIL 20V 6-12 Inch Cordless Circular Saw

Specs:

  • Volts: 20
  • RPM: 4,500
  • Blade Diameter: 6 1/2″ (6.50in)
  • Stainless Steel Base Plate
  • 7.66 pounds.

The SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw is great for the DIY’er. It has a lot of desirable features, paired with a strong 20V battery system. It can reach speeds up to 4,500 RPM and has a fairly deep cutting depth. Weighing only 7.66 pounds, it’s easy to carry around and maneuver.

SKIL 20V 6-12 Inch Cordless Circular Saw back

SKIL has made a name for themselves in the power tool industry. While other brands such as Dewalt and Makita tend to overshadow SKIL, they still create quality tools that are worth your time and money.

The SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw is a great cordless option for light duty work. This saw can work with 6 1/2″ (6.50in) blades and will reach a maximum of 4,500 RPMs. As far as cut depth is concerned, it can cut as deep as 2 1/8” at 90 degrees and as deep as 1 3/4″ at 45 degrees. And, SKIL included an easy-to-read saw guide to keep all your cuts in line and on point.

SKIL 20V 6-12 Inch Cordless Circular Saw on wood

The body is made of plastic, rubber, and steel to keep the weight down. The base plate is made out of stainless steel, again for keeping weight down, but can be damaged fairly easily if dropped or pinned underneath something.

The 20v power system is built under their PWRCore system and is designed to give you the most, even when the battery is nearly drained. The PWRCore system actually has a temperature management system (TMS) to keep the battery from overheating, which can cause significant power loss.

SKIL 20V 6-12 Inch Cordless Circular Saw battery

Overall

For the weekend warrior, this is a great option. While it isn’t built for hours and hours of use, it is built to get you through most projects without any problems. The 20v PWRCore system will make sure that the last cut is the same as the first cut. If you want a good cordless circular saw, the SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw is a good option.

Sale


SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw

  • Very lightweight for a circular saw
  • 20V PWRCore System
  • Battery LED Display Gauge
  • LED’s help with visibility

Bosch CS5 Circular Saw

Bosch CS5 Circular Saw

Specs:

  • AMP: 15
  • RPM: 6,200
  • Blade Diameter: 7 1/4″ (7.25in)
  • Aluminum Base Plate
  • 10.0 pounds.

The Bosch CS5 Circular Saw could be used on a professional job site but is priced more for the casual woodworker and DIYer. The motor is powerful, able to get up to 6,200 RPMs and switching out blades is easy with the onboard blade wrench storage system. The left-bladed system makes it easier to see where you are cutting but can kick sawdust back in the user’s face too.

Bosch CS5 Circular Saw angled cut

The 15A motor is built to work. And while it could do double-duty as a work site/at home circular saw, it is better for smaller jobs. It uses a 7 1/4″ (7.25in) blade and can reach 6,200 RPMs. In fact, this is the fastest cutting saw in its class. And, it is still able to cut as far down as 2 7/16” at 90 degrees and 1 7/8” at 45 degrees.

Bosch CS5 Circular Saw angle

The circular saw is left-bladed, meaning the blade is on the left side of the body (made for lefties) but gives greater cut visibility to right-handers. The base plate is made of aluminum and can withstand a decent amount of abuse before bending.

Bosch CS5 Circular Saw angle cut through plywood

The Bosch CS5 Circular Saw has a few other features including spindle lock for each blade change, anti-snag guard, soft grip handle, and an unobstructed view of the cut line. It also includes a 24-tooth, carbide blade which is good for more general purpose work.

Overall

Let’s keep it short: For the price, the Bosch CS5 Circular Saw is worth a look.


Bosch CS5 Circular Saw

  • Left-bladed setup
  • Anti-snag guard
  • Fairly lightweight

Makita 5477NB Hypoid Saw

Makita 5477NB Hypoid Saw

Specs:

  • AMP: 15
  • RPM: 4,500
  • Blade Diameter: 7 1/4″ (7.25in)
  • Aluminum Base Plate
  • 14.3 pounds

The Makita 5477NB Hypoid Saw is meant to be used heavily. The hypoid gear system, with the oil bath technology, is built to last while providing unrivaled performance. It has an oversized grip, which is necessary, as this weighs in at 14.3 pounds. Because of its weight, this might not be the favored option even though it can handle almost anything thrown at it.

