The best circular saws, according to experts

Circular saws are powerful, versatile, and can be very affordable. As a result, they are extremely popular. They are often the first saw owned by DIY enthusiasts and are found on jobsites around the world. Although the basic design is simple, you’ll find dozens of models on the market with various features. This can be very confusing for first-time buyers. Luckily, we’re here to outline the key features and functions to consider when finding the right tool for your specific needs. Here are the best circular saws on the market right now.

How we chose the best circular saws

I am a keen DIYer and have remodeled two of our homes from the ground up. I have owned multiple circular saws and occasionally pushed them to their limits. To add to my experience and ensure we had up-to-date technical information, we researched the current offerings from all the leading manufacturers.

When putting together our collated selection of the best circular saws, we aimed to find tools for all needs and budgets. Some of our picks offer impressive performance but would be overkill for many, so we have also included models that would suit beginners or occasional users. In addition to performance and budget, we looked at construction materials to ensure durability, power source, any features that made them more user-friendly, and weight—which can have a considerable impact if the tool is used for long periods.

The best circular saws: Reviews & Choice

Our favorite circular saws offer something for everyone, from the DIY user on a budget to the demanding professional. We assigned each category so that new circular saw buyers could quickly identify the tools most likely to meet their needs, but all of our picks are tools we’d be proud to keep in our storage shed.

Best overall: DeWalt DCS573B Flexvolt Advantage 20V Circular Saw

Why it made the cut: A feature-packed circular saw from a brand renowned for durable construction and reliable performance.

Specs

• Blade Diameter: 7-1/4 inches
• Power: 20V cordless
• Maximum Depth of cut: 2-9/16 inches
• Weight: 8.2 pounds (excluding battery)

With so many good tools available, picking a single best circular saw is never easy, but the DeWalt is arguably the best all-rounder on the market. It has renowned durability and reliability on top of its impressive performance. It also offers numerous user-friendly features that suit both professionals and amateurs who are prepared to invest in quality.

The DeWalt circular saw is a powerful 20V cordless model that runs at 5,500 rpm, providing faster cutting than many rivals. The brushless motor maximizes battery life. Thanks to the Flexvolt Advantage system, this saw can also use DeWalt’s high-capacity 60V batteries, which the manufacturer claims can result in a 77-percent power increase. In real terms, the larger batteries are more expensive, but those who use a circular saw every day should improve productivity considerably.

The saw cuts to a maximum depth of 2-9/16 inches, with the blade at 90 degrees and 2 inches at 45 degrees. An LED light makes it easier to see cut lines and improves accuracy in low-light conditions. An electric brake stops the blade quickly, so it’s safe to put the saw down after a cut. A rafter hook, favored by framers and other carpentry trades, is also included. The aluminum sole helps keep weight down, but once a battery is added, the all-up weight will be around 9 pounds.

Best budget: Skil 5280-01 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw

Skil 5280-01 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw

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