Quick answer: DEWALT DWE575SB is the best circular saw you can buy right now. Keep reading to find out why.
The circular saw was one of the first power tools I purchased when I began my journey into woodworking. Buying one today can feel overwhelming, with so many different options available.
This guide will help you cut through the mountain of information, revealing benefits and features that are important to consider when comparing circular saws. Also, I have included a closer look at 8 of the best circular saws out there to help you choose one for your needs.
Best Circular Saws of 2024:
1. Best For Woodworking: DeWALT DWE575SB
- DEWALT 7 1/4 circular saw is among the lightest saws in its class (8.8 lbs.)
- Electric brake of the corded circular saw stops the blade after trigger is released
- 15 amp motor of the compact circular saw delivers power for even the toughest applications
OVERVIEW
DeWALT provides its customers with great service. This includes quality manuals and paperwork, as well as a three-year warranty on the saw. A blade brake on this circular saw will really improve the speed at which you work. This particular system should stop the blade in just a couple of seconds instead of having to wait for it to slow down naturally.
DWE575SB provides you with a bevel capacity of 57 degrees. That is steeper than some models, and it is worth noting that DeWALT includes positive stops at 45 and 22.5 degrees.
A well-designed integrated dust blower will allow you to keep dust and chips out of the way. This feature lets you keep an eye on your marked line as you cut.
A nine-foot cord is included as standard by DeWALT. That is longer than many power tool cords and it is also high quality for greater longevity.
For its drawbacks, you may find that the shoe, or baseplate, has a little play in it straight out of the box. If this is the case, you will need to address the issue so that it does not affect your cuts. Also, there might be a bit of wobble that develops on the blade if used for extended periods of time. You will need to keep an eye on this and tighten the blade if needed.
Pros
- Blade brake will improve work efficiency
- Bevel capacity extended to 57 degrees
- Well-designed integrated dust blower
- Included nine-foot cord
Cons
- The shoe, or baseplate, can have a little play in it straight out of the box
- Some wobble may develop if used for extended periods of time
2. Best Worm Drive Circular Saw: SKILSAW SPT77WML-01
- Lightest magnesium construction reduces user fatigue for less down time
- Cut-ready depth of cut system helps with quick, accurate depth measurements
- 53° bevel allows users to complete a wider variety of cuts
OVERVIEW
This worm-drive circular saw from SKIL will get you far more torque than you would get from a sidewinder circular saw. That will allow you to take on denser materials.
SKIL uses copper wiring throughout the motor build. That design element is nice as it will help to keep the saw running at a cooler temperature. It is built to run cooler and presents less weight. Both features are something that a professional will appreciate while on the job throughout a long day’s work. This model also uses an anti-snag guard design. That will prevent the guard from getting caught while you cut through thin panels.
It offers only 5,300 RPMs under no load, though. That may be a bit underwhelming to you, but it is also not surprising for a worm drive design. It also has a higher price point due to the build of the worm drive. That may put it out of reach if you are working with a small budget
Pros
- It weighs 11.6 pounds, which is impressive for a worm-drive circular saw
- Copper wiring throughout the motor build keeps the saw cooler
- The anti-snag guard design prevents the guard from getting caught when cutting thin panels
Cons
- It offers only 5,300 RPMs under no load
- Higher price point due to the worm drive build
Read More: Best Worm Drive Saws (2024 Review)
3. Best Budget Circular Saw: PORTER-CABLE PCC660B
- High-performance motor of DEWALT 7 1/4 circular saw delivers 4000 RPM's for aggressive cutting
- 6-1/2-inch carbide tooth blade of the cordless circular saw delivers a 2-1/8' cutting capacity for a variety of cutting applications
- Beveling shoe of the compact circular saw piviots up to 50 degrees for non-traditional cutting applications
OVERVIEW
This cordless model delivers 4,000 RPMs, which is a fair speed for a battery-powered product. It uses a bevel guide that has plenty of positive stops at various angles used in construction and home DIY projects. Taking an inch off of the blade size drops the price point of this model. That will allow budget-minded users to afford this circular saw without it being too small for their needs.
This model has an over-molded handle. That design element provides you with extra comfort as you operate the saw. That could be important if you make longer rip cuts or have to cut a lot of boards. This circular saw is easy to adjust and use. It may be an ideal product for someone new to power tools or a user who is a bit intimidated by a circular saw.
