Last Updated on
Top Overall Pick
Makita XSR01PT
Premium Choice
Hilti 3482502 SCW
Best Value
PORTER-CABLE PCC660B 20V
It can look intimidating, but most people benefit from owning at least one cordless circular saw in their lifetime. A cordless circular saw is useful in construction sites and projects but can also be beneficial for handy homeowners interested in home-improvement and other DIY tasks.
If you’re looking for all you need to know about the Best Cordless Circular Saw, this is the guide for you.
There are many factors to consider before a project, like the cordless circular saw reviews online. In this daunting exercise, what’s most helpful is to be clear about the types of projects you’re interested in before choosing a circular saw model from our Top Ten list below.
Our Favorite Cordless Circular Saw on the Market [2020]
10 Best Cordless Circular Saws - Reviews
1. Makita XSR01PT Cordless Circular Saw - Best Overall Pick
Key Features
Makita is a quality brand, so you can expect a quality tool. The main feature of this Cordless Circular Saw is that it is efficient at any kind of work and exhibits long-lasting power. You won’t be interrupted by the need to re-charge often or switch the batteries.
The model is not the most powerful of all the cordless circular saws in the market, but it’s still in the higher bracket. It will be powerful enough for most jobs that you need to do, and its efficiency is a huge plus. It’s the quality and durability that we have come to expect from the Makita products and tools rolled into one great package.
Pros
Cons
2. PORTER-CABLE PCC660B 20V Cordless Circular Saw - Best for the Money
Key Features
The machine is perfect for contracts that have to execute heavy work in large quantities, where precision isn’t a priority.
It’s a good machine to have on hand and an easy addition to a professional’s arsenal because of its affordability. The low price in no way reflects the quality of the saw, though. It is a sturdy machine, which means there’s no need to handle it with care.
Construction professionals and contractors use this saw on-site for rough-cutting, so it’s not the most versatile of tools.
The tool will be fine without special care or precautions.
Pros
Cons
3. Hilti 3482502 SCW Cordless Circular Saw - Premium Choice
Key Features
The Hilti is a choice for the professionals (and only the professionals). We emphasize that because this machine is not suitable for casual hobbyists or small home repairs—and the price reflects that target market.
The pricing also reflects the fact that it includes more accessories than most of its counterparts—a decent bag, charger, and especially two batteries.
You don’t have to wait between uses or take prolonged pauses for cooling. The bevel features also allow for precise control on cuts and greater accuracy than most other models.
The brand seems committed to high-quality customer service on top of all the features it offers, so it will keep you a Hilti loyalist for a long time to come.
Pros
Cons
4. DEWALT DCS577X1 FLEXVOLT Cordless Circular Saw
Key Features
The DeWalt machine is head-and-shoulders above most of its competitors on the market at present. It has all the advantages of the cordless models and all the power of the corded options.
If you're ready to take the plunge and get serious about precision in your cuts, this is your best bet. It has a brush motor, an integrated dust blower, and an electronic brake. It retails on the high side, but not bad when you consider the quality of the machine you’re acquiring.
Pros
Cons
5. Milwaukee 2730-20 M18 Cordless Circular Saw
Key Features
The machine is a powerhouse boasting 5,000 RPM. A comfortable one too, because of its design. It is intended to reduce worker fatigue, and that features the best grip we have tried in one of these tools.
It is comfortable at work and well-constructed in general.
The hex key storage location is questionable, which is probably the only disappointment design-wise. But overall this device is constructed with durable materials. It boasts an extremely powerful brushless motor and has an electrical brake that makes the blade stop faster for less time-wasting while at work.
Pros
Cons
6. Bosch CCS180-B14 Cordless Circular Saw
Key Features
A much smaller machine, the Bosch model somehow remains powerful enough for general use and has excellent built-in quality.
It is best suited to hobbyists and lighter work at 3,900 RPM, which could honestly be better. The battery and fast-charge technology almost make up for the weak points, though. These features are truly outstanding—a full charge takes just under an hour.
Pros
Cons
7. TACKLIFE TCS115A Cordless Circular Saw
Key Features
The metal handle on this cordless mini circular saw is designed to reduce fatigue on your working hand. It clamps to make cutting work more stable and secure.
Despite its size, the small saw has a powerful copper motor for portable presentation, featuring 5.8 Amps. The motor makes cutting through any materials a breeze. The size might make you think otherwise, but you can easily cut through wood, plastics, plasterboard, PVC pipe, and tile.
A potent tool with good ergonomics and safety features.
Pros
Cons
8. Ridgid Genuine OEM R8652 Cordless Circular Saw
Key Features
The best choice for woodworkers also gives you the maximum bevel cut capacity of 56 degrees on a scale. It’s one of the most versatile machines we’ve reviewed.
It’s a reasonably priced quality machine with plenty of great features that some more expensive tools don’t include, like LED lighting and a dust blower. It also has one of the best handles, incorporating an additional handle farther in front of the tool so that you can grip with your secondary hand when you’re doing more precise work.
If you don’t have a worm saw, then this is also the circular saw that’s best for framing.
Pros
Cons
9. BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20C 20V Cordless Circular Saw
Key Features
At an undeniably attractive price, which is certainly its main selling point, the Black and Decker cordless circular saw also boasts some other amazing features.
It has a high torque motor of 5-1/2-inch that allows for a variety of cuts, performed at exceptional speed. It is a solid machine that is easy to use and a perfect choice for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts. It’s also an excellent tool to have around your home for occasional needs.
Pros
Cons
10. Hitachi C18DGLP4 18V Cordless Circular Saw
Key Features
The Hitachi model is the best bang for the money when it comes to amateur carpenters and homeowners. It allows comfortable work, it’s lightweight for easy transportation and less fatigue, and Hitachi offers lifetime warranties. The lifetime warranty is a rare and valuable feature when it comes to power tools, so homeowners should grab this one with both hands.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict: Our Overall Winner
Makita XSR01PT
Our top choice is the one we choose as our favorite in the list above: The Makita XSR01PT Cordless Circular Saw. It shines brighter than all the rest with its quality, price, and an excellent package of features.
The Makita boasts an excellent quality, which we’ve come to expect from the maker. It will give you extra peace of mind when spending a considerable amount of money on this kind of tool.
The excellent safety features add to the list of benefits, as safety is of the utmost importance when performing any type of job that involves fast cuts.
The Makita XSR01PT Cordless Circular Saw also has plenty of power, which makes it an ideal choice for most DIY aficionados and construction professionals alike. You won’t regret taking the plunge and buying it right now.
Buyer’s Guide: All You Need to Know About Cordless Circular Saws to Pick the Best One for You
Several factors influence the decision when evaluating cordless circular saws, but one of the most important considerations is the power capability. It is the most influential factor when it comes to slicing up the type of material you plan to use with the circular saw.
What Does a Wireless or Cordless Circular Saw Do?
Circular saws are used in woodwork, mainly for dissecting and slicing through different types of wood. Depending on the blades available, these power tools can also be used for cutting other materials, such as drywall, PVC, metal, and more.
Should you go cordless or consider a corded version?
It depends on your usage plans and particular needs.
Cordless circular saws are much more convenient to transport from one place to another.
If you work for periods that can be easily covered by the battery, you should be fine with a cordless one, no matter the project. If you do intense work that continues for many hours, the regular cord option could be a better choice. You will only be able to decide once you know how you will work and whether you’d be happy to invest in spare batteries if necessary.
A cordless circular saw also offers some safety advantages over the corded version because misplaced attachments can easily become a hazard. It is also easier to handle and move around while working because you don’t have to keep minding the cord in the way of your cuts.
Both types have advantages and disadvantages, so the same choice won’t fit for everyone or every job. The benefits each depend mainly on the type of work you’ll be performing.
Here’s an easy checklist to decide what your priorities are:
- Do you need easy mobility? Go cordless.
- Do you need maximum power? Choose corded.
- Do you work for many hours at a time? Choose corded.
- Are you concerned about safety and avoiding accidents? Go cordless.
- Are there appropriate outlets in the location where you’ll be working? Choose corded.
- Do you need a lighter machine? Choose corded (because batteries add weight and bulk).
In the unlikely case that you're a hobbyist with mixed needs or a professional who works with circular saws all the time, it might be worth considering purchasing both types.
Should you buy a kit or a bare tool?
If this is your first machine, you’re probably better off buying a kit. You’ll be covered with most accessories for different types of jobs. It might also result in a better price than buying separate parts.
If you’re a professional and you already have a lot of accessories, spare batteries, and chargers, you could save some money by opting for the “bare tools” option at your hardware store.
Which blade side is better?
If you’re new or don’t mind some routine tweaks, either option can work for you. If you know you prefer one side because you’re used to working that way, rather go with this factor when shopping around.
Some people don’t realize that blades on saws can vary (on the right side as you push the saw forward or on the left if you don’t). We thought it was worth mentioning so that you’ll keep this in mind while considering a purchase.
It’s likely that you’ll end up buying a saw on the opposite side from what you’re used to if you are switching from corded to cordless or the other way around.
What You Should Know About Motors?
Brushless motors are the superior choice. The battery usage is more efficient, making this feature particularly important if you’re opting for a cordless model.
Brushless motors typically mean less weight, more power, and a longer run-time, which leads to more productivity in general terms.
Don't Be Confused by Voltage Labeling.
Whether the box says 18V or 20V, it’s the same thing. It is essentially a confusing marketing tactic via ‘creative’ labeling. Both these options have the same potency during the work, so 18V should be the figure that all companies advertise for transparent marketing.
Pay Attention to RPM Ratings.
RPM, or rotation per minute, variations make a significant difference in cutting speeds. Cordless Circular Saws usually range from 3,500 to 5,800, which means they’re right about the same as corded ones if you pick a model on the higher side of RPMs offered.
Higher RPMs also mean more control on your part when it comes to cuts, so more detailed jobs also benefit from bigger numbers when it comes to RPM ratings.
Battery Runtime Is Not that Important
The real-life runtime of a bettery is hard to determine because it depends on the job you’re executing. If the saw is working harder, the battery will deplete faster.
It should not be a deal-breaker, though.
You can solve this kind of problem by having a fast charger and a second (or even third) spare battery to switch at a moment’s notice.
The Maximum Depth of Cut and Depth of the Material You Want to Work with are Important
Most manufacturers of circular saws advise you to make sure the blade cuts 1/4 in. deeper than the material you’re using. It is important for the best performance and for safety.
The highest amount of versatility is achieved with those machines that have an adjustable base plate, so keep an eye out for this feature.
Any Other Considerations for Choosing the Right Tool?
Besides the specifications, you also need to consider the blade availability when you decide on a brand. Some replacement blades are easier to find than others. You’ll be glad you researched this detail whenever you’re shopping for replacement blades and other accessories down the road.
Depending on the stores you can access, it’s important to remember that the more readily available blades are 7-1/4-in. The 6-1/2-in blades are somewhat trickier to find, and small blades are the most elusive at regular retail outlets.
Important Safety Measures You Must Not Forget About
All work involving power tools requires precaution. It is not as interesting as features and characteristics for the tools, but it is essential for performing SAFE and efficient work.
- In the case of cordless circular saws, make sure you:
- wear safety glasses and a saving shield because little pieces of material could accidentally fly in your general direction.
- protect your hearing with appropriate equipment.
- wear an adequate mask so that you’re not inhaling the dust from the cuts you’re making.
- operate the saw correctly.
- are careful if you're left-handed—most saws are designed for right-hand operation.
