Circular saws are one of the most important power tools any workshop can have. Drills are a given, and sanders are great additions once you’ve got the basics, but when it comes to practical tools, there’s nothing more time-saving, and effort-reducing than the not-so-humble circular saw.
The power and speed of circular saws have always been a necessary addition to any serious garage, but now, with advances in battery science, the best cordless circular saws outperform corded circular saws by a country mile.
So, let’s take a look at some of the best you can buy, and how to choose the right circular saw for you.
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Top Pick
Premium Choice
Best Value
Product | Our Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Makita 6-1/2" LXT Cordless Plunge Circular Saw |  | | |
2. SKIL 10-1/4'' Cordless Worm Drive Skilsaw Circular Saw Kit |  | | |
3. Dewalt Flexvolt Max 7-1/4" Cordless Circular Saw | 
| | |
4. SKIL 7-1/4" Cordless Worm Drive Skilsaw Circular Saw | 
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5. SKIL PWR CORE 20 6-1/2'' Circular Saw Kit | 
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6. Makita 3-3/8" Max CTX Cordless Circular Saw | 
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7. FLEX 7 1/4" Circular Saw Stacked-Lithium Kit |  | ||
8. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4" Cordless Circular Saw |  | ||
9. Dewalt 4-1/2" Cordless Circular Saw |  |
Cordless Circular Saws Buyer’s Guide
What are Cordless Circular Saws?
Cordless circular saws are designed for cutting straight lines through multiple widths of timber and cutting down timber battens to size. Their blades are one-directional, with a constant cutting force which helps to draw the saw along the surface of your material.
Like any circular saw, they take a lot of effort out of sawing, but also require a great deal of control. For many, this just means practice, but for us, that means getting set up with the proper guides and clamps to ensure a crisp, precise line every time.
Cordless Circular Saws Vs Corded Circular Saws
Unlike corded circular saws, cordless circular saws reduce risk and increase portability. A few years ago, you would never have found a guide like this, dedicated to cordless circular saws without a link to more powerful corded alternatives.
However, with today's battery technology, not only is battery life longer, but the power output can actually exceed corded tools. While the best cordless circular saws are still pretty expensive, you can find some great budget options that can still keep up with corded models.
The big bonus is, and always will be, convenience. Because simply put, you can use cordless tools anywhere and everywhere making them ideal for trades and DIY users alike.
What to Look for When Buying a Cordless Circular Saw
As with any circular saw, there are a few basic things to look for when buying a cordless circular saw; blade size, cutting depth, power, and safety. But there’s also the much more important choice of the actual mechanism too.
So, below, we’ll look at some simple ways to distinguish the right cordless circular saw for you as well as look at the difference between worm drive, standard and plunge circle saws to make sure you get the best saw possible.
Blade size
Essentially, the bigger the blade, the faster the cut. While it might seem obvious that blade size links to cutting depth, that’s not necessarily true.
For example, some 7-1/4” have adjustable depths, while others don’t. Equally, plunge saws have significantly better-cutting depths than their standard rivals with static cutting positions.
Smaller blades tend to spin slower though and suffer more from friction, with a higher contact ratio between the blade and the material, so if you’ve got space, go for a bigger blade.
Speed Vs Power
Speed and power are linked, but try to focus on the ratios between speed and power when choosing the best cordless circular saw. To simplify it, cheaper power tools might have a 60V battery, with a free spinning (or ‘no load speed’) of 6000 RPM.
This is great for thin timber, but compare it to a lower voltage circular saw, with just 20V, but an RPM of 5000. The ratio is significantly better, meaning the friction is far less likely to jam up or slow down the blade.
As a general guide, 60V is excessive, and anything under 18V is too low for a general-purpose tool. RPMs should be somewhere between 4500 and 5500 for reliable performance.
Right Vs Left-handed circular saws
This might seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many users go for the default right-handed tools when there are purpose-made left-handed tools out there.
If you’re a leftie, keep an eye out for left-handed circle saws, which will make workshop life SO much easier.
Plunge Vs Fixed-depth circular saws
Plunge saws are excellent for cutting thicker materials or cutting lengths of timber to size without having to move the saw. Simply hold the saw in place and press down as the mechanism does the rest.
For longer, straight cuts, use a standard circular saw, with the blade depth firmly locked in place to just over the depth of the material.
Cordless Circular Saws Safety Guide
There are some pretty important safety features that come as standard with most cordless circular saws, like blade guards and automatic brakes.
Without the cable holding you back, there are significantly fewer risks when using cordless circular saws. However, it’s still important to follow basic workshop safety procedures:
- Wear comfortable, ventilated goggles
- Wear a dust mask (particularly when cutting timber)
- Stay behind the saw while cutting
- Remove any nails, screws or fittings from the materials
- Turn the power off completely after use
Cordless Circular Saw Reviews
1. Makita 6-1/2" LXT Cordless Plunge Circular Saw
Source: tractorsupply.com
This full Makita kit comes with a perfectly built plunge saw, with full blade protection, two cases, and a double battery charger. This wonderfully adaptable plunge saw is ideal for static cuts as well as cutting along the length of materials, and has the added advantage of working as a precise miter saw too.