Unfortunately, the materials used for building the housing are lighter, but they are also less durable. They may be more prone to crack or snap and they will also transfer more vibration as you cut. Additionally, while the 6.5-inch blade is larger than other compact circular saw sizes, it still lacks the depth of cut of a 7.5-inch blade. That is worth considering since this saw is not that compact when compared to a 4.5-inch saw, for example.
Still, this one makes our list as the best budget circular saw.
Pros
- Low price point
- Over-molded handle provides extra comfort
- Easy to adjust and use
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Less durable build
- Inferior cut depth when compared with 7.5-inch circular saws
4. Best Compact Circular Saw: WORX WORXSAW WX429L
- [SMALL FOR A REASON] Quick, more efficient cuts and you can take it with you when you don’t want to lug a big saw around
- [EZ-SET DEPTH GAUGE] The lever lets you go from 0-45 degree bevel settings with quick adjustment
- [MADE FOR LUMBER] Excellent depth-of-cut for slicing up to 2" stock lumber. Cut 2x4s in a single pass. It also cuts metal, tile, and plastic
OVERVIEW
This compact saw design may prove ideal for those who work with smaller cuts and thin stock. The 4.5-inch blade can make clean crosscuts and shorter rip cuts on softwoods without bogging down. It has a budget-friendly price that allows even a novice to consider it as a first circular saw buy.
It also has a small profile and is lightweight. This can be an advantage if your DIY project or job site needs to have you cutting in tight places or awkward positions above your head. You can easily work with one hand due to the size and 4.4-pound weight of this saw model. That can increase your workflow in some instances.
For its drawbacks, this compact circular saw design can only cut through 1 11/16-inches when beveled at 90 degrees. That limits the project size that you can effectively use this item on. What’s more, it can only generate 3,500 RPMs under no load. That speed is low, especially for a corded saw. This will further limit the types of material you can cut through smoothly.
Pros
- Low weight and small profile
- It can be easily operated with one hand
- Very low price tag
Cons
- Can only cut through 1 11/16-inches at 90 degrees
- It can only generate 3,500 RPMs under no load
Read More: Best Compact Circular Saws of 2024
5. Best Magnesium Shoe Circular Saw: Makita 5007MG
- Magnesium components create a lightweight saw (10.6 pounds) that is well balanced and jobsite tough
- Powerful 15.0 AMP motor delivers 5,800 RPM for proven performance and jobsite durability
- Two built in L.E.D lights illuminate the line of cut for increased accuracy
OVERVIEW
A 15-amp electric motor drives this Makita product. It generates up to 5800 RPMs, a higher rating than found on other circular saws in this range. It offers handle angles that provide a natural hand position as you cut.
This circular saw from Makita comes with a magnesium shoe, which reduces its weight. Magnesium shoes are sturdier than their aluminum (and sometimes even steel) counterparts. Therefore, this circular saw will withstand more beating while weighing less.
The motor on this circular saw can run on AC or DC power. That feature gives it more versatility than others saw on this list for power sources. Makita has included an LED light on the circular saw. This feature will help you stay on your mark as you make the cut. This product has easy-to-use adjustments. That makes working with it a quicker experience and may prove to be a bonus for novice users.
The blade guard on this circular saw might stick from time to time. You will need to keep an eye on this so that it will provide the protection it was designed for. Additionally, you could experience some kickbacks with beveled cuts. The chances of this will increase as you get near 45 degrees or greater in angle.
Pros
- High maximum RPM
- LED lights are included for better precision
- Easy to adjust
- Beginner-friendly
- Magnesium base plate
Cons
- Blade guard might stick from time to time
- You could experience some kickbacks with 45-degree or greater beveled cuts
6. SKIL 5280-01
- Powerful 15-amp motor delivers 5 300-RPM for greater speed and faster cuts
- 7-1 4-inch carbide-tipped blade included. Spindle lock for easy blade changes.
- 51° bevel capacity with a positive stop at 45° for a wide variety of cuts
OVERVIEW
You will find five marks on the bevel adjustment, points that indicate the most popular angles used on cuts. Its laser pointer has been integrated into the housing. That position provides a clear path for the light to guide you while also providing protection that an exterior-mounted LED would not have.
Its base plate has multiple notches for guides. This provides you with a better idea of the blade position than your marking guide.
