Legend has it that a Shaker Woman in Harvard Massachusetts named Tabitha Babbitt saw two men struggling with a pit saw and decided to come up with a better option, inspired by her spinning wheel. She made a smaller prototype and eventually the design was enlarged for use in sawmills to cut logs into dimensional lumber in sawmills around the end of the 18th-century.
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In Raymond Dewalt invented the first radial arm saw an important step in bringing a smaller more readily usable saw into woodworking and carpentry shops.
Then in Art Emmons created the first portable handheld circular saw. Nearly 100 years later the circular saw is the most widely used saw, with use in industrial, commercial, residential, and DIY projects. In this head-to-head, we will crown one saw as the Best Cordless 7-1/4 Circular Saw.
In , we conducted our first head-to-head comparison of the best cordless 18v circular saws and did it again in . The Tool Box Buzz crew set out to run our second head-to-head on cordless circular saws in , to see who had the best in the industry at that time. Here are those comparisons: H2H and our H2H.
For this Best Cordless 7-1/4″ Circular Saw evaluation, our team evaluated a total of 7 essential categories as detailed below. Each of the categories was ranked individually and a selection was used to declare the “Overall Best Cordless 7-1/4″ Circular Saw” based on the combined test results.
We examined a total of ten saws from eight different manufacturers for this Head-2-Head. The following is a list of all the 7-1/4″ Circular Saws that the ToolBoxBuzz crew examined in this Head-2-Head:
Prior to testing, all of the circular saws were supplied with task-specific, saw blades, we used:
By using the Milwaukee saw blades, we kept the focus on the tools rather than the blades.
Controlling for blade variability allows our assessments to focus on the motor, battery, and electronics to gauge the performance of the saws. Also, to get all the saws close when it comes to batteries, we decided to compare all the saws with a 4.0 Ah to 6.0 Ah battery range.
The use of uniform blades throughout the testing helped to ensure consistency by removing an external testing variable.
We chose the Milwaukee blades for their better precision, cooler cuts, and longevity. We geek out on their Cobalt Infused Tungsten Carbide, laser Cut Vibration Slots to reduce wobble, and Anti-Friction Coating that prevents gumming. Plus the Milwaukee blades are a favorite because they’re priced right and reliable.
For our accuracy test, we had an experienced PRO user cut plywood using a straight edge guide with each saw, then rank the equipment depending on how well it performed. The saws were also verified for accuracy at their 90° and 45° factory bevel settings with testing equipment.
This test was performed by a single operator to keep the test standardization under control. We also checked the scales and slots on the saw’s baseplate for accuracy. Ideally, these kerf slots line up with the cut on the motor side of the blade. This way the reference point is consistent and the only variable will be the offset between the plate of the blade and the teeth. When the saw plate scales are accurate, users can line up cuts for quick, accurate cuts, which can save a lot of time!
For the accuracy category each of the circular saws was ranked on accuracy in the following areas:
The speed at which a circular saw can cut through a particular material is a factor of the blade shape (width, diameter, tooth count, and tooth shape), blade rotational speed, and horizontal force applied. As a saw blade moves through the material, the saw motor will encounter a resistance that will require more torque and power to keep the blade spinning at its optimal speed. As a blade edge dulls or too much horizontal force is applied, the saw blade rotational speed will begin to slow down. A skilled user can usually tell when a saw is working too hard and knows to back off on how much force they are applying during a cut. A more powerful saw will be able to counteract these resistances better and ultimately be able to remove more material and cut faster.
To test the power and ultimately the speed of these saws the TBB crew needed to control as many of the cutting variables as we could. We achieved this by using a standard blade across all the saws, using consistent high-quality plywood as our material, and controlling the horizontal force applied to the saw with a drop weight pulley system and a low friction rig.
Each saw was affixed to a Kreg Accu-cut sled for ultimate compatibility across all the manufacturers. The Accu-cut track system was secured to our testing rig and an 8-foot section of a double layer of ¾” plywood was indexed underneath, resulting in an 8-foot rip of 1 ½” material. A line was attached to the Accu-cut sled and fed through a series of low friction pullies and attached to an 8 lb weight. This weight was raised to the ceiling in our shop and provided a consistent 8lb horizontal force to pull the saw through the cut.
Each saw was given three cuts through the material and the time of all the cuts was averaged and compared. Electro-mechanical micro-switches were secured to the start and stop sections of the cutting rig. The time automatically started as the saw began its cut and again automatically stopped as the sled reached the far end and the cut was finished. This removed any bit of human error associated with a handheld stopwatch.
After each cut, the track system was cleaned of all sawdust and debris. Before the first run of each saw the sled was lubricated with silicone spray and inspected to ensure a smooth low friction cut.
The more powerful saws were able to keep the rotational speed of the blade up, therefore, removing material more quickly and ultimately traveling faster across the rig and completing the cut in less time. This setup allowed us to stress the saws in a non-abusive manner and provided enough of a performance spread that allowed us to rank them individually and determine which saw was the most powerful.
The KREG track system allows a user to make straight, accurate, splinter-free cuts with your circular saw, without having to spend a huge expense for a separate track saw.
The Accu-cut guides your circular saw along an aluminum track that keeps the saw moving in a straight line easily. The Accu-cut design makes it simple to set up by just aligning the track with your cut line. The track features an anti-slip coating to prevent slipping and an anti-chip feature to prevent splintered cuts. Plus, the track makes it easy to make straight cuts on sheets that don’t have a straight, flat edge. We found the Accu-cut track easy and intuitive to use, but robust enough for professionals.
What impressed me the most with the Kreg Accu-cut guides was how easily it allowed us to mount 18 different saws securely to it. That, and the fact that Kerg uses Phillips set screws to secure the track sections, – that’s pure genious ~ ROB
The FlexVolt saw crushed its competition on the performance sled with an average score of 18-seconds. Even without the electronic timer, the team noted this saw’s speed ripping through double-layered 3/4″ AC plywood.
When I pushed the FlexVolt saw hard I was able to rip a 69-inch LVL in 6.5 seconds with no bogging down – impressive! ~ ROB
Second place in the performance testing went to the Milwaukee M18 saw with an average score of 21.8 seconds. This saw eats double layered plywood for breakfast but when pushed hard through LVL we stalled it 4 times.
Milwaukee has always been conservative in its Red Lithium batteries and onboard electronics, like many manufacturers, they build in protections in the tool from overheating and draining the battery. We feel that the settings on this saw might be set too low.
Third place went to the new Ridgid saw with an average time of 22.1 seconds. This newly designed brushless saw performed well in this test. The team loved the power in our subjective LVL testing, plywood, and framing lumber cutting.
Ridgid tools are the hidden Gem of the tool industry – More pros need to try these tools out! ~ SCOTT
Circular saws are the workhorse of many job sites. They are synonymous with portable, fast and accurate field cuts. The flexibility and precision of this tool make it invaluable for the job site PRO.
It’s never easy to compare tool features from different brands, but the devil is in the details, thus a feature comparison is necessary.
The entire team used all of the tools in a variety of cutting configurations and tests [stringers, plywood, LVL KD lumber] to rate six separate features on these saws on a scale of one to five. [With 1 being the best]
MfgrModelBlade ChgBevel AdjDepth AdjTriggerTotalsRankHiltiSC30WR-DewaltDCSDewaltDCS578XMakitaGSH02MMakitaXSH07PTURidgidRBKobaltKXCS 124B-Metabo HPTCDAQMilwaukeeRyobiPBLCS300KI
A new blade for your application is critical to ensure a quality cut and productivity on the job site. Changing a blade should be easy, safe, and convenient. We evaluated the blade change on the ten saws and although there were no clear standouts, there were a few distinctions that are worthy of note.
Nothing exciting came out of the blade change assessment. The key discriminator was the onboard storage of the wrench, and how quickly, and easily the arbor locked for blade changing.
All of the saws had onboard Allen keys with exception of the DEWALT, which uses an onboard angled wrench. During this evaluation, we noted three saws worthy of reporting to you.
As a remodeling carpenter, if I’m setting a circular saw bevel to 22.5, 45, or greater degrees, the scale is probably good enough for me. If I need a dead-on bevel, I’ll use a miter, table saw, or track-saw. That said, I’d like to operate a saw that has an accurate bevel scale, that I don’t have to work hard to set. A circular saw is a rough cutting saw where speed is everything. A bevel scale that allows users to quickly set and verify common bevel settings is the key performance indicator for this category.
The best beveling saws were the Hilti, Makita 36v and Kobalt. They all have knobs that control the positive stops at max bevel 45 and 22.5 degrees. The Hilti and Makita 36v had the best action selectors that were easy to use, set, and understand.
Most of the saws bevel past 45- degrees. The DEWALT saw bevels at 57-degrees. Hilti saw bevels at 50-degrees, the Kobalt at 55-degrees, and the Makita 36 volt bevels at 56- degrees.
The Hilti positive stops were “money,” the action really kills it. It has a super solid build, with a stop knob on the bevel, and easy to see bevel and depth scales. ~ ETHAN
The Kobalt has a similar scale to the Milwaukee, a laser-etched scale screwed onto the tool, a large comfortable lever, and a surprisingly nice action, and detailing.
The Makita 40V and Metabo HPT have positive stops at 45- degrees with the lever option to go to max bevel [48 and 55 degrees].
The team really liked the Milwaukee scale but would like to see a stop at 45- degrees added.
For such a powerful and smooth cutting saw, with outstanding line of sight and scales, I don’t understand why this bevel does not have positive detents. I should not have to “hunt” for 45-degrees, Milwaukee should address this! ~ ROB
The Ryobi followed the pack with a simple, very basic, plastic scale, no one was impressed, and the bevel line-of-sight was underwhelming.