Even for mitered cuts it still has a cutting depth of 1-9/16”, but it’s the impressive 2-3/15” cutting depth of its 90-degree cuts that help this precise plunge saw stand out from the crowd.
Pros
Batteries included
Good value
Safe storage cases
included
Brushless motor
Great for accurate, frictionless cuts
Cons
- Small blade (6-1/2”)
2. SKIL 10-1/4'' Cordless Worm Drive Skilsaw Circular Saw Kit
Source: amazon.com
This monstrous saw is the 10-14” circular saw from SKIL. The biggest in its range, with a powerful pair of fast-charging batteries, a tough blade guard, and an insanely well-balanced handle set, for a safe and ergonomic grip, when in use.
With 48V of power, a potential 3-11” cutting depth, and automated dust extraction, there’s really not much more anyone could wish for in a circular saw, and it does all that on batteries, far surpassing the corded models by most other brands.
Pros
Brushless motor
Two batteries included
10-1/4” blade
48V for maximum power
Worm drive power for
reliable work and comfort
Comfortable grip handles
Electric brake
High-quality blade guard
Cons
- N/A
3. Dewalt Flexvolt Max 7-1/4" Cordless Circular Saw
Source: toolbarn.com
For all the power of a corded circular saw and a price to match it's hard to best the value of this impeccably well put-together cordless circular saw from DeWalt.
As one of the world’s most trusted tool brands, you don’t need me to sing their praises, but it’s still worth stating: Tools like this, from brands like this, don’t often come up for prices like this!
This is an outstanding tool, rated highly by long-term users, and newcomers alike thanks to its 60V batteries and a high torque 5800 RPM to push through tough cuts.
Pros
Brushless motor
High torque, high power,
great rpm
Comfortable grip
Electric brake
Solid shoe
Durable blade guard
Batteries included
Cons
- N/A
4. SKIL 7-1/4" Cordless Worm Drive Skilsaw Circular Saw
Source: amazon.com
SKIL’s cordless circular saws are a thing of beauty. They are precisely manufactured for accuracy, power, and durability, with sturdy casings that work well and look good.
The tough exterior reflects the quality of the tools produced by SKIL on a regular basis, and on this standard-sized SKIL Worm Drive saw with a 7-14” blade you’ll even get a fast-charging battery included in the sale.
Pros
Brushless motor
Batteries included
Fast charging
425 cuts per charge
Fast cutting with minimal
friction
Sturdy casing
Great value
Durable safety guard
Electric brake
Great value
Cons
- N/A
5. SKIL PWR CORE 20 6-1/2'' Circular Saw Kit
Source: amazon.com
This mini circular saw from SKIL is one of the best small circular saws on the market. It might not have the scale of its competitors, but it’s generously priced, performs well, and holds up to tough cuts with ease.
Like all SKIL products it’s fast charging, and incredibly well put together, but unlike most, it’s actually super comfortable to use.
And while most SKIL saws are designed for accuracy, there’s something quite familiar about the similar controls for this saw, with an easy-to-adjust angle for mitered cuts, and a simple depth adjuster too.
It might sound basic, but it’s rare to find products like this for a DIY audience from trade quality manufacturers.
Pros
Brushless motor
Batteries included
Comfortable handles
Strong safety guard
Electric brake
Fast charging
Cons
- Small blade (6-1/2”)
6. Makita 3-3/8" Max CTX Cordless Circular Saw
Source: tractorsupply.com
Makita’s mini cordless circular saw is a brilliantly clever and compact tool, with a basic 12V battery that operates at maximum efficiency to deliver 1500RPM.
It’s ideal for most timber, fibrous, and plaster materials whether you’re free handing, or cutting with guides. And best of all, the mini Makita circular saw is just 3.5lb, making it really comfortable to use for lengthy cuts over and over again without feeling the strain.
Pros
Comfortable grip
Lightweight
Brushless motor
Batteries included
Cons
Small blade (3-3/8”)
Small cutting depth (1” at 90 degrees)
7. FLEX 7 1/4" Circular Saw Stacked-Lithium Kit
Source: acmetools.com
If you want a bigger blade without the price tag, why not try something from Flex, a great budget tool brand where the only real compromise is in materials?
The blade guard is safe but quite brittle, so needs to be handled with care, and the overall finish leaves a little to be desired. However, for a budget-friendly option, you’ll get all the power of more expensive cordless circular saws, and the cutting depth, without the price tag.
If you’re happy to make a few compromises, then flex is a brand worth trying.