This product weighs just over six pounds. That makes it a fairly lightweight circular saw that will be easier to use all day long. Its build and construction allow the manufacturer to offer it at a medium price point. It symbolizes a balance between budget and quality.
Unfortunately, its lightweight design is achieved through components that are less durable than those found on heavier saws. That might be an issue, especially if you use the circular saw a lot. Additionally, its shoe, or base plate, is thin and may have a tendency to transfer more vibration as you cut. This can increase hand fatigue and could make cuts in paneling less smooth in appearance.
Pros
- It only weighs 6 pounds
- Good balance of price and quality
- Its base plate has multiple notches for guides
Cons
- The build materials of this saw are less durable
- It has a tendency to transfer more vibration
7. Milwaukee M18 2630-20
OVERVIEW
Magnesium guards on the upper and lower portions of this saw help to protect it from accidents and heavy use. That is an advantage on construction sites and will allow this circular saw to last for a long period of time in most woodworker’s shops. You might be surprised by this product’s weight, coming in at just over eight pounds on a unit that uses batteries.
It also appears that the manufacturer includes a second battery with your purchase. That will allow you to have one charging while you use the other to work with. This saw comes at a great price point for a battery-powered circular saw. That becomes more obvious when the second battery is added to the purchase.
Its shoe, or base plate, is made from aircraft aluminum. That will provide plenty of support and durability while keeping the weight down.
What isn’t so great about this saw is that the seams on the two halves of many components may have gaps in them. This would be an indication that the saw is not completely sealed off and that the parts may separate with use. Also, it can only generate 3,500 RPMs. That may seem a bit slow, especially when compared to corded sidewinder models.
Pros
- Replacement battery included with the purchase
- Good price for a cordless model
- The base plate is made out of aircraft-grade aluminum
Cons
- The seams on the two halves of many components may have gaps in them
- Limited to 3,500 RPMs
More Cordless Options: Best Cordless Circular Saws of 2024
8. DEWALT DCS570B
- Power - Brushless motor of DEWALT 7 1/4 circular saw provides 5500RPM maintaining speed under load
- Runtime - The cordless circular saw provides 330 crosscuts in 2x4 (pine)
- Capacity - 7-1/4-inch blade of the compact circular saw provides 2-9/16-inch cutting capacity at 90 degrees
OVERVIEW
DeWALT uses a brushless motor design and a 20-volt max battery platform to help generate 5,200 RPMs. That is a decent speed for a cordless circular saw design, and you should note that those RPMs are under a heavy workload. The 20V Max platform allows you to use the batteries with multiple DeWALT power tools, a feature that lets you spend more on tools and less on batteries for each.
DeWALT employs a brushless motor on this cordless circular saw. That design will have fewer parts that could break down, giving it the potential for a longer lifespan in your shop. This saw should provide a true 18-volt platform during use. That is due, in part, to the 20-volt maximum charge the battery platform provides.
A larger battery should allow you to run for longer periods of time between charges. That could mean more cuts before the saw is drained.
What’s unfortunate is that the battery is not included in this model. That means you need to make sure you get a battery and charger before you can use this saw. It has a higher price point, considering that you have to buy the battery separately. That could be a shock to your wallet if you were not prepared for the extra purchase.
Pros
- Brushless motor
- The battery platform provides a 20-volt maximum charge
- A larger battery allows for longer runs between charges
Cons
- The battery must be purchased separately
- High price
Buying A Circular Saw: Key Considerations
I want to give you a few ideas on what to look for before we take a closer look at the power tools below. These features will help get the job done the first time, allowing you to spend more time building than fussing with your tools.
Power
This will be the most important feature to consider when buying a circular saw. If the motor does not deliver, you will find the blade slowing down and becoming heated, which can dull it faster). This can also produce poor cuts, forcing you to cut again or to scrap the piece and start over.
Total amps can indicate the amount of power the motor needs, but that energy does not necessarily transfer to the blade. The horsepower rating will let you know how much torque the saw is capable of generating. Rotations per minute (RPM) ratings will give you a blade speed, but remember that this is usually the maximum without a load on the blade.
You will want to select a product that ranks as high as possible in all of these categories.
