The Best Table Saws, Tested and Reviewed
Editor’s Note: Testing for this article took place in late 2023 and these products remain our current top recommendations for 2024 until we revisit this category. Stay tuned for our 2024 updates.
Table saws top the wish lists of both DIYers and seasoned woodworkers. After researching more than 25 popular models, we put some of the best table saws through side-by-side hands-on testing. These powerful saws cut with more accuracy than circular saws, and they can cut larger pieces of material, including wood, plastic, and aluminum sheeting.
Essentially, a table saw’s main function is to perform rips, or cuts along the length of a board. While you can make rip cuts (lengthwise cuts), crosscuts, and angled cuts, and can even create a bevel cut along with dadoes, ripping remains this power tool’s primary purpose.
From simple DIY tasks to a months-long setup for remodeling a house, we put these table saws through a range of real-life uses so we could share our experience. After testing, our favorite was the DeWalt 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw and Rolling Stand for its superior precision and portability.
In this guide, we’ll dive into what makes this type of saw so useful, review our top picks, and outline what to look for when shopping for the best table saw for your workshop.
- BEST OVERALL: DeWalt 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw and Rolling Stand
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 8¼-Inch Table Saw
- UPGRADE PICK: Bosch 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw w/ Wheeled Stand
- BEST CORDLESS: Milwaukee M18 Fuel 8¼-Inch Table Saw w/ One-Key Kit
- BEST HOME WORKSHOP: Ridgid 10-Inch Pro Jobsite Table Saw w/ Folding Stand
- BEST COMPACT: Skil 8¼-Inch Portable Worm Drive Table Saw
- BEST SAFETY STOP: SawStop Compact Table Saw
How We Tested the Best Table Saws
In choosing the table saws we wanted to test, we researched more than 25 popular models—making note of the following aspects:
- Capacities. Most table saws are 10-inch models, and specifications are very similar. While their primary function in home workshops and on jobsites is ripping dimensional lumber—which doesn’t require a huge rip capacity—ripping capacity varies tremendously and is a key feature for those who cut large sheet material. We were careful to source solutions for all types of users.
- Size and portability. For many users, a compact, portable table sawis the ideal solution. For others, physical size is less important than capacity and stability. Our comprehensive selection includes saws that are great for those who work with these tools on-site or in small spaces at home or in a large workshop.
- Brand and value. We avoided cheap table saws, which are often poor in terms of durability and reliability. While buying from the leading table saw brands can mean you pay a little more, this almost always results in better long-term value.
In our testing process, we thoroughly examined each saw’s performance using a comprehensive rubric—the better a saw performed a test, the more points we awarded. We assessed each saw’s power and ability to rip and cut a variety of materials, including ply-type sheet materials and dimensional lumber.
We also evaluated the included stands, switches, and adjustments. We considered the overall feel of using the tool for everything from weekend work around the house to building a deck or shed to a months-long setup for remodeling a house.
Our Top Picks
There is an enormous breadth of table-saw users, needs, and requirements. Taking as much into account across this spectrum was not easy while evaluating the field of table saws during our hands-on testing. While the following models vary in price, best intended use, and portability, each one earned a spot on this lineup based on its performance, power, and accuracy. One is certain to be right for your cutting needs.
Best Overall
DeWalt 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw and Rolling Stand
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
- Type: Benchtop
- Blade size: 10 inches
- Cutting depth: 3.125 inches
- Rip capacity: 32.5 inches
- Weight: 90 pounds
What We Like
- Sturdy, flared legs help keep this table saw stable when cutting large materials
- The blade that comes included with this table is suitable for basic cuts
- Push-stick, miter gauge, and an extra riving knife store on saw body
- Stand features wheels and a handle, and it folds vertically for space-saving storing
What We Don’t Like
- At maximum extension, the fence had a slight wobble—not enough to affect cut quality, but noticeable
- Weighing in at 90 pounds, it’s a 2-person job to load the saw in the back of a truck
The DeWalt 10-inch table saw is a standout tool in the world of woodworking. With a 15-amp motor, it easily powered through various sheet materials and dimensional lumber in our tests. The saw’s ample 32.5-inch rip capacity allowed us to rip large plywood sheets, and the best part is that the saw is still portable—a testament to DeWalt’s ingenuity.