Pros
Great value
Brushless motor
Batteries included
Good battery life
Good power (24V)
Low friction, and high RPM (6200), ideal for cutting thin timber sheet
Cons
Brittle casing
Below par manufacturing
8. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4" Cordless Circular Saw
Source: toolbarn.com
Milwaukee FUEL has to be one of the biggest innovations in any tool range this century. Their powerful brushless motors hold a charge like nothing else, making battery-operated tools not just more effective, but longer lasting.
For anyone working on the go, their reliable kits should be an absolute go-to, with incredibly well-stitched bags that can hold up to any work site, fast charging batteries, and charging ports included.
But really, if that’s not enough, the shoe, grip, and locking mechanisms on this cordless circular saw are what make it so special, easily competing with the best premium circular saws out there for build quality, at a fraction of the cost.
Pros
Good blade size (7-1/4”)
Up to 5,800RPM from an 18V battery
Impressive 2-1/2” cutting depth
Comfortable and safe
Electric brake
Brushless motor
Batteries included
Good value
Cons
- N/A
9. Dewalt 4-1/2" Cordless Circular Saw
Source: toolbarn.com
Despite its size, this small circular saw from DeWalt is really quite impressive, with simple attachments to boost accuracy, aid with dust extraction, and help guide cuts. It's everything you need for quick DIY jobs without having to store bulky tools.
For most domestic users, the ability to easily cut most sheet timber is more than enough, so the 1-9/16” cutting depth is ideal for a compact tool like this.
Obviously for anyone looking at larger jobs, or wanting fewer, but more versatile tools, it’s worth looking at the higher price points, and larger blades.
Pros
Electric brake
Fast charging
Lightweight
Brushless motor
Batteries included
Cons
Small blade (4-1/2”)
1-9/16” cutting depth
Cordless Circular Saw Top Picks for 2024
Best Cordless Circular Saw - Our Top Pick
Source: tractorsupply.com
Plunge saws are almost always more expensive than their fixed depth counterparts, but this 36V plunge saw from Makita is a cordless powerhouse that still offers great value for money.
But we don’t just give the top spot away for value. The Makita 18V x2 (36V) LXT Cordless 6-1/2 in. Plunge Circular Saw is an outstanding tool, capable of pretty much anything you could possibly throw at it.
From quick cuts to properly aligned accurate woodwork, this Makita plunge saw is up to the challenge and will make it feel easy.
Premium Choice Cordless Circular Saw
Source: amazon.com
SKIL saws might be out of the price range of most DIY buyers, but let’s face it, they’re worth the money. The manufacturing quality alone is worth the premium price, and there’s even beauty to their design.
I’ve always been a sucker for beauty when it is injected into functional design, and this 10-1/4” SKIL Cordless Worm Drive Skilsaw has it in bucket loads.
If you’re after the very, very, best cordless circular saw and are happy to pay a premium, then there’s no doubt in my mind that this is it.
Best Value Cordless Circular Saw
Source: toolbarn.com
Power doesn’t always mean a hefty price tag, and the Dewalt Flexvolt Max 7-1/4" Cordless Circular Saw proves that more than any other circular saw we’ve seen.
Budget circular saws can seem like a risky purchase, but when those budget tools are designed and sold by brands we trust, it’s a win-win. Don’t try to save every possible penny to find affordable tools, because that’s just false economy stuff.
Be sensible, and choose tools like this, which are budget-friendly, but high performance. Yes, there are cheaper circular saws, but there are very few that can match up to the DeWalt for performance in this price range.
Cordless Circular Saws FAQs
Are cordless circular saws powerful enough?
Cordless circular saws are typically less powerful than corded saws. However, more recent products from Milwaukee, Makita, and SKIL have shown that battery-powered circular saws can actually have more power, higher RPMs, and better torque than corded alternatives.
If you’re still not convinced about the power of cordless, for more information on the best circular saws click here.
What is a brushless circular saw?
When buying a cordless circular saw, always choose one with a brushless motor. Brushless motors are more efficient than standard alternatives as brushes in the motor traditionally reduced power by creating friction within the motor.
This is particularly important with battery-operated tools, where brushless motors significantly improve their run time.
How long do circular saw batteries last?
Most circular saws have a battery life of around 12 hours in continuous use. Any battery claiming to last longer will have significant performance issues, so find a product with a reliable, powerful battery, and ideally, one with a fast charging battery kit to reduce downtime.
Do cordless circular saws burn wood?
A common problem with any circular saw, including cordless circular saws is burning along cuts. This is caused by heightened friction and is usually the result of one of two potential problems: dirty or blunt blades or, worse, a misaligned blade. Remove, clean, and re-secure your blade properly.
For more tools you may need in your workshop, see our product reviews and buying guides below:
Get the Best Cordless Circular Saw for Your Workshop and Sawing Needs
Cordless circular saws make woodwork a breeze, cutting down time as effectively as they cut down timber. If you’re starting a new project, renovating, or redesigning an outdoor kitchen, there is nothing quite like a powerful circular saw with the convenience of rechargeable batteries to increase productivity.
We’re pretty much sold on these cordless circular saws above, and won’t be gig back to corded any time soon.
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