Sidewinder vs. Worm Drive Circular Saw
Another important consideration will be selecting between these circular saw layouts. A worm drive circular saw uses gears that allow the manufacturer to place the blade in front of the motor. This allows the saw to generate more torque, a feature that may be required to cut through dense materials such as hardwoods.
A sidewinder model does not use the gear system. This creates less torque, but it also generates more speed in RPMs. It is also a cheaper model as there are not as many parts on the build itself.
Your budget and the type of jobs you will do may help you determine which design you need.
Blade size
You may have noticed a wide variety of circular saw blades that range from 3.5 inches to 10.25 inches in width. While mini circular saws may work for model building or cutting molding, I believe that you should focus on the larger circular saw sizes.
The 7.5-inch saws are best for most DIY and woodshop projects that you will build. This blade size allows you to cut through thicker pieces that will be used on jigs or cabinetry projects while still allowing you to cut through thin stock, such as panel sheets.
10-1/4-inch circular saws work best for thick materials such as framing lumber.
Ergonomics
This can be an important feature, especially if you will be using the circular saw a lot. The angle of the handholds can be important as this is what allows you to securely hold, as well as guide, the saw as it cuts. Special materials might be added that offer extra grip or comfort and can help to eliminate some vibration as you work.
Adjustments
Having adjustment points that are large enough to manipulate comfortably will prevent your fingers from getting sore. They should allow you to make the smallest adjustments possible for bevel angles and blade height. Also, look for products that offer locking features for added security.
Battery power vs corded
Finally, you will need to decide which power source you want your saw to use. Corded circular saws will require a properly rated extension cord as well as access to an outlet. That could limit your working area, especially if you need to work in areas that lack house outlets.
Battery circular saws allow you to work almost anywhere. Keep in mind that battery-powered circular saws will generate less power, which might limit their ability to cut through some projects. You will also be limited in your workflow by battery life, as even the best battery designs will require charging.
Why Do You Need A Circular Saw?
My late grandfather once told me that if he could only have two power tools from his shop, they would have to be his best circular saw and his favorite drill. I discovered why he said this as I got older and began building DIY projects as well as other items from wood.
Circular Saws Are Versatile
This power tool can make a variety of cuts. You can cut the ends off of framing timber or make cross-cuts on other boards and thin paneling. Those same pieces of lumber can also be rip-cut with the same circular saw.
Another feature that makes these products handy is the blades that they use. You can cut a variety of wood and manufactured materials like MDF consistently if the blade is designed for it. A circular saw can even cut bricks, glass, concrete, masonry, and various metals, which are part of many DIY projects.
Your circular saw is designed to cut straight, and it will do a good job with these cuts if you take the time to mark your project beforehand. The only cuts that a circular saw cannot do are the curved cuts that a jigsaw is designed for.
Circular Saws Are Portable
Perhaps the biggest stand-out feature of a circular saw is the portability of the tool itself. This is beneficial as it allows you to take the blade to the project instead of the project to the blade. That can be critical, especially if you are cutting something that cannot be placed on a table saw or in the path of a blade mounted on a miter saw.
This allows you to make cuts at a job site that has a standard house outlet. Your reach, in that case, will be limited only by the reach of a properly rated extension cord. A cordless design will eliminate the need for an outlet or extension cord (you will still need an outlet to charge the batteries, obviously).
Which One Makes The Cut?
- DEWALT 7 1/4 circular saw is among the lightest saws in its class (8.8 lbs.)
- Electric brake of the corded circular saw stops the blade after trigger is released
- 15 amp motor of the compact circular saw delivers power for even the toughest applications
I liked all of the products above for various reasons. However, I think that the DeWALT 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw (DWE575SB) is the best circular saw for the money. I think it is excellent for home use as well as working on the construction site.
This product is corded, which allows it to offer a bit more muscle to the cut than a battery-powered saw can. That power can be shut down quickly, thanks to the blade brake DeWALT added. A standard 7.5-inch blade size will offer you a greater depth of cut range at both 90-degrees as well as beveled settings.
Speaking of the bevel range, you can make adjustments up to 57 degrees. That offers more versatility than that found on some of the other products reviewed here. A longer heavy-duty cord and well-designed dust blower add convenience to a solid build.
You might have to double-check settings to make sure everything is snug with no play, but you will be hard-pressed to find better customer service than what DeWALT offers. The warranty is one of the best in the business and highlights the quality you will pay for here.
