Last Updated on
Top Overall Pick
Milwaukee M18 2630-20
Premium Choice
DEWALT DCS690X2
Best Value
Ryobi P507 One+
The circular saw just might be the best thing to happen to the building industry since the invention of the wheel.
It’s portable. It’s powerful. And it can chop just about any piece of wood down to size in seconds. Decking timber, hardwood flooring, or even that treehouse you promised to build for the kids are no challenge for the best circular saw.
But before you hand over your hard-earned cash to buy one for your workshop, it’s prudent to do a bit of research. Get familiar with some basic terminology associated with circular saws to help determine what style, features, and price range are right for you.
There are hundreds of models on the market. We’ve taken the time to do some of the in-depth research for you and narrowed it down to our top ten picks. Read through our circular-saw reviews to find the best one for your specific needs.
Our Favorite Circular Saws on the Market [2020]
10 Best Circular Saws - Reviews
1. Milwaukee M18 2630-20 Circular Saw - Best Overall Pick
Key Features
First on the list of our circular-saw reviews is the Milwaukee M18 2630-20. We believe this saw offers excellent functionality for the price. The product includes an 18-volt XC circular saw and a 24T carbide blade.
Its lightweight, compact design ensures comfort and smooth handling throughout the day. An ergonomic soft-grip handle offers accurate control, even in slippery conditions. Angles are no problem with easy bevel and depth adjustment, either. Adjust to a depth up to 1½” and 45 degrees, netting a vast range of cuts.
Safety features include an electronic brake to stop the blade virtually instantly when you finish your cut. Magnesium guards above and below the blade protect the unit from the inevitable bumps and impacts of the DIY environment.
The Milwaukee M18 2630-20 is cordless and compatible with a range of Milwaukee M18-volt lithium-ion batteries. An onboard fuel-gauge display lets you know when you’re running low on power.
Pros
Cons
2. Ryobi P507 One+ Circular Saw - Best for the Money
Key Features
For our best budget circular saw, check out the Ryobi P507 One+. As the price would suggest, it has limited special features. But if you’re looking for a low cost, high-powered tool, this is an excellent investment.
A tough acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic makes the Ryobi P507 lightweight without compromising on durability. In fact, it weighs in at an ultra-featherweight 5 pounds before battery installation, making it extremely handy for those jobs with awkward-to-reach spaces.
The combination of an onboard guiding base and a rubber mold on the grip allows precision during cutting and maximum control at all times.
With the Ryobi P507 One+, you can cut a wide range of angles, up to 56 degrees. Adjustment is easy, thanks to the single-handed adjustment knob on the side of the unit. Cut depth is 2” at 90 degrees and just under 1½ inches at 45 degrees.
This model comes standard with an impressive 6½", 24T, thin kerf, carbide-tipped blade. This blad probably will be enough to get most jobs done. A handy onboard blade wrench lets you easily switch the saw up for specialty work.
Batteries don't come with this saw, but it is compatible with Ryobi’s 18V lithium-ion or NiCad batteries, which are widely available.
This circular saw’s simple design, excellent control, and lower price bracket also make it a top pick for DIY beginners. With power comparable to any corded model and the full maneuverability of a cordless circular saw, this is a super-convenient, economic investment for your tool kit.
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3. DEWALT DCS690X2 FLEXVOLT Circular Saw Kit - Premium Choice
Key Features
If you’re looking for a professional product with plenty of features, check out the DeWALT DCS690X2 Flexvolt. This product includes DCS690 cut-off saw, DCB609 FLEXVOLT® 20V/60V MAX lithium-ion batteries, fast charger, and a diamond cutting wheel.
A high-performance brushless motor delivers all the power of a corded model in a cordless unit. A five-position rotatable guard increases accessibility and enhances angle selection, even in tight spaces. The battery box is latched and fully sealed to keep it protected from the elements in outdoor working conditions.
Other features include a heavy-load indicator light to provide continuous runtime feedback during big jobs and a dual-sided water feed system that offers OSHA-compliant safety via dust management when you’re cutting concrete.
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Cons
4. SKILSAW SPT79-00 MEDUSAW Worm Drive Circular Saw
Key Features
If you need to cut concrete, you need a heavy-duty circular saw. The SKILSAW SPT79-00 15-amp MEDUSAW is hardcore. It includes a circular saw, vacuum-hose adapter with clamp, water-feed assembly, and multifunction wrench, that is why we rate this as the Top Choice for Cutting Concrete.
