The Weekend Workshop

Circular saws, ranked

Best Cordless Circular Saws 2026

Ten cordless circular saws worth your money, from full-size 7-1/4-inch sidewinders to a one-hand compact saw. Every pick below is a real product with a link you can buy today.

Last updated: September 2026

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How we sized them up

This is a spec-led shortlist built from published specs and retailer listings. We compared blade size, battery platform, cut depth, bevel capacity, no-load speed, weight and kit contents. For most DIYers, the battery platform you already own matters more than raw speed — a 20V saw you have batteries for beats a 60V saw you don't. For crosscuts and miter work on a bench, see our guide to the best table saws.

The quick cut

Start with the battery platform you already own, then check blade size and bevel. Tap any pick to jump straight to the full breakdown.

  1. #1
    Best overall
    7¼ in. · 20V MAX XR · 5,500 RPM
    Read the review ↓ Check price ↗
  2. #2
    Best pro-grade
    7¼ in. · M18 FUEL · 5,800 RPM
    Read the review ↓ Check price ↗
  3. #3
    Best dual-battery 36V
    7¼ in. · 18V X2 · 6,000 RPM
    Read the review ↓ Check price ↗
  4. #4
    Best worm drive
    7¼ in. · TRUEHVL 48V · 5,800 RPM
    Read the review ↓ Check price ↗
  5. #5
    Best 60V pick
    7¼ in. · 60V MAX · 9.0Ah kit
    Read the review ↓ Check price ↗
  6. #6
    Best value
    7¼ in. · ONE+ HP 18V · tool only
    Read the review ↓ Check price ↗
  7. #7
    Best budget
    7¼ in. · V20 · brushless · 5,000 RPM
    Read the review ↓ Check price ↗
  8. #8
    Best rear-handle
    7¼ in. · 36V MultiVolt · 5,100 RPM
    Read the review ↓ Check price ↗
  9. #9
    Best compact budget
    6½ in. · 18V · tool only
    Read the review ↓ Check price ↗
  10. #10
    Best one-hand compact
    4½ in. · 20V · 1½-in. cut depth
    Read the review ↓ Check price ↗

The full reviews

#1 Best overall

DeWalt 20V MAX XR 7-1/4" Circular Saw with Brake, Tool Only (DCS570B)

Model DCS570B · ASIN B06ZZY8KDL

DeWalt DCS570B 20V MAX XR 7-1/4-inch cordless circular saw
Product image: Murdoch's retail listing.

Who it’s forThis is the straightforward default for a DeWalt household. The brushless motor spins the 7-1/4-inch blade at 5,500 RPM, the left-side blade gives right-handed users a clean view of the cut line, and the electric brake stops the blade fast between cuts. The 57-degree bevel capacity handles steep miters, and the magnesium shoe keeps it flat on the board. It ships as a bare tool, so it makes the most sense when you already own 20V MAX batteries.

Specifications
Blade7¼ in.
Power20V MAX XR, brushless
Max cut depth2-9/16 in.
No-load speed5,500 RPM

Pros

  • 57-degree bevel with a left-side blade
  • Electric brake for faster repeated cuts
  • Magnesium shoe and integrated rafter hook

Cons

  • Battery and charger sold separately
  • Full-size saw is heavy for one-handed work
#2 Best pro-grade

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4" Circular Saw, Tool Only (2732-20)

Model 2732-20 · ASIN B079NPMJQ1

Milwaukee 2732-20 M18 FUEL 7-1/4-inch cordless circular saw
Product image: Milwaukee product media.

Who it’s forThis is the saw for someone already invested in Milwaukee M18 tools. The second-generation FUEL motor runs at 5,800 RPM with magnesium shoe and guard, a built-in LED for cut-line visibility, and an electric brake. Cut depth is 2-1/2 inches with a 50-degree bevel. It is sold as a bare tool, which keeps the price down if your truck already carries M18 batteries.

Specifications
Blade7¼ in.
PowerM18 FUEL, brushless
Max cut depth2-1/2 in.
No-load speed5,800 RPM

Pros

  • High 5,800 RPM no-load speed
  • Magnesium shoe and guards
  • LED light and rafter hook included

Cons

  • Battery and charger sold separately
  • 50-degree bevel is narrower than some rivals
#3 Best dual-battery 36V

Makita 18V X2 (36V) LXT Brushless 7-1/4" Circular Saw, Tool Only (XSH06Z)

Model XSH06Z · ASIN B07GZFBKB5

Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 36V 7-1/4-inch cordless circular saw
Product image: National Power Tools retail listing.

Who it’s forMakita’s answer is two 18V batteries run in series for 36 volts, and it works: the brushless motor hits 6,000 RPM, the fastest here, with a deep 2-5/8-inch cut depth and a 56-degree bevel. The left-side blade suits right-handed cut-line tracking, and the electric brake and magnesium components are standard. You stay inside the 18V LXT system you already own, since it uses the same packs as your other Makita tools.

