Circular saws have evolved over the past decades. Just a few decades ago, what was trendy was gas-powered circular saws. If you even go far back in time, there used to be water-powered sawmills. Of course, these circular saws are not maneuverable and portable, which are some of the reasons why cordless circular saws are very common now.
Cordless circular saws offer a lot of benefits. In addition to their portability and maneuverability, these tools are lightweight, resulting in less fatigue. In this article, we will review some of the best cordless circular saws in the market. As you search for the best option out there, we hope our review will help you narrow the field.
Page Contents
The Best Cordless Circular Saws Are:
Product | Details | ||
---|---|---|---|
1. BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20C 20V Cordless Circular Saw | Our Top Pick |
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2. DEWALT DC390B Cordless Circular Saw |
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3. Milwaukee M18 2630-20 Cordless Circular Saw |
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4. Makita XSR01PT 18v x2 Cordless Circular Saw Kit |
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5. Makita SH02R1 12V Max Cordless Circular Saw Kit |
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6. Bosch CCS180B Circular Saw |
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7. Milwaukee 2730-20 M18 Circular Saw |
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8. Hitachi C18DGLP4 Cordless Circular Saw |
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9. Ryobi P508 Cordless Circular Saw |
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10. Bosch CS5 120V Cordless Circular Saw |
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11. PORTER-CABLE PCC660B Cordless Circular Saw |
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1. BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20C 20V Cordless Circular Saw
The BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20C is another great power tool that is compact and easy to use. If you are looking for a cordless circular saw for the money, then you should consider this tool. It comes at a pretty reasonable price and it offers great value for money. This tool works with any BLACK+DECKER 20V Max battery system, as it comes as a bare tool without the battery. It comes with a powerful motor that delivers up to 5,500 rotations per minute.
This circular saw also features bevel adjustment with detents at both 90 and 45 degrees. With this feature, you can make accurate and precise angled cuts. The high torque motor drives the 5.5 inches cutting blade of this tool to allow you to make a wide range of cuts quickly and smoothly. It also allows you to make easy adjustments with the tool-free Depth of Cut.
The BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20C also comes with a limited 2-year warranty. At its price, this tool comes with a lot of great features. It also has an ergonomic handle that makes the tool easy and comfortable to hold. In addition to its ergonomic handle, this tool is lightweight, as it weighs merely 7.5 pounds.
Specs
- 5,500 RPM
- 5.5 inches, 24T Carbide-tipped blade
- 7.55 pounds
- 20 volts
Pros
- High torque motor
- Tool-free depth of cut
- Portable and lightweight
- Affordable
- A 2-year warranty
Cons
- The size of the blade is relatively small
2. DEWALT DC390B Cordless Circular Saw
If you are looking for the right saw to build bookcases, decks, kitchen cabinets and more, the Dewalt DC390B Cordless Circular saw is one of your best options. This circular saw is a beast of a tool and it is the perfect combination of durability and power. It is also the ideal tool for hard-core DIYers. This tool comes with a powerful motor that offers a running power of up to 3,700 rotations per minute to provide you with fast rip cuts and crosscuts.
It comes with a 6.5 inches carbide-tipped blade that offers an excellent cutting capacity of 45 and 90 degrees. The motor is fan-cooled and it offers great durability and a lot of power, and it also comes with replaceable brushes. The shoe of this tool is made from magnesium, which is the strongest you can find in the market. The upper guard is also made of magnesium. This tool offers a 0 to 50 degrees bevel capacity and a cutting capacity of 1.625 inches at 45 degrees and 2.25 inches at 90 degrees.
This circular saw can easily cut through 2-by lumber. It also offers twice the cutting power of a standard blade, thanks to its carbide-tipped blade. The tool is also very easy to hold and use, thanks to its ergonomic handle. The DC390B from Dewalt offers a vibration-dampening rubber-grip handle. It is lightweight and comfortable to use, as it weighs only 6.3 pounds.
