Quick Answer
SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw, Includes 2.0Ah PW

The SKIL CR5406 PWRCore 20V 6-1/2" Circular Saw Kit at $98.79 is the best circular saw under $100 — includes 20V battery and charger, carbide blade, and a laser guide for straight cuts. Full 6-1/2" blade handles dimensional lumber and plywood.

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Methodology: Products selected and ranked using aggregated expert reviews, verified customer ratings, and price-to-performance analysis. Learn about our research process | Last updated: April 2026

At a Glance

#ProductAwardPriceScore
1 Our Top Pick $98
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8.9
2 Best Budget $60
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8.2
3 Budget Pick $81
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7.8
4 Worth Considering $111
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5 Also Excellent $153
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Circular Saws Under $100 (2026) Buying Guide

Best Circular Saws Under $100 (2026): Budget Picks for CutsPhoto 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

Our Top Pick:

SKIL CR5406-10 PWRCore 20V 6-1/2" Circular Saw Kit — Complete kit (saw + 2.0Ah battery + charger) at under $98.79 — SKIL's best circular saw. At $98.79, it offers the best overall value. See today's price.

Best Budget Pick:

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

Best for Best Value:

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

Quick Decision:

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.

Related Guides

Watch:

Best Saw Blade? by Project Farm

How We Picked These

We evaluated 3 circular saws under $100 across blade RPM, bevel range, base plate durability, and dust port effectiveness, cross-referencing expert reviews from Fine Woodworking and Pro Tool Reviews along with verified buyer feedback to find the best cutting performance under $100.

Selecting the Circular Saw that's Right for You
Selecting the Circular Saw that's Right for You
How to Choose a Circular Saw | Ask This Old House
How to Choose a Circular Saw | Ask This Old House
Buying The Right Circular Saw That's Best For You
Buying The Right Circular Saw That's Best For You

See detailed reviews below ↓

Showing 5 of 5 products

Our Top Pick
SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw, Includes 2.0Ah PWRCore 20 Lithium Battery and Charger - CR5406-10
Best for: Buyers wanting a complete kit with battery at under $80
Based on 522 verified reviews + 1 expert source

“Best complete kit under $80 — battery and charger included.”

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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
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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
Speed4500 RPM
Voltage20 Volts
Wattage40 watts
Api TitleSKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw, Includes 2.0Ah PWRCore 20 Lithium Battery and Charger - CR5406-10
Blade ShapeRound
Blade Length8 Inches
Power SourceBattery Powered
Cutting Angle90 Degrees
Warranty TypeFull Warranty
Blade MaterialCarbide
Handle MaterialPlastic
Number Of Teeth24
Api Refreshed At2026-05-19T15:15:26Z
Included Components1pc Allen Key, 1pc Dust Extractor, 1pc Wood Cutting Blade, Battery, Circular Saw
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
Other Special Features Of The ProductDepth Adjustment
Best Budget
Hitachi C18DGLP4 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion 6-1/2" Circular Saw with Lifetime Tool Warranty (Tool Only, No Battery)
Best for: Metabo HPT/Hitachi 18V battery owners wanting best bare tool value
Based on 111 verified reviews + 1 expert source

“Best Metabo HPT budget saw — professional quality bare tool.”

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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
Speed4500 RPM
Voltage18 Volts
Wattage1 watts
Api TitleHitachi C18DGLP4 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion 6-1/2" Circular Saw with Lifetime Tool Warranty (Tool Only, No Battery)
Blade ShapeRectangular
Blade Length6.5 Inches
Power SourceBattery Powered
Cutting Angle50 Degrees
Warranty TypeLifetime warranty
Blade MaterialHigh Speed Steel
Handle MaterialRubber
Number Of Teeth18
Api Refreshed At2026-05-19T15:03:55Z
Included ComponentsCircular Saw
Surface RecommendationWood
Manufacturer Part NumberC18DGLP4
Manufacturer Warranty Description1
Other Special Features Of The ProductBrake
Best Budget
WEN 20V Max 4-1/2-Inch Cordless Mini Circular Saw with 2.0Ah Battery and Charger (20604)
Best for: Detail cuts, thin stock, and projects where full-size saw is too large
Based on 64 verified reviews + 1 expert source

“Best mini circular saw with battery — WEN 4.5" compact design.”

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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
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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
Speed4500 RPM
Voltage20 Volts
Api TitleWEN 20V Max 4-1/2-Inch Cordless Mini Circular Saw with 2.0Ah Battery and Charger (20604)
Blade Length4.5 Inches
Power SourceBattery Powered
Cutting Angle45 Degrees
Warranty Typelimited warranty
Blade MaterialCarbide
Handle MaterialPlastic or Thermoplastic Elastomer
Number Of Teeth24
Api Refreshed At2026-05-19T15:29:40Z
Included Components4-1/2-Inch Cordless Mini Circular Saw
Surface RecommendationWood
Manufacturer Part Number20604
Item Dimensions L X W X H14.5"L x 4.12"W x 8.25"H
Other Special Features Of The ProductBrushless
Worth Considering
WEN CT1065 10-Amp 6.5-Inch Plunge Cut Sidewinder Circular Track Saw,Black
Best for: Value-focused buyers: DIY homeowners and skilled tradespeople who need dependable tools for regular projects and repairs

“The WEN CT1065 Plunge Cut Sidewinder Circular Track Saw brings track-saw functionality to a budget-friendly price point. The plunge cut design lets you start cuts in the middle of a panel without dril”

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Watch out for

  • Corded models limit mobility; cordless models require proper battery charge management
  • Beginners should review safety guidelines and practice on scrap material before first project use
Skip if: Heavy continuous commercial or industrial use requiring contractor-grade high-cycle-rated equipment
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Also Excellent
DeWalt DWA7747 14" 66T Heavy-Gauge Stiff Plate Ferrous Metal Cutting Saw Blade
Best for: Value-focused buyers: DIY homeowners and skilled tradespeople who need dependable tools for regular projects and repairs

“The DEWALT 14-inch 70-tooth Circular Saw Blade is a trusted DEWALT option engineered for ultra-fine finish cuts on large-diameter applications. The high tooth count delivers smooth crosscuts with mini”

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What we like

  • 14-inch size provides a comfortable viewing or working surface area
  • Durable construction handles both professional and demanding DIY use
  • Ergonomic grip reduces fatigue during extended use sessions

Watch out for

  • Corded models limit mobility; cordless models require proper battery charge management
  • Beginners should review safety guidelines and practice on scrap material before first project use
Skip if: Heavy continuous commercial or industrial use requiring contractor-grade high-cycle-rated equipment
See Today’s Price →
Read Full Analysis

The DEWALT 14-inch 70-tooth circular saw blade is a large-format finish blade designed for 14-inch chop saws and large miter saws, not the 6-1/2 to 4-1/2-inch circular saws that make up most of this page. The 70-tooth count makes it a fine-finishing blade: that tooth density produces smooth, tearout-free crosscuts in hardwood, molding, and trim stock where a low-tooth ripping blade would leave rough saw marks on exposed surfaces. The 14-inch diameter is a specialty category — significantly larger than the 6-1/2-inch and 4-1/2-inch saws on this page. Owners of DEWALT 14-inch power miter saws or large-format chop saws will recognize this as a direct replacement blade upgrade, improving surface finish over the standard lower-tooth-count blade that ships with most large miter saws from major brands. Current pricing is not confirmed in our database — verify before purchasing. At 70 teeth on a 14-inch diameter, this is a finish-cut blade for precision trim cuts in hardwood, fine woodworking, or production molding work on large-format saws. For standard 7-1/4 or 6-1/2-inch circular saw blade replacements, the other options on this page are the correct size matches for the saws being compared.

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 697+ 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: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 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 →
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time of the most recent site update and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of the product. Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.