While the team feels that setting the depth of a circular saw is best done by setting the blade projection just past the depth of the material being cut, there is something to be said about a gauge that can quickly and accurately set the depth of the saw.
Precision in tooling and gauges simply carries through in overall tool quality and performance. The Hilti really stood out as a smooth adjusting tool. Its a solid Build! ~ SCOTT
The Hilti and Makita 40-volt had the smoothest blades’ depth action and adjustment, with legible, accurate high contrast scales. In contrast, we found the Metabo HPT bevel action stiff and does not offer a depth scale. We did note that the Metabo HPT does have a cast base plate with a machined edge on the blade side – which is a nice fit and finish detail.
For a circular saw to have a good grip there must be sufficient friction between the user’s hand and the handle. This is more important when the user’s hand is sweaty. All of the saws had a non-slip, non-conductive, and compressible material for a grip.
When looking at the tool triggers we considered frequent movements of the index finger while operating the circular saw. We can all agree, that this movement should be comfortable. For example; a longer trigger allows the use of two or three fingers to activate and could reduce discomfort, contrast that to pinch points between the trigger and housing which can be uncomfortable or cause hot spots.
The Hilti and both Makita saws have a comfortable grip, a smooth rounded trigger with excellent action, and no pinch points.
The DEWALT has a trigger guard and the trigger has a pinch point at the bottom of the trigger and tool housing. While many smaller hand users will pull the trigger higher, larger hand users will find this a pinch point situation.
The Milwaukee and Ryobi triggers require the most pull force, coupled with sharp edges resulting in trigger hotspots.
The clipped guard on the DEWALT saws provided the best line of sight to where the blade meets wood.
Every saw has notches or marks on the front of the shoe to indicate where the blade is going to cut, but not all of them are intuitive, or easy to follow. So when it matters, looking for where the blade meets the wood, is the best way to verify that your cut is going to be where you want it.
Runtime, ergonomics, and power are all well and good but if you can’t see what you’re doing your accuracy and productivity will suffer. Not only that, but having to fold yourself in half to get that sight line to the blade will leave you with a very sore back at the end of the day!
There were a few stand-out features that affect performance, safety, and user experience.
Most of the saws had 2×4 rafter hooks with the exception of Metabo HPT and Ryobi which did not have hooks. The two Makitas saws have a location to add on an optional hook, at an additional cost.
I can’t believe that Makita builds such an amazing saw and makes you buy the rafter hook as an accessory – come on Makita ~ WES
The Hilti rafter hook mounts on the top of the saw and can get in the way of a user actuating the safety switch. As a right-handed user, I would orient the hook far left and vis-versa for a left-handed user. No one on the team liked or appreciated the placement of the hook while using the saw.
Wow, for such a nicely built saw, they fell asleep at the wheel on the rafter hook ~ ETHAN
The Hilti has a really nice integrated, swivel dust port with a wide chute orifice. Both Makita saws, Ridgid, and Milwaukee have dust ports.
One interesting observation on the Makita, and Rigid dust ports, if you look inside them, they have massive choke points where the dust point turns 90-degrees. This results in a much-reduced flow.
Both the Makita saws have the AWS system (Auto-Start Wireless System) which is Bluetooth technology that enables wireless power-on/power-off with an AWS-equipped dust extractor. Makita AWS-equipped tools have a small wireless transmitter inserted into a handle on the tool. The transmitter can communicate with a Makita dust extractor also equipped with an AWS transmitter.
The AWS-equipped tool can also communicate with ANY corded dust extractor with an onboard AC outlet and the optional Makita AWS Universal Adaptor. The adapter has an AWS wireless transmitter and plugs into the dust extractor’s onboard AC outlet. The transmitter and adapter are optional and do cost more money but the convenience, long-term time savings, and efficiency make it an investment worth considering.
Metabo HPT silent mode is an auto-sensing mode that reduces the blade RPM to 2,000 and then adjusts the RPM back up to the maximum 4,300 RPMs based on demand. There is a mode selector switch located below the trigger. This decreased blade speed produces less audible noise and is more pleasing to the ear. When the load on the tool grows, whenSilent mode is selected, the motorswitches from “Power” mode and then back to “Silent,” mode oncethe load drops.
OSHA allows 8 hours of exposure for up to 90 dB, for exposures 95dB and greater, the exposure limits drop dramatically. Circular saws are LOUD, and hearing protection should be used at all times.
To test these saws in a consistent manner, we used a noise meter and measured the saw’s dB level under a no-load condition at a fixed distance roughly the spacing a user would have their ears. Decibel measurements are relative to any environment and the important takeaway is that the saws were measured against each other in a consistent manner. We tested these saws in a no-load capacity, under load the saws are louder and the cutting material will dictate the noise level.
The quietest running saw was the Metabo HPT CDA. The saw implements a soft start feature that reduces the spikes in activation noise and continued to produce less noise during a steady state. This saw was the quietest even with its novel “Silent Mode: feature switched off.
