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The Best Circular Saw

Last updated on May 9, 2022

We looked at the top 14 Circular Saws and dug through the reviews from 26 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Circular Saws.

Best Circular Saw

Our Review Process

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Circular saws are one of the most popular power tools out there, and having one is an absolute must for any DIYer or craftsperson. Circular saws come in a number of styles and configurations. One of the first considerations when choosing a circular saw is whether you want a corded or cordless model.

Cordless models are generally smaller and provide the convenience of transporting the saw someplace else, or operating in spaces where extension cords are unavailable or unsafe. However, the batteries on cordless saws drain quickly when cutting tougher or thicker material. Corded saws are generally slightly larger and can provide more cutting power for longer periods of time.

The other major determining factor in circular saws is blade size. Along with corded or cordless designations, most circular saws are referred to by the specs of their cutting edges. The most common blade size is 7  1/4 inches. Blade size determines the cutting depth of the saw, or what thickness of material it’s capable of cutting through in one go. Saw manufacturers will often include straight-down cutting depth in a circular saw’s specifications, and sometimes also 45-degree cutting depth.

Circular saws also vary by type of motor. Sidewinder circular saws are the most common, in which the motor is aligned along the same axis as the blade. These versatile tools are suited to most applications. Worm drive saws have the motor positioned at a right angle to the blade and use gears to increase the torque transferred to the blade. These powerful devices are ideal for heavy-duty jobs, but they are also heavier.

Regardless of the type of saw you choose, you should verify that you know how to use it safely before getting started. A good way to accomplish this is by spending some time with the instruction manual before you do anything else.

Other considerations with circular saws include shoe material, guides and bevel abilities. The shoe is the foot plate that rests on the work surface, and it can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, steel and magnesium. When considering shoe materials, it’s important to balance durability and weight. Shoes can also incorporate guides for measuring and aligning cuts.

Finally, a saw’s bevel abilities refer to the angles at which it can cut. If you work on a number of complicated projects that might require more than a few standard angles, you should seek a circular saw with enhanced capabilities.

Our Picks For The Top Circular Saws

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

BLACK+DECKER Lightweight Bevel Adjusting Circular Saw, 7-1/4-Inch

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BLACK+DECKER

Lightweight Bevel Adjusting Circular Saw, 7-1/4-Inch

If you're searching for a lightweight circular saw that is easy to maneuver, this model is your best bet. It features a handy spindle lock for quickly changing out your blade and a bevel adjustment to allow for cuts between 0 and 45 degrees. The 13-amp motor is also quite powerful, which means you'll be able to use it for a wide variety of jobs.

Overall Take

Comfortable to HoldThe laser guide on this circular saw means you'll achieve an accurate cut every time.

 Runner Up

DEWALT DCS391B Battery Powered Construction Circular Saw, 6.5-Inch

DEWALT

Battery Powered Construction Circular Saw, 6.5-Inch

Whether you're building a cabinet or creating a deck to surround your pool, this circular saw is a must-have tool. The saw is high-strength, durable and has a 0 to 50-degree bevel capacity. It's important to note that you will need to purchase a battery and charger separately, as they are not included.

Overall Take

Handles Tough JobsThanks to the comfort grips on this circular saw, you'll enjoy better balance and control.

 We Also Like

SKIL Safety Lock Anti-Dust Circular Saw, 7-1/4-Inch

SKIL

Safety Lock Anti-Dust Circular Saw, 7-1/4-Inch

Thanks to the built-in single beam laser guide, this circular saw produces a perfect cut every time. The saw is made using a powerful 15-amp motor and has a durable 7-1/4-inch carbide-tipped blade. You won't become fatigued when you go with this model either, as it weighs less than 7 pounds.

Overall Take

Great FeaturesThis circular saw has an indicator light to let you know when it's powered on.

Pros
" This circular saw is lightweight and maneuverable, and it comes with a laser guide to help you make a straight cut."
Cons
"I wish the SKIL 5280-01 saw came with a magnesium shoe and base plate, but they added a steel compound."
 Strong Contender

RYOBI One P505 Battery Powered Circular Saw, 5.5-Inch

RYOBI

One Battery Powered Circular Saw, 5.5-Inch

This cordless circular saw is part of a large family of power tools that interchangeably use the same battery system. The ergonomic design includes a front pommel handle with overmold for safe and comfortable two-handed operation.

Overall Take

Ergonomic PickWith its powerful motor and versatile bevel system, this saw will get the job done.

Pros
" Compared to other models in this class and price point, I don’t think you’ll be able to find a better performing saw."
Cons
"However you wont get premium materials seen on more expensive saws such as aluminum or magnesium shoe or blade guards."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
21

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the circular saws available to purchase.
14

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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26

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Pro Tool Reviews, Power Tool Buzz, Best of Machinery, BestReviews, Tool Craze.

31,945

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 14 Circular Saws and also dug through the reviews from 26 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Circular Saws.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

RYOBI One P505 Battery Powered Circular Saw, 5.5-Inch

Our Expert Score

9.5
4 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

9.0
1,515 user reviews

Our Take

This cordless circular saw is part of a large family of power tools that interchangeably use the same battery system. The ergonomic design includes a front pommel handle with overmold for safe and comfortable two-handed operation.

What other experts liked

Compared to other models in this class and price point, I don’t think you’ll be able to find a better performing saw.
- Pro Tool Reviews
The saw easily cuts stock wood and plywood while remaining perfectly balanced and comfortable to use.
- Tools In Action
So overall, I found this saw to have excellent power and as I was saying earlier, it has power similar to more expensive pro brand 6-1/2″ brushed cordless circular saws.
- Tool Craze

What other experts didn't like

The minor issues that I found with the blade guard are worth putting up with considering the cutting performance that I experienced.
- Pro Tool Reviews
However you wont get premium materials seen on more expensive saws such as aluminum or magnesium shoe or blade guards.
- Tool Craze

What to Look For

  • Consider whether your planned jobs will require angled or beveled cuts. Circular saws with bevel capabilities often have “stops” at specific angles to aid in making accurate bevel cuts.
  • The most common stops are 45 degrees and 22 1/2 degrees.
  • Blade material is a crucial factor in determining what the circular saw can cut and how quickly the blade will dull.
  • Blade types include steel, high-speed steel, carbide-tipped, tile-cutting and masonry blades.
  • Ergonomics are important when comparing circular saws. The various knobs, handles and other surfaces should be suited to the size of your hand and be comfortable to grip and operate.
  • Be sure to buy safety gear like goggles, work gloves and a dust mask when you order your circular saw. You should use these, along with long pants, long sleeves and steel-toed shoes, while you work with power tools.

More to Explore

The history of the circular saw is shrouded in some degree of mystery. The first patent filed for it, in 1777, may indicate that circular saw blades were already in common use by that time.

Since then, the circular saw has evolved into a compact, portable and versatile tool. Another type of saw with a circular blade is the table saw, which provides a flat surface and a stationary blade, with the work piece being maneuvered towards the saw.

 

More to explore