Best Cordless Circular Saw [2024 Review]

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Many people perceive tools like drills, hammers, and screwdrivers as the necessities of any worker’s collection. However, there’s more to a great tool stock than those things alone. The circular saw is a highly essential part of any tool selection.

The corded saw can cut masonry, steel, plywood, granite, and lumber when matched with the right blade selection. Most cordless models are better equipped to handle light and medium jobs in which maneuverability and portability are most crucial.

If you’re currently looking for the best cordless circular saw, then you’re in the right place. In this post, I’ve reviewed some of the best circular saws on the market today.

What’s more, I’ve created a buying guide, loaded with general and relevant information that can help you in making the best decision.

Keep on reading my cordless circular saw review to find out which one is right for you.

My Top Cordless Circular Saw Reviews

Here is my cordless circular saw comparison.

Dewalt DCS391B

With Dewalt DCS391B 20-volt circular saw, you will be able to cut with ease and speed. Further, it features a magnesium shoe which will assist with cutting accuracy. This model has a no-load speed of 5,250 RPM and is equipped with a 5,150 RPM motor.

The Dewalt DCS391B is not just a powerful tool, but it is light in weight. It weighs in at 2lbs without a battery. It has also a 6-1/2 inch carbide tipped blade which will cut up to two times the material at 2 ¼-inch depth at 90 degrees. One more thing, it has a 0 to 50-degree bevel capacity that allows for a horde of applications with aggressive cuts.

The over-molded and rubber grip of this circular saw offers excellent control and balance and even prevents fatigue. However, the Dewalt DCS391B is a bare tool and you need to buy the battery separately. This circular saw is also backed with three years limited warranty.

What I Like About this Model

  • Lightweight
  • ​Offers high-performance and accurate cutting
  • ​Blade Electric brake
  • Comfortable to use
  • Carbide tipped blade
  • 3 years limited warranty

What I Don’t Like

  • ​You need to buy the battery separately
  • Motor is not brushless

Makita XSS02Z

Next to Dewalt DCS391B is the Makita XSS02Z 18v cordless saw. This highly powered and durable circular saw that offers a lot of benefits is perfect for professionals and DIY enthusiasts working on locations alike.

Weighing in at only 7.3lbs with an 18-volt battery, which is not included in the package, the Makita XSS02Z is a compact and lightweight model. Additionally, it is portable as well as reduces fatigue while dealing with an extended project.

This saw is equipped with a 3700 RPM motor for faster ripping and cutting through wood. Its heavy gauge base, on the other hand, will not only let you cut smoothly but more accurately too.

At a 45-degree angle, the Makita XSS02Z can cut up to two times the amount of material. Its 6-1/2 inch blade can be used for a wide variety of cutting applications. It also has a 50-degree max bevel capacity, which is actually a good addition.

What I Like About this Model

  • ​Compact
  • ​Lightweight
  • ​Portable
  • Highly powered
  • Works quietly
  • Easy to use
  • Interchangeable batteries
  • Great for a wide range of cutting applications

What I Don’t Like

  • ​It needs an 18-volt battery which is not included in the package.
  • Batteries not included
  • Motor is not brushless

Black+Decker BDCCS20C

Offering a fast 5.5 inches blade and high torque motor the Black Decker BDCCS20C will let you create a range of cuts quickly and at the same time smoothly. With this tool, you will be able to make an angled cut more accurately, thanks to its bevel capacity adjustment that has dents at 45-degrees.

Easy to use and compact, this tool is a good value. Its 12T carbide blade can cut various materials and can be used in a wide variety of applications. However, if you are worried about cutting your fingers or it is your first time buying a circular saw then this is for you.

The Black+Decker BDCCS20C circular saw is also well-engineered for high-performance as it has a powerful motor with 3,700 RPM cutting speed, which is adequate for most home improvement jobs.

Overall, this circular saw is a great pick for homeowners and excellent for most DIY home projects. Like some circular saws on this list, this model comes as a bare tool.

