Cordless circular saws are a woodworker's favorite power tool, and it’s easy to see why.
They combine portability with the power and ability to handle a wide range of DIY and professional applications. The fact that they can be used to slice through different materials just adds to their versatility.
That said, if you’re in the market for this piece of equipment, you may feel a little overwhelmed because of the sheer number of units available.
To help you sort through this, we’ve reviewed the best cordless circular saws and provided an in-depth guide. Read on to learn more.
Reviews of the 8 Best Cordless Circular Saws
1. Makita XSS02Z Circular Saw
If you’re looking for the best cordless circular saw that will offer an excellent performance all-around, check out the Makita XSS02Z.
One feature that sets the Makita unit apart entails its state-of-the-art technology. This comprises an automatic speed technology that makes seamless alterations to the speed and torque; hence, providing an optimized performance.
Another element that gives the Makita XSS02Z a competitive edge is its motor.
The 18V battery alongside the brushless motor deliver an RPM of 3,700. This powerful motor helps to minimize friction, resulting in an extended run time.
The Makita saw also has a 6 ½-inch blade that is capable of cutting two times the material in a single pass. This cutting tool also delivers a maximum bevel cutting capacity of 50 degrees.
And thanks to the rubberized handle, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll have a firm grip on your device the entire time you’ll be using it.
With Makita circular saw, you’ll not have to worry about durability as it’s designed to withstand the harsh elements of a job site. It’s fitted with a series of seals, meant to shield the motor from dust and moisture. This makes it the perfect tool for outdoor applications.
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Do you prefer a cordless circular saw that has a slightly bigger blade? If you do, the Milwaukee M18 is the best cordless circular saw for your needs.
At first glance, the M18 looks fairly similar to other cordless circular saws on the market. What makes this model different is the 7 ¼-inch blade. This means you’ll get a greater depth of cut than what you'd get from the 6 ½-inch blade of the Makita 18V cordless circular saw.
Despite the blade being bigger, the saw doesn’t feel too bulky or heavy. It tips the scales at 9 lbs., which is light enough to handle one-handed. Its lightweight profile also makes it the perfect candidate for tasks like overhead cutting, scaffolding, and working on roofs.
We also like the addition of the rafter hook. This tiny piece of metal lets you hang the unit from nearby structures and operate the saw free-handed. It also makes for easy storage, especially if you’re trying to save on floor space.
Also worth mentioning is the Powerstate brushless motor that powers this Milwaukee M18 Circular Saw. What we like about this motor’s technology is that it delivers higher speed, torque, and durability in a very compact size.
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Looking to invest in a cordless circular saw that is a little more pocket-friendly? Well, you’ll be pleased to learn about Porter Cable PCC660B saw, which comes in at under $60. This low price tag makes it among the best cordless circular saw for beginners.
There’s a lot more to love about this battery-powered circular saw. But our favorite is the fact that it doesn’t compromise on power.
It uses a 20V Max system, which churns out a remarkable 4,000 RPM of cutting power. Now factor in the 6 ½ inch carbide toothed blade, and you end up with a device with a 2 ⅛’ cutting capacity.
Another feature that sets the Porter-Cable circular saw from the crowd is that it can be used for non-traditional cutting jobs. This is thanks to its shoe, which can pivot up to 50 degrees.
Moreover, you’ll have no problem operating this machine for multiple hours at a time. The handle is contoured and overmolded; guaranteeing maximum user comfort.
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This brand has a reputation for making premium-quality power tools, and the Dewalt DCS391B 20V Max Cordless Circular Saw is no exception.
The blade (6 1/2 inches in size) that the Dewalt unit comes equipped with is one of its key highlights. If cutting speed is not an issue, you can rely on this blade to make cuts that are smooth, straight, and accurate. The best part is, it delivers this cutting performance without the need for a fence.
Speaking of performance, the cutting tool of this Dewalt unit is designed to slice through twice the material in one pass at both 45- and 90-degree angles.
Also worth noting is the fact that the blade of the Dewalt 20V Max is carbide-tipped. This not only helps to extend the blade’s life but also allows it to cut faster. Furthermore, the blade is driven by a powerful 5150 RPM motor that doesn’t disappoint when it comes to cutting power.
When looking for the best cordless circular saw, one factor you have to keep in mind is the machine’s stability. Thankfully, the Dewalt DCS391B model is fitted with a magnesium shoe. This material allows it to provide ample stability without compromising on weight.
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Milwaukee is one of the most reliable brands of circular saws. So it comes as no surprise that another one of their tools has made it to our list.
If you’re keen, you’ll notice that this Milwaukee 2730-20 shares a lot of similarities with the Dewalt tool reviewed above.
For instance, it’s also ergonomically designed with a secure grip and a trigger that’s very easy to operate. There’s even a push-down safety button that’s easily accessible in the event of an emergency.
Like the Dewalt circular saw tool, the blade of Milwaukee 2730-20 also has a length of 6 1/2 inches. But this one boasts faster cutting and up to 3x the durability of other blades.
Another feature that sets the Milwaukee saw apart is the presence of the brand’s proprietary REDLINK PLUS intelligence hardware and software. What this does is that it allows seamless communication between the saw, 18v battery, and charger; resulting in very accurate cuts.
Speaking of results, the machine is powered by a brushless motor, which provides ample power without necessarily generating more heat.
We also like that the saw includes a built-in LED light to enhance lighting; and a rafter hook for easy storage on the job site.
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Cons
Cordless power tools generally have a reputation of having a poor battery life. Black Decker understands this, which is why they’ve included an extra 4-Ah lithium-ion battery pack along with their BDCCS20C cordless circular saw.
In addition, the cordless circular saw is one of the most compact models, which makes for easy portability. It’s equipped with a smaller saw blade that is 5 1/2 inches long. Due to this, the cordless saw does not provide as much cutting capacity as what you get from its counterparts.
On the brighter side, it utilizes a high torque motor. This, paired with the 20V max battery, allows it to cut through tough materials like a hot knife through butter. And since it’s very light, you’ll find it incredibly easy to wield. This particular feature makes it well suited for above-the-head applications and making awkward cuts.
Another thing you’re sure to love about the Black Decker cordless circular saw entails its bevel adjustments. Specifically, it allows you to set the blade at 45° and 90° so as to make your preferred bevel cuts.
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One of the things you have to be mindful of when purchasing the best cordless circular saw is the position of the blade.
If you’re right-handed, then you’ll want the blade to be positioned on the left so that you have a clear view of the cut line. If this is what you’re looking for, the Bosch Bare-Tool CCS180B Circular Saw is for you.
Another key highlight of the CCS180B bare tool is the amount of power it packs into such a small unit. The piece of equipment weighs just 6.6 lbs., yet it delivers an impressive no-load speed of 3,900 rpm. The manufacturer achieves this by combining an 18V battery with Bosch's motor, resulting in an exceptional cutting-to-weight ratio.
The circular saw also comes fitted with a 6 ½ inch blade that’s designed to slice through 1 9/16-inch stock at 50° and 2-inch material at 90°. Better yet, the spindle lock on this power tool has been refined to allow for swift blade changes.
Also worth pointing out is the electric brake that Bosch has incorporated into this cordless circular saw. This brings the blade to stop in a quick fashion, thus, minimizing the downtime between repeated cuts.
Bosch CCS180B is one of those circular saws that you can rely on for the long haul. The manufacturer has used high-strength materials to make the tool’s footplate and depth bracket; enhancing its durability.
This saw also sports Bosch’s motor and cell protection that prevents overloading and overheating. Unfortunately, it's one of the features that's sold separately along with the battery and charger.
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If what you’re after is accuracy, then you’ll want to arm yourself with a power tool equipped with special features like a laser beam.
On that note, the Motorhead 20V is one of the best cordless circular saws for projects that require a high level of precision. It includes a laser guide that covers several feet, giving you a clear view of where the blade will cut.
The dust management port is yet another feature that contributes to this saw’s ease of use. It lets you attach a vacuum that captures any sawdust released during the cutting process. As a result, you’re able to see clearly; hence cut accurately.
Unlike other cordless saws that are sold as bare tools, this one includes everything you’ll need for your cutting jobs.
In addition to the laser guide, you also get a 2Ah battery and the manufacturer’s Rapidcharge Quick Charger.
Important to note about the battery is that it includes a built-in fuel gauge indicator that lets you know exactly how much juice is left in your battery. And once it runs out, the quick charger takes just one hour to charge it to full capacity.
Similar to the other cordless saws we’ve looked at, this unit's cutting tool is also 6 ½-inches long. What sets this one apart is the provision of two blades: a 24 TPI framing blade ideal for quick rough cuts and another 40 TPI finishing blade that’s better suited for smooth cuts.
In terms of capacity, the Motorhead circular saw has a cutting depth of 2 1/4 inches at 90° and about 1.65 at 45°. It also boasts a 0 to 50° bevel capacity.
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Corded vs Cordless Circular Saws
The debate between cordless and corded circular saws is one that has lasted for years, and there’s no indication that it’s going to end soon.
Often, making a choice between these two boils down to two aspects: power and convenience. Here’s an in-depth look at corded and cordless circular saws, to help you make the right choice.
Corded Circular Saws
There's a wide range of features that distinguish a corded model from a cordless one. But the primary one is the fact that it draws power from the mains. As a result, it’s able to maintain the same degree of power throughout its use.
With a corded saw, you’ll never have to worry about experiencing dips in performance. This is a big plus, especially when you’re tackling heavy-duty cutting tasks.
Given that it draws all its power from an electrical outlet, the circular saw doesn’t have a battery compartment. This makes it slightly lighter than its cordless counterpart.
One drawback of these power tools is that you can only work as far as their power cords allow you. This limits you in terms of where you can use it.
For one, you can’t use it for outdoor applications. Secondly, even if you use it indoors, you have to ensure that there’s an electrical outlet nearby.
On a more positive note, corded circular saws deliver more power than cordless units. They’re also more affordable and easier to run as you don’t have to keep purchasing batteries.
And the best part is, most corded tools come equipped with much larger blades. The typical size of a corded circular saw’s blade is about 7 ¼ inches. If you look even harder, you may come across some with blades as big as 10 ¼ inches. This results in a bigger cutting capacity.
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Cordless Circular Saws
As implied in its name, this type of circular saw does not have a power cord, and that’s because it doesn’t need to be connected to the mains. Instead, it’s battery-powered. Usually, these batteries are stored in a compartment aboard the saw.
Thanks to this power source, you have complete freedom when it comes to the location of use. You can easily carry your cordless model to the field and use it for outdoor applications as you’re not limited by the power source.
Another benefit of investing in the best cordless circular saw is the fact that it eliminates the risk of the power cord getting tangled. You also won’t have to worry about accidentally slicing through the cord itself during the cutting process.
While the majority of cordless circular saws have relatively shorter blades, it’s not impossible to find a few units that have bigger blades.
The Milwaukee 2731-20 M18 model is a good case in point. It comes fitted with a 7 ¼ inch blade, giving you as much cutting capacity as you’d get from a corded model.
That said, these cordless units have their fair share of demerits. For one, they don’t provide a steady supply of power. Once the battery runs out, you can no longer use the tool to cut.
There’s also the fact that the saw’s power dips parallel to the battery’s juice level. The longer you use it, the more the battery drains and the less powerful the circular saw becomes. The worst thing is that if you’re tackling heavy-duty tasks, your battery drains a lot faster than usual.
However, some manufacturers have found a way around this by inventing more advanced battery technology.
Others like Black & Decker provide an extra battery pack alongside their circular saws. This allows you to swap out the dead battery with a completely charged one; thus, offering a longer battery life.
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How to Choose the Right Cordless Circular Saw
Blades
As we mentioned earlier, cordless saws are less powerful than their corded counterparts.
Due to this, most of them can’t accommodate full 7 ¼-inch blades. But there are a couple of exceptions like the Milwaukee M18 saw (highlighted below). Instead of the 7 ¼-inch blades, you’ll find most using blades that are 6 1/2 inches long.
Not sure what blade size to go for? Well, you can narrow it down by determining your preferred torque and cutting capacity.
A small saw blade is capable of producing more torque since it’s easier for the motor to spin. However, it has a limited cutting depth of about 2 ⅛ inches.
On the contrary, a 7 ¼ inch saw blade doesn’t generate as much torque but it offers a cutting capacity of up to 2 7/16 inches.
Sidewinder vs Worm Drive
The choice between a sidewinder and worm drive is still a subject that sparks a heated debate. Here’s a detailed look at each one:
The primary difference between sidewinder and worm-drive cordless circular saws is their motor placement.
With a worm-drive, the motor attaches to the saw’s rear and activates the blade using two gears. The first gear is known as the spiral “worm” gear while the second serves to transmit the motor’s energy to the blade.
Due to the complexity in setup, a worm-driven blade spins much slower than a sidewinder. The highest speed it can reach is about 4,500 RPM.
On the brighter side, a worm-drive employs bigger gears; hence, generating more torque. This, in turn, enables it to absorb shock more efficiently when tackling heavy-duty cutting jobs.
Battery Life
When using a cordless circular saw, you’ll only be able to work for as long as your battery allows. So be sure to check the runtime of your saw’s battery.
More specifically, pay attention to the amp-hour rating indicated on the battery. The best cordless circular saw should have a battery that averages a run time of 5 to 9 hours.
Charging Time
Other than the runtime, another thing you’ll want to think about is the length of time the batteries take to charge to full capacity.
If you’re looking to embark on cutting applications as soon as possible, you’ll benefit from batteries with fast charging mechanisms. Most batteries, such as the 18V and 20V max batteries, take anywhere between 3 and 5 hours, but it’s not impossible to find ones that charge for a shorter time.
Cutting Power and Voltage
With corded circular saws, their power rating is estimated in terms of amperage. The most powerful models have 15-amp motors, although some come fitted with either 10- or 12-amp motors.
Another thing you'll want to check is whether the saws have brushless motors. Brushless motors are unique in that they offer higher torque relative to the weight. They're also more efficient than standard motors.
Cordless circular saws, on the other hand, are rated based on the voltage of their batteries. As you’ve seen from our reviews, the most common battery systems used are the lithium-ion variety.
The rule of thumb here is that the higher the voltage, the more powerful the circular saw. For instance, a saw that uses a 20-volt battery will be more powerful than one equipped with an 18v battery.
Tracking
There’s a certain amount of risk that’s associated with using circular saws, and saws in general. One thing that can minimize this risk is ensuring that you can track the cutting path or line of the blade.
To make this easy, many cordless circular saws come equipped with advanced features like a laser guide. This tool shines a laser beam showing you the cut line. In doing so, it improves your accuracy and guarantees safety.
Weight
Overall, cordless circular saws are designed to be lighter than their corded counterparts. This is because the majority are meant for outdoor use, specifically, overhead applications that call for the use of ultra-lightweight machines.
If you intend to use your power tool outdoors, ensure you check the weight of the circular saw before purchasing. You don’t want to buy one that is so heavy that it will be difficult to hold when you’re making awkward or above-the-head cuts.
Safety Features
Guard Action
The blade guard is one of the most crucial safety features in a cordless circular saw. Ideally, every saw should have two guards: a fixed and floating guard.
The fixed guard is stationary, meaning it never moves. It covers the top half of the blade. Conversely, the floating guard is flexible enough to be moved out of the way when you want to position the blade.
Always test the action of the blade guards, and verify that they’re working as they should before you start sawing.
Off-switch
This is a button meant to bring your cordless circular saw to an abrupt stop. We recommend getting a model with a knee-operated switch. This makes it easy to press the switch with your knee in the event that both of your hands are engaged.
Electric brake
The best circular saw may also include an electric brake feature. Once you turn off your machine, the blades may continue spinning for another 10 to 20 seconds. The purpose of the electric brake is to stop the blades from continuing to rotate once you've turned the unit off.
Ease of Use
Though we’re listing this as the last factor, it’s one of the most crucial points to consider when shopping for a cordless circular saw.
That said, some models are easier to use than others. This is made possible by features such as:
- Dust/Chip Collection - the purpose of this is to trap any dust released during the cutting process; hence, keep it from your line of sight.
- LED light - a welcome addition for situations when you’re cutting in dimly-lit conditions
Safety Tips When Using Cordless Circular Saws
As with any power tool, there are a couple of guidelines you should comply with whenever you’re using a cordless circular saw. These include:
Do a Saw Check
Even if it’s brand new, it’s always smart to inspect your circular saw before you start using it. This gives you an opportunity to check whether essential features like the blade guard are working properly.
Check the Blade
You’ll want to pay more attention when it comes to the blade of your circular saw. Remember that the outcome of a project relies heavily on the quality of the blade. So if it’s dull, wrecked, or rusty, you'll want to replace it first before you embark on working.
Secure the Workpiece
This is one thing that a lot of woodworkers forget to do. But it’s crucial that you always secure the material using clamps. This helps to avoid unnecessary wobbling during the cutting process and also enhances your safety.
FAQs
Are cordless circular saws worth it?
Yes, these tools are worth every penny.
If you’ve had the privilege of using any cordless tools before, then you know the level of convenience offered.
Since this saw doesn’t need to be connected to an electrical outlet, you can use it anywhere and at any time. You’ll have the freedom to carry it from one job site to another and use it without any limitations.
Another reason why cordless circular saws are worth investing in is that they provide safer work settings. With the elimination of power cords, there are fewer (if any) tripping hazards, and this minimizes the risk of injury.
What is the best value cordless circular saw?
In our opinion, the PORTER-CABLE PCC660B is the best value cordless circular saw. It comes at a price that’s really hard to beat, yet it doesn’t skimp on quality or durability.
The saw is powered by a 20V Max battery, resulting in more power and longer runtime. It’s equipped with a 6 ½ inch blade that spins at a speed of 4,000 RPM. This makes it well suited for aggressive cutting applications.
Conclusion
Have you been searching for the best cordless circular saws? Well, the Makita XSS02Z is one that strikes a sweet spot between pricing and features. your safest bet. It has a mid-range price, meaning it’s not too expensive but it’s not the cheapest model either.
For the price, the Makita cordless saw offers a brushless motor that spins the blade at 3,700 rpm. More importantly, you get a decent cutting depth and bevel capacity from the saw's blade.
You’ll also be pleased to learn that this Makita tool is designed with durability in mind. The base is made of heavy gauge material, and is precision machined, resulting in maximum longevity.