This table saw made smooth, square, and accurate cuts right out of the box—we didn’t have to make any fence adjustments. It has well-placed controls for easy access, including the on/off switch, depth adjustment, bevel adjustment, and fence adjustment.
Assembly was time-consuming (about 45 minutes) because the stand does not come preassembled. However, the outward flared-leg design increases the saw’s stability—a big plus—and was well worth the extra assembly effort. The saw comes with a 24-tooth combo blade, suitable for basic cuts, but if you’re looking to make smoother finish-type cuts, consider upgrading to a finer 80-tooth blade.
Safety features include a shark-fin-style riving knife, blade-guard system, flip-cover power button, and an included push stick. These are basic to virtually all of today’s table saws, and DeWalt has improved their usefulness so they do not hinder precise cuts. The blade guards are still slightly cumbersome, but they’re as good as any of the models we tested.
The decision to buy the DeWalt 10-inch table saw depends on your woodworking needs. It’s ideal for professionals and enthusiasts seeking power, precision, stability, and portability. Its trustworthiness, out-of-the-box performance, and robust construction make it perfect for those aiming for top-tier results. However, budget-conscious users with simpler needs may find more affordable options.
Read our full review: DeWalt 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw and Rolling Stand
Get the DeWalt table saw at Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.
Best Bang for the Buck
Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 8¼-Inch Table Saw
Product Specs
- Type: Benchtop
- Blade size: 8.25 inches
- Cutting depth: 2.25 inches
- Rip capacity: 12 inches
- Weight: 32.8 pounds
What We Like
- Cordless unit; doesn’t need to be near a power socket
- Light and small; great for beginners and for occasional use
- This table saw is powerful enough to handle most DIY projects
What We Don’t Like
- Light-duty saw, primarily DIY; not intended for heavy-duty professional use
- Stand not included; users will need to set this up at table height somewhere
The battery on this affordable table saw is fine for light work. The fence was square and parallel out of the box. It’s hardly plush, but it works. The saw is light and portable and has a decent amount of power. It’s not a beast, but it will rip sheet materials up to 12 inches wide and make crosscuts on dimensional lumber. This compact saw is available as a kit with a 4-amp-hour (Ah) battery and charger included, or you can purchase it as a tool only if you already have other 18-volt Ryobi tools, as the batteries interchange.
DIYers and some pros might find its bare-bones setup and low cost just what they need to cut materials for small projects. Being battery-powered is a huge plus, as it allows you to take the saw to remote locations where there is no access to an electrical outlet. It comes with blade guards, a sliding fence, and an 8.25-inch all-purpose blade for making basic cuts.
In our hands-on tests, the Ryobi table saw handled 1x8s and composite decking just fine in terms of power, but it did have trouble ejecting the shavings. Having a blower on hand would be an added help. It features a dust port connection on the back side, which can be connected to a hose from a wet/dry shop-type vacuum to help reduce the amount of sawdust that becomes airborne. There’s no huge stand, but it comes with bolt-down legs so it can be attached to a workbench or work table with screws for added stability during use.
Get the Ryobi table saw at The Home Depot.
Upgrade Pick
Bosch 10-Inch Worksite Table Saw w/ Wheeled Stand
Product Specs
- Type: Benchtop
- Blade size: 10 inches
- Cutting depth: 3.125 inches
- Rip capacity: 30 inches
- Weight: 94 pounds
What We Like
- The saw’s weight (94 pounds) provides stability during cutting, even on uneven surfaces
- The table saw effortlessly handles hardwoods, offering smooth and jitter-free cutting
- Its remarkably quiet operation contributes to a more peaceful work environment
- A powerful saw with portability—making it suitable for jobsites and workshops alike
What We Don’t Like
- Stand assembly can be challenging and time-consuming, requiring careful reading of instructions
- Changing blades can be cumbersome due to limited space and the need for thin-stock wrenches
A little-known fact is that the Bosch 10-inch worksite table saw is a pioneering table saw. It is a dynamo that combines portability, precision, and power, making it a standout choice for both professionals and avid DIYers. Our hands-on tests uncovered several features that set this table saw apart from the competition.
