We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Whether you're planning home renovations or occasionally making a few simple cuts, a circular saw is an essential tool for your workshop. Its compact yet powerful design, combined with its ability to make a variety of quick, accurate cuts, makes it one of the most versatile power tools you can buy.
Since 2019, we've tested over 20 of the market's top battery-powered and corded circular saws, putting them through a grueling regimen of wood and metal cutting tasks that simulate prolonged real-world use. We made precise beveled cuts, ripped through thick lumber, cross-cut beams, and cut through steel pipes to find the most powerful and agile saw.
Our favorite circular saw and the best choice for most home and DIY users is the Skil 5280-01. It's powerful, lightweight, and affordable. It includes all the features most people need in a circular saw for light and medium-duty tasks.
For professionals, the Skil SPT77WML-01 is the clear best choice. This rugged saw cuts through both wood and metal with impressive, powerful speed and has intuitive, well-designed features, making it worth the investment.
Editor's Note: We updated our review on February 16, 2026, to test and review four brand new saws from Ryobi, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Bosch.
No blade angle indicators other than common angles
No blade brake
The Skil 5280-01 is a great all-around saw for both wood and metal cutting projects at a competitive price. It's fairly lightweight, weighing in at just 8.1 pounds, and is quite powerful, whether you're ripping, crosscutting, or even cutting through steel. Our tester, Austin, remarked, “It's light and small, making it easy to carry, and is a lot of power in a compact saw.” The saw includes common angle indicators, including 0, 15, 22.5, 30, and 52 degrees, with a positive stop at 45 degrees. There are four notches for viewing your sight line when cutting at 0 and 45 degrees, but the integrated laser guide was the most helpful for quick, accurate cuts.
SPECIFICATIONS
Blade Side
Left
Blade Size
7-1/4 in
Corded or Battery Powered
Corded
Blade Brake
No
Brushless Motor
No
Our testers appreciate the performance and price, but the angle (bevel) and blade depth settings leave much to be desired. Both the angle and blade depth adjustments use a thumbscrew rather than the more preferable levers. The blade depth adjustment is located between the handle and the blade, making the measurement indicators difficult to see. Most will likely prefer to set the blade depth the old-fashioned way with this saw by using the material you're cutting as a guide next to the blade, which is what we preferred. Minor gripes aside, the cost-to-value of this saw is exceptional. But, if you're a professional searching for a pro-level saw that can cut through wood and metal the absolute fastest and easiest, we recommend the Skil SPT77WML-01. While it is more expensive, it's built for heavy construction, is high-efficiency, and offers high-quality blade bevel and depth adjustments.
Can't cut all the way through 2-by material at a 45-degree angle
Rudimentary blade adjustments
The Ryobi PCL500B is a highly affordable, entry-level battery-powered saw, ideal for smaller projects, beginners, or those just stretching their dollar. This saw does a lot while costing a little; it's very lightweight and has most features one would expect on a circular saw, like angle (bevel) capability from 0 to 50 degrees, an adjustable blade depth of up to 1 11/16 inches, and an included Allen wrench for blade changes that can be stored on the saw. One of our testers said it best, “The Ryobi is a nice light-duty saw, great for quick, non-precise cuts.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Blade Side
Left
Blade Size
5-1/2 in
Corded or Battery Powered
Battery
Blade Brake
No
Brushless Motor
No
The 5 1/2-inch blade of the Ryobi PCL500B can be somewhat of an Achilles' heel for some users. If you stay within this saw's limitations, it does an acceptable job on most tasks, but it lacks the speed and accuracy that someone using a saw daily would require. And, while this tool shines at breaking down 2-by lumber, it cannot cut through 2-by material in a single pass with the blade set at a 45-degree angle. If you're willing to increase your budget, the Skil 5280-01 has enough depth to cut through any 2-by material at a 45-degree angle. Still, the Ryobi remains a solid choice as an entry-level battery-powered saw, but its desirable price point comes with some limitations.
The Skil SPT77WML-01 is a professional-grade tool that is built to last a lifetime. Our tester said, “This worm drive saw is a leader in the class at ripping dimensional lumber and crosscutting at the blade's full depth.” Adjusting the angle and cutting depth is easy with its well-designed lever system that moves smoothly throughout its range, with just enough resistance to make adjustments easy and accurate. These adjustments have black letters that contrast with the steel and magnesium construction and make them easy to see. The blade angle (bevel) has a 45-degree stop to ensure the accuracy of that common cutting angle, and the sight lines are spot-on accurate at 0 and 45 degrees.
SPECIFICATIONS
Blade Side
Left
Blade Size
7-1/4 in
Corded or Battery Powered
Corded
Blade Brake
No
Brushless Motor
No
Undoubtedly, the Skil is a burly and capable saw. However, its power might be overkill for many users. Its power and torque come from its large motor and worm-drive technology, which makes it rather heavy (11.6 pounds). This saw also needs a power outlet, so it will require an extension cord for many jobs. That said, the Skil is worth its weight and cost if you want a saw that excels at making demanding cuts in materials like hardwood and metal.
The DeWalt DCS391B is a solid cordless option and better than most in terms of cutting power, blade size, and comfort. The larger 6 1/2-inch blade allows it to cut 2-by material in a single pass at 45 degrees, unlike the Ryobi PCL500B. The features on this saw are still somewhat basic, with a thumb screw for angle (bevel) adjustments and a more user-friendly lever for cut depth adjustments, but they get the job done in a way that most users will appreciate. This saw excels in a light-to-medium-duty work environment and can reliably cut through wood and metal. Changing blades on the DeWalt DCS391B is quick, painless, and feels well thought out. Our tester mentioned, “It's very easy to hold the handle and press the spindle lock with your thumb, and the blade bolt very conveniently tells you which way to tighten or loosen.”
SPECIFICATIONS
Blade Side
Left
Blade Size
6-1/2 in
Corded or Battery Powered
Battery
Blade Brake
Yes
Brushless Motor
No
All told, the DeWalt DCS391B is a great saw that bridges the gap between those looking for more than just an entry-level tool and those who don't want to shell out big bucks for a premium saw that might be more than they need. That said, be prepared to exercise some patience for longer rips and metal cutting. For better power, you'll want to consider a corded saw. If you're not dead-set on a battery-powered saw, the corded Bosch CS10 is very similar in price to the DeWalt DCS391B and also delivers a great cost-to-value experience, with speedy cutting speeds across a variety of tasks and a magnesium footplate for durable build quality.
The DeWalt DCS391B isn't the fastest cutting saw, but it does it all, cutting and ripping wood as well as cutting metal with a comfortable grip and helpful features. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Product Comparison Table
We test each circular saw hands-on, cutting through a variety of materials to understand what it's good for and what it's not. Credit: Matt Lighthart
How We Tested
Since 2019, we have tested over 20 different circular saws, both corded and cordless. Whether you plan to build your kids a treehouse or create the camper van of your dreams, you want to know that you're getting the right product for the job. We have created a test regime that simulates the toughest jobs a circular saw might encounter. We make multiple cuts and rips of dimensional lumber, and cut sheet metal and steel pipes. We go through every detail of using the saw, from adjusting the bevel and blade depth to the ease of swapping blades. We even measure the cutting guides' accuracy at various angles and assess the legibility of the markings in low light.
Our testing of circular saws is divided into four different metrics:
Bevel (35% of overall score weighting)
Cross Cuts (30% weighting)
Ripping (20% weighting)
Metal Cuts (15% weighting)
Ripping is best suited to a powerful saw, especially when working with large material. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Why Trust GearLab
Senior Review Analyst Austin Palmer and review author Kolby Anderson worked together to test, rate, and review circular saws. This team has over three decades of combined experience testing products ranging from power tools to electronics.
Austin has overseen thousands of product tests, including leaf blowers, drills, and pressure washers. Austin has a knack for honing in on the little details in a product's design that translate to appreciable performance outcomes.
Kolby brings expertise and real-world application from the construction industry, where he currently works as a general contractor building custom residential homes and other commercial projects, applying tool technology to save time and money and solve ever-evolving construction problems.
We assessed how easily each saw could help us make quick and precise bevel cuts and how clearly the angle adjustments are labeled. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We timed how long it took for each saw to make bevel cuts, crosscuts, rips, and metal cuts, which indicates how powerful each saw is in each task. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We tested all types of saws to fit every task, no matter how small. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Analysis and Test Results
Our reviews focus on comparative analysis of products within a class. As such, we established four metrics that collectively cover all aspects of a circular saw.
