Cordless technology has evolved significantly from the first power tools that were invented in 1961. Modern-day battery-powered tools not only offer longer runtimes but also a decent amount of power.
Now, if you’re thinking of adding a cordless miter saw to your arsenal of tools, you’ve come to the right place. We compiled a list of the best cordless miter saws, along with an in-depth guide to help you navigate the market.
Reviews of the 5 Best Cordless Miter Saws
1. DEWALT DCS361M1 Miter Saw
Looking for a cordless miter saw that strikes the sweet spot between price and features? Well, you’ll love the Dewalt DCS361M1. Though it’s not the cheapest, it’s also not as pricey as those made by Makita and Milwaukee, making it relatively affordable.
The design of this tool is among the best; it’s minimalist but it’s also innovative and comfortable. One thing you’ll love in particular entails the eleven positive stops on the miter scale.
Sure, other cordless models have stops as well, but the ones on this model are user-friendly, accurate and the lever glides very smoothly.
The DCS361M1 uses the 20V max lithium-ion battery pack. Unfortunately, this provides a maximum of 183 cuts per charge if you’re tackling pine and about 275 cuts for pine baseboard.
This means that you may have to recharge your miter saw frequently if you’re planning to work for an extended period.
Dewalt opted to go for the smaller 7 ¼ inch blade. While it’s on the smaller side, it confers a couple of benefits.
For one, it’s much easier to handle. It’s also very easy on the motor, resulting in a more efficient cutting system. Overall, the blade offers a capacity of 3 ⅝ inches on nested crown and 3 ½ inches vertically.
Also important to note is the oversized bevel scale that facilitates flawless bevel adjustments. To add to this, the saw has a cam lock for the precise and swift setting of miter angles.
Pros
Cons
One area where the Dewalt DCS361M1 fell short is the fact that it didn’t offer very many cuts per single charge. If you’re looking for the best cordless miter saw that can be used for an extended period, we recommend the Makita XSL06PT brushless cordless unit instead.
A close cousin of Makita XSL02Z, the 10 dual bevel sliding miter saw is powered by two 18V LXT lithium-ion batteries, providing maximum use.
To be specific, these LXT lithium-ion batteries offer at least 192 cuts per charge if you’re tackling 2x12 spf lumber and up to 334 cuts if slicing through 2x4 spf, before having to recharge it.
Another feature that makes the Makita XSL06PT 18V miter saw unique entails the brushless motor.
Makita has equipped it with its proprietary BL brushless motor that’s capable of putting out at least 4,400 RPM. This eliminates the need for carbon brushes, and as a result, increases the motor’s efficiency and durability.
One thing you may have noticed is that the Makita brushless cordless saw is a little expensive. But for the price, you’ll get an unmatched cutting performance from the micro-polished blade.
Thanks to this, Makita XSL06PT delivers ultra-smooth cuts each time. This is achieved with the help of a 2-steel rail sliding system that not only delivers fluid cuts but also saves space.
Not only does it cut smoothly but it’s also designed to handle different materials. Its nested crown molding capacity is 6 ⅝ inches while its vertical cutting capacity is 5 ¼ inches.
The Makita cordless also offers a varied miter range 0° to 60° with stops at popular angles like 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, 45° and 60°. You should also be able to make seamless adjustments to its beveling capabilities ranging from 0° to 48° thanks to the integrated bevel lock.
For maximum convenience, this 10 dual bevel sliding saw is fitted with an automatic speed change feature. This technology makes adjustments to the speed and torque depending on the task at hand.
Just in case Makita XSL06PT 18V ends up being out of your price range, the Makita XSL02Z is relatively cheaper and shares fairly identical features.
Pros
Cons
Have you been searching for the best cordless miter saw for the money? If so, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better model than the Ryobi 18 volt unit.
For the price, it’s not surprising that this miter saw uses a 7 ¼ inch blade. And while this is smaller than what you’ll find in other cordless power tools, it offers a pretty solid performance. It spins at a speed of up to 3,600 RPM.
That said, Ryobi recommends using the brand’s 18 volt 9.0Ah high-performance battery to get the best results. With such a battery on-board, you’ll get up to 800 crosscuts on a single charge. This is more than enough power to help you work all day long on small-scale projects.
Contrary to high-end models, the Ryobi 18 volt doesn't include any kind of alignment aid, like say a LED light or laser guide. It means that you’ll have to counter-check your measurements the old-fashioned way. Nonetheless, it produces very accurate cuts.
The accuracy of this cordless miter saw is also facilitated by the 24-tooth carbide tipped blade. This gives you a cross cut capacity of 4 ¼ inches and 2 x 4 capacity.
