Circular Saws

Key specs:

• 15-amp corded motor, 2.5 horsepower, up to 5,300 RPM
• 7-1/4 in. carbide blade, 2-7/16 in. cut capacity
• Single-beam laser guide for accurate cuts
• 51-degree bevel with positive stop at 45 degrees
• Dust blower and spindle lock, blade included

Pros:

• TechGearLab calls it lightweight, compact and powerful with strong speed and smooth cuts
• Users report the laser guide is very accurate and cuts stay straight
• Bevel and angle adjustments are simple to make
• Lowe's and Home Depot customers say it powers through knots and pressure-treated lumber

Cons:

• TechGearLab notes a basic, utilitarian look compared with pricier saws
• The included carrying bag is flimsy per user reviews
• Corded design limits portability

Key specs:

• Makita-built brushless motor, 5,000 RPM with Automatic Speed Change technology
• 6-1/2 in. blade, tool only (battery and charger sold separately)
• Electric brake, built-in LED light and rafter hook
• Runs on 18V LXT batteries compatible with the LXT platform
• Weighs about 7.3 lbs with battery for a compact class saw

Pros:

• Pro Tool Reviews praises the smooth, fast cuts from the brushless motor
• Reddit users report it cut through 4x4 lumber easily with minimal battery drain
• Home Depot reviewers highlight plenty of power, ease of operation and the rafter hook
• Popular Mechanics notes a balanced, comfortable design with an LED light

Cons:

• Dust collection requires an optional accessory
• The 6-1/2 in. blade limits maximum cut depth versus 7-1/4 in. saws
• Tool-only configuration means buying battery and charger separately

Key specs:

• 15 AMP motor delivering 5,800 RPM
• 7-1/4 in. blade, cutting capacity 2-3/8 in. at 90 degrees, 1-3/4 in. at 45 degrees
• Bevel capacity 0-45 degrees
• Two built-in LED lights illuminate the cut line
• Heavy gauge aluminum wraparound base with all ball bearing construction

Pros:

• SawingFacts calls it incredibly easy to use with a superior performance-to-price ratio
• Home Depot users praise the ergonomic design, LED lights and effective dust blower
• Reddit users find it a great saw for both professionals and DIYers

Cons:

• Bevel adjustment detent stops can be finicky per Reddit users
• Lacks the magnesium construction of the pricier 5007MG model
• Corded design limits portability

Key specs:

• M18 18V cordless 6-1/2 in. circular saw, bare tool
• 3,500 RPM motor with magnesium guards and shoe
• Tool-free adjustable shoe and bevel up to 50 degrees
• Runs on M18 REDLITHIUM batteries (sold separately)

Pros:

• Plumb & Lined found it well balanced and lightweight with a comfortable rubber over-molded grip
• Users report plenty of power, cutting hardwood, softwood and treated lumber easily
• An affordable entry point into the M18 battery platform

Cons:

• Brushed motor is older design than the M18 FUEL brushless models, with less runtime
• 6-1/2 in. blade limits depth of cut versus 7-1/4 in. saws
• Battery and charger are not included

Key specs:

• Brushless rear-handle circular saw powered by two 18V LXT 5.0Ah batteries (36V)
• 7-1/4 in. blade with 2-9/16 in. cutting capacity at 90 degrees
• Kit includes two batteries and a dual-port charger
• Rear-handle design for framing-style control
• Electric brake for safety

Pros:

• Tool Craze calls it a powerhouse with cutting performance rivaling corded saws
• JLC Online notes you push rather than pull the saw, making it more ergonomic for framing
• Reddit users count it among the lightest cordless rear-handle saws
• Home Depot reviewers praise battery runtime and quieter operation than corded models

Cons:

• Front-heavy dual-battery design feels awkward compared with standard circular saws per The Tool Space
• Some Home Depot customers report battery-related issues
• Depth and bevel adjustments take getting used to

Key specs:

• 20V PWR CORE 20 cordless circular saw kit with 2.0Ah battery and charger
• 6-1/2 in. 24-tooth ultra-thin carbide blade, 4,500 RPM no-load speed
• Bevel capacity 0-50 degrees, cutting depth 2-1/8 in. at 90 degrees
• Quick bevel and depth adjustments with LED work light
• Part of the PWR CORE 20 battery platform

Pros:

• Lowe's reviewers describe a lightweight, compact saw that is easy to maneuver and control
• Users report ample power for DIY tasks with good battery life
• Frequently cited as great value with the battery and charger included
• TechGearLab called the near-identical CR540601 one of its favorite cordless saws at this price point

Cons:

• Not aimed at heavy professional use per reviewer consensus
• 4,500 RPM is slower than pro-grade 20V saws
• Some Reddit users suggest alternatives in the same budget bracket

Key specs:

• 15-amp motor, 5,800 RPM
• Magnesium shoe, guards and blade cover keep weight at about 10.6 lbs
• 7-1/4 in. blade with built-in dust blower and LED lights
• Bevel capacity 0-56 degrees with positive stops
• All ball bearing construction

Pros:

• Woodsmith found it very accurate, dead-on at every angle tested
• Reddit users say with a Diablo blade it cuts like butter and is built to last
• TimberFrameHQ notes the lightweight magnesium body is easier on the body during all-day use
• Richwood Gardens found balance and ergonomics better than the comparable DeWalt

Cons:

• A YouTube review points out the depth adjustment bolt eyelet in the frame is thin and prone to breaking
• Corded design limits portability

Key specs:

• Brushless motor delivering up to 1,700 MWO and up to 368 cuts per charge
• 7-1/4 in. blade oriented to the right of the motor
• Bevel capacity 57 degrees with stops at 45 and 22.5 degrees
• Electronic brake stops the blade when the trigger is released
• Weighs 9.85 lbs assembled; battery and charger sold separately

Pros:

• Pro Tool Reviews calls it the highest-performing 20V MAX circular saw for users who do not want FlexVolt batteries
• Home Depot users praise smooth cuts and ease of use
• Lowe's reviewers praise cutting ability, battery life and lightweight design
• Up to 368 cuts per charge on a 20V MAX battery

Cons:

• Home Depot users note it can feel underpowered cutting wet lumber with smaller batteries
• Battery and charger are not included
• Sits below the FlexVolt 60V saws for heavy framing duty

Key specs:

• 15-amp worm drive motor, 7-1/4 in. saw
• Magnesium construction makes it the lightest worm drive skilsaw on the market at about 11.5 lbs
• Dual-Field motor invented specifically for saws
• Cut-ready depth of cut system for quick depth setup
• Comes with a SKIL carbide blade

Pros:

• TechGearLab describes a very powerful circular saw that slices through wood and metal with ease
• Plumb & Lined calls it the best worm drive saw
• Lowe's customers praise its well-balanced, comfortable design and long-term durability
• Users report clean, straight cuts with impressive torque from the worm drive gearing

Cons:

• Corded design limits portability
• Left-blade orientation takes adjustment for right-handed users
• Worm drive saws cost more than sidewinder designs

Key specs:

• M18 FUEL brushless 6-1/2 in. circular saw, bare tool
• Blade-left sidewinder design, about 5,000 RPM
• Bevel capacity 0-50 degrees, 2-1/8 in. cut depth at 90 degrees
• Magnesium shoe and guards
• Runs on M18 REDLITHIUM batteries (sold separately)

Pros:

• Pro Tool Reviews describes it as a powerful, fast blade-left sidewinder with many excellent features
• Walmart users find it very well balanced with plenty of power to saw lumber
• Home Depot users report enough torque to rip 40 feet of 2x LVL with big batteries

Cons:

• Newer M18 FUEL models offer better weight and cutting capacity per Reddit users
• Battery life is the main limitation for long rip sessions per Home Depot users
• Battery and charger are not included

Key specs:

• Brushless rear-handle circular saw powered by two 20V PWR CORE 5.0Ah batteries
• 5,300 RPM with intelligent power management
• Includes 24-tooth 7-1/4 in. carbide-tipped blade
• 0-53 degree bevel capacity, LED light, rafter hook and tether notch
• Dual-port Auto PWR Jump charger, backed by a 5-year warranty

Pros:

• The rear-handle framing design gives clearer sight lines while pushing the saw
• Dual 5.0Ah batteries deliver up to 600 cuts per charge per SKIL's advertising
• Backed by an industry-leading 5-year warranty
• Ranks in Amazon's top 100 for Power Circular Saws as a first-party Amazon offering

Cons:

• 92nd place in the category puts it behind the top-budget and pro-brands in volume
• Cut depth and runtime trail higher-voltage rear-handle rivals like Makita's 36V kit
• Two batteries make the kit heavier on the bench than single-battery saws

Key specs:

• M18 brushless 7-1/4 in. circular saw, bare tool
• 5,000 RPM with magnium upper and lower guards
• About 9.0 lbs, lighter than most corded saws
• Integrated rafter hook and dust port on the guard
• Runs on M18 REDLITHIUM batteries (sold separately)

Pros:

• TechGearLab rates its cutting power as top-notch with accurate, easy-to-access adjustments
• Home Depot users describe it as balanced and quiet compared with competitors
• About 25% more power than brushed motors with durable magnesium guards

Cons:

• Runtime and power under heavy cuts suffer with smaller batteries; users recommend an 8.0Ah pack or bigger
• Battery and charger are not included
• Blade-left design is not for everyone

Key specs:

• PWR CORE 20 brushless one-hand compact circular saw kit with 2.0Ah battery and charger
• Up to 6,000 RPM brushless motor
• 4-1/2 in. blade, lightweight one-hand design
• Includes 24T carbide blade and PWRJump charger
• 5-year limited warranty

Pros:

• Pro Tool Reviews notes the kit costs around $124 with a 2.0Ah battery, PWRJump charger and 5-year limited warranty
• Compact one-hand design suits sheet goods, trim and quick cuts
• Brushless motor spins up to 6,000 RPM

Cons:

• 4-1/2 in. blade class limits cut depth versus 7-1/4 in. saws
• Smaller blade selection than standard circular saw sizes
• One-hand format has less stability for long rips than full-size saws