What is the Best Cordless Circular Saw? (2024) — Reviews of the Best Battery-Powered Models

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You can now shake off electrical cords on circular saws, but is it worth the gamble? Given the myriad of choices and varied price points, I found myself overwhelmed with the possibility of choosing a dud. I didn’t want to squander my resources on a subpar product. So, after much research and hands-on experience, I’ve narrowed down the best cordless circular saws on the market. Let me share with you their strengths and limitations.

Top Pick
Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Circular Saw
Best Speed
Milwaukee 2730-20 M18 Fuel 6-1/2 Circular Saw
Best Value
DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4 Circular Saw with Brake
Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Circular Saw
Milwaukee 2730-20 M18 Fuel 6-1/2 Circular Saw
DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4 Circular Saw with Brake
Our experts’ top pick uses its powerful and cutting-edge automatic speed technology to give optimal results with every cut.
This top-notch model gives more than most other 6-1/2 circular saws, outstripping competitors with the same specs with its advanced performance-enhancing technology.
This is a cordless circular sidewinder saw that gives all the power needed to make hundreds of cross-cuts before the battery runs out.
Top Pick
Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Circular Saw
Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Circular Saw
Our experts’ top pick uses its powerful and cutting-edge automatic speed technology to give optimal results with every cut.
Best Speed
Milwaukee 2730-20 M18 Fuel 6-1/2 Circular Saw
Milwaukee 2730-20 M18 Fuel 6-1/2 Circular Saw
This top-notch model gives more than most other 6-1/2 circular saws, outstripping competitors with the same specs with its advanced performance-enhancing technology.
Best Value
DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4 Circular Saw with Brake
DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4 Circular Saw with Brake
This is a cordless circular sidewinder saw that gives all the power needed to make hundreds of cross-cuts before the battery runs out.

Reviews of the Top Cordless Circular Saws

1. Makita XSS02Z 18V LXT Circular Saw

I deem the Makita XSS02Z as my top pick because it combines power, precision, and versatility into one. The 6.5-inch TCT blade can cut between 0.25 inches to 2 inches deep with a depth scaling feature to monitor the depth.

It has a brushless motor that reduces friction and allows longer run times before charging is needed. This motor allows a maximum of 3700 rotations/minute.

This machine gives you a bevel capacity of 50° which facilitates different types of cuts. It also comes with Protection technology that helps safeguard against overheating, over-discharging, and overloading.

What I Like

What I Don’t Like

2. DeWalt 20v Max 7-1/4 Circular Saw with Brake

My best value saw is the larger version of another circular saw, the DeWalt DCS391B. This version comes with a longer 7-1/4-inch blade and a 5200 RPM motor, which is fifty more rotations than the DeWalt DCS391B.

This machine’s brushless motor maintains its speed under load and offers a 2-9/16-inch depth of cut at 90 degrees and 1-5/8-inches at 45 degrees. This circular saw also has a bevel capacity of 57°, which is more than what others have.

This model also comes with an electric brake, a rear pivot, and a blade-changing wrench.

For other portable power tools, you can check my comparison of Rockwell Versacut vs Rotorazer here.   

What I Like

What I Don’t Like

3. Milwaukee 2730-20 M18 Fuel 6-1/2 Circular Saw

As far as I’m concerned, this Milwaukee 2730-20 M18 might just be the best 6-1/2-inch circular saw available today.

The Milwaukee circular saw boasts an 18V, 5000 RPM brushless Power state motor. This motor provides the power that opens up possibilities for tackling projects that might challenge other cordless models. If you ask me, what sets it apart is the inclusion of electronic intelligence known as REDLINK PLUS, which optimizes performance and safeguards against overloading, over-discharging, and overheating. It’s a feature that adds both efficiency and protection to your work.

The saw guards and shoe are made of cast magnesium to ensure a lightweight but durable design. This tool also comes with an integrated LED light, a wrench, and a rafter hook for easy storage.

What I Like

What I Don’t Like

4. Makita XSR01PT 18V x2 LXT Brushless Cordless Rear Handle Circular Saw Kit

The Makita XSR01PT is the larger version of the Makita XSR01Z. This tool is the best circular saw on this list if you’re looking at work drive power alone.

This machine is powered by a 18Vx2 Lithium-Ion battery and a brushless motor with electronic controls to match torque and RPM to the current project to ensure maximum performance and no wastage.

This powerful battery set can spin the 7-1/4-inch blade at 5,100 rotations/minute, which is enough for 558 cuts on 2×4 lumber and can work on other materials such as MDF pegboard, plywood, and drywall.

What I Like

What I Don’t Like

5. SKIL 48V 7-1/4" TRUEHVL Cordless Worm Drive Circular Saw

This SKIL 48V 7-1/4″ Circular Saw from Skilsaw is the only cordless worm drive saw on this list and the one from the company.

Skilsaw calls their 48V battery system True High Voltage Lithium or TRUEHVL. It has a 7-1/4-inch blade and a motor that can spin it at 5800 RPM. It has a 2-3/8-inch cutting capacity at 90°, 1-15/16-inch at 45° and 1-11/16-inch at its full tilting capacity of 53°.

The TRUEHVL Worm Drive helps keep the saw very stable while cutting, which increases accuracy. This tool can perform cross, bevel, compound, and miter cuts without a hitch.

(If you are looking for the perfect accessory for your power tool, here are the top circular 7 1/4 circular saw blades listed for you)

What I Like

What I Don’t Like

6. Bosch Bare-Tool CCS180B

The Bosch Bare-Toolzg CCS180B is the best cordless saw on this list when it comes to portability. It only weighs 6.6 pounds, but its 18V motor still packs a punch by offering 3900 no-load RPM.

This machine comes with an anti-snag lower guard to ease the blade into the material smoothly. There’s also an electronic brake and an adjustable easy-to-read and depth of cut gauge, which all serve to improve locking and accuracy.

As a must-have woodworking tool, the 6-1/2 blade can cut through materials up to 2 inches deep at 90° and 1-9/16-inch deep at 50°. Its Protection technology prevents overloading and overheating.

What I Like

What I Don’t Like

7. Porter-Cable PCC660B Cordless Circular Saw

The Porter-Cable PCC660B is my best cordless saw for tight budgets. This saw’s asking price is really low compared to its quality.

This cordless saw comes with a 20V battery that spins the 6-1/2-inch carbide tooth blade at 4000 RPM. The blade delivers a 2-1/8 cutting depth and bevel capacity of up to 50°, which means it can deliver all types of accurate cuts.

Also, it’s extremely light at only 6.5 pounds and quiet when in operation. It is perfect for those who need a circular saw for light to medium-duty tasks.

Related products:

What I Like

What I Don’t Like

8. DeWalt FlexVolt 60V Max Circular Saw with Brake Kit (DCS575T2)

This machine gives you the power of corded circular saws and mobility of cordless saws in one. The FlexVolt uses a 60V battery and a 5800 RPM motor. It has absolutely no problem splitting most materials.

This is not a bare tool. With your FlexVolt purchase, you’ll get this tool, a replacement 7-1/4-inch blade, a blade wrench, two battery packs, and a fast charger. Its capacity for bevel cuts is up to 57° with two stops at 22.5° and 45°.

The FlexVolt battery is backward compatible with other DeWalt FlexVolt tools even if your tool uses a 20V MAX battery.

What I Like

What I Don’t Like

Cordless Circular Saws Buyer’s Guide

While I’ve already provided you with our list of the top cordless circular saws, our journey doesn’t end here. Let me walk you through the crucial factors you should keep in mind as you search for the perfect saw to meet your needs.

Battery and Power

Typically, cordless circular saws provide an average of 3500 RPM, while improved versions offer a range of 4000 to 4800 RPM. For those seeking high-end options, there are models available with over 5000 RPM. It’s important to note that while higher RPM indicates better cutting performance, it may not necessarily correlate to torque. However, certain models like the Worm Drive prioritize high torque as a standout feature.

The “V” in 18V, 36V, or 48V stands for “Voltage”. Voltage is the unit of measurement for power in a battery. Most cordless circular saws use a Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery. These batteries are preferred because they’re fast-charging, lighter, and don’t have a memory effect. Several models use 18-volt or 20-volt Li-ion batteries, which normally provide enough power for a 2-inch cut.

Ampere-hour (Ah) is used to measure how long the battery can last before it needs to recharge. This usually ranges between 3 to 5 Ah. Some cordless saws use nickel-cadmium (Ni-cd) batteries, but these lose efficiency as they continue to discharge.

Brushed or Brushless Motor?

You may not have come across the latter if you were using topnotch corded circular saws. The reason for this is that this term doesn’t really matter to motors with an unlimited supply of power.

The difference between brushed and brushless motors has to do with the relationship between friction, energy, and efficiency. What you need to know is that brushless motors produce less friction. Because less friction is produced, they’re able to use energy more efficiently. 

They usually get efficiency ratings between 85 percent and 90 percent. Brushed motors average around 75 to 80 percent because a lot of energy is lost to the continuous friction between parts.

In a cordless model, power is generated by a battery. This is a very limited supply, and that extra 10 percent of wasted energy can be the difference between completing your work or the saw petering out before you’re done.

One of the benefits of brushless motors that I’d like to highlight is their ability to generate less heat during operation. Every machine generates heat, but in the case of these models, the reduction in friction also results in less heat being produced.

Higher energy efficiency also means your battery can allot more power to spinning the blade, thereby producing a higher RPM and more torque. Most powerful circular saws use brushless motors, from 7-1/4-inch ones like the DeWalt DCS391B to smaller ones like the Black+Decker Max 5-1/2-inch saw.

Blade & Cutting Capacity

The larger the blade size, the more power is needed to rotate it. Because cordless saws have a limited supply of power, most cannot handle large blades. The longest is 7-1/4, which is fairly rare and needs a strong motor to generate sufficient rotations/minute to make cuts.

Smaller blades produce more torque and can generate higher RPMs because they don’t need a lot of power to turn, but they’re limited in cutting depth. A lot of cordless models have 6-1/2-inch blades, which are a good mid-point. There are even 5-1/2 and 4-1/2-inch blades.

Some brands have cordless saws with small blades and a longer 7-1/4-inch blade as their high-end version.

If you want to achieve an accurate straight cut, you can also check my list of the best track saw here which can give your projects excellent finish.  

Handle

Most models have handles on the left-side to provide a clear view of the machine and material during use.

A good circular saw should have an ergonomic handle like the Rockwell Versacut circular saw shaped to enhance grip. You’ll need a firm grip to push the saw into the material to create a clean cut.

There is also the handle position. The most common are the rear handles and sidewinder. Rear handle saws stay at the back of the machine. Rear saws are usually on the heavier side. Sidewinder handles are located right beside the blade. The saws are smaller and lighter and can easily cut materials from that angle.

Ease of Use

How user-friendly a saw is depends on several features like handle position, blade position, power, cutting depth, maneuverability, and adjustability. If a saw is powerful, light, and also has features that allow it to be easily adjusted for greater accuracy, it will be easy to use.

For easier and precise cutting, you can always rely on the top-performing circular saw guides we reviewed here. 

Safety Features

Thousands of worksite accidents happen every year. To reduce the chances of a workplace injury or being cut by powerful circular saw blade, you should include safety features as a non-negotiable criterion in your search for the best cordless circular saw.

Some safety features common in circular saws include blade locks that automatically stop the diamond blade when the user releases the trigger switch. There are also blade guards that are retractable, molded, rubber handles that prevent the machine from slipping out of your grip, and trigger safeties that guard against accidental starts.

Dust Collection

Sawdust is carcinogenic [1], so a dust collection device or dust port is extremely important when you’re working with wood pieces. Some saws come with this feature, but you may have to purchase a dust port separately, especially for those that saws that come as bare tools.

Other Additional Features

Depending on the model and manufacturer, many saws have extra features that make them more impressive. Some have technology designed to prevent overheating, overloading, and over-discharging, and prolong the saw’s use.

There is also technology that protects these circular saws from water & dust and provides bevel adjustments or torque & speed adjustments based on the material.

(Looking for an ideal circular saw for your small woodworking projects? Why not try checking my review of Rotorazer circular saw here)

FAQ

Are battery-powered circular saws any good?

Yes, battery-powered circular saws work great, especially on job sites where it’s too busy to drag a cord all over the place. Many cordless saws can now compete in power with corded ones especially ones specifically made for power like the DeWalt FlexVolt 60V Max Circular Saw. Even smaller sidewinder models like the Black+Decker 5-1/2-inch pack a fair punch.

However, make sure that the battery-powered circular saw is fully charged so that you can prevent your circular saw from stopping

Are cordless circular saws worth it?

Investing in a cordless circular saw is a wise decision from my perspective. The key is to ensure that you select one that aligns with your specific requirements. With the right choice, you can enjoy a combination of power and portability that will enable you to tackle a wide range of projects effectively.

My Top Pick for a Cordless Circular Saw:
Makita XSS02Z

After a series of tests, I crowned the Makita XSS02Z saw as the best cordless circular saw because of its features that provide accuracy and versatility. This saw is light and provides a tilting capacity of 50° and a motor that offers 3700 RPM. For enhanced accuracy, there’s a depth scaling feature to guide you. It even includes a protection feature to ensure that it maintains its durability and doesn’t overload.

Want to understand a circular saw better? Then, you can check how we compared circular saw against a trim saw here. Read next! 

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Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.

Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.

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