The Best Circular Saws for 2021
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Best Circular Saw
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For this post, I have put together a collection of the best circular saws currently available.
UPDATED: July 1, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the DEWALT DCS391B because it features a convenient cordless 20V design with a durable and lightweight magnesium shoe.
In woodworking, the term circular saw is most commonly used to refer to an electric circular saw designed for cutting wood, but may be used for cutting other materials with different blades. It is essentially a portable, hand-held table saw. "Skil Saw" has become a generic trademark for conventional hand-held circular saws.
Circular saws are used for quick, relatively rough cuts. For example, sawing 2x4’s when rough framing, compared to a jigsaw which would be more suited to slow, intricate tasks.
Circular saws can be either left or right-handed, depending on the side of the blade where the motor sits. A left-handed saw is typically easier to use if held in the right hand, and vice versa for the right-handed saw, because the user does not need to lean across the saw to see the cutting line.
Circular saw blades are specially designed for each particular material they are intended to cut. When cutting wood the saws are specifically designed for making rip-cuts, cross-cuts, or a combination of both.
Blades for cutting wood are almost universally tungsten carbide tipped (TCT), but high speed steel (HSS) blades are also available. The saw base can be adjusted for depth of cut and can tilt up to 45° and sometimes 50° in relation to the blade, similar to a sliding compound miter saw, which tilts the blade relative to the base. Adjusting the depth of the cut helps to minimize kickback.
Different diameter blades are matched to each saw and standard sizes are available ranging from 5.5 inches to 7.25 inches.
The following circular saws use the latest innovative components to meet your needs and help to ensure you do your best work.
So here is my list of The Best Circular Saws for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS391B 20-Volt 6.5" Circular Saw
The DEWALT DCS391B 20V MAX 6-1/2" circular saw features a 460 MWO, 5250 RPM motor.
Features a lightweight magnesium shoe for long-lasting durability.
Offers a 0 to 50 degree bevel capacity allowing for a range of angled cuts.
Includes a 6-1/2" carbide tipped blade for cutting 2x material at 90 and 45 degrees.
Equipped with an optimized rubber overmolded comfort grip for comfort and control.
Battery sold separately.
Check out this unboxing and demonstration video of the DEWALT DCS391B:
Runner-up: Milwaukee 2731-20 7.25" Circular Saw
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL saw features a lightweight cordless design that delivers up to 300 cuts per charge.
Powered by Milwaukee’s REDLITHIUM XC5.0 battery technology.
Features an LED light to increase accuracy in low light situations.
Includes a rafter hook for quick and easy storage between cuts.
Features a magnesium shoe as well as upper and lower guards to reduce tool weight while not sacrificing durability.
Equipped with an overload protection system.
Best Cordless Runtime: Makita XSR01PT 18V 7.25” Circular Saw
The Makita 18V X2 features a cordless setup that is powered by two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries.
Features a 2-9/16” cutting capacity at 90 degrees.
Equipped with an electric brake for quick blade stops.
Features a blade-left rear-handle design for better ergonomics when cutting.
Equipped with an electronically-controlled brushless motor that matches torque and RPM to the material being cut.
Runs up to 5,100 RPM for quick cuts.
Provides 558 cross-cuts per charge in 2x4 SPF lumber on a full charge.
Features a base and blade guard constructed from die-cast magnesium.
Weighs just 12.4 pounds including batteries.
Must-have Accessory
Don't forget the blades.
Best Laser Guide: SKIL 5280-01 7.25" Circular Saw
The SKIL 5280 is powered by a 15-Amp motor for quick and powerful cuts to use on a range of DIY or professional jobs.
Features a laser beam guide that helps provide a straight and accurate cut line.
Equipped with a 51-degree bevel with a positive stop at 45 degrees.
Equipped with a spindle lock and on-tool wrench for quick blade changes.
Includes an integrated dust blower to keeps the cut line clear of dust making it easier to keep on track.
Best Budget Option: PORTER-CABLE PCE300 7.25" Circular Saw
The PORTER-CABLE PCE300 is powered by a 15-Amp motor that provides up to 5,500 RPM.
Includes a shoe constructed from steel for long-lasting durability and bend resistance.
Features both spindle lock and depth adjustment.
Equipped with a 45-degree max bevel adjustment.
Features a handle design that is both comfortable and makes it easy to see the cut line.
Features a lightweight design at just 9.5 lbs pounds.
Best Compact Design: Ryobi P506 One+ 18V 5.5" Circular Saw
The Ryobi P506 features a cordless design that provides up to 4,600 revolutions per minute.
Equipped with an extra handle for increased control when cutting.
Features a laser guide that projects a red beam making it easy to accurately follow a cut line.
Features an adjustable bevel from 0 to 50 degrees.
Equipped with an adjustable depth up to 1-9/16 inches.
Includes a rubberized overgrip for comfort while making repeated cuts.
Note: the battery is sold separately.
Best Value: WORX WORXSAW 4.5" Compact Circular Saw
The WORX WORXSAW features a cordless design that is great for a range of small jobs.
Features a compact, lightweight design that makes it easy to transport and store.
Equipped with depth gauge lever that is quick and easy to set.
Features a bevel of up to 45 degrees.
Provides a maximum depth-of-cut of two inches, making it ideal for 2x4 projects.
Equipped with a left-sided blade design to make it easier to see the cut line.
Best Corded Option: Makita 5007F 7.25" Circular Saw
The Makita 5007F is powered by a 15-Amp motor with a large cutting capacity of 2-3/8” at 90 degrees and 1-3/4” at 45 degrees.
Equipped with degree markings that are oversized, making them easy to see at a glance.
Features a bevel capacity of up to 45 degrees.
Features two built-in LED lights to illuminate the cut area in low-light conditions.
Includes a built-in dust blower to keep the cut line clear of debris.
Features a wraparound base constructed from heavy gauge aluminum for a durable, yet lightweight design.
Includes a Makita 7-1/4” 24T framing blade.
Best for Framing: SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 7.25" Circular Saw
The SKILSAW SPT77WML features a powerful lightweight setup that is designed primarily for framing jobs.
Powered by a 15-Amp dual-field motor worm drive gearing for maximum power and torque.
Features a max cutting capacity of 2-3/8 inch at 90 degrees.
Provides up to a 53-degree bevel capacity.
Feature positive stops at both 0 degrees and 45 degrees.
Equipped with a quick depth adjustment system for fast changes.
Features all-magnesium construction so the saw weighs only 11.6 pounds.
Includes is a 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade.
Best for Small Jobs: DEWALT ATOMIC DCS571B 20V MAX 4.5” Circular Saw
The DEWALT DCS571 features an elongated handle design that increases the maximum user reach for making wide cuts.
Features a bevel gear design that cuts 2X material at 90 degrees and 1X material at 45 degrees.
Powered by DEWALT’s 20V system it will cut up to 339 linear feet of 3/4 inch OSB on a single charge.
Features an electronic brake for fast blade stops.
Includes a removable auxiliary handle and a dust port.
Equipped with onboard blade key storage for quick and easy changes.
Note: the battery and charger sold separately.
I hope this list of the best circular saws was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