Makita 5477NB Hypoid Saw on 4 by 2s

The Makita 5477NB Hypoid saw is definitely not a saw for small DIY projects. Instead, this saw is designed to help build houses, shops, sheds, etc. The 15A motor is strong and able to reach a maximum of 4,500 RPMs. It uses a 7 1/4” (7.25in) blade and can reach a cut depth of 2 3/8” at 90 degrees and a cut depth of 1 3/4″ at 45 degrees. The base plate is fairly thick and made out of aluminum, so it’ll resist flexing and last through most small drops.

Makita 5477NB Hypoid Saw in action

Some other notable features of the Makita 5477NB Hypoid Saw include a lowered guard design for improved performance when doing bevel cuts, oversized top handle for easier grip, large levers for easy adjustments, push button spindle lock for easier blade swaps, onboard blade wrench, and a 10ft reinforced power cord for better durability.

Makita 5477NB Hypoid Saw cutting through board

Overall

The Makita 5477NB Hypoid Saw is a strong circular saw that will make your wood cutting needs a memory. With all the features, this is a strong contender to becoming your next favorite circular saw. While it does weigh a lot (14.3 pounds), it will probably outlast all of your other tools.

Sale


Makita 5477NB Hypoid Saw

  • Hypoid gears for better performance
  • Oil bath technology
  • Thin guard for tighter cutting ability

Dewalt DWE575K Lightweight Circular Saw

Dewalt DWE575K Lightweight Circular Saw

Specs:

  • AMP: 15
  • RPM: 5,100
  • Blade Diameter: 7 1/4″ (7.25in)
  • Aluminum Base Plate
  • 8.8 pounds

The Dewalt DWE575K Lightweight Circular Saw is good for a lot of projects around the house or the shop. The 15A motor is ready to plow through wood like an angry woodchuck, plus it can reach up to 5,100 RPMs so it’ll slice right through most wood effortlessly. Like most other circular saws, this can handle a 7 1/4″ blade and reach cut depths of 2 9/16” at 90 degrees and 2” at 45 degrees. The base plate is made out of aluminum, but it’s fairly thick to resist additional flex.

Dewalt DWE575K Lightweight Circular Saw angled cut

Dewalt also included their “Toughcord” system on the DWE575K too. The cord is built to withstand up to 4x the normal jerk/pull that a normal cord would be exposed to. This is great for users who might be a little tougher on their cords.

Dewalt DWE575K Lightweight Circular Saw on plywood

Overall

If you need a great circular saw, from a reputable brand, that is lightweight and easy to carry, then the Dewalt DWE575K is perfect. Plus, it can cut just a little deeper than most of the other circular saws on this list (if that matters).

Sale


Dewalt DWE575K Lightweight Circular Saw

  • Can cut to 2 9/16” deep at 90 degrees
  • Only 8.8 pounds
  • Toughcord technology

SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw

SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw

Specs:

  • AMP: 15
  • RPM: 5,300
  • Blade Diameter: 7 1/4″ (7.25in)
  • Stainless Steel Base Plate
  • 8.7 pounds

The SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw is a great saw for at home projects and other odd jobs. For a professional, this won’t check off enough boxes to be a consideration. It has a large foot for added stability, with a shaft lock for easier blade changes. Unfortunately, it has a smaller 6ft power cord which can limit the distance from a wall outlet.

SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw on plywood

For the casual user, this SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw is a great option. It has a strong, 15A motor that can reach speeds of 5,300 RPMs. On top of that, it has a built-in laser guide to help you make clean, accurate cuts every time. It uses a 7 1/4” blade that can cut down to 2 7/16” deep at 90 degrees. The base plate is made from stainless less, which is more cost efficient but not nearly as durable as other materials.

SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw angled cut

One notable feature on the SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw is the cut-line laser. For someone who struggles lining up cuts and keeping them straight, the laser is an absolute must-have. Another nice feature is the larger base plate which gives you greater stability but sacrifices room for tight cuts.

SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw straight cut

Overall

The SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw is a good, lightweight circular saw that will work for most at-home projects. It does have some nice features, and it is definitely budget-friendly. In that, it does have a smaller 6ft power cord, while leaving out other safety features like an electric brake and LED lights for better visibility. Even so, it’s still one of the better options, especially for someone on a budget.


SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw

  • Cut-line laser
  • Larger base plate
  • Cost-friendly option

Dewalt DCS391B Circular Saw

Dewalt DCS391B Circular Saw

Specs:

  • Voltage: 20v
  • RPM: 3,700
  • Blade Diameter: 6 1/2″ (6.50in)
  • Magnesium Base Plate
  • 7.0 pounds

The Dewalt DCS391B Circular Saw is very light and easy to maneuver. It’s cordless so it can go wherever you go. It doesn’t have the power to cut through everything, but if you need to make a few quick cuts on the job site, it’ll do in a pinch.

If you like to work on small projects at home, the Dewalt DCS391B Circular Saw has you covered. While there are other more powerful options out there, none of them come close to what this offers for the price point.

Dewalt DCS391B Circular Saw on 4 by 2

This saw uses a 6 1/2″ (6.50in) blade and will spin up to 3,700 RPMs. It can reach cut depths of 2 1/4″ at 90 degrees and 1 5/8” at 45 degrees. Dewalt included an electric brake that seems more like an electric stop than a brake as it stops the blade almost immediately.

This particular circular saw does not come with any batteries or blades so you’ll need to have your own or buy some. As far as battery life, make sure you have plenty of batteries in case you need a backup as there isn’t a LED battery life meter.

Overall

If you need a lightweight, budget-friendly option, the Dewalt DCS391B Circular saw will easily fit the bill.

Sale


Dewalt DCS391B Circular Saw

  • Lightweight
  • Portable
  • 20v battery compatible

Porter-Cable 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

Porter-Cable 7-14-Inch Circular Saw

Specs:

  • AMP: 15
  • RPM: 5,600
  • Blade Diameter: 7 1/4″ (7.25in)
  • Stainless Steel Base Plate
  • 11.3 pounds

The Porter-Cable 7-1/4-Inch is powerful and ready for your next project. It is definitely not for a professional job site, but it will do for a simple at-home project.

The Porter-Cable 7-1/4-Inch is built for the casual DIYer. The motor is extremely strong and gets up to speed easily. It can max out at around 5,600 RPMs. It uses a 7 1/4″ (7.25in) blade and can reach a cut depth of 2 3/8” at 90 degrees. It has a max bevel capacity of 45 degrees unlike other options that can go as high as 56 degrees.

Porter-Cable 7-14-Inch Circular Saw side

The Porter-Cable has a lowered guard making it easy to slide right through your cuts without much resistance. Plus, they’ve put in a dust chute that ACTUALLY works.

Overall

If you need a good circular saw that can tackle your at-home DIY projects, while staying in the budget, then the Porter-Cable 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw is right up your alley.


Porter-Cable 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

  • 15A motor
  • Cost-friendly option
  • Dust chute

WORX Worxsaw 4-1/2 Inch Compact Circular Saw WX429L

WORX Worxsaw 4-12 Inch Compact Circular Saw WX429L

Specs:

  • Voltage: 120
  • RPM: 3,500
  • Blade Diameter: 4 1/2″ (4.50in)
  • Stainless Steel Base Plate
  • 4.5 pounds

The WORX Worxsaw 4-1/2 Inch Compact Circular Saw WX429L is great for those small jobs that don’t require a larger circular saw.

WORX Worxsaw 4-12 Inch Compact Circular Saw WX429L close-up

The WORX Worxsaw 4-1/2 Inch Compact Circular SAW WX429L looks out of place on the work site until you start to use it. While it may be small, it can hold its own against some of the bigger circular saws at the same price point.

WORX Worxsaw 4-12 Inch Compact Circular Saw WX429L angled cut

It is equipped with a 4 1/2″ (4.50in) blade and can spin up to 3,500 RPMs. It can cut into a 2” board (barely), but it can do the job – it just might take a little longer than other larger circular saws. Switching out the blades makes it easier to work on tile and metal. The blades are left-aligned for ease of viewing and lefties.

WORX Worxsaw 4-12 Inch Compact Circular Saw WX429L on 4 by 2

This tool is great for individuals with small hands or who prefer something that is ultra-lightweight. If you don’t like sawdust, you can hook it up to an external shop vacuum to keep things neat-and-tidy.

WORX Worxsaw 4-12 Inch Compact Circular Saw WX429L on plywood

Overall

Ultimately, this is a fully-functioning circular saw that happens to be small (very small). For the price, you really can’t beat it.

