Comparison of the Best Circular Saws

The circular saw is a must-have for all DIY enthusiasts and professionals. It is the go-to saw for cutting effortlessly and quickly. However, faced with the countless options available on the market, buyers no longer know where to turn.

In this buying guide and comparison, you will find the necessary information to get your hands on the right one.

What is a circular saw?

A circular saw allows you to cut wood very precisely and quickly. It consists of a motor block, a handle just behind it, and a toothed disc-shaped blade at the end.

Generally, the circular saw can be mounted on a table from below or above depending on the needs, but it can also be detached and accompany its owner on the move.

Why do we need it? Cabinetmakers and carpenters as well as home DIY enthusiasts are the most frequent users. This tool is found on many construction sites.

Indeed, it is used to cut materials other than wood. The most powerful ones can even handle concrete blocks. This device cuts through sheets, tiles, and other construction elements without flinching, provided you choose the right model.

Be careful, the term circular can be misleading. It does not mean cutting curves like with a jigsaw. The type of saw we have here cuts only straight, diagonal, and bevel cuts.

The advantage with it is that the carpenter does not have to run it along a board, for example. You install it under the table and push the board gradually through the blade. By using a circular saw, you save a lot of effort.

For finishing work or precision cuts on thinner pieces, using a jigsaw remains an essential complementary alternative. If you need to work with different materials or make specific grooves, a concrete groover will be better suited for your heavy construction projects. In any case, don’t forget to take care of the surface condition of your wood with an electric planer for a professional finish.

What is the best circular saw? Our top 7

Bosch Professional 0601623000 Circular Saw GKS 190

This medium-sized circular saw proves versatile on different types of work and cuts. It allows, for example, making 4*4 cm trestles, but also cutting a solid wood table thanks to the wide parallel guide of about twenty centimeters.

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Moreover, with its 1400 W power, it allows you to quickly finish small tasks and performs well on cuts of thick derivatives.

The 19 cm diameter blade can notch or cut pieces of wood or other materials up to 7 cm thick. With its 48 teeth, it guarantees smooth and clean cutting results on plywood panels and similar materials.

The blade, which pivots up to 56°, further expands the range of uses for this model. Most only go up to 45°.

The handle is comfortable to hold for right-handed users. You can easily saw along the material without effort given its weight.

The blade insertion system is accessible to everyone, as are the other adjustments. Beginners therefore have no difficulty with this model.

Bosch corded circular saw – PKS 66 AF

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The Bosch circular saw – PKS 66 AF cuts wood panels at high speed with its 1600 W power. It cuts even faster on thinner materials. Even if you are not used to this type of tool, you cut straight thanks to the supplied 35 cm guide rail and the parallel stop.

Thanks to the Cleansystem sawdust cleaning system, you maintain good visibility on the cutting line at all times.

This highly precise tool is suitable for amateur DIY and crafts: storage pieces, furniture, light home renovations, and decorative objects.

Compared to its counterparts, the model weighs a bit more (5.4 kg), but the weight remains tolerable for both men and women. The same cannot be said for the 103 dB noise level, considering that the respectable limit ranges from 55 to 80 dB.

It is also possible to make miter cuts with this saw, with a cutting depth slightly less than most, but still quite adequate (6.6 cm).

MAKITA DSS611Z Circular Saw

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The Makita DSS611Z is an 18 V LXT cordless circular saw designed for fast and mobile cutting tasks. It operates with an 18 V Li-Ion battery and develops a no-load speed of 3,700 rpm, offering smooth cutting in wood and panels. It uses a 165 mm blade with a 20 mm bore, allowing a cutting depth of 57 mm at 90° and 40 mm at 45°, with a tilt up to 50° for bevel cuts.

Compact and lightweight, it features an aluminum base plate for greater stability, a parallel guide for straight cuts, and a dust extraction system improving visibility. Its weight of about 3.5 kg makes it easy to handle, while its cordless design makes it ideal for job site work or occasional use without mains power.

Bosch Professional 18V System Cordless Circular Saw GKS 18V-51

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The Bosch Professional GKS 18V-51 is a compact 18 V cordless circular saw designed for fast and mobile cuts. It features a brushless 18 V motor delivering a no-load speed of 5,800 to 6,300 rpm, paired with a 140 mm blade with a 20 mm bore for clean cutting in wood and panels. It offers a cutting depth of 51 mm at 90° and 35 mm at 45°, with a bevel tilt and a weight of about 2.2 kg without battery, ideal for working at height or on the move.

