9 Best Circular Saws for DIY Projects (October 2026)

The best circular saws for DIY projects include the DeWalt DCS391B 20V MAX Circular Saw for a flexible all-around DIY saw, the DeWalt DWE575SB Corded Circular Saw for deeper cuts with corded power, and the DeWalt DCS565B 6-1/2 Inch Brushless Circular Saw for cordless features and visibility.

On this page (3 sections)

1. Which circular saws work best for DIY projects?
2. What should you check before choosing a DIY circular saw?
3. Which circular saw should you choose for DIY projects?

The best circular saw for DIY projects for most people is the DeWalt DCS391B, a cordless 6-1/2 in saw with a magnesium shoe and bevel capacity up to 50°. For deeper cuts in dimensional lumber, choose a 7-1/4 in corded model such as the DeWalt DWE575SB.

DIY work can mean trimming a shelf, cutting plywood, or building a deck. Start with the material and cut depth you need, then decide whether a cord or a battery fits your workspace.

If you’re new to the tool, read our beginner’s circular saw walkthrough before making your first cut. For blade size and cut depth, use the guide to choosing a circular saw size.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for a flexible all-around DIY saw

   DeWalt DCS391B 20V MAX Circular Saw

   8.9/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for deeper cuts with corded power

   DeWalt DWE575SB Corded Circular Saw

   8.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for cordless features and visibility

   DeWalt DCS565B 6-1/2 Inch Brushless Circular Saw

   8.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   DeWalt ATOMIC DCS571B 4-1/2 Inch Circular Saw

   Best for compact cuts and tight spaces
   Check it
5. 5

   Skil 5280-01 15 Amp Circular Saw

   Best for corded DIY on a budget
   Check it
6. 6

   Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw

   Best for a cordless full-size blade
   Check it
7. 7

   Makita 5007F Corded Circular Saw

   Best for steady corded cutting
   Check it
8. 8

   Craftsman V20 RP CMCS551B Circular Saw

   Best for a cordless 7-1/4 in saw
   Check it
9. 9

   WORX WX526L 20V 6-1/2 Inch Circular Saw

   Best for an included battery and charger
   Check it

Which circular saws work best for DIY projects?

The best DIY saw depends on the material, cut depth and power source that suit your projects. We compared the listed features and specs, giving more weight to useful capacity, handling details and practical extras.

Our score weighs specs and features against what a DIY buyer is likely to need.

1

DeWalt DCS391B 20V MAX Circular Saw: Best for a flexible all-around DIY saw

8.9/10Our score

• 6-1/2 in blade
• Cordless 20V MAX platform
• Bevel capacity up to 50°
• Magnesium shoe

A useful middle ground for home projects, with a 6-1/2 in blade and bevel capacity up to 50°. The battery and charger are sold separately.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Cordless operation
• Magnesium shoe
• Bevel capacity up to 50°

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately
• Smaller blade than full-size 7-1/4 in saws

The DeWalt DCS391B is a versatile pick for home projects where cordless movement matters. Its 6-1/2 in blade suits common board and sheet cuts, while the magnesium shoe is designed for durability and cut accuracy.

The saw has bevel capacity up to 50°, so it can handle angled cuts as well as square ones. Its rubber overmolded grip is shaped for balance and control, which can help when positioning the saw for a cut.

This is a tool-only choice, so check whether you already have a compatible DeWalt 20V MAX battery and charger. If not, include those in your setup planning.

Choose it for mixed projects around the home where a compact cordless saw can move from a workbench to a driveway. If you need more depth for thicker stock, compare it with the 7-1/4 in DeWalt DWE575SB.

2

DeWalt DWE575SB Corded Circular Saw: Best for deeper cuts with corded power

8.7/10Our score

• 7-1/4 in blade
• 15 amp motor
• Depth of cut up to 2-9/16 in
• Electric brake

A full-size corded saw for DIY work that needs more depth than a compact blade provides. Its electric brake stops the blade after you release the trigger.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 15 amp motor
• Depth of cut up to 2-9/16 in
• Electric brake

Cons

• Needs access to an outlet
• Cord can limit movement around large stock

The DeWalt DWE575SB suits DIYers who want a full-size blade and corded power. Its 15 amp motor and stated maximum depth of cut of 2-9/16 in give it more capacity than the compact saws here.

A 57° bevel capacity covers angled cuts, with positive stops at 45° and 22.5°. The electric brake stops the blade after you release the trigger, and the integrated dust blower clears the line of sight while cutting.

A cord can restrict movement, so plan where the outlet and workpiece will sit before you start. The saw weighs 8.8 lb, which is useful to consider if you expect to hold it through many cuts.

Choose it for deeper cuts near an outlet, especially when a full-size blade is more useful than cordless convenience. For a lighter corded alternative, read our Skil 5280-01 review.

3

DeWalt DCS565B 6-1/2 Inch Brushless Circular Saw: Best for cordless features and visibility

8.6/10Our score

• Brushless motor
• Bright LED
• Electric brake
• Tool-free bevel adjustment up to 50°

This compact cordless option adds a brushless motor, an LED and an electric brake. It works with DeWalt 20V MAX and FLEXVOLT batteries.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Brushless motor
• Bright LED
• Electric brake

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately
• Less depth than a 7-1/4 in saw

The DeWalt DCS565B adds a brushless motor, LED and electric brake to a compact cordless format. Its 6-1/2 in blade and 0–50° bevel range suit general cutting and angled cuts on home projects.

Tool-free depth and bevel adjustments make it easier to set up a cut without reaching for a wrench. The optional dust chute can connect to the DeWalt AirLock system or a standard 35 mm dust extractor.

It works with DeWalt 20V MAX and FLEXVOLT batteries, but the battery and charger are sold separately. If you already use either battery platform, that may simplify your tool setup.

Choose it for cordless work where visibility and quick adjustments matter. Compare it with the DeWalt DCS391B review to see how the two 6-1/2 in saws differ.

4

DeWalt ATOMIC DCS571B 4-1/2 Inch Circular Saw: Best for compact cuts and tight spaces

8.3/10Our score

• 4-1/2 in blade
• Brushless motor
• Removable auxiliary handle
• On-board dust port

A smaller blade and compact format can suit short cuts and limited work areas. Its bevel gear design allows cuts in 2x material at 90° and 1x material at 45°.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Compact 4-1/2 in blade
• Brushless motor
• Includes rip fence

Cons

• Less capacity than full-size saws
• Battery and charger sold separately

The DeWalt ATOMIC DCS571B is the compact pick for smaller cuts and tighter spaces. Its 4-1/2 in blade keeps the saw smaller than full-size models, and the removable auxiliary handle gives you another grip option.

The bevel gear design allows it to cut 2x material at 90° and 1x material at 45°. It also includes a rip fence and has an onboard dust port for dust control.

The smaller blade limits cutting capacity compared with a 6-1/2 or 7-1/4 in saw. Check the thickness and angle of your planned cuts before choosing it as your only saw.

Choose it for trim work and short cuts where a compact tool is useful. For repeated long, straight cuts, a guide may help more than a smaller saw; see our guide to making a circular saw guide.

5

Skil 5280-01 15 Amp Circular Saw: Best for corded DIY on a budget

8.1/10Our score

• 7-1/4 in blade
• 15 amp motor
• Single-beam laser guide
• Dust blower

This corded 7-1/4 in saw pairs a 15 amp motor with a laser guide and dust blower. Its positive bevel stop is at 45°.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Laser guide
• Dust blower
• Includes carbide-tipped blade

Cons

• Needs access to an outlet
• Laser alignment still depends on steady setup

The Skil 5280-01 offers a corded 7-1/4 in blade, 15 amp motor and a single-beam laser guide. The dust blower helps keep the cut line clear, while the laser gives you a visible reference for lining up the saw.

Its bevel capacity reaches 51°, with a positive stop at 45°. The included carbide-tipped blade and carry bag make it a practical starting point for someone building a basic cutting setup.

The laser is a guide, not a replacement for a marked cut line or steady technique. Support the workpiece and confirm your blade path before turning the saw on.

Choose it for corded DIY work that benefits from a full-size blade and a visible cut guide. Read our Skil 5280-01 review for a closer look at its light home-use fit.

6

Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw: Best for a cordless full-size blade

8.0/10Our score

• 7-1/4 in blade
• Brushless 18V motor
• LED worklight
• Depth of cut up to 2-9/16 in

A cordless full-size option with a brushless motor, LED worklight and depth gauge. The saw is sold as a tool only.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Full-size blade
• Brushless motor
• Bevel detents at several common angles

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately
• Heavier and larger than compact-blade options

The Ryobi ONE+ HP is a cordless option with a full-size 7-1/4 in blade. Its brushless 18V motor, LED worklight and stated maximum depth of cut of 2-9/16 in at 0° make it suited to larger stock than compact-blade saws.

The bevel detents include 0°, 15°, 22.5°, 30°, 45° and 56°. An integrated pommel handle offers another point of control, and a vacuum dust port adapter accepts 1-1/4 to 1-7/8 in hoses.

This is a tool-only saw, so factor in a compatible battery and charger if you do not already own them. A full-size blade also takes more room to handle than a compact model.

Choose it when you want cordless mobility with a full-size blade. Check your planned cut depth and the battery platform you use before deciding.

7

Makita 5007F Corded Circular Saw: Best for steady corded cutting

7.8/10Our score

• 7-1/4 in blade
• 15 amp motor
• Two LED lights
• Cut depth up to 2-3/8 in at 90°

This corded saw combines a 15 amp motor with two built-in lights and a stated 2-3/8 in cutting capacity at 90°. Its maximum bevel capacity is 45°.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two built-in LED lights
• 15 amp motor
• Shaft lock for blade changes

Cons

• Needs access to an outlet
• Heavier than some compact DIY options

The Makita 5007F is a corded 7-1/4 in saw for steady cutting near an outlet. Its 15 amp motor and two built-in LED lights support a range of framing and general cutting tasks.

Makita gives a cutting capacity of 2-3/8 in at 90° and 1-3/4 in at 45°. The lower guard is designed to improve performance on bevel and narrow cuts, and the shaft lock makes blade changes more convenient.

Its maximum bevel capacity is 45°, which covers common angled cuts but is less than several other picks here. Keep the cord clear of the blade path and arrange your work area before cutting.

Choose it for corded work where clear cut-line visibility and a full-size blade matter. If you mostly need straight cuts in sheet goods, consider whether a rail would make setup easier.

8

Craftsman V20 RP CMCS551B Circular Saw: Best for a cordless 7-1/4 in saw

7.6/10Our score

• Brushless motor
• 7-1/4 in blade
• Bevel capacity up to 56°
• LED light

A cordless full-size choice with a brushless motor and positive bevel stops at 22.5° and 45°. The battery and charger are sold separately.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Brushless motor
• Full-size blade
• LED light

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately
• Larger blade may be more saw than small projects need

The Craftsman V20 RP CMCS551B combines a brushless motor with a cordless 7-1/4 in blade. Its maximum bevel is 56°, with positive stops at 22.5° and 45°.

An LED helps light the cutting line and work surface. Craftsman recommends a V20 4.0 Ah or larger battery pack to optimize performance, and the battery and charger are sold separately.

This full-size saw is a better fit for projects that call for a larger blade than for occasional small cuts. Check the available battery and charger before choosing it.

Choose it for cordless DIY projects that need a 7-1/4 in blade and wider bevel range. For frequent angled cuts, compare the stop positions with the angles you use most.

9

WORX WX526L 20V 6-1/2 Inch Circular Saw: Best for an included battery and charger

7.3/10Our score

• 6-1/2 in blade
• Battery and charger included
• Bevel capacity up to 50°
• LED light

A compact cordless saw that comes with a 2.0 Ah battery and charger. Its stated cutting depth is up to 2-3/16 in at 90°.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Battery and charger included
• Dual-handle grip
• LED light

Cons

• Less depth than full-size 7-1/4 in saws
• Included battery is 2.0 Ah

The WORX WX526L is a compact cordless pick that includes a battery and charger. Its 6-1/2 in blade reaches a stated cutting depth of 2-3/16 in at 90° and bevels up to 50°.

The dual-handle design offers a balanced grip, and the built-in LED lights the work area. Its 20V battery works with the WORX PowerShare system, which is also used across the brand’s 20V, 40V and 80V tools.

The included battery is 2.0 Ah, so consider your expected workload when planning repeated cuts. The saw’s depth is below the 7-1/4 in options in this roundup.

Choose it if you want a compact saw with a battery and charger in the box. If you already own DeWalt batteries, compare its setup with the DCS391B or DCS565B.

What should you check before choosing a DIY circular saw?

Check blade size, power source and the depth of your most common cut before you choose a DIY circular saw. Those details affect the materials you can cut and how freely you can move around the work area.

Is a 6-1/2 in or 7-1/4 in circular saw better for DIY?

A 7-1/4 in circular saw generally offers more depth than a smaller blade, while a 6-1/2 in saw can suit lighter work and easier handling. The right size depends on your stock and cut angles, so compare the saw’s stated depth capacity with your material.

If you’re unsure, use our circular saw size guide to match blade size to common cuts. A compact 4-1/2 in saw can work for smaller jobs, but it won’t offer the same capacity as a full-size model.

Should you buy a corded or cordless DIY saw?

A corded saw suits work near an outlet, while a cordless saw is easier to move around a room, yard or driveway. Cordless models vary in whether they include a battery and charger, so check that before comparing the tool alone.

For example, the DeWalt DWE575SB and Skil 5280-01 are corded. The DCS391B and DCS565B are sold without a battery and charger, while the WORX WX526L includes both.

Can a circular saw cut plywood straight?

A circular saw can cut plywood straight when the sheet is supported and the saw follows a steady guide. Mark the line, support both sides of the cut and keep the blade clear of the work surface underneath.

For occasional straight cuts, clamp a straightedge as a guide. Our plywood cutting guide walks through sheet support and setup, while a circular saw guide rail can help if you make long cuts often.

Which circular saw should you choose for DIY projects?

Choose the DeWalt DCS391B for a flexible cordless 6-1/2 in saw, the DeWalt DWE575SB for deeper cuts near an outlet, or the WORX WX526L if you want a compact saw that includes its battery and charger. Match the blade and power source to the stock and workspace you use most.

If you’re still learning, start with the beginner’s circular saw walkthrough. For cuts that need a long straight edge, compare the guide rail options before settling on a saw alone.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for a flexible all-around DIY saw

   DeWalt DCS391B 20V MAX Circular Saw

   8.9/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for deeper cuts with corded power

   DeWalt DWE575SB Corded Circular Saw

   8.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for cordless features and visibility

   DeWalt DCS565B 6-1/2 Inch Brushless Circular Saw

   8.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What size circular saw is best for DIY projects?

A 7-1/4 in saw is a flexible choice for many DIY projects because it offers more cutting depth than compact models. A 6-1/2 in saw can be easier to handle for lighter work, while a 4-1/2 in saw suits smaller cuts.

Match the blade size to the stock you plan to cut.

Should I choose a corded or cordless circular saw?

Choose corded if you want steady power near an outlet and expect to make longer runs of cuts. Cordless is easier to move around a yard or room, but check whether the battery and charger are included.

Our corded vs cordless circular saw comparison explains the tradeoffs.

Can a circular saw cut plywood?

Yes, a circular saw can cut plywood when the sheet is supported and the cut line is marked. A guide helps keep a long cut straight, and a suitable blade can reduce rough edges.

See our guide to cutting plywood with a circular saw.

Is a circular saw suitable for beginners?

Yes, if you can support the work, keep both hands positioned as the manual directs, and follow the saw's safety instructions. Practice on scrap first and keep the blade clear of the support surface.

Our beginner's circular saw walkthrough covers setup and basic cuts.

Do DIY projects need a track saw?

Most small projects do not need a track saw, but a rail can help guide long, straight cuts in sheet goods. A circular saw with a straightedge can also work for occasional cuts.

Read what a track saw does before deciding if you need one.