Sale

Ryobi P506 One+ Cordless Circular Saw

Ryobi P506 One+ Cordless Circular Saw

Specs:

  • Voltage: 18v
  • RPM: 4,700
  • Blade Diameter: 5 1/2″ (5.50in)
  • Stainless Steel Base Plate
  • 5.0 pounds

The Ryobi P506 One+ Cordless Circular Saw is an affordable option that comes with features no one would expect at this price point.

Ryobi P506 One+ Cordless Circular Saw back

Ryobi isn’t very well known in the power tool industry, but it’s primarily due to marketing – or the lack thereof. Since they don’t waste as much on marketing, their products are priced much more competitively.

The Ryobi P506 One+ Cordless Circular Saw works with 5 1/2″ blades and can cut as deep as 1 9/16” at 90 degrees. The motor can spin up to 4,700 RPMs, making it easy to chew through most cuts without a problem. The base plate is stainless steel which means it isn’t as durable as other base plates with stronger materials.

Ryobi P506 One+ Cordless Circular Saw side

The cut-line laser makes it easy to see where you are going and the blade does a good job of kicking the sawdust away for even better visibility.

Ryobi P506 One+ Cordless Circular Saw top

Overall

The Ryobi P506 One+ Circular Saw will make mincemeat of small projects, but it’s for just that – small projects. The battery still doesn’t last very long, even though the One+ has been upgraded. For a quick, lightweight, portable option, the P506 is a good option.


Ryobi P506 One+ Cordless Circular Saw

  • Inexpensive
  • Lightweight
  • Cut-line laser

Buyer’s Guide To Find The Best Circular Saw

Finding the best circular saw for your needs can be difficult. There are so many options to choose from and each brand says theirs is the best.

So how do you make the right decision?

Well, we’ve got good news! We’ve already done the hard work for you and we’ve put together a great list for you to consider. But maybe you’re still struggling to find the perfect one for you. Then keep reading because we’re going to show you everything that should factor into your decision. When you finish, you should easily be able to identify the circular saw that makes the most sense for you.

Power

Circular saws are powered by a power cord (corded) or by a battery (cordless).

Generally speaking, corded driven circular saws are stronger than cordless circular saws. Because they are receiving power from a wall outlet, they are able to provide a constant cut for hours without slowing down. Plus, corded circular saws are able to rip through denser woods easier from their beefed-up motors.

Cordless circular saws tend to get a little weaker over time, as the battery starts to drain. Cordless saws tend to use smaller motors, in an effort to preserve battery life, which can make cutting denser woods more difficult and or slower. And, a battery cannot provide 110v or 220v of constant power like a wall outlet can which means you’ll eventually have to recharge your batteries (or have plenty on hand).

For long, demanding jobs, a corded circular saw is generally the best option.

Base Plate

Getting a secure footing requires a good base plate (a.k.a. a shoe). When picking out a circular saw, finding a base plate that is strong and durable should be your first priority.

Stainless steel base plates tend to bend the easiest when dropped and or pinned up. Next, you have cast aluminum which is a little better but can crack if dropped. Then you have cast magnesium which is a little better than cast aluminum and survive small drops most of the time. The best base plates are built from fiber-reinforced plastic. Of course, the thicker a base plate is, the stronger it will generally be. Some base plates even include ribbing to help with structural support and flexing.

Strong Pivot Point

A circular saw connects the base plate to the handle/motor at a point known as the pivot point. The pivot point allows you to adjust how deep the cut is and/or the angle of the cut. There are two common places where the pivot point can be found on a circular saw: inline with the blade guard and inline with the rear handle. Pivot points that are in line with the blade guard tend to be a little less predictable, especially if you push down on the handle (the cut depth and/or angle can be modified). But, a pivot point that is in line with the rear handle is less likely to affect the depth and/or angle of the cut, no matter where you are pushing from.

Depth Adjustment

When you’re on the job site, quickly moving between projects is a must. Which is why being able to adjust the depth of cut matters. You already understand that you need the blade to be just deep enough to cut through without being heavily exposed (protruding).

To adjust your depth of cut, you need to find the adjustment bolt/lever and then move the base plate (shoe) up or down. On some models, the bolt/lever is inboard, which means it is sandwiched between the handle and the blade guard. And, on some models, the bolt/lever is outboard, which means it is outside of the handle, letting you keep one hand on the handle while making the adjustments you need to make (this is safer).

Some bolt/levers are covered in a tacky-type gripping material such as rubber. When working in a dusty, dirty environment, your grip matters. And finally, you should easily be able to read the depth adjustment settings. Most circular saws use engraved numbers versus stickers as stickers tend to get wet, fall out, and/or fade.

Cut-Line Visibility

If you’ve ever heard the saying “measure twice, cut once”, you understand the importance of making a good cut every time.

Having a cut-line helps you make accurate cuts every time. Of course, you need a cut-line that’s lined up flush with the cutting edge (kerf) of your blade. Some saws have a clear window that gives you a clear line of sight to the blade so you can see where the cut should be.

The best circular saws have cut-lines that show both edges of the cutting blade, along with full visibility in almost any angled condition.

Blade Guard

A blade guard is a safety feature that works great when it’s used. Unfortunately, some users actually pin the blade guard back (or take them off) because they tend to snag/get stuck during a cut. Both of these actions are extremely dangerous and can cause serious and/or fatal injuries.

So, finding a blade guard that works properly, retracts smoothly no matter the angle and/or depth, and doesn’t snag/get stuck. The best blade guards tend to have large lobes, protruding out as they don’t tend to catch on any sharp edges or get pinned underneath anything.

Safety Features

We already hinted at one safety feature, the blade guard, but there are many other safety features that should be considered when looking at circular saws.

Does the circular saw have a spindle lock to keep the blade from spinning when swapping out blades? What about a blade brake to stop the blade from spinning when you release the trigger? What about a safety switch that needs to be flipped on before you can start cutting?

Some circular saws even have electrical impedance detection that allows them to know if you are cutting through wood or something else like a finger. If it detects an anomaly (such as a finger), it immediately applies the brake and stops the blade. This is a relatively new safety feature and isn’t included in many circular saws.

Weight and Balance

Something else to consider is how much the circular saw weighs. While we all want to think that the weight of a circular saw won’t matter, at some point in the day, it will become a factor. So, you need to really consider how much each circular saw weighs. While one pound doesn’t seem like much, when you having to hold it in a high position, at an odd angle, it can really throw your control off in a hurry.

The other factor to consider is how balanced and easy to maneuver the circular saw is. If all the weight is shifted to one side, it could be a little more difficult to control in odd situations. On a flat surface, the weight and balance probably won’t matter too much. But, on odd surfaces and/or heights, how well the circular saw is balanced could mean the difference between a straight cut and a wasted cut.

Battery Life

As we mentioned earlier, corded circular saws do not have batteries.

Almost all of the cordless saws mentioned in this list will use lithium-ion as these are the strongest, longest-lasting batteries currently available. When considering a cordless circular saw, you have to consider the battery life and the battery recharge time. Some charge fast but don’t last as long as others. Some provide more voltage (more power) but die quickly.

Batteries are rated in Ah (ampere-hours) and you should look for batteries that are rated at 3Ah+. The higher the Ah, the longer the battery should work before they start showing a significant decline. Remember, as batteries begin to die, they begin to provide less power. Which is why the butter-smooth cuts you started out with might not be as fast, or as easy, as they were at the beginning of the morning.

Price

And finally, whether anyone wants to admit it or not, the price of the circular saw matters.

There are some really great “value” circular saws on the market, but they may not last for a long time. And there are some really expensive circular saws on the market that don’t last too long either. The difference in your satisfaction between those two would be how much you paid for it.

Of course, we try to make sure that only the best circular saws are mentioned, at prices that are reasonable. Instead of finding the most “hyped-up”, feature-laden model, we found the best for most purposes.

So, when you’re looking for a circular saw, look at the price and make sure you are comfortable with it. If the circular saw you like is $20 higher than what you wanted to spend, consider what you are getting for the extra $20. In most cases, the extra $20 will be worth it in the long run.

That’s it! We’ve tried to cover everything we could think of that matters in our buyer’s guide for circular saws. And, we’ve done everything we could to factors these into our decision for the best circular saws. By following this guide, you should easily be able to pinpoint the perfect circular saw for your next project.

Circular Saw cutting through Wood

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is a corded circular saw better than a cordless circular saw?

A: This is dependent on the application, but the scales tend to tip towards corded circular saws over cordless circular saws.

Corded circular saws are more powerful and last as long as you need. As long as you have power on the job site, you can work with a corded circular saw. But, with corded circular saws, you do have the cord(s) to deal with too.

