Circular saws are handheld, compact saws that use a spinning blade to cut materials. Their smaller size means they are easy to maneuver, making them more versatile than larger, stationary power saws.
A good circular saw will be lightweight and easy to transport. They are great for working in confined spaces and ideal for tasks that require quick, simple cutting solutions. However, not all circular saws are created equal, and you might need some help to find the right model.
To narrow your search, we have reviewed seven of the best compact circular saws that are currently available. We chose these saws based on whether they are corded or cordless, their cutting power and depth, and how easy they are to use.
- Adjustable cutting angle and depth
- One-handed operation
- Safety button
- Left-handed blade placement
- Ideal for wood
- Weighs just 5 pounds
- Adjustable cutting depth & angle
- Weighs 4.4 pounds
- Left-handed blade placement
- Ergonomic design
- Upper and lower blade guards
- Thick aluminum base
- Dust extraction
- Cuts most materials
- Laser guide
Product Reviews
There are many compact saws to choose from, which means finding the best ones can take a lot of time and effort. To help you avoid that extra work, we have reviewed seven of the best compact circular saws on the market today, chosen for their size, weight, cutting power, and power source.
Makita SH02R1 CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Circular Saw Kit
Best Overall Compact Circular Saw
This complete Makita compact saw kit is cordless, which means you can use it anywhere. This freedom is enhanced by the sturdy carrying case that is included with the saw.
The saw’s energy is supplied by a lithium-ion battery that powers the motor and generates 1,500 RPM. This isn’t at the higher end when it comes to compact saws, but it means the saw is suitable for cutting precise angles.
It has an adjustable cutting depth of one inch when set at 90 degrees and 0.62 inches at 45 degrees. It also has a tilting base for bevel cuts, making it an excellent option for cutting more complicated angles.
What We Like
Cordless
Cordless saws provide the freedom to make cuts anywhere, without being restricted to a power outlet. This kit includes a battery and charger, so you will have everything you need.
Lightweight
This saw weighs just 3.5 pounds, making it very lightweight. You should be able to use it for prolonged periods without too much arm fatigue.
Dust Blower
The dust blower will keep the sawing line free from debris. This will help you make accurate cuts and directs the sawdust away from your face.
What We Don't Like
Low Power
At 1,500 RPM, this is not one of the more powerful compact saws on the market. It will limit you to cutting wood, sheet material, and drywall.
Product Specs
RPM | 1,500 |
Weight | 3.5 pounds |
Cutting depth | 1-inch |
Suitable for | MDF, plyboard, melamine, drywall |
Price | $$ |
Warranty | 3-year |
Our Ratings
Dremel US40-04 Ultra Saw Tool Kit
Best Compact Circular Saw for Beginners
This compact circular Dremel Ultra Saw is a great option for beginners thanks to its size, weight, and versatility. Dremel is renowned for the versatility of its tools, so if you want a saw for various tasks, this one has you covered.
It has a powerful 7.5 amp motor and auxiliary handle. It is even more versatile thanks to its straight cut, plunge cut, and flush cut settings. These help it cover all bases if you need to a tool to make as many different cuts as possible.
This Dremel saw will cut hardwood, tiles, composite materials, laminate, drywall, and PVC, which is very impressive for a drill of its size.
What We Like
Cuts Most Materials
Buying specialist cutting tools for different materials will quickly become expensive. Thankfully, this Dremel could save you a lot of money by cutting those various materials with a single tool. It is one of the most versatile circular saws on the market.
Powerful Motor
The 7.5-amp motor produces 13,000 RPM. This is much higher than average for a compact saw and is the reason why this tool can cut through almost any material.
Precise
A clear line of sight and a quick blade change feature mean this Dremel can be used to make very accurate cuts. Its wheel technology helps it leave cuts with a smoother finish.
What We Don't Like
Expensive
Compared to some other compact circular saws, this Dremel is quite expensive. It is a multi-purpose tool rather than a specialist one, which means it is suitable for most tasks but doesn’t necessarily excel in them all.
Product Specs
RPM | 13,000 |
Weight | 4.62 pounds |
Cutting depth | Not specified |
Suitable for | Hardwood, plyboard, composites, laminate flooring, drywall, PVC, plastic |
Price | $$ |
Warranty | 2-year |
Our Ratings
Enventor Mini Circular Saw
Best Compact Circular Saw for Construction
The Enventor compact circular saw might be exactly the tool you need if you are a construction worker. Not only is it compact and easy to take to job sites, but it also has multiple useful features and accessories.
It has a red laser guide to ensure precise and accurate cuts. It includes six blades for various materials, with two each of TCT blades, HSS blades, and diamond blades. These different blades will let you cut through wood, tiles, metal, and plastic.
This saw is suitable for prolonged use throughout the day thanks to its comfortable handle grip. It is also fully equipped with a safety trigger to protect you during use while providing precise control.
