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From cross-cutting 2x4s to ripping plywood, circular saws use high-powered blades to make various cuts. Although circular saws are often considered woodworking tools, many models can be outfitted with specialized blades to cut masonry, metal, and laminate flooring.
However, with so many circular saws available on the market, narrowing down which one is best for your needs can be challenge. Finding the best circular saw for you can depend on a variety of factors, such as how experienced you are working with tools like circular saws, the material you’re cutting, the project you’re looking to complete, and your workshop set up. Circular saws can typically cost anywhere from $60 to over $300 depending on the make and model.
To help you find the best circular saw for your needs, we researched the top circular saw on the market. Overall, our top choice is the Makita 5007 Magnesium Circular Saw, which has a high RPM that provides smooth cutting power on nearly any material. Read our guide below for more of our top picks.
Top 9 Circular Saws
- Best Overall: Makita 5007 Magnesium Circular Saw
- Most Portable: DEWALT 20-Volt Circular Saw
- Best for Long Cuts: SKILSAW Worm-Drive Circular Saw
- Best Value: CRAFTSMAN 15-Amp Circular Saw
- Most Efficient: Milwaukee 2830-20 Circular Saw
- Most User-Friendly: SKILSAW 5280-01 Circular Saw
- Best Kit: Makita SH02R1 Cordless Circular Saw Kit
- Best Heavy-Duty: SKILSAW SAWSQUATCH Worm-Drive Circular Saw
- Most Comfortable: Ryobi One P505 18-Volt Circular Saw
Compare Top Circular Saws
| Product | RPM | Amps | Cutting Angle | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita 5007 Magnesium Circular Saw | 5,800 | 15 | 90 degrees | 10.6 pounds |
| DEWALT 20-Volt Circular Saw | 5,500 | 20 | 90 degrees | 7.5 pounds |
| SKILSAW Worm-Drive Circular Saw | 4,700 | 15 | 90 degrees | 11.5 pounds |
| CRAFTSMAN 15-Amp Circular Saw | 5,500 | 15 | 55 degrees | 11.05 pounds |
| Milwaukee 2830-20 Circular Saw | 5,800 | 15 | 90 degrees | 9.9 pounds |
| SKILSAW 5280-01 Circular Saw | 5,300 | 15 | 45 degrees | 8.7 pounds |
| Makita SH02R1 Cordless Circular Saw Kit | 1,500 | 15 | 90 degrees | 3.5 pounds |
| SKILSAW SAWSQUATCH Worm-Drive Circular Saw | 4,700 | 15 | 51 degrees | 16.5 pounds |
| Ryobi One P505 18-Volt Circular Saw | 4,700 | 4 | 50 degrees | 5.3 pounds |
| Product | RPM | Amps | Cutting Angle | Weight |
Best Overall
Makita 5007 Magnesium Circular Saw
- $150
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What are Customers Saying About the Makita 5007 Magnesium Circular Saw?
We found that customers who liked this circular saw were impressed with its strong cutting power, was easy to turn on and off, and that it wasn’t overly difficult to maneuver. However, some others felt it was too heavy, and others said the guard handle was inconveniently placed, getting in the way of the sight line.
“Love the one-trigger operation. No side safety button to push awkwardly. Very powerful and extremely accurate cuts, easy to adjust for depth and angle. Don’t see how you could improve the saw. Definitely recommend!” — Dennis Tyrell via Amazon
“The great Makita circular saw is improved with a guard that doesn’t get hung up in the saw cut on your boards, but the padded guard handle gets in the way of your sight 100% of the time so that you cannot see your line; therefore you must lean to the far right and lose your elbow and forearm leveraging strength altogether in order to see it.”— DeWorn out WoodMan via Amazon
Most Portable
DEWALT 20-Volt Circular Saw
- $197.99
- $249
- 20% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are Customers Saying About the DEWALT 20-Volt Circular Saw?
Our team found that several customers who gave this saw a positive review were impressed with its long-lasting battery, quality construction, and its smooth cutting capability. However, some others noted that the saw did not work on most standard battery packs, requiring an additional purchase. Others felt let down by the power level for deep cuts.
“This is the finest circular saw I have owned, and I have owned many. I have waited for some time for a full-sized, full-featured right-blade 7-1/4″ sidewinder … This saw has the fastest rotational speed I have used, and that is perfect with modern thin kerf blades. This saw arrived perfectly aligned and adjusted. I particularly like the instantaneous blade brake, the LED light which illuminates the line of cut exceedingly well, the balance and, of course, the lack of a cord. I remember many hours of frustration fighting cords in my time.” — Charles Cromer via Amazon
“Really ergonomic, lightweight but powerful saw. Tracks easy for a straight cut, but just as easy to maneuver a bit if you somehow get off track. Only real downside to it I can see is that no standard battery packs are up to the task; you’ll want at the very least a pair of 5 amp hours, if not a larger battery and one other higher capacity backup for when that’s charging if you plan to use regularly.“ — Nick via Amazon
Best for Long Cuts
SKILSAW Worm-Drive Circular Saw
- $159
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are Customers Saying About the SKILSAW Worm-Drive Circular Saw?
Our team found that customers who gave this product a satisfactory review were particularly satisfied with its powerful cutting level and smooth cutting ability, even when working on thick materials. Others liked how durable it was and how long the battery lasted. However, others were disappointed in this saw’s lack of lubricant and others felt that the shoe was too small.
“This saw really surprised me with its power. Cut through thick plywood like a hot knife through butter! Cut through treated 2×8 boards with no problem as well and the battery lasted my entire reflooring project. Great saw for the money!” — Kindle Customer via Amazon
“I really like the saw, but I am glad I read reviews on the saw before purchasing. Several reviews mentioned that they received their saw with little or no, worm gear oil. …When I checked the oil level when I received the saw, it was not showing any oil, although the gears did have a coating of lubricant. Had I not added oil, it would have simply been a matter of time before the worm gear seized up.” — CATNVol via Amazon
Best Value
CRAFTSMAN 15-Amp Circular Saw
- $69
- $79
- 13% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are Customers Saying About the CRAFTSMAN 15-Amp Circular Saw
Our team found that several customers who liked this product said that it was easy to set up and cut smoothly. Others particularly liked how lightweight it was, noting that it was good for those who aren’t used to operating heavy-duty tools. On the other hand, there were some customers who said this saw’s glide surface was not completely flat, and others felt the blade wasn’t well constructed.
“…The use of modern and varying materials makes this a relatively light but strong saw. The magnesium shoe is designed with bracing so it won’t warp like another saw I tried a few years ago and gave away. The bevel can be set instantly without tools, and I didn’t know ahead of time, but when I went to use it I discovered a nice detent at 45 degrees- nice surprise! The composite main housing and steel guards all work together well to keep down weight, but I’m not concerned about durability as it looks as if everything was well designed.” — Summitt via Amazon
“This is a nice saw to have around the house. It is fairly light, depth and bevel adjustments are easy to make, and it looks like it will hold up over time. I haven’t used this on a job around the house yet, but I did cut some scrap 2X4s I had laying around the house. The blade isn’t the greatest but that is an easy fix. The cord looks like it will hold up good over time but the plug doesn’t have a ground.” — Booyashaka via Amazon
Most Efficient
Milwaukee 2830-20 Circular Saw
- $219.99
- $235
- 6% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are Customers Saying About the Milwaukee 2830-20 Circular Saw?
We found that customers who were happy with this circular saw said that it cut smoothly and efficiently. Others pointed out the accessories that this saw came with as a standout, including a rafter hook, blade break, and vacuum port adapter. However, some customers had issues with the blade guard blocking sight lines, as well as the sawdust blowing into the shoe.
“What a great saw! Smooth, strong startup and plenty of power. No start-up torque twist like a corded wormdrive. I was afraid of the weight (I’m 71), but I just used a 4amp battery, and the saw was actually lighter than an old wormdrive. Highly recommend.” — Marvin Riggins via Amazon
“Like the weight and the power. Milwaukee rarely disappoints. However, there are a couple of issues that I don’t like. I’m a general contractor, and I’ve been using worm drive rear push skill saws for 45 years. This has a couple of design flaws. The sawdust vent blows straight into your nail bags of you are working on waist-high saw horses from an angle that allows you to see your cut line. The blade guard handle/tab, once the guard is fully delfected from the lumber being cut, eventually blocks your view of the cut line.” — Mark via Amazon
Most User-Friendly
SKILSAW 5280-01 Circular Saw
- $49
- $59.99
- 18% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are Customers Saying About the SKILSAW 5280-01 Circular Saw?
Our team found that several Amazon customers who gave this product a positive review were pleased with how well it cut through materials, particularly pointing to the smoothness and efficiency of the cuts. Others were pleased with how easy it was to hold and grip. However, several reviewers said the blade lock lever was poorly made and broke easily. Some also said the base plate did not fully reach 90 degrees.
