When it comes to toughness and functionality, a circular saw might be the one to possess it. This saw is one of the perfect tools to help you do that, from cutting logs to large lumber blocks to different types of metals into different angles and sizes.
Unlike traditional hand saws, these saws use a power source to operate and are much more versatile. Consequently, they can perform a variety of tasks in a short time. Whether it is building playhouses or breaking cut joints in a sidewalk, a circular is definitely an all-rounder.
We know you are here because you have decided to buy a circular saw, but the problem is you don’t have any idea about which one to buy since there are a lot of options out there and it’s quite a difficult task to select from a wide variety of saws. But now you don’t have to go to different shops and ask about the best circular saw because here we have listed the top 10 best circular saws. Hence, read our article till the end to check them all and select the finest one.
10 Best Circular Saw Reviews
To save some of your time here, we have rounded up the ten best circular saws. Have a quick look at our guide.
- Best overall: Makita 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
- Runner up: SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 Worm Drive Circular Saw
- Best budget: SKIL 5180-01 14-Amp, 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
- Best maneuverability: DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw Worm Drive (DWS535B)
- Most lightweight: Rockwell RK3440K Ultra-Compact Circular Saw
- Best, easy to use: TACKLIFE Circular Saw with Metal Handle
- Best cordless: Makita SH02R1 Cordless Circular Saw Kit
- Highest speed: CRAFTSMAN 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
- Best value for money: SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
- Best Laser: DEWALT Circular Saw with Electric Brake, 15-Amp (DWE575SB)
Our Top Picks
Let’s come to the point and read further to clearly understand the features, pros, and cons of the top circular saws we are recommending you to try.
1. Makita 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
Specifications
- Brand: Makita
- Blade Length: 4 Inches
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 20.9 x 17.9 x 13.9 inches
- Color: As the picture shown
- Power Source: Corded Electric
Are you looking for a saw that is lightweight, powerful, and durable? If yes, then the Makita 5007MG 7-1/4 inch Magnesium Circular Saw is the ideal fit. This all-rounder will do charms for your construction work. It includes a 15- Amp powerful motor that runs at a 5,800 RPM speed, making it the fastest and the most efficient tool so far. From cutting large piles of wood to framing walls or floors to bevel cutting, this saw, with its exceptional speed, can do all the jobs in no time.
With this circular saw, you don’t have to be worried about clean and correct cuts because a dust blower and LED lights are fitted inside for maximum visibility and to provide a clean and refined look.
But only lights and the dust extractor are not necessary to make accurate measurements; therefore, this saw includes a measuring scale on its shoe that helps you mark exact points before every cut. In addition to that, the presence of magnesium components makes it handy and lightweight, so without getting exhausted, you can go a long way with this circular saw.
2. SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 Worm Drive Circular Saw
Specifications
- Brand: Skil
- Blade Length: 4 Inches
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 20.5 x 7.75 x 8.75 inches
- Color: Silver
- Power Source: Corded Electric
The skillsaw SPT77WML-01 is a perfect combination of convenience and efficiency. Since it is a worm drive saw, it means that it comes with many strong points. This circular saw blade has large teeth that make it robust and reliable. The most important aspect of this saw is that it has high torque, making it an absolute fit for doing heavy-duty jobs.
With a 15 amp dual-field motor, this circular saw is able to generate enough power to handle all the tough jobs in less time. The handle is designed, keeping in mind the user’s convenience, so it provides a soft grip over the saw.
It doesn’t matter if it’s softwood, hardwood, or engineered wood; this circular saw is always ready to make precise and perfect deep cuts on any type of material. Another thing to consider here is that it has a snag-proof lower guard for making tiny cuts without any hassle.
3. SKIL 5180-01 14-Amp, 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
Specifications
- Brand: Skil
- Blade Length: 7.25 Inches
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 13 x 9.5 x 8 inches
- Color: Multi
- Power Source: Battery Powered
If the budget is your primary concern, Skill 5180-01 circular saw is the best option for you. With a 14 Amp motor, this circular saw generates massive power and runs at a speed of 5300 RMP to precisely cut plywood into pieces. At just 7.2 pounds weight, it is the lightest saw among its class, so it is quite portable and easy to handle.
This circular saw blade with 7-1/4 inch diameter and 20 teeth can accomplish all small scale projects with accuracy and efficiency. It is a professional saw with a bevel capacity of 51 degrees and a positive stop at 45 degrees, giving you smooth operation for all bevel cuts. Moreover, it also includes a dust blower that keeps the work spot free of dust, thus allowing you to make clean and accurate cuts.
4. DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw Worm Drive (DWS535B) (Best Cordless Saw)
Specifications
- Brand: DEWALT
- Blade Length: 4 Inches
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 8.88 x 21.81 x 8.63 inches
- Power Source: Corded
- Speed: 4800 RPM
The Dewalt 7-1/4- inch worm drive saw is a perfect blend of comfort and efficiency as it is cordless and easily maneuverable. Since it is a worm-driven saw so it is powerful, durable, and can do large cutting jobs with ease.
This saw gives you full freedom to use it anywhere anytime because it is cordless and battery operated. One of the unique things about this circular saw is that despite the battery, it is totally weightless and handy; hence the user can use it for a long time without getting tired.
This circular saw possesses advanced technology of 53-degree bevel capacity and 4,800 rpm super-fast speed that gives you the cleanest and finest cuts.
The thing that makes it stand in the market is its 4x cord protection ability that protects the cord from any twitch and tweaks. In addition to that, the handle is designed carefully to provide full grip and support during maneuvering.
5. Rockwell RK3440K Ultra-Compact Circular Saw
Specifications
- Brand: ROCKWELL / WORX
- Color: Brown
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Speed: 3500 RPM
- Number of Teeth: 24
If you are looking for a saw that is super lightweight and portable, Rockwell RK3440K ultra-compact circular saw might be the perfect fit for you. At just a weight of 4 pounds, this saw allows you to work for hours without getting fatigued. Due to its lightweight and slim, streamlined design, this small circular saw gives you the advantage of reaching those tight areas that are out of the reach of other saws.
With its 3500 RPM speed, this mini circular saw is great to neatly cut wood, tiles, plastic, metal sheets, drywall, etc. It comes with an automatic lock-off-switch designed by keeping in mind the user’s safety; that’s why there is no fear of any accident with this circular saw.
As precision is required in everything you make or cut, Rockwell RK3440K has a built-in-laser and dust extractor that provides improved visibility and guidance to make accurate and precise cuts.
6. TACKLIFE Circular Saw with Metal Handle
Specifications
- Brand: PowerSmart
- Blade Length: 4.5 Inches
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 15.2 x 7.2 x 6 inches
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Speed: 4500 RPM
The Tacklife circular saw is the perfect blend of technology and comfort. It is one of the tools that are easy to assemble and dissemble in just the blink of an eye. One of the unique things about this circular saw is that its handle is specially designed to lessen fatigue and sprains in the arm and offer a firm grip to promote fine and clear-cutting.
It includes six powerful blades and a 5. 8 Amps copper motor that generates enough power to cut through tiles, wood, and soft metals. With a strong bevel capacity of 45 degrees, you can make smooth bevel cuts without any trouble. A protection switch is present to ensure that no accident or harm to human life occurs through the machine.
7. Makita SH02R1 Cordless Circular Saw Kit
Specifications
- Brand: Makita
- Blade Length: 8 Inches
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 14.5 x 8 x 10.2 inches
- Power Source: Cordless
- Speed: 1500 RPM
Even though corded circular saws have more power than cordless circular saws, but there is one cordless saw that is strong enough to generate power comparable to corded ones. Well, Makita SH02R1 cordless circular saw is the ideal choice that possesses all the essential features that are compact and have the ability to cut through materials in very little time.
Instead of getting power from a motor or any other electrical source, this circular saw gets power from a 12-volt lithium-ion battery at a speed of 1,500 rpm to neatly cuts all the lightweight materials such as plywood, drywall, MDF, etc. Despite including all the essential features, this saw only weighs 3.5 pounds. It is so light that you won’t even feel that you are carrying it in your hand.
This circular saw blade has a cutting depth of 1″ at 90 Degree and 5/8″ at 45 Degree; moreover, it also gives you the opportunity to make bevel cuts from 0 Degree – 45 Degree.
8. CRAFTSMAN 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
Specifications
- Brand: Craftsman
- Blade Length: 4 Inches
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 13.96 x 9.2 x 7.9 inches
- Power Source: Ac/dc
- Speed: 500 RPM
The Craftman 7-1/4-inch is the perfect example of a product containing high speed and convenience together. This saw uses a 15 Amp motor to run at a fast pace of 5,500 RPMs.
It has a perfectly angled contoured handle that allows maximum control and helps you to make fine accurate cuts. A magnesium shoe’s presence makes it totally weightless, so the user can efficiently work continuously without getting wearisome.
Changing blades is not a difficult task with this circular saw as it possesses a spindle lock for changing blades without any hassle. Form beveling cuts up to 55 degrees to angled cuts at 22.5 and 45 degrees; the circular saw blades help you to do your task with great precision in no time.
9. SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw
Specifications
- Brand: Skil
- Blade Length: 7.25 Inches
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 14.2 x 9.8 x 8.5 inches
- Color: Original version
- Power Source: Corded Electric
Are you looking for a circular saw that fits your budget yet contains necessary features? The Skill 5280-01 circular saw might be the perfect solution to your demand and pocket. It runs at a speed of 5300 RPM with the help of a 15 Amp motor. This motor generates enough power to enable this saw to make fast and detailed cuts.
With just a 6.95 pounds weight, this circular saw is easy to handle and use. It helps you to make various types of cuts with its 51-degree bevel potential and 7-1/4-inch carbide-tipped blades.
Furthermore, the dust extracting adapter helps keep the sawdust away to give the user a more visible and clean look in order to make exact and detailed cuts. One of the main aspects that we appreciate about this circular saw is that it comes with a spindle lock and on-tool wrench that makes changing blades easy.
10. DEWALT Circular Saw with Electric Brake, 15-Amp (DWE575SB)
Specifications
- Brand: DEWALT
- Blade Length: 4 Inches
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 16.25 x 10.13 x 10.5 inches
- Color: Yellow
- Power Source: Corded
Good laser light is required to illuminate the board and for guidance to make clear and detailed cuts. Therefore the Dewalt 7-1/4-inch circular saw (DWE575SB) has the best laser beam so far.
In addition to that, it also contains a leveled aluminum base that provides you the stability to make long, smooth cuts without any inconvenience. Long cuts mean a large amount of sawdust, but with this circular saw, you don’t have to worry about the sawdust as it comes with a dust blower that continuously removes dust from the line of laser guide, giving you a clean and evident look.
The Dewalt (Dwe575SB) circular saw blades have the potential to make bevel cuts at an angle of 57 degrees with positive stops at 22.5-Degree and 45-Degree. A remarkable feature of this saw is its electric brake system. As soon as you finish the job and release the trigger, the advanced electric brake system stops the blades immediately.
Buyers Guide – Things to Consider Before Buying a Circular Saw
An ultimate buying guide is necessary to know the critical factors that must be present in a circular saw. Down below is the quick guide, have a look at it.
- Corded vs. Cordless Saw
Circular saws come in two forms; corded and cordless, and both of them have their advantages. A corded circular saw needs to be connected to the main electricity continuously during usage. Since they remain plugged into an electrical source, they are perfect for doing large cutting jobs. However, the drawback is that they are limited to just one place and can’t work in an area with no electricity.
On the other hand, a cordless circular saw gives you the full privilege to easily maneuver it. It is battery operated and is the best fit for outdoor jobs. However, their drawback is that they can run as long as the battery allows them to and can’t be used to do heavy-duty jobs.
- Style of Saw
You can find a circular saw in either a worm-drive style or sidewinder style. The arrangement and the position of the motor on the saw is the main difference between these two styles.
Worm-drive’s motor is fixed on the posterior side of the blades. The name worm is given to them because they have worm-shaped blades. In contrast to sidewinder saw, they have less spinning speed but are more powerful, heavier, and durable. This type of saw is best to cut hardwoods and do heavy-duty jobs.
On the contrary, the sidewinders saw has a motor fixed to the side of the blade, which gives it the advantage to run at a higher speed. They are lighter and easy to handle as compared to worm-drive saws. They are best for cutting soft and lightweight woods. Therefore go for a circular saw that perfectly meets your requirements.
- Size of the Blades and Number of Teeth
Circular saws come in a variety of blade sizes and kinds. They range from smallest, i.e., 1 inch, to largest, i.e., 16 inches. The blade’s typical size required for most of the cutting and framing at a construction site is 7-1/4 inches.
Each blade type has a different purpose; some are good at cutting wood while others are good at cutting metals. The number of teeth on the blade determines its function, like a blade with 60 to 80 teeth is required for fine cross-cutting, while for ripping a blade, 30 to 40 teeth is ideal.
Therefore, when purchasing a saw, make sure to check its size and capacity suitable for framing, cutting, ripping, and finishing.
- Material of Shoe
A shoe is basically the base of the saw, and the whole performance of the saw depends on it, so it should be high quality as well as lightweight. The shoe can be of three materials, which are as follows.
1. Steel
Steel is the strongest and the cheapest material they can be used to make shoe of the saw, but the drawback is that a circular saw with a steel shoe is not capable of making accurate and clean cuts. Moreover, it is also heavy, which can result in inconvenience during cutting.
2. Aluminum
As compared to steel, aluminum is lighter and softer. The drawback of a circular saw with an aluminum base is that it is costly and is not durable.
3. Magnesium
Magnesium is the toughest and lightest as compared to the other two plates. As it is a fact that the best things are always expensive, so it is the most expensive shoe base plate.
4. Weight of Saw
The weight of the saw matters a lot as you need to carry it throughout the entire cutting process. It will result in a strain on your arm if your saw is massive and heavyweight.
Therefore, always look for a circular saw that is portable and lightweight to make your cutting session less tiring and exhausting. Moreover, a handy saw is easy to control and allows you to do several projects without any hassle.