Better yet, this tool has miter stops at the most popular angles, enabling you to configure it with ease. The stops are set at 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 31.6°, and 45°. Plus, it provides adjustable bevel stops at 0° and 45°.
Switching blades on the Ryobi cordless miter saw is a cinch. This is thanks to the included spindle lock. You also won’t have to worry about dust accumulation as the tool comes with a 1 ¼ inch dust port.
Pros
Cons
The Milwaukee 2734 is ranked the best dual bevel sliding compound miter saw. Given all the functions it has under its belt, it is no wonder that it comes with a hefty price tag.
This miter saw comes fitted with a 9Ah battery that provides a whopping 162Wh of power capacity. More importantly, it runs on the brand’s legendary M18 platform, which contributes to its long runtime. On a single charge, the power tool can deliver 400 cross cruts on 2x4 lumber.
The Milwaukee M18 comes with a blade that is 10 inches long. This premium quality blade gives you unparalleled cutting capacity, including the ability to perform both miter and bevel cuts.
To be more specific, you get a vertical capacity of 5 ¾ inches against the fence and 5 ¼ inches for the nested crown. And, if you lay a board, you should be able to slice through 2x8 stock at 45 degrees and 2x12 stock at 90 degrees.
Also worth pointing out is that the blade has 60 teeth per inch. Due to this, it performs extremely accurate cuts with smooth finishes.
The cutting power of Milwaukee 2734 is enhanced by the array of accessories incorporated. These include a bevel lever that locks the head unit at the preferred bevel angle for seamless cutting.
There’s also a cam locking miter system with 11 detent stops. Similar to the bevel lever, this one enhances your accuracy by locking the table into position.
To further enhance precision, the Milwaukee M18 is equipped with a shadow cut line indicator. The purpose of this is to shed light on the blade, displaying the line of cut.
Pros
Cons
The Dewalt DHS790AT2 is also often ranked the best cordless compound miter saw. It’s equipped with state-of-the-art battery power technology offering unmatched flexibility.
We’re referring to Dewalt’s unique Flexvolt system that’s designed to automatically switch between two voltages whenever you change tools. Another perk you get from Flexvolt is increased runtime.
This tool is powered by a 120V brushless motor that's revered for efficiency and longer runtimes. To be more specific, it offers a maximum of 289 cuts per charge if you're tackling 3 1/4 inch molding.
Also included in the kit of this brushless cordless miter saw is a power cord. It means you can choose to plug it into an electrical outlet and use it as a corded model.
This cordless miter saw offers the most versatility. It's a cordless compound miter saw with sliding features, so you get to enjoy the best of everything.
The Cutline Blade Positioning system is yet another feature that’s sure to impress you. It casts a shadow, showing you the exact point where the blade is in contact with the workpiece.
During our testing, we found this system to be user-friendly even in daylight and when you’re working on light wood.
This cutline system isn’t the only safety feature onboard the Dewalt DHS790AT2 brushless cordless saw. It is also equipped with a blade guard, which is just partially transparent. This ensures that you still have a clear view of the cutting action.
Speaking of cutting, the Dewalt Flexvolt relies on a 60 tooth, 12-inch blade. The miter saw also includes tall sliding fences meant to support base molding of up to 6 ¾ inches and crown molding of about 7 ½ inches.
To add to this, it has an adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate for increased cutting capacity. This offers 11 detents, 50 degrees to the left and 60 degrees to the right.
Pros
Cons
Corded vs Cordless Miter Saws
Wondering whether you should get a corded or cordless miter saw? Well, the easiest way to go about this is to analyze the pros and cons of each kind. Here’s a brief overview of each:
Corded Miter Saws
The greatest benefit of investing in a corded miter saw is the power it offers.
Although cordless technology is slowly catching up, corded tools are still slightly more powerful than their corded counterparts. This stems from the fact that they’re connected to the mains electricity directly.
A corded miter saw also comes at a more pocket-friendly price. So if you’re not looking to spend a ton of money on this affair, your best bet is to go with a corded version.
Unfortunately, these saws aren’t portable. The fact that they have to be plugged to operate limits their range of use. It’s not the kind of miter saw you can carry with you to the field and use it.
But, this has its upside, and this is the fact that you’ll never have to worry about charging or replacing batteries.
Cordless Miter Saws
If you buy power tools often, then you probably have a rough idea of how a cordless miter saw works.
It comes equipped with batteries that can be swapped out and recharged. Unlike its corded siblings, this one doesn’t need to be plugged into an electrical outlet to run.
