For a handyman who spends a lot of time on woodworking projects, a circular saw is a must-have. The circular saw blade at the center is strong enough to cut through even the thickest of boards, but to do this, you must look at the horsepower of the motor driving the circular saw if it is appropriate for the specific job or not and also to get an idea of how quickly you can get through with the projects.
Basically, a circular saw is a type of power-saw utilizing a circular blade to cut. The toothed blade rotates on the spot in order to cut through items with less effort and easier control. Although a circular saw can’t be used in cutting down a large tree trunk, it can be useful for smaller jobs such as cutting off small branches or sawing through wood planks. The best circular saw can also be used for cutting plastic, wood, masonry or even metal and it can be hand-held or mounted. In woodworking terms, a circular saw is often referred to as a hand-held type of tools, with other names for these saws being chop saw and table saw.
As you know, there are various factors to consider when buying circular saws, the same as any purchases to be made, to take into account. One, is, of course, the budget, with some saws are simply being more affordable than other, or two, the amount of power that you are going to require. Generally, a more powerful circular saw is going to cost more and often bigger, and the smaller ones are more affordable, portable, and practical but these will come packing less power and fewer features. Ultimately then, it will go down to what your requirements are.
In this review, we are going over the different types and needs to find the best circular saw with the best options currently on the market, so that you can make an informed choice.
Quick Overview Circular Saw
13 Best Circular Saw Reviews
1. SKIL 5180-01 14-Amp, 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saws
SKIL 5180-01 14-Amp, 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw – Get it via Amazon
Needing powerful circular saws for your weekdays or weekends DIY projects? Look no further than the SKIL 5180-01 14 Amp 7-1/4 inch circular saws. When the time comes to tackle your next project, SKIL 5180-01 14 Amp 7-1/4 inch circular saw is the answer. Its power and user-friendly features make it the best buddy for your daily or weekend DIY projects. This circular saw from Skill features specific handling methods, namely; a power-on indicator, spindle locking system, dust blower, and guarded trigger top make your job easy and safe. This is the best circular saw to slice through any wood type of 2 x 4’s and easily cuts down plywood to pre-determined sizes. The 51 degrees bevel at a 45 degree positive stop, give you a broader range of angle and miter cuts coupled with an integrated dust blower that keeps the line of cut free of sawdust making the job done accurately and easily. At 7.2 lbs. lighter than its predecessor, this circular saw with 14 amps motor is all the power you need for the best performance available.
2. Bosch CS5 120-Volt 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
Are you a value conscious professionals always focusing on core needs? Bosch CS5 120-volt 7-1/4-inch circular saw is the answer. For all your job needs, the Bosch circular saw delivers 15 amps of power enough to get your job done while the anti-snag lower guard allows you to make cuts without having to advance the guard, even while making bevel cuts. The benchmark of safety, durability, and power that can only be given by a tough Bosch CS5 120-volt 7-1/4-inch circular saw. Additionally, with a left-blade design that gives you the clearest line of sight for easy and accurate cutting and an improved spindle locking allowing for quick and easy blade change, this CS5 is your perfect companion for a job well done!
3. Black & Decker BDECS300C 13 Amp Circular Saw
Black & Decker BDECS300C 13 Amp Circular Saw – Get it via Amazon
The BLACK+DECKER BDECS300C is a laser-guided circular saw delivering 13 amps of power to its 7-1/4 inch circular saw blades to complete a wide variety of accurate cuts. This lightweight designed BDECS300C circular saw features an easy-to-use bevel and depth adjustments and a spindle locking system for easy blade changes aside from reducing user fatigue. Backed by a BLACK+DECKER’s two-year limited warranty, it will saw you finished your job in a timely and accurate manner.
4. PORTER-CABLE PCE310 15 Amp Circular Saw
PORTER-CABLE PCE310 15 Amp Circular Saw – Get it via Amazon
The 15 amps motor running at 5,500 RPM powers up the PORTER-CABLE PCE310 7-1/4 inch heavy duty magnesium shoe circular saws through all types of sawing and cutting applications. Along with upper & lower metal guards that provide added durability, the PCE310 offers a spindle locking and depth adjustments system for quicker re-adjustments while on the job. These circular saws allow a 55 degrees maximum bevel adjustments with detents at 22.5 degrees & 45 degrees providing ease of use. At only 9 lbs., it provides you all the comfort and ease in completing your job.
