Power Tools · Buyer's guide · DIY
Best Circular Saw for Beginner Homeowners: Budget, Mid and Pro Picks
SKIL 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide (5280-01)
DEWALT DWE575SB 7-1/4 inch Corded Circular Saw with Electric Brake
DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4 Inch Cordless Circular Saw with Brake, Tool Only (DCS570B)
DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX 7-1/4 Inch Worm Style Circular Saw Kit with 9.0Ah Battery (DCS577X1)Photos from the Amazon listings. Scores are our own, not customer ratings.
Quick answer
For most beginners with an outlet nearby, the corded DEWALT DWE575SB is the safe pick. If money is tight, the SKIL 5280-01 cuts fine and adds a laser guide. If you already own DEWALT 20V batteries, the cordless DCS570B is the one to look at, and the FLEXVOLT DCS577X1 is for people who will cut a lot.
Quick verdict
The right first circular saw depends on two things: whether an outlet is near the work, and whether you already own cordless batteries. We read the maker specs, buyer reviews and independent tests for four saws that cover the common choices, and sorted them into budget, mid and pro tiers.
- Budget: SKIL 5280-01. A corded saw with a laser guide. Good for a few projects.
- Mid, corded: DEWALT DWE575SB. Our safe pick for most beginners with an outlet nearby.
- Mid, cordless: DEWALT DCS570B. Best if you already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries.
- Pro, cordless: DEWALT DCS577X1. For people who will cut often and hard.
If you are still deciding whether you need a circular saw at all, start with our circular saw basics. This page is for choosing a model.
How we picked
We did not pick saws that look good on a shelf. We looked for four things a beginner feels in the first month:
- Control. Weight and balance. A saw you can keep on the line is a saw you can use safely.
- Safety features. An electric brake, a guard that snaps shut, and a base plate that sits flat.
- Enough power for real jobs. Studs, deck boards and plywood without the saw bogging down.
- A track record. Models that buyers and independent testers have been writing about for years, not brand-new unknowns.
We also made sure the list covers both corded and cordless, and three price tiers, so you can match a saw to your situation. No prices appear here because they change daily; check the listing on the day you buy.
Who it's for
- First-time buyers who want a full-size saw that will handle decks, sheds, shelves and fences
- Homeowners on a tight budget who only need a saw for a few projects
- People who already own DEWALT 20V batteries and want a cordless saw
- Frequent DIYers who will cut daily and want pro-level power
Who should skip it
- People who only cut small trim pieces. A miter saw or a hand saw does that more cleanly.
- Anyone who has not learned basic saw safety. All four saws are powerful and need both hands and full attention.
- Buyers with no outlet near the work and no batteries. The cordless picks only make sense if you buy the batteries too.
What buyers and testers say
Praised most often across these saws
- Light weight and balance on the lighter saws. Buyers of the DWE575SB mention it often, and Tool Box Buzz noted it felt noticeably lighter than the older DEWALT saw its reviewer had used.
- Enough power for homeowner work. Tool Box Buzz found the DWE575 handled plywood, framing lumber and a pressure-treated 2x8 rip. Pro Tool Reviews rated the cutting performance of the DCS570 highly and praised the DCS577X1's cutting power as top tier.
- Brakes and small details. The electric brake, an on-board blade wrench and a dust blower that clears the cut line come up in reviews of the DEWALT saws.
Complaints that come up most
- Cords and batteries. Corded saws tie you to an outlet, and cordless saws tie you to battery charge and cost. Neither is a defect, but it is the first thing to settle.
- Missing extras on cheaper saws. Reviewers of the SKIL say it lacks an electric brake and that the stock blade is worth replacing.
- Weight and ergonomics on cordless saws. Pro Tool Reviews scored the DCS570's ergonomics lower than its cutting and value, and one buyer found it heavier than other saws and the handle awkward with the blade set shallow. The DCS577X1 is the heaviest of the four.
Budget pick: SKIL 5280-01
Best for: someone who needs a full-size saw for a handful of projects and has an outlet nearby.
According to the listing, the SKIL 5280-01 has a 15-amp corded motor rated at 5,300 RPM, a 51-degree bevel with a positive stop at 45 degrees, a single-beam laser guide, a spindle lock and an on-tool wrench. It comes with a 24-tooth carbide blade and a carrying bag. Retailers list it at about 8.7 pounds.
Reviewers describe it as easy to handle with good power for the price. Top Ten Reviews says it sits toward the lower end for power, so it is not the best choice for heavy lumber work, and adds that it lacks some features pros want.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Corded 15-amp motor. Plenty for sheds, shelves and fence boards. | No electric brake. The blade coasts for a moment after you release the trigger. |
| Laser guide. Some beginners find it helpful for following a line. | Laser is basic. Reviewers say it is fixed and hard to see in bright sun. |
| Light enough for a full-size saw. Retailers list it at about 8.7 pounds. | Markings are small. Reviewers mention the angle and depth markings are hard to read in dim light. |
| Blade changes are simple. A spindle lock and on-tool wrench. | Stock blade is plain. Plan on a finer blade for plywood. |
Mid pick, corded: DEWALT DWE575SB
Best for: most beginners who have an outlet and want one saw they will not outgrow.
The maker lists an 8.8-pound saw with a 15-amp motor, a 2-9/16 inch depth of cut, a bevel up to 57 degrees, an electric brake and a contractor bag. We cover it in depth in our DWE575SB review. In short, buyers and testers praise the weight, the power and the thoughtful details, and complain mainly that it is corded and has no rip fence or light.
In The Saw Guy's video, the reviewer walks through the brake, bag, cord protection, on-board wrench, 57-degree bevel and dust port, and suggests adding a finer blade for plywood. That matches the written reviews we read.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Light for a full-size corded saw. | Corded only. |
| Electric brake. | No rip fence, light or laser. |
| Wide bevel and deep cut. | Rough stock blade. Add a finer blade for plywood. |
| Proven design. Sold for over a decade, so parts, blades and how-to videos are easy to find. |
Mid pick, cordless: DEWALT DCS570B
Best for: people who already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries, or who work on roofs and in yards away from outlets.
The maker lists a brushless motor at 5,500 RPM, a 57-degree bevel, an electric brake, a rafter hook, a 24-tooth carbide blade and a 7.5-pound bare tool. It is sold as tool only, so the battery and charger are extra. The maker lists a 3-year limited warranty, 1 year of free service and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee.
Pro Tool Reviews called the cutting performance strong and the value excellent, and treated the saw as a real replacement for a corded sidewinder. It marked the ergonomics down and noted that the 20V platform has less headroom than DEWALT's 60V FLEXVOLT saws. One buyer reported the blade turns about once before the brake stops it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No cord. Handy for roofs, fences and yards. | Battery and charger sold separately. If you own none, the real cost is the saw plus batteries. |
| Brushless motor and brake. | Ergonomics. Testers and at least one buyer say the handle is not the most comfortable. |
| Shares batteries with other DEWALT 20V MAX tools. | Less power headroom than the FLEXVOLT saw, per Pro Tool Reviews. |
| Light as a bare tool, at 7.5 pounds before you add a battery. |
Pro pick, cordless: DEWALT DCS577X1
Best for: DIYers who cut every weekend, small contractors, and anyone who wants the most power of the four.
The DCS577X1 is a rear-handle, worm-drive-style saw. The maker lists a magnesium shoe, brushless motor, electronic brake, a 53-degree bevel with stops at 45 and 22.5 degrees, a 2-7/16 inch depth of cut at 90 degrees, a dust blower and a rafter hook. The kit includes a 9.0Ah FLEXVOLT battery, charger, blade and contractor bag.
Pro Tool Reviews praised the saw's cutting power and accuracy and noted only a little guard hesitation on compound cuts. It reminds readers that this is a cordless alternative to a worm drive rather than a true gear-driven worm drive. Retailer listings put the weight near 11 pounds, so it is not a light saw.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Top-tier cutting power in independent testing. | Heavy. Near 11 pounds in retailer listings. |
| Battery and charger included in the kit, per the maker. | More saw than most beginners need. |
| Rear handle gives a clear line of sight to the cut. | Guard hesitation on compound cuts noted by Pro Tool Reviews. |
| FLEXVOLT battery works in 20V tools too, per retailer and reviewer notes. |
Which one should you buy?
- If you have an outlet nearby and want one saw for years, get the DEWALT DWE575SB.
- If money is tight and you only have a few projects, get the SKIL 5280-01, and buy a better blade and safety glasses with it.
- If you already own DEWALT 20V MAX tools, get the DCS570B, and make sure you have a battery and charger.
- If you will cut often, work on jobsites or build large projects, the DCS577X1 is the one with the most power, and it comes with a battery.
- If you own batteries from another brand, check that brand's cordless 7-1/4 inch saw first. Project Farm's cordless saw test, covered by Boing Boing, found several brands finishing close together, so the battery system you already own matters more than small differences between saws.
If most of your cuts will be small trim pieces rather than plywood and lumber, a miter saw may suit you better.
Tips before you buy
- Check the listing for the exact model name. The DWE575 and DWE575SB differ, and the DCS570B is tool only.
- Decide on batteries first. A cordless saw's real price is the saw plus a battery and charger.
- Add a finer plywood blade. Stock blades are made for rough framing cuts.
- Buy safety gear the same day. Safety glasses and hearing protection.
- Use a straight edge for long cuts. A clamped board makes up for the missing rip fence. A speed square helps you mark square lines.
Planning a deck? The deck calculator on figuremyhome.com works out boards and screws before you make the first cut.
Key specs to look for
| Spec | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Blade size | 7-1/4 inch is the standard. All four saws here use it, and blades are sold everywhere. |
| Corded or cordless | Corded saws never run out of power and suit people with an outlet nearby. Cordless saws are better on roofs and in yards, but only make sense if you buy or already own batteries. |
| Electric brake | Stops the blade soon after you release the trigger. The DWE575SB, DCS570B and DCS577X1 have one. The SKIL 5280-01 does not, according to reviewers. |
| Weight | The maker lists 8.8 pounds for the DWE575SB and 7.5 pounds for the bare DCS570B. Retailers list the SKIL at about 8.7 pounds. The DCS577X1 is heavier, near 11 pounds in retailer listings. |
| Bevel | The SKIL lists a 51-degree bevel with a stop at 45. The DWE575SB and DCS570B list up to 57 degrees. The DCS577X1 lists 53 degrees. |
| Laser guide | Only the SKIL has one. It helps beginners, but reviewers say it is hard to see in bright sun. |
| What is in the box | The DCS570B is sold tool only. The DCS577X1 kit includes a battery and charger. Check the listing before you order. |
Where to buy
All four saws are sold on Amazon. Compare the exact model names below before you order.
SKIL 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide (5280-01)
- Corded 15-amp saw with a laser line to help beginners follow the cut mark
- Light for a full-size saw, per retailer and review listings
- The simplest way into a full-size saw if you only have a few projects ahead
How we scored it
Usefulness 8/10 · Value 9/10 · Durability 6/10. This is our own opinion, based on specs, buyer reviews and independent tests. It is not an Amazon or customer rating.
DEWALT DWE575SB 7-1/4 inch Corded Circular Saw with Electric Brake
- Light for a full-size corded saw, so it is easier to keep on the line
- Electric brake stops the blade soon after you release the trigger
- 57-degree bevel and a deep cut cover decks, rafters and framing
How we scored it
Usefulness 9/10 · Value 8/10 · Durability 9/10. This is our own opinion, based on specs, buyer reviews and independent tests. It is not an Amazon or customer rating.
DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4 Inch Cordless Circular Saw with Brake, Tool Only (DCS570B)
- Brushless motor and an electric brake on a full-size cordless saw
- Runs on the 20V MAX batteries many DEWALT tool owners already have
- Tool only, so the battery and charger are bought separately
How we scored it
Usefulness 8/10 · Value 8/10 · Durability 8/10. This is our own opinion, based on specs, buyer reviews and independent tests. It is not an Amazon or customer rating.
DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX 7-1/4 Inch Worm Style Circular Saw Kit with 9.0Ah Battery (DCS577X1)
- Rear-handle, worm-drive-style layout with strong cutting power in independent tests
- Kit includes a large FLEXVOLT battery and charger, per the maker
- Built for frequent, heavy cutting rather than a few weekend projects
How we scored it
Usefulness 8/10 · Value 7/10 · Durability 9/10. This is our own opinion, based on specs, buyer reviews and independent tests. It is not an Amazon or customer rating.
Read the newest reviews before you buy and double-check what is in the box. Whichever saw you choose, add a finer plywood blade and safety glasses to the same order.
Watch and read more
Video reviews
- The Dewalt DWE575SB - The Last Circular Saw You'll Ever Buy — The Saw Guy
Walks through the DWE575SB: the electric brake, on-board wrench, dust blower, 57-degree bevel and 8.8-pound weight, and suggests adding a finer blade.
PROSWho uses it
- Pro Tool Reviews — Reviewed the DEWALT DCS570 cordless saw and its FlexVolt worm-drive-style sibling, the DCS577X1, which it praised for cutting power.
- Tool Box Buzz — Reviewed the DEWALT DWE575 and found its motor handled plywood, framing lumber and a pressure-treated 2x8 rip.
Free calculators
FigureMyHome
- Deck Calculator — Work out boards and screws before you start cutting.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best circular saw for a beginner?
For most beginners with an outlet nearby, a light corded saw with an electric brake, like the DEWALT DWE575SB, is a safe choice. If you already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries, the cordless DCS570B is the better fit.
Is a cheap circular saw okay to start with?
Yes, for occasional projects. The SKIL 5280-01 is a popular budget corded saw. Reviewers say the stock blade is serviceable but worth replacing, and that it lacks an electric brake.
Should a beginner buy corded or cordless?
Corded is simpler and avoids buying batteries. Cordless is handier on roofs and far from outlets, but it only makes sense if you already own batteries from that brand or plan to buy a few. If you have an outlet within a cord's reach, start corded.
Does a beginner need an electric brake?
It is not essential, but it is a safety and convenience feature. The blade stops soon after you let go, so you spend less time with a spinning blade near your work.
What blade size should I buy?
Stay with 7-1/4 inch. It is the common size, cuts standard lumber in one pass and blades are easy to find.
Do I need a laser guide?
No. It helps some beginners follow a line, but reviewers of the SKIL say the laser is fixed and hard to see in bright light. A pencil line and a notch on the base plate do the job.
What else should I buy with my first saw?
Safety glasses, hearing protection, a finer-tooth blade for plywood and a speed square. A clamp or two to hold the board is worth having too.
Sources
- DEWALT DWE575SB product page (maker specs)
- DEWALT Canada: DCS570B product page (maker specs)
- DEWALT DCS577X1 product page (maker specs)
- Pro Tool Reviews: DEWALT DCS570 20V MAX circular saw review
- Pro Tool Reviews: DEWALT FlexVolt worm drive style saw review
- Tool Box Buzz: DEWALT FLEXVOLT 7-1/4 worm drive style saw
- Top Ten Reviews: SKIL circular saws
- Boing Boing: testing to find the best circular saws (Project Farm cordless test)
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