A cordless miter saw is an invaluable tool for a handyman or handywoman looking to take a saw to places where there is no electricity or when more dexterity is needed. Nonetheless, using a device that relies solely on battery power means you’ll have to accept that there will be a significant drop-off in power.
As such, when using a cordless miter saw, you might have to make on-site adjustments before you can begin using it.
The best cordless miter saw is one that has a large battery capacity, offers you excellent performance, is durable, and doesn’t break the bank. Nonetheless, there are lots of cordless miter saws out there, making it difficult to choose the best one.
We’ve taken on the task of evaluating different brands of cordless miter saws to help you make the right decision.
We’ve reviewed some of the best cordless miter saws on the market today, examining their Pros, cons, and unique features. Read on to find the best one for your needs.
The Best Cordless Miter Saws Are:
Product | Details | ||
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1. Milwaukee 2734-21HDP FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Compound Miter Saw | Top Pick |
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2. Makita XSL06PT 18V 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw |
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3. DeWalt DCS361M1 20V Max Cordless Miter Saw |
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4. Ridgid R48607K 18-Volt Sliding Miter Saw Kit |
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5. Makita XSL02Z 18V Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw |
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6. DeWalt DCS361B Sliding Miter Saw |
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7. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ 7-1/4 in Cordless Miter Saw |
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1. Milwaukee 2734-21HDP FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Compound Miter Saw – Top Pick
The Milwaukee 2734-21 HDP compound miter saw is as premium as a miter saw can get and comes at a price that doesn’t break the bank. This saw is even equipped with an extra 18V battery to ensure that you can use it for extended periods without having to stop to charge it.
Additionally, the batteries used in this saw are some of the best in the industry when it comes to quality.
The 2734-21 HDP also allows you up to 400 cuts on just a single charge, which is more than sufficient for most users. The 10-inch blade and stainless steel detent plate will enable you to not only push the limits but also to do so without having to worry about frequent replacements.
The Milwaukee 2734-21 HDP, however, might need frequent calibration for the best results.
Specs
- 10-inch blade
- 4000 RPMs
- 45 pounds
- 18-volt battery
- Brushless motor
- 5-year warranty
Pros
- Comes with two batteries
- Can deliver up to 400 cuts on a single charge
- Great for angled cuts
Cons
- Might need calibration
The Milwaukee 2734-21 is one of the best cordless miter saws in production today. It comes with an extra battery to ensure that you complete the task you set out to do and provides you with some of the cleanest cuts you can expect from a cordless miter saw.
Overall Rating – 4.7 out of 5 stars
2. Makita XSL06PT 18V 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw – Best Value
The Makita XSL06PT cordless miter saw comes with a 10-inch blade, which makes it especially good at creating quality cuts. Additionally, the saw comes equipped with speed change software that varies the speed of the blade automatically depending on the job.
This feature not only works to enhance the quality of your cuts but also improves the machine’s efficiency, which allows you to use the saw for more extended periods before the charge runs out.
The Makita XSL0PT offers you a decent 334 cuts per charge using its 36-volt batteries. However, given its enhanced efficiency, we feel that its manufacturers can improve on the number of cuts.
Specs
- 10-inch blade
- 90 watts
- Two 18-volt batteries
- 4,400 RPMs
- Brushless motor
- 0 Ah laser kit
- Automatic speed change
- 3-year limited warranty
Pros
- Enhanced efficiency
- Laser cut line
Cons
- Number of cuts per charge can be improved
The Makita XSL06PT comes with two unique technologies that make it one of the best performing miter saws on the market.
First, it utilizes laser technology to make more precise cuts. Additionally, it has automatic speed control, which enhances the saw’s efficiency and also makes it quite easy to use.
Overall Rating – 4.7 out of 5 stars
3. DCS361M1 20V Max Cordless Miter Saw – Consumer’s Choice
DeWalt is arguably the most known brand when it comes to cordless miter saws, and with good reason, the company never compromises on quality. The Dewalt DCS361M1 sticks to these high standards and is a popular choice among consumers.
First off, weighing in at only 31 pounds, the DCS361M1 is among the lightest miter saws on the market. Additionally, it comes with a cross-cut positioning system with an LED light, plus an oversized bevel scale, which all work to enhance the quality of your work.
This saw utilizes a carbide blade powered by a 20V battery.
What we didn’t like about the DCS361M1 is that it lacks a dust bag, which can cause the workspace to get quite messy.
Specs
- 25-inch blade
- 3750 RPMs
- Cross-cut positioning system with LED light
- 20V battery
- 3-year warranty
Pros
- Enhanced portability due to reduced weight
- Highly precise cuts
Cons
- The carbide blade could use some upgrading
The DeWalt DCS261M1 is a highly capable cordless miter saw that can find use in both home and commercial applications.
Expect clean cuts from this machine, in addition to enhanced dexterity, thanks to its horizontal handle. The fact that it will not tire you out carrying it around is another plus of this saw.
Overall Rating – 4.7 out of 5 stars
4. Ridgid R48607K 18-Volt Sliding Miter Saw Kit
The Ridgid R48607K is renowned in carpentry circles for its durability. In fact, this cordless miter saw is so durable that its manufacturers provide you with a lifetime warranty once you purchase the product.
Additionally, it only weighs 24 pounds, which makes it one of the lightest cordless miter saws on the market. Its lightweight ensures that you can take it with you just about anywhere.
The Ridgid R48607K also comes with an LED cut light indicator, which works to enhance the precision of your cuts. Its ergonomic design not only makes it easier to carry around but to use, as well.
A number of its users, however, have said that this machine works best when placed on a stand.
Specs
- Ergonomic design
- Five positive miter stops
- LED cutline indicator
- Brushless motor
Pros
- Powerful and portable
- Enhanced accuracy
Cons
- You may need a stand for best results
The Ridgid R48607K has made a name for itself due to its toughness. Its durability factor, however, might overshadow how good this machine is at making quality cuts.
With the ability to create cross-cuts, it is a highly versatile cordless miter saw that might be what you need if you often find yourself involved in projects requiring different cuts.
Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5 stars
5. Makita XSL02Z 18V Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw
The Makita XSL02Z Compound Miter Saw is one of the best cordless miter saws out there when it comes to the ability to adjust to different types of materials.
This saw can adjust its torque to create a quality cut automatically. The automatic speed change system also allows it to be more efficient, thus conserving power.
The Makita XSL02Z can perform both vertical and cross-cuts and has a 5,700 RPM cutting capacity, which makes it an extremely powerful tool. It is powered by two 18V batteries.
It is a shame, however, that you have to purchase the batteries separately.
Specs
- Powerful brushless motor
- Automatic speed change
- Two 18V batteries
- 5,700 RPMs
- 4-steel rail sliding system
Pros
- Steel sliding system
- An extremely high RPM
- Dual slide design
Cons
- You have to purchase the batteries separately
The Makita XSL02Z is a highly versatile cordless miter saw. Its versatility means that it’s especially convenient for people who work with different types of materials. It is also quite durable, which makes it the appropriate tool for tough environments.
The manufacturer also provides you with a dust bag to help clean up as you work.
Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5 stars
6. DeWalt DCS361B Sliding Miter Saw
The DCS361B is yet another offering by DeWalt that enjoys critical acclaim because of its potent combination of durability and performance.
The DCS361B allows you to work with up to 11 positive stops. Additionally, it comes with a cut line indicator, enabling you to enjoy improved levels of accuracy. This cordless miter saw will not break your back either as it only weighs around 30 pounds.
With an RPM of only 3,750, however, the DCS361B might not be the most powerful cordless miter saw for your needs.
Specs
- 25-inch blade
- 20V battery
- Cross-cut positioning system with LED light
- 3,750 RPMs
- 3-year warranty
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- 11 positive stops
- Enhanced durability
Cons
- Could use more power
The DeWalt DCS361B is a high-quality cordless miter saw that allows you to work with higher precision thanks to its cross-cut positioning system with LED.
Again, its durable and portable nature makes it an ideal cordless miter saw for individuals who need a high degree of perfection on a regular basis.
Overall Rating – 4.5 out of 5 stars
7. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ 7-1/4 in Cordless Miter Saw
The Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Miter Saw is another lightweight saw whose claim to fame lies in its ease of use.
Not only does it have excellent handling, but also, the Ryobi ONE+ comes with a decent cross-cut capability that allows you to make 45-degree adjustments to the left or right during use. This cordless miter saw also comes with laser alignment technology that dramatically increases your accuracy.
This saw comes equipped with a 24-tooth carbide blade. However, its small stature makes it less useful for larger cuts.
Specs
- 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade
- Generous cross-cut capacity
- Exact line adjustable laser
Pros
- Enhanced degree of accuracy
- Compact and lightweight design
- Attractive price point
Cons
- Can be small for some jobs
The Ryobi ONE+ might be lightweight, but it’s excellent at making small, accurate cuts. Additionally, it has one of the most efficient battery usage capacities of any cordless miter saw. It is, therefore, recommended for individuals who are always on the move, working on smaller projects.
Overall Rating – 4.5 out of 5 stars
Best Cordless Miter Saw – Buying Guide
So, what are some of the things to consider when looking to buy a good cordless miter saw? Here are the most critical factors we believe you should consider.
Battery
Since the whole point of a cordless miter saw is to use it off-leash, you want to be sure that your tool has enough voltage capacity to last for hours on end.
In addition to actual volts, you should also consider a battery’s Ah capacity. The Ah capacity is what typically determines runtime. Therefore, the higher the Ah capacity, the longer the battery can last.
Blade Size
Saws with larger blades typically cut through wood faster. Thus, you should choose a blade size that is most convenient for your work. Most miter saws have a 10-inch blade. However, some models can have up to 12-inch blades.
Carbide Blade
Most cordless miter saws on the market today feature a stainless steel blade with a carbide tip. These are the types of saws you should go for since carbide enhances the durability of the blade.
Blade Guard
A blade guard works to prevent accidents from occurring as you use the saw. A blade guard is situated on the side of the blade to keep your hands from coming into contact with it as it spins.
Adjustable Fencing
A fence sits on top of the saw and serves to help you secure the wood in place as you cut. A good miter, therefore, should have an adjustable fence to allow for different wood sizes.
Dust Bag
Not all miter saws come with a dust bag, which is a shame since a dust bag will help you clean up faster. The bag is usually attached to the back of the saw and collects the dust as you work.
Final Thoughts
Cordless miter saws have become very handy for woodworkers who need to work in remote areas with no power or at unique places, such as the roof. A good cordless miter saw should provide you will all the benefits of a traditional saw, and more.
In our review of the best cordless miter saws, we had to give the Milwaukee 2734-21 HDP Compound Miter Saw the highest ranking due to its ability to combine the accuracy and precision of small saws with the relative power and robustness of larger saws at a pocket-friendly price. It might not be as popular as other items on our list, but we believe it to be the most versatile.
Nonetheless, your exact needs are what will determine the specific saw that’s right for you. We hope that this review will help you make a perfect choice.