DIY Handy Gear

Best Circular Saws

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A circular saw is the fastest way to break down plywood, cut framing lumber, and handle general DIY carpentry, and the right choice depends heavily on whether you value portability or raw cutting power.

We've mixed cordless and corded options below since both remain genuinely competitive depending on how you work.

How we picked: We picked saws with strong reputations for cut accuracy, bevel/depth adjustment quality, and dust management, covering both cordless convenience and corded power. Selections are based on published specs, brand track record, and user and tradesperson feedback rather than our own bench testing.

At a glance

#PickWhy it stands outPrice
Skil 5280-01 15-Amp Corded Circular SawTop Pickbudget corded saw - Excellent value with a laser guide for straighter cutsCheck Amazon
Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT Brushless Circular SawRunner-upcordless for serious cutting power - Dual 18V batteries deliver near-corded cutting performanceCheck Amazon
DeWalt DCS570B 20V MAX Cordless Circular SawBest Valuesingle-battery cordless saw - Good power-to-weight balance for a single-battery sawCheck Amazon
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2732-20 Circular SawAlso greatcordless for pros - Class-leading power and cut speed for a single-battery sawCheck Amazon
Bosch CS10 15-Amp Corded Circular SawAlso greatcorded saw for accuracy - Well-regarded for consistent, accurate cuts out of the boxCheck Amazon

The picks in detail

Skil 5280-01 15-Amp Corded Circular Saw

Top Pick

Best budget corded saw

  • Excellent value with a laser guide for straighter cuts
  • No battery to run down mid-project
  • Well-regarded for a saw at this price point

Watch out Bulkier and heavier than premium sidewinder saws.

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Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT Brushless Circular Saw

Runner-up

Best cordless for serious cutting power

  • Dual 18V batteries deliver near-corded cutting performance
  • Brushless motor maintains speed under load through thick stock
  • Shares batteries with the broader Makita LXT lineup

Watch out Requires two batteries, which adds weight and cost.

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DeWalt DCS570B 20V MAX Cordless Circular Saw

Best Value

Best single-battery cordless saw

  • Good power-to-weight balance for a single-battery saw
  • Electric brake stops the blade quickly for safety
  • Fits DeWalt's 20V MAX battery ecosystem

Watch out Runtime on smaller batteries is limited for all-day framing work.

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Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2732-20 Circular Saw

Also great

Best cordless for pros

  • Class-leading power and cut speed for a single-battery saw
  • Rafter hook and LED light are genuinely useful jobsite touches
  • Durable magnesium shoe holds calibration well over time

Watch out Higher price point aimed more at tradespeople than casual DIYers.

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Bosch CS10 15-Amp Corded Circular Saw

Also great

Best corded saw for accuracy

  • Well-regarded for consistent, accurate cuts out of the box
  • Comfortable grip and good sightlines to the cut line
  • Reasonably priced for the build quality

Watch out No cordless version of this exact model in Bosch's current 18V lineup.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy a corded or cordless circular saw?
Corded saws give unlimited runtime and are usually cheaper, which makes sense for shop use near an outlet. Cordless saws trade a bit of runtime for the freedom to cut anywhere, which is worth it for most homeowner and remodeling work.
What blade size do most circular saws use?
7-1/4 inches is the standard size for full-size circular saws and fits the vast majority of aftermarket blades. Compact cordless saws sometimes use 6-1/2 inch blades instead, so check before buying replacement blades.
Sidewinder or worm-drive?
Sidewinder saws are lighter and more common for general DIY use. Worm-drive saws are heavier but deliver more torque, which framing carpenters on the West Coast especially tend to prefer for repeated heavy cuts.

Keep reading

Category

Circular Saws Buying Advice

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