As the more maneuverable handheld cousin of the table saw, circular saws make light work of cutting through a variety of materials including wood, masonry, plastic, and metal, with the added benefit of also being more easily transportable.
First invented towards the end of the 18th century as a means to cut lumber, the circular saw has come a long way, with modern varieties boasting infinitely more power and stronger, sharper blades meaning that they now make light work of cutting tougher materials.
In addition to being more powerful than ever, some circular saws are now also entirely cordless. Being battery powered removes the cumbersome tie of a lengthy wire making them easier than corded circular saws to transport and work with on a number of applications.
And advances in battery technology combined with more efficient brushless motors mean cordless circular saws now have a great battery life and can be almost as powerful as corded saws.
Whether you’re working on a commercial or domestic project, looking to replace an existing corded saw or purchasing one for the first time, it’s vital that you have a powerful tool that you can rely on.
There are many cordless circular saws on the market, so to help you choose the best cordless circular saw for you we’ve compiled this list of the best 5 cordless saws from all the saws available – so which make the cut?
1. Makita XSH03Z
Makita is widely considered one of the innovation leaders when it comes to wireless power tool technology and is a world-renowned brand which is why the Makita XSH03Z cordless circular saw is our top-rated cordless circular saw.
Mighty Makita
The Makita XSH03Z 18V LXT® Lithium‑Ion Brushless 6‑1/2″ Cordless Circular Saw is a part of Makita’s growing range of 18V Lithium-Ion power tools and combines both superior power and long battery life for improved productivity and efficiency.
Weighing in at 7.3lbs with the battery inserted this cordless circular saw is one of the heavier cordless saws but is still lightweight and ergonomic enough to help reduce operator fatigue and at just over 13 inches long, the saw fits neatly into even the smallest of tool storage spaces.
With no cord in sight, the Makita XSH03Z cordless model is known to make light work of complex angles in which a cord would get in the way if you were using a corded circular saw. It is particularly popular with tradespeople who transport their tools on a daily basis to and from their place of work.
Brushless And Dustless
The Makita XSH03Z’s brushless motor delivers 5000 RPM making light work of ripping and cutting timber and with the option to purchase an additional dust collection port there’s no need to spend hours cleaning up the mess either.
The Makita XSh03Z may not be the cheapest cordless circular saw on this list but it’s one of the best cordless circular saws on the market, so for a durable tool that’s built to last it’s definitely one to consider investing in.
- Powerful Makita-built electronically controlled BL Motor delivers 5,000 RPM for faster cutting and ripping
- Automatic Speed Change technology adjusts cutting speed and torque during cut for optimum performance
- The BL Brushless Motor eliminates carbon brushes, enabling the BL Motor to run cooler and more efficiently for longer life
- Efficient BL Brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for up to 50% longer run time per charge
- The electronically-controlled BL Brushless Motor efficiently uses energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application
2. Milwaukee M18 2630-20
Safe And Solid
The electric brake stops the saw’s cutting blade instantly at the end of each cut, so there’s no need to wait around while the blades finish spinning.
As well as blade guards, electric brakes are an important safety feature in cordless circular saws to prevent accidental injury.
With a lightweight magnesium blade guard at both the top and bottom of the blade, the Milwaukee M18 2630-20 has been described by users as feeling ‘indestructible’ and is protected from significant bangs and knocks as well as drops from several feet.
Despite its modest price tag, this cordless circular saw can still deliver the power it promises and with 3500 rpm it has the cutting power to slice through timber like butter.
The soft-grip handle, 8.5lb weight and small size of this saw make it effortlessly transportable and with just a 1 hour charge time this powerful tool can be up and ready to go by the time you’ve had your coffee break. As another more pricey battery-powered circular saw on our list, this saw makes a great investment for both domestic and commercial builders and is built to last.
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3. Porter-Cable PCC660B
Up next is one of the more affordable cordless circular saws on this list, the Porter-Cable PCC660B 20V 6-1/2-inch cordless circular saw offering the functionality of some of the leading manufacturers at just a fraction of the cost.
No Cable Porter Cable
Offering 4000 RPM this saw may be affordable but that doesn’t mean it’s not mighty and it can make light work of a number of applications.
The Porter-Cable PCC660B’s 6.5inch carbide-tipped blade delivers a 2-⅛ inch maximum cutting depth and can accommodate some of the more non-traditional cutting applications thanks to its bevelling shoes that can pivot up to 50 degrees.
Lightweight
Weighing just 6.5lb thanks to its plastic housing, the saw is lightweight enough and easy to use for even the most inexperienced saw user, making it perfect for domestic around-the-house projects as well as long-distance commercial projects.
Around The Home
Although some have said that the Porter-Cable PCC660B is noticeably less powerful than other cordless circular saws it is still highly rated by domestic users and packs more than enough punch for the vast majority of timber jobs found around the house.
- High-performance motor of DEWALT 7 1/4 circular saw delivers 4000 RPM's for aggressive cutting
- 6-1/2-inch carbide tooth blade of the cordless circular saw delivers a 2-1/8' cutting capacity for a variety of cutting applications
- Beveling shoe of the compact circular saw piviots up to 50 degrees for non-traditional cutting applications
- Contoured Overmolded Handle optimized for increased comfort
- 6.5lbs Compact Saw helps reduce jobsite fatigue
4. Black + Decker BDCCS20C
In at number four on our list of cordless circular saws we have the Black + Decker, 20V MAX 5-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw with its powerful high torque motor and striking black and orange design.
Affordable Cordless
Another of the more affordable cordless circular saws on our list, this circular saw also comes with its battery included and is compatible with the entire Black + Decker 20V max system, making it a great item to add to your existing Black + Decker cordless tools collection.
Although not the most powerful cordless circular saw, being a little less powerful than some of the cordless circular saws on offer such as those from Makita and Milwaukee, the BDCCS20C has more than enough power to make light work of most domestic jobs and its adjustable bevel with detents at both 45 and 90 degrees makes it easy to achieve accurate bevel cuts with this circular saw.
Small and Lightweight
The 5.5-inch fast running saw blade can cut easily through most domestic lumber jobs and its small size and lightweight design make it easy to use, transport and store.
With great features and a very affordable price tag, the Black + Decker BDCCS20C is the best cordless circular saw if you are looking for an affordable cordless circular saw.
- VERSATILE 5-1/2 IN. BLADE – Fast-cutting blade is ideal for a range of DIY tasks.
- VARIABLE-SPEED TRIGGER – For enhanced control over every job.
- ANGLED CUTS – Bevel detents at 45 and 90 degrees for angled cuts.
- TOOL-FREE DEPTH ADJUSTMENT – For quick and easy adjustments without extra tools.
- TOOL-FREE BLADE CHANGE – Swap out the blade without extra tools.
5. DEWALT DCS570B
Last but not least is the DEWALT DCS570B, which already gets a lot of attention for its brilliant design.
Compact and Portable
There’s a compactness to this circular saw that makes it easy for you to store in your home workshop, garage, or even under the front seat in your car.
It weighs 7.5 lbs as well, so you know this is one of the best cordless circular saws for portability! Even compared to most cordless models.
Constant RPM
This product comes with a brushless motor that gives the saw an impressive 5500rpm while cutting. But, what makes this different from a lot of other saws is that it maintains this rpm while under load.
Essentially, this means you get a beautiful smooth cutting sensation and accurate cuts whenever you saw through materials.
Cutting Depth and Angle
The blade is 7 ¼ inches with an impressive cutting depth of 2-9/16 inches. There’s also a bevel capacity of up to 57 degrees bevel angle that allows for more versatility and means you can rotate and angle the saw to make different cuts.
The design of the saw makes it so easy for you to hold and use. The handle feels comfortable in your hand, and there’s a brake to help you control the power of the saw while you use it. Overall, this makes you feel as though you have more control over everything you do.
2oV Power
Interestingly, the battery for this cordless circular saw comes separately. But, it’s part of the DEWALT 20V MAX range, which means you get to choose any batteries from this range to fit the saw.
As for the battery life, the manufacturer claims you can get 100 crosscuts out of it in one use.
Again, the blade is made for cutting wood, and it will be great for both beginners and professionals alike.
- Power - Brushless motor of DEWALT 7 1/4 circular saw provides 5500RPM maintaining speed under load
- Runtime - The cordless circular saw provides 330 crosscuts in 2x4 (pine)
- Capacity - 7-1/4-inch blade of the compact circular saw provides 2-9/16-inch cutting capacity at 90 degrees
- Ease of Use - Bevel capacity up to 57 degrees for increased versatility
Conclusion
Budget Buy
For those on a budget wanting a new cordless circular saw, the Black + Decker BDCCS20C 20V MAX 5-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw is the best cordless circular saw for you.
With its battery coming included with the bare tool in the cost price, this saw offers the power needed to handle a variety of cutting jobs at an insanely affordable price.
The adjustable bevel with detents at 45 and 90 degrees make this tool useful to both amateur and more professional circular saw users in both domestic and commercial scenarios and because it’s compatible with the rest of the Black + Decker collection you can save money when buying multiple tools.
Best Cordless Circular Saw Overall
For those looking for the best cordless circular saw on the market then the Makita XSHO3Z 18V LXT® Lithium‑Ion Brushless 6‑1/2″ Cordless Circular Saw is hard to beat.
With its robust, professional design, a decent 6-1/2 inch blade size, super powerful motor for superior cutting power and leading brand name the Makita is definitely a cordless tool worth investing in and it will serve you well for many years to come.
Still not convinced you need a cordless circular saw? This video talks about the advantages of them over their corded counterparts:
