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A good saw is an essential part of a complete shop setup, whether you use it for big projects or small ones. Over the past five years, we have tested more than 60 saws. After putting each one through a gamut of tests in the lab, taking measurements, and timing cuts, we then put them to work in the real world, using them for personal projects like clearing downed trees and making home improvements. Our team of testers lends their expertise in woodworking, tree service, and trail-building industries to help us choose the best models. Here, we delve into the details of those picks, but if you're looking for the full lineup tested for each category, we have more in-depth comparisons that you can check out.
If you're looking for a circular saw, our top recommendation for most home workshop users is the Skil 5280-01, which strikes a great balance of performance and affordability.
If you want to catch up on some yard work but you're tired of working with the old manual pruners, check out our our chainsaw review. We love the EGO Power+ CS2005, which is an electric model that offers fast and powerful cuts. If an electric model is a no-go for you because you need the raw, unbridled power of a gas chainsaw, our favorite is the Echo CS 590, which packs a powerful cutting punch.
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. Read on for all our top saw picks.
The DeWalt 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound DWS780 is our top choice miter saw. Coming in with top marks in our testing, this saw has a level of usability, precision, and cutting power to help you tackle almost any project. The ease of use features make it simple and effective; we think it is easier to make the right cut without being distracted fidgeting with settings, adjustments or blade depth. Calibrating the machine and changing the blade were also comparatively easy tasks during our tests.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
61.13 lbs
Cut Line Indicator
Shadow
Measured dust collection after 100 cuts
1.36 oz
Max Measured Cut Depth at 90
13.6 in
Blade Diameter
12"
The Dewalt DWS780 sets itself apart from the crowd when it comes to cutting power and speed. It earned a near-perfect score and beat out most other miter saw models in our test group. It handled repeated 4x4 cuts like a champ, and when put up against a 2-inch aluminum angle bracket, lead tester Austin Palmer says, “The saw cut through like a hot knife through butter.” The DWS780 again led the pack in our precision tests, earning one of the highest scores and impressing us with its accuracy across bevel, miter, and cross-cut angles. We found it was well-calibrated right off the bat and did not come out of alignment during our testing.
"The meticulous build quality of this tool was evident from the outset."
The power and precision of this machine make it a prime choice for experienced woodworkers, and our tester notes that he would recommend it to “enthusiasts with ambitious project goals.” Both professionals and seasoned DIYers will appreciate the accurate cuts and the efficiency the saw lends to their projects. However, the size and weight can be prohibitive for those who don't have a dedicated place to use and store this saw, so it may not be the best if you only occasionally need angled cuts.
The DWS780 makes it easy to find and secure the perfect angle for your cuts.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
As mentioned above, the heavier weight and the large size of the DeWalt DWS780 are two of its biggest downsides. We also found that the dust collection system was not the best (although it still scored above average), and we had some trouble with the curtains getting sucked in from time to time. Similar to the dust collection system, this saw scored above average for cut capacity, but it wasn't the best in the group. It failed to make a complete 45-degree bevel cut through a 4x4, so keep that in mind when evaluating your needs. If poor dust collection is a deal breaker for you and you are okay working with a simpler machine, the DeWalt 12-Inch Single Bevel Compound DWS715 offers the same level of speed and precision but has a much better-functioning dust collection system and costs significantly less than the DWS780. However, if you're not worried about cleaning up extra sawdust at the end of your workday, the DeWalt DWS780 is our top recommendation for a powerful and precise miter saw.
The Skil 5280-01 is our top recommendation for those searching for a great circular saw. It did not earn the highest score in any one metric, but its well-rounded level of performance lands it in the top three of our ranking, competing with saws that are 2, 3, or 4x the cost. At 8.1 lbs, it is relatively lightweight and easy to work with. It has a 52° max bevel angle that is marked at 22.5° and has a stop at 45°. Helpful features like a foot with 4 different sight notches and a laser sight line help keep your work precise.
SPECIFICATIONS
Blade Size
7-1/4 in
Blade Side
Right
Brushless Motor
No
Blade Brake
No
Measured Max Depth of Cut w/ Framing Blade
2-1/3 in
The Skil 5280-01 will probably catch your eye for its ability to balance great performance with incredible value. Lead tester Austin Palmer says that when making a cross-cut through a 12x6 beam, the saw “didn't really care about the wood” and that he noticed “little to no resistance.” And we have the hard measurements to back up his statement. After taking the average of three timed cross-cut trials, the 5280-01 earned one of the best recorded times, coming in just a few milliseconds slower than the top scorer in this test. The Skil performed above average when it came to other types of cuts as well, impressing us with its performance for such an affordable tool.
The Skil 5280-01 is one of the few corded saws with a trigger safety integrated into the handle, and we appreciate the extra measure of safety this provides.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
We recommend the Skil 5280-01 to just about anyone who needs a circular saw, from professionals to beginner home DIYers. It has a good balance of features and performance that allows it to carry out pretty much any cutting task with relative ease, and it has a price tag that is easy to swallow for first-time power tool buyers. Despite it being a beginner-friendly saw, we think that more experienced craftspeople will appreciate it, too. Unless you require the utmost speed and precision from your tools, the 5280-01 model will do the trick for just about everyone.
Making adjustments to blade depth and bevel angle is relatively easy, but it is somewhat difficult to see measurements. They are simple notches in dark metal with no contrast, so you will need to have adequate lighting to make sure you are stopping at the correct angle when changing the bevel or adjusting blade depth. It also scored above average when making cuts through sheet metal and steel pipe, but if you frequently make cuts through metal materials, other saws may be better suited for the job, such as the Skil SPT77WML-01. If you are looking for the best of the best and are willing to pay for it, that is a great option. However, our testers say that Skil managed to “pack a lot of power into a small saw,” and in the case of the average user, we think that the Skil 5280-01 fits the bill.
While it didn't score the highest in our metal-cutting tests, it still got the job done.
If a motorized saw seems like overkill for the type of job you're working on, then you might turn to a handsaw. The IRWIN Coarse Cut ProTouch is our favorite saw in this category for general, all-around use. This 15" saw has smaller Easy Start teeth in the front that make it easy to create an initial groove in your wood and then transition into full swing with the larger teeth found along the rest of the blade. Our tester, Cody Barz, loved this feature. Deep into testing, he said the “front notch once again proved useful in starting the cuts,” and this is what set it apart in the end. It makes some of the speediest cuts we've seen from a manual model, thanks to the tri-ground teeth. Perhaps our favorite aspects of this saw are its comfort and durability, though. The rubber and wooden handle has a sturdy palm feel, it is small enough to be highly maneuverable, and we did not lose any blade teeth throughout use.
"The deep gullets in the blade allowed plenty of sawdust to escape, so it rarely got caught."
This is not a saw you will want to use to make fine or delicate cuts. Thanks to the configuration of the teeth, this saw is very speedy, but this comes at the cost of accuracy and cut quality. We also were somewhat annoyed that the saw blade ends in the handle rather than extending past, which results in the handle bumping into and denting the wood you are cutting if you are not careful. If you are simply making rough cuts on a 2x4 or tree branch, this may not be a big deal. If you want a saw suited for more delicate tasks, we recommend checking out the Gyokucho 7" Razor Ryoba Saw, which earned top marks for quality, accuracy, and comfort needed for fine woodworking but does not make efficient rough cuts like the Irwin. The key is to choose the right tool for your task, and if you need a general-use saw that is good for most situations, The Irwin Coarse Cut ProTouch is one of the best.
The inclusion of smaller Easy Start teeth at the front end of the blade was one of our favorite features of the IRWIN Coarse Cut saw.
Measured average cutting time: 3.45 seconds | Measured weight: 19 lbs, 1 oz
REASONS TO BUY
Top-of-the-line performance
Fast cuts
User-friendly display
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Tool required for chain tensioning
After using the EGO Power+ CS2005, we were forced to rethink our long-held belief that electric-powered chainsaws just can't match the cutting ability of a gas model. With one of the highest scores in the most heavily weighted metric of saw performance, it is hard to go wrong with the CS2005 if you are looking to make quick, clean, and efficient cuts.
"It felt like we were cutting through butter."
During our testing, we were surprised and impressed time and time again by how fast we were able to complete our cuts while using the EGO Power+ CS2005. While cutting downed trees for firewood during our field testing, tester Chris McNamara noted that “the CS2005 got the job done in about half the time” compared to other saws. As we mentioned above, this is due to the powerful punch this battery-powered saw packs. To top it off, the CS2005 is incredibly user-friendly, and we love the LCD display, which clearly displays the most important settings and usage information.
If we had to pick just one chainsaw, the EGO Power+ CS2005 would be it.
Credit: Chris McNamara
The power on the Ego CS2005 is ideal for those who frequently tackle big (think thick) projects where you need to cut through trees with a diameter greater than 10~ inches, and it is especially good for projects where you want to move fast. It may not be ideal for times when you want to move fast and light, such as cutting through many smaller-sized branches or hard-to-reach branches that require awkward maneuvers. But if ease of use, efficiency, and power are paramount for you, then the CS2005 is where it's at.
All this speed and power comes with some drawbacks. The CS2005 has a shorter runtime than many other saws we tested, but on the flip side, we were able to make more cuts in that shorter time due to the great performance. Recharge time is also just middle-of-the-pack at 75 minutes, so you'll either want to keep your projects short and sweet or invest in an extra battery. Our other main gripe with this model is that it is heavy, mostly due to the substantial sized battery. It is not as easy to maneuver and may be more fatiguing over a period of time compared to lighter saws. But again, if you can get the job done in less time, fatigue may be a non-issue. If the price tag is a bit too steep, the Ego Power+ CS1800 is a less expensive option that nearly matches the performance of the CS2500. At the end of the day, our testers commented that “this saw blew us away.” We couldn't help but be impressed by its cutting performance and speed and think you will be too.
The Echo CS 590 is one of the top-ranked chainsaws in our review and is our favorite gas-powered model. It is our go-to for jobs where we just don't want to wait on slow cuts or long charging times. The simple controls are easy to operate, and features like a sef-priming gas delivery system and a tool-free air filter cover provide a basic yet effective operation. Despite the reputation gas models have for being quite loud, the CS 590 is also a very quiet machine compared to others in this category.
"The Echo CS 590 is the way to go if you need an absolute beast of a chainsaw."
What sets this model apart from others is the massive amount of power it provides. It is hard to beat the raw cutting power that comes from the massive 59.8cc two-cycle engine, and the added spec of a 20-inch bar “makes for a machine that practically makes cuts by itself,” says tester Ross Patton. This is a prime machine for tackling big jobs, boasting one of the fastest average cutting times in our tests.
Ear protection is always a good idea, but the Echo CS 590 is not quite as loud as other gas-powered saws.
Credit: Ross Patton
Gas is generally good for projects where you won't have access to a power source for long periods of time. Even if you do have access to electrical power, some battery-powered units take hours to recharge, which can disrupt your efficiency. But refueling the Echo CS 590 and other gas models takes less than a minute. The combined cutting efficiency and ability to run for an extended period without breaks make this a perfect choice for burly, long-haul jobs that take you farther than your extension cord can reach.
However, if you don't need that kind of portability or power, a gas-fueled saw may be overkill for, say, your backyard pruning and trimming projects. Gas models take more effort to get started, and although the Echo is comparatively easy, it is still not as easy as battery or corded models. It is also worth noting that you are signing up for a bit more maintenance with a gas engine, and if this is a deterrent for you, the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i is a good alternative to consider. Lastly, we found that tensioning the chain on the CS 590 is a more involved process, but some users like that it offers the ability to make more precise adjustments. Still, even after taking into account these drawbacks, the Echo CS 590 is hands down our favorite gas-powered chainsaw, and if you frequently take on projects that involve long hours and thick cuts, then it may be a good choice for you.
If working around a cord is cramping your style and hindering your workflow, then the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2732-20 is our recommendation for a battery-powered circular saw. While it sacrifices some power in favor of portability, it still made successful cuts in all of our tests and has a decent number of ease-of-use features that will keep your work clean and accurate.
SPECIFICATIONS
Blade Size
7-1/4 in
Blade Side
Left
Brushless Motor
Yes
Blade Brake
Yes
Measured Max Depth of Cut w/ Framing Blade
2-1/2 in
The highlight of this saw is the ease and efficiency it can lend to your workflow. Using a battery-powered unit means you don't have to search for an outlet, you don't have to worry about the reach of your extension cord, and you don't have to worry about getting tangled up in it either. In addition to the portability perks, the Milwaukee M18 has sight lines that are clearly visible and “pretty much spot on for accuracy,” according to lead tester Austin Palmer. The blade change process is also one of the easiest in the group.
The blade changing process is simple and adds to the convenience of the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2732-20.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
If having free range of motion and complete portability is important to you, then the Milwaukee M18 Fuel may be a good fit. This is by far its biggest perk, allowing you to ditch the extension cords and work more efficiently. If you are able to have a second battery charging in the meantime, you can flow through your cuts seamlessly throughout your project.
Most of our complaints about the Milwaukee M18 saw center around its lack of power. In the words of our tester, “It does pretty well… for a cordless saw.” Not terrible, but not great, which is evident in its just-average wood and metal cutting scores. Keep in mind that a battery-powered tool won't always have the power to compete with top corded models. If you like the ease-of-use perks but need a more powerful saw, you may want to check out a corded option like the DeWalt DWE575SB, which scored on par with other award-winning products and has one of the highest ease-of-use scores in the group. That said, this Milwaukee consistently exceeded our expectations for a cordless model, and is still one we'd recommend to those who like the option of portability.
Using a battery-powered model like the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2732-20 gives you unlimited freedom of movement.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Best Battery-Powered Miter Saw
DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound DCS361B
The DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound DCS361B is our favorite cordless miter saw. While you inevitably make some power sacrifices when you switch to battery, this model still managed to score near the top of the pack in our miter saw review. It has an efficient dust collection system, and adjustments, operation, and blade changes are all relatively easy. Finally, true to the DeWalt brand, this saw boasts “overall accuracy and precision that is among the best in the review,” according to lead tester Austin Palmer.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
29.44 lbs
Cut Line Indicator
Shadow
Measured dust collection after 100 cuts
0.75 oz
Max Measured Cut Depth at 90
8.2 in
Blade Diameter
7-1/4"
The biggest perk of having a smaller, battery-powered unit is its portability. It weighs less than half as much as traditional models and takes up less space, making it much easier to transport and store. This portability, combined with the excellent dust collection system, makes it a great option for use in indoor shops or if you frequent different job sites.
We make 100 cuts through a 2x4 to test dust collection. The DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound DCS361B performed admirably during this test.
Credit: Austin Palmer
If you find yourself needing to make angled cuts on different job sites and don't need to saw into anything too hefty, then the DeWalt DCS361B is a good option to consider. We think it will work well for people who typically do smaller home DIY projects or who do traveling trim work. The smaller size also makes it convenient for those who don't have the shop space to keep all their power tools out and accessible at all times. We appreciate that this model provides these options without sacrificing accuracy or (too much) power.
There are a few drawbacks to the DCS361B. First off, there is no blade depth lock, which makes it tricky to make dado cuts. Also, as may be expected of a battery-powered saw, the power output when making a cut is not as robust as other models, and because of the smaller size, its cut capacity suffers as well. We give it kudos for at least being better than most other battery-powered saws, but it still doesn't compare to more standard miter saws. If you often need to power through multiple cuts on bulky pieces of lumber, you'll want to check out a traditional miter saw like the Bosch 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Glide GCM12SD. However, if you value portability over power, the DeWalt DCS361B is a great choice.
Measured average cutting time: 7.8 seconds | Measured weight: 10 lbs, 10 oz
REASONS TO BUY
Well-balanced handling
Easy chain tensioning system
Lighter weight
REASONS TO AVOID
Cord limits range
Bar sometimes flexes
No auto-shutoff
We'll be the first to admit that one of the main draws of the Oregon CS1500 is its affordability. However, that is not the only thing we appreciate about this saw. Despite its lower price tag, it still put up above-average results in our testing, outperforming chainsaws that are 4-5x the cost. It impressed our head tester, Ross Patton, who says it has “all of the best components of Oregon's gas-powered and battery-powered models meshed with an electric motor that plugs into the wall.”
Aside from the obvious limitations of working around a cord, the Oregon CS1500 is a very easy chainsaw to use and operate, thanks to the integration of a few key features. A plastic hook below the handle secures the cord, so you don't have to worry about accidental disconnection, and we appreciate the tool-free tensioning system. The saw is well-balanced and handles well, and a simple two-step safety and trigger pull gets the chain spinning. When it comes to maintenance, the oil cap is conveniently located and angled to make filling the tank quite easy, and there is a semi-transparent window that allows you to double-check your oil levels, which is critical to keeping your chainsaw running smoothly.
Convenient and user-friendly features make this budget buy even more appealing for household and landscaping projects.
Credit: Ross Patton
We picture the happiest owner of the Oregon CS1500 as the weekend warrior who is passionate about keeping their shrubs sharp and tree branches trimmed to perfection. The lighter weight makes it good for making cuts above waist level or in awkward positions. Our tester also found it to be “particularly useful for dicing up truckloads of longer logs into firewood size pieces to be split.” In general, if you know you have a lot of DIY home or yard projects that you're excited about starting and don't need to take your saw off of your property, the CS1500 is for you.
It is nearly universally true that you don't get such a great bargain without making some sacrifices elsewhere. For the CS1500, some of these drawbacks include the lack of auto shutoff that many corded models have to prevent the machine from overheating. We also noticed that the bar flexes if you aren't keeping a straight angle throughout your cut. If you don't like the sound of that and you have a more flexible budget, the Makita UC4051A is another corded model that scored among the top of the pack. And now, to address the elephant in the room. Having to work with the limitation of a cord can be prohibitive for many projects where you'd want to use a chainsaw. This is likely the biggest deterrent for some, and although it is a great saw, it is for this reason that we can only recommend it for household and yardwork projects where you will be within reach of an outlet at all times. However, if household and yardwork projects are exactly what you have on your to-do list, then the Oregon CS1500 comes highly recommended.
The SKIL 10-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound MS6305-00 is our top recommendation for those looking for an affordable miter saw. Lead tester Austin Palmer comments that it “has remarkable cutting capabilities for a medium price point.” Fully adjustable and easy to calibrate, this saw is one we enjoyed using for most projects.
SPECIFICATIONS
Measured Weight
40.25 lbs
Cut Line Indicator
Shadow
Measured dust collection after 100 cuts
2.67 oz
Max Measured Cut Depth at 90
12.6 in
Blade Diameter
10"
Accuracy is one of the most important features of a miter saw, as your angled cuts need to be precise in order to fit properly. Luckily, the SKIL provides, landing a score that puts it in close competition with some much more expensive tools. It is also impressive when it comes to power and speed. Although it doesn't quite match the higher-scoring options in our review, it comes pretty darn close, and the quality of the cuts you can make on this machine is far above its price bracket. Austin Palmer says that “it sailed reasonably through the 4X4 and aluminum” when we tested cutting power on different materials.
Testing blade RPMs with no load applied is one of the ways we gauge the cutting power of a saw. The SKIL miter saw performed notably well.
Credit: Austin Palmer
The SKIL MS6305-00 scored above average in every metric aside from dust collection, in which it scored disappointingly low. Still, it has the cut capacity, speed, and accuracy to tackle most home projects, and we enjoyed all other aspects of the saw. We think it is ideal for those who have enough woodworking experience to appreciate a quality cut but don't need a tool to use on a daily basis, as the cleanup could get a bit annoying. On the other hand, it is a great budget buy if you don't mind sweeping up a big pile of sawdust every time you make a few cuts.
Unfortunately, this saw produced one of the highest volumes of sawdust in our dust collection test, so if keeping a clean workspace is a high priority for you, you may want to consider an alternate. The Ryobi 18V ONE+ 7-1/4-Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound PBT01B is another budget option that has an excellent dust collection system, although it is lacking in speed. Pick your poison. That said, the mess is the only real downside of the SKIL saw, and its great performance, paired with its bargain price, makes it a great option for budget-savvy woodworkers.
If you don't do a lot of woodworking but need a saw, any saw, for an upcoming project, the Craftsman 15-Inch is a good budget option that will get the job done. In our testing, we found it to be effective and highly efficient when making rough cuts through a 2x4. We measured an average of 9/16" cut depth from a single stroke, which is deeper than almost every other hand saw tested. Cody Barz, our lead tester for the handsaw review, says that “once you get a good speedy groove going, it tears.” The handle is averagely comfortable, but at this price point, who are we to complain?
We were not super impressed with this saw's accuracy, or lack thereof. We found that if we did not have our stroke perfectly lined up, the blade would bend and bow, disrupting any rhythm we had gotten into. The quality of the cuts we were able to make with this blade was also lower than many other hand saws in our review, but again, we did not have crazy high expectations from a handsaw in this price range, and it gets the job done. If you don't have the cash or the desire to invest in more expensive fine woodworking tools, the Craftsman is a great budget buy.
The Craftsman is a good option for those who need to make efficient cuts without much finesse.
Credit: Cody Barz
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 Test Saws
While metrics are customized depending on the saw type, there is some overlap, and one of the most important things any saw can do is cut stuff. However, a great saw should be able to make cuts with ease, efficiency, and accuracy. To measure this, we devise various tests that standardize the size, shape, and density of the wood and then time our cuts. One step in our chainsaw testing process involves strapping together four individual 4"x4" beams and sawing through in one go. For our miter saw evaluation, we put each machine through over 35 individual tests to measure ease of use, power, speed, capacity, and accuracy. By the time we reach the end of our testing period, we have made hundreds of cuts with each model. Similarly, our circular saws are put through a gamut of standardized tests, including making cross cuts on a 12"x6" beam and rip cuts on a 10 foot 2"x12". For saws that are able, we also make cuts through different types of metal and time those as well. To get a better gut feel for how these tools perform in real-life scenarios, our testers also used the saws in their 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, and all-around handypeople to test and evaluate over 60 different tools for our saw categories. Our chainsaw review is tag-teamed by Ross Patton and Chris McNamara, who both have extensive experience using chainsaws. Ross has spent multiple summers working with the largest tree service businesses in Northern Nevada and has a degree in environmental science that gives him an analytical approach to chainsaw testing. Chris uses chainsaws for everything from cutting firewood to heat his home to clearing downed trees on trail systems around the Tahoe area and has personally bought and tested over 50 saws (and counting). 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 past 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. Lastly, 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 manner of carpentry tools for over twenty years.
To select the right saw, you need to consider the amount of power, precision, and types of cuts you will need to make for your next project or job.
Credit: Chris McNamara
How to Pick the Best Saw
Choosing the right tool for the job is a critical step in any project. Each type of 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. We will go over the different types of saws and their best uses below.
Circular saws are good for making long rip cuts through lumber or sheets of plywood.
Here we cut disks out of a log while testing chainsaws.
Handsaw can be good for makig finer cuts on work that requires detailed craftsmanship.
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 will cover the basics of 4 types of saws, their pros, their cons, and their niche uses so you can decide which tool is right for your next project.
We put some of the top chainsaws to use in controlled tests and real-life scenarios to compare the effectiveness and useability of each model.
Credit: Ross Patton
Chainsaws
If the majority of your saw jobs revolve around trees, a top-ranked chainsaw might be the way to go. They come in handy for everything from trimming branches from your backyard trees or shaping the shrubs in front of your house to bringing home downed trees and slicing them into manageable chunks for chopping firewood. These are highly portable machines, and you can choose between gas, battery, and corded options depending on the level of mobility you need. Our in-depth buying guide goes deep on the details of what to consider when purchasing a chainsaw, but we cover the basics below.
First and foremost, the top-scoring chainsaws in our lineup had great cutting power. Chainsaws with gas-powered motors are generally known for being the burliest of the bunch, and since they do not rely on electricity for power, they are also the most portable and are great for long-haul projects that involve thick cuts and take you far off the beaten path. However, they are loud, tricky to start, and usually take more maintenance. If you have tamer, home-oriented projects in mind, a battery-powered or corded option will usually do the trick. They don't typically have as much punch as gas motors, but in our experience, they can usually handle all but the gnarliest projects. A high-performing battery chainsaw like the EGO Power+ CS2005 is a great option for tackling projects that require lots of power but won't take all day, as the battery will need to charge after some use. This model won us over thanks to its incredible efficiency; it was able to make the same cuts as other saws in a fraction of the time, putting it in close competition with the top gas options available.
Our chainsaw evaluation includes a number of side-by-side tests that allow us to compare and rank our favorite models.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Aside from performance and power source, bar length and battery system (if you choose to go the battery route) are two features to consider in your purchase. If most of the yard tools you already own run on the same battery system, it makes sense to choose a chainsaw to match. Batteries account for a large portion of many tools, so by going this route, you can swap out batteries as needed and save a few bucks. If you don't already have a battery system established, we recommend taking a look at which tools you use the most, finding a good quality model, and optimizing for that battery system across the rest of your yard tools. When choosing bar length, it really depends on the size of the wood you are planning to cut. The bar should be longer than the thickest wood you cut by a few inches. But don't just jump for the longest bar you can find "just in case"; longer bars can be much heavier and more difficult to maneuver. Consider your most common sawing tasks, and choose a bar length that caters to those jobs.
Our lineup of miter saws includes some of the most popular options on the market. We test them hands-on to give you the skinny on which ones are actually worth the buck.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Miter Saws
Miter saws are designed to make precise, repeatable cross-cuts at different angles, thanks to an adjustable blade that can pivot and rotate. They shine in scenarios that require many angled cuts, such as trimming, molding, and framing projects, and allow you to work with more speed and accuracy than a circular saw. Similar to chainsaws, buying the right miter saw depends on what exactly you plan to do with it. Below are all the miter saws from our review ranked according to overall score.
When it comes to the complexity of your cuts, miter saws have a few different levels. To make a basic miter cut, the blade can swing left or right. The next step up is a bevel cut, which requires the blade to pivot vertically. Some saws have a single bevel, meaning the blade tilts to one side only. You can still make any angle cut, but you will have to orient your work around the saw rather than changing the saw to fit your work. This can end up in a brainteasing problem and may leave 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) a miter cut, a bevel cut, and a compound cut.
Adding to the complexity, a compound miter saw has the ability to pivot vertically and rotate horizontally to make compound cuts. Lastly, some models have a sliding feature that 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 cut capacity features increase, so while a huge 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 you actually need. In addition to these features, you can 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. If you want maximum power and plan to have a stationary work setup, then a corded model will serve you well.
A good circular saw is irreplaceable in your collection of power tools, but which one is right for you?
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Circular Saws
Circular saws are highly portable machines that are great for making straight cuts through a variety of 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, there are a few different features and specs you'll want to pay attention to. One of the first choices is whether to go with a battery model or a corded model. As is the case with most other power tools, a battery-powered option will provide more portability and overall flexibility, but you have to 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 reach is limited by your longest extension cord.
A left vs. right blade positioning can affect how well you can see your cut, cutting stability, and comfort for left-handed vs. right-handed users.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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 but not least is the good old-fashioned hand saw. This type of saw is best for cross-cuts, 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, then 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 you can't quite get through with a circular saw. However, if you find yourself in this situation often, we'd recommend just 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 power tool collection.
Different saw styles will give you better results for different cuts, so it is important to evaluate the parameters of your project before deciding on a model.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Project Type
Once you've narrowed down the right style of saw for your project, another important factor in deciding what specific model to buy is thinking about how much saw you need. Take a look at how often you tackle home improvement and yard work projects, the complexity of those projects, and your skill level. If you are just starting on your DIY journey, we recommend going with 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 it's time to upgrade. If you have some 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 standard of power, precision, and durability you're looking for. In that case, we feel that it is worth investing a bit more in your purchase so you can be confident that it will have the ability to carry you through any size project, lasting cut after cut after cut.
We test and rate how easy it is to change blades on each of the saws in our review.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
A Note on Blade Type
A perfect cut starts with the right blade, and the first step is keeping your saw blade sharp, clean, and well cared for. After that, you will want to tailor your blade choice to match your cut direction, your material, and how clean you need your edges to be. 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 a lower tooth count can make a faster cut, but they may leave rougher edges. Additionally, different blade edges are better for cutting certain materials like plywood or sheet metal.
Whether remodeling your home or building a backyard treehouse, working with the right saw will make your project a success.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a saw, each style has a best application and a scenario 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.