Specs
- 3,700 RPM
- 6.5 inches, Carbide-tipped blade
- 6.3 pounds
- 18 volts
Pros
- Vibration-dampening rubber-grip
- Carbide-tipped blade
- Magnesium shoe and upper guard
- Lightweight
- Powerful motor
Cons
- You need to purchase the battery separately
3. Milwaukee M18 2630-20 Cordless Circular Saw
Milwaukee is one of the best, most popular brands out there, and the firm has been creating the most potent power tools for a few decades now. The M18 2630-20 is one of the best circular saw from this brand. This cordless circular saw uses an 18-volt Li-ion battery. This tool also comes at a friendly price, putting its toughest rivals aside. One unique feature of this circular saw is that it consists of 2v charge storage capacity in a battery, which means you can cut an additional five planks without plugging in the battery.
This saw comes with a powerful motor that drives the blade up to 3,500 revolutions per minute. It comes with an electric brake system that will stop your blade quickly when you release the trigger. This is a very important safety feature, and you will no longer need to waste time waiting for the blade to stop before getting back to work. This tool also provides maximum comfort, thanks to its soft-grip handle.
It allows for two bevel cuts – 90 degrees and 45 degrees. Its great bevel and depth adjustment allow you to adjust the depth up to 1.5 inches at 45 degrees. This circular saw comes with magnesium guards at the bottom and top of the blade, which helps to protect the machine from impacts such as drops and bumps.
Specs
- 3,500 RPM
- 6.5 inches, 24T Carbide-tipped blade
- 9.05 pounds
- 18 volts
Pros
- Affordable
- Heavy-duty magnesium guards
- Comfortable handle
- Display for remaining battery life
- Electronic brake
Cons
- 3,500 RPM is relatively low
- Lacks a laser guide
4. Makita XSR01PT 18v x2 Cordless Circular Saw Kit
The Makita XSR01PT Cordless circular saw is one of the best circular saws on the market. Makita is a highly reputable manufacturer and some of the finest power tools out there are from this brand. Two LXT batteries power this cordless circular saw. This tool provides you with a longer run time without worrying about the inconvenience of a cord, thanks to its x2 LXT technology. It comes with a BL motor that delivers up to 5,100 rotations per minute.
The motor offers a 50 percent longer runtime per charge as well as optimal performance. You can also control it electronically. The BL motor is brushless, which means you do not need to worry about carbon brushes. Makita has also designed the motor to remain cool even after running it continuously for hours. It also comes with an automatic speed change technology that adjusts the cutting torque and speed during cut for optimum performance.
The x2 LXT technology of this tool allows you to make up to 558 cross-cuts per charge in 2 by 4 lumber using the batteries. This tool is also designed to last for a very long time, and it would even last more with adequate maintenance and use. You can also use it to get up to 291 cross-cuts per charge in 2 by 10 SPF lumber using the two batteries. The size of the blade is 7.25 inches and it also comes with a rubber-grip handle.
Specs
- 5,100 RPM
- 7.25 inches, 24T ultra-coated carbide-tipped blade
- 12.4 pounds
- 18 volts x2
Pros
- Great cutting performance
- Built to last
- Long battery and runtime
- Powerful motor
- Ideal for beginners
Cons
- Not the best blade quality
5. Makita SH02R1 12V Max Cordless Circular Saw Kit
If you are looking for something very light; something you can use to make fast cuts through 1x material or floor vents, then one of the best options you have is the Makita SH02R1 circular saw.
This is one of the best mini circular saws in the market. The Makita-built motor of this mini circular saw delivers up to 1,500 rotations per minute, providing you with faster cuts for small tasks. It comes with a 3.375 inches blade that delivers a maximum cutting depth of 1 inch for a variety of cutting applications.
This tool also comes with other amazing features such as LED light that illuminates the cutting area. It comes in very handy when you are making cuts indoors, and it is there to ensure high cutting precision. This circular saw comes with a Makita 12V slim battery pack, which is enough for you to make a wide range of cuts before recharging it. The tilting base of this tool also allows for bevel cuts from 0 to 45 degrees.
