A cordless circular saw is a game-changer for any project. They can produce finely-finished cuts in a fraction of the time with incredible flexibility and accuracy.
But the sight of a powerful, handheld saw can make even the most ambitious DIY master feel a little nervous. Are they safe? Can I control it properly?
Why Choose a Cordless Circular Saw?
Circular saws are incredibly versatile, using rounded blades to make fast cuts to a variety of materials, including wood, masonry, plastic, and metal. Whilst handheld circular saws are specially designed to cut wood with precision, blades can often be changed to suit the different needs of the materials you are cutting.
Being cordless gives you a massive advantage in where you use the saw. You can cut in hard-to-reach places with ease, safe in the mind you won’t ever damage the power cord!
Coupled with a long-lasting battery, you’re guaranteed optimal performance every time. Perhaps the most impressive feature of a circular saw is how easy they perform bevel cuts, which ultimately elevate the finished look of any cutting project.
But what about safety?
Like any piece of equipment, when you invest in the best, you get the best safety, comfort, and peace-of-mind. Not only that, but you’ll make a lifelong investment in your DIY repertoire.
We’ve picked 10 of the best battery powered circular saws you can find, which can be used to great effect for all your cutting needs. Whether it’s cutting, ripping or we’re confident you’ll find the perfect saw for your DIY solution.
The 10 Best Cordless Circular Saws
1. Makita Cordless 6-1/2″ Circular Saw
This cordless circular saw will match the needs of any cutting or ripping DIY task with ease, combining power and run-time for fast performances.
Firstly, a brushless motor delivers up to 5,000 RPG for fast, efficient operation. An automatic speed change technology also adjusts the speed and torque during work, for optimum performance.
We also love the fact this is a very compact saw, with an ergonomic design at only 13 to ¾ inches long. It also weighs only 7.3 lbs with a battery attached, which dramatically reduces fatigue from carrying.
Made of a die-cast magnesium base, the blade guard and safety cover are also lightweight and durable by design. A lithium-ion battery also allows for up to 50% more run time.
It has a large cutting space of 2 to ¼ inches at 90-degrees and a bevel capacity of 0 to 50-degrees.
Lastly, this circular saw features ‘extreme protection technology’ specially engineered to increase dust and water resistance, making it ideal to work in even the harshest job site conditions.
What we like:
- Brushless motor
- Dust and water-resistant
- Lithium-ion battery charges fast and allows more run-time
- Compact, lightweight design
Things to consider:
- Battery and charger are sold separately
2. DEWALT 7-1/4” Circular Saw with Brake Kit
This circular saw is designed for optimum efficiency, long run time, and durability, making it the ideal tool for all your cutting needs.
A brushless motor can reach 5,800 RPM for quality cuts at great speed. It has a durable high-grade aluminum shoe for accurate cuts, along with a versatile bevel cut capacity up to 57 degrees with stops at 22.5 and 45.
This saw also includes the world’s first battery that automatically changes voltage when you change tools which drastically improves efficiency and runtime. Finally, an LED light that provides clear sight to the cutline, it’s built for straight-forward use.
What we like:
- Includes everything you need to cut
- Impressive, high-quality durable materials
- Battery which automatically changes voltage when tools are changed
3. Milwaukee M18 Brushless 7-1/4″ Circular Saw
Certified to look and operate like a new machine, this refurbished circular saw from Milwaukee is an ideal choice for all your cutting needs.
As a brushless motor unit, this means…., and delivers a maximum tool and battery life 40% greater in power and 30 times more run-time than brushed saws.
Compatible with all M18 batteries, the saw goes through a refurbishing process is functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging.
It ships with all relevant accessories.
What we like:
- Compatible with all M18 batteries
- A brushless motor ensures superior battery life and longer run-time
Things to consider:
- Refurbished
- The only tool included
4. SKIL PWRCore 20 Brushless 6-1/2 Inch Circular Saw
With long run-time and extended battery life, this cordless circular saw from Skil is a remarkably powerful tool.
First, let’s talk about the impressive blade. The 24-tooth ultra-thin carbide-tipped blade ensures accurate cuts again and again, with an integrated dust blower to keep the cut-line visible at all times.
Also included is an impressive PWRCore 20 4. 0Ah Lithium Battery, where each cell is wrapped with cooling material to keep the battery powered for 25% longer, and doubling its maximum life.
PWR Jump charges help power the battery up in as little as 5 minutes, and an electric brake reduces downtime between cuts by quickly stopping the blade.
A 0-50-degree bevel capacity which is easy to adjust allows for a variety of cuts and applications. A spindle lock also allows for quick and secure blade changes.
Lastly, the PWRAssist USB port in the battery allows you to charge mobile phone devices, tablets, and more – which is incredibly convenient.
What we like:
- Impressive lithium battery which charges in as little as 5 minutes
- Spindle lock for quick, easy blade changes
- 24-tooth blade with integrated dust blower ensures fine cuts at cut-line
- The battery charger has a USB port for charging mobile phones, tablets, and more.
5. BLACK+DECKER 5-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw
With a high torque motor that is fast-cutting and versatile, this cordless circular saw is an all-around impressive machine and promises one solution for many tasks.
First, let’s talk about the saw itself. It features a tool-free depth of cut and an easy to use bevel adjustment, which allows or accurate cuts even at an angle.
The 5-1/2” blade is 12T carbide, and allows for smooth cuts, and is ideal for tough, everyday jobs. It’s a compact saw with a sleek design and bevel adjustment with detents at both 45 and 90-degrees.
The saw comes with a lithium battery which has greater longevity and ensures optimal run times.
What we like:
- Includes a lithium battery and charger
- Tool-free depth of cut allows for easy adjustments
- Compact design
- Works with the entire Black & Decker 20V max system
6. Bosch Bare-Tool 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw
Designed for precise cuts and thorough cuts, this circular saw from Bosch boasts high performance and long-lasting power to complete any DIY task.
With a balanced speed of 3,900 no-load RPM, and weighing only 6.6 lbs, this saw has an outstanding power-to-weight ratio and is an ideal saw for comfortable use.
This tool has a 6-1/2 saw blade capacity and can cut through 2-inch thick material at 90-degrees, and 1-9/16-inch-thick material at 50-degrees.
It’s all about convenience with this saw. It features a left-blade design for a clear view of the cut line when the main saw is held in the right hand.
There’s also an adjustable, easy-to-read bevel and a depth-of-cut gauge for consistent locking and pinpoint accuracy.
Speaking of accuracy, this saw features a Bosch-exclusive anti-snag lower guard, which eases the blade into the workpiece. An electronic brake can quickly stop the blade for quick, straightforward use.
It’s an ideal saw for a multitude of uses including remodelers, roofers, or other professional uses that require precision and speed.
What we like:
- Lightweight
- An anti-snag lower guard eases the blade into the material
- The left-sided blade will suit the majority of saw users
Things to consider:
- Lower RPM speed
- Battery and charger sold separately
7. EnerTwist 4-1/2″ Cordless Circular Saw
Compact and ergonomically sound and at just 4.5 lbs in weight, this saw excels at one-handed use and for cutting materials in hard-to-reach spaces.
Despite its size, it still packs a powerful punch, reaching a no-load speed of 3,500 RPM for fast, multi-purpose work.
With an adjustable cutting depth from 1-11/16 inches @ 90-degrees and 1-1/8” at 45-degrees, this saw can cut a variety of materials including wood, soft metal, tiles, drywall, plastics, and more.
A left-handed blade design improves visibility of the cut-line immensely when held with by the right hand. Additionally, a soft-grip ensures control and stability throughout your work, and a dust port allows a vacuum to ensure a clean working environment.
What we like:
- Lithium battery with the fast charger supplied
- Comes with even more accessories including a laser guide, vacuum adapter, and an Allen key
- Battery protection against overloading, over-discharging, and over-heating
- The left-sided blade will suit the majority of saw users
8. POPOMAN Cordless Circular Saw, 4-1/2″ Cordless Circular Saw with Laser Guide
This saw is designed with personal safety and precision in mind.
Firstly a safety switch design and blade guard will help reduce accidents whilst in use. The weight of the saw is only 4.8 lbs, which also helps maintain stability, and a slim grip helps reduce hand-fatigue when operating with one hand.
We think the included laser and parallel guide is also a great addition and allows you to achieve an even more precise cut along the cutting line and workpiece. The left-sided blade design can potentially help you to see the cutting line even clearer when held in the right hand.
A 2.0Ah (Li-ion) battery and faster charger will power the tool to capacity in 1 hour. The saw battery is also compatible with all TECCPO and POPMAN batteries, which is great if you’ve invested in similar branded equipment.
Finally, a 9.5” extended metal base plate also helps improve stability by helping to avoid accidental curved cuts, while the aluminum alloy automatic blade shield can minimize accidents during operation and ensure safer use.
What we like:
- Includes a laser and parallel guide for precise cuts
- The left-sided blade will suit the majority of saw users
- Compatible with all TECCPO and POPOMAN batteries
9. CRAFTSMAN 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw Kit
The compact and lightweight design of this circular saw ensure you’ll be able to cut in comfort and with precision.
We’re especially impressed with its high-quality production. The grip has a contoured over-mold which is durable and optimized for comfort. A metal shoe is included for additional durability and long service life.
The high performance 4,200 RPM motor is ideal for aggressive fast cutting, while the tool-free beveling shoe pivots up to 50-degrees for angled cuts. The saw accepts a 6 ½”, making it a great investment if and when you have compatible equipment.
What we like:
- Comfortable, ergonomic design
- Overmold grip reduces hand fatigue
- Metal shoe adds durability and longevity
10. PORTER-CABLE 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw
Another high-performance machine, this cordless circular saw delivers 4,000 RPM for aggressive, accurate cutting.
Its carbide-tooth blade delivers a 2-1/8 ft. cutting capacity for a variety of cutting jobs. The beveling shoe pivots up to 50 degrees for non-traditional cutting applications.
This saw also offers a contoured over-molded handle optimized for increased user comfort. It’s also very lightweight at only 6.5 lbs.
What we like:
- Carbide tooth blade ensures long-lasting service
- Lightweight design and weight (6.5lbs) allows for continued use without fatigue
Things to consider:
- The tool only, battery sold separately
Cordless Circular Saw Buying Guide
As we’ve said before, it is so important you invest in proper, high-quality equipment to get the best finish for your DIY project. Most importantly, the best equipment also ensures your safety.
So having read through our cordless circular saw reviews, what should you look out for to find the best one for you?
Speed
When talking about circular saws, speed in RPM, which stands for revolutions per minute. The higher the number, the more turns your saw will make every 60 seconds.
However, it’s important to consider two things; firstly, the size of the blade can impact speed. A larger blade will cover more area than a smaller blade per revolution. Additionally, speed can also depend on the material in which you are cutting, and how suited that blade is to it.
Hand-position
Being cordless, you must find a saw which you can comfortably use.
Only the best saw products are lightweight and ergonomically designed, which helps ensure comfortable, continued use. It also helps you control the saw better, and with less hand fatigue.
Speaking of hands, one thing to consider when picking a saw (especially if you are right-handed), is how the blade is designed.
Many of our recommendations have left-sided blades, which makes the cutting-line of your material incredibly easy to see when the saw is predominantly used with the right hand. (Sorry, left-handers!)
Bevel
Often decorative and giving the ‘ou-la-la’ factor, bevel cuts are when you cut the edge at an angle other than 90-degrees. They’re ideal finishing touches to wooden projects such as furniture, picture frames, or moldings.
If you want to experiment with bevel cuts and elevate your work, you should look at circular saws which give you a bevel option.
Some of the best circular saws even give you multiply bevel choices, giving you more versatility in choosing a woodwork finish.
Do I need a battery? A blade? Everything or nothing?
One thing you might have noticed is that depending on the saw, some come with or without batteries, chargers, or other accessories. Why?
Well, so many DIY tools are compatible with each other. Some chargers, for example, can power a multitude of different tools. Similarly, with batteries, they can be installed in different tools, hassle-free.
Sometimes, DIY-enthusiasts already have a large collection of tools in their garage. Perhaps all they need to find is part of a new tool.
When you are buying a circular saw, make a quick list of what exactly you need to perform your project. You might already have some equipment which can be integrated. Similarly, if you are only branching out, you might consider buying a tool that comes with everything you need. Simply ask yourself;
- Do I have a suitable battery or charger already?
- Can the tools I buy now fit with other tools I might own?
- Do I need to buy a complete, ready-to-go set?
Resistances
Saws can create quite a mess. Especially when cutting into wood, saw-dust will become your mortal enemy at times.
It’s important to consider a circular saw which can effectively deal with this unavoidable problem. Some saws have dust-resistance, which means they won’t decrease in performance the longer they spend cutting.
Other saws have vacuum adaptors, which allows you to clean the workspace quickly (and safely) every so often to eliminate sawdust.
High-Quality Materials
As one of the most powerful tools in your DIY arsenal, you’ll want to invest in a saw which has long durability and service life.
One of the most important things to look for is how the blade is made. Many of the saws we recommended are made from carbide which is a material that stays sharper and retains its strength much longer than other materials.
Aside from the blade, remember as a portable saw the battery of your tool is just as important. With no power cable, you are dependent on the battery to provide long-lasting performances and fast charging times. You want to work quickly, after all!
Many of the saws we’ve picked come with impressive long-lasting batteries, some of which charge fully within an hour. Also worth considering is how the battery is protected. Many come with additional overloading, overheating, and over-discharging protection, guaranteeing your battery will last as long as your saw will.
Safety
Safety is paramount with any piece of equipment. But this is especially true when operating a circular saw.
First, you should always, always consult the manual and instructions for any product you purchase. But as a rule of thumb, always remember these safety tips:
- Always wear proper eye-protection
- Never change equipment (e.g. the blade) when the battery is attached
- Never use a rusty, cracked, or otherwise damaged blade
- Ensure blades can operate freely without any blockages
Conclusion
Circular saws are a powerful ally in any DIY project. Fact.
Powerful, durable, and when used correctly, perfectly safe to use, circular saws make cutting tough materials a breeze. They work quickly, efficiently, and can be so long-lasting they become a permanent fixture in your DIY toolkit.
The best saws are incredibly lightweight and compact and ensure you’re always supported and comforted when hard at work. Being cordless, these saws offer unmatched flexibility and mobility and ensure you can get the job done in even the hardest-to-reach of places.
The results will always be a high-quality, finely-finished project which takes less stress but achieves more success! The option for bevel cuts also means you can achieve amazing results throughout your project, whether it be on furniture,
We’re confident you’ll find the best saw from our recommendations. Investing in the best saw now will ensure you have an indispensable tool for life.