Last Updated on October 27, 2021
Cordless saws are often favorite tools for those who have large amounts of lumber to cut. They are also efficient cutting tools because they do their task very quickly.
Now, you might be wondering the battery power might be insufficient for these behemoths. Well, the technological advancements made it possible to provide sheer power to these tools with latest and new batteries.
No doubt, they have enough juice to power the saw and yeah, they are rechargeable (most of them). But choosing the best circular cordless saw can be challenging.
Herein, our guide will help you to buy a suitable product which meets your demands.
These models are hand-picked and personally tested in various situations. Some of them have massive cutting but can be noisy. Whatever they are like, you will get to know then once you scroll further and find out!
Best Cordless Circular Saw – Comparisons
10 Best Cordless Circular Saw
It is always good to buy a cordless circular saw when you want to work in a remote area or when there is no power source. Our comprehensive product list will give you a brief cognizance about some of the best products available out there in the market.
1. DEWALT DCS575T1 FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Lithium-Ion Brushless Circular Saw
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The battery will adjust its voltage automatically whenever you change the tools. It is very advantageous when you consider cutting efficiency. The saw has superior ergonomics and has an excellent design of the handle.
You will get a superior grip, and the trigger will be easily accessible. Not only the hold, but there is also a great comfort while you pick up the saw since your hand will rest in a natural position.
Dewalt’s electric brakes stop the saw when you release the trigger. This feature is convenient to prevent injuries or to prevent excess cutting of the wood. You can also make bevel adjustments as it has 57 degrees capacity.
The LED light has high brightness, and it is placed conventionally on the saw such that it will illuminate your workspace and you can see even in complete darkness.
With 5800 RPM, the blade of this saw is one of the fastest cutting tools. With a single charge, you can use this device to cut as many as 300 pieces of woods with 2×4 inch dimensions (SPF).
The battery capacity of the saw is five ampere-hours (Ah), and the kit has a fast charger. Other specifications of the saw include a 7-1/4 inch diameter blade and a brushless motor.
The blade visibility is excellent in this saw. You will have a decent viewing window so that you can do precision cuts. It will also help you to get good shave cuts. The straight edge tracking system is also excellent.
The major drawbacks of the device are the absence of rafter hook and riving blade. The driving blade is required to eliminate the kickback during the usage. So, expect a little resistance or kickback while using this saw. But you can install the rafter hook on your own.
- Flexivolt battery
- High RPM of the blade
- LED light
- Blade brakes to stop the saw
- Fast charger included
- No rafter hook and riving blade
- A bit heavy
2. Makita SH02R1 12V Max CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Circular Saw Kit
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The device has two 12 Volts CXT lithium-ion batteries which are designed in a slide-style system. This design will offer more excellent ergonomics and performance compared to conventional batteries.
The 2 Ah battery of the Makita cordless circular saw powers its motor to produce a speed of 1500 RPM. You can cut most of the non-metallic materials such as wood, medium-density fiberboards (MDF), drywall, melamine, and practice boards.
There is a built-in dust blower which will remove the debris during the cutting process. It is a convenient feature which will clean your working area. The grip is also excellent. It has a soft grip made of rubber that will improve comfort and handling.
The battery has charge level LED indicators. You will have accurate knowledge about the battery capacity and when you need to charge. The batteries are protected with a unique circuit system which cuts off the power when there is a power outage.
The 2 Ah batteries can be replaced with 4 Ah batteries, but they must be from Makita only. The saw is not designed to be compatible with third party batteries. You cannot use peg-style batteries as well.
Even though this device is excellent for typical day to day activities, the cutting speed is quite less. At 1500 RPM it may not be as fast as other devices, especially as Dewalt.
Another flaw is the absence of a brushless rear handle. Nowadays this feature is a must and most manufacturers provide a brushless design. If you are not a person of speed, Makita is an excellent device for you. You can cut up to one-inch blocks without many troubles.
