Best Circular Saws Today [2021]

Pressed for time? Check our best picks

best overall rating ★★★★★

Skil 5080-01

  • Small, lightweight design
  • Thinner blade ensures less strain
  • 50% lighter than conventional models
best overall rating ★★★★★

TACKLIFE Laser Guide

  • Easy blade changes
  • Lightweight and superior maneuverability
  • Improved ergonomic dust blower
best overall rating ★★★★★

Rockwell RK3441K

  • Small, lightweight design
  • Thinner blade ensures less strain
  • 50% lighter than conventional models

Our reviews are unbiased, fact-based, and comprehensively researched to help you make the right buying decisions.

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Are you tired of your circular hand saw that breaks down and doesn’t produce enough power?

Do you want to experience excellent control and seamless maneuverability while cutting various materials using your circular saw?

Look no further! We have reviewed top-quality circular saws in the market today, that you need to solve all your problems.

After going through these reviews, you will be well informed on the best circular saw for your woodwork or construction site.

Top Circular Saw in the Market Compared

Product ImageP)roduct NameFeaturesPrice

Best Overall - Skil 5080-01
  • Voltage: 120 v
  • Weight: 15 pounds
  • Power Source: Electricity powered
  • LED light systems



Best Premium -
TACKLIFE Laser Guide
  • Voltage: 120 v
  • Weight: 54.6 pounds
  • Power Source: Electricity powered
  • Beveling blade system



Best Budget - Rockwell RK3441K
  • Voltage: 20 v
  • Weight: 9.4 pounds
  • Power Source: Battery powered
  • Heat and wear resistance technology



Best Non - Vibrating Motor-DEWALT DC390B

  • Voltage: 20 v
  • Weight: 25 pounds
  • Power Source: Battery powered
  • Tool less blade change lever



Best in Durability - DEWALT 7
  • Voltage: 115 v
  • Weight: 121 pounds
  • Power Source: Electricity powered
  • Automatic shut off



Best in Battery Runtime - DEWALT 20V MAX 7

  • Voltage: 110 v
  • Weight: 121.7 pounds
  • Power Source: Electricity powered
  • Adjustable cutting speed



Best in Battery Compatibility - BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 5

  • Voltage: 120 v
  • Weight: 14.5 pounds
  • Power Source: Electricity powered
  • Variable speed settings



Best Electronic Brake - Milwaukee M18 2630-20
  • Voltage: 220 v
  • Weight: 343 pounds
  • Power Source: Electricity powered
  • Hydraulic feed control system




Best in Blade -
Speed Control-Makita SP6000J
  • Voltage: 120 v
  • Weight: 18 pounds
  • Power Source: Electricity powered
  • Blade tracking adjustment technology



Best in Handling - PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX 6

  • Voltage: 120 v
  • Weight: 48 pounds
  • Power Source: Electricity powered
  • Quick positioning vice


Reviews of Best Circular Saw Today

Best Overall - Skil 5080-01 13

best overall rating

Key Specifications

  • Voltage – 120V
  • Wattage – 1800W
  • Bevel – 51 degree
  • Weight – 6.95 Pounds

We have analyzed more than 20 circular saw models, and the Skil 5080-01 circular saw takes the top spot. This is our best choice on this list as it’s remarkably versatile, plus this saw offers incredible control when in use to reduce user fatigue.

With its improved adjustable bevel range, you will never miss the point when completing your vital woodwork projects.

Here are its key features:

Compared to earlier models like Skil 5380, this Skil saw has a powerful 13-amp motor that always delivers astounding performance. It’s an extremely lightweight saw, with 15% less weight, which effectively minimizes user fatigue.

This product is on a different level. You will love how improved the dust blower for this circular saw keeps sawdust off the cutline, so you hit the perfect cuts desired.
Maneuverability is superior, all thanks to its comfortable handle plus light build materials used in its construction.

Pros

  • Easy blade changes
  • Lightweight and superior maneuverability
  • Improved ergonomic dust blower
  • Adjustable Bevel

Cons

  • Disatisfying customer care service from Skil

There is no saw with quite the adaptability and ease of use, like the Skil 5080-01 electric saw. It has an amazingly long operation and reduced user fatigue generally.