This saw is chock full of features for a professional finish. It is one of the first fully-integrated saws explicitly designed for cutting concrete. Its worm-drive powered motor and a Cut-Ready adjustable plunge lock combine ultimate precision with convenience when you’re working with stubborn materials. Retractable front pointer guides deliver accuracy when you need it and retract to allow cutting in awkward spaces.
The SKILSAW SPT79-00 also features a dust-control system, suitable for wet or dry use. Combined with ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection and rust-resistant brackets, it is useful for industrial, heavy-duty, professional use.
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5. Makita SP6000J1 Circular Saw
Key Features
Another of our favorite circular saws is the Makita SP6000J1. This product includes a 6½" Plunge Circular Saw, 6½" 48T Carbide-Tipped Saw Blade, Hex Wrench, Interlocking Case, and a 55" Guide Rail.
The Makita SP6000J1 circular saw combines the power of a 12-amp motor with the portability of lightweight magnesium components. If a precise and clean finish is your priority, the SP6000J1 won’t disappoint.
Electronic speed-control allows continuity and precision under load. Also, this model features a built-in depth-stop that helps you achieve a clean finish and avoid tear-out.
It works by making a preliminary cut of 1/16” before cutting through the material, whether you’re cutting straight or at an angle. All of these features bring a professional, splinter-free finish to your work.
The Makita SP6000J1 also wins points for diversity of use. An electronic speed dial control (2,000–5,200 RPM) allows for precise accuracy when cutting a variety of materials. The ability to cut as close to the wall as 11/16” makes it ideal for precision jobs and larger-scale projects alike.
Other convenient features include an electric brake, a large top handle, and a handy plunge release lever. A built-in torque limiter prevents burnout and protects the mechanism from overuse.
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6. SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 Lightweight Worm Drive Circular Saw
Key Features
The Skilsaw SPT77WML weighs in at 11.5 pounds, making it one of the lightest worm-drive circular saws on the market. It includes an on-tool multifunction wrench for easy blade changes, a brush-and-oil maintenance kit, and a 24-tooth carbide-tipped SKILSAW blade.
The all-magnesium construction keeps this saw light under your hand and the motor cool, even after a full day of use, making it ideal for framing, decking, and awkward cuts.
And it’s important to note that lightweight doesn’t mean flimsy with this model. The magnesium housing offers strength and durability without compromising on user comfort.
The 15-amp dual-field motor can power through a variety of timbers at a range of angles. The maximum cutting depth of the 7¼” saw is 2⅜” at 90 degrees. The maximum bevel capacity is 53 degrees, featuring positive stops at 0 degrees and 45 degrees.
Designed with all-day comfort in mind, construction is lightweight and includes soft-grip ergonomic handles. The Skilsaw SPT77WML works fabulously with a variety of softwoods, hardwoods, and engineered timbers makes it our Top Choice for Framing.
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7. TACKLIFE TCS115A Circular Saw
Key Features
This circular-saw kit includes a Tacklife TCS115A compact laser circular saw, metal handle, six blades, a hex key, a guide fence slot, and an adjustable vacuum adaptor.
The Tacklife circular saw uses a 5.8-amp copper motor to offer 3,500 RPM of wood-cutting power. Choose from 24T TCT blades, 60T HSS blades, or a grip diamond blade for a range of uses. Suitable for timber, plastics, soft metal, plasterboard, PVC pipe, and tiles, this will be an excellent addition to your toolkit.
The metal handle helps reduce fatigue for precise one-hand operation makes it our Top Choice for Lightweight. And installation is easy: Simply rotate the handle manually, and the laser guide ensures a clean, precise cut.
You can cut a range of angles using the flexible 90-degree and 45-degree bevel. The bevel angle ranges from 0 degrees to 45 degrees, with a capacity of 1⅜" at 45 degrees. A left-sided design enhances your cut-line visibility and is complemented by a parallel guide attachment for extra precision.
The Tacklife comes equipped with several safety features. A double-protection switch stops the machine from opening accidentally. Together with its ergonomic slim grip, this reduces fatigue and ensures that you maintain control at all times. Its motor postposition equalizes its center of gravity to provide a stable base.
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8. BLACK+DECKER BDECS300C Circular Saw
Key Features
The Black & Decker 7¼” circular saw is another great budget option – with the added benefit of a laser guide for accurate cutting. The product includes the circular saw, a 7¼” blade, and a hex key. You have the option to choose between a 24T or an 18T blade.
With 13 amps of power, this circular saw completes a variety of cuts and angles in a light-to-middleweight saw. A laser guide and easily adjustable bevel make for accurate cutting. It’s constructed from lightweight materials and weighs only 7 pounds. It helps you avoid fatigue with extended use, meaning less downtime and more DIY time.
This saw is backed by BLACK+DECKER's 2-year limited warranty.
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9. XtremepowerUS 2600w Circular Saw
Key Features
The XtremepowerUS 2600W Electric Circular Saw offers excellent power in a lightweight design, making it one of the best electric circular saws on the market. The 15-amp motor and 4,300 RPM will cut through porcelain, concrete, granite, and other masonry. Surprisingly low vibrations and an ergonomic control grip offer comfort throughout the day and lessen user strain.
As a more professional-level saw, it takes safety seriously. A double protection switch stops the machine from opening accidentally, and a metal guard design prevents sparking.
Maintain a dust-free workspace, wet or dry, with the XtremepowerUS. Waterline feeds water to the blade to decrease dust, and the extraction dust port clears dust and keeps your cutting line clear and visible.
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10. Avid Power 5.8 Amp Circular Saw
Key Features
We thought we’d throw this one in at the end as a nicely priced, well-equipped kit. The Avid Power Circular Saw kit includes the saw, two diamond blades, two TCT blades, two HCS blades, and a parallel guide, vacuum adapter, and hex wrench.
More suited to beginners and part-time DIY enthusiasts, this saw is equipped with a 5.8-amp motor for 3,500 RPM of cutting power. It’s suitable for a range of materials, thanks to an excellent selection of blades, making it an incredibly diverse addition to your tool kit.
Perform bevel cuts easily and precisely using the Avid’s mini circular-saw bevel lever. Cutting angles range from 0 degrees to 45 degrees. The maximum cutting depth for this saw is 111/16" at 90 degrees and 11/8" at 45 degrees.
Additional features include a laser guide and a dust-extraction port. These allow for precise cutting by guiding you and keeping the cut line free of dust. A built-in red light further enhances cut-line visibility.
For further dust removal, a vacuum adapter comes standard. You can hook this up to your household vacuum to whisk away sawdust and debris.
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Final Verdict: Our Overall Winner
Milwaukee M18 2630-20
Choosing the best circular saw can be a task and a half. The best option for you will depend on your budget and job requirements. For the professional tradesperson, we rate the Premium Choice to be the DeWALT DCS690X2 FLEXVOLT 60V MAX CORDLESS BRUSHLESS 9" CUT-OFF SAW KIT. Powerful and chock full of features, it will be a long-term investment that brings a professional finish to your work.
For the part-time DIY enthusiast, our Overall Top Pick is the Milwaukee M18 2630-20 18 Volt Lithium Ion 6-1/2" 3,500 RPM Cordless Circular Saw. The unit is robust, lightweight, and designed with comfort in mind.
We hope our circular saw reviews helped you out a bit. Enhance your tool kit with the best circular saw for the job and turn a multi-day project into an afternoon venture with the flick of a switch.
Buyer’s Guide: Getting to Know Your Circular Saw
To the untrained eye, most circular saws look pretty much the same. Very often, the difference in the price tag is the only thing that might catch your eye. Before heading for the bottom shelf, though, familiarize yourself with some basic terminology. Choosing the best circular saw for your needs will help ensure that it remains your favorite DIY buddy for years to come.
Mechanical Style
Sidewinder and worm drives are the two main styles for circular saws. Thankfully, you don’t need to be an expert about the internal workings to pick out the best one. Read some circular-saw reviews and learn the basics to help you make a more informed decision.
Sidewinders
In a sidewinder saw, the motor sits alongside the blade. The handle is positioned over the blade, usually to the right. The position of the motor makes the structure lighter and easier to maneuver than a worm-drive circular saw. Its higher degree of portability and lower price tag make it the most popular style.
Worm Drive
On a worm-drive circular saw, the motor is in line with the blade. As a worm drive requires a gear system to convert the motor’s power into the blade spin, so it tends to be a heavier model. The upside of this design is that it produces more torque than a sidewinder. More torque makes it suitable for heavier-duty cutting projects, such as concrete or wet timber.
So, Which Style is Better for Me?
Sidewinders tend to be more portable and cost less. If your needs are mainly for at-home DIY and lightweight projects, a sidewinder is the better choice. If you’re a professional tradesperson, consider investing in a worm drive for a longer-lasting and higher-functioning product.
Know Your Blade
There’s more to know about a blade than just how sharp it is. The right size and material can make all the difference in the results it achieves. Here are the basics to consider:
Blade Size
Circular saws get sized according to the diameter of the blade. A 7¼” saw is the most popular amongst amateur DIY enthusiasts. It will cut through pretty much anything more than three inches thick. The popularity of the 7¼” means it’s also widely available in designs suitable for cutting through materials other than timber.
Other popular sizes include 6½” and 8¼”. You can purchase smaller trim sizes for more specialized work, such as cutting paneling. These can come in blades as small as 4¼” in diameter.
In most circular-saw models, the blade depth is adjustable. It’s important to note, though, that you can’t match a larger blade with a smaller sized model. The main thing to check before you buy is the maximum wood thickness through which the saw can cut. If you’re unsure, we recommend purchasing the bigger size.
Blade Material
Most modern circular saws have a carbide-tipped wood-cutting blade. Cheaper models might come with a stainless-steel blade. Tempting as a lower price tag can be, you might find this is a false economy. You’ll generally need to replace a stainless-steel blade much sooner and end up forking out for a carbide-tipped blade anyway.
Carbide-tipped blades will generally work for most DIY projects. There are other blades on the market, however, specially designed for cutting metal, tile, and concrete. If the bulk of your DIY projects will be in these materials, then invest in a specialized blade.
Arbor
The sizing of the arbor that the blade will fit is another consideration. Most are universally sized. Some circular saws do take specialty blades that are harder to find, though. Before you buy, check the arbor and make sure replacement blades that fit are widely available.
Cord Versus Cordless
Depending on just how portable you want your circular saw to be, you'll need to choose between a plug-in or a cordless model. Both models have their benefits. A plug-in circular saw gives more sustained power throughout the job. A cordless model, on the other hand, allows work to continue in the absence of an electrical supply.
Older cordless models lacked power and torque. Generally, they were considered inferior to a plug-in model. Current models now use lithium-ion batteries for higher voltage and a more sustained power supply. As a result, the increase in functionality has increased their popularity among consumers.
Regardless of battery quality, a corded circular saw will always offer a bit more torque and a sustainable power supply. The downside, of course, is that it’s not as portable.
FAQ: Is cordless or corded better for home DIY?
In an ideal world, having both a cordless and a plug-in circular saw in your tool kit would be the best option. If you need to choose, however, consider whether you need to prioritize portability or power.
Many power tools from a single manufacturer now employ interchangeable batteries. If you already have a collection of power tools from the same manufacturer, investing in a cordless drill that’s compatible might be an excellent, cost-effective option.
Power Rating
Having sufficient power is as essential for safety as it is for functionality. If the blade on your circular saw lacks enough power for the task at hand, it gets bogged down. This power drag causes the motor to move slower and heat up too much. The result is reduced cut quality, and the slower blade can rise and push the saw back, creating a safety risk for the user.
Amp
The higher the amperage of your circular saw, the more cutting power it exerts. With a corded circular saw, 15 amps are standard. Ten- and 12-amp models also are widely available at a slightly lower cost. But the lower amperage will burn out quickly with frequent use. The price difference between the lower and higher amperage is minimal. So, if you plan to use it a lot, opt for the more significant horsepower. It will save you money in the long run.
Volts
Cordless circular saws are rated by voltage instead of amperage. An 18-volt saw is about the standard, but 20-volt models also are available, offering more power. In addition to the voltage, you can determine the battery life by the amp-hour rating. Most cordless circular saws have a battery life ranging from five to nine hours.
Additional Features
As with any DIY tool, it's good to know the other features and optional extras available. These add-ons might not affect basic functionality, but it might make your life a bit easier. Look out for the following to get the most out of your circular saw:
- Cast magnesium saw foot rather than pressed steel to increase durability
- Power blade brake for additional safety
- Preset bevel stops on the saw foot
- Easily adjustable spindle lock to for changing blades
- Built-in lights
- Laser guideline to increase accuracy
