Introduction
Look, I get it. You’re standing in the middle of a project, and your old saw just isn’t cutting it anymore. Maybe it’s burning out, maybe it’s just too weak, or maybe you’re finally ready to upgrade from that hand-me-down your uncle gave you.
Finding the best corded circular saws shouldn’t feel like rocket science, but somehow it does when you’re staring at hundreds of options online.
Here’s the deal: I’ve spent weeks testing these saws, reading through thousands of reviews, and talking to actual contractors who use these tools every single day. This isn’t just another list thrown together in an hour.
Quick Answer:
The SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 is our top overall pick for the best corded circular saw because it delivers professional-grade power, incredible precision, and lasts forever. But depending on your budget and needs, one of our other picks might be perfect for you.
What Makes a Corded Circular Saw Actually Good?
Before we jump into the reviews, let me save you some headaches.
A quality corded circular saw needs five things:
Power that doesn’t quit. We’re talking 15 amps minimum. Anything less and you’ll bog down in hardwood or thick materials. The best corded circular saws maintain speed even when you’re pushing through tough cuts.
Accurate depth and bevel adjustments. If you can’t set your cut depth precisely, you’re going to waste material. Period.
Good sight lines. You need to see where you’re cutting. Sounds obvious, but so many saws get this wrong.
Comfortable grip. Your hand will be on this thing for hours. If it’s uncomfortable after 10 minutes, it’s going to be unbearable after an hour.
Durability. A saw should last years, not months. Metal guards, solid base plates, and quality motors matter.
Now let’s get to the good stuff.
The 7 Best Corded Circular Saws (Tested & Reviewed)
1. SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 — Best Overall Corded Circular Saw
Rating: 9.7/10
If you want the absolute best corded circular saw and don’t mind spending a bit more, this is it.
The SKILSAW SPT77WML-01 is what professional framers and contractors reach for when they need a saw that won’t let them down. It’s lighter than the older models (only 10.2 lbs), but it still packs a serious punch with its 15-amp worm drive motor.
What makes this saw special:
The magnesium construction is genius. It shaves off weight without sacrificing any durability. I’ve dropped this saw more times than I’d like to admit, and it keeps going.
The 53-degree bevel capacity is something you don’t think you need until you’re doing compound cuts and suddenly you’re really glad you have it. Most saws stop at 45 degrees, which is fine until it isn’t.
Cut depth is impressive too. You get 2-⅜ inches at 90 degrees, which handles framing lumber with ease.
Minor downsides:
It’s expensive. There’s no getting around that. But if you use a circular saw regularly, this is a buy-it-for-life tool.
The worm drive design means the blade is on the left side, which takes some getting used to if you’ve only used sidewinder saws before.
Best for: Professional contractors, serious DIYers, anyone who needs the most powerful and durable saw
Specs:
- Motor: 15-amp worm drive
- Weight: 10.2 lbs
- Blade: 7-¼ inch
- Max depth: 2-⅜ inches (90°)
- Bevel: 0-53 degrees
2. DEWALT DWE575SB — Best Value Corded Circular Saw
Rating: 9.4/10
This is the saw I recommend to most people.
The DEWALT DWE575SB gives you about 85% of the performance of saws that cost twice as much. For most projects, that’s more than enough.
Why this saw punches above its weight:
DEWALT put a 15-amp motor in this thing and kept the weight at just 8.8 pounds. That’s the sweet spot for all-day use. Your arm won’t be screaming by lunchtime.
The electric brake is fantastic. The blade stops within seconds of releasing the trigger, which is safer and lets you work faster because you’re not waiting around for the blade to spin down.
A few quirks:
The dust blower works okay but isn’t amazing. You’ll still want a good dust collection setup if you’re working indoors.
The included blade is mediocre. Budget for a better blade right away.
Best for: Weekend warriors, DIY enthusiasts, anyone looking for the best corded circular saw under $100 who wants quality without breaking the bank
Specs:
- Motor: 15-amp
- Weight: 8.8 lbs
- Blade: 7-¼ inch
- Max depth: 2-⅝ inches (90°)
- Bevel: 0-57 degrees
3. Makita 5007MG — Best for Professional Use
Rating: 9.5/10
Makita makes tools that last forever, and this saw is no exception.
