Best oftools

The 6 Best Circular Saws for DIY Projects

Straight cuts without a table saw

Independently tested·4.5/ 5avg of 5··5 picks· How we tested
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A good circular saw handles plywood, framing lumber, and trim. These are the corded and cordless saws that cut cleanest and stayed accurate.

At a glance

Our top 5 picks

PickAwardRatingPriceJump to
20V MAX XR 7-1/4" Circular Saw
DeWalt
Best Overall4.8$180-$250Read
7-1/4" Circular Saw with Electric Brake
Skil
Best Corded4.5$70-$110Read
18V LXT 6-1/2" Circular Saw
Makita
Best Cordless Value4.6$130-$180Read
M18 FUEL 7-1/4" Circular Saw
Milwaukee
Best for Plywood4.7$200-$260Read
ONE+ 6-1/2" Circular Saw
Ryobi
Best Budget4.1$60-$100Read
Best OverallDeWalt

20V MAX XR 7-1/4" Circular Saw

4.8/ 5

Cuts wet pressure-treated 2x material at full depth without bogging, and the baseplate stayed dead flat through testing.

Pros
  • Full-depth power
  • Flat, rigid shoe
  • Good line of sight
Cons
  • Heavy with a big battery
$180-$250
At Amazon
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Best CordedSkil

7-1/4" Circular Saw with Electric Brake

4.5/ 5

Unlimited runtime for sheet-goods days and an electric brake that stops the blade fast.

Pros
  • No batteries needed
  • Strong value
  • Electric brake
Cons
  • Cord management
$70-$110
At Amazon
See Price on Amazon
Best Cordless ValueMakita

18V LXT 6-1/2" Circular Saw

4.6/ 5

Lighter than a 7-1/4 saw and still cuts 2x lumber in one pass. Great for overhead and ladder work.

Pros
  • Light
  • Smooth cut quality
Cons
  • Shallower max depth
$130-$180
At Amazon
See Budget Price on Amazon
Best for PlywoodMilwaukee

M18 FUEL 7-1/4" Circular Saw

4.7/ 5

Cleanest cuts in cabinet-grade plywood when paired with a fine-tooth blade and a straightedge.

Pros
  • Very clean cuts
  • Excellent power
Cons
  • Expensive
$200-$260
At Amazon
See Price on Amazon
Best BudgetRyobi

ONE+ 6-1/2" Circular Saw

4.1/ 5

Handles fence pickets, shelving, and trim for a fraction of the cost of a pro saw.

Pros
  • Cheap
  • Battery shared with other tools
Cons
  • More blade deflection
Methodology

We cut sheet goods, wet pressure-treated 2x material, and hardwood, measuring blade deflection, baseplate flatness, and cut depth under load.

How we make money: Some links above are affiliate links — when you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never influences our picks. Read our editorial standards.

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