Best Premium - TACKLIFE

best overall rating

Key Features

  • Bevel range – 90° & 45°
  • Left-sided blade design
  • Motor – 3500rpm, 5.8A
  • Weight – 8.27 pounds

This circular saw comes with the most advanced control systems. Its design features a unique metallic handle for durability and less fatigue while working. It also provides a strong clamping force, so cutting is more stable.

The laser guide gives you more control and ensures every time you cut, you do it like a professional. The package comes with a powerful 5.8Amp motor delivering up to 3500 RPMs. Cutting wood, PVC, plastics, and tiles become an easy job with the TACKLIFE 5.8A laser-guided saw.

Pros

  • Reliable depth adjustments
  • Practical 6-blades for versatility
  • Laser guide for professional cutting
  • Ergonomic handling design

Cons

  • Hard to move spring switch button

The TACKLIFE laser-guided circular saw with 6-blades is finished for experts. If you want to make the most accurate cuts out of your plastics, wood, PVC, and even ceramics, this is your tool.

Best Budget - Rockwell RK3441K

best overall rating

Key Features

  • Motor – 5Amp, 3500rpm
  • Blade size – 4-1/2″
  • Cutting diameter – 2 Inches
  • TPI – 24 Teeth Per inch

Rockwell RK3441K comes 50% lighter compared to the traditional 7-1/4″ 2x4s in only a single pass.

With a left-hand side blade design, you have better visibility on the cutting line for precision. At 90 degrees, this saw is capable of a 1-11/16″ cutting depth. The bevel capacity is 1-1/8″ at 45 degrees plus a 3/8 inches’ arbor size.

At only five pounds, you have total control over the saw regardless of the cutting direction. It has a smaller and thinner blade, which means increased performance and less strain when using the saw on wood.

Pros

  • Small, lightweight design
  • Thinner blade ensures less strain
  • 50% lighter than conventional models
  • Comfy in-line grip handle

Cons

  • Blade bolt is prone to splintering

Look no further than this Rockwell RK3441K circular saw if you want a small, compact, comfortable to use tool. It delivers a remarkable performance, plus it’s incredibly portable.

Best Non-Vibrating Motor - DEWALT DC390B

best overall rating

Key Features

  • Motor speed – 3700rpm
  • Blade size – 6-1/2″
  • Voltage – 8 Volts
  • Weight – 8 Pounds

The DEWALT DC390B rips through wood and similarly hard material in no time, all credit to its 3700 rpm fast motor, plus a carbide-tipped rotor blade. With a 6.5-inch depth, this motor has 2x the cutting capacity at 45 and 90 degrees.

For durability, DEWALT made the shoe and upper guard from magnesium. With 0-50 degrees’ bevel range, this circular saw was designed for versatility and ease of use irrespective of the application. Below are some of its key features.

Pros

  • High-Speed motor
  • Heavy-duty shoe and upper guard
  • Zero-vibration rubber grip handle
  • 50% lighter than conventional models

Cons

  • It’s a little heavy for one-hand use

There is no limit to the number of materials you can cut using this saw. Its superfast motor surpasses most of the competitors, plus the blade is carbide tipped.

Best in Durability - DEWALT 7

best overall rating

Key Features

  • Electric Brake
  • Bevel Capacity – 57°
  • Motor – 15Amp, 5100RPM
  • Weight – 8.8 Pounds

Compared to other circular saws in its class, the DEWALT DWE575SB is among the lightest and most versatile tools at only 8.8 pounds. Its special feature is an electric brake that brings the blade to a stop as soon as the trigger is released. This prevents you from making unnecessary extra cuts to prevent material wastage.

It has a sturdy aluminum shoe, and a bottom ball bearing that prevents dust contamination, and smooth retraction.

Regardless of its small size, DEWALT DWE575SB delivers impressive power, namely a maximum of 1950 watts and a 5100 rpm electric motor. It features a 57° bevel capacity and 2-9/16″ cutting depth.

Pros

  • Powerful and fast motor
  • Small and compact design
  • Tougher durable design
  • Ergonomic handles

Cons

  • Wobbling blade

Featuring such a powerful motor, DEWALT DWE575SB is ideal for a myriad of applications, including farmers, remodelers, concrete formers, plumbers, and exterior finishing.

Best in Battery Runtime - DEWALT 20V MAX 7

best overall rating

Key Features

  • Bevel Capacity – 57°
  • Electric Brake
  • Motor speed – 5200rpm
  • Cut depth – 2-9/16″

When versatility, long runtime hours, and cutting speed are mentioned, the DEWALT DCS570B always comes to mind. By owning this circular saw, you have effectively eliminated delays while cutting so you will complete your jobs faster.

DEWALT DCS570B features up to 57-degrees bevel capacity for increased adaptability. Its brushless 5200rpm motor optimizes speed while on charge for energy conservation, which ensures you have longer runtime hours on a single battery charge.

This saw will last you up to 100 crosscuts for a 2×4 wood pine, with the 7″ blade cutting to a 2-9/16″ cutting depth.

Pros

  • Long battery runtime
  • Energy-saving brushless motor
  • Has an electric safety brake
  • High RPM for faster cuts

Cons

  • Awkwardly placed gauge

This small, high rpm, circular saw will live up to most of the applications you subject it to. Besides having a considerable cutting depth, the battery lasts you long enough until your project is complete.

Best in Battery Compatibility - BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 5

best overall rating

Key Features

  • Blade length – 5.5 Inches
  • Weight – 6 pounds
  • Voltage – 20V
  • Material – Plastic

BLACK+DECKER never disappoints in any of their models. For the BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B, they fashioned a soft, comfy non-slip grip handle that optimizes performance even in slippery conditions.

It features tool-free cutting depth with straightforward adjustments. The bevel is adjustable from 45 – 90 degrees, and you can use this motor with the entire BLACK+DECKER 20V Max battery line.

Pros

  • Tool-free blade changes
  • High torque motor
  • Compatible with all BLACK+DECKER 20V Max batteries
  • Compact easy to handle design

Cons

  • Blade stalls easily

This circular saw will effectively cut your 2x8s plywoods with ease, but you have to be careful not to stall the blade. I’d recommend it for not so demanding tasks, and if you must, ensure there is a convenient plug-in power.

Best Electronic Brake - Milwaukee M18 2630

best overall rating

Key Features

  • Electric Brake
  • Motor Speed – 3500rpm
  • M18 compatible
  • Weight – 9.05 pounds
  • No of teeth – 24 TPI

Milwaukee M18 2630-20 is the ultimate time-saving machine. It comes with an electronic brake that immediately brings the blade to a stop when you’re done cutting. This saves you the time required to wait for the blade to slow down.

Its soft-grip handle provides superior comfort when in use, for precision cuts even in slippery environments. It features magnesium guards at the top and bottom, which shield the unit from damage even with drops from several feet.

Available too is a robust bevel adjustment at the front side, which can move up to 45 degrees and significantly impact the cutting depth.

Pros

  • Compact and Durable Design
  • All M18 batteries compatible
  • Electronic brakes for saves time
  • High bevel capacity degree

Cons

  • Not good with long straight cuts

This Milwaukee circular is the best tool for short-poised cutting jobs. If you want to cut longer sheets with it, you might need a stouter version that is touchier.

Best in Blade-Speed Control - Makita SP6000J

best overall rating

Key Features

  • Motor – 12Amp, 5200 rpm
  • Current Limiter
  • Bevel Capacity: -1° to 48°
  • Weight – 9.7 pounds

You always achieve the precise cuts you desire when using the Makita SP6000J cutting saw regardless of whether you are cutting bevel or straight. This is an extremely easy to use circular saw, as it comes with a large top handle plus an electric brake for increased productivity.

For this model, you can adjust the motor speed from 2000 – 5200rpm using the variable speed dial control. This enables you to save energy and to avoid overcuts.

It also features an in-built voltage limiter for overload protection and optimization with various speed variations. For broader cutting applications, it sports an 11/16-inch close-to-wall cutting clearance.

Pros

  • Simple speed variation control
  • Voltage limiter for motor safety
  • Rubberized comfort grip handle
  • Easy to set depth adjustments

Cons

  • Not excellent to make precise furniture cuts

The Makita SP6000J was designed for sheet cutting, remodeling, and trim works. Other trade works that might find this tool useful are cabinet installers, finish carpenters, and time makers.

Best in Handling - PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX 6

best overall rating

Key Features

  • Blade Length – 6.5 inches
  • Voltage – 20V
  • Motor Speed – 4000 rpm
  • Bevel Shoe – 50°

With 4000 RPMs, PORTER-CABLE PCC660B is among the most aggressive circular saws. It’s a compact saw weighing only 6.5 pounds, which effectively makes cuts even in a vertical position.

