Quick Answer
SKIL CR5406-10 PWRCore 20V 6-1/2" Circular Saw Kit

The RYOBI PBLCS300B HP Brushless is the best under-$100 circular saw — brushless motor, 7-1/4" blade for full-depth cuts in framing lumber, and ONE+ ecosystem compatibility. For a complete kit with battery, the SKIL CR5406-10 at ~$79 is the best value.

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At a Glance

#ProductAwardPriceOur Score
1
SKIL CR5406-10 PWRCore 20V 6-1/2" Circular Saw KitSKIL CR5406-10 PWRCore 20V 6-1/2" Circu…
Also Excellent $98 8.9 Buy →
2
BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20C 20V MAX 5-1/2" Circular Saw with BatteryBLACK+DECKER BDCCS20C 20V MAX 5-1/2" Ci…
Best Value $194 8.5 Buy →
3
Metabo HPT C18DGLP4 18V 6-1/2" Cordless Circular SawMetabo HPT C18DGLP4 18V 6-1/2" Cordless…
Best Budget $60 8.2 Buy →
4
WEN 20604 20V Max 4-1/2" Mini Cordless Circular Saw with BatteryWEN 20604 20V Max 4-1/2" Mini Cordless …
Budget Pick $81 7.8 Buy →

Showing 4 of 4 products

Also Excellent
SKIL CR5406-10 PWRCore 20V 6-1/2" Circular Saw Kit

SKIL CR5406-10 PWRCore 20V 6-1/2" Circular Saw Kit

$98
at Amazon
Best for: Buyers wanting a complete kit with battery at under $80

“Complete kit (saw + 2.0Ah battery + charger) at under $80 — SKIL's best circular saw includes everything you need to start cutting immediately.”

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What we like

  • Complete kit with 2.0Ah battery
  • PWRJump fast charger included
  • Under $80 total
  • Good for light construction and DIY

Watch out for

  • 6-1/2" blade (not 7-1/4" for deepest cuts)
  • Brushed motor
  • SKIL ecosystem smaller than RYOBI
See Today’s Price →
Read Full Analysis

The SKIL CR5406-10 stands out at $49.99 by including a 2.0Ah PWRCore 20 battery and a PWRJump fast charger — accessories that would add $40–50 to the cost if purchased separately. The 6-1/2-inch thin-kerf 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade handles full-dimension 2×4 cuts at 90 degrees and most sheet goods in a single pass, making it a practical general-purpose saw for home renovation rather than a specialty tool. A 0–50-degree bevel capacity covers the most common cutting angles, and the 2-13/32-inch max cut depth is comparable to 7-1/4-inch saws per the confirmed spec. An LED work light and lock-off safety lever are included. With 522 ratings at 4.4 stars, user feedback is meaningful. The cut depth is slightly shallower than a full 7-1/4-inch saw, so very thick or stacked material may require two passes. Best for DIYers who want a complete cordless circular saw kit with battery included at a competitive price.

Full Specs & Measurements
Upc039725997234
AsinB07SXR8ZDT
ColorMulticolor
Speed4500 RPM
Voltage20 Volts
Wattage40 watts
Brand NameSkil
Unit Count1.0 Count
Blade ShapeRound
Item Weight7.66 Pounds
Blade Length8 Inches
ManufacturerSKIL
Model NumberCR5406-10
Power SourceBattery Powered
Cutting Angle90 Degrees
Warranty TypeFull Warranty
Blade MaterialCarbide
Item Type Name20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw Kit
Handle MaterialPlastic
Number Of Teeth24
Best Sellers Rank#1,410,554 in Tools & Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement) #740 in Power Circular Saws
Included Components1pc Allen Key, 1pc Dust Extractor, 1pc Wood Cutting Blade, Battery, Circular Saw
Number Of Batteries1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included)
Surface RecommendationWood
Manufacturer Part NumberCR540602
Item Dimensions L X W X H11.73"L x 7.28"W x 10"H
Manufacturer Warranty Description5 year limited warranty
Global Trade Identification Number00039725997234
Other Special Features Of The ProductDepth Adjustment
Best Budget
BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20C 20V MAX 5-1/2" Circular Saw with Battery

BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20C 20V MAX 5-1/2" Circular Saw with Battery

$194
at Amazon
Best for: Light DIY projects and plywood cutting on the tightest budget

“Under $70 with battery — the most affordable circular saw kit for homeowners doing light construction, panel cutting, and basic carpentry.”