What We Like
Adjustable Cutting Angle and Depth
As well as being suitable for various materials, this saw also offers an adjustable cutting angle and depth. The cutting depth varies between 1 and 11/16th of an inch at 90 degrees and 1 and ⅛ of an inch at 45 degrees.
One-Handed Operation
This tool is designed to be suitable for one-handed operation. If you prefer to keep your other hand free to hold down materials and provide extra security, it is an ideal choice.
Safety Comes First
When taking any tool onto a construction site, it must fulfill certain safety requirements, which this saw does. It has a safety button activated by your thumb and a double protection switch, reducing the chance of any accidents occurring.
As it is also small and lightweight, there is less risk of dropping and breaking it or injuring yourself. The ergonomic handle makes it easier and safer to hold and control for long periods of time.
What We Don't Like
DIY Jobs
There are very few complaints about this circular saw, except some people feel it is more suitable for DIY projects than large-scale work. This isn’t a surprise given its relatively small size, and it still does a very good job of cutting soft materials.
Product Specs
RPM | 3,500 |
Weight | 8.05 pounds |
Cutting depth | 1.68″ at 90° and 1.125″ at 45° |
Suitable for | Wood, soft metal, tile, and plastic |
Price | $ |
Warranty | Not specified |
Our Ratings
Rockwell RK3441K Compact Circular Saw
Best Compact Circular Saw for Woodworking
This Rockwell compact circular saw is lightweight at just 5 pounds, which is about half as heavy as some of its competitors. It has a left-handed blade design to ensure you have a clear view of the line you are cutting.
The saw is primarily designed to cut wood, which it will make short work of thanks to its 3,500 RPM motor. If you regularly need to cut wooden boards for furniture or other pieces, this saw will be very suitable.
This model has a maximum cutting depth of 1.69 inches, which is standard for a compact circular saw. The ergonomic handle makes it easy to maintain control, even when making awkward cuts high on a wall or ceiling.
What We Like
Left-Handed Blade
Having the blade mounted on the left-hand side provides clearer visibility and helps you maintain your line of sight. You should notice the benefits when cutting large boards and intricate angles for framing and other woodwork.
Ideal for Wood
This saw’s advertising states that it was “born to cut wood” and that is definitely where it excels. It will slice through 2 x 4 lumber with ease.
Lightweight
As this saw weighs just 5 pounds, it will place less of a strain on your hands and wrist while cutting. This means you should be able to take fewer breaks, helping you complete your work more quickly.
What We Don't Like
Wood Specialist
Being excellent at cutting wood could be both a pro and a con. The downside is that it this saw is unsuitable for harder materials such as concrete or metals.
Corded
This saw’s energy is provided via an electrical cord, so it doesn’t offer the same freedom as its cordless competitors. If you need to complete work away from an electrical outlet, you will need an extension cable to extend its reach.
Product Specs
RPM | 3,500 |
Weight | 5 pounds |
Cutting depth | 2 inches |
Suitable for | Hardwood, softwood, plastic, 2-inch lumber |
Price | $ |
Warranty | 3-year |
Our Ratings
Worx WX429L Compact Circular Saw
Best Compact Circular Saw For Framing
This Worx saw is one of the best compact woodworking saws we have seen. However, its adjustable parallel gauge and bevel adjuster mean this is our choice for best saw for framing.
These features will help you make precise cuts, even if you need to make them at unusual angles. They also provide easy adjustment, which will help you complete complex tasks with minimal fuss.
It has a maximum cutting depth of 2 inches, which means it can saw through 2 x 4 in a single sweep. If you need to make window or door frames, you can be confident that this compact saw won’t let you down.
What We Like
Adjustable Depth and Angles
A saw that can be easily adjusted to cut at different angles is invaluable for complicated woodworking jobs. This model helps you cut straight lines with its parallel guide, and can be adjusted to cut at a 45-degree angle.
Lightweight
This saw weighs just 4.4 pounds, which is very light, even for a compact saw. This means it will place far less strain on your hand and arm while you work. This also allows you to control the saw with one hand.
Blade on the Left
The majority of the US population is right-handed, so this left-handed blade will provide a clearer view of the cutting edge. This means it will be much easier to make accurate cuts.
What We Don't Like
Corded
The 10-foot power cord limits how far from an electrical outlet you can work. You can expand your range with an extension cable, but you won’t have the same level of freedom as a battery-operated cordless saw.
Small Projects
This applies to most compact circular saws, but this saw isn’t well suited to large-scale projects. If you are undertaking a heavy-duty task, you should consider a larger, more powerful alternative.
Product Specs
RPM | 3,500 |
Weight | 4.4 pounds |
Cutting depth | 2 inches |
Suitable for | Wood, metal, plastic, tiles |
Price | $ |
Warranty | 3-year |
Our Ratings
AIOPR Mini Circular Saw
Best Budget Circular Saw
You don’t need to spend a fortune to buy an effective mini circular saw. This AIOPR model is a budget-friendly option, but it still has plenty of power to cut various materials.
The impressive cutting power is thanks to its 696-watt motor and 766V blade. It can be used to cut various materials including plastic, PVC, and wood.
With an ergonomic, comfortable design, you will be able to use this saw to cut one-handed. This will leave your other hand free for tasks such as supporting yourself or holding the stock you are cutting.
What We Like
Ergonomic Design
This saw has a slim, ergonomic design that provides a secure grip to reduce hand fatigue. This ease of use is enhanced by the saw’s weight of just 7.06 pounds.
Added Safety Features
You will be able to work with confidence thanks to this saw’s excellent safety features. It has both lower and upper blade guard rails to ensure your hand stays away from the cutting edge.
Thick Aluminum Base
This saw has a thick aluminum base that will cope with the rigors of more demanding cutting tasks and provide excellent durability.
What We Don't Like
Motor Position
The handle is ergonomically designed, but the saw’s motor is also located there. Unless you have large hands, you might find this saw somewhat uncomfortable to use.
Product Specs
RPM | 3,500 |
Weight | 7.06 pounds |
Cutting depth | 1.68 inches (90°) 1.125 inches (45°) |
Suitable for | Wood, plastic, and PVC pipe |
Price | $ |
Warranty | Not specified |
Our Ratings
Rockwell RK3440K Ultra-Compact Versacut Saw
Best Compact Circular Saw For Dust Extraction
This Rockwell Versacut saw’s standout feature is its ability to extract dust. Excessive sawdust will make it harder to work, could enter your lungs, and, if nothing else, will simply make a mess.
This saw has a pipe that can be attached to your shop vacuum to safely remove all the debris with minimal effort. A major benefit of this is that it will clear the cutting line of waste material, allowing you to see what you are working on and cut more accurately.
It also has a built-in laser guide to increase your accuracy while cutting. It will cut tiles, wood, sheet metal, plastics, and flooring with ease.
What We Like
Dust Extraction
By being connected to your shop vacuum, this saw removes the vast majority of sawdust that is created during use. This will protect your lungs and greatly reduce the amount of cleaning you need to do after cutting.
Versatile
Despite its small size, this little saw is capable of cutting through metal, wood, plastics, composites, and even tiles.
Laser Guide
It is important to maintain a clear line of sight to cut material accurately. This saw has a laser guide that makes it much easier to make neat, precise cuts.
Great for Tight Spaces
The Versacut has a shallow nose, so the cutting edge is almost flush with the front. This means you can get close to walls and corners, providing greater maneuverability in tight spaces.
What We Don't Like
High Price
This Rockwell model costs considerably more than the brand’s other compact saws. This is likely due to its dust-extracting capabilities, which will make a significant difference to how you work.
Product Specs
RPM | 3,500 |
Weight | 4 pounds |
Cutting depth | 1.69 inches |
Suitable for | Wood, soft metals, plastic, tiles |
Price | $$ |
Warranty | 2-year limited |
Our Ratings
Product | Best | RPM | Weight | Cutting depth | Suitable for | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Makita Lithium-Ion Saw | Overall Choice | 1,500 | 3.5 lbs | 1″ | MDF, plyboard, melamine, drywall | 3-year |
Dremel Ultra Saw Tool Kit | Beginners | 13,000 | 4.62 lbs | N/A” | Hardwood, plyboard, composites, laminate, drywall, PVC, plastic | 2-year |
Enventor Circular Saw | Construction | 3,500 | 8.05 lbs | 1.68″ at 90°; 1.125″ at 45° | Wood, soft metal, tile, and plastic | N/A |
Rockwell RK3441K Circular Saw | Woodworking | 3,500 | 5 lbs | 2″ | Hardwood, softwood, plastic, lumber | 3-year |
Worx WX429L Circular Saw | Framing | 3,500 | 4.4 lbs | 2″ | Wood, metal, plastic, tiles | 3-year |
AIOPR Mini | Budget Pick | 3,500 | 7.06 lbs | 1.68″at 90°; 1.125″ at 45° | Wood, plastic, & PVC pipe | N/A |
Rockwell RK3440K Versacut | Dust Extraction | 3,500 | 4 lbs | 1.69″ | Wood, soft metals, plastic, tiles | 2-year limited |
Do I Need a Compact Circular Saw?
A standard circular saw provides greater cutting depth, has more power, and can do the majority of things that a compact circular saw can. However, there are still plenty of reasons that you might want a smaller model.
Compact circular saws might not have the same power as full-size saws, but they provide convenience and ease of use. If you have smaller woodworking tasks to complete, these saws will help you do them quickly and easily.
They can cut wood, metal, plastic, composites, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). The only thing you need to keep in mind is that smaller saws have less cutting depth than larger units, so you won’t be able to cut thick pieces of material.
Take Note
How to Choose a Compact Circular Saw
With so many makes and models to choose from, it can feel like a struggle to find the right one. Here are some of the most important things to consider when shopping: