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We don't test circular saws ourselves. We pull manufacturer specs, aggregate pricing from Home Depot, Lowe's, and Amazon (as of April 2026), and read what actual owners say about these tools. This guide covers eight models: cordless brushless saws from DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Ryobi, Ridgid, and Kobalt, plus two budget corded options. If you're framing a deck or need clean crosscuts in hardwood, you'll find the right saw here.
We started with best-sellers on Home Depot, Lowe's, and Amazon, then cross-referenced which models show up in construction forums and owner reviews. RPM, blade diameter, cutting depth, and weight come from official spec sheets. Prices were checked across all three retailers.
Owner reviews tend to zero in on blade quality, dust collection, how the motor holds up under load, battery runtime, and ergonomics. We pay attention when people report overheating, kickback, or early motor failures. Prices reflect what we found in April 2026.
What we don't do: we haven't held these saws, cut test lumber, or measured RPM under load. Everything here comes from published specs and what owners report. When specs conflict between sources, we flag it.
Specs: Brushless 20V motor, 5,800 RPM, 7.25-inch blade, 2.375-inch cut depth at 90 degrees, 6.5 lbs with battery.
Price: $130-$160 bare tool (Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe's as of April 2026).
Reviews: 4.7 stars across 9,100 Amazon reviews as of April 2026. Owners like the brushless motor, smooth cuts, and how light it feels. It handles framing, decking, and finish carpentry well. A few people note the 20V batteries drain faster when you're cutting hardwood.
Pros: Brushless motor runs cool and gets more life out of each charge. 5,800 RPM gives you clean crosscuts. Light enough for overhead work without killing your wrists. The 20V platform has a huge tool selection if you want to stay in one ecosystem.
Cons: 20V batteries cost $50-100 each. Some owners say runtime drops noticeably after 1.5-2 years of heavy use. The dust collection port is small. It's louder than the Makita.
Specs: Brushless M18 motor, 5,800 RPM, 7.25-inch blade, 2.375-inch cut depth at 90 degrees, 7.2 lbs with battery.
Price: $150-$180 bare tool (Home Depot, Amazon as of April 2026).
Reviews: 4.8 stars, 4,700 Amazon reviews. Carpenters and framing crews keep coming back to durability and consistent power. Very few complaints about motor wear even after years on job sites. The common take: the premium price only makes sense if you already own M18 batteries.
Pros: The POWERSTATE brushless motor is built for daily professional use. 5,800 RPM ties DeWalt for the fastest cordless option here. M18 is everywhere on job sites, so you'll find batteries easily. The blade holds true through sustained cutting.
Cons: Most expensive cordless saw in this group. M18 batteries are not cheap. It's 0.7 lbs heavier than the DeWalt, which you'll feel on overhead cuts. Some owners report overheating during extended use without swapping batteries. Starting from scratch on the M18 platform is a real investment.
Specs: Brushless 18V motor, 5,300 RPM, 7.25-inch blade, 2.375-inch cut depth at 90 degrees, 6.8 lbs with battery.
Price: $140-$170 bare tool (Amazon, Home Depot as of April 2026).
Reviews: 4.6 stars, 2,800 Amazon reviews. Owners consistently bring up how quiet it runs and how smooth the motor feels. Works well for interior finishing and noise-sensitive environments. The motor stays cool even in summer. RPM is lower than the DeWalt or Milwaukee, but owners say cutting speed is still quick enough for the work they do.
Pros: Quietest cordless saw in this group according to owner feedback. 5,300 RPM handles clean cuts in both softwood and hardwood. Well-balanced with good dust collection. 18V batteries are cheaper than 20V.
Cons: 5,300 RPM is 500 RPM behind Milwaukee and DeWalt, which shows up as slightly rougher cuts in hardwood at speed. Fewer tools on the 18V platform compared to DeWalt's 20V ecosystem. Priced in the middle but doesn't carry the same job-site loyalty as Milwaukee.
Specs: Brushed 120V motor, 5,800 RPM, 7.25-inch blade, 2.375-inch cut depth at 90 degrees, 6.8 lbs bare.
Price: $100-$130 bare tool (Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe's as of April 2026).
Reviews: 4.5 stars, 8,200 Amazon reviews. Homeowners and framers like the low price and the fact that it just keeps running. Reliable for all-day framing and rough cuts. A few owners mention the brushed motor shows wear after 5+ years of heavy use, which is honestly not bad.
Pros: Cheapest quality saw on this list. Brushed motor is simple and holds up well. Constant 120V power means you never think about batteries. 5,800 RPM matches the cordless flagships. Light for a corded saw.
Cons: Brushed motor needs carbon brush replacement every 500+ hours. You're tethered to a cord. Cuts are slightly rougher than brushless at high RPM. The design is older, and newer saws have better dust collection.
Specs: Brushless 18V ONE+ motor, 5,200 RPM, 7.25-inch blade, 2.375-inch cut depth at 90 degrees, 6.2 lbs with battery.
Price: $80-$110 bare tool (Lowe's, Amazon as of April 2026).
Reviews: 4.3 stars, 3,900 Amazon reviews. DIY owners and homeowners call it a steal at $90-100. Good for decking, fence work, and light framing. The motor can strain under heavy hardwood cutting, but for this price, getting a brushless motor is hard to beat.
Pros: Cheapest cordless saw here by a wide margin. Brushless motor at this price point is uncommon. 5,200 RPM is respectable. ONE+ batteries are everywhere and affordable. At 6.2 lbs, it's the lightest saw in this group.
Cons: 5,200 RPM produces acceptable cuts, but hardwood results aren't as clean as the faster saws. The ONE+ platform has fewer tools than DeWalt's 20V ecosystem. Some owners report durability issues after 2-3 years of heavy use. Not a saw for 40+ hour work weeks.
Specs: Brushed 120V motor, 5,000 RPM, 7.25-inch blade, 2.375-inch cut depth at 90 degrees, 7.1 lbs bare.
Price: $70-$100 bare tool (Lowe's, Amazon as of April 2026).
Reviews: 4.0 stars, 1,200 Amazon reviews. Appeals to people already in the Craftsman ecosystem at Lowe's. Solid for framing and rough work, but you won't see many of these on professional job sites. Owners report good ergonomics and acceptable power for the price.
Pros: Cheapest saw on this list, period. Simple brushed motor. Constant corded power. Lowe's warranty and support are convenient if that's where you shop.
Cons: 5,000 RPM is the slowest here, and you'll notice rougher cuts compared to the faster saws. Brushed motor needs maintenance. You need an outlet nearby. Heaviest bare weight at 7.1 lbs. Fewer owner reviews means less data on long-term durability.
Specs: Brushless 18V motor, 5,500 RPM, 7.25-inch blade, 2.375-inch cut depth at 90 degrees, 7.5 lbs with battery.
Price: $99-$129 bare tool (Home Depot exclusive, as of April 2026).
Reviews: 4.5 stars, 3,200 Amazon/Home Depot reviews. The Lifetime Service Agreement is the standout here. Register your tool within 90 days and Ridgid covers batteries, service, and parts for the life of the tool. Owners who've actually used the warranty say it's straightforward. The saw itself is solid mid-range, capable for framing and general carpentry without standing out in any single spec.
Pros: The Lifetime Service Agreement is genuinely hard to beat. Free battery replacements alone can save you hundreds over the tool's life. 5,500 RPM is in the middle of the pack but handles framing and crosscuts fine. Brushless motor at under $130 is a good deal. Home Depot carries the full 18V ecosystem.
Cons: Home Depot exclusive, so you can't comparison shop at other retailers. 7.5 lbs is the heaviest cordless saw here, and you'll feel it on overhead work. 18V platform is smaller than DeWalt's 20V lineup. The warranty requires registration within 90 days or you lose it. RPM is 300 behind DeWalt and Milwaukee.
Specs: Brushless 24V MAX motor, 4,400 RPM, 6.5-inch blade, 2.0-inch cut depth at 90 degrees, 6.5 lbs with battery.
Price: $79-$99 bare tool (Lowe's exclusive, as of April 2026).
Reviews: 4.2 stars, 1,800 Lowe's reviews. This is Lowe's house brand answer to the Ryobi, and it hits a similar price point with a brushless motor. The 24V MAX platform is less established than ONE+ or 20V MAX, but Kobalt has been expanding the tool lineup steadily. Owners use it for trim, light framing, and weekend projects.
Pros: Brushless motor under $100 is the main draw. The 6.5-inch blade makes it lighter and easier to maneuver for trim and finish work. 24V MAX gives it a slight voltage edge over 18V platforms. Compact size is nice in tight spaces.
Cons: 4,400 RPM is the lowest in this entire group. The 6.5-inch blade can't cut through a 2x4 at 45 degrees in one pass. Lowe's exclusive limits your buying options. The 24V MAX platform has the smallest tool selection of any ecosystem here. Not the saw for heavy framing or hardwood ripping.
DeWalt DCS570B - $130-$160
Brushless 20V, 5,800 RPM, smooth cuts, reliable battery platform. The go-to for homeowners and part-time builders.
Milwaukee 2631-20 - $150-$180
Brushless M18, 5,800 RPM, built for high-volume work. If you frame all day, this is the one.
Ryobi PBLCS300B - $80-$110
Brushless 18V ONE+, 5,200 RPM. Hard to argue with brushless at this price for DIY and weekend projects.
DeWalt DWE575 - $100-$130
Brushed 120V, 5,800 RPM, constant power. No batteries to manage, and it just keeps cutting.
Ridgid R8656B - $99-$129
Brushless 18V, 5,500 RPM. The Lifetime Service Agreement covers batteries and service for free. Home Depot exclusive.
Kobalt KCS 124B-03 - $79-$99
Brushless 24V MAX, 6.5-inch blade. Compact, light, and cheap. Good for trim work and light framing.
| Spec | DeWalt DCS570B | Milwaukee 2631-20 | Makita XSH06Z | DeWalt DWE575 | Ryobi PBLCS300B | Craftsman CMCS550B | Ridgid R8656B | Kobalt KCS 124B-03 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor | Brushless 20V | Brushless M18 | Brushless 18V | Brushed, 120V Corded | Brushless 18V ONE+ | Brushed, 120V Corded | Brushless 18V | Brushless 24V MAX |
| RPM | 5,800 | 5,800 | 5,300 | 5,800 | 5,200 | 5,000 | 5,500 | 4,400 |
| Blade Size | 7.25" | 7.25" | 7.25" | 7.25" | 7.25" | 7.25" | 7.25" | 6.5" |
| Cut Depth (90°) | 2.375" | 2.375" | 2.375" | 2.375" | 2.375" | 2.375" | 2.375" | 2.0" |
| Cut Depth (45°) | 1.625" | 1.625" | 1.625" | 1.625" | 1.625" | 1.625" | 1.625" | 1.375" |
| Weight | 6.5 lbs (with battery) | 7.2 lbs (with battery) | 6.8 lbs (with battery) | 6.8 lbs (bare) | 6.2 lbs (with battery) | 7.1 lbs (bare) | 7.5 lbs (with battery) | 6.5 lbs (with battery) |
| Price Range | $130–$160 | $150–$180 | $140–$170 | $100–$130 | $80–$110 | $70–$100 | $99–$129 | $79–$99 |
Best for: Moving between projects, outdoor work, noise-sensitive areas.
Pros: No cord to manage. Quiet operation with brushless motors. Battery ecosystems keep growing.
Cons: Batteries last 60-90 minutes per charge and cost $50-100 each. The motor can overheat under sustained heavy load if you don't swap batteries.
Real-world runtime: A 2.0Ah battery gives you 30-50 minutes of continuous cutting. A 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah gets you 1.5-2+ hours.
Best for: All-day framing, shops, fixed sites where you never want to lose power mid-cut.
Pros: Power never runs out. No battery costs. Lighter weight since there's no battery on board. Simple brushed motors.
Cons: You're managing a cord all day. Less portable. Brushed motors wear faster than brushless.
Real-world power: A 14-gauge extension cord works for 50 feet on residential sites. Heavy-duty framing shops do better with 25-foot dedicated circuits.
The DeWalt DCS570B. Brushless motor, 6.5 lbs with battery, 7.25-inch blade, and it runs $130-$160 bare tool. If that's too much, the Ryobi PBLCS300B ($80-$110) handles occasional framing and crosscutting well for less.
The Milwaukee 2631-20. 5,800 RPM, brushless motor, smooth cuts, and it holds up through high-volume work. You'll pay $150-$180 bare tool. If you want corded, the DeWalt DWE575 ($100-$130) gives you constant power in a light package.
Cordless (18V/20V) gives you freedom to move between projects and work outdoors. You get 60-90 minutes per battery. Corded gives you endless power, which matters if you're framing 8+ hours a day. Cordless is faster to grab. Corded never dies mid-cut. Pick based on how you actually work.
Yes. Brushless motors run cooler, last longer, and stretch battery life by 20-30%. They cost $30-50 more upfront but save you on maintenance and battery swaps over time. If you use the saw weekly, brushless pays for itself. For occasional DIY, brushed works fine.
Buy the saw that matches your batteries. DeWalt 20V saws work with 20V batteries, Milwaukee M18 with M18, and so on. Staying on one platform saves you the cost of new chargers and batteries, which adds up fast.
A 7.25-inch blade cuts 2.375 inches deep at 90 degrees, which is standard for framing and crosscutting 2x lumber. A 6.5-inch blade cuts about 2 inches and weighs less, so it's easier for overhead work. Go with 7.25 inches for general carpentry. Choose 6.5 inches if you're mostly doing trim and finish work.
Pro saws run 5,200-6,500 RPM no-load. Under heavy cutting, that drops to 3,500-5,000. Higher RPM (6,000+) gives you cleaner crosscuts in hardwood. Lower RPM works better for thick material and metal. The Milwaukee and DeWalt pro models both hit 5,800+ RPM.
Cordless saws with battery run 6.5-8 lbs. Corded saws weigh 6-7 lbs bare. If you're doing overhead work all day, stay under 7 lbs or your wrists will let you know. For general framing, balance and grip comfort matter more than the number on the scale.
An electric brake stops the blade 1-2 seconds after you release the trigger. It reduces kickback risk and blade wear. You don't strictly need one for occasional use, but on busy job sites it's a real safety benefit. Almost every modern saw includes one.