The advantage of this is that it's extremely portable. If you need to transport your tool to the job site, a cordless miter saw is just what you need.
The fact that they don’t need to be plugged also mitigates the risk of tripping and electric-related hazards. You also won’t encounter a situation where you’re looking for a suitable spot to store the power cord.
Types of Cordless Miter Saws
There are different types of cordless miter saws. They include:
Sliding Miter Saw
The distinguishing characteristic of a sliding cordless miter saw is the fact that it has rails. These are incorporated to enable the blade to slide from the front to the back across the stock. This action offers a greater cutting depth compared to a miter saw that has no rails.
A sliding miter saw is best suited for individuals looking to slice through deeper materials, such as a 1x12 or 2x12 wood.
Compound Miter Saw
As implied in the name, this tool is used primarily to make compound cuts such as bevel and miter. It adds the capacity to perform bevel cuts on top of making miter cuts.
This extra function makes the best cordless compound miter saw particularly suited for projects that involve tackling crown molding or another kind of trim that is installed on a wall.
Compound Sliding Miter Saw
A sliding compound miter saw features the best of both worlds.
Not only does this cordless miter saw have rails to improve its cross-cutting capacity, but it also adds a left bevel to facilitate compound cuts.
As a result, you’re able to enjoy the flexibility provided by a compound miter saw as well as the increased cutting depth afforded by the slide.
Dual Compound Sliding Miter Saw
With a typical sliding compound miter saw, the beveling capacity that you get is limited to the left.
Now, with a dual version, you get beveling capability that goes both left and right. What this means is that you can perform accurate and uniform cuts on both sides of the lumber without having to flip it.
This unique feature of a dual bevel sliding compound miter saw also helps you make swift repetitive cuts on extremely long workpieces. If you’re a professional woodworker or contractor, this kind of miter saw will serve you well.
How to Choose the Right Cordless Miter Saw
Battery Life
In the past, it wasn’t possible to rely on cordless tools like miter saws due to low-quality batteries. Not only did the batteries last for a very short time, but they also caused a dip in the tool’s performance.
Thankfully, battery power technology has improved significantly since. So much so that it’s possible to find cordless miter saws that are just as powerful as their corded siblings.
Nonetheless, it’s important to pay attention to the battery life indicated. Opt for miter saws equipped with modern-day lithium-ion batteries. Such batteries can power the device for a prolonged period. As a bonus, they charge fairly quickly too.
Also, if you're planning to use your piece of equipment for several hours, you're better off investing in a battery pack. This way, you have a spare battery to use when the current one runs out of juice.
While you're at it, check whether the miter saw comes with a battery and charger or whether they're sold separately.
Voltage
Still, on batteries, another factor you’ll want to be mindful of is voltage. The voltage rating tells exactly how much power the battery can offer. Simply put; the higher the voltage rating, the more powerful the cordless miter saw is.
With miter saws, we recommend investing in one that has at least 18- or 20 volts. Since it’s a high-powered tool, going for anything less than this could affect its performance in the long run.
RPMs
RPM is the acronym for revolutions per minute. It’s the metric used to determine how fast a blade spins when there’s no load on the saw.
The best cordless miter saw designed for professional use ought to have a minimum of 4,000 RPM. However, if you’ll only be using it for light-duty tasks, a lower RPM will suffice.
Another thing you should factor in is the cleanliness of cuts. If your projects call for ultra-smooth and clean cuts, a blade with a lower RPM is the most suited.
Blade and Cutting Capacity
Other than the battery, the next most important element to consider is the blade. More specifically, its size and thickness.
The rule of thumb here is that the size of the blade should always correspond to the miter saw’s size. For instance, if you have a miter saw that is 10 inches in size, then the corresponding blade should be 10 inches long.
On that note, the majority of cordless miter saws come in one of two blade sizes: a 10- and 12-inch.
To choose between these two, consider the applications you’ll be using the power tool for. If you’re looking to make deep and wide cuts, then the larger blade is the best suited. However, if you’re a novice and need something that’s fairly easy to handle, then the smaller blade is a better choice.
While you’re examining the size of the blade, don’t forget to check the arbor size. This refers to the size of the hole in the middle, and it’s crucial because it’s the point of attachment of a blade to the saw.
Generally, a blade that's 10 inches long ought to have a ⅝-inch arbor whereas 12-inch miter saw should have a 1-inch harbor.
Bevel Angle
Most woodworkers will typically look for a tool that’s capable of cutting at a 45-degree bevel.
However, the best cordless miter saw is one that has increments, giving you the freedom to make bevel cuts at a wide range of angles.
