Finding the perfect circular power saw can be a tedious process. Although many manufacturers claim that their brands have maximum run-times, can maintain the required power supply for long, and be used to make the most accurate cuts, this is not always the case.
Before settling on the right best cordless circular saw, you will have to go through a large number of brands with different quality standards and performance levels.
In this review, we have listed some of the best cordless circular saw brands available on the market. We have also examined some of their key features, pros, and cons to make it easy for you to settle on a brand that meets your requirements.
Best Cordless Circular Saw Reviews 2023
1.DEWALT 6-1/2-Inch 20V Max Circular Saw
The DEWALT 6-½-Inch 20V Max Circular Saw boasts of some of the best features that make it one of the most ergonomic circular saws in its category
The rubber-over molded handles provide perfect grip and comfort during use. A perfect fit is critical when you have to make very accurate cuts or work for long.
The placement and ease of use of the safety trigger make it easy for anyone to use this circular saw.
The DEWALT 6-½-Inch 20V Max Circular Saw is quite powerful, thanks to the 460MWO, 5150RPM motor.
The motor maintains speed even when under load, hence the saw can efficiently rip through standard planks and make cuts that are up to 2-⅛ inches when you are working at 90 degrees. At 45 degrees, the depth of cut is 1-⅝ inches.
The level of power varies with the type of battery that you choose to use. A 4.0 AMP battery will give you more energy and better results than a lower-capacity one.
With this tool, you are assured of long-term cut and Jobsite durability offered by the lightweight and high strength magnesium.
Pros
- Highly ergonomic
- Lightweight
- Great power
- Affordable
Cons
- Battery and Power separate
2.Milwaukee M18 2630-20 18 Volt Lithium Ion 6-1/2″ 3,500 RPM Cordless Circular Saw
The Milwaukee M18 2630-20 circular saw is a robust tool that is ideal for some of the basic woodcutting tasks at home and can also get used for commercial purposes.
The 18-volt Lithium-Ion battery powers the 24-teeth sturdy carbide blade of the saw at a speed of 3,500 revolutions per minute, making it the right best cordless circular saw for DIY projects.
Although this speed is not high enough to cut through thick planks, it is perfect for any standard job.
Besides, you can achieve a high level of versatility and accuracy while using the saw by effectively adjusting its depth up to 1.5 inches and the bevel up to 45 degrees. This versatility level can be particularly useful when working with thick fir, cedar, and oak wood planks.
The blade well has magnesium guards around it. This added feature protects against the effects of falls and general knocks that occur during work, increasing the durability of the saw.
Milwaukee M 18 2630-20 circular saw is compatible with Lithium-Ion batteries for several other brands, including the following: 48-11-1820, 48-11-1860, and 48-11-1850 48-11-1828. This will ensure there are no breakdowns due to low charge or batteries running out as you can easily use batteries from the other compatible models.
The manufacturers to this model have have integrated the safety concerns in the tool. You do not have to worry about the safety immediately you are done with the cutting as the model comes with electronic brakes that will stop the blades immediately the cutting is complete.
You do not need to take your time waiting for the blades to slow down and this ensures you can move to the next project immediately with minimal time wastage.
The comfort and convenience of using this tool are also exemplary. The machine comes with a soft grip handle that offers you the needed comfort to help you work with precision even in the slippery environments.
Pros
- Highly effective electronic brakes
- Lightweight – 16 ounces
- Affordable
Cons
● Lacks a laser guide to determine the blade position
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3.DEWALT 20V MAX 7-¼-Inch Circular Saw
The DEWALT 20V MAX 71/4-Inch circular saw is a powerful tool for completing heavy workload.
The brushless motor, with a blade speed of up to 5200 RPM, can steadily provide power for long enough to achieve more than 100 crosscuts in a standard two-by 4 pine plank.
The standard depth of cut when using this tool at 90 degrees is 2- 9/16 inches for most common types of wood. When working at 45 degrees, the maximum depth of cut is 1-⅝ inches, which is more profound than that of many other standard circular saw brands within this category.
Also, the circular saw allows you to have greater control because you can adjust the bevel up to 57 degrees while using it.
Although the DEWALT 20V MAX 7-¼-Inch circular saw retails without a battery and charger (as a bare tool), it is easy to find compatible accessories on the market.
DeWalt has more than 180 products in the 20V MAX Lithium-Ion series from which you can select a battery and charger to use on your DEWALT 20V MAX 7-¼-Inch circular saw.
Pros
- Maintains speed under load
- High runtime
- Brush-less motor
Cons
- Battery Not included
4. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw
The PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX 6-½-Inch Cordless Circular saw has a contoured and rubberized finish to enhance the level of user experience, general comfort and grip during work.
The rubber-finished handles make it easy for one to comfortably use the tool for a long time because it minimizes the effect of its vibration on your arms.