It also offers adjustable cutting depth from 1 inch at 90 degrees and 0.625 inches at 45 degrees. This circular saw also does a great job of cutting through medium density fiber (MDF), plywood, melamine, particleboard, pegboard, drywall and more. One of the most fascinating things about this tool is that weighs less than 4 pounds. This is the lightest circular saw on our list.
You can store this tool in a limited space and you can also use and carry it about with ease. It comes with an inherent dust blower that helps to keep your cutting line clear. Furthermore, it has an integrated battery protection circuit that protects the tool from over-discharging, overheating or overloading.
Specs
- 1,500 RPM
- 3.375 inches, Carbide-tipped blade
- 4 pounds
- 12 volts
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- LED light
- Dust blower
- Durable blade
- Battery protection
Cons
- Only suitable for lightweight materials
6. Bosch CCS180B Circular Saw
The Bosch CCS180B Bare-Tool Circular Saw is one of the best circular saws out there. This tool comes with many fascinating features at a fairly considerable price. It comes with a high-performance motor that delivers a running power of up to 3,900 rotations per minute. The speed of this machine rotates the blade through a wide range of materials with ease. It also makes your work much easier and faster. This machine comes with a 6.5 inches saw blades that allow you to make a variety of cuts.
The blade allows you to cut through 2 inches thick materials at 90 degrees and 1.56 inches thick materials at 50 degrees. It features a left-blade design, which provides you with a clear view of the cutting line when the main handle of the saw is held in the right hand. This circular saw comes with a depth of cut gauge that helps you to make consistent and uniform cuts.
The cordless circular saw also provides an easy-to-read, adjustable bevel. You can quickly stop the blade of the machine for easy and quick use, thanks to its electric brake feature. The anti-snag lower guard of this tool allows you to ease the blade into the workpiece. The shoe and upper guard of this circular saw are made from aluminum. In addition, this machine comes with the Motor and Cell protection of Bosch to prevent overheating and overload.
Specs
- 3,900 RPM
- 6.5 inches, Carbide-tipped blade
- 6.6 pounds
- 18 volts
Pros
- Provides accurate cuts
- Great speed
- Efficient and durable blade
- Easy and comfortable to hold
- Bosch’s Motor and Cell protection
Cons
- The safety switch is a bit difficult to reach
7. Milwaukee 2730-20 M18 Circular Saw
The Milwaukee 2730-20 M18 circular saw is one step higher than the aforementioned Milwaukee M18 2630-20 circular saw. This model comes with a faster motor, larger blade size, and of course, a higher price tag. The M18 2730-20 is another beast of a tool from Milwaukee. It is one of the most potent circular saws in the market. This circular saw comes with a power-hungry ruthless engine.
When it comes to performance, this model is one of the best out there and it comes with a motor that outperforms all other engines in the category of 18v cordless circular saw. It is also one of the most portable options in the market. This tool comes with a brushless motor that delivers up to 5,000 rotations per minute. The size of its blade is 6.5 inches and it offers a great and precise cutting experience. Another fascinating feature of this tool is that the guards and shoe are made with cast-magnesium.
The base is lightweight, durable, and strong. With this feature, you do not have to worry about user fatigue or any damage. It also comes with an ingenious handle that offers a superlative and comfortable grip. The rubberized surface of the handle helps to prevent slippage. You can also use this tool to work in low-light areas, thanks to its integrated LED headlight. This machine provides a maximum bevel capacity of 50 degrees.
Specs
- 5,000 RPM
- 6.5 inches, Carbide-tipped blade
- 8.1 pounds
- 18 volts
Pros
- Magnesium guards and shoes
- Brushless motor
- Powerful and durable motor
- Bevel capacity of 50 degrees
- Advanced electronic system
Cons
- Lacks a laser guide
8. Hitachi C18DGLP4 Cordless Circular Saw
The Hitachi C18DGLP4 Cordless Circular Saw is not only one of the most powerful cordless circular saws out there, but also one of the most feature-packed. This tool comes with many great features that give it an edge over its rivals. The no-load speed of this motor is 4,500 rotations per minute. It also comes with a bevel angle of 50 degrees that will adjust to accommodate a wide range of applications.
This circular saw is very easy to use, as it comes with a left side blade and an inbuilt LED light that provide a great vision for the cut line. This feature helps you to attain more precise and accurate cuts. It is also lightweight, as it weighs just 6.2 pounds. This tool is portable, making it easy to transport and carry around. It is also comfortable and easy to handle, thanks to its soft-grip handle.
For added safety, this circular saw comes with an electric brake. This helps to stop the blade quickly when you release the trigger. It is easy to maneuver and it comes with a 6.5 inches 18 tooth saw blade.
Specs
- 4,500 RPM
- 6.5 inches, 18T Carbide-tipped blade
- 6.2 pounds
- 18 volts
Pros
- Electric brake
- Left side blade
- LED light
- Powerful motor
- Lightweight
Cons
- It is a bit pricey
9. Ryobi P508 Cordless Circular Saw
If you are looking for a high-performance cordless circular saw that will not leave a hole in your pocket, then the Ryobi P508 Cordless Circular Saw is one of the best options you have. This tool comes with great features, it is powerful, and it is relatively cheap.
It is a compact circular saw that is very easy to use and it can get all your cutting tasks done with ease. This tool comes with a brushless motor that delivers up to 3,800 rotations per minute. While this is not the most powerful motor, it is powerful enough to perform a wide range of cutting tasks.
This tool offers 2.44 inches cut capacity to bevel cut between 0 to 56 degrees. Another great feature of this machine is that it comes with a 7.25 inches 24 tooth ultra-thin kerf carbide-tipped blade. This blade does a great job of cutting through wood with ease and a 26 percent increased cutting capacity. This is one of the lightest circular saws on our list, as it weighs merely 6.6 pounds. At such weight, even a novice or a DIYer can handle the machine with ease and with less fatigue.
This machine also allows for two-handed operation, thanks to the front pommel handle. This feature gives you greater control over the tool. The GripZone over-mold handle also offers comfort and prevents fatigue. It comes with a left-side blade design that aids accuracy when cutting, as it allows you to see the line of cut clearly. If accuracy is a priority then try a circular saw guide with this Ryobi P508.
Specs
- 3, 800 RPM
- 7.25 inches, 24T ultra-thin kerf Carbide-tipped blade
- 6.6 pounds
- 18 volts
Pros
- GripZone over-mold
- Compact and lightweight
- Affordable
- LED light
- Left-side blade design
Cons
- A more powerful motor would have been better
10. Bosch CS5 120V Cordless Circular Saw
Bosch is one of the top brands when it comes to manufacturing power tools. The firm is known for making quality tools at a considerably reasonable price. The CS5 Circular Saw is one of the best circular saws the firm has made. This powerful is ideal for use in shops, and it is also perfect for heavy-duty use, thanks to its enhanced build and durability.
This tool comes with a 15-amp motor with 56 degrees bevel, which increases the versatility of the machine, especially for framers and roofers. It comes with a removable end cap for easy and quick brush servicing. This machine comes with a 7.25 inches blade that cuts through any type of material with ease. It also features a left-side blade design that allows for the clearest line of sight for right-handed operators.
This circular saw also feature adjustable bevel and depth levers. You can also change the blade of this tool with ease, thanks to its spindle lock feature. The anti-snag lower guard is also there to provide smooth operations for small cut-off pieces.
Specs
- 5,800 RPM
- 7.25 inches, Carbide-tipped blade
- 9.3 pounds
- 120 volts
Pros
- Suitable for professional projects
- Aluminum shoe and guard
- Anti-snag lower guard
- Powerful motor
- Left-side blade design
Cons
- Replacement parts are hard to find
11. PORTER-CABLE PCC660B Cordless Circular Saw
The last circular saw on our list is the PORTER-CABLE PCC660B Cordless Circular Saw. This is a compact, well-designed, ergonomic cordless circular saw. It delivers exceptional portability, maneuverability, and high cutting speed and performance.