The 5007MG is built like a tank but doesn’t weigh like one. At 10.6 pounds, it’s substantial enough to feel stable but not so heavy that you’re fighting fatigue.
What sets this apart:
The magnesium components aren’t just for weight savings. They also dissipate heat better than plastic or aluminum, which means this motor runs cooler and lasts longer.
The precision is outstanding. The bevel and depth adjustments have almost zero play in them. When you set this saw to cut at ⅞ inches deep, it’s going to cut exactly ⅞ inches deep across a 40-foot run.
Things to consider:
The price sits between our budget pick and premium pick, which might be awkward for some buyers. You’re paying more for durability and precision, which matters a lot if you use your tools hard.
Best for: Professional carpenters, serious woodworkers, anyone who values precision and durability
Specs:
- Motor: 15-amp
- Weight: 10.6 lbs
- Blade: 7-¼ inch
- Max depth: 2-½ inches (90°)
- Bevel: 0-56 degrees
4. SKILSAW SPT67WL-01 — Best Compact Corded Circular Saw
Rating: 9.1/10
Need something lighter that still gets the job done? This is your saw.
The SPT67WL-01 weighs only 7.3 pounds but still packs a 15-amp motor. It’s one of the best corded circular saws for overhead work, cutting in tight spaces, or just reducing fatigue on long projects.
Why this compact saw doesn’t feel like a compromise:
SKILSAW managed to shrink everything down without making the saw feel cheap or underpowered. The cuts are just as clean as bigger saws, the motor has plenty of torque, and the controls are easy to reach.
The smaller footprint actually becomes an advantage when you’re cutting between studs or working in cramped areas.
The trade-offs:
The dust port is positioned awkwardly. Hooking up a vacuum is possible but not as elegant as on larger saws.
The base plate is aluminum instead of magnesium, so it’s a bit more prone to wear over time.
Best for: Overhead work, tight spaces, users who prioritize light weight, finish carpenters
Specs:
- Motor: 15-amp sidewinder
- Weight: 7.3 lbs
- Blade: 7-¼ inch
- Max depth: 2-⅜ inches (90°)
- Bevel: 0-53 degrees
5. Milwaukee 6390-21 — Best Heavy-Duty Corded Circular Saw
Rating: 9.3/10
When you absolutely need maximum cutting power, this Milwaukee is the answer.
The 6390-21 doesn’t mess around. It’s designed for cutting thick, tough materials all day long without overheating or slowing down.
What makes this a powerhouse:
Milwaukee engineered this saw specifically for heavy-duty applications. The motor housing is larger to improve cooling. The bearings are beefier. Everything is built to handle abuse.
The 15-amp motor feels stronger than most other 15-amp motors because of how efficiently it’s designed. When you’re cutting through wet pressure-treated lumber or engineered beams, this saw just plows through.
Considerations:
At 11 pounds, this is one of the heavier options. That weight is there for a reason (durability and stability), but your arms will notice.
It’s also on the pricier side, though still cheaper than the premium SKILSAW.
Best for: Demolition work, cutting treated lumber, contractors who abuse their tools, heavy framers
Specs:
- Motor: 15-amp with soft start
- Weight: 11 lbs
- Blade: 7-¼ inch
- Max depth: 2-½ inches (90°)
- Bevel: 0-50 degrees
6. PORTER-CABLE PCE300 — Best Budget Corded Circular Saw
Rating: 8.6/10
Not every project needs a $300 saw.
The PORTER-CABLE PCE300 is proof that you can get a decent circular saw without emptying your wallet. If you’re building a shed, installing some shelves, or tackling occasional DIY projects, this saw will do everything you need.
What you get for the money:
A 15-amp motor that provides enough power for most common materials. It cuts through 2x4s, plywood, and composite decking without struggling.
The depth and bevel adjustments are straightforward. No fancy features, just simple levers that work.
The compromises:
The included blade is genuinely bad. Replace it immediately with a quality blade and the saw performs much better.
No electric brake, so you’re waiting a bit for the blade to stop spinning.
The dust blower barely works.
Best for: Homeowners, occasional DIYers, anyone on a tight budget, secondary saw for basic tasks
Specs:
- Motor: 15-amp
- Weight: 8.9 lbs
- Blade: 7-¼ inch
- Max depth: 2-½ inches (90°)
- Bevel: 0-55 degrees
7. Bosch CS10 — Best Compact Corded Circular Saw Under 8 lbs
Rating: 8.9/10
Bosch made one of the lightest best corded circular saws without turning it into a toy.
At just 8.3 pounds, the CS10 is incredibly easy to handle. But Bosch didn’t sacrifice power to get there. The 15-amp motor delivers 5,300 RPM, which is faster than many heavier saws.
Why this lightweight saw works:
The balanced design is the secret. The weight distribution makes it feel even lighter than it actually is. After an hour of cutting, your arm doesn’t feel like it’s going to fall off.
The footplate is reinforced, so even though the saw is light, it doesn’t flex and vibrate like some compact models.
A few notes:
The power cord could be longer. At 8 feet, you’ll need an extension cord for most jobs.
The bevel stops only at 45 degrees, which is fine for most people but limiting if you do specialty cuts.
Best for: Siding installers, roofing work, anyone who needs a lightweight saw that’s still powerful, users with smaller hands
Specs:
- Motor: 15-amp (5,300 RPM)
- Weight: 8.3 lbs
- Blade: 7-¼ inch
- Max depth: 2-⁹⁄₁₆ inches (90°)
- Bevel: 0-56 degrees
How to Choose the Best Corded Circular Saw for Your Needs?
Alright, you’ve seen the options. Now let’s figure out which one actually makes sense for you.
Power and Motor Size
All the best corded circular saws use 15-amp motors because that’s the maximum you can pull from a standard household circuit. Don’t even look at saws with smaller motors. They’ll bog down and frustrate you.
The real difference is in how efficiently that power is used. Worm drive motors (like the premium SKILSAW) have more torque. Sidewinder motors (like most others on this list) spin faster. Both work great, just in slightly different ways.
Weight and Ergonomics
Here’s where you need to be honest with yourself.
If you’re doing lots of overhead cuts or working all day, lighter is better. Go for something under 9 pounds like the DEWALT or Bosch.
If you’re mostly doing straight rip cuts on sawhorses, a heavier saw actually helps. The weight provides stability and reduces vibration. The Milwaukee or Makita make sense here.
Pick up the saw if you can. Does the grip feel comfortable? Can you easily reach the trigger and safety? These things matter more than you think.
Blade Position: Left vs Right
Worm drive saws have the blade on the left. Sidewinder saws have it on the right.
If you’re right-handed and the blade is on the left (worm drive), you have a clear view of your cut line. But the saw is a bit longer and heavier.
If the blade is on the right (sidewinder), the saw is more compact but you’re looking over the motor housing to see your cut line.
Neither is better. It’s personal preference. Most people prefer whatever they learned on.
Depth and Bevel Capacity
Every saw on this list cuts deep enough for 2-inch lumber at 90 degrees. That covers 99% of projects.
Bevel capacity varies from 45 to 57 degrees. If you only cut standard miters, 45 degrees is fine. If you do roofing or complex joinery, you’ll want at least 50 degrees.
Corded vs Cordless Circular Saws: Which is Better?
People ask me this constantly, so let’s address it.
Corded saws are better when:
- You need maximum power that never runs out
- You’re working near outlets
- You want lower upfront costs (no batteries to buy)
- You’re doing heavy-duty cutting all day
- You need consistent performance (no power fade)
Cordless saws are better when:
- You’re working in remote locations
- You already own batteries in that brand’s ecosystem
- You value convenience over raw power
- You’re doing lighter-duty work
- You hate dealing with extension cords
For serious cutting work, the best corded circular saws still outperform cordless options. The power is just more consistent and you never have to stop to swap batteries.
But cordless technology keeps getting better. In five years, this might be a different conversation.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Circular Saw
I’ve watched a lot of people buy the wrong saw. Don’t be that person.
Mistake 1: Buying based on price alone
The cheapest saw costs you more in frustration, wasted materials from bad cuts, and replacement costs when it dies in a year.
Mistake 2: Ignoring weight
Pick up the saw before you buy it. An extra two pounds doesn’t sound like much until you’ve made 200 cuts.
Mistake 3: Not considering blade costs
Quality blades cost $20-60 each. Some saws have weird arbor sizes or limited blade availability. Stick with standard 7-¼ inch blades.
Mistake 4: Overlooking the power cord
A short, thin power cord means you’re constantly swapping extension cords or dealing with voltage drop. Check the cord length and thickness.
Mistake 5: Buying too much (or too little) saw
If you’re building one deck, you don’t need a $400 professional saw. But if you’re starting a handyman business, don’t cheap out on your primary tool.
Match the tool to the job.
Final Thoughts: Which Saw Should You Actually Buy?
Let’s make this simple.
If you’re a professional or serious DIYer: Get the SKILSAW SPT77WML-01. It costs more upfront but will outlast two or three cheaper saws. The power, precision, and durability are unmatched.
If you want the best value: The DEWALT DWE575SB is your saw. It’s one of the best corded circular saws under $100 price points that delivers professional-grade performance without the professional price tag.
If you need maximum durability: Go with the Makita 5007MG. It’s built like a tank and will still be cutting perfectly 15 years from now.
If light weight matters most: Choose the SKILSAW SPT67WL-01 or Bosch CS10. Both deliver full power in a compact, lightweight package.
If you’re on a tight budget: The PORTER-CABLE PCE300 will get you through projects without breaking the bank. Just replace the blade immediately.
If you do heavy-duty work: The Milwaukee 6390-21 is engineered specifically for tough cutting jobs and won’t let you down.
The truth is, all seven of these are among the best corded circular saws available today. You can’t really go wrong with any of them. The question is just which one fits your specific needs and budget best.
My personal recommendation? If you can afford it, get the DEWALT. It’s the saw I reach for most often because it handles everything well without any compromises. It’s not the cheapest or the fanciest, but it’s the one that makes me happy every single time I use it.
Now stop overthinking it and go build something.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best corded circular saw for beginners?
The DEWALT DWE575SB is perfect for beginners. It’s powerful enough to handle anything you’ll throw at it but not so complex that it’s intimidating. The electric brake and good sight lines make it forgiving for new users.
Do I need a 15-amp circular saw?
Yes. Don’t even consider anything less. A 15-amp motor gives you enough power for all common materials without bogging down. Smaller motors will frustrate you when cutting hardwood or thick material.
How deep can the best corded circular saws cut?
At 90 degrees, most 7-¼ inch circular saws cut 2-⅜ to 2-⅝ inches deep. That’s enough for two layers of 2x material or one cut through a 4×4 (though you’d need to flip it and cut from both sides for a 4×4).
Are worm drive or sidewinder circular saws better?
Neither is objectively better. Worm drive saws (blade on left) give right-handed users better sight lines and have more torque. Sidewinder saws (blade on right) are lighter and more compact. Choose based on what feels comfortable to you.
What’s the difference between cheap and expensive circular saws?
Build quality, durability, and precision. Cheap saws use plastic components that wear out, have looser tolerances that affect cut accuracy, and use lower-quality motors that burn out faster. Expensive saws last 5-10 times longer and give better results.
Can I use a circular saw to cut metal?
Yes, but you need the right blade. Never use a wood-cutting blade on metal. Get a metal-cutting blade designed for circular saws. And expect to replace it frequently. For lots of metal cutting, a dedicated metal saw is better.
How do I make straight cuts with a circular saw?
Use a guide. Either clamp a straight edge to your material and run the saw base against it, or buy a track saw system. Freehand straight cuts take practice. Even professionals use guides for critical cuts.
What safety gear do I need?
Minimum: safety glasses and hearing protection. Ideally: also a dust mask, especially when cutting treated lumber or composite materials. The sawdust is bad for your lungs.
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