The cost of a tool can sometimes drive a purchase. We can all agree that cost is a critical consideration when purchasing tools, especially for those of you just starting out in the trades. We also recognize that most contractors are brand loyal and will most likely stick to their existing battery platform rather than branching out and developing a new line of cordless tools.
The bulk of these saws may be found at your local big box stores, and almost all of them can be found online like ACME Tools. At the time of this test, we had an advanced sample of the Hilti Nuron. It’s a brand new saw, and not readily available yet.
Below we’ve included the current pricing (at the time of publishing this article). Pricing is based on bare tools.
The best-priced is the Ryobi PBLCS300B, costing $99.00. This saw is only available at Home Depot. Ryobi positions itself as an affordable “pro-featured” tool brand and is attractively priced for DIYers, serious enthusiasts, and some pro users. Coming in just $20 more is the Metabo HPT, followed by the Kobalt at $50 more.
The Makita 40v XGT was the most expensive saw at the time of writing this article (model GSH02Z). The price of this saw is $339.00. It can be found on the websites of big box stores as well as ACME Tools, with a delivery period of roughly a week. This saw performed well in our testing and has an outstanding design fit and finish and some very nice features; such as a track-compatible base plate and excellent ergonomics, which contribute to its premium price.
The best value category is a favorite for us, mostly because it crowns an outstanding performer at a reasonable cost. This category is where we directly compare price to performance. If you’re heavily invested in a tool platform or drink the green, yellow, blue, or red cool-aid you may not value this category, but it certainly caters to first-time or budget-conscious consumers, as well as, entry-level tradespeople.
The Metabo HPT saw scored middle of the pack in our evaluation with a perfect accuracy score and lower weight, which many on the team commented on. The Metabo HPT came in 2nd for the lowest price, selling as a bare tool at approximately $120. It also has some nice features, and was the quietest saw, even without using the Silent Mode.
Choosing the best 7-1/4″ circular saw wasn’t simple, but we’re convinced we went through every point in our evaluation. A product that is recognized best in class is one that outperforms competitors in the same category or segment. In comparison to their rivals, these items have the highest level of quality and/or utility.
The best 7-1/4″ circular saw winner was the DEWALT DCS578B. With exception of the weight category, this saw excelled in every test and assessment we put to it. It is a fast-cutting, well-built, powerful saw with accurate settings and nice features.
The DEWALT is my favorite saw tested; its got power, not too heavy, is easy to adjust and is comfortable in my hand. ~ JEREMY
The new Hilti Nuron saw came in second crushing the evaluation of the features, and performing top 3-4 in the other categories. While not available yet this saw is slated for a $279 MSRP. Everyone on the team was excited about Hilti’s new innovation and performance.
The new Hilti engineering and fit and finish is well-done! I liked the bevel stop knob, legible and accurate scales, the 45-degree stop is nice too! Next stop for Hilit – a track-compatible saw. ~ ETHAN
As a company, Hilti has been slow to update its tools as evidenced by some of our past Head-to-Head tests. The Hilti saw was really well-balanced given its long length, super-solid build, was powerful, had smooth cutting, and had nice adjustments. Welcome back Hilti!
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Electric Circular Saw Manufacturer.
Third place went to BOTH Makita saws. The Makita saws were an easy team favorite during testing with comments such as; smooth, decent power, felt great in the hands,
The Makita 36V saw is awesome. My first saw [31 years ago] was a Makita and this saw brings me right back. Its a smooth cutting saw with great features ~ ROB
The team really likes that the Makita 40V saw which offers track compatibility, it was seriously accurate in our testing, with outstanding features. When comparing the Makita 40v to the Makita 36V saw, the team felt that with exception of the 40v being more powerful, and the track option, no one felt that alone was enough difference to switch from the 18v [36v] platform to 40 volts.
In each of our Head-2-Head tests, we strive to provide you with the most detailed facts available. In order to give you the most comprehensive data possible, our ALL-Pro contractor team committed a substantial amount of time and effort to our Best 7-1/4″ Circular Saw Head-to-Head analysis.
These tests and evaluations are difficult and time-consuming, and ultimately we are limited in scope because we are not a professional testing organization with unlimited time to evaluate the tools. Our crew simply does not have the time to test these saws for extended periods and evaluate their durability, and we can’t possibly test every application for which they might be utilized.
So how did we get to our final rankings? After carefully studying all our data, we rank the saws accordingly. Some of these rankings may not be relevant to you. Perhaps you are only looking at power statistics or simply looking for cost, the best thing is, all our data is right there for you to pick and choose what you need.
You get to pick what information you want or do not want! We also understand that many tradespeople have invested a significant amount of money into a battery platform and staying with that brand is a huge consideration. Our goal was to provide you with the information needed to make your own choices.
Thank you for following along with this Head-2-Head article and if you have a moment, please check out our other Head-to-Head Tests.
