10 Best Cordless Circular Saw

The Makita DHS680Z cordless circular saw is a reliable and portable tool designed for wood cutting. It uses an 18V battery (not included), which is common for many cordless tools, making it a good fit if you already have Makita 18V batteries. The 165mm (about 6.5 inches) blade size suits most DIY or light professional jobs, offering decent cutting capacity, though it may be limiting for very thick materials.

Weighing 3.3 kg, this saw is relatively lightweight, enhancing ease of handling and reducing fatigue during extended use. It features a brushless motor for better efficiency and longer tool life. The ergonomic design includes a comfortable handle made from durable plastics and aluminum parts. It runs at 5,000 RPM, providing good cutting speed. However, it does not include a battery or charger, so these need to be purchased separately if you do not already own compatible Makita batteries.

This saw is especially suitable for users seeking a lightweight, cordless tool for general wood cutting who already have or intend to invest in Makita 18V batteries.

The Bosch GKS18V-22LN is a lightweight and compact cordless circular saw with a 6.5-inch blade, making it suitable for woodworking tasks that require precision and portability. Powered by an 18V brushless motor, it offers solid runtime and up to 5,000 RPM, providing efficient and consistent cutting power for most wood projects. Its blade-left design allows for better cut line visibility when held in the right hand, which is helpful for accuracy.

Weighing just about 6.1 lbs without the battery, the saw is easy to handle and control, aided further by an auxiliary handle that supports use with either hand. It features convenient depth adjustment gauges visible from both sides and a 50-degree bevel range with preset angles, allowing versatile angled cuts. Safety is addressed with an electronic brake that quickly stops the blade, reducing downtime and increasing safety during use. The built-in LED light improves visibility of the cutting line in dim conditions.

The saw is sold as a bare tool, so users need to have or buy an 18V Bosch battery separately, which might add to the overall cost. This model is well suited for woodworkers or DIY enthusiasts looking for a reliable and easy-to-maneuver saw for everyday cordless cutting tasks, especially where portability and cut line visibility are important.

The Milwaukee M18FCS5520 is a solid choice if you're looking for a cordless circular saw that balances power and portability. It uses an 18V battery compatible with Milwaukee's M18 FUEL platform, which means if you have other tools from this line, the battery can be shared, saving you money and hassle. The 6.5-inch blade is a bit smaller than the more common 7-1/4 inch blades, but it still offers a decent cutting depth of up to 57mm (around 2-1/4 inches) at 90 degrees, and 40mm (1-9/16 inches) at a 45-degree bevel. This makes it suitable for many everyday woodworking tasks and engineered wood projects, although it might struggle with very thick lumber or heavy-duty framing work.

It features a brushless motor, which means it is more efficient and durable, providing better run time and longer tool life. Weighing about 3.76 kg, it’s on the heavier side compared to some other cordless saws, so you might notice some arm fatigue during extended use. Ergonomically, it has a plastic handle and includes a cut line blower and LED light, both useful features for keeping your cut line clear and improving visibility in low light.

This saw fits well for DIY enthusiasts and professionals who already use Milwaukee’s M18 batteries and want a reliable, moderately powerful cordless saw for general cutting jobs. However, if you need deeper cuts or lighter weight for long periods, you might want to consider other options.