Best Cordless Circular Saw – Tool Review for 2023

With a cordless circular saw, you can cut different materials quickly and more efficiently without power cords getting in the way. A good cordless power saw is a fine addition to a woodworker or contractor who works remotely. 

And if you’re looking for the best cordless circular saw, let us help you decide with our top 8. Our list starts with the Black+Decker BDCCS20B a battery-powered circular saw with high torque, compact design, and easy adjustments. Check out more of the best cordless circular saws in this 2021 review.

Quickly Review

BLACK+DECKER (BDCCS20B) Cordless Circular Saw

Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Best 5 ½ – inch Cordless Circular Saw from Black+Decker

Product Features

• This handy cordless circular saw comes with a high-contrast motor.
• This cordless saw has a metal cutting base and offers easy depth adjustments. 
• The battery of this cordless circular saw is compatible with the Black+Decker Max System batteries.

Product Specs

• Dimensions –  14.13 x 8.25 x 8.88 inches, 6 pounds
• Power/Motor – 20V lithium-ion battery
• Blade Size – 5 ½ inches blade
• Special Features – high-torque motor, depth adjustments, bevel adjustments, compact design
• Accessories-  Sawblade

The Black+Decker BDCCS20B is a 20V cordless circular saw with a powerful, high-torque motor. This is equipped with a 5 ½-inch saw blade that cuts fast and thus, can be used to cut a variety of materials. 

This is a reliable multi-material circular saw that’s easy to adjust using its tool-free system. You can use this saw to cut at varying depths plus bevel at 45 and 90 degrees. It’s compact, easy to take anywhere, and weighs only 6 pounds. You can use this at home in your garage or workshop or use it at the job site. 

This Black+Decker power saw has a 20V Max battery system that’s compatible with other Black+Decker cordless tools. However, the battery for this device is sold separately. You’ll find this circular saw easy to hold and grip with its oversized, contoured handle. This design reduces operator fatigue greatly.

Pros

• This is a lightweight and compact cordless circular saw.
• This is a multi-material circular saw. You can use it to cut metal.
• With easy bevel and depth adjustments. 
• This is a battery-operated power saw that you can take to a remote job site. 
• The handle is well-built, contoured, and ergonomic. 

Cons   

• This circular saw does not come with a battery. 
• The battery won’t last long, will eventually wear out with constant use. 

Milwaukee M18 2630-20 Cordless Circular Saw

Star Rating: 4.7 out of 5

Best Cordless Circular Saw from Milwaukee

Product Features

• This cordless circular saw comes with electronic brakes for added safety.
• This power saw has a soft grip, ergonomic handle so you can use it even in slippery, high-moisture environments.
• This saw comes with top and bottom magnesium guards to protect the tool from impacts. 

Product Specs

• Dimensions –  8 x 12.2 x 10 inches, 1 pound
• Power/Motor –  18 V lithium-ion battery, 3500 RPM
• Blade Size –  6 ½ inches 24 teeth carbide-tipped wood-cutting saw blades
• Cutting Power – cutting depth 1 ½ inches, bevels 45 degrees
• Special Features – electronic brakes, ergonomic handle, easy depth, and bevel adjustments, magnesium guards, compatible with M18 cordless devices from Milwaukee, compact design
• Accessories- none

The Milwaukee M18 2630-20 is a cordless circular saw with a 6 ½-inch blade with safety features. It comes with an electronic brake to quickly stop the blade in case you’re done or you need to make immediate adjustments. This comes with easy-to-use handles with a soft and comfortable grip. 

You’ll enjoy cutting with this circular saw because of its soft-grip handle. And because of its easy-grip handle, you can work even in slippery work sites with ease. The guards are made from magnesium alloy which keeps the unit well-protected from drops, dents, and other kinds of impacts. 

This Milwaukee cordless circular saw is compatible with the brand’s M18 18-volt lithium-ion batteries. You can swap batteries with your other Milwaukee cordless power tools. 

Pros

• This is a safe cordless circular saw with electronic brakes. 
• The handle is very comfortable and safe to use. 
• The bevel and depth adjustments are easy to control. 
• With a tough base.
• Compatible with other Milwaukee cordless power tools. 

Cons   

• The battery will eventually wear out.
• You’ll have limited runtime with a battery.
• Complaints that it’s not as powerful as other saws of the same rating.

DEWALT (DCS570P1) Cordless Circular Saw Kit

Star Rating: 4.8 out of 5

Best Cordless Circular Saw with Brake Kit from Dewalt

Product Features

• This cordless circular saw comes with a brushless motor capable of 5500 RPM.
• This saw can provide more cuts per charge.
• It is very easy to use with improved beveling capacity.

Product Specs

• Dimensions –  11 x 8 x 10 inches, 8 pounds
• Power/Motor –  20V motor 5500 RPM
• Blade Size – 7 ¼ inches blade
• Cutting Power – 2 9/16 inches cutting depth, bevel up to 57 degrees
• Special Features – brushless motor, compact design, brake kit
• Accessories- carrying bag, lithium-ion battery, and battery charger

The Dewalt DCS570P1 is a cordless circular saw with a convenient brake kit. This saw has a very durable brushless motor that can produce 5500 RPM and will maintain speeds under load. In a single charge, you can get as many as 330 crosscuts in a 2 x 4-inch piece of pine wood. 

This saw bevels quickly and safely up to 57 degrees. It has a very sturdy, ergonomically designed handle with a safe yet comfortable grip. The handle is located not too far from the saw and thus it’s easy to access to work with different materials ease. 

Pros 

• With a very durable brushless motor. 
• Can bevel easily; you can adjust the depth of cut with ease.
• With a brake kit to quickly stop the motor anytime. 
• Comes with a carrying bag, batteries, and battery charger.
• The battery can produce more cuts in one full charge.

Cons   

• Batteries can eventually run out and wear out.
• Complaints with beveling and depth adjustments. 

Makita XSH03Z Cordless Circular Saw

Star Rating: 4.8 out of 5

Best Brushless Cordless Circular Saw from Makita

Product Features

• With a powerful Makita motor with 5500 RPM.
• This circular saw comes with the Automatic Speed Change tech for easy cutting speed and torque adjustments. 
• With an electronic BL Brushless motor that optimizes battery usage.

Product Specs

• Dimensions –  7.8 x 14.02 x 10.43 inches
• Power/Motor –  lithium battery 5000 RPM
• Blade Size – 6 ½- inches
• Cutting Power – 2 ¼ inches at 90 degrees, bevels from 0 to 50 degrees
• Special Features – with magnesium alloy base, blade guard, LED gauge, LED to illuminate the work area, Automatic Speed Change Technology, ergonomic handle, BL Motor, Star Protection Computer Controls
• Accessories-  24 teeth saw blade

The Makita XSH03Z is a cordless circular saw powered by a Makita BL Motor. This motor helps deliver 5000 RPM of raw power for efficient ripping and cutting on different materials. The motor is very durable and runs cooler compared to regular circular saw motors. 

The BL brushless motor is energy efficient thanks to its electronic-controlled system. It will utilize energy to keep with the torque and speed demands of your project.  The Makita cordless circular saw also comes with a well-built handle with a textured grip. This will work well especially in slippery environments. The 6 ½ – inch saw blade is general-purpose but you can replace it with a dedicated blade to improve cutting efficiency.

Pros

• This circular saw comes with an electronically-controlled motor for more efficient and faster cuts. 
• With an automatic speed change system to enhance cutting speeds and torque. 
• The motor is very efficient and runs cooler and has a longer life span compared to other motors.

Cons   

• The battery will eventually lose power and needs recharging.
• Problems with the blade guard.

SKIL CR540603 Circular Saw

Star Rating: 4.6 out of 5

Best 6 ½-inch Cordless Circular Saw from Skil

Product Features

• This cordless power saw comes with a longer runtime and battery. 
• You’ll get faster and cleaner cuts with a thin-kerf, durable carbide-tip blade.
• With easy beveling and depth adjustments.

Product Specs

• Dimensions –  11.73 x 7.28 x 10 inches, 8.31 pounds
• Power/Motor –  lithium-ion battery, 4500 RPM
• Blade Size – 6 ½ inches
• Cutting Power – depth at 2 1/8 inches at 90 degrees, bevels from 0 to 50 degrees
• Special Features – longer battery time, easy bevelling and depth adjustments, easy contoured grip
• Accessories- wood cutting blade, Allen key, dust extractor, battery, and battery charger

The Skil CR540603 is a 6 ½ -inch circular saw that runs on a 5 Ah PWRCore battery. This circular saw can move through wood with ease and can also work with other materials. The PWRCore 20 lithium battery offers longer runtimes and lifespans as it runs cooler and more powerful for different projects. 

You’ll get faster and cleaner cuts thanks to the saw’s carbide tip 24 teeth blade. It also comes with a saw line to create straight and accurate cuts. It can bevel easily from 0 to 50 degrees plus depth adjustments are a breeze with up to 2 1/8 inches at 90 degrees. 

The most notable feature of this Skil saw is its aggressive-looking handle. The textured handle is easier to hold and control especially when you’re working in a slippery environment. The handle is closer to the saw’s body so it allows you to easily control every cut. 

Pros

• With a very durable, sharp blade. 
• With a powerful motor for cleaner and faster cuts. 
• Comes with easy beveling and depth adjustments. 
• Has an easy-grip handle, contoured for easy tool control. 

Cons   

• Problems with the battery easily running out of power. 
• There are plastic parts that can easily wear out. 

CRAFTSMAN (CMCS500M1) Cordless Circular Saw Kit

Star Rating: 4.6 out of 5

Best 6 ½ – inch Cordless Circular Saw from Craftsman

Product Features

• With a very durable and sharp 6 ½-inch blade that can cut and rip material twice as fast. 
• With a high-performance motor at 4200 RPM.
• This cordless circular saw comes with a 3-year limited warranty for added value. 

Product Specs

• Dimensions – 14 x 18.75 x 11.25 inches, 10.2 pounds
• Power/Motor –  lithium-ion battery 20V 4200 RPM
• Blade Size – 6 ½ inches
• Cutting Power – bevels up to 50 degrees
• Special Features – cordless V20 system, tool-free bevel system, metallic shoe, 3-year limited warranty
• Accessories-  lithium-ion battery, fast charger, 18 teeth saw blade, hex wrench

The Craftsman CMCS500M1 is a cordless circular saw that’s a part of the Craftsman’s V20 cordless power tool system. This saw is great for ripping and crosscutting twice the material depth. The motor is very efficient at 4200 RPM for fast and smooth cutting. 

This saw offers tool-free bevel adjustments as the shoe can pivot up to 50 degrees. It comes with an all-metal shoe making the saw very durable. You’ll also get more value out of your money with its 3-year limited warranty. 

Pros

• This circular saw works great for cutting and ripping through materials twice the thickness. 
• This saw has a tough motor that works 4200 RPM.
• No need to use tools to adjust the bevel and depth. 
• You’ll get more value for your money with its 3-year warranty.
• The battery is included with your purchase. 

Cons   

• Complaints that the batteries won’t last long.
• Complaints with the bevel and depth adjustments. 

Bosch Bare-Tool CCS180B Circular Saw

Star Rating: 4.7 out of 5 

Best 6 1/2 –inch Cordless Circular Saw from BOSCH

Product Features

• This is a precise BOSCH circular saw that can eat through 2-inch materials.
• With balanced power at 3600 RPM.
• Very light saw weighing at 6.6 pounds.

Product Specs

• Dimensions –  7 pounds
• Power/Motor –  18V lithium-ion battery 3900 RPM
• Blade Size – 6 ½ inches
• Cutting Power – 5/8 – inch arbor size
• Special Features – easy beveling and depth adjustments, compact, lightweight
• Accessories- none

The BOSCH CCS180B is a lithium-ion-powered circular saw that can cut through thick 2-inch materials at 90 degrees and 1 9/16-inch at 50 degrees. It is a compact and balanced saw with 3900 RPM at zero loads and weighs less than 7 pounds. This is one of the lightest cordless circular power saws. 

The CCS180B has a left-blade design which provides an improved view of the cut of line. You’ll also have a fully-adjustable bevel and depth features. This makes the saw more accurate to cut different materials.

This BOSCH circular saw has a durable aluminum alloy foot plus upper guard. It also comes with a powerful motor to protect the saw from overheating and from circuit overloads especially when working on tough projects. 

Pros

• Can cut deeper and faster up to twice the material. 
• This is a durable saw with an aluminum foot and upper guard. 
• This is very convenient for people who prefer a left-blade saw design.
• One of the lightest circular saws at 7 pounds. 

Cons   

• Complaints that the saw could use more power. 
• Does not come with a saw blade.
• Does not come with a bag or carrying case.

Metabo C18DBALQ4 HPT Cordless Circular Saw

Star Rating: 4.7 out of 5

Best Brushless Motor Cordless Circular Saw from Metabo HPT

Product Feature

• This cordless circular saw has adjustable cutting depths and bevel angles. 
• Is comfortable and easy to use with balanced power. 
• With a brushless motor for improved tool lifespan.