- Slide type batteries
- Battery charge level indicators
- Circuit breaking system to prevent damage to batteries
- Excellent grip with great comfort
- Dust blowing system
- Can be used to cut most non-metallic materials
- Slow RPM
- No brushless motor
3. Bosch Bare-Tool CCS180B 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Circular Saw
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The 18V motor along with a 6-1/2 inch blade can cut as deep as 2 inches without any hindrance. There is a 50-degree bevel for adaptable cutting in various angles. Note that this device is for the left-handed people. The blade is oriented on the left for the same reason.
Since it has a 50-degree bevel, the cutting efficiency varies. At 90-degrees (upright position) the maximum cutting depth is 2-inches, and at 45-degrees it is 1-5/8 inches.
Like the Makita, this device is also compact and can be used efficiently in tight spaces. There is an anti-snag guard that will enhance the ease of cutting. To further increase the efficiency of cutting, there is depth gauge which is very easy to read.
The Bosch bare-tool circular saw is excellent for remodelers. It is highly efficient n plowing the wood and delivers superior decking speed and accuracy. You can change the blades easily with the help of the spindle lock system.
At 3900 RPM (no-load speed), this tool will deliver excellent cutting to weight ratio. The electronic brake in the saw will stop the blade once you release the trigger.
The depth bracket and foot-plate of the saw are made of highly durable materials which will withstand for many years. Bosch has included a motor and cell protection system which will prevent the overheating as well as overloading of the battery and motor.
Coming to some cons, Bosh does not sell battery and charger with the package. You have to buy them separately. Another thing is the battery is quite heavy compared to other tools. The saw weighs around 10.5 (without battery), and it will get heavier once you install the battery on the device.
- Compact and durable design
- Excellent speed of the motor
- 50-degrees bevel
- Decent add-ons such as anti-snag guard, engine, and cell protection system
- Superior cutting performance ideal for remodelers
- Battery and charger not included
- No brushless system
- The battery compatible with the tool is heavy
4. DEWALT DCS391B 20-Volt MAX Li-Ion Circular Saw
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The saw has a powerful 460 Max Watts Out (MWO) power which delivers 5250 RPM (no load speed). With this high amount of speeds, you can cut wood without any hurdles.
Dewalt used magnesium shoe which is light in weight and has very high strength. This design makes the saw durable and resistant to the beatings it takes at the workplace. It also helps in maintaining accuracy over extended periods as it undergoes minimal damage.
The grip is also excellent. It is rubber molded and optimized for a comfortable grip so that you can hold the saw and balance it efficiently during the cutting process. Dewalt included a 50-degree bevel in this saw to make desired bevel cuts for numerous applications.
It has carbide tipped 6.5-inch diameter blade, and you can cut twice the amount of wood than most other cordless circular saws. The blade of the saw is positioned on the right side which means it is ideal for right-handed users.
Dewalt is not providing batteries and charger in this model. You need to purchase them from their official store. You can use as low as a 1.5 Ah battery or even 4 Ah battery. Just note that the smaller batteries drain faster.
There are no automatic brakes for the blade. So, once you release the trigger, the blade is not stopped immediately. Make sure you don’t touch the blade as it will be still rotating for a few seconds even after releasing the trigger.
- Durable magnesium shoe for the longevity of the tool
- High RPM
- 50-degree bevel
- An excellent grip which provides superior balance
- Can be used with different batteries with different power capacities
- Battery and charger not included in the purchase
- No disc brake, LED light, and brushless motor
- No depth adjustment system
5. Makita XSS02Z Cordless Circular Saw
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The Makita XSS02Z is an 18V LXT Lithium-ion cordless circular saw designed to outlast its competitors. Similar to most Makita models, the XSS02Z incorporates slide style batteries which are efficient than conventional peg-style ones.
The high torque motor designed by Makita will deliver a high 3700 RPM. Its design is ergonomic, and you will find an excellent comfort with its rubberized handle.
