9 Best Budget Circular Saws That Still Cut Clean (October 2026)
The best budget circular saws include the DeWalt DCS391B 20V MAX Circular Saw for cordless work, the DeWalt DWE575 Corded Circular Saw for a light corded saw, and the Skil 5280-01 15 Amp Circular Saw for budget features.
On this page (3 sections)
The best budget circular saw for most home projects is the Skil 5280-01, with a 15 amp motor, laser guide and dust blower. For cordless work, the DeWalt DCS391B is the higher scoring pick, but its battery and charger are sold separately.
A clean cut depends on more than the saw. A sharp blade, a supported workpiece and a steady feed help you follow your mark without forcing the tool.
If you're choosing your first saw, our circular saw guide for DIY projects explains which features matter for common home jobs. For sheet goods, see our advice on cutting plywood with a circular saw.
Our picks at a glance
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Check itSkilsaw SPT67WL-01 Sidewinder Saw
Best for long sheet cuts - 5
Check itSkil 5080-01 13 Amp Circular Saw
Best for a lighter home saw - 6
Check itCraftsman CMES500 13 Amp Circular Saw
Best for simple crosscuts - 7
Check itCraftsman V20 CMCS500B Circular Saw
Best for cordless 2x cuts - 8
Check itSkil 5180-01 14 Amp Circular Saw
Best for a mid-power corded saw - 9
Check itRyobi CSB135L 14 Amp Circular Saw
Best for a laser cut guide
Which budget circular saw is the best fit?
The best budget circular saw depends on whether you need cordless reach, a light body or cut-line help. These picks are ordered by their overall fit for the keyword, with the score balancing features against common home-project needs.
We compared the stated motor, blade size, bevel range, weight and included aids. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
| Product | Best for | Power | Blade size | Bevel capacity | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCS391B 20V MAX Circular Saw | cordless work | Battery powered | 6-1/2 in | 0 to 50 degrees | 8.9 |
| DeWalt DWE575 Corded Circular Saw | a light corded saw | 15 amp corded | 7-1/4 in | 8.5 | |
| Skil 5280-01 15 Amp Circular Saw | budget features | 15 amp corded | 7-1/4 in | 51 degrees, with positive stop at 45 degrees | 8.1 |
| Skilsaw SPT67WL-01 Sidewinder Saw | long sheet cuts | 15 amp corded | 7-1/4 in | 8.0 | |
| Skil 5080-01 13 Amp Circular Saw | a lighter home saw | 13 amp corded | 7-1/4 in | 7.7 | |
| Craftsman CMES500 13 Amp Circular Saw | simple crosscuts | 13 amp corded | 7-1/4 in | 45 degrees | 7.5 |
| Craftsman V20 CMCS500B Circular Saw | cordless 2x cuts | Battery powered | 6-1/2 in | 50 degrees | 7.4 |
| Skil 5180-01 14 Amp Circular Saw | a mid-power corded saw | 14 amp corded | 7-1/4 in | 7.3 | |
| Ryobi CSB135L 14 Amp Circular Saw | a laser cut guide | 14 amp corded | 7-1/4 in | 7.1 |
DeWalt DCS391B: Best for cordless work
DeWalt DCS391B 20V MAX Circular Saw: Best for cordless work
- Cordless 20V MAX tool
- 6-1/2 in blade
- 0 to 50 degree bevel capacity
- Battery and charger sold separately
The DCS391B suits work away from an outlet when you already use DeWalt 20V MAX batteries. Its smaller blade and separate battery purchase are tradeoffs to weigh.
Pros
- Cordless format
- 50 degree bevel capacity
- Lightweight magnesium shoe
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Smaller blade than the 7-1/4 in corded picks
The DCS391B is the cordless choice for a garage, yard or work area where a cord gets in the way. Its 6-1/2 in blade is smaller than the full-size blades on most picks here, and DeWalt states a 0 to 50 degree bevel capacity.
The battery and charger are sold separately, so this makes the most sense if you already own compatible DeWalt 20V MAX batteries. Its magnesium shoe and over-molded grip are designed for durability, balance and control.
For occasional cuts far from an outlet, cordless convenience can be worth the extra kit cost. For a fixed workshop, compare it with the corded options below.
DeWalt DWE575: Best for a light corded saw
DeWalt DWE575 Corded Circular Saw: Best for a light corded saw
- 15 amp corded motor
- 7-1/4 in blade
- 2-9/16 in depth of cut
- 8.8 lb stated weight
The DWE575 pairs a 15 amp motor with a stated weight of 8.8 lb. Its dust blower and clear line of sight help when following a marked cut.
Pros
- 15 amp motor
- Dust blower and clear line of sight
- 53 degree bevel capacity in the product bullets
Cons
- Needs a power outlet and cord management
- Heavier than the cordless pick
The DWE575 pairs a 15 amp motor with a 7-1/4 in blade and a stated weight of 8.8 lb. Its dust blower clears the line of sight, and the aluminum base is described as smooth for accurate cuts.
The product details give a 2-9/16 in depth of cut and bevel capacity up to 53 degrees in the bullets. The description gives a different bevel figure, so check the manual for the precise range and stops you need.
Choose it when you want full-size blade capacity and corded power in a saw described as light for its class. Keep the cord clear of the cut path and away from the blade.
Skil 5280-01: Best for budget features
Skil 5280-01 15 Amp Circular Saw: Best for budget features
- 15 amp motor
- 7-1/4 in carbide-tipped blade included
- Single-beam laser guide
- Dust blower
A laser guide, dust blower and included carbide-tipped blade give this corded saw several useful cut-line features for home projects. Its 8.7 lb weight is worth considering for overhead or repeated work.
Pros
- Laser guide and dust blower
- 15 amp motor
- Carry bag included
Cons
- Cord limits reach
- Stated weight is 8.7 lb
The Skil 5280-01 is the strongest fit for buyers who want helpful cut-line features at a budget level. It combines a 15 amp motor, single-beam laser guide and dust blower, and includes a 7-1/4 in carbide-tipped blade.
Its bevel range reaches 51 degrees, with a positive stop at 45 degrees. At a stated 8.7 lb, it is heavier than the lighter Skil 5080-01 and 5180-01 picks, so consider how often you will carry or reposition it.
A laser can help keep your eye on the intended path, but a guide is still useful for long cuts. Pair this saw with a clamped straightedge when a sheet edge needs to stay true.
Skilsaw SPT67WL-01: Best for long sheet cuts
Skilsaw SPT67WL-01 Sidewinder Saw: Best for long sheet cuts
- 15 amp corded motor
- 7-1/4 in blade
- 10 ft cord
- 56 degree bevel capacity
The 10 ft cord can reduce how often you need to reposition an extension cord around sheet material. The saw also has a 56 degree bevel capacity and weighs 8.6 lb.
Pros
- 10 ft cord
- 15 amp motor
- 56 degree bevel capacity
Cons
- Corded format
- Its listed weight is close to the other full-size saws
The SPT67WL-01 has a 10 ft cord, which can give you more room to move along a sheet before repositioning the power lead. Its 15 amp motor and 7-1/4 in blade suit general cutting, while the saw weighs a stated 8.6 lb.
Skilsaw gives this sidewinder a 56 degree bevel capacity with a positive stop at 45 degrees. The dual-field motor is designed to dissipate heat, and the included blade is a 24-tooth model.
Choose this saw if cord reach and bevel range matter more than built-in laser guidance. A properly clamped guide still provides a steadier reference for long rip cuts.
Skil 5080-01: Best for a lighter home saw
Skil 5080-01 13 Amp Circular Saw: Best for a lighter home saw
- 13 amp motor
- 7-1/4 in blade
- 51 degree bevel capacity
- 7 lb stated weight
At a stated 7 lb, the Skil 5080-01 is a lighter option for shelving, trim and other home workshop cuts. It includes an 18-tooth carbide blade and a spindle lock.
Pros
- 7 lb stated weight
- Spindle lock
- 51 degree bevel capacity
Cons
- 13 amp motor, below the 15 amp options here
- Cord limits reach
The Skil 5080-01 is a lighter full-size corded option, with a stated weight of 7 lb and a 13 amp motor. It includes an 18-tooth carbide blade and has a spindle lock for blade changes.
Its bevel adjusts up to 51 degrees, with a positive stop at 45 degrees. The dust blower helps keep sawdust away from the line of cut, a useful feature when following a mark across lumber or a panel.
Consider it for shelving, trim and other home workshop tasks where carrying the saw matters. If you expect long sessions or tougher cuts, compare its 13 amp motor with the 14 and 15 amp options.
Craftsman CMES500: Best for simple crosscuts
Craftsman CMES500 13 Amp Circular Saw: Best for simple crosscuts
- 13 amp corded motor
- 7-1/4 in carbide-tipped blade
- 5,300 RPM stated motor speed
- 45 degree bevel capacity
This Craftsman is a straightforward corded option for everyday cutting. Its 18-tooth carbide-tipped blade, spindle lock and contoured handle cover basic needs without adding a laser or dust blower.
Pros
- Carbide-tipped blade included
- Spindle lock
- Contoured over-molded handle
Cons
- Bevel capacity is 45 degrees
- No dust blower is specified
The CMES500 keeps its feature set simple: a 13 amp corded motor, 7-1/4 in carbide-tipped blade and 45 degree bevel capacity. The contoured over-molded handle is intended to add comfort, and a spindle lock helps with blade changes.
The motor is stated to run at 5,300 RPM. That figure alone does not predict cut quality, so match the blade to the material and avoid pushing the saw through a cut.
Choose it for everyday crosscuts when you do not need a laser or dust blower. The 45 degree bevel range is more limited than several other picks.
Craftsman V20 CMCS500B: Best for cordless 2x cuts
Craftsman V20 CMCS500B Circular Saw: Best for cordless 2x cuts
- V20 cordless tool
- 6-1/2 in blade
- 4,200 RPM stated motor speed
- Battery and charger sold separately
The V20 CMCS500B offers cordless crosscuts and rip cuts in 2x material. Pick it if you already have compatible V20 batteries, since the battery and charger are separate.
Pros
- Cordless format
- 50 degree bevel capacity
- Metal shoe
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Smaller blade than the 7-1/4 in corded picks
This Craftsman V20 is a cordless option with a 6-1/2 in blade and a stated 4,200 RPM motor speed. The product details describe it for crosscutting or ripping 2x material and give a bevel range up to 50 degrees.
Like the DeWalt cordless pick, it is sold as a bare tool. The battery and charger are separate, so check whether you already have compatible V20 batteries before comparing its cost with a corded saw.
The metal shoe and over-molded handle are useful details for regular carrying and setup. Choose it for cordless convenience, and use the corded models if runtime and kit cost matter more.
Skil 5180-01: Best for a mid-power corded saw
Skil 5180-01 14 Amp Circular Saw: Best for a mid-power corded saw
- 14 amp motor
- 7-1/4 in carbide blade included
- 51 degree bevel capacity
- 7.2 lb stated weight
The Skil 5180-01 gives you a 14 amp motor, dust blower and included carbide blade in a stated 7.2 lb package. Its bevel range reaches 51 degrees, with a positive stop at 45 degrees.
Pros
- 14 amp motor
- Dust blower
- 7.2 lb stated weight
Cons
- Corded format
- No laser guide is specified
The Skil 5180-01 sits between 13 and 15 amp options with a 14 amp motor and a stated weight of 7.2 lb. It includes a 20-tooth carbide blade, spindle lock and dust blower.
Its bevel range reaches 51 degrees and has a positive stop at 45 degrees. That mix makes it a practical pick if you want a lighter body than the 5280-01 while keeping a corded 7-1/4 in setup.
Choose it when the laser on the 5280-01 is less useful to you than lower stated weight. For straight sheet cuts, a guide remains a stronger reference than the saw's built-in features.
Ryobi CSB135L: Best for a laser cut guide
Ryobi CSB135L 14 Amp Circular Saw: Best for a laser cut guide
- 14 amp corded saw
- 7-1/4 in blade
- Exactline laser alignment system
- Up to 5,000 RPM
The Ryobi CSB135L combines a 14 amp motor with a laser alignment system for straight cuts in wood, composite lumber and sheet goods. Check the cut line against your mark before starting.
Pros
- Laser alignment system
- 14 amp motor
- Spindle lock
Cons
- Corded format
- Product details do not give a bevel range
The Ryobi CSB135L pairs a 14 amp corded motor with an Exactline laser alignment system. It is described for straight crosscuts and rip cuts in wood, composite lumber and sheet goods.
The product details state up to 5,000 RPM and include a spindle lock. They do not give a bevel range, so verify that capability in the manual if angled cuts are part of your work.
Choose this saw when a visible cut-line aid is useful and you prefer a mid-power corded tool. Before each cut, line up the laser with your pencil mark and confirm the blade will follow the intended path.
What should you check before buying a budget circular saw?
Choose a budget saw by the cuts you make most, then compare blade size, power source, weight and guide features. These details affect setup and handling more than a long list of add-ons.
Is a 7-1/4 in blade better for home projects?
A 7-1/4 in blade is the common size among the corded picks here, while both cordless models use 6-1/2 in blades. The larger blade can cut deeper, but the exact capacity varies by saw and bevel angle.
Check the depth you need before choosing. Our guide to circular saw cut depth explains why blade diameter alone does not tell the whole story.
Do you need a corded or cordless saw?
A corded saw makes sense when you work near an outlet and want to avoid buying a battery kit. A cordless saw gives you more freedom of movement, but both cordless picks here come without a battery and charger.
If you're weighing the tradeoff, read our corded vs cordless circular saw comparison. The right choice depends on where you cut and which battery platform you already own.
Can a laser make cuts straighter?
A laser can make a cut line easier to see, but it does not hold the saw on a straight path. A clamped guide gives the shoe a physical edge to follow, which helps on long cuts through plywood or boards.
For a low-cost guide option, learn how to make a circular saw guide. Check the blade path and clamp position before switching on the saw.
What helps prevent a rough cut?
Use a sharp blade suited to the material, support the workpiece near the cut and let the saw reach full speed before entering the wood. Avoid forcing the saw, since a rushed feed can pull it away from the mark.
For sheet goods, support both sides without pinching the blade path. Our guide to ripping a board with a circular saw covers a steady setup and feed.
Which budget circular saw should you choose?
Pick the Skil 5280-01 if you want a corded 15 amp saw with a laser guide and dust blower. Choose the DeWalt DCS391B for cordless work if you already have its battery platform, or the Skil 5080-01 if a lighter full-size corded saw matters more.
Before your first cut, match the blade to the material and secure the workpiece. Use our beginner's circular saw walkthrough for a safe setup and cutting routine.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
Can a budget circular saw cut cleanly?
Yes. A budget circular saw can make clean cuts when its blade is sharp, the shoe stays flat and the workpiece is supported.
Use a guide for long straight cuts, and keep the saw moving at a steady pace.
For plywood, a fine-tooth blade and support under the cut can help limit splintering.
Is a corded or cordless circular saw better on a budget?
A corded saw can be a better value if you have reliable access to an outlet because it does not need a separate battery and charger. A cordless saw makes sense if you already own compatible batteries or need to cut far from power.
Compare the full kit cost before choosing a bare tool.
What blade size should a first circular saw have?
A 7-1/4 in circular saw is a common full-size choice for framing lumber and sheet goods. A 6-1/2 in model can be lighter and easier to carry, but its cutting depth is lower.
Check the depth you need at 90 degrees and on bevel cuts before you buy.
What helps a circular saw make straighter cuts?
A straightedge or saw guide gives the shoe a consistent edge to follow. Mark the cut, clamp the guide securely, and check that the blade path clears clamps before powering on.
A laser can help you see the cut line, but it does not replace a stable guide for long cuts.
Should I buy a circular saw with a laser?
A laser can make the intended cut line easier to see, especially when dust obscures a pencil mark. It still needs to be checked against the blade path and your mark before cutting.
A clamped guide is more useful when the edge must stay straight over a long sheet.