Designed for user comfort, it features a cutting line blower, LED lighting, a dust extraction port, and an ergonomic handle for better control. Its compact size, combined with the Bosch Professional 18V system, makes it suitable for common cutting tasks such as plywood, OSB, or construction wood.

HYCHIKA 500W Mini Circular Saw, 4500RPM

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The HYCHIKA 500W Mini Circular Saw 4500RPM is a compact corded circular saw ideal for light DIY projects and everyday cutting. It features a 500W pure copper motor that drives a 85mm diameter blade at about 4,500 rpm, offering an adjustable cutting depth from 0 to 25mm to meet various cutting needs in wood, soft metal, plastic, or even tiles with the appropriate blade.

Designed for precision and safety, it includes a parallel guide and a graduated ruler for straight cuts, a double safety switch, an ergonomic non-slip handle, as well as a dust extraction hose for cleaner work. The metal housing and base plate increase its robustness while the 3 included blades (wood, metal/plastic, diamond) allow you to start work immediately.

Einhell Cordless Circular Saw Ø165mm TE-CS 18/165-1 Li Solo Power X-Change 

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The Einhell TE‑CS 18/165‑1 Li Solo Power X‑Change is a compact and versatile 18V cordless circular saw, ideal for common cutting tasks in wood, panels, and derivative materials. It is equipped with a high-performance brushless motor that drives a 165mm diameter blade for clean and consistent cuts. Thanks to its lightweight design and reduced weight, it is particularly suitable for mobile use and job sites where ergonomics are important.

The maximum cutting depth reaches about 55mm at 90°, with the possibility of making bevel cuts up to 45° for greater versatility. The sturdy base ensures good stability, while an adjustable parallel guide helps achieve straight and precise cuts. Designed to operate on Einhell’s Power X‑Change platform, it accepts compatible 18V batteries (not included), making it convenient if you already own other tools from the same range.

HYCHIKA Circular Saw, 750W 3500RPM Small Circular Saw

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The HYCHIKA Circular Saw 750W 3500RPM is a compact corded circular saw designed for small to medium cutting tasks in wood, plastic, and other light materials. It features a 750 W motor that drives a suitable blade, offering a rotational speed of about 3,500 rpm for smooth and controlled cuts. Its lightweight design makes it easy to handle, even in tight working positions.

The cutting depth is adjustable to suit different needs, while the sturdy base plate ensures good stability during cutting. An adjustable parallel guide facilitates straight cuts, and a dust extraction system helps keep the work area clean. This model is suitable for occasional DIYers or beginners looking for a simple and effective saw for occasional cuts.

Comparison Table of Table Saw Types

Machine Type	Mobility	Precision	Main Use
Jobsite Saw	Very high: compact	Medium	Fast throughput on construction sites
Workshop Saw (Jobsite)	Good: often on wheels	High	Mobile cabinetry and layout work
Panel Saw (Stationary)	None: heavy weight	Maximum	Large panels and series production
Hybrid Saw	Low: stable	Very high	Experienced amateur: good value for money

Which type of saw to choose?

On the market, many get lost trying to select the saw best suited for their work. Between circular saws, table saws, miter saws, and many others, it can be a bit confusing. Here, we will help you determine which one to take for this or that task.

Selection criteria

Before starting your search for a saw, first define the nature of the materials you will be cutting. Will you be working with wood, metal, plastic, PVC, concrete, or something else?

Next, consider the dimensions of the material, particularly the thickness. All these details will help you choose the appropriate blade and decide which type of saw you need. In any case, if you want a clean, smooth, and neat cut, favor models with as many fine teeth as possible.

You should also know that the shape of the blades differs depending on the tool. For example, a circular saw blade is round, while a reciprocating saw blade is long and thin. The scroll saw blade is the most compact of all.

Also take into account the type of cut you want to achieve: straight, bevel, curved, angled, and others.

Which saw for which task?

The scroll saw allows you to cut patterns and small pieces of wood or other materials with the greatest precision. You can easily make grooves by adjusting its cutting height.

The reciprocating saw, which is similar to a keyhole saw, is used like a traditional saw but powered by a motor, for example to cut branches or when repairing a roof.

The circular saw finds its place in a workshop or on a construction site. It allows precise cutting of materials on a table due to its significant weight. This portable power tool somewhat resembles an angle grinder, except the latter is lighter and its motor block is less bulky.

The miter saw will be essential for making angled and bevel cuts. You don’t have to buy one if you already have a circular saw and a suitable table. Both will do the job.

We also have what is called a keyhole saw, somewhat resembling the reciprocating saw. With this tool, you can easily make holes in various materials like plaster or plywood.

The Japanese saw has made a big entrance into the market. In fact, some manufacturers have integrated the same technology into their scroll and circular saws to attract more customers. On this category of saws, you pull instead of push. Those who have tried it say this technique is much more effective and efficient than the traditional one.

The jigsaw allows for straight cuts, but also circular ones starting from the edge due to its design. For example, if you want to make several holes at each corner of a desk to pass wires through, this is your “man.” You just need to drill inside, place the saw around the perimeter, and start it. Those who don’t have a jigsaw on hand rely on hole saws or trepans.

The Best Circular Saw Brands on the Market

Bosch

Bosch experienced a significant milestone in its history during the 1960s and 70s. The group effectively opened up to the world and began diversifying its activities. It gained up to 5 times more employees in 10 years and started producing power tools as we know them today.

Bosch circular saws are abundant on the market. They differ in price, but also in size, handle design, and power supply system. You have corded ones and cordless ones. Power ranges from 1600 to 1800 W and prices from around a hundred euros for the mini models to over 400 euros for the largest ones.

Makita

Makita is among the brands aiming to lighten the workload of professionals in daily life. It designs more than 270 models of power tools compatible with its unique LCT 18 V battery. Not only is the price of the device cheaper for you, but you also save more space in your workshop.

Makita offers circular saw housings without the blade for those who already have one, as well as complete versions. Its prices range from 89 euros for the bare housing to 379 euros if the tool comes with a battery, carrying case, and lighting system.

Teccpo

The brand straight from the USA, Teccpo, is striving to make a place for itself in the French power tools market with its 4 product ranges. It also collaborates with major distributors such as Amazon and develops chainsaws, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and other comfortable devices.

Regarding circular saws, it offers various options from small 580 W models to larger 1500 W ones. The brand often includes a set of 3 blades with its housings for users who cut different materials from thin to dense. The brand also applies very competitive prices. Its circular saws cost between 48 euros and 119 euros for the most expensive ones.

What Criteria to Choose a Circular Saw?

You are very likely to waste wood or other material and even break your blade if you choose an unsuitable circular saw. To ensure everything goes well, read here the characteristics to look for to find the right tool for the task you plan.

Power

The power of a circular saw will determine whether it can fully cut through your piece of wood or metal. Indeed, if it lacks power, the blade could, for example, get stuck halfway through. If you choose a very powerful model while mainly doing small cuts at home, refurbishing furniture, or DIY interior decoration, you will have wasted your money.

So determine the intensity and frequency of the work awaiting your future purchase. Power ranges between 500 to 2000 W and more. But with that, also know that the more powerful the machine, the more noise it is likely to make during operation. So, pay attention to this detail as well. 3,480 to 5,800 rpm

Corded or Cordless

The advantage of corded models is that they operate without interruption unless there is a power outage. That said, depending on the length of the cable and the location of the power outlet in your workshop, this category could complicate your task. Therefore, favor models with a power cable of 3 to 4 m to avoid using an extension cord. Professionals strongly discourage this for safety reasons.

Cordless circular saws accommodate users because they can be oriented in any direction without inconvenience and moved wherever they please.

The battery

The quality of the battery determines its lifespan. Indeed, replacing this part after several months leads to additional expenses, especially without the manufacturer’s warranty. However, a battery should last at least a few years before giving out.

Battery life also plays an important role in selecting a circular saw. A model that lasts an hour or more already reassures users. Below that, see if your model is really worth it. Check the charging time. A saw that charges for 4 to 6 hours for only one to two hours of operation will not be favorable, especially if you use the tool a lot during the day. It will cause delays in your orders.