Cordless circular saws are generally less powerful and they only last as long as the battery has power. If you are working where the power hasn’t been turned on, a cordless circular saw is perfect. But a cordless circular saw will not have the same ripping power as a corded circular saw.

And as the day goes on, the power level and cutting consistency of the cordless circular will start to diminish whereas a corded circular saw will work the same all day.

Q: How deep can a circular saw cut?

A: This depends on several factors including the depth of cut and the blade size. A 5 1/4″ (5.25in) blade will not be able to cut as deep as an 8 1/2” (8.5in) blade. In most cases, the deepest that a circular saw can cut is the half-point of the blade (minus the locknut). If cutting at an angle, the depth of cut is diminished even further.

If you need to make deep cuts, you’ll either need to make cuts on both sides of the material or find a blade large enough to make a single pass.

Q: My cuts aren’t smooth when finishing the cut … why?

A: In most cases, this is because you have the depth of cut set too deep. Another reason for this could be the RPMs are too low and it’s leaving a rough edge. And another reason for this could be that you are using the wrong type of blade for the cut (i.e. teeth count, material).

The first thing you need to do is make sure that you’ve set the depth of cut properly. The blade should barely be visible on the underside of the cut. If more than 1/4” (.25in) is sticking out, your depth of cut is too low.

If you are using a cordless circular saw, your battery may be too drained to keep the RPMs high enough for a nice, clean cut. In this case, switch out your batteries and/or recharge the battery you are using.

And finally, make sure that you are using the right blade for the material you are cutting. You would be amazed at how many people try to use one blade for every application.

Q: What’s the difference between a 12v and a 20v battery?

A: Power! A 12v battery will never be able to power a motor like a 20v battery. The higher the voltage (i.e. 12v, 14v, 18v, 20v), the more powerful the circular saw. This is why a corded circular saw is so much more powerful (it runs off of 110v).

A 20v battery will be heavier than a 12v battery, which will make the circular saw heavier. But if you might need more power in the future, you are better off investing in a stronger, more powerful circular saw + battery combination.

Q: Do all circular saws come with a carrying case?

A: No. Some manufacturers only include the circular saw with a blade already attached (general purpose blade). Some manufacturers will include a carrying case and some will include a carrying bag/pouch. If a carrying case is necessary for you, make sure you only pick a circular saw that comes with a carrying case.

Most tools end up being thrown into a toolbox and/or truck bed. Make sure you aren’t paying more for something that will never be used.

Q: Do all cordless circular saws come with a battery? Extra batteries?

A: No. If you are looking into cordless circular saws, some will not come with ANY batteries. And some will come with one battery. And some will come will multiple batteries. Of course, you are paying for the number of batteries in the “included” price.

The reason some don’t come with any is because they are keeping their prices “competitive”. Most purchasers already have another product that is powered by one of the manufacturer batteries and therefore they can use their existing battery on their new circular saw.

Plus, this gives them a way to make a little bit more off of each sale.

Q: I’m getting a ton of sawdust in my face when I cut. What am I doing wrong?

A: Make sure that the depth of cut is set properly (see above). Next, make sure you are using the right blade for the job. Next, make sure that you are on the proper side of the cutting blade (left-handed/right-handed).

Q: What’s the point of the electric brake?

A: An electric brake helps to slow down the saw blade when you remove your finger from the trigger. An unassisted saw blade will spin for a fair amount of time before completely stopping, leaving a chance for injury and/or unintended cuts.

By slowing down and/or stopping the blade faster, you reduce the chance for injury and/or unintended cuts.

Q: I’m left-handed. Are there any circular saws built for left-handed people?

A: Yes, some saws are built with the motor on the left side of the blade. However, most circular saws are built for right-handed individuals (as is the case with most products).

Conclusion

Finding the best circular saw shouldn’t be difficult. But manufacturers and marketing departments have managed to convince us that it is. With million-dollar advertising budgets, manufacturers tout their newest “feature” as the must-have of the century. In most cases, that feature is more of a gadget/gimmick than anything else.

The best circular saw will meet all of your needs, while staying within your budget. By using our buying guide, you’ll be able to trim down this list to find the perfect circular saw for you. Our list is a great starting point, and there’s a good chance you’ve already found the perfect circular saw. But if not, at least now you have all the information to make a highly informed decision.

So, did you find the perfect circular saw for your needs or are you still looking

Product Boxes: Last updated on 2021-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API