“Excellent tool for a DIYer. My first use of this tool was yesterday. It was a very pleasant and rewarding experience. It cut through a 6-inch wood smoothly that if not for the saw dust exhausting out, I did not initially believe that it was sawing the wood. A reviewer who described his experience as “cutting through butter” is absolutely correct. It cut effortlessly and smoothly. It is light weight and yet did not transmit much vibration to my hands. I like the safety buttons that prevent an accidental triggering.” — Songhai via Amazon
“I really like this saw. It has plenty of power for most jobs, all of the different blades I’ve used have stayed tight and the laser has stayed impressively true for a quick guide on cuts. I would definitely buy it again, but there is one very important weak point that others have brought up before the blade depth lock lever. It’s really cheap, and mine snapped off within two months, with normal, finger-tightened effort/force being applied.” — j via Amazon
Best Kit
Makita SH02R1 Cordless Circular Saw Kit
- $149
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are Customers Saying About the Makita SH02R1 Cordless Circular Saw Kit?
We found that those who gave this saw a satisfactory review liked that it could reach into tight angles and difficult spaces. Others appreciated its ergonomic design and long-lasting battery. However, others were let down by its lack of cutting depth and its slow RPM.
“Arrived well packaged and in excellent condition. … Very ergonomic, good battery run time, and easy blade changes make this a handy saw to have on hand for those small cutting jobs.” — Rover100 via Amazon
“I really like Makita. I really want to like this saw. However, it just doesn’t live up to its promise. This really should be an 18-volt tool instead of a 12-volt tool. I went through two fully charged battery packs and only about five minutes of continuous cutting. When cutting at full depth or anything close to it the tool bogs down.” — Bruce B. via Amazon
Best Heavy-Duty
SKILSAW SAWSQUATCH Worm-Drive Circular Saw
- $333.75
- $399
- 16% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are Customers Saying About the SKILSAW SAWSQUATCH Worm-Drive Circular Saw?
For this saw, we noted that several customers were satisfied with its heavy-duty design and ability to cut through thick materials. However, some customers noted that cutting at an angle was challenging with this saw, and others noted that it produced a lot of sawdust.
“I was building an outdoor pavilion using 6×6 posts and 2×12 stringers from green wood. This saw cut through them with ease. I could cut the 6x6s using only two cuts. It’s heavy compared to a normal circular saw. I really like the motor on the right, so it’s easy to see the blade while cutting. Great product.” — Sports Family via Amazon
“Saw is amazing for cutting large quantity of 2×4 on edge. Powers through 4x4s in a single pass. You definitely need to make sure you have a beast of an extension cord, this saw has a heck of a motor. For cutting some random angles on edge, it’s a bit hard to manage, but all and all, it’s an amazing saw.” — Matthew D. Elliott via Amazon
Most Comfortable
Ryobi One P505 18-Volt Circular Saw
- $49.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
What Are Customers Saying About the Ryobi One P505 18-Volt Circular Saw?
We found that customers who left positive reviews for this circular saw noted that it was lightweight and easy to use and reduced wrist fatigue. Others were impressed with its excellent value and cutting power for its price. However, there were some other reviewers who felt this product didn’t hold up to continuous use, and others had issues with the blade not cutting at exact measurements.
“I didn’t know what to expect when I ordered this. But when it arrived, and I put the blade in and made the first cut, I was in love. This is a great little saw. It’s very light and easy to use for several hours without getting too tired in your wrist and hands. it struggled a bit with oak, but I just let the blade do the work, and it cut well. Definitely recommend this as a very versatile shop must-have!” — Jonathan Q. Freeman via Amazon
“I bought this power tool for cutting the bottom of the basement door which was stuck to the rail because of humidity. It is a compact nice machine with pleasant motor sound. It also cut wood very well. But the depth of cutting was shallower than the thickness of the door, and I had to turn over the door and cut it from the other side, too. Also, the loft of blade plate against the base guide of the machine was not exactly 90 degrees, and the cutting was slightly slanted. There was a loft adjustment knob, but it didn’t make it 90 degrees.” — P.M. MUROYAMA via Amazon
What To Know Before Buying a Circular Saw
Before purchasing a circular saw, there are a number of factors that are important to take into consideration.
First, you should determine if you prefer a battery-powered or corded model. Then, you can consider factors such as the blade size and type and the saw’s adjustability. You should also look into the speed of the saw, as well as what important safety features it has. Read our buying guide below for more information on choosing the best circular saw.
What’s the difference between battery-powered and cordless circular saws?
Circular saws come in either corded or battery-powered models. Corded circular saws like the Makita 5007 use electricity to power the blades and deliver accurate cuts. While corded models typically generate higher speeds than their battery-powered counterparts, their reliance on extension cords makes them less portable.
Battery-powered circular saws are known for their lightweight design and mobility. While many battery-operated models lack the cutting power seen in their corded counterparts, some models, like the DEWALT 20-Volt Circular Saw, have efficient brushless motors that adapt to individual workloads to extend the life of their batteries.
What is the typical blade types and sizes in a circular saw?
A circular saw’s blade size is calculated by measuring its diameter in inches. Most circular saws like the SKILSAW 5280-01 Circular Saw With Laser Guide use 7 ¼-inch blades, though some models like the compact Makita SH02R1 12-Volt Max CXT Cordless Circular Saw Kit use smaller blades. The blade size of a circular saw influences its cutting depth, meaning larger blades can cut through thicker materials.
Along with a blade’s size, the blade type also influences a circular saw’s performance. For example, most of the circular saws in this review come with wood-cutting edges with low teeth per inch (TPI). However, if you want to cut metal or other fragile materials, you can purchase blades with a higher TPI that delivers a more polished finish.
Are all circular saws adjustable?
Some circular saws adjust to make cuts at various angles, referred to as beveled cuts. Most circular saws with bevel adjustments can tilt between 0 and 55 degrees. Some models even come with indented marks, known as positive stops, that let users lock into popular bevel cuts for easy adjustments. For example, the CRAFTSMAN 15-Amp Circular Saw has positive stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees.
What is the typical speed in RPMs of a circular saw?
A circular saw’s speed refers to how fast it can spin its blade and cut through the material. Most circular saws have speeds between 5,200 and 5,500 revolutions per minute, though some models, like the Makita 5007 Magnesium Circular Saw, offer speeds up to 5,800 RPM. While a saw’s available RPMs indicate how fast a cut can be made, they don’t impact how thick of a material the saw can cut.
What safety features should you look for in a circular saw?
Most circular saws come with safety features that help you operate the tool. One of the most common safety features is a brake stop, which halts the rotation of the blade once the trigger is released, preventing damage to the workpiece or power cord and injury to the operator. Another common safety feature is a guarded trigger, which requires you to hold down a safety button before activating the trigger.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Circular Saw
Once you’ve found the perfect circular saw for you, it’s time to learn how to best utilize it so you can make clean, efficient cuts every time. This Old House experts have you covered in every aspect of using a circular saw with step-by-step guides and videos from TOH personalities. Check out our circular saw guides below:
- How to Use the Sightlines
- How To Make Straight Cuts
- How To Change a Circular Saw Blade
- How to Choose a Straight Edge for a Circular Saw
- How to Adjust the Blade Depth
- How to Square the Saw Blade
- How to Make an Angle Cut
- How to Make a Straightedge
Frequently Asked Questions About Circular Saws
What are circular saws used for?
A circular saw is an essential DIY tool that uses a moving blade to make straight, accurate cuts. While circular saws are traditionally used to cut 2x4s, plywood, and other lumber, they can be outfitted with different blades to cut masonry, metal, and other materials.
What’s the difference between a circular saw and a miter saw?
While both a circular saw and a miter saw use a sharp, rotating blade to cut lumber and other materials, their difference in design impacts how they’re used. For example, circular saws are handheld tools used to make quick cuts, making them ideal for cutting 2x4s or plywood. Miter saws are stationary tools that make precise, angled cuts using a movable arm, useful for cutting decorative pieces like crown molding or baseboards.
Why does my circular saw get stuck?
If your blade is binding to its cutting material, the problem could be your cutting angle or blade. Ensure your blade is straight, sharp, and secure before using your circular saw.
Are circular saws dangerous?
While a circular saw can cause injury, there are a few measures you can take to ensure you safely use the tool:
- Wear eye and ear protection.
- Wear a dust mask if you’re cutting material that produces a significant amount of dust and debris.
- Don’t wear loose clothing or other accessories that could get caught in the tool’s blade.
- When operating the circular saw, use two hands for maximum control.
- Wait for the blade to stop before setting the circular saw down.
How We Selected the Best Circular Saws
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of saws with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published numerous tool reviews, from cordless drills and impact drivers to tape measures and laser levels.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.
Questions or Comments?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.