Hand-held circular saws are the basic carpentry power tool item of homeowners and construction contractors alike. The circular blade cuts constantly instead of pausing (such as seen in reciprocating saws) and therefore cuts wood and other materials faster.
Related Reading: Best Battery Powered Circular Saw For 2019 – Our Reviews and Comparisons
This constant motion does require more power. Modern circular saws take advantage of lighter materials in their motors but still have retained the weight necessary for stability and safety reasons.
Anyone who has strolled through a hardware store knows there is a dizzying array of circular saws on the market.
With so many to choose from, where do you start? Here, we give you our picks for the best balance between quality and price in circular saws.
Our Best Circular Saw Reviews and Comparisons
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|
TOP PICK | 1. DeWalt DWE575SB
| Check Price |
RUNNER UP | 2. Makita 5007MG
| Check Price |
  | 3. SKIL 5280-01
| Check Price |
  | 4. WORX WORXSAW WX429L
| Check Price |
  | 5. Bosch CS5
| Check Price |
1. DeWalt DWE575SB – The Professional’s Workhorse
Product Highlights
The DWE575SB is an extremely popular saw. Almost every other circular saw on a construction jobsite is a DeWalt of some kind, and this model is very common for good reason.
It is powerful and made of quality materials. The saw weighs 8.8 pounds and delivers amazing torque through its 15-amp motor to a maximum blade speed of 5100 rpm. With a standard 7 ¼” blade, it can cut to a depth of 2 9/16”. It retails at a little more than $200.
Features
- 57° Bevel
- Integrated dust blower
- Electric blade brake
The Good
This is a very strong saw that does not bog down cutting through thick wood or metal.
The dust blower keeps the cutting line clear and visible. In short, this saw simply handles whatever you throw at it. The DWE575SB has been described by some as the last circular saw you will ever buy.
The Bad
The electric brake could be a bit faster for better safety. The product does not ship with a rip fence.
Pros
- Powerful (15-amp motor)
- Blade changes are easy (has spindle lock, so only one hex key needed)
- Handgrip is comfortable
Cons
- Needs faster electric brake
2. Makita 5007MG – Our Professional’s Runner-Up
Product Highlights
The Makita 5007MG is also a strong saw with a 15-amp motor generating 5600 rpm. It is a bit heavier than the DeWalt, weighing in at 10.1 pounds. With a standard blade (7 ¼”), it cuts to a depth of 2 ½”.
This saw features a dust blower and a pair of LED lights to make it easier to see the cut line. Included is a rip fence. The Makita retails for $150.
Features
- 56° Bevel
- Integrated dust blower
- LED illumination of cut line
- Electric blade brake
The Good
The 5007MG is a powerful saw with high torque. The handles are ergonomic and comfortable in the hand. Illuminated cut area is a nice addition.
The Bad
The blade guard works fine, until you set the saw to make bevel cuts. Retracting the guard while you advance the cut is not easy.
Pros
- Well-built and sturdy
- Powerful (15-amp motor)
- Rip fence included
Cons
- Blade guard problems during bevel cuts
3. SKIL 5280-01 – Homeowner Best Buy
Product Highlights
The SKIL 5280-01 is a lightweight saw more for homeowners who occasionally need a circular saw. That is not to say it is a bad saw, just that it is not intended for the heavy use seen on construction sites. This is a consumer saw, but with some bonuses.
The SKIL has a 15-amp motor generating 5200 rpm and weighs in at 8.5 pounds. It does not have an electric brake, so you have to wait for the blade to spin down.
It is capable of bevel cuts and has an integrated dust blower. The SKIL 5280-01 retails at about $65, so it is an affordable saw. As such, it is a best-buy for homeowners.
Features
- 51° Bevel
- Tool provided for blade change
- Integrated dust blower
- Laser guide
The Good
This SKIL saw has many features typically only seen on more expensive saws, such as a spindle lock, integrated dust blower, and a laser beam cutting guide.
The Bad
There is only a 24-month warranty on this saw, which is rather short compared with other saws.
Pros
- Affordable
- Strong motor
- Laser cutting guide
Cons
- No blade brake
4. WORX WORXSAW WX429L — Unique
Product Highlights
The WORXSAW WX429L reflects a new trend in circular saws: minisaws. The motor body and handle are integrated and looks like a reciprocating saw with a small circular saw blade attached at the side.
These saws use 4 ½” blades, but resemble their larger cousins in most respects. They are ideal for working in tight spaces and are good for small home projects.
This saw is powered by a 4-amp motor generating 3500 rpm and weighing in at 4.4 pounds. The WX429L retails at about $60.
Features
- 45° Bevel
- Light weight
The Good
Users claim the light weight of the saw reduces hand fatigue; however, one should bear in mind the intended use of the saw.
It can cut 2 x 4 lumber, but the saw is meant for consumer use and small projects. An accessory rip fence is available and the sawdust port can be attached to a shop-vac.
The Bad
The handle is thick and may be unwieldy for some users.
Pros
- Small, light, and powerful
- Comes with many accessories (rip fence, vacuum adapter)
- 3-Year warranty
Cons
- Cannot cut wood larger than 2 x 4
5. Bosch CS5 – Budget No-Frills Saw
Product Highlights
The Bosch CS5 is a very powerful saw intended for homeowner use, but lacks some features one would come to expect from a Bosch product.
It has a 15-amp motor generating 6200 rpm and weighing in at 10 pounds. With a standard blade, it can cut to a depth of 2 7/16”. However, there is no blade brake or dust blower on this model. This is basically a no-frills circular saw. The CS5 retails for $100.
Features
- 56° Bevel
- Powerful motor (6200 rpm)
- No blade brake
- No dust blower
- Spindle lock
The Good
As stated above, this is a no-frills saw. It has a spindle lock to assist with blade changes. As a very basic saw, it is affordable ($100), but there are other budget saws with nice extras (see the SKIL saw above).
The Bad
There is no blade brake, which is not a deal breaker, but there also is no dust blower. Users have complained that the lack of this feature makes following the cut line difficult.
Pros
- Affordable
- Very Powerful
Cons
- No blade brake
- No dust blower
- No rip fence included