Specifications
Blade7¼ in.
Power18V X2 (36V) LXT, brushless
Max cut depth2-5/8 in.
No-load speed6,000 RPM

Pros

  • Fastest no-load speed in this group
  • Uses the 18V LXT batteries you already own
  • 56-degree bevel with deep cut capacity

Cons

  • Needs two batteries at once to run
  • Heavier than single-battery 18V saws
#4 Best worm drive

SKILSAW TRUEHVL 48V Cordless Worm Drive 7-1/4" Circular Saw Kit (SPTH77M-22)

Model SPTH77M-22 · ASIN B097HNXBDN

SKILSAW SPTH77M-22 TRUEHVL 48V cordless worm-drive circular saw
Product image: SKIL product media.

Who it’s forFramers who grew up on corded worm drives get the same rear-handle feel without the cord. The dedicated TRUEHVL 48V battery powers the brushless worm-drive gearing, with 5,800 RPM, a 2-3/8-inch cut depth and a 53-degree bevel. This kit includes two batteries, a quick charger, a 24-tooth Diablo blade, a vacuum adapter and the wrench. It is a commitment to a second battery platform, but for heavy ripping the torque is hard to argue with.

Specifications
Blade7¼ in.
PowerTRUEHVL 48V, brushless worm drive
Max cut depth2-3/8 in.
No-load speed5,800 RPM

Pros

  • Worm-drive torque for framing stock
  • Kit includes two batteries and a Diablo blade
  • Magnesium construction with electric brake

Cons

  • Two-battery kit is the priciest pick here
  • TRUEHVL is a separate battery platform
#5 Best 60V pick

DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V MAX 7-1/4" Circular Saw with Brake Kit (DCS578X1)

Model DCS578X1 · ASIN B086MK8NT7

DeWalt DCS578X1 FLEXVOLT 60V MAX 7-1/4-inch cordless circular saw kit
Product image: DeWalt product media.

Who it’s forWhen the 20V line does not have enough push for thick pressure-treated stock, this is the step up. The 60V FlexVolt motor runs at 5,800 RPM with 2,456 watts of output, a 2-9/16-inch cut depth and a 57-degree bevel. The kit ships with a 9.0Ah FlexVolt battery, charger and bag, so it is a complete setup out of the box. It is heavier than the 20V saws, which matters on long days.

Specifications
Blade7¼ in.
Power60V MAX FlexVolt, brushless
Max cut depth2-9/16 in.
No-load speed5,800 RPM

Pros

  • Complete kit with 9.0Ah battery and charger
  • 57-degree bevel capacity
  • Electric brake and integrated rafter hook

Cons

  • Heavier than the 20V saws
  • FlexVolt batteries cost more to replace
#6 Best value

Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless 7-1/4" Circular Saw, Tool Only (PBLCS300B)

Model PBLCS300B · ASIN B099CHFN88

Ryobi PBLCS300B ONE+ HP 18V brushless 7-1/4-inch cordless circular saw
Product image: Amazon product media.

Who it’s forAnyone building out the Ryobi ONE+ system gets a lot of saw for the money. The brushless HP motor drives a full 7-1/4-inch blade with a 2-7/16-inch cut depth and a wide 56-degree bevel. A die-cast upper guard, vacuum dust adapter and onboard LED cover the durability and visibility basics. Sold as a bare tool, it is an easy add when ONE+ batteries are already in the drawer.

Specifications
Blade7¼ in.
Power18V ONE+ HP, brushless
Max cut depth2-7/16 in.
Bevel capacity56 degrees

Pros

  • Wide 56-degree bevel for the price
  • Die-cast upper guard and dust adapter
  • Runs on the huge ONE+ battery system

Cons

  • Battery and charger sold separately
  • Slightly shallower cut depth than pro 7-1/4s
#7 Best budget

CRAFTSMAN V20 RP Brushless 7-1/4" Circular Saw, Bare Tool (CMCS551B)

Model CMCS551B · ASIN B0B9HPSB27

CRAFTSMAN CMCS551B V20 RP brushless 7-1/4-inch cordless circular saw
Product image: Amazon product media.

Who it’s forThis is the full-size saw at the price of a bare-tool bargain. The V20 RP brushless motor spins the 7-1/4-inch blade at 5,000 RPM with a 2-9/16-inch cut depth and a 56-degree bevel — numbers that match saws costing quite a bit more. A stamped-aluminum shoe and upper metal guard keep the weight reasonable, and the LED plus large sight window help with the cut line. It lists around $169 and has sold as low as $99 on Amazon, which makes it the cheapest way into a real 7-1/4-inch cordless saw.

