The Best Miter Saws of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Today’s miter saws are a significant improvement over the manual miter boxes of the 1960s, having evolved into powerful tools that streamline the art of mitering, beveling, and crosscutting. That’s why we researched more than 30 models and then narrowed down our choices before choosing the highest-rated ones for testing in our own woodworking shops and on actual jobsites.
After researching the market and conducted our testing, we selected the Bosch GCM12SD Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw as the best overall pick. We chose it based on its powerful 15-amp motor and 12-inch blade, its 3,800-rpm top cutting speed, the padded left- and right-handed trigger handle, and its adjustable fences, all of which make it effective for both DIY and professional use.
Keep reading to find out what happened in testing, and see how the following models earned a spot in our lineup of some of the best miter saws.
- BEST OVERALL: Bosch GCM12SD 12-in. Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw
- RUNNER-UP: DeWalt 12-in. Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Craftsman V20 Cordless 7¼-in. Sliding Miter Saw Kit
- BEST COMPACT: Ridgid 18V 7¼-in. Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
- BEST FOR WOODWORKING: Makita LS0815F 8½-in. Slide Compound Miter Saw
- BEST ZERO-CLEARANCE: Makita LS1019L 10-in. Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
- BEST CORDLESS: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 10-in. Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- BEST FOR TRIM: Delta 10-in. Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
- ALSO CONSIDER: Metabo HPT 12-in. Dual Compound Miter Saw With Laser
How We Tested the Best Miter Saws
Our process began with assembling each saw, some being trickier than others. We attached sharp blades, wings, knobs, and dust-collection systems, assessing the ease of setup. We then examined all features and adjustments, including miters, compound bevels, lasers, work lights, and other conveniences, making sure everything functioned properly. We also checked each miter blade’s squareness for accuracy.
Then, the real tests began. We cut a variety of materials, including 2x4s, 1x4s, base, crown, trim, and even stacked boards for an added challenge. We made dozens of cuts with each saw to see how well it stood up to repeated use. Afterward, we carefully inspected the cut pieces for precision and smoothness.
We graded each saw based on a rubric—the better it performed on a specific test, the more points it received. After our comprehensive hands-on testing, we used the scores to determine which miter saws were best suited for different users and projects.
Our Top Picks
A miter saw is an essential power tool for anyone who does carpentry work. Whether you’re a trim specialist seeking precision for intricate cuts or a carpenter tackling a range of projects, this list has a saw to meet your budget and project needs.
Best Overall
Bosch GCM12SD 12-in. Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Product Specs
- Blade size: 12 inches
- Miter and bevel? Yes, dual bevel
- Sliding? Yes
What We Like
- Smooth zero-clearance arm provides ample user-friendliness
- Powerful motor provides durability and long-term usage
- Dust-collection system keeps dust and debris out of the air and workshop
- See-through safety guard integrated into the design to prevent unwanted cuts
What We Don’t Like
- Does not include a light to illuminate the workspace or a laser to pinpoint cut lines
- At 65 pounds, it’s a little heavy compared with other models and difficult to carry around a shop
The Bosch GCM12SD 12-inch miter saw comes with a sliding arm that allowed us to cut boards up to 14 inches wide. The saw comes with pull-out material supports on both sides to stabilize boards up to 40 inches long, and it cuts compound bevels in both directions.
The clear saw guard on the Bosch miter saw is designed not to obstruct the user’s view of the cut, and we were able to clearly see our cutlines from start to finish. The trigger handle features an ergonomic grip that can be used by either right-handed or left-handed users just as comfortably, and it features a padded nonslip grip. Fences are adjustable, and the miter scale numbers are etched into stainless steel for durability.
During testing, we found that the Bosch saw truly does belong at the top of this list. First, it has a zero-clearance slide arm that can sit up against a wall if necessary. The smooth zero-clearance arm makes accurate cuts. Also, there wasn’t any assembly to deal with, and there are lots of additional references for roof rafters and valley cuts built in. The dust collection is outstanding, and the motor is incredibly powerful. The only qualms anyone might have with this saw is that it’s a little heavy for carrying around the shop, and there aren’t any lasers or lights.
Get the Bosch miter saw at Amazon, The Home Depot, Acme Tools, or Menards.
Runner-Up
DeWalt 12-in. Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Product Specs
- Blade size: 12 inches
- Miter and bevel? Yes, dual bevel
- Sliding? Yes
What We Like
- Powerful motor is ideal for heavy-duty or frequent use
- Large-capacity design makes it ideal for professional as well as DIY use
- Uses a locking lever instead of a turning knob for quick angle changes
What We Don’t Like
- No laser guide integrated into the design
- Needs a lot of room for the slide rails, so it may not suit smaller workshops
Anyone looking for a miter saw that does almost everything well may want to check out the DeWalt 12-inch sliding miter saw. The saw comes with a powerful 15-amp motor, and its sliding rails allowed us to cut a board up to 16 inches wide. With its dual-compound action, there’s no need to turn a board over to cut an opposing angle; just tilt the blade arm in the other direction.
This DeWalt miter saw also features a bright LED light that illuminates the cutting field so the user can see exactly where they’re cutting, but it does not have a laser guide. For easier cleanup, it includes a collection dust bag designed to catch up to 75 percent of the dust it generates.
