A good circular saw is ideal for a range of quick, straight cuts like rip cuts, cross cuts and plunge cuts among several others. This is an indispensable tool.
After decades of using gas-powered circular saws for cutting a large amount of wood quickly and easily, it is the lithium-ion battery-powered cordless circular saw that is ideal for the average woodworker.
The benefits of portability and maneuverability of a cordless model require no explanation.
From the many options available, we have highlighted the best to help you identify what best meets your needs.
Our Best Battery Powered Circular Saws Reviews and Comparisons
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
TOP PICK | 1. DEWALT DCS391B
| Check Price |
RUNNER UP | 2. MAKITA XSS02Z
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  | 3. BLACK & DECKER BDCCS20C
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  | 4. MAKITA XSR01PT
| Check Price |
  | 5. DEWALT DC390B
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1. DEWALT DCS391B
Product Highlights
The DEWALT DCS391B 20V MAX 6 1/2″ Circular Saw features a powerful 460 MWO, 5,250 RPM motor that supplies power and speed to make the most demanding cuts with ease. This circular saw makes quick work of most household or job site cuts.
The 6 1/2” blade and 2 1/4” cutting depth offers an outstanding combination of power and versatility, plus the 5/8” arbor means you have access to an extensive choice of blades.
Compatibility with the assorted DeWalt batteries (sold separately) means the saw can last all day. You won’t tire easily since it only weighs 7 lbs. It handles bevel cuts up to 50°, and comes with a basic carbide-tipped blade, and features a blade brake.
Features
- A high-strength and lightweight magnesium shoe provides jobsite durability for long-term cut accuracy.
- Optimized rubber over molded comfort grip delivers optimal balance and control.
- 0°-50° bevel capacity allows for aggressive bevel cuts for a multitude of applications.
- 6 1/2″ carbide tipped blade for cutting 2x material at 90° and 45°.
The Good
If you already own a compatible blade, battery, and charger, then this cordless circular saw is one of the best available on the market.
The 6 1/2” blade dimension allows you to cut fairly large stock so this is a recommended model if you work with thick materials.
It is powerful, versatile, and maneuverable on the job. An expensive saw that is worth every cent.
The Bad
For a tool that has been on the market for over five years, it would seem the majority of complaints may be traced to human error.
Pros
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Blade brake
- Easily cuts both soft and hard wood
- Excellent handling with soft and ergonomic handle
- Ability to perform angular cuts up to 50°
Cons
- This model is a bare tool. The blade is not included.
- Depending on your needs, purchasing the battery that is not included may seem pricey.
2. MAKITA XSS02Z
Product Highlights
The XSS02Z’s 18V LXT Lithium-Ion cordless 6 1/2″ circular saw and 2 ¼” depth of cut delivers cordless cutting power to the job. This tool has a Makita-built high-torque motor that produces 3,700 RPM for faster cutting.
The compact design supports a range of cutting operations, and will cut 2x material at 45°. Smooth and accurate cutting is made possible by the heavy gauge, precision machined base; its added durability makes this an ideal tool for harsh job site conditions.
It’s lightweight (just over 7 lbs.) and maneuverable, yet it feels sturdy in your hand. Like the DeWalt, it comes with one blade and can cut up to a 50° bevel.
Features
- Rubberized soft grip handle provides increased comfort on the job
- Equipped with Star Protection Computer Controls to protect against overloading, over-discharging and overheating
The Good
This saw is so convenient. There is no cord getting snagged right at the end of your cut. It’s lightweight and easy to operate.
Makita’s 18V Lithium-Ion batteries have the fastest charge times in their ranks.
That gives you a saw with more time working and less time sitting on the charger.
The Bad
If you do not own other Makita power tools, purchasing the 18V battery may seem very expensive for a saw.
Pros
- Cuts through anything
- Interchangeable batteries
- Lightweight (7.3 lbs. with battery) reduces operator fatigue
- Ergonomic
Cons
- No blade brake
- Compressed air is needed to clean sawdust traps in the new base
- Battery requirements can be confusing
3. BLACK & DECKER BDCCS20C
Product Highlights
At roughly half the cost of other circular saws (which are only a bare tool), the Black & Decker BDCCS20C comes with a battery and a charger. Its smaller 5 1/2” blade and weight (7.5lbs.) still gives it heft without sacrificing portability.
This saw is practically ready for use right out of the box. This Black & Decker model is an obvious choice for a user-friendly circular saw for light-duty home use.
It accurately cuts bevels at an angle of anything from 90° to 45°. Its respectable battery life means you can work for longer periods of time between charges. Overall, this is a very decent and handy tool that is ideal for everyday light use.
Features
- High torque motor 5 1/2”. Fast cutting blade for a variety of cuts
- Tool-free depth of cut allows for easy depth adjustments
- Bevel adjustment with detents at 45° and 90°
- 12T Carbide blade allows for fast cutting in a variety of applications and materials
- Backed by BLACK+DECKER 2-year limited warranty
The Good
The batteries are cross-compatible in the Black & Decker Max range. With this saw, the blade is positioned on the left for a better view of what you’re working on.
The low price tag is a big plus for a well-known brand. You have a quality circular saw without spending large amounts of money.
The Bad
It is unsuitable for professional or job site use. For cutting tougher materials, this is probably not the tool you are looking for.
The battery takes up to four hours to charge fully. This is less of an issue if you already have other batteries from tools in the same collection.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Good battery life
- Good power for a small unit
- Easy Tool-free depth adjustment
- Very affordable price
Cons
- Only suitable for light-duty jobs
- Battery takes up to four hours for a full charge
- Starter saw, not for pro use
4. MAKITA XSR01PT
Product Highlights
Makita’s brushless Rear handle 7-1/4” circular saw is powered by two 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries for maximum performance. The electronically-controlled BL™ Brushless motor matches torque and RPM (5,100) to the application.
It can handle corded saw level demanding applications like cutting sheets and dimensional lumber.
Delivers up to 558 cross-cuts per charge in 2×4 SPF using two LXT® 5.0Ah batteries. Its capacity cuts 3X material in a single pass with a large 2-9/16” cutting capacity at 90°.
Its design includes a built-in tether notch (tether sold separately) and an electric brake for maximum productivity.
The saw has a die-cast magnesium base and blade guard with die-cast aluminum blade cover and motor housing, which combines durability with less weight (only 12.4 lbs. with batteries).
Makita’s expanding cordless tool system are powered by 18V Lithium-Ion slide-style batteries that have the fastest charge times in their categories, so they spend more time working and less time sitting on the charger.
Features
- The BL™ Brushless Motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL™ Motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life
- Automatic Speed Change™ technology adjusts cutting speed and torque during cut for optimum performance
- 0°- 53° bevel capacity with positive stops at 22.5°, 45°, and 53°
- Compact and ergonomic design at only 17-½” long
- Includes (2) 18V LXT® 5.0Ah batteries, dual port rapid charger, 24T blade, wrench, bag
The Good
It is the perfect balance of being up for the professional requirements of a jobsite.
This model will do anything a wormdrive saw will. With the 5.0Ah batteries, it is almost impossible to run them dry in one day.
Being lightweight, this saw has enough heft to do a lot of repetitive work reserved for a standard corded saw, while being easier on the arms and wrists.
If you have more than one Makita cordless saw the same fast-charging 18V batteries can be used across the entire Makita 18V LXT cordless tool series.
The Bad
The rafter hook may seem awkward because it is larger than a worm drive hook and the saw hangs a bit looser.
To maneuver the safety button to engage the trigger may seem tricky compared to other skill saws that only need one finger.
Pros
- The brushless motor generates 50% longer run time per charge.
- Accurate
- This saw will cut anything
- Light Weight
- Long-Lasting
- Durable
Cons
- Price of battery will seem high if you own only one Makita saw
5. DEWALT DC390B
Product Highlights
The Dewalt DC390B is both powerful and durable and ideal for the hard-core DIY enthusiasts. At 3,700 RPM this saw offers fast rip cuts as well as cross cuts. The 6 ½” blade is carbide tipped with a remarkable cutting capacity at 90° and 45°.
The power and performance of the Dewalt DC390 are exceptional with a cutting capacity of 2 1/4” at 90° and 1-5/8” at 45° with a 0°-50° bevel.
The 18-volt battery is not included. You can purchase on Amazon the DC9096 18-volt XRP battery pack and DW9117 15-minute charger.
Weighing in at a mere 6.3 pounds this is a very comfortable tool to use. This is one of the best saws that every DIY enthusiast is looking to have in their toolshed.
Features
- High strength magnesium shoe and upper guard provides increased durability
- 0-50° bevel capacity provides additional capacity for a multitude of applications
- Fan-cooled motor with replaceable brushes for maximum power and durability; tool only, no battery
- The carbide tipped blade offers twice the cutting capacity compared with the standard blade
- vibration-dampening rubber-grip handle
The Good
This robust saw offers exceptional power and speed and great comfort.
This well built and high-quality saw performs.
It’s easy on your arms and hands due to its vibration-dampening rubber grip.
The Bad
Tends to drain the battery too fast, requiring frequent changes.
Pros
- 6 ½ carbide tipped blade
- Output of 3700 RPM
- Superb cutting capacity
- Vibration-dampening rubber-grip
Cons
- Safety is difficult to use.
- Underpowered
- Battery and charger are not included.