Its handle has ridges and is over-molded to ensure the tool doesn’t slip when in operation and for increased comfort. This, together with the lightweight design, ensures you never experience any job site fatigue whatsoever.

The beveling shoe pivots the unit up to 50 degrees for the most professional cuts in its class.

Pros

  • High-speed motor for faster cuts
  • Soft anti-slip handles
  • Reliable pivoting shoe
  • Aggressive carbide-tipped motor

Cons

  • Not powerful enough for all-day use

This saw has reliable performance for use with both small and large projects. It’s, however, not suitable for a whole day usage in highly aggressive projects.

Best Circular Saw for Beginners

Milwaukee takes the top place in this category. This circular saw sports a soft-grip handle, which makes it very easy to use.

It also comes with electric brakes that save you time while waiting for the blade to slow down after a cut. This way, you get back to work quickly, and projects are completed faster.

It features a 45 degrees’ bevel capacity and adjustable cutting depth, which gives you a large degree in cutting versatility.

This saw comes compatible with all M18 lines of batteries. This is a big win for any beginner as they don’t have to go through the stress of depth-searching for compatible batteries.

With its top and bottom magnesium guards, this saw can survive drops from several feet above the ground.

Beginners don’t need to worry so much with dropping and damaging their new circular saw, at least not until they get used to using it.

 

Best Circular Saw for Woodworking

It’s almost obvious that the Skil 5080-01 13-Amp 7-1/4″ Circular Saw outdoes all other models when it comes to woodwork.

First, this unit features a powerful 13Amp 1800Watt motor that excellently delivers raw power and unmatched performance. It has a compact and lightweight design, with the complete unit being 15% lighter in weight compared to the previous Skil 5380 model.

It features a spindle lock that ensures blade changes are easy and can be done fast enough, getting you back into your project almost immediately. Its dust blower has been improved to ensure the cutline is clear of any obstructing sawdust.

The Skil 5080 comes with an adjustable bevel of 51°, with a positive stop at 45°.

This is a great entry saw even for a home workshop. It’s compliant for use in a variety of applications, including metering trims and shelving. Just check that you have the right blade for the task.

 

Best Circular Saw Under 100

If you are on a $100 budget and need a circular saw to complete your projects in time, the Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw is the way to go. It’s a compact and small yet mighty option.

With a saw its size, you can move with it almost anywhere. It can even fit in a medium-sized backpack, and it’s not heavy.

The one-hand grip handle offers superior comfort and control any saw could have. It has a left-hand side saw design so you can easily see the cut line for professional precision.

Is it a good wood tool? Yes! The Rockwell RK3441K was born and made for wood. It can rip through any 2″ lumber material in a single pass. The case is similar with any 2x4s.

 

FAQs

Are circular saws dangerous to use?

Since they use a high-speed rotating blade that cuts through wood, plastics, ceramics, and possibly metal, circular saws are hazardous when mishandled. Below is a list of common hazards associated with circular saws.

Electric Shocks
Projected Particles
Disc breakage
Overstrains
Ambient Noise
Amputations and cuts
Blows due to various objects
Scratches and getting trapped

How do I maintain my circular saw?

Ensure blades and saw are clean for maximum performance
Avoid excess humidity
Never clean the blades using a wired brush
Don’t rest your circular saw on steel or concrete surfaces
When cutting hardwood, don’t keep the saw too low to elude overheating its blade

Do I need Gloves when using circular saws?

Since circular saws use sharp blades, you need thick gloves when handling them. This is especially so during blade changes, where you can’t avoid exposing your bare hands to their sharpness.

What causes a circular saw to get stuck?

Setting the proper blade depth will eliminate all blade-getting-stuck problems. If you set it too deep, issues could arise, such as an entanglement because more blade is exposed. Worse still, a kickback could happen if the blade is too deep.

Summary

Circular saws are essential tools for any woodworker, building constructor, and even farmers.

Not all circular saws, however, are fit for all types of jobs.

If you are involved in a lot of long cutting and full-day projects, you might need a heavier saw and one with more power and doesn’t overheat.

Purchase the right circular saw, and it will last you an impressive 10-20 years.

About Stephanie Hall

Stephanie is a DIYer and expert in using power tools. She is an architect and also provides design services. A yoga lover, she meditates to keep herself fit.

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