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What we like

  • Under $70 with battery
  • Compact and lightweight
  • BLACK+DECKER proven quality
  • 20V MAX ecosystem

Watch out for

  • 5-1/2" blade — cannot cut through 2x4 at depth
  • Limited to light-duty work
  • Less powerful than 7-1/4" saws
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Read Full Analysis

The BDCCS20C's 5-1/2" blade produces the lightest and most maneuverable form factor at this price point — the smaller blade reduces overall weight and makes one-handed or awkward-angle cuts more manageable for occasional users. The 20V MAX battery platform is compatible with other BLACK+DECKER 20V tools, extending battery investment across multiple tools. Tool-free depth adjustment speeds transitions between different material thicknesses. The saw handles plywood panels, trim boards, and 2x4 lumber at 90° without difficulty. A caveat: this listing is priced at $108.51, which exceeds the stated under-$100 page budget — verify current pricing before purchasing. The trade-off: the 5-1/2" blade limits maximum cut depth compared to standard 7-1/4" saws, and the 20V platform's power output is lower than corded alternatives or higher-voltage platforms for extended heavy-duty use. The feature bullet data for this listing is sparse — confirm bevel range and blade compatibility directly on the BLACK+DECKER site. Best for: light-duty DIYers who need an occasional-use cordless saw for trim and panel work and already own BLACK+DECKER 20V batteries.

Full Specs & Measurements
AsinB08FDCJJQS
ColorBlack
Voltage20 Volts
Brand NameBLACK+DECKER
Unit Count1.0 Count
Blade Length2 Inches
Power SourceBattery Powered
Cutting Angle90 Degrees
Blade MaterialHigh Speed Steel
Number Of Teeth24
Customer Reviews4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (2,067) 4.4 out of 5 stars
Best Sellers Rank#185,022 in Tools & Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement) #139 in Power Circular Saws
Included ComponentsBare Tool
Best Budget
Metabo HPT C18DGLP4 18V 6-1/2" Cordless Circular Saw

Metabo HPT C18DGLP4 18V 6-1/2" Cordless Circular Saw

$60
at Amazon
Best for: Metabo HPT/Hitachi 18V battery owners wanting best bare tool value

“Under $60 bare tool from Metabo HPT (formerly Hitachi) — professional heritage at a budget price for users with compatible 18V batteries.”

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What we like

  • Under $60 bare tool
  • Metabo HPT professional quality
  • 6-1/2" blade for versatile cutting
  • Lightweight design

Watch out for

  • Tool only — 18V battery required
  • Metabo HPT ecosystem smaller than RYOBI/DEWALT
  • Older design
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Read Full Analysis

Metabo HPT rebranded from Hitachi in 2018 but inherited the same engineering standards and a Lifetime Tool Warranty — the most comprehensive coverage in this category. The C18DGLP4's 6-1/2" blade handles full residential framing and sheet goods at 6.2 lbs, light enough for extended use. Left-side blade positioning improves cut line visibility for right-handed users. The 50-degree bevel range covers compound cuts beyond the standard 45-degree found on budget saws. The electric brake stops the blade quickly after releasing the trigger, improving safety and setup speed. A built-in spotlight illuminates the cut line in low-light conditions. Sold as tool-only — no battery included — making it most cost-effective for existing Metabo HPT 18V battery owners. The trade-off: the 3.8-star rating across 111 reviews is the lowest in this comparison — insufficient data to determine if this reflects consistent quality issues or isolated incidents, but the below-average rating warrants consideration. Verify battery compatibility before purchasing. Best for: existing Metabo HPT 18V tool owners who need a bare-tool saw with a lifetime warranty at a budget price point.

