The Best Circular Saws for the Workshop
The words “versatile” and “tool” are combined so often these days that it’s hard to tell if it’s the truth or just a marketing ploy. But a quick tour of a professional construction site will undoubtedly prove that a circular saw—a handheld electric saw that uses a round spinning blade to cut materials—is the real deal when it comes to versatility. A good home workshop also warrants a reliable, powerful saw for various tasks, from breaking down a sheet of plywood to making quick, repetitive cuts on a stack of framing lumber.
Almost every power tool company sells one or more circular saw models. With an abundance of brands, power options, and features, choosing one can be challenging. We decided to test today’s most popular options and determine which ones were up to the task of making powerful, consistent cuts.
We tested the saws on various wood types, including timbers, particle-strand lumber (PSL), plywood, and dimensional lumber. We didn’t go easy on them because these tools should be capable of delivering reliable results even when pushed to their limits. The following lineup of the best circular saws features the ones that excelled in our tests. Find out the pros, cons, and maybe a few surprises we discovered when testing these top tools.
- BEST OVERALL: Makita XSH06PT 36V Brushless 7¼-Inch Circular Saw Kit
- RUNNER-UP: DeWalt DCS573B 20V MAX Cordless 7¼-Inch Circular Saw
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Greenworks 24V Brushless 7¼-In. Circular Saw
- BEST SMALL: Makita XSS03Z 18V LXT Cordless 5⅜-Inch Circular Saw
- BEST FOR FRAMING: Skil CR5429B-20 PWR CORE 20 7¼-Inch Circular Saw
- BEST LASER GUIDE: Skil 5280-01 Corded 7¼-Inch Circular Saw
- BEST FOR TIMBERS: Skil SPT70WM-01 10¼-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw
- BEST KIT: Bosch Profactor 18V 7¼-Inch Circular Saw Kit
- BEST FOR PROS: DeWalt DWS535B 7¼-Inch Worm Drive Circular Saw
How We Tested the Best Circular Saws
Putting together a list of the circular saws was more fun than work. After all, if there’s one tool we’re not short on experience with, it’s circular saws. We drew upon our past experience with these tools to help us decide which models to test.
First, we thought about all the must-have features we can’t live without and compiled a large pool of tools (more than 25!). Then, we narrowed them down by the brands we know and trust, as not all manufacturers offer the same quality.
Our hands-on testing involved using each saw to cut materials repeatedly for an hour with each circular saw. We made both angled and straight cuts during each saw’s test period and noted how well the tool performed the tasks. We only cut the materials suggested for the saws; for example, we did not attempt to cut LVLs, which are very dense and difficult to cut with compact circular saws that are not made to withstand that type of cutting. Likewise, we didn’t bother cutting plywood with the oversize worm-drive saw, which is explicitly designed to cut denser, thicker materials such as timbers.
We closely monitored each circular saw throughout the test period to determine whether it heated up (a sign the motor isn’t keeping up with the cutting). We also noted how easy/challenging it was to adjust each tool’s blade angle and cutting depth. Most of today’s manufacturers are now putting quick-change lever adjustments on their saws, but some still require a wrench to make these adjustments.
During each test, the saws were awarded points using a rubric. The better they performed, the higher the points they earned. After testing, we added and averaged the scores to determine each saw’s best use.
Our Top Picks
When choosing the best circular saw, there is a lot to know. Luckily, shopping for one doesn’t have to be so confusing. Our hands-on testing process put these tools to work, making straight and angled cuts on various types of material. Unfortunately, not all the saws we tested met our high standards. You can find the ones that didn’t measure up detailed under “Also Tested.” The following models all excelled to earn a spot on this list of the best circular saws, and one is sure to be suitable for a particular user’s project.
Best Overall
Makita XSH06PT 36V Brushless 7¼-Inch Circular Saw Kit
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
- Power source: Lithium-ion cordless battery
- Speed: 6,000 rpm
- Model: XSH06PT
What We Like
- High-quality magnesium foot plate and blade guard add to durability
- Quick lever adjustments for the blade depth and angle make adjustments fast and simple
- 2 bright guide lights illuminate the material right at the point the saw meets the blade
What We Don’t Like
- Sawdust discharge port didn’t do a great job keeping sawdust out of the air when a vacuum hose was attached
For several reasons, the 36-volt cordless Makita circular saw takes top honors in our lineup of the best circular saws. One of the first things we noticed was that the flat base, or “shoe,” was made from magnesium, and so was the retractable blade guard—we were impressed. In our experience, magnesium is not only lightweight, it’s also more durable than steel or aluminum.
We charged both 18-volt lithium-ion batteries to full capacity and got started. We put the Makita to the test by making straight and bevel cuts of various depths on plywood and dimensional lumber. It powered through smoothly with no torque loss, even after the battery indicators showed less than half a charge. We made repeated cuts over an hour, and the Makita’s motor and housing never heated up.
The saw comes with a quick-change angle adjustment, which is handy and straightforward. The Makita cuts at any angle up to 56 degrees and has positive stops, meaning the angle adjustment clicks into a locked position at standard cutting angles of 22½, 45, and 56 degrees. It cuts to a maximum 2⅝-inch depth, and adjusting the depth was a breeze. The easy adjustments make this saw well-suited for quick-moving projects when the user needs to change angles or depth quickly and doesn’t want to stop and use a wrench (the old-fashioned way) to make the adjustments.
This top-performing circular saw also comes with a sawdust discharge nozzle. Typically, these nozzles help direct the flow of sawdust in outdoor settings, but they’re also made to connect to standard wet/dry vacuum hoses. We noticed quite a bit of sawdust escaping from around the blade guard rather than discharging out of the nozzle, so we felt it didn’t make much difference.
Read our full review:Makita 36V (18V X2) Brushless 7¼-In. Circular Saw Kit
Get the Makita 36V circular saw at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.
Runner-Up
DeWalt DCS573B 20V MAX Cordless 7¼-Inch Circular Saw
Product Specs
- Power source: Cordless electric
- Speed: 5,500 rpm
- Model: DCS573B
What We Like
- Relatively compact and ergonomic design makes it suitable for carrying on the job site
- Rafter hook allows user to hang the tool securely when working at heights rather than set it down where it could fall
- Blade depth and angle are easy to change with quick-adjust levers
What We Don’t Like
- Base shoe is made from aluminum rather than magnesium
DeWalt is a leader in the power tool market, and this 20-volt cordless circular saw is a perfect example of why. This saw excelled in our testing, proving to be well-designed and ergonomic—a great combination. We made repeated straight and angled cuts of various depths over an hour and the saw didn’t lose power or heat up. It had just as much power on its last cut of the test as its first.
This circular saw from DeWalt has a bevel capacity of up to 57 degrees, with positive stops at 45 and 22½ degrees, making it handy to cut standard angles without needing to examine the angle measurements carefully before locking in. At 2 9/16 inches, it also offers a deeper cutting depth than most of its competitors.
The base is aluminum, which makes the tool relatively lightweight (9 pounds). We would have preferred a magnesium base for durability purposes, but we don’t consider the lack to be a deal breaker. We found both the blade-angle-adjustment lever and the depth-adjustment lever saved time when we made adjustments.
This DeWalt also boasts a rafter hook, which adds to its versatility. Given this is a slightly compact saw, the rafter hook makes it a top option for framing a roof structure with dimensional lumber—users can hang it on a rafter while performing another task and then grab it when they’re ready to cut again. We like this DeWalt saw for pros, but we also think dedicated DIYers will use it a lot.
Get the DeWalt 20V circular saw at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.
Best Bang for the Buck
Greenworks 24V Brushless 7¼-In. Circular Saw
Product Specs
- Power source: Lithium-ion battery
- Speed: 4,500 rpm
- Model: CR24L00K
What We Like
- An affordable circular saw that is suitable for making most DIY and around-the-house cuts
- Comes with a battery charger and a lithium-ion battery; ready to cut right out of the box
- Nice ergonomics; feels comfortable in hand during use
What We Don’t Like
- Offers slightly less speed than some other models
- Blade guard is made from plastic rather than metal, which puts it at greater risk of breaking
Not everyone needs all of the features of a top-of-the-line cordless saw or the heavy-duty capability of a timber-framing model. For DIY projects that include an occasional small framing job or breaking down plywood sheets—especially when saving money is a priority—the affordable Greenworks 7¼-Inch Circular Saw might be the right choice.
We’ve tested plenty of tools from many manufacturers, but this is the first Greenworks power tool we tried, and we were pleasantly surprised. Despite its affordable price, this circular saw made repeated straight and bevel cuts in plywood and dimensional lumber over an hour of solid testing, without heating up on us or losing power. It tops out at 4,500 rpm, which is slightly less speed than some of the other saws we tested, but it was sufficient for cutting the types of wood most DIYers will need to cut.
The CR24L00K features quick adjustments for both angle cutting (up to 45 degrees) and cutting depth (up to 2½ inches), and we found it simple to adjust both. The base shoe is made from stamped metal, which is to be expected at this price point, but we were disappointed that the blade guard is plastic—it really should be metal. The blade guard didn’t break during our tests, but it’s a weak point in the tool’s design.
Get the Greenworks circular saw at Amazon, Lowe’s (without battery), or Greenworks.
Best Small
Makita XSS03Z 18V LXT Cordless 5⅜-Inch Circular Saw
Product Specs
- Power source: 18V lithium-ion battery
- Speed: 3,600 rpm
- Model: XSS03Z
What We Like
- Lightweight at under 7 pounds; suitable for overhead cutting when necessary
- Although compact, still offers a 2-inch depth of cut, which increases versatility
- Size plus cordless operation makes this a worthy portable option
What We Don’t Like
- Dual hand support is on the small side and not well suited to large hands
- A “tool only” purchase—the battery and charger must be bought separately
For part-time DIYers or smaller-framed users, Makita’s 18V LXT cordless 5⅜-inch circular saw’s small size and minimal weight make it an attractive, portable option. This saw weighs just 6 pounds, allowing DIYers of any size and skill level to wield it.
Despite its minimal size and small blade, this cordless circular saw has a depth of cut of up to 2 inches, offering more than enough capacity for cutting dimensional lumber. Its 3,600-rpm top speed ought to make it capable of handling most projects, though the speed is less than some competitive models. The base bevels up to 50 degrees to allow users to make angled cuts.
Although small, we found that this Makita packs quite a punch. We tested it by cutting plywood and dimensional lumber, making straight cuts and angles, and it powered right through. The dual support knob is a little on the small side, but we were able to use it to keep the saw stable while cutting. We think most pros will use this compact saw as a one-handed saw, however, and not depend on the dual support. This saw is well suited for light cutting and overhead cutting, where it isn’t easy to wield a heavier circular saw.
Get the Makita 18V circular saw at Amazon or Acme Tools.
Best for Framing
Skil CR5429B-20 PWR CORE 20 7¼-Inch Circular Saw
Product Specs
- Power source: Two 20-volt lithium-ion batteries
- Speed: 5,300 rpm
- Model: CR5429B-20
What We Like
- Elongated design of the saw adds control and stability during cuts
- Two 20-volt batteries, included with purchase, provide twice as much power
- While still a 7¼-inch circular saw, it can be adjusted to a depth of 2 9/16 inches, which is deeper than most 7¼-inch saws
What We Don’t Like
- Must push a second button to adjust the angle past 45 degrees, which is cumbersome and slows down angle adjustment
Those who want a pro-level circular saw for DIY jobs should consider this Skil model. At first glance, we thought the Skil PWR CORE was a worm-drive saw because of its length and heft. It’s a sidewinder, however, with the motor located next to the blade—not behind it. When inspecting the saw, we discovered that the additional length was the positioning of the double-battery case, which sits to the rear of the motor.
By grasping the rear handle and the dual stabilizer bar at the front, we could easily con