We appreciate how clearly the angle adjustments are marked on the Skil SPT77WML-01. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Our value assessment is not solely focused on cost but rather on cost relative to performance. Through this lens, the Skil 5280-01 can't be beat. It's a rare product that is both at the top of the class in power and cutting performance and at the bottom of the class in price. The Ryobi PCL500B costs just a little less than the Skil 5280-01, but is a much better fit for first-time saw buyers tackling small projects or needing a light-duty battery-powered saw when power outlets aren't available.
The quick-release lever on the front of the Bosch CS10 makes blade angle adjustments quick and easy. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Bevel
By default, circular saw blades are set at zero degrees when the blade is straight up and down, cutting through material perpendicularly. The bevel feature of a circular saw is what allows the blade to pivot and cut at different angles for cutting trim pieces or angled joints for cabinets and furniture. We carefully review each saw's blade adjustments, paying close attention to how visible the angle indicators are, how easy it is to adjust the blade angle, and how easy it is to adjust the depth of cut. This part of our testing also involves evaluating the saw's sightline(s), their accuracy, and visibility while cutting. The Skil SPT77WML-01 excelled in every aspect of our bevel testing.
The Skil SPT77WML-01 has a blade angle indicator with obvious black markings. We like that it provides a nice contrast against the gray magnesium saw base, and that the numbers are listed at 5-degree intervals for making extra precise cuts.
The Skil 5280-01, DeWalt DCS391B, and Bosch CS10 all have angle indicators that match the color of the metal they are on, which makes them harder to see when working in the evening or in a dimly-lit garage. Of the three, the Bosch CS10 is the most visible. Both the Skil 5280-01 and the Bosch CS10 have positive stops, but we found the angle stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees on the Bosch CS10 a bit more challenging to move past when making adjustments.
The Bosch CS10 has positive stops at commonly used angles (22.5 and 45 degrees). Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Skil 5280-01 can be set to common cutting angles like 0, 15, 22.5, 30, and has positive stops at 45 and 52 degrees for easy beveled cuts, but lacks tick marks in between those angles for finer adjustment. Our only minor gripe with the Skil SPT77WML-01 is that 22.5 degrees isn't marked. Aside from that, all blade angle and cut depth adjustments are made using smooth, quick-release levers that make precise adjustments easy. The angle adjustments on the Skill SPT77WML-01 are what we'd expect from a pro-level saw.
Peering through the handle of the DeWalt DCS391B, you can see the blade depth scale that helps you set the cut depth. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We were happy to see that the blade depth adjustments on the Skil 5280-01 use a lever rather than a thumbscrew, like the bevel adjustment. It's not as easy as the blade depth lever on the Bosch CS10, but it is much better than a thumbscrew. There are cut depth measurements on the Skil 5280-01, but they're hidden behind the handle. We prefer the blade-depth measurement location on the Bosch CS10, which we found more useful because it is easily visible from the back of the saw.
The blade depth scale on the Skil SPT77WML-01 is one of our favorites because it's highly visible and easy to use. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The DeWalt DWE575SB and DeWalt 20V MAX DCS570B are two very similar saws, but the DeWalt DWE575SB is corded and more powerful, while the DeWalt 20V MAX DCS570B is battery-powered and slightly less powerful. Both have easy-to-read blade-angle indicators and use quick-release levers, which we prefer to thumbscrews for making blade-angle and cut-depth adjustments. We prefer making blade adjustments on these two saws when compared to the DeWalt DCS391B. The DeWalt DCS391B is best for quick cuts that don't require high accuracy or frequent adjustments.
If you're looking for a handheld tool for small cuts, the Milwaukee 2522-20 can't cut at preset angles, but it is quite compact and can easily reach hard-to-reach places that a regular circular saw can't.
Even when set at its maximum cutting depth of 2 1/4-inches, the Skil SPT77WML-01 effortlessly powers through cross cuts in dense lumber. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Cross Cuts
Crosscutting (cutting perpendicular to the grain) dense lumber is a demanding task commonly performed with circular saws. To evaluate saw crosscutting performance, we set each saw's blade depth to the maximum and let them chew through a 12"x6" piece of lumber, timing the results with a framing blade and a finish blade. The Skil SPT77WML-01 was the fastest crosscutting saw we tested.
The Skil SPT77WML-01 can handle anything in front of it. We powered through all of our crosscuts with this saw. It tore through the lumber almost as if it wasn't even there. This saw is very powerful, making it ideal for big jobs like building a backyard deck.
The smaller 5 1/2-inch blade on the Ryobi PCL500B still allows it to cut up to 1 11/16 inches. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Makita Hypoid 5477NB, Bosch CS10, and Skil 5280-01 trailed slightly behind our fastest cutting saw, but still performed the demanding cross cuts in an average of 3 seconds or less with both framing and finish blades, making them all very fast, viable options for arduous crosscutting jobs.
Our testing confirmed that corded circular saws are the obvious choice for the fastest cross cuts, but the battery-powered DeWalt 20V MAX DCS570B, Ryobi PCL500B, and DeWalt DCS391B all performed the cross cut in 6.5 seconds or faster, which is still pretty quick and comes with cordless convenience. We're most impressed by the DeWalt 20V MAX DCS570B of the three because it uses the standard 7 1/4-inch blade and has the deepest cutting capacity, whereas the DeWalt DCS391B uses a smaller 6 1/2-inch blade and the Ryobi PCL500B uses an even smaller 5 1/2-inch blade.
The Milwaukee 2522-20 is unique in its ability to cut with the blade in whatever direction you select, making it extremely versatile for difficult cuts where changing the direction of the blade makes a cut possible that otherwise wouldn't be. We also like that we're able to direct the sparks when cutting metal away from us by changing the blade direction.
The Bosch CS10 seamlessly rips through wood. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ripping
We ripped down hundreds of feet of 2"x12"s to evaluate the saws' ripping performance. Ripping ten feet at a time, we timed each saw through several trials to determine the average time to rip down a ten-foot section for comparison. It came as no surprise to us when the Skil SPT77WML-01 tied the Makita Hypoid 5477NB with the fastest ripping time of just 11 seconds, making them both great options for efficiency at jobs sites or prolonged DIY projects.
The time difference with most other cordless saws we tested was negligible. The Bosch CS10, Skil 5280-01, Craftsman CMES500, and DeWalt DWE575SB all cut 1-2 seconds slower than the fastest saws we tested. The only issue we noticed when ripping down the boards was that the blade had begun to slip off on the Craftsman CMES500 (even after tightening it down).
The Skil 5280-01 practically glides down our 2"x12" board. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The battery-powered DeWalt 20V MAX DCS570B was a lot less powerful at ripping down the board than the corded saws, but was the fastest cordless ripping saw with a respectable time of 23 seconds. That pace isn't a rate you'd want to rip with all day, but it is plenty fast for rip cuts here and there. Although the other battery-powered saws we tested are capable of ripping, they require patience, and we would not recommend them for ripping unless you rip short lengths infrequently.
We were surprised by how well the Bosch CS10 cuts through sheet metal and steel pipe. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Metal Cuts
Cutting metal is tough work, but when equipped with a metal-cutting blade, circular saws are quite capable of getting the job done. We tested each saw's metal-cutting capabilities by cutting through a 2-foot section of 16-gauge sheet metal and a 2-inch galvanized steel pipe. Once again, the torquey worm drive Skil SPT77WML-01 topped the charts with the fastest metal cutting speeds.
The Skil SPT77WML-01 really is a weapon if you're looking for ample power and the fastest cutting speeds, even when cutting some of the thickest, hardest metals. It cut through the 2 feet of aluminum sheet metal in 16 seconds and through the 2-inch pipe in just under 6 seconds. We felt it had the power to go faster, but to go any faster than that while cutting metal, we'd suggest getting a saw specifically designed for metal cutting.
The Skil SPT77WML-01 is our go-to metal cutting saw, perfect for any job. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Again, the difference in cutting time between the corded saws is negligible. The Bosch CS10 was only a moment slower than Skil SPT77WML-01, followed by the Skil 5280-01 and Dewalt DWE575SB, which were only a couple of seconds slower—and we doubt you'll notice the difference in time, as all of these saws would be quick and capable with any metal cutting project, even for long cuts on metal roofing or siding. Other saws that took longer, like the Makita Hypoid 5477NB, are still a fine option, but we would rather use this for smaller or infrequent cuts like metal pipes.
Blade Change
Our blade-change assessment doesn't affect the overall score, but it is still an important feature of a circular saw, especially if you use it for multiple tasks like framing, finish carpentry, or metal cutting, where a blade change between tasks is necessary. DeWalt seems to have blade changes figured out, as we found that the DeWalt 20V MAX DCS570B, DeWalt DWE575SB, and DeWalt DCS391B all had convenient tools stored securely on the saw and the ergonomics of depressing the blade spindle lock are well thought out to easily allow you to grip the saw, hold the blade in place, and tighten or loosen the blade bolt as needed.
How to Choose the Best Circular Saw
A circular saw is a staple in the toolbox of DIY workers and professionals alike, but finding the right one can be challenging. With the wide array of options on the market, we outline some key buying considerations, including saw type, budget, and important features, to help narrow down your search.
Corded or Cordless?
While we discuss this subject more in-depth in our full buying advice article, deciding whether to use a cord largely depends on the type of work being done and user preference. A corded circular saw provides ample power and extended runtime to tackle more demanding tasks on job sites. On the other hand, Cordless options offer lighter, easier use, and their portability makes them an attractive option for folks who need tools where outlets are unavailable.
An important first consideration is whether a corded or cordless saw is right for you. Credit: Abriah Wofford
What Makes a Durable Saw?
Finding a circular saw that can withstand the daily abuse of a job site should be a high priority for professionals. Characteristics such as reinforced steel and cast-metal shoes with ridges can help prevent damage from inevitable falls, while saws with magnesium housings help prevent motor damage. Typically, less expensive options come with flat aluminum bases, which are better suited for occasional circular-saw projects. Other features, such as work lights and rafter hooks, can be worth having if you're doing framing work where hanging a saw nearby is necessary throughout the day.
Does Blade Side Matter?
The orientation of the blade, left or right, will affect both the visibility and stability of your cuts. Blade left saws offer right-handed users a greater line of sight, while blade right saws improve stability since the majority of the shoe is placed over the material. This also applies to left-handed users, just in the opposite orientation. Deciding between the two largely comes down to preference and feel, but it's also worth considering the safety of both styles. For right-handed operation, a blade right saw keeps the plane of the blade oriented outside of your body, which is important in case of kickbacks. Additionally, blade right saws dump sawdust away from your body. If you're new to the world of circular saws, we recommend starting with the standard blade right saw, since it's generally safer and easier to get accustomed to.
Whether you choose a right or left-side blade, understanding the pros and cons of each will help you make an informed buying decision. Credit: Abriah Wofford
What Features Should You Consider?
Finding a circular saw with the right features can make the difference between just an okay saw and your new favorite power tool. Folks with bevel cuts in mind will want to make sure their next saw comes equipped with positive bevel stops. Another feature that can improve safety is a blade break. Saws with blade breaks can avoid costly mistakes, whether they are a wood floor, a cord, or even a finger. Lastly, it's also worth considering saws with spindle locks, which are especially useful for those who change blades regularly, where time and workflow are paramount.
Once you've dialed in the specific needs of your next saw, finding the right features is the fun part. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Other Notable Circular Saws We Tested
Having tested over 20 circular saws, we've had our hands on several impressive saws that may not have been award winners but are still noteworthy.
Bosch CS10—a well-refined corded circular saw that delivers great cost-to-value on performance and features. It's best suited to long, difficult cuts that require cutting power but not high precision.
DeWalt 20V MAX DCS570B—an ergonomic and portable battery-powered saw with a full-size 7 1/4-inch blade that's a great fit if your job mainly consists of crosscutting 2-by material and ripping plywood.
Milwaukee 2522-20—a compact cut-off tool with an integrated LED light and a 3-inch blade capable of going places most other saws can't. We love how versatile this handy tool is and that the blade can be configured to spin forward or backward.
The Milwaukee 2522-20 can cut with its blade spinning forward or backward. Credit: Matt Lighthart
If you're only interested in battery-powered models, check out our cordless circular saw review, where we dive deeper into the best cordless models. If you're expanding your woodworking capabilities, the precision and productivity of a miter saw are second to none. Check out our full review of the best miter saws to find the right saw for you and take your finish carpentry skills to the next level.
We hope we've helped you to find the right saw for your project. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
A circular saw is an essential tool in any craftsperson's kit. However, the market has a wide range of prices and performance characteristics. This review compared plug-in and battery-powered saws, putting them through identical tests cutting both wood and metal to see which performed best and why. With the information gathered in this review, potential buyers can quickly and easily sort the saws to find the best match for their needs and budget. And for a comprehensive look at the best tools out there across all categories, check out our tool review.
