One of the most common and consistently used tool to have in any garage or work site is a circular saw. Before long, every person eventually needs a circular saw. We wanted to find the best circular saws available, so we reviewed the best of the best for 2019.
Whether you need a saw for your business or your special work, there is a circular saw for everyone.
Product | Image | Rating | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Milwaukee 2731-20 M18 Fuel 7-1/4" |  | ||
Makita 5007MGA Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch |  | ||
SKIL 5680-02 15 Amp 7-1/4-Inch SKILSAW |  | ||
Makita XSR01PT 18V x2 LXT Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless Rear Handle |  | ||
WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2" Compact Circular Saw |  | ||
SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser |  | ||
RIDGID TOOL COMPANY R3205 7-1/4" 15 Amp |  | ||
PORTER-CABLE PCE300 15 Amp Heavy Duty Steel Shoe |  | ||
Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2” |  | ||
Makita 5007MG Magnesium |  |
How We Reviewed the Best Circular Saws
The following products were reviewed based on their features, pros & cons, price, availability, and warranties.
We wanted to approach this review from the different perspectives of the people who shop for power saws, whether you are a DIY homeowner or construction professional. A person's need for a saw plays into a reasonable budget guiding his or her investment.
Some saws have plenty of power and durability to do most any home project at a very reasonable price. Others can get pricey as durability and options increase. For someone who makes a living with tools, it may be a worthwhile investment.
Determining the best circular saw must be done from the perspective of each buyer. We hope you can find the best one for yourself.
Overall Price Range
Image via Pexels
Our search for the best circular saw ranged in price from around $50 to just around $300. We felt a few points should be made in that regard. The best circular saws really fall into two primary categories: portable and traditional.
If a portable saw is the right tool for your job, they have substantial benefits. However, they are consistently cheaper than top-end traditional saws, because they require less materials and offer less overall power.
Some of the most economical full-size saws can be purchased near $50. Good portable saws can cost $90. So the value of your purchase depends largely on whether are looking at a portable or traditional, full-size saw.
We reviewed a variety of the best circular saws from both categories, so careful consideration of the saws below should help you identify the price range that will fit your individual needs.
Top 10 Best Circular Saws
Features
The Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw makes our list of best circular saws for 2019 for its fast cuts and lightweight build. With the battery pack, the saw weighs only nine pounds.
This 18-volt cordless saw also offers twice the run time of many competitors with a batter system that uses Redlink Plus Intelligence to communicate between the battery, the charger, and the tool.
It features a POWERSTATE brushless motor that cuts faster than other cordless saws at the same depth as corded competitors. An LED light gives extra vision for shadowy cuts and a rafter hook makes for quick and easy storage.
Warranty
The Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw comes with a five-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Quality | Rating |
|---|---|
Features
The Makita 5007MGA Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw runs on a powerful 15-AMP motor at 5,800 RPMs. This durable tool uses magnesium components to maintain a lightweight around 10-and-a-half pounds.
The levers are large and rubberized for fast adjustments, and more rubber on the handle grips makes the saw easy to control. The saw also has oversized numbers and markings so they are always easy to read.
Two LED lights give crisp vision on the cut line to help with accuracy, but there is no laser guide.
Warranty
The Makita 5007MGA Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw is available with a one-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Quality | Rating |
|---|---|
Features
The SKIL 5680-02 15 Amp 7-1/4-Inch SKILSAW Circular Saw is an easy-to-use 7.25-inch circular saw with a laser cutline for precision cuts. It is complimented by an extra-wide foot plate for cutting stability.
The saw has a positive stop function at 45 degrees and an overall 51-degree bevel capacity.
A power-on indicator is a big help when using one extension cord or outlet for multiple tools. The saw has multiple safety features including a safety lock and guarded trigger.
Warranty
Skilsaw circular saws have a one-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Quality | Rating |
|---|---|
Features
The Makita XSR01PT 18V x2 LXT Lithium-Ion (36V) Brushless Cordless Rear Handle 7-1/4" Circular Saw Kit is powered by two LXT batteries that deliver efficient cordless power, speed, and duration. The saw runs 50 percent longer than some competitors.
One charge can power over 550 2x4 crosscuts. At 100 RPMs, the BL motor is powerful enough for portable use and is brushless. The cutting speed and torque are automatically controlled.
Warranty
This kit comes with a three-year manufacturer's warranty.
Pros
Cons
Quality | Rating |
|---|---|
Features
The WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2" Compact Circular Saw is an affordable, compact option that weighs less than half the weight of a traditional saw. An extra-thin blade causes less tool strain, allowing the WORX Compact Circular Saw to cut at the speed of some larger saws at 3,500 RPMs.
A depth gauge lever and bevel up to 45 degrees allow for quick adjustments. This saw can cut wood, metal, tile, and other materials. The blade has a left-sided design that creates better-cut line visibility.
The saw has a safety trigger and comfort grip. Your purchase includes a 4.5-inch carbide blade, guide, vacuum adapter, and Allen wrench.
Warranty
The WORX WORXSAW 4-1/2" Compact Circular Saw comes with a manufacturer's three-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Quality | Rating |
|---|---|
Features
One of the best circular saws for the weekend warrior, the Skil 5280-01 is an all-around solid saw at an all-around solid price. A 14-amp motor produces 5,300 RPMs to complete almost any job around the house.
The 7.25-inch blade is sufficient for most projects, and it comes with a built-in dust blower. It also features a maximum 51-degree bevel and a fatigue-friendly weight of under seven pounds. Topped off with a built-in laser guide, this saw fits the bill for many shoppers.
Warranty
This saw comes with a limited one-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Quality | Rating |
|---|---|
Features
The RIDGID TOOL COMPANY R3205 7-1/4" 15 Amp Circular Saw features a 15-amp motor producing up to 5,800 RPMs for serious power to rip through almost any job. Its dust chute is one of the more effective dust mechanisms we have reviewed.
The saw is capable of bevels up to 56 degrees which is better than most of its competitors. At 90 degrees the saw cuts 2-3/8 inches; at 45 degrees it cuts 1-3/4 inches. The 10-foot cord is also a nice feature.
Warranty
The RIDGID TOOL COMPANY R3205 7-1/4" 15 Amp Circular Saw comes with a three-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Quality | Rating |
|---|---|
Features
Porter Cable's PCE300 is 15 amp saw that runs at 5,500 RPMs. This durable saw boasts a magnesium shoe to go along with metal upper and lower guards.
A spindle lock allows for real-time adjustments, and the depth adjustment is handy to have. At nine pounds, it is light enough for most and boasts an auxiliary handle.
The tool has a maximum 55-degree bevel with a 7.25 carbide-tipped blade.
Warranty
The Porter-Cable PCE300 15 Amp Heavy Duty Steel Shoe Circular Saw includes a three-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Quality | Rating |
|---|---|
Features
If mobility is a high priority, the Rockwell RK3441K Compact Circular Saw might be the best circular saw for you. It is a light, streamlined saw with a 4.5-inch blade that can cut through 2x4s and similarly sized boards.
Others use the saw to cut unusual items, such as plastic or sheet metal. Rockwell's small, 4-pound saw is a portable, versatile treat. It also features a 5.0 amps and speeds of 3,500 RPMs.
It is both light and ergonomic with a 10-foot cord. The dust extraction system is better than many competitors.
Warranty
Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2” Compact Circular Saw comes with a three-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Quality | Rating |
|---|---|
Features
The Makita 5007MG Magnesium circular saw uses magnesium components and a 15-amp motor. It runs at 5,800 RPMs with a 7.25-inch blade to create a strong and durable circular saw.
Two LED lights give clear vision on every cut. It offers a maximum 56-degree bevel. At 10 pounds, it is heavier than some of its competitors.
Warranty
Rockwell RK3441K 4-1/2” Compact Circular Saw comes with a three-year warranty.
Pros
Cons
Quality | Rating |
|---|---|
The Best Circular Saw FAQ
What Is a Circular Saw?
A circular saw is a handheld power saw with a circular blade for cutting wood and other materials. They can be right-handed or left-handed.
How Big Is a Circular Saw Blade?
Circular saw blades come in various sizes. Usually a 7.25-inch blade is used unless you are using a specially designed small saw. A growing interest in the circular saw world is the portable circular saw that typically uses a 4.5-inch blade.
Every blade can be adjusted on the saw to particular cutting depths. While a 7.25 inch blade typically cuts just under three inches at its deepest depth, it can be adjusted to cut as shallow as needed.
Blades also bevel to cut on angles. A beveled cut decreases the depth of the cut.
What Makes a Good Circular Saw?
Depending on the need of the user, some valuable characteristics of the best circular saw include power, durability, weight, ease of use, and versatility.
A saw needs to be able to make the cuts required for your job. A blade powered by 1 HP can struggle on a particular board, but the same blade powered by two HP will cut it quickly. Buyers also want a saw that is made well. A well-made engine and body are important to get duration out of your investment.
Weight is sometimes overlooked as an important variable, but spending a day cutting with a 12-pound saw will fatigue the manliest of muscles. Other aspects affecting ease of use can include LED for adequate lighting, comfortable handles, and overall ergonomics.
The Best Circular Saw FAQ
Image via Pexels
Reaching a verdict on the best circular saw is difficult, because like many tools, the best circular saw is the one that best fits the buyer. For the DIY home owner, we find the Skil 5280-01 our top choice for the best circular saw.
It has more than enough ability to conquer any home improvement job at an incredible price point.With a 14-amp motor running at 5,300 RPMs you truly get more than what you paid for.
For the more serious professional, our suggestion for the best circular saw is the Makita 5007MGA Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw. From its fine, smooth cuts to its ergonomic comfort, it gets the job done while keeping dust off your work area.
Every buyer has specific needs, specific jobs to do, and a specific budget. That means finding the best circular saw is a subjective undertaking. Hopefully you now have enough information to answer the question.