What I Like About this Model

  • ​Comes with a battery
  • ​Easy to use
  • Compact
  • Making adjustments is easy
  • Equipped with a 12T carbide blade
  • ​Two years limited warranty

What I Don’t Like

  • ​Not suitable for professionals
  • Motor is not brushless
  • Short battery time
  • Unsuitable for heavy-duty projects

Milwaukee 0730-22

Due to its endurance and power closely simulated to that of a corded circular saw, the Milwaukee 0730-22 is considered the best all-around cordless saw. This model is very easy to maneuver and sports a design that is adaptable.

The Milwaukee 0730-22’s is powered by a 28V li-ion battery technology and offers great cutting power of 4200 RPM making it ideal for woodworking and cutting metal. With this durable circular saw, you will also enjoy a comfortable and tactile grip, electric brake, as well as adjustable blade depth and bevel capacity sway.

Likewise, it has a high-power aircraft aluminum shoe that resists bending for more accurate and precise cutting.

This 6-1/2 inches circular saw features a blade that can accommodate a range of applications including carpentry, framing, and electrical. There is also the electronic brake, which is a safety feature that stops the blade quickly to prevent injuries. The Milwaukee model is a great purchase as it will give you all the power you need. However, it is a bare tool so you will have to purchase the 28 voltages lithium-ion battery separately.

What I Like About this Model

  • Easy to use
  • ​It has an excellent cutting power
  • ​Durable
  • Great for woodworking
  • Adaptable design
  • Exceptional aircraft aluminum shoe
  • Features electronic brakes
  • Tactile and comfortable grips for additional control
  • Comes with a battery
  • Five years limited warranty

What I Don’t Like

  • ​Very expensive
  • No Brushless Motor
  • Produces noise during operation
  • Battery not included in the package

Dewalt DCS391P1

Unlike the bare tool Dewalt DCS391B, the DCS391P1 is a complete package circular saw that is perfect for plastics thanks to its 5,250 RPM motor. In fact, Dewalt ships this saw with the unit itself, a battery charger, and a battery pack. Further, its comfortable and over-molded grip offers the maximum comfort of constant use.

Its premium quality magnesium shoe and 50 degrees bevel capacity adjustment make for good power and feel of control as well. Another good thing about this model is that it comes with a handy and durable plastic case.

This powerful circular saw is also lightweight as it only weighs 8 pounds, making it portable. It also comes with a 6-1/2 inches blade made of carbide that will cut your material at 1-⅝ inches depth at 45 degrees or at 2-¼ inches at 90 degrees.

The only drawback of DCS391P1 is that it doesn’t come with a brushless motor but it will last for a couple of years since it is long-lasting, strong, and durable. Its battery life is also short while its 5.5-inch blade can’t handle thick materials. It also comes as a bare tool, so the battery and charger are not included.

What I Like About this Model

  • ​Long-lasting
  • ​Dependable
  • ​Durable and powerful
  • Comes with a durable carry case
  • Versatile
  • Complete package
  • Comfortable to use
  • Can perform even the most difficult cuts easily

What I Don’t Like

  • Short battery life
  • Blade not great for all-round work

Porter-Cable PCC660B

The Porter-Cable PCC660B circular saw can be a great option if you are looking for a great circular saw. This model can actually perform aggressive cuttings easily. Also, it comes equipped with a great motor that offers 4000 RPM and is powered by a 20-volt battery.

This top-rated cordless circular saw also features a 6-1/2 inch carbide tooth blade that has a 2 1/8” cutting bevel capacity. Though it isn’t the deepest, it is still enough. The PCC660B is also light in weight. At only 6.5 pounds, it is easier to move.

This circular saw is made of steel to make it durable while its over-molded handle will give you the ultimate comfort, especially when using this circular saw for extended periods. It’s also powerful enough to cut accurately and quickly through anything. This power tool is an excellent choice for professional contractors as it can cut through any material. 

Its high-performance motor will also allow you to work more efficiently so that you complete your tasks quickly. With this cordless saws model’s bevel capacity, you can also make a good bevel cut, owing to its beveling shoe that pivots up to 50-degrees. The circular saw also has a contoured handle for a comfortable grip.

Read more in my guide on the best beginner circular saw.

What I Like About this Model

  • Lightweight
  • ​Comfortable to use
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Quite versatile
  • Decent motor
  • Large blade
  • Easy to maneuver

What I Don’t Like

  • ​Not suitable for forceful cutting applications
  • ​You need to buy the battery separately
  • Battery not included

DEWALT DC3905

If you are looking for the best compact and small circular saw that is powered by a battery, then the Dewalt DC3905 is for you. Though it’s underpowered when equated to my top pick and other models in this list, it provides adequate performance.

The motor used in this circular saw is fan-cooled to avoid overheating especially when utilized for long cutting jobs. Furthermore, its motor offers 3,700 RPM for faster crosscuts and rip cuts. On the other hand, it is equipped with a 6-1/2 inch carbide-tipped blade that has a deep cut depth for working on bigger projects.

With its high strength and tillable and magnesium shoe, you can perform easy and fast 50 degrees bevel cuts. It also has an upper blade guard that offers increased durability. The handle is just a basic one, but still ergonomic.

The performance and power of the DC3905 are exceptional as it can cut effortlessly through any lumber. The model is also very comfortable to use as its rubberized handle reduces vibration. Additionally, it’s lightweight as it only weighs 6.3 pounds, making it one of the best circular saws that DIY hobbyists should add to their toolbox.

What I Like About this Model

  • ​Offers smooth and professional cuts
  • ​Ergonomic handle
  • ​Performs easy and quick bevel cuts
  • Fan-cooled and decent motor
  • Large blade perfect for bigger projects
  • Accurate
  • High strength magnesium shoe for added accuracy
  • Lightweight and durable

What I Don’t Like

  • ​It doesn’t come with a battery
  • It only comes with a basic handle

Bosch Bare-Tool CCS180B

The Bosch Bare-tool CCS180B is a feature-loaded circular saw that is ideal for DIY enthusiasts. This powerful tool has a 3,900 no-load RPM and it only weighs 6.5 lbs. Being over 5 lbs, its 6.5” blade capacity will let you cut over a 2” thick material at 90 degrees as well as 1-1/16” at 50 degrees.

Its blade’s left design will allow you to see your cut line with ease for better accuracy particularly when you’re holding the tool in the right hand. Furthermore, it comes with an anti-hitch lower blade guard and an easy-to-read bevel scale. One incredible feature of the CCS180B model is the upper blade guard and heavy-duty aluminum foot that makes this saw extremely sturdy and perfect for working on demanding project sites.

The 50-degree bevel of this cordless saw will let you work for a wide variety of applications. On the plus side, it is constructed to withstand even the toughest jobs. It’s also packed with a lot of high-quality features that make it accurate and easy to use. Last but not least, it features ECP or electronic cell protection that prevents the tool from overloading and overheating.

What I Like About this Model

  • ​Changing blades is easy and fast thanks to its spindle lock feature
  • ​Durable
  • ​Anti-hitch lower guard
  • Powerful motor
  • Blade left design
  • Can handle the most difficult jobs
  • Overheating is less likely to happen.
  • Lightweight design

What I Don’t Like

  • ​You need to buy the charger and battery separately
  • ​It doesn’t come with a rip fence

Makita SH02R1

The Makita SH02R1 is a portable circular saw with a great design and adequate power to allow you to cut different types of wood. It comes with a carbide-tooth blade, ergonomic handle for maximum comfort, a bevelling shoe as well as a powerful motor. So, if you are looking for a circular saw that is compact and capable of making rough cuts, this is an excellent option.

The saw’s design makes it easy to manipulate and operate while its carbide teeth blade will allow you to cut different wood types without worrying about damaging the blade or the saw. Its 3-⅜ inch blade rotates at 1,500 RPM which is quite decent especially when you consider the size of the blade. The integrated dust blower makes sure the cut line is clear of debris so that you have accurate cuts.

Additionally, the rubberized, contoured handle provides you with an excellent grip for added comfort. The Porter-Cable PCC660B circular saw will also allow you to adjust the bevel angle effortlessly without experiencing any difficulties. You can adjust the bevel angle up to 45 degrees depending on your requirements. Along with the bevel angle adjustment, the SH02R1 comes with two batteries and is compatible with the 12 voltage Max CTX system.

What I Like About this Model

  • Offers up to 45 degrees of bevel adjustment
  • 1,500 RPM cutting speed
  • 3-⅜ inches carbide teeth blade
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Ergonomic handle
  • Built-in dust blower
  • Comes with 2 batteries

What I Don’t Like

  • No battery indicator
  • A bit slow

Things to Consider When Choosing A Cordless Circular Saw

The following are the important factors/things that must be taken into consideration when choosing a best-rated cordless circular saw, to ensure you’re getting the right product.

Saw Charging Time

There is nothing as annoying as putting your job on hold just because your battery runs out of power. I recommend buying an extra battery, so you’ll have one charged and all set to go. The charging time, however, greatly varies. Usually, it will last for 30 to 90 minutes.

Blade Right or Blade Left

When determining the best cordless saw, the position of the blade plays a crucial role.

A blade right cordless circular saw is the traditional arrangement for circular saws. 

The only advantage of this is that typically the work piece’s keeper side will be positioned on the left side of the blade where the bigger part of the saw’s base shoe is sited. As a result, keeping the base shoe even on the workpiece becomes much easier.      

The only drawback of this placement is that it’s hard to see the cuts without twisting yourself about and over the circular saw, making for a very uncomfortable time.

A blade left saw, on the other hand, will let you perceive the cut line clearly. In fact, it is always easier to perform perfect cuts if you can see the line. So if you want to work easily, consider a blade left cordless circular saw.

Circular saw on wood

Depth Adjustment Control and Cut Depth Control

The all-out depth of cut will translate into how dense a workpiece may be cut. Even so, with a base shoe set at 90-degree a 7-1/4 inch circular saw is capable of cutting around 2 3/8-inch while a 6-1/2 inch model can cut about 2 1/4 –inch deep.

You may not be cutting a 2 by 12 rafter each day in order to stick frame hip roofs. There are various instances in which you’ll need to make a bevel cut by tipping the saw’s blade to a 90-degree angle.

Even so, a 7-1/4 inch circular saw has no issue cutting two times material at angles more than 45-degrees in one pass. However, the max cut depth of a 6-1/2 inch saw at 45-degree is barely 1.5-inch, thus it is perhaps not the best option for you if you’re doing a lot of jobs using a bevel cut.

Note: Before making a cut, you will want to set your blade approximately ¼-inch deeper compared to the wood you’re going to cut. The majority of circular saws come with a sliding mechanism and locking lever that you can use to adjust the cut depth. The best model is the one that allows you to adjust cut depth using one hand.

Brushless Motor or Brushed Motor

Keep in mind that a brushless motor in a cordless circular saw is much better compared to a brushed one as its design will lessen the resistance convoluted with the brushes. This will extend the run of the battery and offer more power. However, the only drawback of a brushless motor is that it is quite expensive.

Power

Power is another important factor to consider when choosing a cordless circular saw. A lot of manufacturers do not include all the information on their products. The speed of the blade is usually measured in RPM or revolution per minute. However, bear in mind that the best saw has a 4,500 RPM to 6,000 RPM range.

Batteries

The power of the battery is measured in volts. Though there is a number of manufacturers that produce 12V batteries, most of them are not worth considering and fall in the category of toys.

The 18V cordless and 20V cordless circular saws are the most popular options since they have more power that can accommodate most projects. There are also models that come equipped with 60-volt batteries.

There are two kinds of batteries typically utilized in cordless tools. These are Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) and Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd). A li-ion battery is lighter, offers more power and longer run time compared to NiCd batteries.

Additional Features

Most people like some great additional features on their power tools. look for safety features that are built in the motor. This might include fans to keep it cool, protection from burning the motor, and an advanced braking system that will stop the blade and turn off the motor immediately during an emergency. 

In addition to that, other features such as an LED job light, rafter hook, laser guide, or speed change technology are useful. It is also important that you look for an ergonomic handle and consider the tool’s overall weight.

Batteries

Today, you can find a variety of options for best cordless circular saws, but make sure that the product you’re considering has a battery because many do not.

If you have interchangeable batteries, no worry. If not, make sure to include the battery to the cordless saw.

Maneuverability

Unlike its counterparts, a cordless circular saw is lighter. Adding a battery will add some weight, though it will not make the entire tool too heavy.

If you want to make your job a lot easier, consider the tool’s maneuverability. Typically, the models that are light in weight are the ones that are easy to maneuver.

How to Safely Use A Cordless Circular Saw

Below are some of the safety tips you need to keep in mind while using a cordless circular saw.

Always Wear Safety Equipment

Before handling your cordless circular saw, make sure to wear safety equipment. Safety goggles are necessary to protect your eyes from the dirt and dust produced while you’re cutting.

When inhaled, the dust can be harmful and trigger health problems. Wear a dust mask or respirator as well.

You’ll also need to put on great hearing protection because some cordless circular saws produce loud sounds.

Man holding a circular saw

Set the Depth of Cut

When cutting using this tool, you need to utilize a safe depth of cut settings. Thus, before you start, set the depth of cut that will match the thickness of the material you are trying to cut.

When setting the depth of cut, ensure that excessive blade isn’t exposed under the material you are cutting. Thus, it is best that the blade’s lowest tooth doesn’t extend over 1/8” under the board you are working with.

Keep in mind that a properly set depth of cut can offer an accurate and safe cut.

Look for Any Obstructions

Before cutting a material, particularly wood, ensure there are no obstructions like screws and nails inserted. Obstructions may possibly cause injury and damage to your tool.

Use Only Sharp Blades

When you’re cutting any material using a cordless circular saw, your main task is to direct the tool through the cut. Do not force the tool over your material. If you are having a hard time making cuts, you are probably using dull blades.

You shouldn’t use a dull blade in your tool. Always utilize sharp blades which can cut through the material easily. Sharp blades are safer to use and will make the job easier.

Inspect Your Cordless Circular Saw

You need to check the retracting lower blade guard to ensure it recovers and retracts easily. It is one of the main safety features built into the cordless circular saws.

Since you’re using a cordless model, make sure to remove its battery before checking. This is to avoid accidentally turning on your tool while inspecting it.

Aside from the lower blade guard, you also need to check the other parts of your tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Does A Cordless Circular Saw Work?

A cordless circular saw works on battery power, meaning that this tool doesn’t need to be plugged in in order to work. 

Are Cordless Circular Saws A Good Investment?

A cordless circular saw is a good investment and ideal for DIYers. It is easier to use, powerful, and most importantly can be utilized anytime and anywhere unlike the corded saw. As a matter of fact, even experts use a cordless model for their small jobs since it is more convenient.

How Long Do Cordless Circular Saws Last?

Cordless circular saws are durable and tend to last for a couple of years if cleaned regularly and maintained properly. However, if you’re going to use it on a regular basis as well as on heavy-duty projects, then its lifespan will be lessened.
Keep in mind that the power sources (aka batteries) also have an important role to play in how long your cordless circular saw will last.

Table Saw vs Track Saw vs Circular Saw: Which is Best?

Final Words

My top pick for the best cordless circular saw is the Dewalt DCS391B. This tool is very easy to maneuver and offers powerful cutting performance. What’s more, it is the perfect option for professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

If ever this tool runs out of stock, and you’re looking for one that offers a great value, the Black+Decker BDCCS20C is for you. This tool offers enough performance and comes with a charger and a battery.

I hope this guide has helped you a lot in choosing the right cordless circular saw for your job.

Raised with a fix-it and improvement mindset, my wife and I completely restored our Craftsman-style home. Learning how to DIY a variety of home improvement projects, I started SawsHub with my father. He's the fine woodworker, I'm the DIYer!