Blade size, number of teeth, and cutting depth

The blade diameter determines the maximum cutting height and the saw’s cutting capacity. Large-caliber ones handle hard and dense materials. Their size decreases along with the thickness of the piece to be cut or the cutting depth. Generally, circular saw blades have a diameter of 14 to 23 cm. But it is always more practical to have many if you work with different materials.

The more teeth a circular saw blade has, the cleaner the resulting cut will be. This number varies between 10 and 48. A blade with very few teeth produces rough cuts. On the other hand, with 58 teeth, you will feel that the cutting line is clean. You can test it by running your hand along the cut. If it is smooth and glides, you have the right number of teeth.

Maneuverability: weight and compactness

Weight is a double-edged characteristic. A circular saw that weighs more is a quality and solid saw. However, a heavy model will quickly tire your arms during transport and use itself. Try to find the right balance between the two and favor medium-weight products.

A good circular saw is also maneuverable. You should be able to handle it easily when making a longitudinal, straight, bevel, or angled cut. Make sure that the product in your hands is the right size and that it will not complicate storage and transport. If you do not yet have a table to fix it on, pay close attention to its dimensions.

Safety features

Here, we talk about the on and off buttons, which are still the basis of any equipment compliant with standards. Added to this is a trigger protection that would prevent children from starting the tool without your knowledge, for example. A lamp illuminating the work surface would also be welcome, as well as a cover to place on the blade to prevent you from cutting yourself while handling the device.

What is the difference between a jigsaw and a circular saw?

These two types of saws already differ in their designs. The circular saw is equipped with a disc-shaped blade, while the jigsaw has a rectangular and thin blade.

Their cutting capabilities also distinguish them well from each other. The circular saw cuts straight or at an angle, while the jigsaw can rotate on itself to cut circles of all sizes in wood.

The circular saw blade rotates at high speed, and the jigsaw blade moves up and down.

The circular saw, unlike the so-called jigsaw, comes with accessories. Several guides allow for straight cuts as well as a laser line guide. There is a parallel guide for longitudinal cuts, and another shaped like a protractor for bevel cuts. A vacuum or blower is also often present to clear debris.

How does a circular saw work?

Using the circular saw is not complicated once you understand how it works. These few tips will help you achieve that.

Put on safety gear and set everything up on your table. Start by marking the cutting line with a pencil and a square to ensure it is perfectly straight. On the circular saw, you generally have a position marker, the accessory that looks like a straight ruler, and the parallel guide at the other end. Adjust the blade tilt if necessary.

Installing the blade

Turn the small lever locking the blade position clockwise. Open the blade compartment. Insert the blade. Turn it in the direction indicated on the disc. Screw the nut on top. Finish with an Allen key if needed. Adjust the cutting height by raising and lowering the circular saw, then once you find your position, hold it there.

Making straight cuts

Once all these settings are done, place your material according to these measurements and firmly push your piece of wood or other material against the parallel guide. Plug in the saw and turn it on. Start from one edge to the other, advancing gradually and without rushing.

Making plunge cuts

To make slots or hollow parts in the middle of a plywood or solid wood panel, mark the cutting line(s) and place the blade well above the starting point, using the guide to support yourself if needed. Then turn on the circular saw, let it run for a minute before gradually lowering it.

Cutting at an angle

Place the circular saw at the starting position at one end of the wood piece. Rotate the blade to the desired angle and fix it in that position. Start the machine and cut straight ahead as with a classic cut.

Properly storing your circular saw

To save time between uses, do not remove the blade each time if you plan to use it again soon. Just place the blade guard. Ideally, find a spot where your tool won’t get mixed with other metal equipment, as this could damage it. If you store it in a basement or a damp place, don’t hesitate to hang it on the wall if possible, not by the cable, or simply place it on a secure shelf.

Cleaning and maintaining your circular saw

After each use, turn off the circular saw, unplug everything for safety. Remove the blade and wipe it with a dry, clean cloth to remove wood dust or other material. Once it is clean, lubricate it by wiping with a cloth on which you have put a few drops of oil. A brush works just as well. After that, take a cloth soaked with alcohol and polish the blade with it. Maintenance oil is available from circular saw manufacturers. Otherwise, petroleum jelly works just as well.

FAQ: Everything you need to know about the table saw for your woodworking projects