Anyone who’s worked on a construction site or been part of their home’s renovation knows how versatile circular saws are. When it comes to breaking down a sheet of plywood and making quick, repetitive cuts on a stack of framing lumber, it’s the best tool for the job. Still, with the abundance of saw brands, power options, and features available, choosing the right one can be challenging. That’s why we tested 10 top models to see which will push your project along and which might hold you back.
To help us select the models we feel confident recommending, we also reached out to a home improvement expert to get his take on how to choose one of these powerful tools. Based on his insights and our hands-on tests, we chose the Makita XSH06PT 36V Brushless 7¼” Circular Saw Kit as our favorite circular saw for its quality contraction and user-friendly operation.
The results of our tests on the Makita XSH06PT and the rest of the saws is below, alongside a quick peek at a product that wasn’t reliable enough to make our list. After pushing these tools to their limits cutting timbers, particle-strand lumber (PSL), plywood, and dimensional lumber, we can accurately say the following lineup represents a solid selection of the best circular saws on the market.
Choosing a circular saw doesn’t have to be confusing. Review the results of our hands-on tests as well as each tool’s pros and cons to help you select the model that’s right for your next project.
The 36-volt cordless Makita circular saw takes top honors in our lineup of the best circular saws for several reasons. First, its base (or “shoe”) and its retractable blade guard are made from magnesium, which offers more durability than steel or aluminum at a lighter weight. It’s also powerful, has a long list of easy-to-use features, and offers an impressive cutting capacity.
We tested the Makita by making straight and bevel cuts of various depths on plywood and dimensional lumber. It powered through smoothly with no torque loss, even after the battery indicators showed less than half a charge. We made repeated cuts over an hour, and the Makita’s motor and housing never heated up.
We also liked that this battery-powered circular saw has a handy quick-change angle adjustment, allowing cuts up to 56 degrees with positive stops at standard angles of 22½, 45, and 56 degrees. Its depth is easy to adjust up to 2⅝ inches, making this tool great for quick-moving projects where you don’t want to stop and use a wrench to change settings. While this handheld circular saw also has a sawdust discharge nozzle for wet/dry vacuum hose connect, we noticed quite a bit of sawdust still escaped from around the blade guard, making this feature of the saw the only one we don’t totally endorse.
Read our full review: Makita XSH06PT 36V Brushless 7¼” Circular Saw Kit
What our tester says: “If I could only choose one circular saw for most nonshop situations—either a corded 7¼-inch model or the Makita XSH06PT—I’d choose the Makita. It offers as much cutting power as most corded saws, and purchasing a couple of extra lithium-ion batteries eliminates any downtime. Corded models are great when you’re in a shop with plenty of outlets, but this Makita is excellent when portability matters.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Makita 36V circular saw at Amazon or The Home Depot.
DeWalt is a leader in the power tool market, and this 20-volt cordless circular saw is a perfect example of why. It’s smartly designed and comfortable to use, and its powerful 20V motor with 5,500 RPM speed allowed us to make repeated straight and angled test cuts of various depths over an hour without it losing power or heating up. It has a bevel capacity of up to 57 degrees, with positive stops at 45 and 22½ degrees, making it handy to cut standard angles without needing to examine the angle measurements carefully before locking in. At 2 9/16 inches, it also offers a deeper cutting depth than most of its competitors.
While we would prefer a magnesium base instead of aluminum, we don’t consider this a deal breaker. The blade-angle-adjustment lever and the depth-adjustment lever save time when making adjustments, and the unit’s rafter hook adds to its versatility. For projects like framing a roof structure with dimensional lumber, it’s nice to be able to hang the saw on a rafter while performing another task and grab it when you’re ready to cut again.
What our tester says: “We like this DeWalt saw for pros, but we also think dedicated DIYers will use it a lot. It’s a great combination of well designed and ergonomic, and it had just as much power on the last cut of our tests as the first.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the DeWalt 20V circular saw at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Northern Tool + Equipment.
Not everyone needs all of the features of a top-of-the-line cordless saw or the heavy-duty capability of a timber-framing model. For DIY projects that include an occasional small framing job or breaking down plywood sheets—especially when saving money is a priority—the affordable Greenworks 7¼-Inch circular saw might be the right choice.
We’ve tested plenty of tools from many manufacturers, but this is the first Greenworks power tool we tried, and we were pleasantly surprised. Despite its affordable price, this circular saw made repeated straight and bevel cuts in plywood and dimensional lumber over an hour of solid testing without heating up on us or losing power. It tops out at 4,500 RPM, which is slightly less speed than some of the other saws we tested, but it will be sufficient for cutting the types of wood most DIYers will need to cut.
The CR24L00K features quick adjustments for both angle cutting (up to 45 degrees) and cutting depth (up to 2½ inches), and we found it simple to adjust both. The base shoe is made from stamped metal, which is to be expected at this price point, but we were disappointed that the blade guard is plastic—it really should be metal. The blade guard didn’t break during our tests, but it’s a weak point in the tool’s design.
Get the Greenworks circular saw (tool only) at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Greenworks.
For part-time DIYers or smaller-framed users, Makita’s 18V LXT cordless 5⅜-inch circular saw’s small size and minimal weight make it an attractive, portable option. This lightweight circular saw weighs just 6 pounds, allowing DIYers of any size and skill level to wield it. It’s well suited to overhead cutting where it isn’t easy to wield a heavier circular saw.
Despite its minimal size and small blade, this Makita cordless circular saw has a depth of cut of up to 2 inches, offering more than enough capacity for cutting dimensional lumber. Its 3,600-RPM top speed should be capable of handling most projects, though the speed is less than some competitive models. The base bevels up to 50 degrees to allow users to make angled cuts.
Although small, we found that this portable circular saw packs quite a punch. It easily powered through straight and angled cuts in plywood and dimensional lumber. While the dual support knob is a little on the small side, we were able to use it to keep the saw stable while cutting. Most pros will probably forgo the dual support and use this model as a one-handed saw.
Get the Makita 18V circular saw at Amazon.
Those seeking a pro-level circular saw for DIY jobs should consider this Skil PWR CORE model. While it looks like a worm-drive saw because of its length and heft, it’s actually a sidewinder with its motor located next to the blade rather than behind it. Upon inspection, we realized the additional length comes from the positioning of the double-battery case, which sits to the rear of the motor.
In our tests, controlling the saw when cutting dense wood and larger pieces of dimensional lumber was made easy by grasping the rear handle and the dual stabilizer bar at the front. The saw’s two 20-volt, 5Ah batteries, provide more than enough power to make repetitive straight and angled cuts on plywood and dimensional lumber. Since it’s billed as a heavy-duty model, we also tested the saw on laminated veneer lumber (LVL), which is very dense and difficult to cut, and it cut through without bogging down.
We like this saw’s deeper-than-average cutting depth of 2 9/16 inches and its up to 53-degree-angle cutting capacity. What we don’t like is having to press a second lever to adjust the blade angle beyond 53 degrees, as it feels uncomfortable and seems unnecessary. We also would prefer a magnesium base shoe to the aluminum one, but we appreciate how the elongated shoe style helps stabilize the saw on deep cuts.
What our tester says: “This saw is well designed, ergonomic, and suitable for heavy-duty DIY use. It’s the Skil model we feel bridges the gap between a standard consumer and a pro tool.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Skil PWR CORE circular saw at Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, or Target.
Getting the hang of using a circular saw can be challenging, but operating a circular saw with laser guidance makes the process much easier. This Skil electric circular saw features a single-beam laser that allows users to maintain consistent passes on cutlines, taking some of the learning curve out of straight cuts. While we’ve found that some laser guides are dim or don’t extend more than a few inches, the laser on the Skil saw is a notable exception. Even outdoors on a mostly sunny day, it was visible on our cutting material for more than 2 feet.
In addition to its laser beam, this corded circular saw also boasts a 5,300-RPM top speed from its 15-amp motor, offering plenty of power and capability. It cuts angles up to 51 degrees and comes with a positive stop at 45 degrees—the angle used most often when cutting miters. Adjusting both angle and depth is simple via levers, and the tool comes with a maximum cutting depth of 2. inches.
While we deem this saw a good choice for making straight and angled cuts on plywood and dimensional lumber, it’s not for heavy-duty sawing. The motor got pretty warm to the touch after about 45 minutes of use, which told us that we were pushing it further than it was designed to go. The saw also has several plastic components, which help keep the price down but make it better for novice DIYers needing a saw for small projects.
Get the Skil corded circular saw at Amazon, Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, or Walmart.
Though this large circular saw from Skil weighs a hefty 16.45 pounds, has a substantial 10¼-inch blade, and operates at a respectable 4,700 RPM—it’s neither the biggest nor the fastest model on our list. Still, it produces enough torque to keep spinning through thick and dense timbers associated with post-and-beam and timber framing. During testing, we used it to make a variety of straight and angled cuts on dimensional lumber and an LVL, and it didn’t heat up at all.
As with most of today’s worm-drive saws, this model is corded because its size and torque demand more power than most lithium-ion batteries can produce. It performed flawlessly when we used it to bevel the edge of a large 8-foot-long 12-inch by 12-inch Hem-Fir beam, and it has an enviable cutting depth of 3 11/16 inches. It cuts angles up to 51 degrees, and both the blade angle and depth are easy to adjust via levers. Over our testing period, our arms and shoulders did get a bit tired from the weight of this saw, making this model a bit much for occasional-use DIYers. If you need to cut sizable dimensional lumber or timbers, however, this is the machine for you.
Get the Skil Worm Drive circular saw at Amazon or Lowe’s.
We’ve purchased “tool-only” power tools in the past, only to find we had to pay as much or more to then buy a compatible battery and charger. The Bosch Profactor circular saw gets around that issue by including the brushless circular saw, battery, charger, and a heavy-duty canvas bag as a complete kit.
But the Bosch isn’t just about a certain quantity of pieces, it’s also a quality tool that cuts up to 50-degree angles and 2½-inch depths. It features easy-to-change adjustments, and though its base shoe and blade guard are aluminum, it’s a well-built saw that, at 12 pounds, weighs slightly more than some of the similar 7¼-inch models we tested.
We made near-constant straight and angled cuts through dimensional lumber and plywood for over an hour, and this saw didn’t come close to overheating. An interesting aspect of this model is that its blade is on the left, whereas the blades on most 7¼-inch circular saws are on the right. While this took a little getting used to, we didn’t feel it was a downside—the saw can be used easily by a right-handed or left-handed user.
Get the Bosch circular saw at Amazon or Lowe’s.
DeWalt is well known for producing high-quality power tools, and the brand’s 7¼-inch worm-drive circular saw is no exception. It features a magnesium base shoe and lightweight aluminum blade guard, meaning it’s not as heavy as many worm drives. We also like its elongated base-shoe design, which creates a stabilizing effect when cutting denser materials. It has an easy-adjust blade angle that cuts bevels up to 53 degrees and offers positive stops at 22½ and 45 degrees, which are standard angles in the construction industry.
During our tests, we made both angled and straight cuts on plywood, dimensional lumber, and LVLs, and this DeWalt saw powered through all of them without heating up or bogging down. This corded circular saw features 4,800 RPM, which is less than some models, but it makes up for the slower speed with higher torque power. It features a 2.438-inch maximum cutting depth that’s also easy to adjust via a lever lock. We would have liked a deeper cut capacity, but this is still a top-performing 7¼-inch circular saw.
Get the DeWalt worm drive circular saw at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Lowe’s.
We had high hopes for the Black+Decker 20-Volt Compact Circular Saw, but it didn’t quite live up to our standards. Unfortunately, this little 5½-inch saw couldn’t muster enough power to make a ½-inch-deep cut in plywood, even though its 20-volt 1.5Ah lithium-ion battery should have been sufficient for such a shallow cut.
Putting together a list of good circular saws was more fun than work—after all, we have years of experience with these tools. Drawing on our expertise, we whittled our testing list down from over 25 to just 10 carefully selected models. We then used our selected saws to make straight and angled cuts in a variety of materials for a solid hour.
When cutting, we only used manufacturer-suggested materials for each model, not attempting to cut LVLs, which are very dense and difficult to cut, with compact circular saws that are not made to withstand that type of cutting. Likewise, we didn’t bother cutting plywood with worm-drive saws, which are explicitly designed to cut denser, thicker materials like timbers.
We monitored each saw to see whether it got hot during use, how easy/challenging it was to adjust blade angle and cutting depth, and if it lived up to the manufacturer’s depth claims. We scored each machine based on a rubric and used our results to determine each tool’s best use.
Motor alignment, run speed, amperages, and blade types are all essential aspects of a circular saw, so here’s a quick primer on all the types of circular saws and necessary considerations to get your search started.
As with any type of saw, corded circular saws tie the user to the power source (i.e., an electric socket), whereas battery-operated models can be used anywhere. On professional job sites, cordless circular saws were once shunned in favor of corded models, but with the recent improvements in lithium-ion batteries, this is changing.
Today’s battery-operated cordless circular saws have much more power and far longer battery life than early models. Much of this improvement is due to the adoption of brushless motors (the latest, most efficient, maintenance-free technology) and higher-quality lithium-ion batteries, though the most powerful models are still corded.
According to Ron Shimek, President of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company, “A corded saw is the best option for consistent power and performance. Corded saws typically offer superior power and cutting capacity, especially for demanding tasks like ripping through thick lumber.” He points out, however, that cordless options are ideal for outdoor or remote jobs, so you may need different tools for different circumstances.
Sidewinder and worm drive refer to motor alignment and position on a circular saw. A sidewinder model’s motor is installed in line with the blade, enabling it to run at high speeds in a compact footprint.
A worm-drive circular saw has a motor in the rear of the saw and uses a set of worm gears (so-called because of their spiraling worm shape) by the blade. Worm-drive saws, which are usually longer, larger, and heavier than sidewinders, tend to reduce speed but increase torque (force). They also require oil to lubricate the gears, so users should check their oil level daily.
For speed, size, and ease of maintenance, a sidewinder model is the way to go. For power and torque, worm-drive saws reign supreme.
Amperage is the amount of electrical power a motor can withstand without its inner components failing. In the past, electric motors were weaker and not as capable, so amperage (amp) was an important specification to tout. Nearly all modern corded circular saws feature 15-amp motors.
A saw’s speed, however, can be a consideration since the faster the blade spins, the quicker it can cut through a material. But speeds tend to be relative because a 15-amp motor can spin a 7¼-inch blade faster than a 10¼-inch blade. Generally speaking, when it comes to 7¼-inch saws, speeds between 4,000 and 5,500 revolutions per minute (RPM) are common and should be adequate for fast, accurate results. Worm drives may offer slightly lower speeds but come with more torque (spinning force), so while they may cut more slowly, they won’t overheat or bog down during big cutting jobs.
