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A good power saw is essential to a complete shop setup for big or small projects.
Over the past six years, we have tested more than 70 saws. After putting each one through a gamut of tests in the lab, taking measurements, and timing cuts, we put them to work in the real world, using them for home improvements. Our team of testers lends their expertise in woodworking and construction to help us choose the best models.
For a circular saw, get the Skil 5280-01, which strikes the perfect balance of performance and affordability.
If you've picked up an interest in handcrafting furniture and are looking for a handsaw to do the delicate work, we've got recommendations for that, too.
Who it is best for: The DeWalt 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound DWS780 is a prime choice for experienced woodworkers, professionals, and seasoned DIYers with ambitious project goals. Our tester recommends it for enthusiasts who need accurate cuts and efficiency in their projects. However, its weight and large size may be prohibitive for those without a dedicated workspace or who only occasionally need angled cuts.
Why we love it: It excels in cutting power, speed, and precision, earning near-perfect scores in our miter tests and outperforming most miter saws in our test group. It handled repeated 4x4 cuts effortlessly and sliced through a 2-inch aluminum angle bracket “like a hot knife through butter,” according to lead tester Austin Palmer. It led the pack in precision across bevel, miter, and cross-cut angles, arriving well-calibrated and maintaining alignment throughout testing. Its ease of use, simple calibration, and blade-changing process enhance its appeal.
Should you buy it? Get this if you prioritize performance over minor drawbacks. Its dust collection system, while above average, isn't the best, with curtains occasionally getting sucked in. The saw's cut capacity also fell short of a complete 45-degree bevel cut through a 4x4, which may matter depending on your needs. If you're not concerned about extra sawdust cleanup and have the space for its size and weight, this saw's exceptional power and accuracy make it a worthwhile investment.
Cut line indicator: Shadow | Maximum Miter and Bevel Range: (45º/60º) (49º/49º)
Who it is best for: The Skil 5280-01 is recommended for many users, from professionals to beginner home DIYers. Its balance of features, performance, and affordability makes it ideal for anyone needing a reliable circular saw for various cutting tasks. While beginner-friendly, experienced craftspeople will also appreciate its capabilities, unless they require the utmost speed and precision from their tools.
Why we love it: The Skil 5280-01 stands out for its well-rounded performance and incredible value, competing with saws costing 2, 3, or 4 times as much. Weighing 8.1 lbs, it's lightweight and easy to handle, with helpful features like a 52° max bevel angle, marked at 22.5° and stopping at 45°, a foot with four sight notches, and a laser sight line for precision. It excelled in our tests, particularly in cross-cuts. “I was blown away watching the SKIL saw slice through a 12x6 beam with barely any resistance, clocking one of the fastest times we recorded,” said our reviwer. “It's incredible how much power SKIL packed into such a compact tool, easily handling sheet metal and steel pipe.”
Should you buy it? This is best for most people seeking a powerful, affordable circular saw, but it has minor drawbacks. Adjusting blade depth and bevel angle is easy, but the measurement notches lack contrast, making them hard to see without adequate lighting. While it scored above average for cutting sheet metal and steel pipe, those who frequently cut metal may prefer a specialized saw. Other options exist if you're after the absolute best performance and are willing to pay a premium. However, the Skil 5280-01's combination of power, precision, and value makes it an excellent purchase for most users.
Max Depth of Cut: 2-1/3 in | Blade Side: Right
While it didn't score the highest in our metal-cutting tests, it still got the job done.
Who it is best for: The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2732-20 is ideal for woodworkers who prioritize portability and free range of motion, especially those working in spaces where cords hinder workflow or outlets are scarce. It's a great fit for users who value efficiency and can manage with a backup battery to maintain seamless cutting on projects.
Why we love it: This battery-powered circular saw enhances workflow with cord-free operation, eliminating the need for outlets or extension cords. It features visible sight lines that are “pretty much spot on for accuracy,” per our lead tester, and one of the easiest blade change processes in its class. Despite being cordless, it completed all cutting tests with decent ease-of-use features for clean, precise work.
Should you buy it? If portability is a priority, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel is a strong choice, offering efficient, cord-free operation. However, its power is average for a cordless saw, with wood and metal cutting scores that don't match top corded models. If you need robust power for heavy-duty cuts, a corded saw might be better, but this model exceeds expectations for a battery-powered option.
Weight no battery: 8.9 lb | Blade Diameter: 7-1/4"
Using a battery-powered model like the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2732-20 gives you unlimited freedom of movement.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Best Battery-Powered Miter Saw
DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound DCS361B
Who it is best for: The DeWalt 20V Max 7-1/4-Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound DCS361B is ideal for those needing portability for angled cuts across various job sites, particularly for smaller home DIY projects or traveling trim work. Its lightweight design, weighing less than half as much as traditional models, and compact size make it perfect for users with limited shop space or frequently transporting tools.
