Finding the perfect circular power saw can be a tedious process. Although many manufacturers claim that their brands have maximum runtimes, can maintain the required power supply longer, and can be used to make the most accurate cuts, this is not always the case.
Before settling on the best cordless circular saw, you must go through many brands with different quality standards and performance levels.
In this review, we have listed some of the best cordless circular saw brands available. We have also examined some of their key features, pros, and cons to make settling on a brand that meets your requirements easy.
Also Read:
Best Cordless Circular Saw of 2024 at a Glance
- DEWALT 6-1/2-Inch 20V Max Circular Saw
- Milwaukee M18 2630-20 18 Volt Lithium Ion 6-1/2″ 3,500 RPM
- DEWALT 20V MAX 7-¼-Inch Circular Saw
- PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw
- BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 5-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw
- Makita XSH03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 6-1/2″ Circular Saw
- Bosch Bare-Tool CCS180B 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 6-1/2-Inch Lithium-Ion Circular Saw
- Ryobi P508 One+ 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless 7 1/4 3,800 RPM Circular Saw
What is a Cordless Circular Saw
A cordless circular saw is a power tool that you can use to make straight cuts in different materials like wood, plastic, or metal. The units are powered by rechargeable batteries, offering the convenience of portability and allowing you to use the tool in locations where you cannot easily access power outlets.
In other words, these units are cord-free, unlike the traditional/corded circular saws that needed an electrical outlet to operate. Once fully charged your battery, you can move with them anywhere and execute your tasks without worrying about an electrical outlet.
Best Cordless Circular Saw of 2024 Reviews
1.DEWALT 6-1/2-Inch 20V Max Circular Saw
The DEWALT 6-½-Inch 20V Max Circular Saw boasts some of the best features, making 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 must make accurate cuts or work for a long. The safety trigger’s placement and ease of use 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. This motor maintains desired speed even when under load. Hence, the saw can efficiently rip through standard planks and make cuts up to 2-⅛ inches when working at 90 degrees. At 45 degrees, the depth of cut is 1-⅝ inches.
The power level varies with the type of battery 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 separate
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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 ideal for basic woodcutting tasks at home and commercial purposes.
The 18-volt Lithium-Ion battery powers the 24-teeth sturdy carbide blade of the saw at 3,500 revolutions per minute, making it the 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 high 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 during work, increasing the saw’s durability.
Milwaukee M 18 2630-20 circular saw is compatible with Lithium-Ion batteries for several other brands, including 48-11-1820, 48-11-1860, and 48-11-1850 48-11-1828. This will ensure no breakdowns due to low charge or batteries running out, as you can easily use batteries from the other compatible models.
The manufacturers of this model have integrated the tool’s safety concerns. You do not have to worry about safety immediately after the cutting as the model comes with electronic brakes that will stop the blades immediately after the cutting.
You do not need to wait for the blades to slow down; 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 the needed comfort to help you work precisely, even in 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 workloads.
With a blade speed of up to 5200 RPM, the brushless motor 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 greater control by adjusting the bevel up to 57 degrees.
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
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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 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, making it one of the best currently available brands. For example, its beveling shoe has a pivoting capacity of up to 50 degrees, which matches any advanced cordless circular saw.
The PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX 6-½-Inch Circular Saw weighs only 6.5 lbs as a bare tool, thus making it perfect for light cutting duties.
Pros
- Affordable
- Less noisy
- Extended run time (when using any standard compatible battery)
Cons
- Unsuitable for heavy cutting tasks
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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 6 lbs, 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 fast-cutting motor. Its 12T carbide-tipped blades also allow for a variety of cuts. With this model, you have the luxury to work on different metal surfaces and execute your tasks within the limited time possible.
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 the ideal tool for simple jobs.
Pros
- Highly portable
- Adjustable bevel capacity
- Ergonomic design
- Compact and lightweight
- It is easy to use
Cons
- Low battery life
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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 an 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 brushless motor with 5000 RPM to facilitate quicker and more efficient cutting. The motor ensures no energy loss through friction, creating a high speed.
You can easily adjust the speed according to your work demand when using this tool, enhancing its versatility and realizing optimum performance. This is enabled by its automatic speed system and torque adjustment feature.
You can adjust the torque to produce the speed you need for your job and, depending on the nature of the material you are working on, prevent damage. 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 a lightweight of only 7.3 pounds with a 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
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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 six 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.
Positioning 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
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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 brushless motor providing the power and torque needed to complete standard jobs.
Compared to 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 has sufficient power to slice through various materials.
The model allows for accurate cuts both for left and right-handed individuals. The blade is mounted on the left side while the handle is on the right, giving 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 by including 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 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 easy as the manual accompanies the accessories.