During testing the DeWalt saw proved to be a worthy tool. Despite not having a laser guide, the onboard LED light and powerful motor made cutting a breeze. We appreciated the large cutting capacity, though it does come at the cost of requiring a lot of room for the rails. Also, instead of a turning knob to lock the saw angle in place, this saw uses a locking lever for quick angle changes.
Get the DeWalt miter saw at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
Craftsman V20 Cordless 7¼-in. Sliding Miter Saw Kit
Product Specs
- Blade size: 7¼ inches
- Miter and bevel? Yes, single bevel
- Sliding? Yes
What We Like
- Lightweight and compact enough to transport if necessary
- Quiet operation volume will not disturb others in a house, on a jobsite, or in a workshop
- Relatively powerful compared with comparable models
What We Don’t Like
- Contains a lot of plastic pieces, so it may not provide long-term durability
- Single bevel may not be ideal for some users
The most significant benefit of the Craftsman V20 is its small footprint and lightweight design. Also, the ability for it to be used even when electricity isn’t available is a plus. Lithium-ion batteries are getting more powerful, and this miter saw can make up to 585 cuts through a 3¼-inch medium-density fiberboard on a single charge. It accepts a Craftsman 20-volt rechargeable battery, which is included along with a battery charger.
This miter saw features a powerful motor that spins the blade at a rate of 3,800 revolutions per minute, making it well suited to cutting wall studs, baseboards, and molding with ease. It also slides, making it possible to cut boards up to 8 inches wide.
We weren’t exactly sure what we’d find with the Craftsman V20 saw, mainly due to its weight—it’s just 31 pounds—and the large number of plastic pieces. But it was easy to put together, cut well, and was shockingly quiet. We could see using this saw for projects like flooring or trim work, though it did handle the construction lumber. Our only real qualms were the plastic and the single-bevel action (rather than dual).
Get the Craftsman miter saw at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware.
Best Compact
Ridgid 18V 7¼-in. Dual-Bevel Sliding Miter Saw
Product Specs
- Blade size: 7¼ inches
- Miter and bevel? Yes, dual bevel
- Sliding? Yes
What We Like
- Cordless design allows it to be used in various locations without needing an electrical outlet
- Weighing just 24 pounds, it’s easy to carry to different locations
- Built-in LED lighting enhances cut-line visibility, improving the accuracy
- Positive bevel and miter stops at standard angles simplify cutting tasks
What We Don’t Like
- Needs to be bolted down for stable operation
- Included dust-collection bag may not provide the most effective dust control
With its sturdy carry handles and a manageable weight of just 24 pounds, the Ridgid miter saw was relatively easy to transport to different worksites. And despite its compact size, this is a powerful little saw.
The most significant standout feature is its cordless design, which eliminates the need for a nearby electrical outlet and the risk of the user tripping over cords. It provides the freedom to work in various locations without being tethered to power sources. One minor drawback is the handle design. It’s more comfortable for right-hand use, and while a left-handed user can operate it, it’s a little awkward.
A 7¼-inch saw has a benefit—while it’s slightly limited to board width (we still cut 2x12s), it offers the flexibility to swap in a blade from a 7¼-inch circular saw when needed. Although not intended for heavy-duty use, the sliding arm adds versatility for longer cuts. In testing, we noticed that it was particularly well suited for cutting trim, base, crown molding, and making mitered and straight cuts on smaller boards. Although its portability is a plus, it must still be bolted down for stable operation.
We thought that the included dust-collection bag left room for improvement—it collected less than half of the sawdust and wood dust the tool generated. We solved this issue by attaching a shop-vac hose for more effective dust control. However, the saw consistently delivered clean cuts, and we were able to make repeated cuts for over an hour without the 18V 4Ah battery showing signs of depletion. On the plus side, the Ridgid comes with a bright LED light that really helps illuminate the workpiece.
This is a great little saw for remote projects and trim jobs. It won’t handle large timbers, but it’s ready to go right out of the box and makes cuts that are straight, true, and precise.
Get the Ridgid miter saw at The Home Depot.
Best for Woodworking
Makita LS0815F 8½-in. Slide Compound Miter Saw
Product Specs
- Blade size: 8½ inches
- Miter and bevel? Yes, single bevel
- Sliding? Yes
What We Like
- Massive cut capacity for a smaller saw makes it ideal for professional as well as DIY use
- Doesn’t deflect while cutting for improved safety and accuracy
- Quiet compared with larger saws on the market
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t tilt to the right, which limits its capability for some cutting tasks
- Soft start feels a bit chattery
For woodworkers needing a miter saw for the workshop or to take on a jobsite, this Makita tool doesn’t disappoint. It cuts boards up to 12 inches wide, and it features pull-out material stabilizers to support boards when cutting.
Weighing in at only 31 pounds, this miter saw is easy to transport, and it bolts to the worktable for stability. The Makita saw comes with a dust-collection port. For added safety, it features a trigger brake that stops the blade from spinning when the user releases the trigger. It also comes with a “soft start” designed to reduce movement and improve accuracy. Additionally, the saw cuts bevels in both directions.
We liked this saw’s smaller blade, as it appeared not to deflect (meaning to bend while cutting) like a 12-inch blade might. The motor was powerful enough for a smaller saw, but the cut capacity was outstanding. The soft start, on the other hand, was a little rough, giving the saw a bit of a chattery feeling until the blade sped up. Our other complaint was that the blade did not tilt to the right, limiting the saw’s capability a bit.
Get the Makita LS0815F miter saw at Amazon,