Why we love it: This cordless miter saw stands out for its efficient dust collection system, ease of adjustments, operation, and blade changes. “I was genuinely impressed by the DeWalt DCS361B's pinpoint accuracy, cutting with precision that rivaled the best in our review,” said one tester. “For a battery-powered saw, its blend of portability and performance makes it a game-changer for my mobile job sites.”
Should you buy it? If you prioritize portability and don't need to cut hefty materials, the DeWalt DCS361B is a strong choice. However, it lacks a blade depth lock, complicating dado cuts, and its power and cut capacity are limited compared to traditional miter saws due to its battery-powered, smaller design. Opt for a standard miter saw if you frequently power through multiple cuts on bulky lumber.
Cut line: Shadow | Maximum Miter and Bevel Range: (47º/47º) (45º/3º)
Who it is best for: The SKIL 10-Inch Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound MS6305-00 is perfect for budget-savvy woodworkers with enough experience to value precise, quality cuts but who don't need a miter saw for daily use. It's an excellent choice for those tackling most home woodworking projects who can tolerate extra cleanup due to its poor dust collection.
Why we love it: This affordable miter saw delivers remarkable cutting capabilities, with our tester noting it “sailed reasonably through all the 4X4 and aluminum power tests I threw at it.” Fully adjustable and easy to calibrate, it offers accuracy that competes with pricier models and above-average performance in cut capacity, speed, and precision, making it a standout for its price point.
Should you buy it? This is a great budget buy if you prioritize performance and don't mind sweeping up sawdust, as it scored poorly in dust collection, producing one of the highest volumes of sawdust in testing. If a clean workspace is critical, consider an alternative. Otherwise, its power, accuracy, and bargain price make it a top choice for cost-conscious woodworkers.
Cut line indicator: Shadow | Maximum Miter and Bevel Range: (51º/51º) (48º/45º)
Making fast cuts is one of the strong points of this SKIL miter saw.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
We created category-specific tests for each type of saw and then ran every product through the gamut to see which ones performed the best.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
How We Tested
While metrics are customized depending on the power saw type, there is some overlap, and one of the most important things any saw can do is cut stuff. However, a great saw should be able to make cuts with ease, efficiency, and accuracy. To measure this, we devise various tests that standardize the wood's size, shape, and density and then time our cuts. For our miter saw evaluation, we put each machine through over 35 individual tests to measure ease of use, power, speed, capacity, and accuracy. By the time we reached the end of our testing period, we had made hundreds of cuts with each model. Similarly, our circular saws are put through standardized tests, including cross cuts on a 12"x6" beam and rip cuts on a 10-foot 2"x12". For saws that are able, we also make cuts through different types of metal over time. To get a better gut feel for how these tools perform in real-life scenarios, our testers also used the saws in their daily lives for tasks like cutting lumber, slicing logs for firewood, and clearing downed trees.
Getting the job done right requires the right tool, and we're here to help you find it.
Why Trust GearLab
We rallied a savvy team of woodworkers, trail builders, and all-around handypeople to test and evaluate over 60 tools for our saw categories. Heading up our in-house testing of power tools, Austin Palmer offers unique testing insight into our circular saw and miter saw categories thanks to his experience working on an onshore oil rig, which made him very familiar with a wide range of power tools. He continues to use saws and other tools for home improvement projects today, and of course, as a senior review analyst at GearLab, Austin keeps up with all the latest innovations in the field. Lastly, Cody Barz leads testing for our handsaw review. As a general contractor's son, Cody grew up on and around job sites and has had his hands on all carpentry tools for over twenty years.
How to Pick the Best Saw
Choosing the right tool for the job is critical in any project. Each saw we tested has unique advantages that make it better suited for certain tasks. For example, you can make a bevel or angled cut with a circular saw, but if you have to make these cuts repeatedly or need absolute precision in your work, you'd be better off with a miter saw. Below, we will review the different saw types and their best uses.
Circular saws are good for making long rip cuts through lumber or sheets of plywood.
Here we cut disks out of a log while testing chainsaws.
Handsaw can be good for makig finer cuts on work that requires detailed craftsmanship.
Each saw type has its best application, so selecting the correct tool is the first step in a successfully executed project.
Types of Saws
While there are many more options out there, here we will cover the basics of the four types of saws, their pros, their cons, and their niche uses so you can decide which tool is right for your next project.
Miter Saws
Miter saws are designed to make precise, repeatable cross-cuts at different angles, thanks to an adjustable blade that can pivot and rotate. They shine in scenarios that require many angled cuts, such as trimming, molding, and framing projects, and allow you to work with more speed and accuracy than a circular saw. Similar to chainsaws, buying the right miter saw depends on what exactly you plan to do with it. Below are all the miter saws from our review ranked according to overall score.
Regarding the complexity of your cuts, miter saws have a few different levels. The blade can swing left or right to make a basic miter cut. The next step up is a bevel cut requiring the blade to pivot vertically. Some saws have a single bevel, meaning the blade tilts to one side only. You can still make any angle cut, but you must orient your work around the saw rather than changing the saw to fit your work. This can result in a brain-teasing problem and leave more room for error. Double-bevel miter saws can tilt to either side, making it easier to make matching cuts without having to play Twister with your lumber.
The photos above show (in order) a miter cut, a bevel cut, and a compound cut.
Adding to the complexity, a compound miter saw can pivot vertically and rotate horizontally to make compound cuts. Lastly, some models have a sliding feature that allows you to cut wider pieces of wood.
A sliding arm gives the blade a longer reach and allows for cuts on wider pieces of lumber.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
As you might expect, the price goes up significantly as cut capacity features increase, so while a huge double-bevel sliding compound miter saw may seem like the coolest thing out there, it may be worth your while to take a look at your upcoming projects and evaluate what kind of cut capacity you actually need. In addition to these features, you can choose between corded and cordless models. If you value portability, don't mind waiting for a charge-up, and prefer to skip the chore of cable management, then battery-powered is the way to go. A corded model will serve you well if you want maximum power and plan a stationary work setup.
A good circular saw is irreplaceable in your collection of power tools, but which one is right for you?
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Circular Saws
Circular saws are highly portable machines that make straight cuts through various materials. They can make short cross cuts, longer rip cuts, and cuts through wide materials like plywood that a miter saw might not have the capacity to handle. Below are all of the models in our lineup of circular saws ranked in order of overall score.
When choosing the right circular saw, you'll want to pay attention to a few different features and specs. One of the first choices is using a battery or a corded model. Like most other power tools, a battery-powered option will provide more portability and overall flexibility, but you must contend with shorter run time and potentially less power. Corded options have an unlimited run time and sometimes come with perks like higher torque and greater accuracy, but your longest extension cord limits your reach.
A left vs. right blade positioning can affect how well you can see your cut, cutting stability, and comfort for left-handed vs. right-handed users.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Other factors like blade position (left vs right), brushless vs brushed motors, and drive mechanism can all affect the performance of the saw you choose. We will not go into detail here, but it is good to know these options exist. If a circular saw is what you're looking for, you can read up more in our detailed buying advice to help you decide which features are going to be the most helpful for your future projects.
We tested a variety of handsaws, and made hundreds of cuts to evaluate the precision, efficiency, and comfort of each tool.
Credit: Cody Barz
Hand Saws
Last is the good old-fashioned hand saw. This type of saw is best for cross-cuts, and unless you want to muscle your way through an entire log, hand saws are most practical for smaller pieces of wood or softer materials, like styrofoam, where the speed and force of a power tool may be too aggressive. If your DIY and home projects involve trimming the occasional branch or cutting styrofoam for school projects, a good hand saw may be all the power you need. Depending on the style of the hand saw, it can also be perfect for more delicate woodwork, such as furniture making and other projects that require a bit more finesse. On the flip side, if you have a sturdy enough blade and are willing to put some muscle into it, a handsaw can be a good option for cutting thicker posts if you don't have a chainsaw but can't quite get through with a circular saw. However, if you are in this situation often, we recommend biting the bullet and getting a chainsaw. Pros and cons aside, handsaws are generally quite affordable, and it never hurts to have one handy in addition to your power tool collection.
Different saw styles will give you better results for different cuts, so it is important to evaluate the parameters of your project before deciding on a model.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Project Type
Once you've narrowed down the right style for your project, another important factor in deciding what specific model to buy is thinking about how much saw you need. Look at how often you tackle home improvement and yard work projects, the complexity of those projects, and your skill level. If you are starting your DIY journey, we recommend using a simpler, more affordable model to build up your familiarity and dexterity with the tools. As you become more experienced, you will learn what features you use the most and which specs to look for when upgrading. Suppose you have some years of experience and are just looking for any excuse to bust out the power tools and start your next home improvement project. In that case, you probably know the power, precision, and durability standard you're looking for. In that case, we feel that it is worth investing a bit more in your purchase so you can be confident that it will have the ability to carry you through any size project, lasting cut after cut after cut.
We test and rate how easy it is to change blades on each of the saws in our review.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
A Note on Blade Type
A perfect cut starts with the right blade, and the first step is keeping your saw blade sharp, clean, and well cared for. After that, you will want to tailor your blade choice to match your cut direction, material, and how clean you need your edges. Differences in tooth material, count, length, and spacing will impact the quality of your cut just as much as the saw itself. Generally, the higher the tooth count, the smoother the cut. Blades with a lower tooth count can make a faster cut but may leave rougher edges. Different blade edges are also better for cutting certain materials like plywood or sheet metal.
Whether remodeling your home or building a backyard treehouse, working with the right saw will make your project a success.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
When choosing a saw, each style has a best application and a scenario where it shines. However, we understand that you may not have the space, the budget, or the need to get one of each. We suggest evaluating the complexity and frequency of your woodworking projects and choosing the tool that best fits your situation.