The motor of this tool delivers a running power of up to 4,000 rotations per minute. At such speed, you can cut through hard materials with ease. It also comes with a 6.5 inches carbide-tipped blade that provides over 2 inches cutting capacity for a wide range of applications.
For non-traditional cutting applications, the beveling shoe of this tool can pivot from 0 to 50 degrees. Another fascinating feature of this tool is its contoured over-mold handle. The handle is optimized to minimize vibration, increase balance, control, and comfort. This tool is also very easy to maneuver and transport, thanks to its lightweight and compact design, weighing just 6.5 pounds.
The size and weight of this circular saw help to reduce jobsite fatigue. This bare-tool item is part of the 20V Ma system, but it does not come with a battery. This means you have to purchase the battery separately. This portable circular saw has some disadvantages if you need all in one type of circular saw then check this rotorazer saw review.
Specs
- 4,000 RPM
- 6.5 inches, Carbide-tipped blade
- 6.5 pounds
- 20 volts
Pros
- Lightweight
- Carbide-tipped blade
- Beveling shoe pivots up to 50 degrees
- Contoured over-mold handle
- High-performance motor
Cons
- Not the best option for cutting through thicker materials
Buying Guide: Things to Look Out For When Picking Out a Cordless Circular Saw
A cordless circular saw is a great tool to have in your shop or toolbox. These tools are versatile and powerful, you can use them anytime and anywhere provided you have a battery charged up and ready. When considering picking out a new cordless circular saw, there are a few things you need to consider before making the purchase.
Some of the vital things you need to consider include but not limited to how much power the tool offers, the features the tool comes with, ease of use, price, as well as safety features.
Let us walk you through some of the most important features and factors you need to consider before investing in this tool. To get the best out of this tool, you need to settle for the one that comes with the perfect combination of all the basic features you need. Here are some of the things to look out for when before buying a cordless circular saw.
The Position of the Blade
The blade of a cordless circular saw can be located on the right or left side of the motor. This position varies between brands and models. Some brands do manufacturer circular saws that offer both options. Like corded models, cordless circular saws also come in either sidewinder or worm drive designs.
On the other hand, cordless circular saws that come with a sidewinder design have their blade on the right side of the motor while the handle of the saw is set over the blade. This design makes the circular saw a little bit unbalanced when the operator holds the machine. However, the weight of the tool tends to be well-balanced when it is in use. The sidewinder design has the blade sitting alongside the motor, making the tool lighter and spins faster.
When it comes to maneuverability, a circular saw with a sidewinder design is more maneuverable compared to a circular saw with a worm drive design. When it comes to cost, sidewinder circular saws are less expensive compared to saws with a warm drive design. The major benefit of a worm-drive cordless circular saw is that it offers considerably more torque.
The motor of a worm drive circular saw is in line with the blade, enabling it to deliver enough torque to saw through concrete and other very tough materials. A circular saw with a worm drive design allows for a better kickback resistance and drive the tool through long rips since the handle is situated far behind the blade.
As such, if you want to use the cordless circular saw for major renovation and framing jobs, we recommend you go for a saw with a word drive design. However, worm drive models are more expensive and weightier than sidewinder models. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a tool with more maneuverability and greater cutting power, then your best option is a cordless circular saw with a sidewinder design.
Battery Power
This is one very important feature you should not ignore when buying a cordless circular saw. This is one area that separates the boys from the men in the market. When it comes to battery power, the two major things to look out for are amperage and voltage. This means that the higher these figures, the more power the battery will deliver to the machine.
A bigger battery would provide you with more working time and cutting power. It would help you get through more work. They also boast of a great runtime, as the last thing you want is for frequent charging of the battery to eat into your working hours.