5. Ridgid R8652 GEN5X 7-1/4 inch Circular Saw
Ridgid R8652 GEN5X 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw – Get it via Amazon
The Rigid Gen5X tools are very impressive and stacking on the latest brushless tool line-up in Ridgid’s Gen5X family and you have some of the very extraordinary, powerful, and long-lasting tools that can handle a real beating, Ridgid R8652 GEN5X 7-1/4 inch Circular Saw included. This GEN5X 7-1/4 inch circular saw can cut through a depth of 2-7/16 inch at zero degrees with LED light aiding in the cutting. The saw features a large, but easy-to-use paddle locks for depth and bevel control, an air redirect that keeps clear the cutting line, a contoured front pommel handle, and bevel adjustment detents at the max bevel of 56 degrees. The downside is that, this saw is fairly heavy, but the upside is that, it comes with decent power. This Ridgid R8652 GEN5X cordless saw produces impressive cutting power along with the great battery life of a Li 4 amp hour battery. The weight of the saw can be tiring at times, particularly when you are climbing and using it. Battery life has been excellent for GEN5X circular saw cutting through various pressure treated lumber at high rate without discharging. And even when covered in sawdust, the rubber over mold never seems to lose grip with bare hands or with gloves. Taken as a whole, it appears like a great buy for the price.
6. SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 15 Amp Circular Saw
SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 15-Amp Circular Saw – Get it via Amazon
Weighing only 11.6 lbs., the SKILSAW SPT77WML-0 with a 15 amp dual-field motor is the lightest worm drive in its class, but still maintaining the SKILSAW quality of rugged durability and consistent outstanding cutting performance all the way. Designed with the framers in mind, the storied SKILSAW worm drive technology meets the best-in-class Dual-Field motor, specifically invented for the saws. The ruggedly designed magnesium housing stays strong job after job but keeps the motor cooler, giving powerful performance for any projects. This circular saw, with 7-1/4 inch saw blade has a max cutting capacity of 2-3/8 inch at 90 degrees with a maximum 53 degrees bevel capacity at positive stops of zero degrees and 45 degrees, ideal for ceilings, framing, decking, and siding applications.
7. Milwaukee 6390-20 Tilt-Lok 15 Amp Circular Saws
Milwaukee 6390-20 Tilt-Lok 15 Amp Circular Saw – Get it via Amazon
Featuring the exclusive Tilt-Lok handle technology, the Milwaukee’s 6390-20 15 amps circular saw gain the honors as the best revolutionary concept for circular saws in years. At barely 10.4 lbs. and delivering a maximum of 3.25 horsepower, this circular saw has the best power-to-weight ratio in the circular saw industry. It has a 50 degrees bevel cutting capacity and offering superior blade visibility and a clear line of sight from either side. The Tilt-Lok handle adjusts conveniently to the work in a most comfortable position to the user. The Milwaukee 6390-20 circular saw features helical steel gears, 22 amps switch, and an eight point cushioned top handle adjustments to readjusts to any sawing and cutting application thereby maximizing comfort, ease of use, and total control. Cutting through tough materials including headers, Microllams or LVL (Laminated veneer lumber) and wet lumber with ease, this circular saw is your best partner to have your job done properly and promptly.
8. Hitachi C18DGLP4 18V Li Cordless Circular Saws
Hitachi C18DGLP4 18V Cordless Circular Saw – Get it via Amazon
Hitachi has been a trusted partner in industrial power tools for eons and the Hitachi C18DGLP4 circular saws are not an exception. Built with all of the Hitachi’s sawing technology, this particular circular saw combines convenience and comfort with ultimate power and utmost precision. Weighing at only 6.2 lbs., the Hitachi 18V Lithium Ion (Li) slide-type battery operated circular saw is not only capable of generating a no-load speed of 4,500 RPM in its lightweight and compact body but also features the best innovative design and soft-grip handle to prevent user fatigue. Additionally, the fitting left side blade location and built-in LED spotlight increasing the visibility of the cut line, results to the user’s ease of use and satisfaction for a job well-done. Furthermore, these circular saws also feature a 50 degrees bevel cutting accuracy and capability coupled with an electric brake for precision cutting and safety and fan cooled motor for increased run time. This cordless circular saw is also adaptable with all of Hitachi’s 18V Li slide type batteries for a very minimal weight and three times the overall battery life of the traditional NiCd batteries. Putting it all together, this circular saw is truly capable of wide-ranging tasks.
9. DEWALT DCS575B FLEXVOLT 60V Circular Saws
DEWALT DCS575B FLEXVOLT 60V Circular Saw – Get it via Amazon
The name Dewalt is a worldwide brand synonymous to power tools and hand tools for the construction, manufacturing and woodworking industries providing unmatched professional workhorse solutions to ensure confidence for the toughest job site conditions. The DCS575B FLEXVOLT 60V Circular Saws are one of the many power tools from Dewalt with unsurpassed performance incomparable within its class of circular saws. This particular circular saw introduces the Flexvolt technology, the world’s first battery that automatically changes voltage when changing tools. The DEWALT DCS575B flexvolt 60V Max 7-1/4 inch circular saw provides a 7-¼ inch blade for corded capacity with an electronic brake that stops the blade when the trigger is released. This saw runs with a brushless motor, maximizing run time and durability at 5800 RPM optimizing speed for quality cuts. Moreover, these Dewalt circular saws also feature a high-quality aluminum and durable shoe for precise cuts, an adjustable bevel cut capability of up to 57 degrees with stops at 22.5 degrees and 45 degrees, and a LED light that provides clear line of sight to the cut lines. Furthermore, it can cut up to 339 cuts per charge in 2 x 4’s using a flexible battery at a depth of 1-5/8 inch at 45 degrees and a 2-1/4 inch at 90 degrees. So, for flexibility and power, this DCS575B circular saw is your perfect companion for a perfect project.