The setup for the saw itself was a breeze, but assembling the collapsible stand presented a bit more of a challenge. The stand required around 30 minutes to put together, and we spent much of that time reading and rechecking instructions to ensure we were on track.
The included stand, coupled with the inherent weight of the saw, delivered exceptional stability during cutting and ripping, even though some of our tests took place on uneven surfaces like gravel. It cut like a charm through hardwood—feeling surprisingly smooth and effortless. Thanks to its robust motor, the saw exhibited minimal bounce and jitter, even when ripping thick stock. Ripping plywood and oriented strand board (OSB) resulted in clean cuts and minimal splintering, even using the included combo blade.
On the downside, adjusting the saw’s alignment and blade angle was less enjoyable. Truing the alignment and fine-tuning the blade angle required patience and effort, especially with the limitations imposed by the plastic cowling. On the upside, the blade alignment was off only 0.01 inch out of the box.
This saw was one of the quietest in our tests, offering a more peaceful cutting experience compared to the louder ones.
Overall, the Bosch surpassed our expectations. It’s an exceptional jobsite saw, offering remarkable cutting speed and accuracy. The power, versatility, and thoughtful safety features make it a top choice for professionals and woodworking enthusiasts. Its ability to tackle various cutting tasks with ease and reliability makes it a compelling option for those seeking a top-notch table saw for their projects.
Get the Bosch table saw at Lowe’s.
Best Cordless
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 8¼-Inch Table Saw w/ One-Key Kit
Product Specs
- Type: Bench
- Blade size: 8.25 inches
- Cutting depth: 2.5 inches
- Rip capacity: 24.5 inches
- Weight: 41.6 pounds
What We Like
- Cordless design provides mobility and flexibility on jobsites
- Minimal assembly time required, typically around 10 minutes for initial setup
- Delivers smooth and accurate cuts on a variety of materials, including plywood and dimensional lumber
- Equipped with a dust port that can be connected to a vacuum for effective dust management
What We Don’t Like
- Relatively small rip capacity is more suitable for smaller projects
- Included miter gauge is somewhat basic and may not meet the precision requirements of extensive angle-cutting tasks
- Users must remember to disengage the battery before changing blades, as there’s no cord to unplug for safety during blade changes
Milwaukee’s 8¼-inch table saw offers cordless convenience, making it suitable for remote usage. This saw is a good combination of power and portability. It comes with a lithium-ion rechargeable 12Ah battery and a rapid charger. Table saws are one of the last power tools to go cordless because they pull so much energy—but there’s no shortage of power with this M18 model. It performed flawlessly in all our tests.
The blade on the M18 table saw was square with the fence right out of the box, and we didn’t need to make any adjustments, which was nice. The motor operated with minimal vibration, and the saw made relatively smooth, clean rips and cuts on ply materials and dimensional lumber using the all-purpose blade in the box. You’ll want to upgrade to a finer-tooth blade for cutting trim or cabinetry projects.
Assembly was a breeze, taking about 10 minutes to set up the blade, riving knives, and blade guards. The push stick and an extra riving knife are stored within easy reach on the saw body, and all the controls are located near one another on the front, so there’s no reason to reach around the side of the saw when it’s running. We connected the saw’s dust port to a wet/dry vacuum, which significantly reduced airborne sawdust.
The included miter gauge does the job but may not be suitable for extensive angle cutting. Consider investing in a better miter gauge if you require precision in angle cuts. This table saw offers a maximum bevel up to 47 degrees and a 2.5-inch depth of cut.
The M18 offers one aspect we really wanted to like—and we did, sort of. Namely, it was the inclusion of Milwaukee’s One-Key smart module. This is a built-in tracking device that connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone. We downloaded and installed the app and could sync with the table saw. That was impressive! However, the feature only works when the smartphone is within 100 feet of the saw. Power tool theft is rampant, and we hoped the tracker could be detected within a few miles—100 feet isn’t far enough. But it’s a great start, and we look forward to more innovative solutions from Milwaukee.
Get the Milwaukee table saw at Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or