13 Best Circular Saws In The Market Today

Every carpenter needs a good circular saw. Besides being able to make more accurate cuts than a handsaw, circular saws can help you finish more complex DIY projects in a shorter amount of time, with a smaller margin of error.

However, buying a circular saw can be daunting. You don’t know if a certain saw will do what you need it to do, or even if you’ll be able to lift it.

Things like saw style, weight and blade size all determine what the right saw will be for you.

This article will show you were to find some of the best circular saws on the market and hopefully help you decide what saw is the right one for you.

You’ll see which saws out there are the best on the market, and what makes them the best. Hopefully, once you’re done reading this, you’ll know exactly what saw you’ll need to buy for your next project!

Comparison Table: Best Circular Saws

Here is a quick comparison table comparing all the top circular saws in the market today –

Product	Bevel Capacity	Worm Drive	Power Source	Price
DeWalt 20 Volt 6 1/2" MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless	0 to 50	Yes	Battery	Check Price
Rockwell RK3440K Versacut 4.0 Amp Ultra-Compact Circular Saw	0 to 50	No	Electric	Check Price
SKIL 5208-01 7 1/4"	0 to 51	No	Electric	Check Price
DeWalt DWE575SB 7 1/4"	0 to 57	No	Electric	Check Price
Makita 5007MG Magnesium 7 1/4"	0 to 56	No	Electric	Check Price
Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2" Plunge Circular Saw Kit, with Stackable	0 to 48	No	Electric	Check Price
DeWalt XR 20 Volt DCS570B	0 to 57	No	Battery	Check Price
SKIL SPT77WML0-01 Worm Drive	0 to 53	Yes	Electric	Check Price
Makita XSS02Z	0 to 50	No	Battery	Check Price
Tacklife Classic Circular Saw w/ Laser	0 to 45	No	Electric	Check Price
Genesis GCS545C 5.8 Amp	0 to 45	No	Electric	Check Price
Milwaukee 6390-21 7-1/4-Inch 15-Amp Tilt-Lok Circular Saw	0 to 50	No	Electric	Check Price
SKIL 5180-01 14-Amp, 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw	0 to 50	No	Electric	Check Price

Reviews of the Best Circular Saws

DeWalt 20 Lithium-Ion

Key specs overview:

• Worm Drive
• 460 MWO
• 5,150 RPM motor

DeWalt has been around since 1924, founded by Raymond DeWalt as the DeWalt Products Company. It was restructured and re-branded as DeWalt, Inc. in 1947, and has been growing and expanding ever since.

Cordless worm drive circular saws are good for professional carpenters who need to be able to work without having access to a steady stream of power. The larger blade also will allow for you to make deeper cuts.

The lighter weight will make it easier for users of all sizes to use, and 5,150 RPM means that the saw cuts quickly.

The sidewinder design makes it easy to control and maneuver, compared to a worm drive saw that requires you to stand behind it.

Thanks to its worm drive, this is one of the better saws on the market. Though it lacks some features that other saws have, it’s well-rated, and quite strong.

Check Reviews & Price on Amazon

Rockwell RK3440K Versacut 4.0 Amp Ultra-Compact Circular Saw

Key Specs:

• Slim grip handle
• 4.0-amp motor
• 3,500 RPM

This Rockwell circular saw boasts an easy to use design and solid gripped handle so you only need one hand to guide it smoothly.

The built in laser makes cutting solid lines very easy. Also a very compact circular saw that is able to be used in multiple ways.

Slim design allows better control and the laser makes sure you don’t have to measure more than once.

A perfect saw for cutting sheetrock or other types of materials and keep it looking professionally finished. Can even work stronger than expected.

Check Reviews & Price on Amazon

Skil 5208

Key specs overview:

• Sidewinder
• 14-amp motor
• 5,300 RPM

Skil was formed a few short years after the invention of the first electric handsaw by Edmond Michel in 1923. Michel started a small business in 1924, but soon departed to invent more, leaving the company in the hands of his partner.

The company was rebranded a few short years later, and quickly took off.

For carpenters just getting started on their business, a strong, speedy saw would make it possible to do high quality work in a short amount of time.

The 14-amp motor that puts out 5,300 RPM makes it a very powerful, very fast saw that experienced woodworkers would love to use.

This is an ideal saw for commercial carpenters. It’s lightweight and has that coveted worm drive. The larger blade also means that you can make deeper cuts, and the laser guide will make cutting more accurate.

A dust blower will also keep your material free of particles while you’re cutting.

An excellent, tough saw that’s lightweight and has a very large blade. Great for commercial carpenters or for any project around the house.

Check Reviews & Price on Amazon

Dewalt DWE575SB

Key specs:

• Sidewinder
• 15-amp motor
• 0° to 57° bevel capacity

It’s a very fast saw, but the inability to cut through tough materials makes it better for non-professional carpenters.

It’s less than 10lbs, which means that those who don’t hit the gym every day won’t have much trouble lifting or maneuvering the saw while working.

The extra features such as the dust blower, extra degrees in the bevel capacity and electric brake make this circular saw an excellent choice for DIY-ers, hobbyists and anyone else who won’t be making cuts on a regular basis.

This video describes the usefulness of one of the DeWalt saws : 

Though it isn’t the most heavy-duty saw on the market, this Dewalt is a good tool for the occasional project, or those working strictly with wood.

Check Reviews & Price on Amazon

Makita 5007MG

Key specs:

• Sidewinder
• 15-amp motor
• 5,800 RPM

Makita originally began as an electric motor sales and repair company that was founded in 1915. However, in 1958, Makita broke records by becoming the first Japanese company to manufacture portable electric planers.

Since then, the company has made leaps and bounds in power tool manufacturing.

The dust blower, strong motor and high RPM make this a strong, fast saw that’s easy for those who are first starting DIY projects.

LED lights and a higher bevel capacity make it easy for newbies to learn the ropes and practice making different kinds of cuts.

Because it’s a corded saw, you don’t need to worry about battery life or running out of power in the middle of a job.

A somewhat strong yet heavy saw, this one isn’t bad for those new to the DIY or carpentry game.

Check Reviews & Price on Amazon

Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw Kit, with Stackable

Key Specs:

• Electronic Speed Control
• 12-amp motor
• 2,000-5,200 RPM

This Makita circular saw is a great compact option and is very portable. The bevel goes from -1 degrees to 48 degrees to help give the cuts you need with the right precision.

There is an electronic speed control that can change the speed depending on the speed needed to cut through different materials.

This saw works for more than just a hobbyist because it can handle hard to work with material. Depth adjustments are also very accurate for this piece.

A perfect saw for the carpenter who only works when something around the house needs to be fixed or perfected.

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Dewalt XR 20 Volt

Key specs:

• Sidewinder
• 5,200 RPM
• 100 cross cuts

Having such a large bevel capacity makes this an excellent saw for those who need versatility in their saws. The addition of an electric brake also makes this a good choice for the habitual carpenter.

The lack of fancy features makes this an easy gift for someone who doesn’t need all the accessories that a professional carpenter might need.

It being lightweight and on the lighter side also makes this an ideal gift for someone who isn’t passionate about their carpentry.

Some of the Features of this Saw are :

While certainly not the best or cheapest saw out there, it certainly has one of the largest bevel capacities in this list.

Check Reviews & Price on Amazon

Skil SPT77WML-01

Key specs:

• Worm drive
• 15-amp motor
• Anti-snag lower guard

Another strong saw, this Skil worm drive has quite a few features and perks that make it ideal for either professionals or those who have already gotten their feet wet in the DIY scene, but don’t work every day.

The slightly heavier weight may make it an intimidating saw for novice or leaner carpenters, so this saw perhaps is better reserved for those who have more experience.

It being corded also makes it easier to complete longer projects that shouldn’t be interrupted by a battery dying.

A solid saw with quite a few perks, this saw is good for both pros and non-pros who have a bit of experience in DIY projects.

Check Reviews & Price on Amazon

Makita XSS02Z

Key specs:

• Sidewinder
• 700 RPM
• Long warranty (usually 3yrs)

This is a good saw for the occasional carpenter. It’s a lightweight, relatively fast saw with few fancy features. Its slower speed and smaller blade make it great for those who don’t need a whole mess of fancy features.

This saw would make an excellent gift for that one family member that gets the building bug every so often and churns out quick DIY projects every so often.

Some of the Features of this Saw are :

This saw will get the job done, but it lacks many perks that other saws on the market have. It’s really only ideal for those who need that larger bevel capacity.

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Tacklife Classic Circular Saw w/ Laser

Key Specs:

• Sidewinder
• 12.5-amp motor
• 4,700 RPM

Tacklife is a hardware manufacturing business that sell products in North America, Europe and Asia. They are dedicated to providing high-quality products at reasonable prices.

This saw is in the same vein as trim saws, as its smaller bevel capacity makes is suitable for framing, edging and miter cuts.

An ideal gift for someone who like to keep a good-looking, well put-together home, this saw is great for small repairs and tiny DIY projects.

Some of the Features of this Saw are :

A perfect saw for the carpenter who only works when something around the house needs to be fixed or perfected.

Check Reviews & Price on Amazon

Genesis GCS545C 5.8 Amp

Key Specs:

• Sidewinder
• 5.8-amp motor
• 3,500 RPM

Genesis is a great at producing small saws with large performance and this is the case with this circular saw as well.

This saw has a built in dust port to help keep everything clean, and the bevel capacity reaches 45 degrees. Can cut through many different materials with ease while still being small and lightweight.

Some of the Features of this Saw are :

A better saw for personal use than professional, this is a good option for the DIY person at home with small projects.

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Milwaukee 6390-21 7-1/4-Inch 15-Amp Tilt-Lok Circular Saw

Key specs:

• Sidewinder
• 15-amp motor
• Spindle lock

This circular saw is a great option for those who are looking to cut through any type of wood because it is powerful and easily adjustable. It is a corded saw that is attached to the saw itself.

It weighs in at a lightweight 17.8 pounds to make handling it a breeze. The main handle can tilt and lock to keep safe and direction well.

Cutting has never been easier than with this circular saw. It has a 50 degree bevel capacity and should be straightforward to cut straight.

This is a great circular saw choice for many different types of projects, even if you think they might need a table saw.

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SKIL 5180-01 14-Amp, 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

Key specs:

• 14 Amp motor
• 20-Tooth Carbide Blade

SKIL was founded in 1924, and has since grown to become a top provider of construction tools and equipment for professional contractors.

Has a dust blower to help keep your line of sight clean and make everything more comfortable. This is the perfect size and strength to move forward and cut through plywood or anything needed.

A guarded trigger can help make sure that you don’t have accidents along the way. A spindle lock also makes blade changes easier.

You don’t need to be a carpenter to use this saw.

This saw is a great option for those looking to work on carpentry projects and doesn’t have a lot to look down on.

Check Reviews & Price on Amazon

Buying Guide For Best Circular Saw

When it comes to buying a circular saw, a lot of things come into play. What your project is, where your project is and even what size you all determine what saw is the best for you.

Styles of Saw

This Old House notes that there are five main types of saw: worm, sidewinder, small sidewinder, cordless and trim. The type of project you have in mind will determine what saw type you should buy.

Cordless

Cordless saws, as the name implies, run on battery power. They’re great to use when you don’t have an outlet available, but they obviously don’t last as long as their corded counterparts.

They also, as This Old House says, tend to create less torque than other kinds of saws. Some cordless saws have worm drive, allowing them to cut through tougher materials.

Lowe’s also points out that these saws tend to have 5 ⅜ to 6 ½ inch blades. With all that said, this probably isn’t the saw you want if you have a project that involves cutting through concrete, wet lumber or any other tough materials.

Sidewinder and Small Sidewinder

Sidewinder saws tend to be lighter because the motor is sitting alongside the sawblade as opposed to in line with the blade.

This makes it easier for less-than-muscular carpenters to use. However, they still generate a lot of torque, making them good tools for many different kinds of projects.

Most sidewinder saws will usually have between 5 ½ inch and 7 ¼ inch blades.

Small sidewinders are even better for smaller users than regular sidewinders, as they tend to weigh less than 10 pounds.

Worm Drive

Worm drive saws are very tough saws that can cut through any kind of wood or even concrete. This makes them great for heavier-duty jobs or professional companies.

The handle is also further back, and the motor is in line with the blade, which helps the saw produce lots of torque.

Trim Saw

This Old House suggests that trim saws be used for smaller projects such as paneling or finish work. They have tiny blades, usually between 3 ½ to 4 ½ inches, making them perfect for jobs that require precision.

Some Specs to Look Out For

When looking for a saw, there are a lot of extra specs to consider besides, size, saw style and whether it’s corded or not.

This guide by Lowe’s can help break down some circular saw jargon if you’re new to the game. Some important things to consider when looking for the right circular saw for you are:

• Worm drive – indicates that the saw can cut tougher materials such as metal.
• Bevel capacity – gives the range of angles the saw can make a bevel cut at.
• Dust blower features – blows dust away as you’re cutting the materials.
• Laser guides – provides a guiding line of light to prevent mistakes while cutting.
• Electric brakes – a useful safety feature that prevents the saw from still running after the trigger’s been released.

How Do I Know What Saw is Right for Me?

Figuring out what saw you need can be tough! As was said earlier, lots of factors come into play. Are you just cutting some wood for a simple construction project? Or are you completely redoing and need to cut materials such as tile, metal or plastic?

I’m a Professional Contractor/looking to Start a Business…

Worm drive is most likely going to be needed with projects involving stronger materials like metal and concrete.

Chances are, if you’re running a contracting business and doing an array of different jobs with different materials, you’ll need a saw with worm drive.

In addition, if you’re of a leaner or smaller build, a smaller saw would likely be the best choice for you. Not only are smaller saws lighter, they’re easier to maneuver and typically give you more accurate cuts.

I just need my saw every once in a while…

If you’re a DIY project-doer or a hobbyist, then a saw with all the bells and whistles might not be the best choice.

If you’re only doing occasional woodworking projects, or just need that saw for emergency repairs, then a saw without worm drive is probably what you need.

I’m don’t have too much money to spend…

Working with a budget – say, if you’re going to be doing some projects for your neighbors and need a saw fast – then price is probably going to be the defining factor.

You may or may not need a saw with worm drive, but both cheap and expensive saws come with worm drive; worm drive is not the only deciding factor in a circular saw’s price.

I’m new to the woodworking scene…

If you’re just getting into constructing and woodworking and need a saw to get started, again a saw with all the fixings probably isn’t needed.

A saw that’s easy to use, lightweight and with a laser guide is probably what you’ll need. You want to ease yourself into your new hobby – no point in getting a fancy saw if you don’t know how to use all the features yet!

Final Words

Hope this article helped you to find the best circular saw which is right for you. 

Here is the list of our top picks again for you. Check out the specs, reviews, price and offers on Amazon – 

• DeWalt 20 Volt 6 1/2″ MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless
• Rockwell RK3440K Versacut 4.0 Amp Ultra-Compact Circular Saw
• SKIL 5208-01 7 1/4″
• DeWalt DWE575SB 7 1/4″
• Makita 5007MG Magnesium 7 1/4″
• Makita SP6000J1 6-1/2″ Plunge Circular Saw Kit, with Stackable
• DeWalt XR 20 Volt DCS570B
• SKIL SPT77WML0-01 Worm Drive
• Makita XSS02Z
• Tacklife Classic Circular Saw w/ Laser
• Genesis GCS545C 5.8 Amp
• Milwaukee 6390-21 7-1/4-Inch 15-Amp Tilt-Lok Circular Saw
• SKIL 5180-01 14-Amp, 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

Last update on 2021-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API