Specifications
Blade7¼ in.
PowerV20 RP, brushless
Max cut depth2-9/16 in.
No-load speed5,000 RPM

Pros

  • Full 7-1/4-inch capacity at a budget price
  • 56-degree bevel with positive stops
  • LED light and large cut-line sight window

Cons

  • Battery and charger sold separately
  • Stamped shoe is less rigid than magnesium
#8 Best rear-handle

Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt 7-1/4" Rear Handle Circular Saw, Bare Tool (C3607DWAQ4)

Model C3607DWAQ4 · ASIN B09MSQM6Y9

Metabo HPT C3607DWAQ4 36V MultiVolt 7-1/4-inch rear-handle circular saw
Product image: Metabo HPT product media.

Who it’s forFramers who prefer a rear-handle saw get the familiar inline grip with the balance of a worm drive. The 36V MultiVolt motor runs at 5,100 RPM, cuts 2-7/16 inches deep and bevels to 53 degrees. The bare tool weighs 8.2 pounds, and Metabo HPT rates a charge at up to 500 crosscuts in 2x4. It includes a dust collector, rafter hook and framing blade. It only needs one MultiVolt battery, which also works on the brand’s 18V tools.

Specifications
Blade7¼ in.
Power36V MultiVolt, brushless
Max cut depth2-7/16 in.
No-load speed5,100 RPM

Pros

  • Rear-handle balance in a cordless body
  • Runs on a single 36V battery
  • Dust collector and rafter hook included

Cons

  • Battery and charger sold separately
  • Rear-handle saws are long for tight spaces
#9 Best compact budget

Bosch 18V 6-1/2" Blade-Left Circular Saw, Bare Tool (CCS180B)

Model CCS180B · ASIN B002ECEDEG

Bosch CCS180B 18V 6-1/2-inch cordless circular saw
Product image: Bosch product media.

Who it’s forThis is the lighter, cheaper way into the Bosch 18V system. The 6-1/2-inch blade-left saw is easier to handle overhead or in a cramped bay than a full 7-1/4, and the blade-left layout suits right-handed sight lines. It cuts shallower than the big saws. For sheet goods, trim and quick crosscuts it is plenty of saw. It is sold as a bare tool and has been around long enough to be a known quantity.

Specifications
Blade6½ in.
Power18V cordless
Kit contentsBare tool
Blade sideLeft

Pros

  • Lighter and handier than 7-1/4-inch saws
  • Blade-left layout for right-handed users
  • Low bare-tool price

Cons

  • Less cut depth than 7-1/4-inch models
  • Brushed motor is an older design
#10 Best one-hand compact

Worx NITRO 20V 4-1/2" Brushless Compact Circular Saw Kit (WX531L)

Model WX531L · ASIN B084TR9ST3

Worx WX531L NITRO 20V 4-1/2-inch compact cordless circular saw
Product image: Worx product media.

Who it’s forNot every cut needs a full-size saw. The Worx NITRO is built for one-handed work: under 5 pounds with battery, a 4-1/2-inch blade that cuts 1-1/2 inches deep (enough for a 2x at 90 degrees), and a 46-degree bevel. It handles plunge cuts and has an LED, a dust port and a spindle lock. The kit comes with two 2.0Ah batteries, a charger and a bag for around $170, which makes it a complete starter package.

Specifications
Blade4½ in.
Power20V Power Share, brushless
Max cut depth1-1/2 in.
Bevel capacity46 degrees

Pros

  • Light enough for true one-hand use
  • Cuts 2x lumber in one pass
  • Kit includes two batteries and a bag

Cons

  • Too shallow for doubled 2x stock
  • Small blade limits blade selection

Buying a cordless circular saw

Match the saw to the batteries you own and the thickness you cut most.

Blade size

A 7-1/4-inch blade is the standard choice: it cuts 2-1/2 inches or deeper at 90 degrees, which handles framing lumber in one pass, and blades are easy to find in every flavor. A 6-1/2-inch saw saves weight and cost but gives up cut depth — fine for sheet goods and crosscuts, thin for doubled stock. Compact 4-1/2-inch saws are for one-handed trim and plywood work, not for ripping full sheets.

Battery platform

Buy the saw that fits the batteries you already own. An 18V or 20V saw with a 4.0Ah or larger pack handles weekend cutting fine. Two-battery 36V setups and 48V or 60V single-battery saws exist for long ripping sessions and thick stock — they cut stronger, but the tools are heavier and the batteries cost more. Check whether the listing is a bare tool or a kit; a bare tool is only a deal when you have the battery.

Bevel capacity

Most saws bevel to 50 degrees or more. If you cut stair stringers or roof bevels, a 53 to 57-degree capacity with stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees saves setup time. For simple crosscuts and shelf rips, any bevel in this list works.

What to avoid

Skip a kit bundled with only a single small battery if you plan to rip sheet goods — you will spend more time charging than cutting. Check blade side: a left-side blade suits right-handed cut-line viewing, while a right-side blade works better for left-handed users. And don’t buy into a brand-new battery platform for a single tool unless you plan to grow into that system.

Specifications are based on published manufacturer and retailer information for the listed models. Check the current product listing for package contents and compatibility before ordering.