How to Choose the Best Circular Saw

How do you choose the best circular saw in 2025? What features and functions should the best circular saw have to fit your needs? Read our guide and make an informed choice.

The best circular sawA circular saw is a versatile and essential tool for carpenters, builders, and DIY enthusiasts alike.

A circular saw is a power tool with a rotating blade that can cut through wood, metal, plastic, and more. It’s known for its efficiency and versatility, able to make rip cuts, crosscuts, and bevel cuts with ease.

A circular saw has a blade with 24 teeth and a diameter of 190 cm that rotates at over 5000 revolutions per minute. By making a simple calculation, it is spinning at a speed of 200 kilometres per hour.

With such power you can cut any type of wood in two steps and three moves. For this reason, circular saws are the most popular tools when it comes to wood cutting.

Top 3 Recommended Best Circular Saws

-26% Evolution Power Tools R185CCS Circular Saw with TCT Multi-Material Blade, Cuts Wood,...
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AmazonNoApi Amazon.co.uk
DEWALT DCS391 Circular Saw XR 165 mm Bare Unit, 9 W, 18...
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AmazonNoApi Amazon.co.uk
Makita DSS611Z 18V Li-Ion LXT 165mm Circular Saw - Batteries and Charger...
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AmazonNoApi Amazon.co.uk
Last update was on: December 8, 2025 1:26 pm

Best Circular Saw: What to Look for

Just like any other tool on the market, circular saws are found in a variety of models.

Best circular saw angle cutThe best circular saw allows for easy adjustment and perfect visibility of the cutting blade because if you can not see where you cut, you cannot cut too precisely.

The best circular saws have alignment accessories and cutting indicators to ensure perfect operation. Below you will find the criteria by which you can evaluate the best circular saw.

Type of Circular Saw

There are two main types of circular saws: sidewinder and worm drive saws.

  • Sidewinder saws, also known as inline saws, have the motor positioned on the side of the blade. They are compact, balanced, and perfect for light to medium-duty tasks. They operate at higher speeds and are generally lighter, making them suitable for most DIY projects and carpentry work.
  • Worm drive saws have the motor positioned behind the blade, resulting in a longer, heavier saw. They deliver more torque and are adept at managing heavy-duty tasks, like cutting through dense or thick materials. These saws are more durable and provide excellent control and precision, albeit being a bit heavier.

Choosing the Right Blade

The blade is arguably the most critical part of the circular saw. It determines the quality of the cut and the types of materials you can work with. The factors to consider while choosing a blade include its size, tooth count, and material.

The size of the blade is measured in diameter. The most commonly used blade size is 7-1/4 inches, able to cut through materials up to 3 inches thick. For thicker materials, larger blades are available.

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Tooth count affects the smoothness and speed of the cut. Fewer teeth remove material quickly but leave rough edges, while more teeth cut slower but yield a smoother finish. For fine woodworking, blades with high tooth counts are preferable.

Circular saw high quality bladeThe material of the blade impacts its durability and performance. Steel blades are cheaper but dull quickly. High-speed steel (HSS) blades are harder and last longer. Carbide-tipped blades are the most durable and stay sharp for a long time, but they are pricier.

Power and Speed Considerations

The power of a circular saw is often indicated by its Amperage (Amps) or Wattage (Watts) if it’s corded, or Voltage (Volts) if it’s cordless. Higher numbers mean more power, translating to greater cutting capacity and ease of operation.

Speed, on the other hand, is measured in rotations per minute (RPM). Higher RPM indicates faster cutting speed.

However, excessive speed can cause overheating and reduce blade life, so it’s important to balance power, speed, and the material you are cutting.

Functions

The best evaluation of a circular saw is its ability to allow various types of cuts. The types of cuts you can make depend on the saw’s ability to adjust for these.

Adjustable bevel and depth settings allow you to make more precise and diverse cuts, adding to the tool’s versatility.

Other important features can be an adjustable handle or an electric brake that stops the blade when the power button is released.

A spindle or shaft lock makes it easier to change the blade by preventing the shaft from rotating. Some saws also feature laser guides or LED lights to improve visibility and accuracy.

Each feature offers increased levels of safety and versatility and varies from product to product.

Adjustments

Circular saw cutting adjustmentsOne of the most important elements of a circular saw is the possibility of adjusting the angle and depth of cutting. In this way, the circular saws are equipped with buttons or levers that allow these adjustments.

Levers are the best option, because adjustments are made quickly even during operation.

Corded vs. Cordless

The debate between corded and cordless tools is ongoing, and each has its advantages.

Corded circular saws provide consistent power, making them suitable for lengthy and heavy-duty tasks. However, the cord can restrict mobility and may require access to a power outlet.

Cordless circular saws, on the other hand, offer more freedom of movement and can be used virtually anywhere, making them handy for jobs with limited access to power.

Their power is dependent on the battery life, so it’s crucial to have spare batteries or a quick-charging system.

Ergonomics and Handling

Comfort and handling are crucial elements that should not be overlooked. The best circular saw is one that feels comfortable and balanced in your hand.

Factors like weight, grip comfort, and the overall balance of the saw contribute to its usability. If the saw is too heavy, it can lead to fatigue during prolonged use.

A well-designed handle with a comfortable grip can reduce strain and improve control.

Trying out the saw, if possible, is a good idea. Hold it in your hands, feel the grip, balance it, and check whether you can comfortably access the controls.

Service and Warranty

Choose a circular saw made by a renowned brand to benefit from the best post-sale service.

Makita Best Circular SawImagine that the chosen equipment is defective a few weeks after the purchase and the service unit fails to solve the problems in a timely manner. A well-known manufacturer with a well-established network of service units will help you faster and more efficiently than an unknown one.

Choose a circular saw with a minimum warranty of 24 months for your peace of mind. In addition, if you want to be extra cautious, you can also choose extended warranty service that can extend the warranty period for a few more years for a modest amount.

The circular saw has become very popular due to versatility and ease of use. You can easily use such a portable saw for cross cuts, canvas or deep cuts.

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All you need to know before purchasing is what type of work you want to do, and if that tool will help you get to the end of it.

Conclusion

In the end, the best circular saw is one that matches your specific needs, comfort, and budget.

Whether you’re a professional carpenter, a builder, or a DIY enthusiast, understanding these considerations will help you make an informed decision. It’s about finding the balance between cost, features, power, and comfort.

With the right circular saw, your cutting tasks will become more efficient and enjoyable.

Recommended Circular Saws

Taking into account the above criteria and recommendations, studying the current market offer and user reviews, we present you below some models of electric circular saws that offer excellent quality/price ratio.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCT NO. 1

Makita DSS611Z 18V Li-Ion LXT 165mm Circular Saw - Batteries and Charger Not Included

  • Double safety trigger
  • Removable dust nozzle
  • Depth of cut at 90 degrees 57mm
  • Depth of cut at 50 degrees 36mm
  • Depth of cut at 45 degrees 40mm
  • 1 year manufacturer warranty with a further 2 years when registered within 30 days of purchase. This guarantee does not…
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT NO. 2
-26%

Evolution Power Tools R185CCS Circular Saw with TCT Multi-Material Blade, Cuts Wood, Metal, Plastic & More, Includes Parallel…

  • Multi-material: 185 mm Japanese tungsten carbide tipped (TCT) blade included cuts wood, steel, aluminium, wood with embedded nails, plastic and…
  • Powerful: 1600 W hi-torque motor, optimised gearbox and blade system, increases motor and blade life to cut through a variety…
  • Accurate: 0 degree - 60 degree bevel and 0 - 64 mm adjustable cutting depth with ergonomic, soft grip handles…
  • Lightweight robust portable design at 4.3 kg, parallel edge guide for assisted straight line cutting, integrated vacuum port for effective…
  • Evolution R185TCT-20CS multi-purpose blade and 3 years limited warranty included (only valid if purchased in the UK)
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT NO. 3

DEWALT DCS391 Circular Saw XR 165 mm Bare Unit, 9 W, 18 V, Yellow/Black

  • 24 carbide tipped teeth provides efficient and fast run time, delivering a smooth cut finish of up to 55mm in…
  • Blade features an ultra thin kerf of 165mm designed for faster cutting
  • Keyless bevel angle and depth of cut can be adjusted with the easy to read scale
  • Intelligent trigger allowing total control over all applications
  • Lock off switch and electronic motor brake for additional control and work safety
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT NO. 4

Ryobi R18CSP-0 18V ONE+ Cordless 150mm Circular Saw (Bare Tool), Yellow

  • Ideal for making long straight cuts in timber and plastic, such as trimming timber sheets, kitchen worktops, doors and windowsills.
  • Includes a premium 150mm blade with 18 carbide-tipped teeth to provide superb performance and cut quality.
  • Featuring 0-56 degree bevelling, 10mm bore size and 4,700 rpm no load speed.
  • Cut up to 45mm in wood at 90 degrees and 32mm at 45 degrees.
  • This tool is sold as a 'Bare' Tool (without a battery or charger) but is compatible with all batteries and…
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT NO. 5
-3%
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Bosch Cordless Circular Saw UniversalCirc 18V-53 (Precise Sawing in Wood; Max. Cutting Depth 53 mm; 18 Volt System;…

  • The Universal tools from Bosch – versatile and strong with intelligent solutions for bigger projects
  • Precise cuts: Premium 160 mm Optiline saw blade with 24 carbide tipped teeth
  • For any wooden material: Increased cutting depth to 53 mm for all common DIY applications
  • POWER FOR ALL ALLIANCE: 1 BATTERY, ​10+ BRANDS, ​150+ PRODUCTS
  • Scope of supply: UniversalCirc 18V-53, 1x optiline saw blade, 1x dust angle piece, 1x parallel guide, carton packaging
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT NO. 6

Dremel Blueprint 12V Cordless Compact Circular Saw Brushless with Laser Line Guide, Guide for Bevel Cuts, 1 Multi-Material…

  • 12V Cordless Compact Circular Saw: Simple and fast sawing with brushless 12V motor; for more power, efficiency, less maintenance and…
  • Laser line guidance: Make accurate and precise cuts with the integrated laser line guidance. Class 1 laser,
  • Cut different materials: Make various types of fast cuts in different materials such as wood, laminate, non-ferrous metal and plastic.
  • Bevel cutting guide: Adjustable 45° bevel setting that allows for versatile cutting angles in addition to straight cuts.
  • 03 Years Dremel Guarantee: 2 years guarantee standard. Get 1 years extra when registering your Dremel Tool on MyDremel.
  • Dremel Blueprint System: Part of the versatile, easy-to-use DIY tool system from Dremel, designed for those who enjoy the freedom…
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT NO. 7
-25%

Enventor Circular Saw, 1400W 6000RPM Electric Circular Saws with Laser Guide, Max Cutting Depth 62mm (90°), 48mm (45°),…

  • ➤【Powerful Pure Copper Motor】Featured with a 1400W powerful pure copper motor, the circular saw provides a fast cutting speed of…
  • ➤【Adjustable Cutting Depth and Angle】ENVENTOR Electric circular saw allows you to adjust the cutting angle as needed, ranging from 0°…
  • ➤【Laser Guide and Precise Cutting】With the help of the scale ruler and integrated laser guide, circular saw can make accurate,…
  • ➤【Double Protection Switch】Double protection switch prevents accidental opening of the machine, ensuring safer cutting work. If you want to start…
  • ➤【Package Contents】1x1400W Circular Saw, 1 x 24T Blades (185mm), 1 x Wrench, 1 x Rip Guide, 2 x AAA Batteries…
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT NO. 8
-7%

Cordless Battery Circular Saw - with 2 Saw Blades, Laser Guidance, Plunge Circular Saw Cutting Depth 60 mm,…

  • Powerful & Efficient Brushless Motor: Equipped with a 1200W high-performance brushless motor, this cordless circular saw delivers a speed of…
  • Cutting Depth: This cordless circular saw features a 185mm (7-inch) premium blade. The saw ensures a cutting depth of up…
  • Adjustable Bevel Cutting: This circular saw is designed for versatility, with bevel adjustment supporting 0–45° angled cuts, enabling flexible applications…
  • Laser Guide & Safety Lock: Built with an integrated laser guide, this saw ensures accurate cutting lines, reducing errors and…
  • Compact, Lightweight & Easy to Use: Designed with user comfort in mind, this handheld mini circular saw features an ergonomic…
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