Another thing to look out for is a system that charges batteries faster. Make sure you settle for a tool whose batteries charge quickly, which means minimal downtime when your battery is out of juice. All the products we have reviewed have great efficiency and they come with a great charging system.
Rotations Per Minute – No-Load Speed
The no-load speed of these machines is simply the rotations per minute (RPM) they have when not in use. This is due to the fact that cutting into any material will naturally act as a brake, reducing the RPM of the motor. This can make the speed of a motor a bit tricky to judge; as if you have a saw with low torque then a higher RPM is useless. Because of the power of these machines, the RPM is still the best indicator of the load speed.
- 3000 RPM and Lesser: A cordless circular saw with 3,000 rotations per minute or lesser is likely not going to have so much cutting power. The majority of circular saws on our list are comfortably over this level, except for the portable and compact option that is designed for lighter tasks.
- 3,000 RPM to 5,000 RPM: When it comes to speed, circular saws with 3,000 RPM to 5,000 RPM are considered the mid-range saws. They function with a large battery and they make cutting through materials an easy task.
- 5,000 RPM and Above: When it comes to speed, these are the top-end cordless circular saws. These saws are designed to cut through even the thickest and hardest of material with the backing of a powerful battery. Most of the products in this article fall into this category.
The Size of the Blade
The size of a saw’s blade is also very important and it is indicated by the diameter of the blade. The maximum depth of cut that a tool can make at both 45 degrees angle and 90 degrees angle is what determines the work capacity of a blade. The larger the size of the blade, the higher the cutting capacity.
6 inches blades can provide you with cuts of up to 1.5 inches deep at a 45-degree angle and at least 1.75 inches deep at a 90-degree angle. Blades with a diameter of 5.375 inches or more can cut through 2 inches thick woods at 90 degrees in just a single pass. Whereas, they will require two passes at a 45-degree angle. Smaller blades require more swipes to complete a cut while larger blades can complete most cuts in a single pass.
Safety Features
Typically, cordless circular saws are much safer than corded units are. You do not have to worry about tripping over any wire or getting your tool entangled. Nevertheless, there are a couple of safety features to look out for.
- Blade Guard: The blade guard is the device that covers the blade when it is not in use. This protects the blade from bumps and drops from considerable heights. The cover retracts when you want to put the machine to use.
- Electric Brake: This is one of the most important safety features you should look out for in a cordless circular saw. The electric brake stops the blade from rotation immediately you release the trigger. With this, you no longer have to wait for the blade to stop rotating. This will save you time, as you can continue your work immediate you release the trigger of the machine.
- A Foot Plate: The footplate is there to provide you with straight cuts and clear control.
- Control Placement: The controls of the circular saw should be in an easy-to-reach place. You should avoid tools that require you to cross hands or overreach just to control the system.
Other Vital Features
- Spindle Lock: The spindle lock feature is there to halt the shaft and the blade, making it much easier and faster to change the blade of the circular saw.
- Laser Guide: The laser guide allows you to make the straightest and most precise cuts possible. This feature includes a laser that shines a little straight beam onto the surface of the material for you to follow. Unfortunately, this feature is not really effective in bright sunlight. It can also be obscured by debris and dust, which brings us to the next point.
- Dust Extraction: There are circular saws that come with dust blowers to blow away dust as you are cutting, keeping the line of cut clear from dust and visible. Some of them also come with a dust port to collect dust.
Conclusion
Cordless circular saws are a great tool for both general contractors and DIY enthusiasts. They are powerful tools that offer many great features. They also offer quick and efficient jobs even when there is no power. There is a wide range of these products on the market, and choosing the best is very important.
Fortunately, choosing the best cordless circular saw should no longer be an issue for you, as we have reviewed some of the best cordless circular saws in the market for you to choose from.
And if you’re still not sure about which one to get, you won’t go wrong with a BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20C as it is lightweight and portable, but powerful enough for most of your cutting requirements.