Although the PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX 6-½-Inch Circular Saw has a 6.5 inches long carbide-laced blade that rotates 4,000 times per minute to deliver 2-⅛ inch deep cuts, it still does not match the performance of advanced brands in the series.
Ideally, you can use this saw for light to medium cutting jobs but not the sophisticated tasks that require saws with higher RPMs.
The saw has several other additional features that make it one of the best brands that are currently available on the market. For example, its beveling shoe has a pivoting capacity of up to 50 degrees which matches that of any advanced cordless circular saw.
The PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX 6-½-Inch Circular Saw weighs only 6.5lbs as a bare tool, thus making it perfect for light cutting duties.
Pros
- Affordable
- Less noisy
- Long running time (when using any standard compatible battery)
Cons
- Unsuitable for heavy cutting tasks
5. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 5-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw
If you need the best cordless circular saw for simple DIY home improvement projects, then The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 5-½- saw is the answer.
The model is lightweight, weighing only 6lbs, making it easy to achieve precision by controlling the depth and angle of your cuts.
The BLACK + DECKER 20V MAX 5-½-Inch Cordless Circular Saw has a powerful motor for fast cutting. Its 12T carbide-tipped blades also allow for a variety of cuts. You have the luxury to work on different metal surfaces and execute your tasks within the limited time possible with this model.
With this model, you can easily reach the maximum depth of cuts when you cut at 90-degree angles. At 45 degrees, the maximum depth is much lower. It is, however, possible to reach depths of up to 2 inches when using more advanced cordless circular saws designed for tough cutting jobs.
Nevertheless, the compactness, portability, and ease of use of the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 5-½-Inch Cordless Circular Saw makes it ideal tools for simple jobs.
Pros
- Highly portable
- Adjustable bevel capacity
- Ergonomic design
- Compact and lightweight
- It is easy to use
Cons
- Low battery life
6. Makita XSH03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6-1/2″ Circular Saw
The Makita XSH03Z 18V LXT is an efficient circular saw characterized by LXT Lithium-Ion battery that charges faster and lasts longer than the standard Lithium-Ion one, common with the standard cordless circular saws.
The tool delivers high amounts of power that enables faster cutting and ripping. The model is integrated with a brush-less motor that delivers a 5000 RPM to facilitate quicker and efficient cutting. The motor ensures there is no energy loss through friction, creating a high speed.
You can easily adjust the speed according to your work demand when using this tool, and this enhances its versatility and realize optimum performance. This is enabled by its automatic speed system and the torque adjustment feature.
You can adjust the torque to produce the speed you need for your job and also depending on the nature of the material you are working on to prevent damages. The high power enables this saw to easily cut through different types of metals such as conduits and sheet metal.
With the Makita circular saw, you are sure of the durability of your model. The model is characterized by special control guards that keep it safe against possible overheating or overloading during heavy tasks.
Its ergonomic design significantly reduces the worries of getting fatigued when using this model with the lightweight of only 7.3 pounds with battery. The battery is, however, not included.
Pros
- Long-lasting battery
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic design
- Variable speed
- Special control guards for durability
Cons
- Battery not included
7.Bosch Bare-Tool CCS180B 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 6-1/2-Inch Lithium-Ion Circular Saw
The Bosch Bare-Tool CCS180B 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 6-1/2-Inch Lithium-Ion Circular Saw has sufficient power to cut through various material surfaces and deliver outstanding performances.
The 6 1/2-inch saw blade can effectively cut through 2-times material even at full depth of cut, which gives it the advantage over other models available in the market, especially when you need deep cuts.
When using the saw, your safety is also enhanced by the aluminum foot and the upper guard. The protection features also minimize the impact of knocks and falls.
The positioning of the blade on the left handle when the main handle of the saw is on the right ensures you get the best view of the saw lines, which guarantees that you make precise cuts.
The saw ensures improved accuracy and consistent locking. The integrated adjustable and easy-to-read bevel added to the depth-of-cut gauge enhances the precision of the cuts.
The model’s anti-snag lower guard also ensures the accuracy of the cuts. The guard guarantees the easing of the blades into the work-piece to cut the materials precisely and realize the desired shapes and sizes.
Pros
- Compact design and with an ideal weight-to-power ratio
- Highly long-lasting
- A powerful 6-½-Inch blade
- Easy-to-read bevel
Cons
- Average cutting performance
8.Ryobi P508 One+ 18V Lithium Ion Cordless Brushless 7 1/4 3,800 RPM Circular Saw
The Ryobi P508 One+ 18V saw is characterized by a brush-less motor that provides the power and torque that you may need to complete standard jobs.
Compared to other similar cordless circular saws in the series, it is slightly bulky (weighing 6.6 pounds and measuring 13.5 by 7.25 by 11 inches) but still have the sufficient power to slice through various materials.
The model allows for accurate cuts both for the left and right-handed individuals. The blade is mounted on the left side while the handle is on the right, and this gives you the best view for precise cuts.
The Ryobi P508 One+ 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless 7 1/4 3,800 RPM Circular Saw has improved cutting capacity and average runtime because of the inclusion of a brushless motor. The motor ensures there is no energy loss through friction.
Moreover, it has a bevel cut capacity of 56 degrees, which is higher than that of many cordless circular saws that fall in this category.
The model gets shipped with all the relevant accessories and may arrive in a generic box. The assembly of the various parts or fixing the blades is easier as the manual for use accompanies the accessories.
Pros
- Excellent comfort and user experience
- Compatible with a broad range of Lithium HP batteries
- Brush-less motors
- Precision cuts
Cons
- Average durability
Best Cordless Circular Saw Buyers’ Guide
Getting the right cordless circular saw can be a daunting job even when you already know the technical features of some of the leading brands that we have presented in this guide.
However, we have assembled some f the top features that we believe will help you make the best purchase decision of the best cordless circular saw. The various features include but not limited to;
Cutting Depth and Speed
The maximum depth at which a blade can cut, and the rotation speed determines the saw’s capability. Usually, you can use the indicated maximum cutting depth to determine the maximum width of planks that you can use the saw to cut.
It is possible to adjust the cutting depth depending on the requirements of your job. The maximum depth of cut varies with the beveling angle (it is usually at the highest when the angle is 90 degrees). Most brands can cut up to a depth of 2 inches at 90 degrees.
The speed of any circular saw is usually indicated in the number of revolutions per minute. The higher the RPM figure indicated on a saw, the faster and the most convenient the tool can cut through different materials.
Also, the RPM figure can be a good indicator of the kind of job that the saw can be used for. For example, saws with low RPM values that range from 3,500 to 4,000 are suitable for occasional use, while brands with RPM values of 5,000 to 6,000 are ideal for heavy-duty work.
Battery Life
The battery longevity is a critical factor that you should consider when purchasing a cordless circular saw. Cordless circular saws rely on charged batteries to deliver power to the blade during usage. For you to work for a long time, the battery must have a corresponding long life.
Manufacturers typically include a 20V or 18V label on their brands. However, the best cordless circular saw that carries a 20V tag is not necessarily more potent than an 18V label. However, the higher the battery voltage, the more power is the saw.
Also, the tag indicates the initial battery voltage when the saw is not under load. The life of the battery is inversely proportional to the speed. If you set your blade speed to the maximum, then the rate of battery drain increases.
Portability
The best cordless circular saws should be highly portable. However, various components like the battery, size of the blade, and other features integrated on the models determine the total weight of the saw.
Saws that carry large batteries and other advanced components tend to be heavier than those with only cointegrated on essential elements and functionalities.
The best way of determining the portability of a saw is by looking at its power-to-weight ratio. Saws with large power capacity are more massive than those with low power capacity.
Also, you can consider the dimensions and weight of the saw. Many saws fall within the weight category of 6 to 7lbs.
Whereas big saws may have the power to handle big jobs, using them for long can increase fatigue.
Lighter saws, on the other hand, offer you a more excellent feeling of control and flexibility. It is easy to control the angles of your cuts and work for long when you are using a lightweight saw.
Blade
Consider three critical features of a blade before you settle on the right cordless circular saw: the size, number of teeth, and material used to make the teeth.
The size of the blade determines the level of power you will work with while using the saw. The size of the blade varies from 6-½ inches to even 7-¼ inches.
The number of teeth determines how smooth the cut is. Blades with few teeth can effectively cut through sturdy materials such as different types of hardwood.
Blades with a high number of teeth produce smoother cuts than those with few teeth.
Although all blades are made of steel, some manufacturers coat the teeth with such materials as carbide, titanium or diamond. The coating of blade teeth increases durability and not performance. Instead, the coatings reduce the wear rate of the teeth, thus increasing the length of life of the saw.
Bare tool or Kit
Cordless circular saws are available either as bare tools (without a battery and charger) or kits (complete with a battery or charger).
The most important thing to consider when buying a bare tool saw is whether you can access compatible batteries and chargers.
Manufacturers ensure that batteries are compatible with all brands of their saws under a series.
How to use Circular Saws to cut wood
Conclusion
If you are looking for a basic cordless circular saw for occasional home-based use, then the Milwaukee M18 2630-20 or the Ryobi P508+18V Lithium-Ion brand will be ideal. These two brands have low RPMs that fall within the category of 3,500 and 3,800.
Moreover, they come with additional accessories that enhance their durability, compactness and general user experience.
The use of specialized handles ensures that one can comfortably maintain grip and control over long hours.
If you are looking for an advanced cordless circular saw for heavy-duty work, then the PORTER-CABLE 20V Max 6-1/2-Inch, the DEWALT 6-1/2-Inch 20V Max Circular saw or the Makita SSH032 18VLXT.
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