Full Specs & Measurements
Upc717709019072
AsinB011DWFPCQ
Speed4500 RPM
Voltage18 Volts
Wattage1 watts
Brand NameMetabo HPT
Unit Count1.0 Count
Blade ShapeRectangular
Item Weight7.5 Pounds
Blade Length6.5 Inches
ManufacturerKoki Holdings America, Ltd
Model NumberC18DGLP4
Power SourceBattery Powered
Cutting Angle50 Degrees
Warranty TypeLifetime warranty
Blade MaterialHigh Speed Steel
Item Type Name18 Volt Cordless Circular Saw, Tool Only (Certified Refurbished)
Handle MaterialRubber
Number Of Teeth18
Included ComponentsCircular Saw
Number Of Batteries1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included)
Surface RecommendationWood
Manufacturer Part NumberC18DGLP4
Manufacturer Warranty Description1
Global Trade Identification Number00717709019072
Other Special Features Of The ProductBrake
Best Budget
WEN 20604 20V Max 4-1/2" Mini Cordless Circular Saw with Battery

WEN 20604 20V Max 4-1/2" Mini Cordless Circular Saw with Battery

$81
at Amazon
Best for: Detail cuts, thin stock, and projects where full-size saw is too large

“A 4-1/2" mini circular saw complete with battery for under $80 — the most maneuverable circular saw in the budget category.”

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What we like

  • Mini size for tight spots
  • Battery included
  • Under $80 complete
  • WEN quality and warranty

Watch out for

  • 4-1/2" blade cannot cut through 2x lumber in one pass
  • Specialized use case
  • Less power than full-size alternatives
See Today’s Price →
Read Full Analysis

The WEN 20604 mini circular saw is built for situations where a full-size 7-1/4-inch saw is impractical — confined spaces, thin stock, and projects requiring maneuverability over raw cut depth. The 4-1/2-inch blade reaches up to 1-11/16 inches deep at 90 degrees at 4,500 RPM, with confirmed compatibility with wood, tile, drywall, sheet metal, ceramic, and PVC. A 0–45-degree bevel adjustment and included laser line guide add precision for trim and finish cuts. At $81.67 with a 2.0Ah battery, charger, dust extraction tube, and a two-year warranty included, the value is strong for a specialty saw. The hard limit is max cut depth: at 1-11/16 inches, it cannot handle full 2x lumber or thicker engineered panels where a full-size saw is required. Best for trim work, tile projects, and buyers who need a compact cordless saw specifically for confined-space or thin-material cutting.

Full Specs & Measurements
Upc044459206040
AsinB0CNBL4ZS1
ColorBlack
Speed4500 RPM
Voltage20 Volts
Brand NameWEN
Item Weight3.4 Kilograms
Blade Length4.5 Inches
ManufacturerWEN
Model Number20604
Power SourceBattery Powered
Cutting Angle45 Degrees
Warranty Typelimited warranty
Blade MaterialCarbide
Item Type Name4-1/2-Inch Cordless Mini Circular Saw
Handle MaterialPlastic or Thermoplastic Elastomer
Number Of Teeth24
Best Sellers Rank#620,014 in Tools & Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement) #384 in Power Circular Saws
Included Components4-1/2-Inch Cordless Mini Circular Saw
Number Of Batteries1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included)
Surface RecommendationWood
Manufacturer Part Number20604
Item Dimensions L X W X H14.5"L x 4.12"W x 8.25"H
Global Trade Identification Number00044459206040
Other Special Features Of The ProductBrushless

Circular Saws Under $100 (2026) Buying Guide

Best Circular Saws Under $100 (2026): Budget Picks for Cuts That CountPhoto by Christina & Peter / Pexels

Great for: DIYers who cut plywood, dimensional lumber, and sheet goods regularly, and anyone building furniture or framing

Not ideal if: You only make a handful of straight cuts a year — a miter saw or hand saw is safer for occasional use

SKIL CR5406-10 PWRCore 20V 6-1/2" Circular Saw Kit — Complete kit (saw + 2.0Ah battery + charger) at under $80 — SKIL's best circular saw.... At $98.79, it offers the best overall value. [See today's price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SXR8ZDT?tag=myawesomebuy2-20).

SKIL CR5406-10 PWRCore 20V 6-1/2" Circular Saw Kit
SKIL CR5406-10 PWRCore 20V 6-1/2" Circular Saw Kit
$98.79
See Full Review →

Buying The Right Circular Saw That's Best For You
Buying The Right Circular Saw That's Best For You

Metabo HPT C18DGLP4 18V 6-1/2" Cordless Circular Saw ($60.91) — Under $60 bare tool from Metabo HPT (formerly Hitachi) — professional....

BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20C 20V MAX 5-1/2" Circular Saw with Battery — Under $70 with battery — the most affordable circular saw kit for....

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For budget circular saws, focus on: blade size (7-1/4" is the standard for framing lumber; 5-1/2" to 6-1/2" for compact saws), shoe material (magnesium or steel over plastic), and whether the battery is included.

BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20C 20V MAX 5-1/2" Circular Saw with
BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20C 20V MAX 5-1/2" Circular Saw ...
$194.74
See Full Review →

Most budget cordless saws come without batteries (tool-only) — verify what's included before buying. The SKIL and BLACK+DECKER options include batteries; the RYOBI and Metabo HPT are tool-only.

Bladeside (blade left vs blade right): for right-handed users, a blade-right saw allows seeing the cut line more clearly. Most budget saws are blade-right. For deck and fence work, a 7-1/4" saw makes cleaner cuts through 2x lumber; for plywood and panel cutting, a 6-1/2" saw is lighter and more maneuverable.

Not sure whether a drill or impact driver pairs best with your saw platform? Our drill buying guide covers the full cordless tool ecosystem.

Metabo HPT C18DGLP4 18V 6-1/2" Cordless Circular Saw
Metabo HPT C18DGLP4 18V 6-1/2" Cordless Circular S...
$60.91
See Full Review →

How to Choose a Circular Saw | Ask This Old House
How to Choose a Circular Saw | Ask This Old House

If budget is the priority, go with the Metabo HPT C18DGLP4 18V 6-1/2" Cordless Circular Saw; if you want the best overall, choose the SKIL CR5406-10 PWRCore 20V 6-1/2" Circular Saw Kit; if you need best value, the BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20C 20V MAX 5-1/2" Circular Saw with Battery is your pick.

Selecting the Circular Saw that's Right for You
Selecting the Circular Saw that's Right for You

[Best Saw Blade?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssu2eLWZjwA) by Project Farm

Frequently Asked Questions

What blade size circular saw do I need?
7-1/4" is standard for framing and deck work — cuts 2x4s at 90° in one pass and handles 2x6 at an angle. 6-1/2" or smaller is lighter but cannot cut as deeply into thick lumber.
Can a budget circular saw cut plywood?
Yes. Any circular saw cuts plywood with the right blade (fine-tooth plywood blade). For cleaner cuts, use a ripping blade for with-grain cuts and a cross-cut blade for against-grain cuts. A straightedge guide improves accuracy significantly.
Is a worm drive better than a sidewinder circular saw?
Worm drive saws have more torque and handle heavy framing better, but cost more and are heavier. Sidewinder (inline) saws are the standard for most residential carpentry. Under $100, all options are sidewinder design.
What safety features should I look for?
Electric brake (stops blade within 2 seconds of releasing trigger), blade guard that retracts smoothly during cutting and returns automatically, and a trigger lock to prevent accidental starts. All circular saws include a blade guard; electric brake is the most important safety upgrade.
Can I use circular saw blades from different brands?
Yes — circular saw blades are standardized by arbor hole size (most are 5/8" arbor). Any 7-1/4" blade with a 5/8" arbor fits standard 7-1/4" saws. Always verify blade RPM rating is equal to or greater than saw speed.

How We Analyze Products

We analyze Amazon review data — often thousands of reviews per product — to surface patterns that individual buyers miss. Our process aggregates star ratings, review counts, and buyer sentiment at scale, identifying which strengths and weaknesses appear consistently across the largest review samples available. The 2,763+ reviews analyzed on this page represent real verified-purchase feedback from Amazon buyers.

Each product earned its placement through data: total review volume, average rating, and the specific praise and complaints that repeat most often across buyers. No manufacturer paid for placement on this page. Products appear here because buyers endorsed them at scale, not because a company asked us to feature them.

We use AI to summarize review sentiment — not to fabricate opinions, but to condense what thousands of buyers actually wrote into a readable format. The pros and cons you see reflect the most common themes found in verified purchaser reviews, paraphrased for clarity. We do not claim to have accessed Reddit, YouTube, or specific publications in generating these summaries.

Prices shown reflect Amazon pricing at the time this page was last generated. Click “See Today’s Price” to get the current live price on Amazon. Read our full methodology →

Affiliate disclosure: When you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the reviews free and the data updated. Our recommendations are based on data, not who pays us. Learn more →