10. Makita HS7600 10.5 AMP, 7-1/4 inch Circular Saws
Makita HS7600 10.5 AMP, 7-1/4 inch Circular Saw – Get it via Amazon
The Makita HS7600 is engineered with professional framers in mind when the 7-1/4 inch compact circular saw was designed specifically for a range of framing, cutting, and sawing applications. The HS7600 has a 10.5 amps motor powerfully delivering a 5,200 RPM in its 8.6 lbs. body for a high power-to-weight ratio combines performance and power with easy-to-use features, perfect top-of-the-line balance, almost negligible weight, and project job site durability. This Makita circular saw features a thick gauge heavy-duty wraparound aluminum base that is engineered for value-added durability and straighter cuts, a very significant cutting capability at a depth of 2-1/2 inch at 90 degrees (1-5/8 inch at 45 degrees), and a maximum bevel cutting capacity of 45 degree at zero degree which is ideal for most common angles. It also has a perfectly lower guard design that improves performance and capability when making bevel and narrow cuts. Additionally, it is also capable of performing jobs such as framing walls, flooring works, siding, and roofing tasks using a wide-range of dimensional and composite lumber including plywood, OSB, PSL, LVL, and more. Since, the Makita HS7600 10.5 AMP, 7-1/4 inch circular saw is the best-in-class, it is predominantly the best choice for builders, carpenters, masons, framers, and general contractors.
11. Makita SH02R1 12V Max Cordless Circular Saw
Makita SH02R1 12V Max Cordless Circular Saw – Get it via Amazon
This ultra-compact size Makita SH02R1 12 Volts Max 3-3/8 inch CXT Li Cordless Circular Saws deliver unprecedented power and speed for a range of cutting applications. The Makita SH02R1 kit composed of two 12Volts max CXT Li slide-style batteries with on-board LED charge level indicator improves handling capabilities, balance, and ergonomics over pod-style batteries. This ultra-compact size Makita SH02R1 circular saw with 3-3/8 inch blade weighing just 3.5 lbs. with batteries included can cut a 1-inch thick plywood, MDF, drywall, pegboard, particle board, and melamine. With less weight, this cordless saw is the best solution for users looking for a more compact cutting and sawing solution or for applications in tight spaces. The two 12 Volts max CXT Lithium-Ion batteries delivers 1,500 RPM for faster cutting at an adjustable cutting depth of 1 inch at 90 degrees and 5/8 inch at 45 degrees. For a longer running time doing on your projects, all 12Volts max CXT cordless tools are also adaptable with the 12 Volts max CXT Li 4.0Ah battery (BL1041B) coupled with a Battery Protection Circuit that protects against overheating, overloading and over-discharging. Therefore, for a compact cutting solutions with less weight, this Makita SH02R1 is your perfect companion.
12. Ryobi CSB135-L 14 Amp 7-1/4 inch Circular Saws
Ryobi CSB135-L 14 Amp 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw – Get it via Amazon
This Ryobi CSB135-L is a 7-1/4 inch, 14 amps circular saw with a motor delivering up to 5,000 RPM for powerful cutting performance, confidently cutting through straight cross or rip cuts in wood or composite lumber or any sheet goods. This Ryobi circular saw features an adjustable bevel settings, ergonomically designed handles and precise line laser positioning system is a great choice for delivering straight, precise cuts with accurate depth cutting control. This hardworking circular saw is provided with stamped steel base to resists damage during heavy use thereby extending its lifetime more than what is expected. For weighing just 9.2 lbs. and with 7-1/4 inch blade, this is a great choice for your planned projects.
13. Black & Decker BDCCS20B 5.5 inch Circular Saws
Black & Decker BDCCS20B 5.5 inch Circular Saw – Get it via Amazon
The BDCCS20B 5.5 inch blade circular saws are another cordless circular saws of the high-performing family of circular saws by Black & Decker powered by a powerful high-torque motor for enhancing performance. This small circular saw features a tool-free depth of cut along with an ease-of-use bevel adjustment, specifically designed to allow for more precise angled-cuts. This Black & Decker BDCCS20B cordless saw has bevel cutting capability with detents of 45 degrees and 90 degrees. Moreover, it works with the entire Black & Decker 20V Max system. Additionally, with its 5-1/2 inch blade, it delivers a smooth and fast cutting for tough everyday tasks making it the perfect partner for your great projects.
Buying your Circular Saw
By using the best circular saw in any kinds of job activities fairly determines whether you are getting the job done or getting the job done right. Our reviews of circular saws listed above are all great picks for any DIY craftsmen and after too many dissection and analysis, we come to a conclusion that now is the perfect time to make a well-informed decision-making purchase before placing your order.