Pros
- Excellent comfort and user experience
- Compatible with a broad range of Lithium HP batteries
- Brushless motors
- Precision cuts
Cons
- Average durability
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Best Cordless Circular Saw Buyers’ Guide
Getting a suitable cordless circular saw can be daunting even when you already know the technical features of some of the leading brands we have presented in this guide. But why would you consider having the best circular saw in your tool collection? Let’s find out.
Benefits of Cordless Circular Saw
- Convenience
Cordless circular saws are portable and convenient. The units are cord-free, meaning you are not restricted by the power cord length while performing your tasks. As a result, you can work with these units anywhere, including remote areas, construction sites, and other outdoor spaces, without worrying about getting a power source.
Thus, if you want to choose between the corded and cordless circular saw, you must be sensitive to the nature of the work and the area you wish to operate. If there are no electrical power sources or you want to move from one work area to another, you must choose a cordless type.
- Versatility
Cutting jobs can be applied to various materials, including lumber or plywood. You want a machine you can apply on multiple materials without buying different power tools for separate cutting jobs. This is where the cordless circular saw is handy. This power tool can cut materials like lumber, trim, metal sheets, plywood, and decking.
Besides, the cordless circular saws come with different blade sizes making them adaptable to various materials and cutting depths, adding to their versatility.
- Enhanced Cutting Accuracy
When you invest in the best cordless circular saw, you are not only getting fast cutting speed. You are also improving the cutting accuracy of your end products. The best cordless circular saw is integrated with control systems and precise transmission devices that allow it to realize accurate cutting depth and angle, guaranteeing the cut wood’s smooth and flat surface with precise dimensions. As a result, circular saws have an irreplaceable advantage in pursuing high-quality woodworking projects.
- Fast and Efficient
If you are looking for a tool to enhance your cutting production efficiency, the best cordless circular shows are your go-to. The power tool has brought revolutionary changes to wood processing with its precision and efficiency in cutting.
Unlike traditional saws, circular saws cut at higher speeds and maintain high efficiency. Whether you intend to use the tool on small-scale home decoration or apply it in large-scale industrial production, circular saws can complete many cutting tasks in a short time, massively enhancing your cutting efficiency.
Essentially, the best cordless circular saws are equipped with high-capacity lithium-ion batteries with voltages ranfing between 18V to 60V. The lithium-ion batteries at high voltages give the saws a longer run time and more power to execute the tasks faster. Some models increase the usage time between the charges by including battery packs with higher amp-hour (Ah) ratings.
Its blade speed and torque aid the circular saws’ cutting performance. The units are characterized by higher RPM and torque ratings to enhance their performance, allowing them to cut through tough materials more quickly and smoothly, explaining their applications in industrial settings.
Circular saws have brushless motors to offer higher efficiency, longer runtime, and enhanced durability. The brushless motors ensure less heat is generated by the machines and less maintenance, which adds to the efficiency of the cordless circular saws.
- Reliable ad Safe
The modern circular saw’s design considers numerous safety protection measures. For instance, the units are integrated with a protective cover that can effectively prevent sawdust from splashing and injuring the operator. Also, the design of the power switch can quickly cut off the power supply in emergencies, ensuring the operator’s safety.
The safety measures make the circular saw safer and more reliable during operations.
What to Consider when Choosing the Best Cordless Circular Saw
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 width of planks 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 its 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 more 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
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 with a 20V tag is not necessarily more potent than an 18V label. However, the higher the battery voltage, the more influential the saw is.
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, blade size, and other features integrated into 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 essential elements and functionalities.
The best way to determine a saw’s portability 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 7 lbs.
Whereas big saws may be able to handle big jobs, using them for a long can increase fatigue.
On the other hand, lighter saws offer you a more excellent feeling of control and flexibility. It is easy to control the angles of your cuts and work for a long time 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 blade’s size determines the power level you will work with while using the saw. The size of the edge 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 hardwood.
Blades with many teeth produce smoother cuts than those with few teeth.
Although all blades are 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 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 cut wood with a circular saw
Before acquiring one, you must know the procedure for cutting wood with a circular saw. Power saws can expose you to significant injuries if appropriate precautions are not observed. This should also include the safety practices when handling the circular saws.
However, before we get into the details, here are some materials you will need.
Needed Materials
- Safety Goggles
- Circular saw
- Work Gloves
- Marking tool or pencil
- Measuring Tape
- Sawhorses pr stable work surface
- Clamps
- Ear Protection
Step 1: Safety
The first step to cutting wood using a circular saw is observing safety. Ensure you have worn the safety apparatus, including ear protection, goggles, and work gloves. Besides, when working with machines, ensure you have tied back long hair and shoe laces. Avoid wearing loose clothing that can be easily caught in the saw.
Step 2: Prepare the Wood
Using a measuring tape and marking tool or pencil, measure and mark the wood at the appropriate length where you want to cut. You can create a precise cutting line by using a straightedge or square. Drawing a line guides the saw blade during the cut, enhancing accuracy and precision.
Step 3: Set the Saw Depth
Set the saw depth by adjusting its blade to extend slightly below the wood’s thickness. Often, you would want to set the blade to about ¼ inch below your workpiece. Such depth ensures a precise and clean cut without putting unnecessary strain on the saw. This also guarantees longevity and good maintenance practice on your saw.
Step 4: Secure the Wood
Place the wood on a stable work surface or sawhorse to promote safety and make it easy to cut through the wood. Having the wood on a stable surface also prevents accidental cutting into the surface. You can clamp the wood on a stable workbench to secure it to place. However, position the clamps away from the saw’s path.
Step 5: Position the Saw
This is an integral step. The position of the saw is imperative to ensure you get the desired cut and prevent accidents. Place the circular saw with the blade guard retracted and the blade hovering above the wood surface, ensuring it is aligned with the marked cutting line. Besides, you must ensure the saw’s handle and trigger are within your reach and grip.
Step 6: Start the Circular Saw
Once the saw has been well-positioned, hold it firmly with both hands. Locate the safety trigger, often near its handle, and push the trigger to start the blade. Allow a few seconds for the blade to reach full speed before beginning the cut.
Step 7: Make the Cut
Carefully guide the saw along the marked cutting line while keeping the blade on the waste side of the line, that is, the part you will discard. Avoid any kickback or binding by using a steady and smooth motion. Allow the saw to cut through the wood. Do not force it.
As you approach the end of the cut, focus on preventing the wood from binding on the saw blade. Essentially, you can use a push stick to safely guide the wood through the last part of the cut.
Step 8: Release the Trigger
Release the trigger once you have completed the cut. This will stop the saw blade. However, ensure the blade has entirely stopped before sitting the saw down.
Step 9: Inspect the Cut
The last step is to inspect the cut to guarantee you have realized your desired smooth and clean cut. If you realize there are still some rough edges or splinters, you can use a sandpaper or wood file o smooth them out.
We hope this process helps you get your desired cut. You can still consult with us or other professionals if you are stuck on any of the steps above.
Also, use the video below to guide you through the process.
HOW TO CHANGE A CIRCULAR SAW BLADE
Blades are essential parts of your circular saws. As a result, it is crucial to know how to change the blades when they go blunt or broken or if you want to replace them with new ones. The best part of learning the process is that you can also install the new ones once you have known how to remove the old ones.
Step 1: Know your saw
You must understand your blade, including its position before you start removing it. First, check the position of the blade lock. The majority of circular saws store the wrench on board. As a result, check the handle, base, and motor housing to find the wrench and lock. If you cannot locate them, consult with your manual to determine their positions.
Step 2: Press the Blade Lock
Once you have determined the position of the blade lock, usually on the motor housing behind the blade guard, press it in while simultaneously rotating the blade until you feel the lock button slip down into place and prevent the blade from further rotation.
Some individuals find it easier to remove the blade with the depth locked at the lowest setting so the base, also called the shoe, is out of the way. You can try the tip once you are well accustomed to your circular saw blade.
Step 3: Loosen the Arbor Bolt
Continue pressing the blade lock button in and place the wrench around the bolt on the arbor (Center of the blade). Turn the wrench to loosen the bolt a ½ turn or so, and then you can let go of the blade lock and hand-thread the bolt out.
Step 4: Rotate the Blade Guard and, remove the blade, and Flange
Once you have loosened the arbour bolt, rotate the guard to open and lift the blade up, and then pull it out. You shall have removed the blade from the saw securely.
Once you have removed the blade from your circular saw, you can install a new one, depending on your cutting needs, including the type of material and the precision needed.
To install a blade:
Step 5: Choose the right side of the blade
Installing a blade is pretty similar to the process of the removal. However, you need to reverse the process. The central part of this process is to take note of the direction the blade goes.
Step 6: Open the Blade Guard and install the blade and Flange
Once you have chosen the right side of the blade, open the guard and rotate it to open. Slip the blade onto the arbor, set the outer Flange over it, and hand-thread the arbor bolt on. Then, press the blade lock button while rotating the blade until the lock stops. Use the wrench to tighten the bolt, and this should complete the installation.
The below video shows how to change circular saw blades.
Frequently Asked Questions-FAQs
Q1.What materials can Cordless Circular Saws Cut?
Cordless circular saws can cut materials such as wood (hardwood, plywood, softwood), metal (steel, aluminum, sheet metal, and copper), plastics (Acrylic sheets, PVC), and even masonry materials like concrete, stone, tiles, and bricks, especially for the circular saws equipped with a diamond blade or a masonry-specific blade.
Q2. What Should I Consider when buying a cordless circular saw?
Consider various factors, including the motor power blade size, portability, bare tool or kit, battery life, and ease of use.
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 between 3,500 and 3,800.
Moreover, they come with additional accessories that enhance their durability, compactness, and general user experience.
Using specialized handles ensures 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.
