Best Cordless Circular Saws (2026)

The DCS590B is DeWalt's most powerful 20V MAX circular saw, quoting up to 1,700 MWO (maximum watts out) and 5,500 rpm no load. A brushless motor claims up to 368 cuts per charge in the maker's test. The 7-1/4 inch blade cuts 2-9/16 inches deep at 90 degrees, so it handles a 2x4 and a 4x4 in one pass.

It is a bare tool, so you must pair it with a large battery to get the best from it. Compared with the FlexVolt DCS578B it is lighter and uses the standard 20V MAX packs, but the FlexVolt has more raw power. Against the Craftsman CMCS551B it offers stronger sustained cutting.

Magnesium and metal parts keep the shoe flat over years. Check the blade guard return, clean the sawdust from the vent and use a sharp blade. Pair it with a 24 tooth framing blade for lumber and a 40 tooth blade for plywood.

The FlexVolt DCS578B claims up to 47 percent more power than its predecessor, and it uses the FlexVolt battery that switches between 20V and 60V. An electric brake stops the blade quickly after the trigger is released. Maximum bevel capacity is 57 degrees, with stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees.

It is the choice for sustained cutting in dense lumber, where the DCS590B starts to labor. It is heavier, and the FlexVolt batteries cost more. Compared with the Milwaukee M18 saw it offers a larger battery option and more rated power.

Use it for framing, decking and ripping. Keep the blade sharp and the shoe clean. FlexVolt packs can also power other DeWalt 60V tools, which helps justify their cost.

The Milwaukee M18 7-1/4 inch saw uses a brushless motor, an electric brake and magnesium upper and lower guards, which reduce weight and add durability. A rafter hook and an integrated dust port on the guard are practical touches. An LED light brightens the cut line.

Compared with the DeWalt DCS590B it is a close rival in features, and the choice usually depends on which battery platform you own. It is not as powerful as the FlexVolt DCS578B. It is a good choice for existing M18 owners who want a pro grade saw.

Keep the guards clean and check the brake. A fresh blade makes more difference than any motor spec. The rafter hook makes it easy to hang the saw on a joist between cuts.

The Craftsman CMCS551B is a brushless 7-1/4 inch saw with a maximum bevel of 56 degrees and positive stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees. The maker claims up to 75 percent more power than its brushed predecessor. An LED lights the cutting line.

It costs less than the DeWalt and Milwaukee saws, and it shares batteries with the V20 line. For homeowners cutting plywood, decking and 2x4 lumber it does the job. It is not meant for all day framing.

It is a bare tool, so plan for a 4 Ah battery. Keep the shoe clean and the blade sharp. Buying two blades, one rough and one fine, doubles what this saw can do.

The Makita XSH03Z uses a 6-1/2 inch blade, which is lighter and handier than a 7-1/4 inch saw. A brushless motor delivers 5,000 rpm, and Automatic Speed Change adjusts speed and torque during the cut. The smaller blade means less depth of cut.

Compared with the Milwaukee M18 6-1/2 inch saw it is quicker at 5,000 rpm against 3,500 rpm. It is excellent for trim, plywood and decking. For deep structural cuts a 7-1/4 inch saw is better.

It is a bare tool, and Makita LXT batteries are widely used. Keep the base plate clean and the blade guard moving freely. The smaller size makes it a good second saw to keep in the truck.

This unbranded 6-1/2 inch saw uses a 21V outer rotor brushless motor at 7,000 rpm, with cutting depths of 2-1/4 inches at 90 degrees and 1-7/16 inches at 45 degrees. It ships with two 4.0 Ah batteries and a fast charger. The LED helps show the line.

The speed is high, and the depth is modest, which fits light work in plywood and 2x lumber. Compared with the Makita XSH03Z it costs much less and comes in a complete kit. It lacks platform support, so batteries are proprietary.

Treat it as a light duty saw. Replace the stock blade with a better one for cleaner cuts. Because it is a kit, it works out of the box, but plan to replace the stock blade.