overall
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Circular Saw Kit (DCS590WW1)
9.4
Check price on Amazon → Compare the 10 best circular saws of 2026, including cordless, corded, worm-drive and compact picks for framing, ripping and everyday cuts.
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For most buyers the best circular saw in 2026 is the DEWALT 20V MAX XR DCS590WW1 kit, a brushless 7-1/4 inch sidewinder that ships with a battery and charger and delivers up to 368 cuts per charge with none of a cord to manage. Already own M18 batteries and want more raw cutting speed? The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4 inch bare tool pushes up to 750 cuts per charge with a 2-5/8 inch cut capacity that rivals corded saws. Framers who want a rear-handle worm-drive feel without the cord should look at the Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt or the SKILSAW SPT77WML-01, a genuine lightweight worm-drive saw built for ripping. On a budget, the Metabo HPT C7SB3 corded kit and SKIL 5280-01 with its laser guide both deliver honest corded power for very little money. Need something small enough for one-handed cuts, tight cabinetry or trim work? The Seesii Mini 4-1/2 inch saw is built exactly for that. Below we compare all 10 on power source, blade size, motor type and which jobs each one actually suits.
| # | Product | Best for | Type | Size | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Circular Saw Kit (DCS590WW1) | overall | Cordless | 7-1/4" | Ready-to-use kit | Check Price |
| 2 | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw (Bare Tool) | high-power cordless | Cordless | 7-1/4" | M18 battery owners | Check Price |
| 3 | Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Rear Handle Circular Saw (C3607DWA) | premium cordless rear handle | Cordless | 7-1/4" | Framing and ripping | Check Price |
| 4 | SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 Lightweight Worm Drive Circular Saw | worm drive | Corded | 7-1/4" | Heavy ripping | Check Price |
| 5 | Makita XSH03Z 18V LXT Brushless Circular Saw | brushless efficiency | Cordless | 6-1/2" | Longer runtime | Check Price |
| 6 | RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Circular Saw | value cordless | Cordless | 7-1/4" | Budget cordless value | Check Price |
| 7 | Metabo HPT C7SB3 Circular Saw Kit | corded budget | Corded | 7-1/4" | Award-winning budget pick | Check Price |
| 8 | CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Circular Saw (CMCS500B) | beginners | Cordless | 6-1/2" | First-time buyers | Check Price |
| 9 | SKIL 5280-01 Circular Saw with Laser Guide | budget corded with laser | Corded | 7-1/4" | Straight-line accuracy | Check Price |
| 10 | Seesii Mini Circular Saw with Laser Guide | compact/mini | Corded | 4-1/2" | Tight spaces, one-handed cuts | Check Price |
Why we picked it: The DEWALT DCS590WW1 is the circular saw most people should buy first in 2026. It pairs a brushless motor rated at up to 1,700 MWO with a no-load speed of up to 5,500 RPM, enough to push through framing lumber, plywood and OSB without bogging down, and DEWALT rates it for up to 368 cuts per charge so a single battery covers a genuinely full work session. Because it ships as a complete kit with a battery and charger rather than a bare tool, it is the simplest way into a cordless 7-1/4 inch saw if you are not already invested in the 20V MAX platform. The maximum depth of cut is 2-9/16 inches at 90 degrees and 2 inches at 45 degrees, which covers standard 2x framing material at any common bevel angle. For a shop, garage or jobsite that needs one dependable circular saw with nothing extra to buy, this is the saw with the fewest compromises.
Anyone who wants one reliable cordless 7-1/4 inch saw and does not already own 20V MAX batteries.
Buyers already invested in the M18, LXT or MultiVolt battery ecosystems who would rather buy a bare tool on their existing platform.