When checking this feature, remember to examine how easy or difficult it is to set the bevel angle.
Safety Features
Safety is one thing you’ll always have to keep in mind whenever you’re using high-powered tools. Fortunately, the best cordless miter saws include several built-in safety features. These include:
Blade Guard
This is designed to cover the outer edge of the blade; thus, preventing it from coming into contact with your skin. While looking for this feature, prioritize cordless miter saws whose blade guards are transparent. This way, you’ll still have a clear view of where you’re cutting.
Electric Brake
This is another handy safety element that you’ll want to have onboard. What this does is cause the blade to stop spinning within 2 to 3 seconds of you releasing the trigger. Without this feature, the blade would continue spinning for much longer once you release the trigger.
Lockout Trigger
This is almost like a secondary power switch trigger. It’s usually positioned on the handle, and it’s meant to prevent an accidental startup. To start a cordless miter saw with this feature, you’ll have to turn on the power switch, and subsequently press firmly on the lockout trigger.
Clamp System
The purpose of a clamp is to lock your workpiece securely in position. Essentially, it prevents the wood from shifting around while you’re cutting. In doing so, it not only improves users’ safety but also boosts accuracy.
Ease of Use
One thing you’re sure to love about a cordless miter saw is that it has a fairly straightforward working mechanism. That said, the best cordless miter saw will have special features that make it, even more, easier to use. These include:
Dust Collection System
This is a must-have feature for every cordless miter saw. It captures sawdust and debris; hence, preventing it from being dispersed into the atmosphere and thus impeding the user’s visibility.
Automatic Speed Change
As implied in the name, this technology automatically adjusts your tool's speed and torque for optimal performance.
Miter Saw Stand
The hard truth is that most miter saws aren’t sold with stands. This is understandable as these power tools are designed primarily for portability. But if you’ll be using your cordless miter saw often, a stand is a worthy investment. It improves the device’s safety, speed, and reliability.
Cross-Cut Positioning System
Unique to Dewalt tools, the cross-cut positioning system allows for an adjustment-free indication of the cutline. This, in turn, helps you perform the most accurate cuts.
Laser Guide
If you’ll be tackling projects that require a high level of precision, then consider getting one with a laser guide. This projects a green or red light across the workpiece, indicating where the blade will cut.
LED Light
A LED light does a fairly similar job to a laser guide in that it illuminates the blade and cutline.
Depth Stop
As implied in the name, this allows you to set a specific cutting depth. This is particularly useful if you want to avoid cutting all the way through.
Portability
For the most part, cordless miter saws are slightly heavier than their corded counterparts. But there’ll be significant weight differences among the cordless models as well.
So be sure to check just how much the power tool weighs before purchasing. You don’t want to end up with one that’s so heavy that it’s difficult to operate for an extended period. On average, cordless miter saws weigh 25 to 30 pounds.
FAQs
What is the best battery miter saw?
Based on our research, the DCS361M1 by Dewalt is the best battery-powered miter saw. It has a mid-range price tag and comes with a nice selection of features. These include a detent plate with up to 11 positive stops, a bevel scale for quick adjustments, and a decent cross cut capacity.
Are battery powered miter saws good?
Yes, they are. As we’ve seen from our reviews, these powers offer decent cutting power without compromising on durability or portability.
Does DeWalt make a cordless 10 inch miter saw?
No, it doesn’t. Unfortunately, none of Dewalt’s battery-powered miter saws come in a 10-inch size. You either opt for the 7 ¼” or 12”. For instance, both Dewalt DCS361B and DCS361M1 have 7 ¼-inch blades while the DHS790AT2 has a 12 inch.
Conclusion
Anytime you’re looking for the best cordless miter saws, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
For one, you should pay attention to the battery life. You don’t want to end up buying a tool that runs out of juice within a very short time. Similarly, you should check its power rating, blade length, and ease of use.
On that note, Dewalt DCS361M1 is a pretty good choice. The 7 ¼ inch tool is powered by a 20V Max battery providing a reasonable runtime. If tackling pine baseboard, you’ll be able to make up to 275 cuts. But if you’re slicing through pine, the most you’ll get is about 183 cuts.
In terms of cutting capacity, this cordless miter saw offers 3 ⅝” capacity on the nested crown and 3 ½” capacity for the vertical base. It also has a miter detent plate with a stunning 11 stops for maximum cutting precision.
That said, it's crucial to note that it doesn't have the longest runtime. Though it delivers up to 275 cuts on a 3 1/4-inch pine baseboard, the Makita offers a stunning 335 cuts per charge.