Keep in mind that blade speed has very little to do with the density of material a saw can cut. This is largely dependent on the blade type and quality, and you may need to change a circular saw blade to a higher-quality version to cut denser substances.
One noticeable difference among circular saw models is the size of their blades, as each uses a specific-size blade. The average pro or DIYer can get most framing and construction jobs done with a 7¼-inch model. Compact saws might feature blades in the 5⅜-inch range, while large saw blades can be 10¼ inches or more.
Popular types of circular saw blades include all-purpose, framing, finish, and plywood blades. The tooth count (the number of teeth around a blade) determines which projects a blade works best for. The lower the tooth count, the rougher the cut will be, making these blades suitable for framing or demolition. Higher-count blades should be used for cabinetmaking, plywood, and finish work.
Pro Tip: Circular saws cut on the “upswing,” meaning the cutting half of the blade (the part under the shoe) spins toward the front of the saw. This will inevitably cause tiny slivers of wood to “tear out” of the wood—particularly when cutting plywood—creating noticeably rough edges that detract from the quality of work. To minimize this, lay a piece of painter’s tape over the cutline to hold these fibers in place. It’s also possible to cut wood face down to eliminate tear-out concerns on the face of the wood. For more tips, see our guide on how to use a circular saw.
The base plate that rides on the workpiece is known as a shoe, which will generally be made of one of three materials:
Certain materials, such as plywood and other sheet goods, require a shallow blade depth, while others (framing applications, 4×4 posts, etc.) demand the full depth a saw can muster. For true versatility, a circular saw should allow the user to make quick and accurate depth adjustments.
Almost all models feature levers or knobs to adjust the blade angle, known as the “bevel.” Knobs tend to be more accurate at dialing in the perfect angle, although they’re a bit of a hassle to loosen and tighten when wearing work gloves.
The most important consideration when it comes to blade angle adjustment is an easily accessible level or knob. Some manufacturers put these knobs in an inconvenient place—for instance, the rear of the saw between the handle and blade guard—but an angle-adjustment knob in front of the motor where it’s easy to access is the most thoughtful design.
Manufacturers build safety features into their machines to combat the dangers inherent to circular saws. One helpful safety feature is an electric brake, which stops circular saw blades almost immediately after the user releases the trigger. Older models would allow the blade to come to a stop on its own, which could result in a spinning blade coming into contact with something unintended.
Built-in LED lights and spring-loaded blade guards also offer significant safety measures. Work lights illuminate the workpiece, allowing the user to see the cutline and any debris or impending mistakes they should avoid. Retractable guards cover the blade as soon as the blade is removed from the workpiece, helping to minimize dangers.
Safety is also the responsibility of the user, so be sure to wear eye and ear protection when using a circular saw, miter saw, track saw, or table saw.
Some of the best circular saws offer additional features that make the job easier and faster. For instance, some models have dust-collection ports and detachable collection bags to help minimize the amount of sawdust on the cutline. Depending on the kit, cordless saws might come with extra batteries.
Another helpful feature that manufacturers offer with their saws is a built-in rafter hook. These hooks swivel out of the saw, allowing the user to hang them from a rafter, ladder, sawhorse, or another sturdy ledge. Builders have been attaching hooks to their saws for years, and manufacturers are now catching on.
The most common use for a circular saw is cutting framing lumber to length. However, it can also trim deck boards, cut plywood sheets into cabinet panels, cut metal, and even trim plastic.
Q. What kind of cuts can a circular saw make?Circular saws can cut straight lines, make cuts with beveled angles, and even create a series of thin, shallow cuts known as dadoes or rabbets. These kinds of cuts are achievable on both hard and soft materials including pressure-treated or hard wood.
Q. What is the best circular saw for home use?Both the Makita 36V circular saw and the DeWalt 20V circular saw are among the best circular saws for a variety of home projects, including those DIYers are most likely to tackle.
Q. How do you keep a circular saw straight?The best way to keep a circular saw straight is to clamp a straight edge to the workpiece and run the base against it. Another method is to place a small clamp on the front of the base to act as a guide. Ron Shimek, President of Mr. Handyman, a Neighborly company, also points out that “features like laser guides, beveling capabilities, and precise blade depth adjustment contribute to accurate cuts” and clean, straight lines.
Q. Why am I getting kickback on my circular saw?Kickback can occur for a few reasons:
Don’t start the saw with the blade against the workpiece. Allow the blade to get up to speed before pushing it through the workpiece.
Semi-cut workpieces tend to droop, and this droop can cause sideways friction on the blade, pinching it in place. Support the workpiece until the cut is complete.
Hitting a knot in the wood can cause kickback because knots are harder than the rest of the wood. Look for knots when measuring the wood, and try to avoid cutting through them.
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.
Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi.