Buying Guide

A good circular saw must be able to do what you need done: cut and chew through wood and other materials to get your job done. The motor must be able to function properly and that’s your first consideration. You need enough power to cut through anything from hardwood that’s quite dense to wet wood without stopping in the middle of its track.

The blade will heat and dull when the motor slows down giving you a terrible cut and it can be unsafe to use when the blade pushes back to the operator coming out of the kerf.

My corded circular saw reviews along with my cordless circular saw reviews below will give you the best circular saw choice for the tasks you need to do and do well.

1. Evaluating Circular Saws

Don’t be deceived by assessing only the power of a circular saw. Amps is merely the amount of electricity the motor draws and not the power sent to the blade. The rotational force, or torque, is the horsepower (HP) of the saw when working with the saw.

Saws under $100 are not as powerful to be used constantly while those priced at $125 to $150 will be able to cut much better through dense wood.

2. Corded Electric vs Battery-Powered Circular Saws

Even though the power packs of battery powered circular saws have more voltage for convenience with no electricity available, they still have restricted running times producing less torque than corded electric-operated saws. So if you need to run your saw for longer times, the corded models will be the best option for you.

For those of you who do infrequent do-it-yourself projects, a budget friendly circular saw will do the job for you quite well.

3. Best Circular Saw Features

• Design—power alone is not the best indicator; the smaller features matter as well, such as cord length, spindle locks, electric brakes, dust blowers, rip fences, and laser guides. These aspects make a saw a pleasure to use with its flexibility and endurance where a saw with 6000 RPM isn’t always the controlling factor. Even a carrying bag or hard case makes a circular saw portable when taking it with you.

• Cutting—is important for depth and angles. Cutting at 45- and 90-degrees are the best with bevel stops to adjust the shoe for the most popular angles you like to cut.

• Thickness—of cuts are important and most circular saw blade diameters are from 6-1/4- to 10-1/2-inches, with the 7-1/4-inch being the most general one used to cut up to 2-inches thick wood. The 6-1/4-inch blade can cut 2-inch thick wood as well.

• Power—is the RPM or speed the blade turns for smooth fast cutting. A 5000 RPM circular saw is sufficient for general jobs around the house while higher RPMs at 6200+ are best for heavier jobs.

• Cost—the Black+Decker^® #9 and PORTER-CABLE^® #10 reviewed below are around $60. An excellent saw can range from $140 to $180 while a good plunge saw can run $400+.

• Blades—must be chosen for the job you plan to do. Most wood cutting blades will not cut tile. When cutting brick, cinder block, or tile, get a masonry blade. High-speed steel blades for specialty projects stay sharp longer than typical blades. A diamond tip blade will give tile better quality cuts and carbide-tipped blades stay sharp longer.

A miter saw is less versatile than a circular saw, but for the beginner cutting angles, a miter saw is the best choice. The miter saw is the most accurate for angles on corner baseboards and picture frames with your hands not as close to the blade as with a circular saw. The miter is limited to about 12-inch wide cuts, so a plywood sheet would not be able to be cut. Being stationary, the wood has to go to the miter saw, whereas the circular saw can go to the wood. Miter saws are more expensive than circular saws but give smooth wood edges if you don’t use a fine-tooth blade on a circular saw.

Top 10 Best Circular Saws

1. SKIL^® 5280-01 Corded Circular Saw with Laser, 7-1/4-Inch

SKIL^® makes fabulous power tools! This model number 5280-01 is the best seller on Amazon. It is affordable with extreme power being a lightweight circular saw to reduce body fatigue.

It comes with a 24-tooth carbide blade, blade wrench, and with its 15-Amp motor, it is more powerful than the SKIL^® 5680, also being 15% lighter.

Your blade changes are easier with the spindle lock and the on-tool wrench.

For those accurate cuts you need, the single beam laser will provide those for you. And with the anti-snag lower guard, snags will be reduced when you make those narrow cut-offs.

With its included soft padded carrying bag with zipper, it’s easy to take with you and store.

It has a 51-degree bevel with positive stop at 45-degrees for more cutting capacity. The dust blower has been enhanced keeping it free from sawdust.

There is a power-on indicator, safety lock, and guarded trigger to reduce an accidental start.

The wide foot plate gives you cutting stability, clear visibility and quick cut-depth changes using the rear-view depth adjustment.

You can cut through tree wood, 2 x 4s and plywood with its ability to use standard and arbor-sized blades.

It does not have an electric brake or rip fence; however, that doesn’t mean this saw isn’t worth buying because it’s easy to maneuver and is strong.

The dimensions are 14.25- x 9.75- x 8.5-inches and it weighs 8.7-pounds.

It is 15-Amp, 1800-Watts, 2.50 HP, flat head style with the metric measuring system.

You’ll need a 20-Amp breaker if this info is indeed true from SKIL^®.

Use an extension cord at least 14 AWG (American Wire Gauge) for short distances and 12 AWG for a longer cord for long distances.

Plug the UL^® listed 6-foot cord into a USA 110/120-Volt, 60/60 Hz outlet in North America. This unit is not battery powered. You cannot use it with a 220/240-Volt adapter/converter due to the motor winding—it will fry the machine.

You will receive the accessories listed above and a User’s Manual. The saw has a 1-year repair-or-replace Warranty for home use and a 90-day Warranty for professional use. It is made in China.

Check Price on Amazon®

2. DEWALT^® DWE575SB Corded Circular Saw with Electric Brake, 7-1/4-Inch

With a steel blade with 18 carbide teeth, the model DWE575SB lightweight electric corded circular saw is an Amazon Choice product from DEWALT^®. It’s also available with 18-, 24-, and 40-teeth. This best professional circular saw is affordable and easy to maneuver for contractors and DIY-ers.

It has a tough 15-Amp brushless motor, with an electric brake that stops the blade after the trigger is released.

Its 57-degree beveling with stops at 45- and 22.5-degrees, with depth cut of 2-9/16-inch is a must have. Depth of cut at 45-degrees is 2-inches and at 90-degrees is 2.55-inches. The detents let it stay where you put it.

It also has an integrated dust blower to keep the sawdust out of your way while working. It has a spindle lock for changing blades.

With its laser guide, it’s one of the top circular saws around.

It comes with this carrying bag, but if you want a hard case, it’s available on the page for the saw.

The dimensions are 16.2- x 10.1- x 10.5-inches and weighs 8.8-pounds. The torque is 1400 inch-pounds. It is the flat head style with the metric measuring system and it’s 5200 RPM.

California residents click here for Proposition 65 warning.

Plug the UL^® listed 8-foot cord into a USA 110/120-Volt, 60/60 Hz outlet in North America. This unit is not battery powered. You cannot use it with a 220/240-Volt adapter/converter due to the motor winding—it will fry the machine. It is 1950-Watts output with no rear pivot.

You will receive a blade wrench, User’s Manual, and contractor carrying bag. You will have the 3-year Limited Warranty, 1-year Free Service Warranty, and a 90-day money back guarantee. It is made in the USA of global materials.

Check Price on Amazon®

The DEWALT^® DWE575SB – The Last Circular Saw You’ll Ever Buy video.

3. Makita^® 5007MG Magnesium Corded Circular Saw, 7-1/4-Inch

The Makita^® is an Amazon Choice product with magnesium components making it well balanced and lightweight being one of the best circular saws in the marketplace.

For performance, it operates at 5800 RPM with its 15-Amp motor. It does not come with an electric brake, but model 5007MGA does with even more features.

It has positive stops at 22.5-, 45-, and 56-degrees, and included built-in twin LED lights for cutting easily in dark places with a dust blower.

Cut 2-1/2-inches at 90-degrees with bevel capacity of 0- to 56-degrees.

The dust blower is built in to clear the line of cut for greater accuracy. Attached to the saw is a blade wrench for quick changing of the blades. It comes with a 7-1/4-inch carbide-tipped framing blade for faster cutting and longer life and a rip fence.

It measures 20.9- x 17.9- x 13.9-inches and weighs 10.6-pounds.

Plug the UL^® listed 8-foot cord into a USA 110/120-Volt, 60/60 Hz outlet in North America. This unit is not battery powered. It has 2300-Watts output power.

California residents click here for Proposition 65 warning.

You will get the Makita^® 5007MG, 7-1/4-inch magnesium circular saw, 24-tooth carbide-tipped framing blade, hex blade wrench, rip fence, and hard tool case. It comes with a 1-year Warranty and 30-day money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied. It’s made in China.

Check Price on Amazon®

Makita^® 5007MG Circular Saw Review video.

4. DEWALT^® DCS391B Battery-Powered Circular Saw, Bare-Tool, 6-1/2-Inch

The DEWALT^® 20-Volt MAX lithium-ion battery-powered circular saw has plenty of power in the bare-tool only without batteries model. The Amazon Choice model DCS391B has a carbide-tipped blade with a 5150 RPM motor and a 0- to 50-degree bevel capacity on a magnesium shoe. This is a superb battery powered circular saw.

The battery and charger are sold separately as is the rip fence.

Use the DEWALT^® 20-Volt batteries from other equipment you have or buy new but no lower than 20-Volts. It will not run with other brand batteries.

The measurements are metric, the 2 handles are rubber over molded, and the accessory connection type is 5/8-inch Arbor. The head style is flat. It does not come with a guide.

Note: Do not cut ferrous metals (steel), masonry, glass, masonry-type planking, cement board or tile with this saw.

It does not have a brake but stops immediately when you release the power button.

The dimensions are 8.5- x 15.5- x 10.5-inches weighing 7.1-pounds as is without battery.

California residents click here for Proposition 65 warning.

You will have the 3-year Limited Warranty, 1-year Free Service Warranty, and a 90-day money back guarantee. It is made in the USA of global materials.

Check Price on Amazon®

DEWALT^® 20-Volt Circular Saw DCS391B product demonstration and review video.

5. BOSCH CCS180B Battery-Powered Circular Saw, Bare-Tool, 6-1/2-Inch

BOSCH is another Amazon Choice product that is affordable with great features and benefits. This model number CCS180B is a bare-tool, meaning it does not come with the 18-Volt lithium-ion battery (4.0-Amp) or charger. They are sold separately. The BOSCH is an excellent battery-powered circular saw.

The blade is 18-tooth, and it will easily cut through 2-by material across the entire bevel range. It is cordless and gives a 50-degree bevel range for challenging circumstances.

The 6-1/2-inch saw blade cuts through 2-inch and cuts through 2-inch at 90-degrees and cuts through 2-by material across the entire bevel range.

The gauge for depth-of-cut is easy to read with the bevel scale making your cuts easy to do with accuracy.

With its ergonomic main handle, you’ll find the angle is ideal when pushing your well-balanced saw forward. The dust blower will keep your cut line visible at all times with an anti-snag guard at the bottom to gently ease into your cut.

The blade is on the left and the main handle is held in your right hand.

Your saw and battery are safeguarded with its electronic motor overload and cell protection.

It has an aluminum foot and upper guard, a brake to stop instantly, with an ambidextrous (either hand) lock-off release button to prevent accidental starts.

Blades change easily with the spindle lock and blade change Allen^® wrench, included.

The saw is 11.2-inches high x 13.4-inches long x 8.9-inches wide and weighs only 6.6-pounds without the battery. It’s no-load RPM is 3900.

You will receive the User’s Manual, the circular saw without battery, one 6-1/2-inch 18-tooth carbide blade, and one Allen^® key/wrench. It comes with a 3-year Warranty on the saw. It is made in China.

Check Price on Amazon®

BOSCH 18-Volt Lithium-ion 6-1/2-inch Circular Saw CCS180 Review video.

6. TACKLIFE TCS115A Corded Mini Circular Saw with 6 Blades

TACKLIFE has this new compact mini circular saw that’s quite handy for a variety of uses. This is a best seller on Amazon and is affordably priced for all its features and benefits in one of the best mini circular saws available.

It will cut soft metal, tile, plastic, PVC pipe, drywall, and is perfect for wood. The diamond blade is used for tile.

It comes with 6 blades: Wood: 4-3/4- and 4-1/2-inch diameter; tile/backerboard/cement 4-1/2-inch.

The unit and handle are aluminum metal, not plastic. You’ll receive 6 different blades for different purposes with 4-1/2-inch edges. It’s a left-hand blade design.

The dimensions are 16.5- x 7.5- x 4.7-inches and weighs 5.07-pounds. It is 710-Watts, 5.8-Amps, and runs at 3500 RPM.

The laser light for cutting straight is red. Max Cutting Depth: 1-11/16-inches (90°), 1-3/8-inches (0°-45°). It cuts through a 2 x 4 with ease.

Batteries are not included and the saw uses 2 each LR44 alkaline batteries for the laser light. Be sure you turn it off since it has no automatic shut off and the batteries will die when left on.

Plug the UL^® listed 10-foot cord into a USA 110/120-Volt, 60/60 Hz outlet in North America. This unit is not battery powered.

If you’re left-handed, the safety switch is right-handed using your thumb.

You will receive a comprehensive User’s Manual, the circular saw, metal handle, 6 blades, one hex key, one guide fence slot, adjustable vacuum adaptor, and Warranty card for its 2-year Warranty. It’s made in China.

Check Price on Amazon®

TACKLIFE TCS115A Compact Circular Saw With Laser review video.

7. Milwaukee^® M18^™ 2630-20 Cordless Circular Saw, Bare-Tool, 6-1/2-Inch

This new Milwaukee^® Endurance^™ lithium-ion battery-operated circular saw with magnesium guards and a 24-tooth carbide wood cutting blade with 3500 RPMs is an Amazon Choice product at an affordable price for this top-rated circular saw.

The bare-tool means it does not come with the 18-Volt lithium-ion battery.

The M18^™ is compatible with:

Milwaukee^® M18 18-Volt lithium-ion batteries. Compatible models include the 48-11-1860, 48-11-1850, 48-11-1828, 48-11-1815, 48-11-1840, and 48-11-1820.

This saw requires the Milwaukee 48-11-1828 M18 XC RED LITHIUM 18-Volt battery, 5.8-Amps.

The lightweight saw with handle and a variety of applications such as electrical, plumbing, framing, finishing, LVL headers, and carpentry is a powerful high-performance saw for a cordless circular saw.

The lower and upper guards are made of magnesium to protect the blade from dropping. Ergonomically designed, the soft-grip rubber handle will give you excellent comfort and balance for the cuts you make.

The shoe is aircraft aluminum, easy to read, lightweight, and provides greater accuracy in rip cuts. It does not have a dust blower or laser light.

Stopping your blade quickly is achieved with its electronic brake system. It doesn’t just slow down, it stops!

You can adjust the depth up to 1-1/2-inches and the bevel to 45-degrees for different cuts. The measurement system is metric and the accessory connection type is hex. The arbor size is 5/8-inch and the charge time for the battery you get will be about an hour.

A handy convenience is the on-board fuel gauge displaying the remaining battery charge left.

The dimensions are 8- x 12.2- x 10-inches and it weighs 8.5-pounds.

California residents click here for Proposition 65 warning.

You will receive the circular saw, 24-tooth carbide blade, User’s Manual, and a 5-year Warranty. It is made in China.

Check Price on Amazon®

Milwaukee^® M18™ Cordless Lithium-Ion 6-1/2-inch Circular Saw review video.

8. Makita^® SP6000J1 Circular Saw Kit with Tool Case and Guide Rail, 55-Inch

The Makita^® model SP6000J1, 6-1/2-inch plunge circular saw kit with stackable tool case and 55-inch guide rail, is just the tool for carpenters, professionals, and those doing a lot of work using wood. It’s spectacular! It’s also available as the saw only or the saw with the guide rail and connector kit. See all 3 variables on Amazon for what suits your purpose best.

It includes a 48-tooth carbide-tipped blade, the 55-inch guide rail, wrench, and stackable tool case.

See your beautiful cutting results with its precision straight cutting for a splinter-free mirror finish.

The variable speed dial control lets you select from 2000 to 5200 RPMs no-load speed. You’ll appreciate the easy-to-set depth adjustment with large scale.

Hand fatigue is reduced with its rubber grip handle and its speed control to retain its even speed when cutting.

With the plunge cut and guide rail working together, you’ll have minimal tear-out with precise cutting. This combination is more portable for job sites rather than lugging a table saw around.

Use it to cut in confined areas, and with large panels of wood with its soft-start for switching on and firing up.

Another great feature that I love is its 1-1/2-inch outside diameter (OD) dust port to remove dust connecting to a vacuum system to be gone. The vacuum hose OD measures 1.55-inches and ID measures 1.43-inches.

This circular saw is 12-Amps and most others are 10-Amps.

What’s in the Box:

• (1) 6-1/2-inch Plunge Circular Saw (SP6000J)
• (1) 6-1/2-inch 48-Tooth C.T. Plunge Saw Blade (B-07353)
• (1) Hex Wrench (783203-8)
• (1) Interlocking Case, X-Large (197213-3)
• (1) 55-inch Guide Rail (194368-5)

Specifications:

• Blade Diameter: 6-1/2-inches
• Arbor: 20 mm
• Cutting Capacity (at 90°): 2-3/16-inches
• Cutting Capacity (at 45°): 1-9/16-inches
• Bevel Capability (-1 to 48°) with positive stops at 22.5° and 45°
• Close to the wall cutting (11/16-inch) for expanded cutting applications
• Watts Out: 1800
• Amps: 12
• Overall Length: 13-3/8-inches
• No Track Clamps
• Net Weight: 16.5-pounds
• Shipping Weight: 27.25-pounds

The measurements are 75- x 14.8- x 24.2-inches. The base plate is 6-1/2- x 12-inches.

Plug the UL^® listed 8-foot cord into a USA 110/120-Volt, 60/60 Hz outlet in North America. This unit is not battery powered. Use a 14-gauge extension cord but a 12-gauge is better for no voltage loss when the cord heats up.

California residents click here for Proposition 65 warning.

You will get the accessories listed above plus a 1-year Warranty with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. It is made in Japan and the UK.

Check Price on Amazon®

Makita^® SP6000J (J1 comes with blade) Circular Saw Kit video.

9. BLACK+DECKER^® BDCCS20C Cordless Circular Saw, 5-1/2-Inch

This 20-Volt, 1.5 Ah lithium-ion battery-powered top-rated circular saw is another Amazon Choice product with a high-torque motor. The model BDCCS20C includes the battery and charger. The model BDCCS20B is the bare tool only, not reviewed here.

The carbide blade is 12-tooth. Make various cuts with the 5-1/2-inch blade, included with its tool-free depth-of-cut adjuster. The measurement system is metric with a 10 mm Arbor hole.

You can have 45- and 90-degree bevel cuts using the detents on the gauge. It will cut 2x4s and the shoe can be adjusted for bevel cuts. Cut 1/2-inch MDF board without any problems. It will not cut metal or tile.

This circular saw is not equipped with a laser light or brake.

This unit will work with all BLACK+DECKER^® 20-Volt MAX* System.

The dimensions are 14.2- x 8.4- x 9.2-inches weighing 7.55-pounds.

Plug the UL^® listed charger cord into a USA 110/120-Volt, 60/60 Hz outlet in North America.

California residents click here for Proposition 65 warning.

You will receive the circular saw, 20-Volt lithium-ion battery, charger, and User’s Manual. It is backed by a 2-year Limited Warranty against defects in material and/or workmanship. It’s made in China.

Check Price on Amazon®

BLACK+DECKER^® BDCCS20B Cordless 20-Volt Circular Saw video.

10. PORTER-CABLE^® PCE310 Electric Corded Circular Saw, 7-1/4-Inch

With 15-Amps and a 7-1/4-inch, 18-tooth carbide-tipped cutting blade, heavy-duty magnesium shoe, this handheld circular saw is a must-have. It will provide plenty of power and speed with 5500 RPMs.

This circular saw is designed for wood cutting applications. Do not cut metal, plastic materials, concrete, masonry, or fiber cement materials with this saw.

The upper and lower guards are also made of tough magnesium for more durability.

It has a spindle lock and depth adjustments at 55-degrees maximum with detents at 22.5- and 45-degrees.

It does not come with a guide; however, you can purchase guide #381091-00 on Amazon.

Specifications:

• Depth of Cut at 45-degrees: 1-7/8 inches
• Depth of Cut at 90-degrees: 2-1/2 inches
• Electric Brake: No
• Handle Type: Top Handle
• Arbor Diameter: Standard 5/8-inch
• Laser Guide: No
• Brake: No
• Blade Side: Right
• Horsepower: 2.2
• Carrying Case: No
• Fence: No
• Dust Blower: No

The dimensions are 14- x 9- x 7-inches and it weighs 9.0-pounds.

The measuring system is metric.

California residents click here for Proposition 65 warning.

Plug the UL^® listed 8-foot cord into a USA 110/120-Volt, 60/60 Hz outlet in North America. This unit is not battery powered.

You will receive the 7-1/4-inch 18-tooth carbide tipped wood cutting blade an Allen^® wrench for changing blades, a User’s Manual, and a 3-year Limited Warranty on the tool only, 1-year free service, and a 90-day money back guarantee. It is made from imported parts and assembled in Jackson, Tennessee, USA.

Check Price on Amazon®

PORTER-CABLE^® PCE310 Review video.

Tips Using a Circular Saw

Circular saws are a versatile hand-held machine and one of the most useful tools and the most dangerous.

• Read your User’s Manual for tips and instructions.
• Use the right circular saw for the job.
• Always remove the battery from the charger; never leave it in the charger! Unplug the charger when not in use for battery-powered circular saws.
• Always wear closed-toe shoes, eye and ear protection, and a dust mask.
• I wouldn’t advise wearing gloves with any saw; a friend cut off his finger tips wearing them.
• Use a cutting guide and use support panels for large sheets of wood. Saw horses are good too.
• Set the blade depth to avoid splintering and set the tooth 1-1/2-inches below the wood surface.
• Circular saws work on the upstroke, so place the wood’s good side down.
• Bearings don’t need to be lubricated.
• Put masking tape across sheets for marking the line to cut.
• Have the teeth pointing the way the saw turns and usually marked on the blade.
• Let waste fall freely.
• Use your shop vac to vacuum up sawdust quickly.
• To know the wattage: Watts=Amps x Volts

Watch the video for more tips for using circular saws.

DIY – Woodworking Tips and Tricks with a Circular Saw | Izzy Swan video.

Final Thoughts

The best circular saws are not all that expensive today and have many new features not available a few years ago. Turn your furniture building, beam cutting, framing, and other wood working you do into a less difficult and fatiguing job with any of the 10 top circular saws reviewed here. We hope our suggestions and comments have helped you with your buying decision.

Read reviews and see what others are saying. Feel welcome to leave your questions and comments below. We sincerely value your feedback and will reply to each of you.

We hope we have provided you with information for an informed decision to purchase the best electric circular saw or battery-operated circular saw for your jobs. Happy shopping!