Product Specs

• Dimensions – 11.5 x 9.5 x 9 inches, 8 pounds
• Power/Motor –  lithium-ion battery, 4100 RPM
• Blade Size – 6 ½ inches
• Cutting Power – 2 19/32 inches cutting depth, bevels from -5 to 45 degrees
• Special Features – lightweight, easy beveling and depth adjustments, soft start, electric brake, brushless motor
• Accessories-  24 teeth saw blade, rip guide, hex bar wrench at two sizes

The Metabo HPT cordless circular saw is one of the lightest weighing only 6.8 pounds with 4100 no-load speeds. This saw can bevel with ease from -5 to 45 degrees to cut at an angle and for back cutting. 

It’s a safe multi-purpose saw with an electric brake and a soft start to improve productivity and reduce material wastage. This comes with a brushless motor making it lighter and more powerful. The saw’s battery is compatible with all of Metabo HPT’s 18 to 36V MultiVolt power tools. 

Pros

• With a deeper cutting depth.
• This is a lightweight saw of fewer than 7 pounds.
• Can bevel more efficiently.
• With a soft start and electric brake to improve productivity and safety.

Cons   

• Battery power is not as reliable.
• Complaints that it’s only good for small and thin materials such as plywood.

Buyer’s Guide

How to properly care for and maintain your cordless circular saw?

Always check your power source for any problems before and after use. 

Check the battery for any leaks, cracks, and moving parts. Watch out for anything which can become an electric hazard. Always use the right battery for your saw. If your battery is not charging correctly or eats up more power than usual, consider changing it or trying another charging dock or charging port. 

Check the saw’s moving parts and blades.

A circular saw has a lot of moving components. A part of maintaining a power saw is checking all the moving parts and ensuring that these are tight and ready to work. For instance, the trigger switch should not be loose, the shoe must be firmly in place while the front clamp screw must be tight. 

The saw blade must be correctly installed and the bolt or clamp that secures the blade must be tight. Use the correct tool to loosen and tighten the blade bolt or clamp. 

Check the saw’s housing.

The saw has a shroud or housing that helps keep the tool safe. You should check for cracks or any moving screws. These components are very fragile and any moving parts may snag your hand and cause severe injuries. 

Check the saw’s handle.

The auxiliary handle or the one that supports your hand; can help you handle the tool as you make all kinds of cuts. Because of the saw’s vibrations and rough movement, the screw that attaches this handle to the saw body can loosen. So check if the handle moves when you use or pull on it. Give it a shake and if it stays firmly in place then you don’t need to tighten it. 

Consider the air vents and dust port.

The vents and ports must be open, free from dust and any obstructions. Inspect these regularly as partially or fully covered ducts can cause the tool to overheat or to short. To clean these, use a vacuum to remove or compressed dry air. 

Check the lower guard and levers

The lower guard must move correctly as this protects the operator from the saw blade. To test this, raise the saw’s lower guard but it must not touch other parts of the saw-like the blade. If there is an obstruction, the lower guard may not be able to protect the user. Test this on all the possible angles and depths.

FAQ

Here are the most frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers about buying and using a cordless circular saw

Do you need a cordless circular saw?

A cordless circular saw can cut plywood as well as other cuts of wood and types of wood quickly and more efficiently compared to other types of circular saw. 

Which is the biggest cordless circular saw?

The biggest capacity cordless circular saw is the Makita XSH10 with a 9 ¼-inch blade which can cut 3 times the material in one pass. This is important for contractors and builders who are allowed to use 3x engineered lumber for their projects. 

What is the difference between a worm drive saw and a circular saw?

A circular saw has a 6000 or higher RPM compared to worm drive circular saws with not more than 4500 RPM. Worm drive saws are considered more durable and more powerful as their blades have larger teeth. 

Conclusion

From our top 8 best cordless circular saw list, we recommend the Black+Decker BDCCS20B a 20V cordless circular saw. It is a high-torque motor saw with a 5 ½-inch saw blade that cuts a variety of materials quickly and more efficiently. The BDCCS20B cordless circular saw is easy to adjust, easy to take anywhere, and weighs only 6 pounds. There may be some drawbacks to using the Black+Decker BDCCS20B cordless circular saw but overall, this could be the power saw you’re looking for.