Key specs: Brushless motor - up to 5,500 RPM - up to 1,700 MWO - up to 368 cuts per charge - 2-9/16" depth of cut - includes battery and charger
Why we picked it: The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 7-1/4 inch circular saw is the pick for anyone who wants cordless cutting speed that genuinely competes with corded saws rather than feeling like a compromise. Its POWERSTATE brushless motor is paired with REDLINK PLUS intelligence, which protects the tool from overloads, excess heat and over-discharge while still allowing aggressive cutting, and with the M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE HD12.0 battery Milwaukee rates it for up to 750 cuts per charge, well ahead of most cordless saws in this class. The 2-5/8 inch cut capacity is rated to cut through 3x material in a single pass, which matters for anyone working with thick dimensional lumber or doubled-up framing. Because it sells as a bare tool, it is the smarter buy for anyone already running M18 drills, impact drivers or other M18 FUEL tools, since no money goes toward a battery and charger you already own.
M18 battery owners who want cordless cutting speed and capacity that rivals a corded 7-1/4 inch saw.
Buyers with no existing M18 batteries who do not want the added cost of batteries and a charger on top of the tool.
Key specs: POWERSTATE brushless motor - REDLINK PLUS - up to 750 cuts per charge - 2-5/8" cut capacity - bare tool, requires M18 battery
Why we picked it: The Metabo HPT C3607DWA brings the rear-handle, worm-drive-style ergonomics that framers prefer for ripping to a fully cordless 36V platform. The brushless motor delivers a no-load speed of 5,100 RPM while staying lightweight and easy to maneuver, and Metabo HPT rates the saw for up to 500 2x4 cuts per charge on its 36V MultiVolt battery, with a cutting capacity of up to 5 layers of half-inch or 4 layers of 5/8 inch OSB and plywood in a single pass. The bevel adjusts to a full 53 degrees with positive stops at 0, 45 and 53 degrees for repeatable angled cuts, and the electric brake stops the blade quickly once the trigger is released. The clear sight lines along the blade make it easier to track a cut line without leaning over the saw. For anyone who wants the rip-focused feel of a rear-handle saw without a cord, this is the standout option.
Framers and remodelers who prefer a rear-handle, worm-drive-style grip for ripping and want that feel without a cord.
Buyers who only need occasional cuts and do not want to invest in the 36V MultiVolt battery platform.
Key specs: 36V MultiVolt brushless motor - 5,100 RPM - up to 500 2x4 cuts per charge - 53 degree bevel - electric brake - rear handle
Why we picked it: The SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 is a genuine worm-drive saw built for framers who rip sheet goods and dimensional lumber all day and want the torque and low-speed grinding power that a worm-drive gearbox provides over a standard sidewinder motor. The 15 amp motor is engineered to keep pushing through resistant cuts rather than bogging down, and the 53 degree bevel capacity covers virtually any angled framing cut a jobsite requires. SKILSAW built this generation to be noticeably lighter than older worm-drive saws, which matters over a full day of overhead or repetitive cutting, without giving up the classic rear-handle worm-drive control that veteran framers specifically look for. Being corded, it also never needs a battery swap mid-cut, which matters on long ripping runs through thick material.
Framers and remodelers who rip sheet goods and dimensional lumber daily and want true worm-drive torque and control.
Buyers who need cordless portability or who only make occasional light cuts and do not need worm-drive power.
Key specs: 15 Amp worm-drive motor - 53 degree bevel - lightweight build - corded - 7-1/4" blade
Why we picked it: The Makita XSH03Z is built around Makita's BL brushless motor, which is electronically controlled to match power delivery to the cut rather than drawing a fixed amount of current regardless of load, and Makita states this extends runtime by up to 50 percent per charge compared with a brushed motor of similar size. The motor spins the 6-1/2 inch blade at up to 5,000 RPM for fast, clean cutting and ripping, and removing carbon brushes from the design also removes the most common wear part in a saw motor, meaning less maintenance and cooler running over the tool's life. Running on Makita's widely used 18V LXT platform, it is a low-friction addition for anyone already using LXT drills, impact drivers or other tools, since it shares the same batteries and charger.
Makita LXT battery owners who want an efficient brushless saw with minimal maintenance and strong runtime.
Buyers with no existing Makita LXT batteries, or anyone who specifically needs a full 7-1/4 inch blade depth.
Key specs: BL brushless motor - up to 5,000 RPM - up to 50% longer runtime - 18V LXT platform - 6-1/2" blade - tool-only
Why we picked it: The RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V circular saw is the value pick for anyone who wants a full-size 7-1/4 inch cordless saw without paying premium-brand pricing. Its brushless motor delivers 5,000 RPM and up to 370 cuts per charge, figures that are competitive with saws costing considerably more, and the maximum cutting depth of 2-9/16 inches at 0 degrees and 1-13/16 inches at 45 degrees covers standard framing and sheet-good cutting. Multiple bevel detents at 0, 15, 22.5, 30, 45 and 56 degrees make repeatable angled cuts fast to dial in without a separate angle finder. A built-in LED worklight illuminates the cut line in dim garages or job trailers, and the integrated vacuum dust port adapter connects to a shop vac for cleaner cutting indoors. For anyone already on the RYOBI ONE+ platform, it is an easy, inexpensive way to add a full-size cordless saw.
RYOBI ONE+ battery owners who want an affordable full-size cordless circular saw with useful built-in features.
Professionals who need pro-tier battery runtime and accessory ecosystems beyond the ONE+ platform.
Key specs: 18V brushless motor - 5,000 RPM - up to 370 cuts per charge - 2-9/16" depth of cut - LED worklight - dust port
Why we picked it: The Metabo HPT C7SB3 is a corded 7-1/4 inch saw that punches well above its price. The 15 amp motor produces 6,000 no-load RPM for smooth, faster, burn-free cuts through framing lumber and sheet goods, and Pro Tool Reviews named it the Best Corded Budget Circular Saw for Pros in 2020, a rare accolade for a saw at this price point. It ships as a complete kit with a 24-tooth premium framing and ripping blade, a carrying bag and a hex bar wrench, so there is nothing extra to buy before the first cut. An integrated dust blower keeps the cut line visible, single-handed bevel adjustment speeds up angle changes, and at just 9.5 pounds it is noticeably easier to handle over a long day than heavier corded saws. For a budget-focused buyer who still wants pro-tested performance, this is the strongest corded pick here.
Budget-focused buyers who still want a pro-recognized, well-reviewed corded saw with everything included.
Buyers who specifically need cordless portability for jobsites without easy outlet access.
Key specs: 15 Amp motor - 6,000 RPM - includes blade, bag and wrench - dust blower - 9.5 lbs - corded
Why we picked it: The CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCS500B is an approachable, easy-to-handle circular saw that is a sensible starting point for anyone new to cutting their own lumber. It accepts 6-1/2 inch blades for cross-cutting or ripping 2x material, and its motor runs at 4,200 RPM, enough for aggressive, fast cuts through common home-project materials without feeling intimidating to a first-time user. The tool-free beveling shoe pivots up to 50 degrees, so angled cuts do not require a wrench or separate tool to set up, and the metal shoe adds durability that plastic-shoe budget saws typically lack. The compact and lightweight design, combined with a contoured overmolded handle, keeps the saw comfortable to control for users still building confidence with a circular saw, and it is backed by a 3-year limited warranty.
First-time buyers or occasional DIYers who want an easy-to-control saw with tool-free bevel adjustment.
Frequent users or professionals who need higher RPM and heavier-duty daily performance.
Key specs: V20 cordless system - 4,200 RPM - tool-free 50 degree bevel - metal shoe - 6-1/2" blade - bare tool
Why we picked it: The SKIL 5280-01 pairs an honest 15 amp corded motor with a single-beam laser guide, a feature usually reserved for pricier saws, that projects a visible line ahead of the blade to help keep freehand cuts straight without constantly checking a pencil line. The motor delivers 5,300 RPM for solid cutting speed through plywood and dimensional lumber, and it ships with a 7-1/4 inch carbide-tipped blade already installed so there is no separate blade purchase needed to start cutting. A spindle lock makes future blade changes straightforward with a single wrench, and the 51 degree bevel capacity with a positive stop at 45 degrees covers the angles most home and light trade projects call for. At its price, it is one of the more feature-rich corded saws available.
Budget buyers who want a laser guide for straighter freehand cuts on a genuinely capable corded saw.
Buyers who need cordless portability or who never use a laser guide and would rather save the extra cost.
Key specs: 15 Amp motor - 5,300 RPM - laser guide - carbide-tipped blade included - spindle lock - 51 degree bevel
Why we picked it: The Seesii Mini Circular Saw shrinks the circular saw down to a size that genuinely works one-handed, which matters for cabinetry, trim, small furniture builds and any project where a full-size 7-1/4 inch saw is simply too bulky to control precisely. Its 4.8 amp motor spins a 4-1/2 inch blade at up to 4,000 RPM, a 20 percent efficiency gain over typical mini saws according to the manufacturer, and it ships with three interchangeable blades, TCT, HSS and diamond, so the same tool can cut wood, soft metal, tile and plastic without buying separate blades for every material. The depth adjusts up to 1-11/16 inches at 90 degrees and the bevel goes to 45 degrees for a maximum depth of 1-1/8 inches. A laser guide and rip guide assist with straight cuts, and a double-switch design requiring both the power switch and a safety lock to be pressed together reduces accidental starts. At about half the weight of a standard 7-1/4 inch saw, it is easy for anyone to lift and control with one hand.
DIYers and hobbyists doing small furniture, trim, cabinetry or multi-material cuts who want one-handed control.
Buyers doing framing or deep ripping who need the depth capacity of a full-size 7-1/4 inch saw.
Key specs: 4.8 Amp motor - 4,000 RPM - 3 interchangeable blades - laser and rip guide - double-switch safety - 4-1/2" blade
A cordless saw like the DEWALT DCS590WW1 or Milwaukee M18 FUEL is the better choice if you need to work away from an outlet, on a roof, scaffolding, or a job site without easy power access, and modern brushless cordless motors now deliver cutting speed and capacity close to comparable corded saws. A corded saw like the Metabo HPT C7SB3 or SKIL 5280-01 remains the simpler, typically cheaper option if you mostly work near a power source and do not want to manage battery charging between cuts. If you already own batteries on a platform like M18, LXT, ONE+ or V20, buying a bare-tool cordless saw on that same platform is usually the most cost-effective route.
A worm-drive saw, like the SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 or the rear-handle Metabo HPT MultiVolt, uses a gearbox that positions the motor behind the blade and trades top-end speed for more torque, which is why framers who rip thick lumber and sheet goods all day prefer that low-speed grinding power. A sidewinder saw, which describes most of the other saws in this guide, mounts the motor directly beside the blade, keeping the tool lighter, more compact and generally easier to control for everyday framing, trim and general cutting. Most homeowners and general contractors are better served by a sidewinder; dedicated framers doing heavy daily ripping should consider a worm drive.
A 7-1/4 inch blade is the standard size and the right default choice for cutting standard 2x framing lumber, plywood and OSB at both 90 and 45 degree bevels, and most of the saws in this guide use that size. A 6-1/2 inch blade, like on the Makita XSH03Z or CRAFTSMAN V20, cuts slightly shallower but keeps the saw lighter for cordless use and general home projects. A compact 4-1/2 inch blade, like on the Seesii Mini, sacrifices cutting depth in exchange for true one-handed control on small, detailed or multi-material cuts where a full-size saw is too bulky to control precisely.
A laser guide, like the single-beam laser on the SKIL 5280-01 or the guide included with the Seesii Mini, projects a visible line ahead of the blade that helps keep freehand cuts straight without constantly glancing down at a pencil line, which is genuinely useful for anyone making a lot of unguided rip or crosscut lines. It is not a substitute for a proper straightedge or guide rail on cuts that require precise, repeatable accuracy, and the laser can wash out in bright outdoor light or need periodic battery replacement. Think of it as a helpful aid for everyday freehand cutting rather than a precision tool.
For corded saws, look for at least a 13 to 15 amp motor, which is the range used by every corded saw in this guide and is sufficient for standard framing, ripping and sheet-good cutting. For cordless saws, focus less on amps and more on whether the motor is brushless, since brushless motors like those in the DEWALT, Milwaukee, Makita and RYOBI models deliver more usable torque and cuts per charge than a similarly rated brushed motor. RPM in the 4,000 to 6,000 range covers virtually every wood-cutting task; higher RPM saws like the Metabo HPT C7SB3 at 6,000 RPM tend to produce smoother, less burnt cuts in dense material.
A cordless saw like the DEWALT DCS590WW1, Milwaukee M18 FUEL or Metabo HPT MultiVolt gives you freedom from a cord and extension lead, which matters on rooftops, scaffolding or job sites without easy outlet access, and modern brushless motors have closed most of the power gap with corded saws. A corded saw like the SKILSAW worm drive, Metabo HPT C7SB3 or SKIL 5280-01 gives unlimited runtime and typically a lower price for the same cutting power, since you are not paying for a battery and charger. If you already own batteries on a given platform, cordless is the easy choice; if you work mostly near an outlet or want the lowest cost per saw, corded remains the simpler option.
A worm-drive saw like the SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 or the rear-handle Metabo HPT MultiVolt uses a gearbox that trades top-end RPM for more torque at the blade, which is why framers who rip sheet goods and dimensional lumber all day prefer that grinding, low-speed power for tough cuts. A sidewinder saw like the DEWALT, Milwaukee or Makita mounts the motor directly beside the blade, making it lighter, more compact and easier to control for general framing, trim and everyday cutting. Most homeowners and general contractors are better served by a sidewinder; dedicated framers ripping thick material daily should look at a worm drive.
A 7-1/4 inch blade, found on most saws in this guide, is the standard size for cutting standard 2x framing lumber at both 90 and 45 degrees, and it is the size to default to unless you have a specific reason to size down. A 6-1/2 inch blade, like on the Makita XSH03Z or CRAFTSMAN V20, cuts slightly shallower but keeps the saw lighter and more compact, which suits lighter cordless use and general home projects. A 4-1/2 inch mini blade, like on the Seesii, sacrifices depth entirely in exchange for true one-handed control on small, detailed or multi-material cuts where a full-size saw is simply too large.
If you already own batteries on a specific cordless platform, the smartest buy is almost always a bare tool on that same platform rather than a new kit, since you save the cost of a redundant battery and charger. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL, Makita XSH03Z, RYOBI ONE+ HP and CRAFTSMAN V20 are all sold as bare tools for exactly this reason. If you are starting from zero with no existing batteries, a complete kit like the DEWALT DCS590WW1 or Metabo HPT MultiVolt is the more practical first purchase since it includes everything needed to start cutting immediately.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Brushless motor | Removes wearing carbon brushes for cooler running, less maintenance and longer runtime per battery charge on cordless saws. |
| Depth and bevel adjustment | Maximum depth of cut and bevel range determine what material thickness and angles the saw can handle in a single pass. |
| Worm-drive vs sidewinder gearing | Worm-drive saws trade RPM for torque on heavy ripping; sidewinder saws stay lighter and faster for general cutting. |
| Battery platform compatibility | Buying a bare tool on a battery platform you already own saves money over a full kit with a redundant battery and charger. |
| Laser or rip guide | A projected laser line or physical rip guide helps keep freehand cuts straight without constantly checking a marked line. |
Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.
| Criterion | What we check | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core performance | The numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists. | High |
| Build & reliability | Materials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints. | High |
| Real-world usability | Weight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements. | Medium |
| Running cost | Ongoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category. | Medium |
| Owner feedback | Patterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing. | Medium |
| Value | What you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment. | Medium |
Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.
Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.
We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.
How this was written: our guides are researched and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy.