Best Cordless Circular Saws 2026 — Brushless 18V and 20V Models Tested
The DEWALT 20V MAX 6-1/2" Brushless Circular Saw Kit (B08KYNSQSN) is the best overall: brushless motor, 56° bevel, and 5Ah battery kit at ~$180.
See Today’s Price →At a Glance
Showing 3 of 3 products
DEWALT DCS565P1 20V MAX 6-1/2" Brushless Cordless Circular Saw Kit, 5Ah
“DEWALT's brushless 6-1/2" is the benchmark cordless circular saw: more runtime than most corded setups per charge, 56° bevel, and best-in-class cut performance.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Brushless motor for extended runtime
- 56° bevel capacity
- 5Ah battery included
- Lightweight for a 6-1/2" saw
- DEWALT 20V MAX battery compatibility
Watch out for
- 6-1/2" blade limits to standard framing depth
- Kit price — bare tool cheaper if you have batteries
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DEWALT DCS565P1 cordless 6-1/2" circular saw at $179 — 20V MAX brushless motor delivers 5,150 RPM with electric brake for safety and productivity. Blade-left design improves sightline for right-handed users during rip cuts. 57° bevel handles compound angles. The 20V MAX ecosystem covers 600+ tools, making this an easy ecosystem addition. Compared to Milwaukee M18 ($149), DEWALT costs $30 more with slightly higher RPM and blade-left design; the Milwaukee edges on motor reputation. Compared to Makita X2 ($249), the 6-1/2" blade limits depth vs. 7-1/4" for thick framing lumber. Best for DEWALT 20V MAX users or buyers starting a professional-grade cordless tool collection.
Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT Brushless 7-1/4" Circular Saw, Tool Only
“The X2 dual-battery setup delivers 36V of actual cutting power in a 7-1/4" package — matches a corded worm-drive saw in performance. Best for contractors cutting engineered lumber and thick headers.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- 7-1/4" blade for maximum depth
- 36V X2 dual-battery power
- Matches corded worm-drive performance
- Makita LXT battery compatibility
- Full-size cutting capacity
Watch out for
- Most expensive and heaviest option
- Requires two 18V LXT batteries simultaneously
- Tool only — batteries sold separately
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Makita XSH06Z dual-battery X2 7-1/4" circular saw at $249 — two 18V LXT batteries combine for effective 36V power driving a full 7-1/4" blade to 2-9/16" cutting depth, matching corded saws for full-depth rafter, joist, and 4×4 post cutting. Compared to DEWALT 6-1/2" ($179), the extra $70 buys the larger blade and depth needed for thick framing lumber. Compared to BOSCH PROFACTOR ($199) also 7-1/4", Makita requires managing 2 batteries vs. one — more complex setup but more balanced weight distribution. Best for Makita LXT users who need full-depth cutting equivalent to a corded worm drive on heavy framing projects.
RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Compact 6-1/2" Circular Saw, Tool Only
“Brushless performance at $99 is exceptional value — and it runs on the same ONE+ batteries as every other RYOBI tool. Best brushless circular saw under $100.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Under $100 brushless motor
- ONE+ battery compatibility — works with all RYOBI 18V tools
- Compact and lightweight
- LED work light
- 50° bevel capacity
Watch out for
- Compact saw — lighter duty than DEWALT/Milwaukee
- Limited to RYOBI ecosystem performance ceiling
- Tool only — battery sold separately
Read Full Analysis
RYOBI ONE+ HP PCL540B brushless compact saw at $99 — the lowest-cost entry to cordless circular sawing. 18V ONE+ platform covers 300+ tools at the highest ecosystem volume in the consumer market. Brushless motor delivers respectable 4,700 RPM; may slow in thick hardwoods or engineered lumber under load. Compared to Milwaukee ($149), the $50 savings is real but tangible power gap emerges in demanding cuts. Compared to DEWALT ($179), saves $80 — smart for DIYers who need occasional framing or deck work. 2-1/8" cutting depth handles standard framing. Best for homeowners, weekend DIYers, and new tool buyers who want cordless sawing capability at the lowest cost and can accept some compromise in heavy-cut performance.
Cordless Circular Saws Buying Guide
Photo by Baixi Liu / PexelsGreat 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
DEWALT DCS565P1 20V MAX 6-1/2" Brushless Cordless Circular Saw Kit, 5Ah — DEWALT's brushless 6-1/2" is the benchmark cordless circular saw: more runtime than.... At $319, it offers the best overall value. [See today's price](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KYNSQSN?tag=myawesomebuy2-20). Best Budget Pick: RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Compact 6-1/2" Circular Saw, Tool Only ($46) — Brushless performance at $99 is exceptional value — and it runs on.... Best for Best Premium: Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT Brushless 7-1/4" Circular Saw, Tool Only — The X2 dual-battery setup delivers 36V of actual cutting power in a....
---Blade size determines cut capacity: 6-1/2" blades cut 2-5/16" at 90° (enough for 2x framing); 7-1/4" blades cut 2-9/16" at 90° (handles doubled headers and LVL). Brushless motors are worth the premium over brushed — 30–50% more runtime per charge and longer motor life. Bevel capacity of 56° covers most compound angle cuts in trim work. Weight matters for repetitive overhead cutting — the most powerful cordless saws are also the heaviest. For a single-battery system, buying the same brand saw as your drill lets you share batteries.
Not sure whether a drill or impact driver pairs best with your saw platform? Our drill buying guide covers the full cordless tool ecosystem.
If budget is the priority, go with the RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Compact 6-1/2" Circular Saw, Tool Only; if you want the best overall, choose the DEWALT DCS565P1 20V MAX 6-1/2" Brushless Cordless Circular Saw Kit, 5Ah; if you need best premium, the Makita XSH06Z 18V X2 LXT Brushless 7-1/4" Circular Saw, Tool Only is your pick.
[Best Saw Blade?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssu2eLWZjwA) by Project Farm
Watch Before You Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cordless circular saw replace a corded saw?
What blade size do I need in a cordless circular saw?
How long does a battery last on a cordless circular saw?
Are all 20V MAX batteries interchangeable between DEWALT tools?
What is the best circular saw blade for framing?
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