Best Circular Saws of 2021 – Complete Round-up

| Last Updated: December 30, 2021

Are you ready to cut wooden planks with ease and comfort? Do you want to craft something special out of the wood? If yes, then it’s probably time to invest in a high-quality circular saw.

This guide will help you decide among some of the best available today.

Comparison of the Best Circular Saws

IMAGEPRODUCT
  • Saw delivers power for the toughest applications
  • Lightweight and compact at 8.8 lbs
  • Patented 15-Amp motor
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  • Comes with a unique metal handle
  • Offers stronger clamping force for stable cutting
  • Laser guide for professional and precise cutting line
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  • Best for the Money
  • Circular saw guided by laser
  • Adjustable cutting angle
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  • Best Cordless Circular Saws
  • Heavy gauge, precision machined base
  • Smooth, accurate cutting and durability
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  • Comes with 3 blades: 1x30T, 1x36T, and a grit diamond blade
  • Equipped with a saw dust pipe for easy clean up when attached to a vacuum
  • Motor delivers 4500RPM
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  • Best Worm Drive Circular Saws
  • Light magnesium construction reduces user fatigue
  • Anti-snag lower guard provides smooth operation
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  • Best Circular Saw For Beginners
  • Comes with two built in LED lights
  • Magnesium components results in a lightweight saw
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What is a Circular Saw?

A circular saw is a type of power-saw that has a circular disc or blade to cut various materials. The blade or the disc rotates around the arbor with a sheer force that can cut almost anything. Typically, these can be found in a woodman’s shop, particularly used for cutting wooden planks or crafting wood.

DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake (DWE575SB)

It is a great option for cutting different types of material as well, like marble, tiles, etc. However, the functionality greatly depends upon the features and the power of the product. This is a great addition to your toolbox.

How to Choose a Quality Circular Saw

Figuring out the right product for your needs and requirements is a big challenge. With so many brands and similar products on offer, it is really hard to identify and choose one. Therefore, it is always advisable to narrow down your individual preferences and the features of the desired product. Here are some of the qualities and features you should consider while purchasing a circular saw.

Size of the Blade

The size of the blade is a very crucial aspect to consider while purchasing a circular saw. This is particularly because the size of the blade determines the type of material feasible for cutting. A large-sized blade would penetrate deep in the material surface and might be a better option for cutting thick material. A small-sized blade would be good enough to cut wooden planks, etc.

Weight

The weight of the circular saw dictates its usage. Since most are handheld, these should not be heavy by any means. It should be easy to operate and handle while you can move around freely. Also, materials like magnesium are used for their construction to ensure the durability and lightweight design of these circular saws.

Durability

Well, the durability is a must. This is because of the hard material it is supposed to cut. Therefore, it should be extra tough and hard to slice through hard surfaces. Strong building elements like Tungsten prove to be a good choice to use in circular saws.

Review of the Best Circular Saws

Looking for the best circular saw? A high-quality product provides a multitude of features to enhance your experience. These might include blade size, weight, durability, blade adjustment, ergonomic design, power, ease of use, and more. However, they also greatly depend upon how they are intended to be used.

Given below are some of the best options based on various features.

Best Overall:
DEWALT 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw with Electric Brake (DWE575SB)

DEWALT Circular Saw, 7-1/4 inch, Pivoting with up to 57 Degree Bevel, Corded (DWE575SB)

PROS

  • It comes with electric brakes
  • Lightweight and compact design 
  • Features a powerful 15 Amp motor
  • An integrated dust blower is also available
  • Only 8.8 pounds for easy handheld operation

CONS

  • There are some minor issues with its design
  • Several users reported wobbling of the blade

What Recent Buyers Report

A large number of buyers are completely satisfied with the product. They believe that it is one of the best circular saws available in the market. It operates flawlessly and is very easy to use since it is very lightweight and compact. It is highly recommended by most users.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What strikes us about this is its build quality. It features a compact design that is lightweight and only weighs 8.8 pounds. As a result, it makes for a great option for handheld operations and cutting or slicing through various materials. Also, it features a powerful 15-amp motor for reliable usage with an electric brake. Also, it comes with an integrated dust blower.

Who Will Use This Most

Well, this is perfectly designed for light work or thin workpieces. If you are a woodman, then this probably is a great choice for cutting thin wooden planks or even metal sheets. It has a powerful motor of 15-amp, which ensures that the cutting operation is carried out efficiently and effectively.

Bottom Line

Overall, this is one of the best circular saws available in the consumer market. It displays superb performance due to an improved and powerful motor for various tasks. Also, it comes with a multitude of features that enhance its capability. It’s truly a great product.

Runner-up:
TACKLIFE Circular Saw TCS115A

PROS

  • Available with various valuable accessories
  • Safe to use with various protective measures
  • 5.8-amps copper motor for powerful operation
  • Ergonomic design that promises a stable operation
  • Comes with a metal handle and laser for convenient use

CONS

  • It is not very powerful
  • Several defected components reported by users

What Recent Buyers Report

A seamless operation is what most recent users report regarding this circular saw. They believe it is a great unit to have since it offers so much. The users reported great overall performance and build quality. It has multiple features that enhance your user experience.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This product features a multitude of features. It has an ergonomic design with laser technology. The metal handle is very ergonomic since it reduces fatigue while the laser allows precise cutting. It features a 5.8-amp motor for powerful operation and comes with various accessories to enhance user experience. It also comes with safety and protective measures as well.

Who Will Use This Most

If you are looking for a light-duty circular saw, this might probably work perfectly for you. Don’t underestimate its 5.8-amp motor as it can cut anything with its razor-sharp blades. It would work really great while cutting sheets of metal or wood with extreme ease and comfort.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a saw that delivers performance and safety, then look no further. It features an ergonomic design with reliable performance with its laser technology. Also, it comes with safety and protection mechanisms to protect you from any sort of injury.

Best for the Money:
Meterk 1800w Circular Saw 15Amp 7-1/2"

PROS

  • Features a laser guide for precise cutting
  • Safe and easy to use with great ergonomics
  • It has an adjustable cutting angle for convenience
  • Comes with different accessories to facilitate the user
  • 15-amp 1800watt powerful copper motor for intense operation

CONS

  • Bevel adjustment might not be accurate 
  • It doesn’t offer a 3-prong plug for grounding electricity

What Recent Buyers Report

Most buyers are completely overwhelmed by the smooth and amazing performance of this circular saw. They are of the view that it is among the best available today. Users highly recommended it for the ultimate user experience.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What strikes us about this product is its powerful operation capability. It features a powerful 15-amp 1800watt copper motor that slices through almost anything. Moreover, it features laser-edge technology for precise cutting while an ergonomic design provides comfort and ease of use. Also, it comes with various accessories for reliable operation.

Who Will Use This Most

This product is capable of performing heavy-duty tasks without any hassle. This is due to its powerful copper motor that features 15-amp of superb performance. It has the ability to penetrate through thick surfaces like wood, metal, and other hard materials. The copper motor is efficient enough for demanding operations.

Bottom Line

All in all, this is a superior circular saw that performs exceptionally well due to its modern technologies. The laser provides precise cutting while its powerful motor delivers superb performance. It has an ergonomic design as well, which makes it a great choice for handheld operation.

Best Cordless Circular Saws:
Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2"

Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2' Circular Saw, Tool Only

PROS

  • Bevel cutting capacity is 50 degrees
  • It has a machine base for precise cutting
  • Can be used for cutting multiple workpieces
  • Very lightweight with 7.3 pounds weight only
  • Offers 700rpm with 3 sharp blades for cutting wood

CONS

  • The blade dimensions are quite small
  • Battery needs to be purchased separately

What Recent Buyers Report

A high percentage of positive reviews suggest that this circular saw is capable of delivering the task effectively. Users report that it is a great addition to your tool arsenal, especially if you work with lumber. However, they believe that it is perfectly designed for light-duty jobs rather than highly demanding tasks.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Makita circular saw offers a great deal with its compact build. It features a 700rpm motor with 3 blades to penetrate through most wooden surfaces. Moreover, it has a machined base that allows it to cut with extreme precision and accuracy. Also, it has a 50-degree bevel cutting capacity while weighing only 7.3 pounds for easy handling.

Who Will Use This Most

Do you mostly work with lumber and wooden planks? If yes, then this is a great choice. It features a decent motor with a machined base to provide you with efficient and reliable cutting. It is available at an affordable price tag as well, which makes it a great choice.

Bottom Line

In short, this is a high performing, and precise-cutting circular saw at your disposal. It features the performance of high-end options at an affordable price; however, it is great for wooden jobs only. We highly recommend you to purchase this product for your lumber needs.

Best Compact Circular Saws:
HYCHIKA Compact Circular Saw

Mini Circular Saw, HYCHIKA Compact Circular Saw Tile Saw with 3 Saw Blades 4A Pure Copper Motor, Scale Ruler, 3-3/8”4500RPM Ideal for Wood, Soft Metal, Tile and Plastic Cuts

PROS

  • 3-years of manufacturer warranty available
  • It has a thin kerf for smooth cutting operation
  • Offers a carry bag for easy storage and mobility
  • A great choice for cutting accurately and precisely
  • Tungsten Carbide Miter Saw Blade for effective performance

CONS

  • Users reported splintering issues
  • It makes a lot of noise while operating

What Recent Buyers Report

Dewalt has always been renowned for its superior products and, thus, has a huge customer base. This circular saw is clear proof of what Dewalt has to offer. It’s a superior blade with exceptional performance that delivers the task at hand. Users think that it is worth the investment, considering the price tag on it.

Why it Stands Out to Us

A lot of people believe that this circular saw is a great addition, considering its price. However, we think a bit differently. What we believe is the performance that this masterpiece has to offer. It features phenomenal Tungsten Carbide Miter Saw Dual blades that can rip through anything. There’s also a thin kerf for seamless operation while a carry bag offers great mobility.

Who Will Use This Most

Are you looking for a circular saw that safeguards your investment? Well, the Dewalt certainly does with its 3 years of manufacturer warranty. It features Tungsten Carbide Miter blades that are capable of penetrating through anything. If you’re looking for a high-end circular saw at a low price, then don’t hesitate to buy this one.

Bottom Line

This is simply one of the best products available. It offers performance paired with a budget price. Therefore, if you are low on budget, we highly recommend purchasing the Dewalt circular saw. It is highly capable and offers you a warranty to protect your investment as well.

Best Worm Drive Circular Saws:
SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 15-Amp

SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Lightweight Worm Drive Circular Saw , Silver

PROS

  • Has a compact design with 3 blades
  • Soft rubber handle provides an ergonomic touch
  • Ideal for cutting wood, plastic, plaster and PVC pipes
  • Comes with a laser guide for precise and accurate cutting
  • Features a powerful 4 Amps copper motor with 4500 RPM speed

CONS

  • The laser didn’t work for some individuals
  • Not a great option for people with small hands

What Recent Buyers Report

Users are satisfied with this model. They think that it is an ideal option for anyone looking to cut precisely and accurately. Moreover, they believe that it offers a lot of versatility and flexibility. It can easily cut a number of hard materials with ease while being lightweight and ergonomic.

Why it Stands Out to Us

There are numerous features that we like about this model. First, it has a very powerful 4 Amps copper motor that rotates the blades with a blazing 4500 RPM. At such high speeds, it can easily cut extra hard materials with ease and precision. Secondly, the laser guide provides an accurate cutting line for precise cutting. Moreover, it has a compact design and promises an ergonomic build for your convenience.

Who Will Use This Most

Ideally, this unit is designed for cutting various hard materials with ease and reliability, thanks to the powerful copper motor and a fast 4500 RPMs that can slice through almost anything. If you are looking to cut materials like plastic, wood, PVC or even plaster, this is the perfect choice.

Bottom Line

A final verdict on this model is that it is a reliable circular saw that delivers supreme performance with its powerful and fast-moving motor. Furthermore, the laser guide enhances the cutting experience while it has the capability to penetrate through extra-hard materials.

Best Circular Saw for Beginners:
Makita 5007Mg Magnesium

Makita 5007Mg Magnesium 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

PROS

  • 15amp strong and powerful motor
  • Offers precise and accurate depth measurements
  • Comes with an anti-snag lower guard for seamless operation
  • Can provide a variety of cutting options with 53degrees of bevel
  • Features a magnesium construction for feasible handheld operation

CONS

  • Requires a lubricant for consistent performance 

What Recent Buyers Report

Users are happy purchasing the Skilsaw circular saw. Skilsaw offers high-end and quality products to the end-user that features reliable quality and performance. The same is the case with this product. It offers a great cutting operation while being extremely reliable and durable for long term functionality.

Why it Stands Out to Us

What we like about this is its great overall performance. It features a feather-light magnesium construction that allows it to be extremely lightweight. This makes it a great and precise tool for cutting. Moreover, the Cut-Ready provides accurate depth measurements while a 53-degree bevel provides various cutting options. It also features a powerful 15amp motor with an anti-snag lower guard for smooth functioning.

Who Will Use This Most

If you are looking to purchase a circular saw that delivers a great all-round performance, we suggest picking this one. It has multiple features designed perfectly to facilitate the end-user. You can experience seamless operation with its anti-snag lower guard while the magnesium construction offers ease of use. It’s truly a great choice!

Bottom Line

You can’t get any better than this product Despite being a bit expensive, it offers a great deal of performance and reliability. Is it worth it? Absolutely! It offers a great bit of performance paired with exceptional ease and precision for the ultimate user experience.

What is a Circular Saw Used For?

Circular saws can be used for multiple purposes. Due to the great flexibility they provide with their portable nature, they can carry out various cutting tasks. Different models offer different and unique capabilities than other ones. This is why they can be used for different intended purposes. Here are some of the major uses:

Cutting Wood

Generally, woodmen use circular saws to cut wooden materials, especially wooden planks. Since these saws are handheld, they provide a lot of control and ease of use while cutting wood. Also, they offer a great deal of precise cutting with their low weight and ergonomic design.

Crafting 

Another significant use of circular saws is crafting. They can be used to craft various desired shapes according to your needs and requirements. Since these saws are powerful and lightweight at the same time, they offer substantial crafting potential. Consequently, you can craft various shapes out of different materials using circular saws.

Hard Materials

Circular saws can also be used to cut and penetrate hard surfaces. These might include marble, metal sheets, stone, and even diamonds. Therefore, these offer great reliability when used for multi-tasking functionality for various types of materials.

How to Use a Circular Saw

Using a circular saw requires some sort of expertise to make cuts with high accuracy and precision. However, it also depends on the quality of the blade you are using. By quality, we mean that the blade should be extra hard to penetrate through hard surfaces. Also, it should be used only what it is intended for. Let’s have a look at how to use a circular saw.

  1. The first thing you have to do is make sure that you own the right type of circular saw for the task. If it isn’t, then you are probably going to have a hard time cutting.

  2. After identifying the purpose and the task at hand, you need to adjust the depth of your cut.

  3. For a precise cut, you’ll need to clamp your workpiece for a firm grip. This would eliminate any vibration or movement during cutting.

  4. Now, turn on the blade and wait for it to rotate at the max speed.

  5. Then, move the nose of the circular saw through the cutting line or from where you intend to cut.

  6. Once the cut is complete, turn off the saw and obtain your desired cut piece. Make sure you wear a mask, dust resistant glasses, and gloves to avoid injury.

However, if you are still unsure, here is a video that demonstrates how it is done.

Comparison Overview - Circular Saw Competitors

Circular saws are a great option, especially when you intend to perform multiple cutting and crafting tasks. This is specifically possible due to the lightweight design and portable nature of circular saws. However, there are certain saws that compete with circular saws based on the functionality. Here are some major competitors.

Miter Saw vs Circular Saw

The miter saw and circular saw are similar and different at the same time in a unique way. A miter saw features a cutting blade that drops from above the workpiece for cutting. The circular saw, on the other hand, moves along the workpiece in a straight path. Talking about similarities, both possess a bed that allows them to firmly grip the workpiece.

Jigsaw vs Circular Saw

A major difference between both these saws is their functionality and purpose. A jigsaw is designed with an artistic touch and mainly used for crafting workpieces and light cuts. Meanwhile, the circular saw is relatively heavy and features less time-consuming functionality. Both can operate quickly; however, a circular saw excels in cutting thick while a jigsaw has potential for light workpieces.

Table Saw vs Circular Saw

Both the table saw and circular saw are similar when it comes to functionality i.e., cutting workpieces. But there’s a catch. A circular saw differs from a table saw due to its portable nature. While you can bring a circular saw to cut the workpiece, the table saw features a platform. It allows you to bring the workpiece for reliable cutting.

Conclusion

Circular saws can be a great addition to your tools, especially if you are a woodman. However, figuring the right one from a myriad of brands and products is a challenge. This guide was, however, designed to feed you with knowledge regarding some of the best circular saws. Now, it’s your time to act and buy one for yourself!

People Also Ask

It is always essential to address the queries of the end-user. This will help in creating sustainable long-term customer relationships. There are several questions that people often ask regarding circular saws. Therefore, we have created a list of frequently asked questions to facilitate buyers.

What is the Difference Between a Skill Saw and a Circular Saw?

A circular saw uses a round blade that has the capability to slice through 2-3 inches of wood. The blade rotates as it moves the cutting line to make a cut. A skill saw, on the other hand, is used for multiple purposes. It can be used to cut several kinds of wood.

Is it Safe to Use a Circular Saw as a Table Saw?

A circular saw can be used as a table saw; however, it won’t be that easy. It would require some sort of adjustments to make it completely safe and operational. However, it won’t be as seamless in operation as a table saw. However, if you don’t have a table saw, you can try it.

Can You Cut 2x4 With Circular Saw?

The answer is yes. You can definitely cut 2x4 with a circular saw. All you need to do is turn 2x4 on its side while setting the other perpendicular on top. As a result, the cut side would be left overhanging. Now, you have to adjust the blade depth so that it can slice through 2x4.

Are Circular Saws Safe?

Circular saws are safe, provided they offer some protective mechanism. Also, you need to wear protective gear to make sure that you avoid injuries from flying off pieces. Most high-end options offer protective mechanisms to facilitate the user. As a result, you can avoid any sort of mishap.

Why Are Some Circular Saw with Blade on Left?

Typically, circular saws with a blade on the left are usually designed for left-handed operation. People that use left-hand as their primary hand of work use circular saws with a blade on the left to facilitate themselves. Moreover, you can also achieve a more visible cut line.

Why Does my Circular Saw Not Cut Straight?

If your circular saw is not cutting straight, don’t worry. It might be due to the unstable workpiece you might be working on. All you need to do is firmly clamp the workpiece to ensure it doesn’t move while working on it. As a result, you can now obtain straight cuts.

Why is my Circular Saw Burning the Wood?

A circular saw burning the wood might be due to a dull blade. If you move the saw too slowly through the wood, the chunks build up behind the teeth of the blade. As a result, you might experience burns on the wood while operating.

What is a Worm Drive Circular Saw?

A worm drive circular saw features a threaded worm that is located in front of the motor to turn gears. It allows the blade in front of the motor to turn. These are mostly used to cut or slice through various thicknesses of the wood.

When Was the Circular Saw Invented?

The circular saw was first invented in 1813 by Tabitha Babbitt. The innovation came into place due to the ineffective and inefficient performance of traditional saws. As a result, Tabitha sought to enhance the performance and came up with a circular saw. Now, circular saws are one of the most used saws in the industry as well as publicly.

How Many Watts Does a Circular Saw Use?

Most manufacturers display the power of the motor that is usually reflected in amps or amperes. Well, a large number of circular saws use a 15amp motor for reliable performance and quality of work. Correspondingly, it refers to a safe wattage of 1440 watts for most circular saws.

Circular Saw Related Buyer Guides

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