circular saw buying guide

The all-purpose saw every track-saw owner still keeps around

The saw you grab when a rail would just slow you down.

Here's how the top-reviewed 2026 circular saws compare on cutting power, weight, and blade-guard safety.

Compare the top circular saws

Quick answer: Our top pick for circular saw is the Milwaukee 2732-20 M18 FUEL 7-1/4" Circular Saw (Best Overall). If you're looking for best value, the DEWALT DCS570B 20V MAX 7-1/4" Circular Saw is a strong alternative.

A track saw handles sheet goods. A circular saw handles everything else.

Reviewed by the KerfGrove team · last updated 2026-08-29

A track saw earns its keep on long, straight rips through plywood and hardwood, but setting up a rail for a quick framing cut, a rough trim, or a cut in tight quarters usually takes longer than the cut itself. A standard circular saw stays faster and more flexible for that everyday rough-cutting work, which is why most shops that own a track saw still keep a circular saw within reach.

The main trade-off between circular saws is sustained cutting power and battery runtime versus weight and price -- higher-power, higher-voltage saws cut through thicker material without bogging down but cost more and add battery weight, while lighter compact saws trade some power for easier one-handed control.

Battery voltage and platform

18V saws suit most trim and general carpentry; 36V (dual-battery) saws add real power for thick dimensional lumber. Staying within a battery platform you already own (Milwaukee M18, DEWALT 20V/60V, Makita 18V LXT) saves buying a second charger and battery set.

Blade size and cut depth

7-1/4" blades are the standard for framing and dimensional lumber; 6-1/2" saws are lighter and more maneuverable but cut a bit shallower. Match the size to the material you cut most often.

Weight and one-handed control

Compact 6-1/2" saws are noticeably easier to control one-handed on trim work and overhead cuts, while heavier 7-1/4" saws favor stability over long, straight rip cuts on the ground.

Product Best For Price Rating
Milwaukee 2732-20 M18 FUEL 7-1/4" Circular Saw Best Overall $220 - $260 4.8/5
DEWALT DCS570B 20V MAX 7-1/4" Circular Saw Best Value $90 - $110 4.6/5
Makita XSH03Z 18V LXT 6-1/2" Circular Saw Best Compact $180 - $210 4.6/5
Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT (36V) 7-1/4" Circular Saw Best for Power $230 - $260 4.7/5
Best Overall

Milwaukee 2732-20 M18 FUEL 7-1/4" Circular Saw

4.8

A brushless 18V circular saw that sustains 5,800 RPM under load, cutting faster than a corded 15-amp saw for up to 750 cuts per charge.

  • Brushless motor sustains speed under heavy load
  • Up to 750 cuts per charge in testing
  • REDLINK PLUS overload protection
  • Tool-only -- battery and charger sold separately
Best Value

DEWALT DCS570B 20V MAX 7-1/4" Circular Saw

4.6

A 20V brushless circular saw with an electric brake, offering the highest bevel capacity (57°) in its class at the lowest price of any saw in this comparison.

  • Best price-to-performance ratio in this lineup
  • 57° bevel capacity, highest of any saw compared here
  • Electric brake stops the blade almost instantly
  • Less sustained power than the pro-grade Milwaukee
Best Compact

Makita XSH03Z 18V LXT 6-1/2" Circular Saw

4.6

A lighter 6-1/2" brushless circular saw with automatic speed-change technology, built for one-handed maneuverability on trim and finish work.

  • Noticeably lighter and easier to control one-handed
  • Automatic speed-change adjusts torque to the cut
  • Smaller blade makes tighter, more maneuverable cuts
  • Smaller 6-1/2" blade limits max cut depth
Best for Power

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

4.7

A dual-battery 36V circular saw with an electronically controlled brushless motor that matches torque and RPM to the material, built for sustained cutting in thick dimensional lumber.

  • 36V dual-battery power rivals corded saws
  • Torque and RPM auto-adjust to the material
  • Handles thick dimensional lumber without bogging down
  • Needs two batteries, adding weight and cost
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Which one should you get?

You already own a track saw and need a second saw for rough cuts

The DEWALT DCS570B covers everyday framing and rough cuts at the lowest price here, without duplicating what your track saw already does well.

You cut thick dimensional lumber regularly

The Makita XSH06Z's 36V dual-battery power holds up in thick stock better than any single-battery 18V saw in this comparison.

You do a lot of overhead or one-handed trim work

The Makita XSH03Z's lighter 6-1/2" body is easier to control one-handed than any 7-1/4" saw here.

View our top pick →