This tool uses a computer-aided design known as Star Protection Controls which incorporates handy features to protect the motor and the battery. It will prevent overloading and overheating of the saw during heavy load or voltage fluctuations.
This system will also protect the battery from over discharging. So, you need not worry about damage to the battery under heavy usage.
The heavy gauge design and precisely designed machine base system will provide superior and accurate cutting along with improved durability. This device will sustain harshest job site situations for many years.
The 6.5-inch diameter blade will cut double the amount of material than conventional circular saws. It has a 50-degree bevel capacity which is useful in demanding situations such as angular or bevel cuts.
Some significant downsides of this tool are the absence of brushless motor and LED light. The battery and charger are also not included, and you have to buy them for an extra buck.
But you won’t be disappointed with their battery and charger. The battery will outperform its competitors, and the charger is best in its class. It will power up the battery 1.5 times faster than other fast chargers available out there in the market. The Makita XSS02Z is one of the most affordable cordless circular saws on our list.
- A superior LXT battery system
- Star protection controls to protect the motor and the battery
- Excellent ergonomics
- High RPM
- 50-degrees bevel
- Battery and charger not included
- No brushless motor
6. Hitachi C18DGLP4 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Circular Saw
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The 18V Hitachi C18DGLP4 is an affordable and compact cordless circular saw. It is designed with superior ergonomics, and it performs its duty with sheer excellence. The handle of the device is so comfortable that you will find a higher level of comfort and balance.
The blade is positioned on the left. It might be a suitable saw for lefty’s, but with some tweaks and practice, even the right-handed users can also find it easy to use.
The saw delivers an outstanding 4500 RPM on a no-load condition. It is one of the fastest tools for the money.
Some affordable cordless circular saws do not have useful add-ons. Hitachi is not amongst them, and you will get some handy features such as a spotlight for illuminating the work area so that you can have a clear view and electric brakes which will stop the blade from rotating once you release the trigger.
There is a 50-degree bevel which will help in making angular cuts. A hex bar wrench is included in the package which can be used for non-cutting operations. This tool is compact and light in weight (6.2 pounds) meaning which it is easy to port and aids in easy maneuvering of the machine.
The 6.5-inch blade and its high RPM will cut the wood seamlessly. Its 18V motor is compatible with slide type lithium-ion batteries. You must buy batteries and charger from their official store.
While there are many add-ons and extra features in this saw, there is no brushless motor, depth adjustment system, and riving blade. Expect some minor flaws while cutting and a kickback.
- Affordable and compact cordless circular saw
- Excellent add-ons such as spotlight and blade brakes
- High RPM
- 50-degree bevel
- The inclusion of hex bar wrench
- No charger and battery included
- No brushless motor
- The absence of depth adjustment system
7. Milwaukee M18 2630-20 18 Volt Lithium Ion Cordless Circular Saw
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To start with the main features, the saw is powered by 18 Volt lithium-ion battery. This battery powers the motor to produce a speed of 3500 RMP (no-load speed). The motor is well protected from damage inside a robust and durable structure.
There are upper and lower magnesium guards which protect the blade as well as the user from potential injuries. All these protective structures will prevent certain damages to the saw at harsh job conditions.
The saw has good bevel capacity, and you can tilt up to 45 degrees to the right side. It is beneficial if your work demands more intricate cuts in the material. There are electric brakes in this saw which will stop the blade from rotating when you release the trigger.
We like the inclusion of brakes in a saw as they increase the safety as well as lessen the possibility of overcutting of the material.
The design of the handle is so good that you will feel great comfort during usage. It is made of molded rubber and will give you a confident and well-balanced grip during operation.
The batteries and the charger are not included. You can buy them from their official site or store. This saw is compatible with a wide range of battery models (original Milwaukee models only) with different power capacities.
You can use batteries with power ranging from 1.5 Ah to 60 Ah. Make note that smaller batteries run out of juice very quickly since the cutting job requires more power and endurance.
- Affordable saw with premium features
- Magnesium blade guards
- Protection of motor from harsh conditions
- Electronic blade brakes
- Compatible with wide range of original Milwaukee batteries
- Battery and charger not included
- Saw will become heavy after attaching the battery
8. DEWALT DC390B 6.5-Inch 18-Volt Cordless Circular Saw
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The Dewalt DC309B cordless circular saw functions with 18 Volts lithium-ion batteries. It has an excellent speed which can cut 2x material at two different angles.
The saw has 3750 RPM with which you can cut the wood with ease. As this saw has a bevel capacity of 50 degrees, you can cut at two different angles, i.e., 90-degrees and 45-degrees. This means you can cut twice the material than conventional cordless circular saws.
The carbide-tipped blade is extremely tough and will cut through the wood without much resistance. It is protected by magnesium guards on the upper and lower side. To prevent the motor from heating during work the saw has an inbuilt fan to reduce the temperature. It is a rare feature in cordless circular saws.
The compact design of this saw makes it an ideal device in tight corners, roofs, and rafters. It weighs very less, and it can be easily maneuvered to cut in different positions and angles.
The rubber molded handle provides an excellent grip and gives you superior comfort while using the saw.
This fan cooled motor has brushes which can be replaced once worn out. We found it a bit disappointing that the saw does not have the handy add-ons such as LED light, brushless motor, blade brakes, and riving knife which are included in other Dewalt saws. The batteries and charger are also not included in the package.
- Compact design
- Well-designed ergonomics
- High speed
- 50-degree bevel capacity
- Ability to cut 2x material than other saws
- Batteries and charger must be purchased separately
- No LED light and blade brakes
9. BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20C 20V Max Cordless Circular Saw
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The saw is powered by a 20 Volt battery which generates high torque and power from the motor. It is a compact saw which can be used in challenging situations. The saw weighs 7 pounds meaning which you can maneuver it without any troubles.
One of the attractive features of the saw is the tool-free depth cutting system with which you can make angle cuts accurately. This feature makes the depth adjustment an easy task.
The saw has 50-degrees angle, and you can tilt it up to 45 degrees. Black + Decker provides a 12T carbide tip blade which cuts through the wood at a faster pace. While most cordless circular saws are efficient in cutting in 2×2 dimensions, this particular saw in 2x4s.
The best part of this saw is the battery and charger are included in the purchase. While many manufacturers don’t sell the kit together, this feature will be a big plus for those who want everything at an affordable price.
Sadly, they don’t include the blade within the package. This saw is compatible with 5.5-inch carbide blade which must be purchased separately.
Even though this saw has everything you need, it is suitable for light works only. The blade may not cut, or the battery will run out of juice if it is used for cutting thick materials.
- High torque motor
- Ability to perform bevel cuts
- A tool-free depth adjustment system
- Includes battery and charger within the package
- Low cutting power
- Blade not included
10. PORTER-CABLE PCC660B 20V Max Lithium Bare 6.5-Inch Circular Saw
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The shoe pivot on this saw provides a beveling angle of 50-degrees. You can make intricate cuts since the bevel offers you a comfortable tilt in challenging tasks.
The grip of the saw is rubber molded and offers perfect balance while cutting the wood. Porter-Cable used durable materials in the construction of this saw so that it can survive harsh job site conditions.
Since the saw weighs just 6.5 pounds, it is easy to maneuver and make the cuts in tight spaces. The batteries and charger are sold separately, and the saw is not compatible with other battery models.
You may observe heating issues when this saw is subjected to heavy work. It implies that this saw is suitable for moderate cutting work only.
Even though there are no electric brakes in this saw, Porter-Cable somehow managed to stop the blade quickly once you release the saw. It is a great safety feature to prevent potential injuries.
You may find a bit of resistance while cutting meaning which there is some physical obstruction to the rotating blade.
- Durable and ergonomic design
- High RPM
- An excellent grip of the handle
- 50-degrees bevel
- Lightweight cordless circular saw
- Batteries and charger not included
- Low power of the motor
Benefits of a Cordless Circular Saw
It is always not feasible for every user, be it a professional or amateur always to use sophisticated or large devices to cut the materials. Sometimes it is ideal to use a smaller cutting device especially if you want portability.
Not only in terms of feasibility there are plenty other benefits of a cordless circular saw.
- As stated earlier, the primary use of a cordless circular saw is portability. You can carry it wherever you want and use it according to your will. These devices weigh less making it easy to transport and store.
- You need not worry about the power source for these devices. Once appropriately charged, you can use it without the need for any wires.
- Most people think that these cordless circular saws are slower. On the contrary, some of them are very fast, even faster than bench saws. The blades of these circular saws are designed in such a way that they tend to cut quicker than most premium ranged devices.
- Not only the cutting efficiency and portability but these devices also come with handy add-ons such as LED lights which will illuminate your working area. It is beneficial if you want to have perfect details during the cutting process.
- The quick charger of the saw is handy if the battery is low. It is evident that the battery power gets depleted after usage but don’t worry, these fast chargers will power up the battery within no time, and you can reuse the saw seamlessly.
- You will get the best value for money with cordless circular saws. Most of the manufacturing companies provide blades and additional batteries along with the purchase which is the best you can get for the money you spend.
- Another major perk of the cordless saws is the ability to maneuver while cutting without any obstructions. You can make cuts in specific angles which other saws can perform with a certain level of hindrance.
Things to Consider Before You Buy
Cordless circular saws are not everyone’s cup of tea. While the factors to consider before buying a cordless saw are same as corded, there are some obvious things which must be considered for specific reasons.
It is evident that the cordless circular saw is needed for those who seek for portability. While these tools may not be as powerful as corded ones, they have few advantages over the corded circular saws.
Cutting Efficiency
When you buy a cordless circular saw, never expect them to perform as good as corded ones. They have less cutting power and will not have high RPM. They cannot cut very deep, or they may even fail to produce a cut.
This difficulty will increase if the battery capacity is less. A 9 Ah battery will perform better than 1.5 Ah one. But not all the devices are compatible with higher power batteries.
Even if you have a good battery with a decent amount of power, the cutting efficiency will reduce within time as the battery will draining.
Consider the fact that cordless circular saws are not for continued work or heavy-duty cutting processes.
Battery
The battery power of the cordless circular saw will determine the speed and cutting performance. As stated earlier, if a saw has higher battery power it will perform well.
The batteries with higher power generate greater torque in the motor. You will get a higher RPM which makes the cutting process easy. But as they are not plugged into a continuous source of energy, you must expect a decrease in the performance within some time.
With technological advancements, the batteries underwent tremendous changes and can power the saw for a long time. Some manufacturers are including a specialized alarm system which alerts the user when the battery is running low.
You need to charge the battery at this stage. Another perk is that the chargers are quite fast. They charge the battery quickly so that you can reuse them within no time.
It is absurd if your battery requires charging every 15 or 20 minutes. Consider buying from a reputable company which provides a battery that will last longer on a single charge.
Few products such as DewaltFlexivolt can cut more than 300 2×4 blocks of wood on a single charge. It is as good as a corded one with ample amounts of cutting time.
Add-ons
A saw which has handy add-ons such as LED light, dust guide (dust collection system), depth adjustment, and the bevel is worth the money. Since the cordless circular saws rely on the battery for their cutting power, it is evident that the manufacturer will thrive on directing all the energy to the motor.
Hence, certain features such as LED light may not be available in all models. It will affect the power output of the battery, and it will also discharge soon. That is why most manufacturers do not include a lighting system in their cordless saws.
Other features such as depth adjustment tool and bevel are present in most of the cordless circular saws.
The dust collection is a tricky part. Since these tools are portable and you don’t use them in a fixed platform such as band saws, there is no need for dust collection system.
Brand
There are numerous reputed brands available out there in the market. Certain brands such as Dewalt and Milwaukee provide best in class cordless circular saws. Other popular brands include Bosch, Hitachi, and Makita.
Make sure you buy a saw from a reputed company as they have excellent customer support. Other than customer support, these companies include the best features such as battery power, high speed of the motor, cutting efficiency, bevel, blade brakes, and durable design.
Nowadays the manufacturers are selling the saws at a lower price without including batteries and charger. The batteries are not cross compatible even though if they have similar power.
It means you cannot use Dewalt batteries on a Milwaukee saw and vice-versa. It will cost you an extra buck since you need to buy the charger and battery separate.
Price
Know that cordless circular saws are expensive. They cost more than a corded circular saw. Even though the cordless saws have lesser power than corded ones, which is the most critical factor, they cost you a lot.
If budget is not an issue and if you want a saw that can be used in place which lacks electricity, the cordless circular is a definite go.
Cordless vs. Corded
Selecting cordless or corded circular saws is often challenging. Sometimes you need a corded one especially if your job demands to work in a good setup with all the required equipment whereas you need a cordless saw if you want to work in a remote location.
Each type has its perks and selecting either of them is purely subjective.
- Cordless
The most significant advantage of having a cordless circular saw is the ability to work in remote locations where the electricity supply is short. A single battery can deliver enough power to finish the task.
If you have additional batteries, it will be a huge advantage because you can replace the battery once it discharges and there will be no interruption to your work. Another advantage is that you can maneuver the saw at an angle so that you can produce precise cuts.
Even though these cordless circular saws are expensive than the corded ones, you will get all the tools required such as a blade, battery, and charger making it the best value for money.
If you are a power user and you work for more extended periods, cordless circular saw might not be suitable for you. This is the only drawback in cordless saws compared to corded ones. They don’t have enough power to get your job done all day long.
- Corded
The corded circular saws are ideal for those who work in woodworking stores or for those who have access to electricity. It is also one of the most popular circular saws as they are cheap and have more power than the cordless one.
Some companies will provide some add-ons (LED light) to the corded ones because they rely on electricity for power. They are also cheaper than the cordless circular saws.
The major flaw of the corded saw is there will be a little obstruction to the work because the power cable may come in the way. You might find it very annoying especially if the cutting job demands more angles and maneuvering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why cordless circular saws are expensive than corded ones?
A: The present technology demands more time and money in manufacturing the lithium-ion batteries required for cordless circular saws.
Since the research is still going on in developing cheaper and efficient batteries, the cordless circular saws are pricier than the corded counterparts.
Q: Can we use Dewalt batteries for Milwaukee?
A: No. Most of these batteries are not cross compatible, and hence you cannot use one company’s batteries on other devices.
Q: Can I use the cordless circular saw for heavy duty cutting works?
A: If the work demands to cut for extended periods and you have access to electricity or if you have spare batteries, you can use the saw. But understand that these saws have less power than the corded ones and they produce lesser RPM than their counterparts.
Q: What are the precautions to be taken while storing the unit?
A: Avoid temperatures higher than 105° F, and less than 40° F. These temperatures will result in permanent failure of the battery, or they may not get fully charged.
Avoid contact of the batteries with metal conductors as they will produce sparks of fire which can be dangerous. Do not discharge the battery completely before charging.
Q: What are the top brands for cordless circular saws?
A: The most popular brands are Dewalt, Milwaukee, Bosh, and Hitachi.
Conclusion
The best cordless circular saw will have a decent amount of power and will have excellent accuracy. Although they have lesser power than corded ones, recent advancements have helped the manufacturers in delivering the products which have high cutting efficiency and power.
There are distinct advantages of a cordless circular saw, and you will be delighted if you add one to your tools inventory.