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A good power saw is essential to a complete shop setup for big or small projects.
The best circular saw we tested for most home DIY projects is the Skil 5280-01, which strikes the perfect balance of powerful cutting performance and affordability.
Since 2019, we have tested more than 80 saws. After putting each one through a gamut of tests in the lab, taking measurements, and timing cuts, we put them to work in the real world, using them for home improvements. Our team of testers lends their expertise in woodworking and construction to help us choose the best models.
If you've picked up an interest in handcrafting furniture and are looking for a handsaw to do the delicate work, we've got recommendations for that, too.
Who it is best for: The Skil 5280-01 is a high-power corded circular saw suited for DIYers and even first-time circular saw buyers. This saw shines in outdoor work where cleanliness isn't a concern, and its integrated dust blower can keep your cut line clean and visible. Its affordable price and balance of useful features and cutting performance make it ideal for anyone looking for a reliable saw with a variety of cutting capabilities. It's a beginner-friendly saw that lets users grow their skills without needing to upgrade tools quickly, and it's also a tool even experienced users can appreciate unless they're chasing bleeding-edge speed and features. It does need to be plugged in, so those who do all of their work outdoors away from a power outlet may need to buy an extension cord or find a cordless option.
Why we love it: The Skil 5280-01 offers incredible value with well-rounded performance, making it competitive with saws that cost two or three times as much. It's fairly lightweight, weighing 8.1 pounds, and easy to handle, with plenty of power for pretty much any cutting task you can throw at it. Coupled with all that power, the integrated laser cutting guide creates ideal circumstances for quick, efficient cuts. We appreciate the common bevel angles marked on the bevel indicator, including both 22.5 and 45 degrees, with a positive stop. For the price, this saw is really hard to beat.
Should you buy it? This saw is the best choice for most people looking for a powerful, affordable circular saw. As a budget-friendly saw, it does have some limitations, like the blade adjustments for bevel angle and cutting depth being useful but quite basic, lacking the finesse found on more expensive saws that make adjustments easier and more accurate. This saw tears through just about anything quickly, including metal, but if you're planning on cutting a lot of metal, you might opt for a specialized saw. At this price point, the Skil 5280-01's power, features, and value make it an easy choice.
Who it is best for: The DeWalt 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound DWS780 is a prime choice for experienced woodworkers, professionals, and seasoned DIYers with ambitious project goals. Our tester recommends it for enthusiasts who need accurate cuts and efficiency in their projects. However, its weight and large size may be prohibitive for those without a dedicated workspace or who only occasionally need angled cuts.
Why we love it: It excels in cutting power, speed, and precision, earning near-perfect scores in our miter tests and outperforming most miter saws in our test group. It handled repeated 4"x4" cuts effortlessly and sliced through a 2-inch aluminum angle bracket like a hot knife through butter. It led the pack in precision across bevel, miter, and crosscut angles, arriving well-calibrated and maintaining alignment throughout testing. Its ease of use, simple calibration, and blade-changing process enhance its appeal.
Should you buy it? Get this if you prioritize performance over minor drawbacks. Its dust collection system, while above average, isn't the best, with curtains occasionally getting sucked in. The saw's cut capacity also fell short of a complete 45-degree bevel cut through a 4"x4", which may matter depending on your needs. If you're not concerned about extra sawdust cleanup and have the space for its size and weight, this saw's exceptional power and accuracy make it a worthwhile investment.
Cut line indicator: Shadow | Maximum Miter and Bevel Range: (45º/60º) (49º/49º)
The DeWalt 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound DWS780 has an impressive cutting capacity, allowing it to cleanly cut through a 4"x4" wooden post in a single pass. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Who it is best for: The DeWalt DCS391B is a perfect fit for those looking to buy their first saw and avoid the pitfalls of the cheapest options on the market, or move up from their current entry-level saw, but still get a good value. The saw is well-designed to fit comfortably in your hand, and the integrated blade brake helps make it safe and convenient. It's perfect for quickly cutting 2-by materials for backyard framing projects or on-site projects where utilities aren't available.
Why we love it: We love the balance of power, convenience, and cutting capability that the DeWalt DCS391B strikes. It uses a slightly smaller 6 1/2-inch blade, coupled with its battery powerplant, to deliver boundless cutting capability at respectable speeds for common cutting tasks. The blade bevel capability, which ranges from 0 to 50 degrees, has the most common angles marked for quick adjustments and has smaller indicators for every degree between 0 and 50 for more precise work. Although it isn't the fastest-cutting saw, we can honestly say it's versatile and capable of making bevel cuts, ripping, and even metal cutting.
Should you buy it? If you're looking for a battery-powered saw with well-rounded capabilities and dependable performance, this is a great choice at a reasonable price. A battery-powered saw does have some limitations, and if your workflow involves lengthy cuts or long hours, you're likely better off with a corded saw if power is available where you'll be working. There are faster cutting battery-powered saws and saws with higher-quality blade adjustments than the DeWalt DCS391B, but it's a solid saw at a fair price that most users will be happy with.
Weight no battery: 6 lbs | Max Cutting Depth: 2 1/8 inches
The DeWalt DCS391B is a comfortable, well-rounded saw that is best for quickly cutting wood and also does a decent job cutting metal. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Who it is best for: The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 10-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound 2734-21 is a great fit for experienced carpenters capable of taking full advantage of the wide range of capabilities this saw has for large finish jobs, like crown molding, baseboards, and trim. This saw is supremely portable, powered by a single battery, and has integrated carry handles, making it a no-brainer for tasks far from power outlets. This saw is also a good choice for newer users who are willing to pay for a premium product and want a saw with all the features you'll ever need, and one that can grow with you as your skills and jobs develop.
Why we love it: We love the shadow cut line indicator on this saw and the fact that it doesn't require any adjustment to maintain accuracy. The blade depth lock allows for simple, tool-less adjustment and can be flipped in place or out of the way quickly and easily. This saw has an abundance of useful angle-adjustment positive stops and also allows you to fine-tune angles for uncommon cuts. All the adjustments, combined with the 10-inch blade's cutting capacity, make this saw extremely versatile.
Should you buy it? There are cheaper saws available, but the easy-to-use features, wide range of adjustments, and battery-powered portability make this saw an easy decision if you're looking for a highly capable miter saw with all the bells and whistles. Despite its heavy weight, its integrated carry handles make it manageable to cart around, especially for a 10-inch miter saw. For a dependable, high-quality, battery-powered saw, this is a solid choice.
Cut line: Shadow | Maximum Miter and Bevel Range: (50º/60º) (48º/49º)
The clamp included with the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 10-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound 2734-21 is great of securing awkward objects for safe cutting. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Who it is best for: The SKIL 10-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound MS6305-00 is perfect for budget-savvy woodworkers with enough experience to value precise, quality cuts but who don't need a miter saw for daily use. It's an excellent choice for those tackling most home woodworking projects who can tolerate extra cleanup due to its poor dust collection.
Why we love it: This affordable miter saw delivers remarkable cutting capabilities, with our tester noting it “sailed reasonably through all the 4X4 and aluminum power tests I threw at it.” Fully adjustable and easy to calibrate, it offers accuracy that competes with pricier models and above-average performance in cut capacity, speed, and precision, making it a standout for its price point.
Should you buy it? This is a great budget buy if you prioritize performance and don't mind sweeping up sawdust, as it scored poorly in dust collection, producing one of the highest volumes of sawdust in testing. If a clean workspace is critical, consider an alternative. Otherwise, its power, accuracy, and bargain price make it a top choice for cost-conscious woodworkers.
Cut line indicator: Shadow | Maximum Miter and Bevel Range: (51º/51º) (48º/45º)
We were impressed by the cutting speed of the affordable SKIL 10-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound MS6305-00. Credit: Matt Lighthart
We created category-specific tests for each type of saw and then ran every product through the gamut to see which ones performed the best. Credit: Natalie Kafader
How We Tested
While our tests vary by power saw type, there is some overlap, and one of the most important things any saw can do is cut stuff. A great saw should be able to make cuts with ease, efficiency, and accuracy. To measure this, we devised various tests that standardize the wood's size, shape, and density, and then timed our cuts. For our miter saw evaluation, we put each tool through over 35 individual tests to measure ease of use, dust collection, cutting capacity, power & speed, and accuracy. By the end of our testing period, we had made hundreds of cuts with each model. Similarly, our circular saws undergo standardized tests, including crosscuts on a 12"x6" beam and rip cuts on a 10-foot 2"x12". For saws that are capable, we make cuts through different types of metal. To get a better sense of how these tools perform in real-life scenarios, we also used the saws in our daily lives for tasks like cutting lumber, slicing logs for firewood, and clearing downed trees.
Getting the job done right requires the right tool, and we're here to help you find it.
Why Trust GearLab
We rallied a savvy team of woodworkers, trail builders, construction pros, and all-around handypeople to test and evaluate over 60 tools for our saw categories.
Heading up our in-house testing of power tools, Austin Palmer offers unique testing insight into our circular saw and miter saw categories thanks to his experience working on an onshore oil rig, which made him very familiar with a wide range of power tools. He continues to use saws and other tools for home improvement projects today, and of course, as a senior review analyst at GearLab, Austin keeps up with all the latest innovations in the field.
Kolby Anderson is a gear tester and review editor at GearLab as well as a licensed general contractor who specializes in custom homes in Southern Utah. Kolby is involved in every aspect of construction, from architectural design to finish carpentry, helping him understand the importance of having the right tool for the job.
Cody Barz leads testing for our handsaw review. As a general contractor's son, Cody grew up on and around job sites and has had his hands on all carpentry tools for over twenty years.
How to Pick the Best Saw
Choosing the right tool for the job is critical in any project. Each saw we tested has unique advantages that make it better suited for certain tasks. For example, you can make a bevel or angled cut with a circular saw, but if you have to make these cuts repeatedly or need absolute precision in your work, you'd be better off with a miter saw. Below, we explain the different types of saws and their best uses.
Each saw type has its best application, so selecting the correct tool is the first step in a successfully executed project.
Types of Saws
While there are many more options out there, here we cover the basics of the four most common types of saws, their pros, their cons, and their niche uses so you can decide which tool is right for your next project.
Miter Saws
Miter saws are designed to make precise, repeatable crosscuts at different angles, thanks to an adjustable blade that can pivot, slide, and rotate. They shine in projects that require many angled cuts, like trimming, molding, and framing, and allow you to work more quickly while achieving better precision and accuracy than a circular saw. Similar to chainsaws, buying the right miter saw depends on what exactly you plan to do with it. We have a comprehensive review of the best miter saws ranked according to their overall scores.
Miter saws come in different levels of complexity, and their features vary greatly, leaving it up to you to decide which one you need. The blade can pivot left or right horizontally to make a basic miter cut and can pivot vertically left or right to make a bevel cut. If you make a cut with both a miter and a bevel angle, it is called a compound cut. Some saws have a single bevel, meaning the blade tilts to one side only. You can still make any angle cut, but you'll have to work around the saw rather than adjusting the saw to fit your work. If you're making several bevel cuts, this invites unnecessary complexity and leaves more room for error. Double-bevel miter saws can tilt to either side, making it easier to make matching cuts without having to play Twister with your lumber.
The photos above show (in order) an example of a miter cut, a bevel cut, and a compound cut.
Adding to the complexity, a compound miter saw can pivot vertically and rotate horizontally to make compound cuts. Some models feature a sliding mechanism that extends their cutting capacity and allows you to cut wider pieces of wood.
A sliding arm gives the blade a longer reach and allows for cuts on wider pieces of lumber. Credit: Natalie Kafader
As you might expect, the price goes up significantly as cutting capacity and features increase, so while a large double-bevel sliding compound miter saw may seem like the coolest thing out there, it may be worth your while to take a look at your upcoming projects and evaluate what kind of cut capacity and capability you actually need. You can also choose between corded and cordless models. If you value portability, don't mind waiting for a charge-up, and prefer to skip the chore of cable management, then battery-powered is the way to go. A corded model will serve you well if you want maximum power and plan to use it in a stationary work setup.
Circular saws come in many sizes and configurations, so we tested them all to give you a hands-on perspective and make your choice easier. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Circular Saws
Circular saws are highly portable machines that make straight cuts through various materials. They can make short cross cuts, longer rip cuts, and cuts through wide materials like plywood that a miter saw might not have the capacity to handle. Below are all of the models in our lineup of circular saws ranked in order of overall score.
When choosing the right circular saw, you'll want to pay attention to a few different features and specs. One of the first choices is using a battery or a corded model. Like most other power tools, a battery-powered option will provide more portability and overall flexibility, but you must contend with shorter run time and potentially less power. Corded options have an unlimited run time and sometimes come with perks like higher torque and greater accuracy, but your longest extension cord limits your reach.
The budget-friendly Ryobi PCL500B features a smaller 6 1/2-inch blade, making it well-suited for quickly slicing framing lumber. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Other factors like blade position (left vs right), brushless vs brushed motors, and drive mechanism can all affect the performance of the saw you choose. We will not go into detail here, but it is good to know these options exist. If a circular saw is what you're looking for, you can read up more in our detailed buying advice to help you decide which features are going to be the most helpful for your future projects.
We tested a variety of handsaws, and made hundreds of cuts to evaluate the precision, efficiency, and comfort of each tool. Credit: Cody Barz
Hand Saws
Last is the good old-fashioned hand saw. This type of saw is best for crosscuts, and unless you want to muscle your way through an entire log, hand saws are most practical for smaller pieces of wood or softer materials, like styrofoam, where the speed and force of a power tool may be too aggressive. If your DIY and home projects involve trimming the occasional branch or cutting styrofoam for school projects, a good hand saw may be all the power you need. Depending on the style of the hand saw, it can also be perfect for more delicate woodwork, such as furniture making and other projects that require a bit more finesse. On the flip side, if you have a sturdy enough blade and are willing to put some muscle into it, a handsaw can be a good option for cutting thicker posts if you don't have a chainsaw but can't quite get through with a circular saw. However, if you are in this situation often, we recommend biting the bullet and getting a chainsaw. Pros and cons aside, handsaws are generally quite affordable, and it never hurts to have one handy in addition to your tool collection.
The Skil 5280-01's powerful motor is well-suited for long, difficult cuts, like ripping lumber. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Project Type
Once you've narrowed down the right saw for your project, another important factor in deciding what specific model to buy is thinking about how much saw you need. Look at how often you tackle home improvement and yard work projects, the complexity of those projects, and your skill level. If you are starting your DIY journey, we recommend using a simpler, more affordable model to build up your familiarity and dexterity with the tools. As you become more experienced, you will learn what features you use the most and which specs to look for when upgrading. If you have years of experience and are just looking for any excuse to bust out the power tools and start your next home improvement project, you probably know the power, precision, and durability standard you're looking for. In that case, we feel it is worth investing a bit more in your purchase so you can be confident it can carry you through any size project, lasting cut after cut after cut.
A helpful sticker with blade change instructions is placed on the side of the MarvTool 10-Inch Compound Single Bevel. Credit: Matt Lighthart
A Note on Blade Type
A perfect cut starts with the right blade, and the first step is to keep your saw blade sharp, clean, and securely tightened. After that, you will want to tailor your blade choice to match your cut direction, material, and desired edge cleanliness. A term you'll likely come across when selecting a blade is kerf. Kerf is the width of material removed during cutting, essentially the width of the blade. Differences in tooth material, count, length, and spacing will impact the quality of your cut just as much as the saw itself. Generally, the higher the tooth count, the smoother the cut. Blades with fewer teeth can make a faster cut but may leave rougher edges. Different blade edges are also better for cutting certain materials, such as plywood or sheet metal.
The DeWalt 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound DWS780 is perfect for quickly cutting larger lumber like 4"x4" wooden posts. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Conclusion
When choosing a saw, each style has its best application and the scenarios where it shines. However, we understand that you may not have the space, the budget, or the need to get one of each. We suggest evaluating the complexity and frequency of your woodworking projects and choosing the tool that best fits your situation.
—Kolby Anderson, Austin Palmer, and Chris McNamara
