Cordless circular saws have made it much easier to cut lumber, plywood, and trim without hunting for an outlet or dragging a cord across the yard. The tricky part is picking one, since blade size, battery runtime, and motor type can change how a saw feels on the job. This guide compares five cordless circular saws that include a battery, so you can see which one fits your projects, your budget, and the tools you already own.
Quick Comparison Table
| Product | Blade Size | Motor | In the Kit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 20V MAX XR 7-1/4 in. Circular Saw Kit | 7-1/4 in. | Brushless | 20V MAX battery and charger | Heavy framing and deck work |
| SKIL PWR CORE 20 6-1/2 in. Compact Circular Saw Kit | 6-1/2 in. | Brushless | 2.0Ah battery and charger | Wood cuts with a clear line of sight |
| BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX POWERCONNECT 5-1/2 in. Circular Saw | 5-1/2 in. | Standard | 20V MAX battery and charger | Light DIY and occasional use |
| SEESII 7-1/4 in. Cordless Circular Saw with Dual Batteries | 7-1/4 in. | Brushless | Two 4.0Ah batteries and charger | Extra batteries and big value |
| CRAFTSMAN V20 6-1/2 in. Cordless Circular Saw Kit | 6-1/2 in. | Standard | Battery and charger | General home projects |
Our Picks: Best cordless circular saws with battery reviews
DEWALT 20V MAX XR: The Powerhouse for Framing and Heavy Cuts
The DEWALT is the one to pick if you want the most muscle here. It pairs a brushless motor spinning up to 5,500 RPM with a full 7-1/4 inch blade, and it is listed with a cutting depth of 2-9/16 inches at 90 degrees and 2 inches at 45 degrees. That depth clears standard 2x lumber in one pass, with room to spare, and the 7-1/4 inch blade gives it more reach than the 6-1/2 and 5-1/2 inch saws on this list.
It also has an electric brake that stops the blade soon after you release the trigger, so you are not waiting on a spinning blade before you set the saw down. The maker lists up to 368 cuts per charge, though your real number will depend on the material. The trade-off is that a full-size 7-1/4 inch saw is bulkier than the compact picks, so it suits deck, fence, and framing work more than quick trim cuts.
Pros:
- Brushless motor with up to 5,500 RPM
- Cuts 2-9/16 inches deep at 90 degrees and 2 inches at 45 degrees
- Electric brake stops the blade quickly
- Listed at up to 368 cuts per charge
Cons:
- Full-size 7-1/4 inch saw is bulkier than the compact models
Verdict: Buy the DEWALT if you want a powerful brushless saw with a full-size blade and plan to tackle framing, decks, or other heavy lumber.
SKIL PWR CORE 20: A Compact Saw with a Clear View of the Line
The SKIL is built around visibility. The blade sits on the left, and an LED shadow line casts a shadow on your cut line, which helps a lot if you are tired of guessing where the blade will land. At 6-1/2 inches, it is smaller and easier to handle than the 7-1/4 inch saws, but it still runs a brushless motor at up to 5,500 RPM.
The kit comes with a 2.0Ah PWR CORE 20 battery, a charger, and a thin kerf blade, so you can start cutting right away. SKIL lists about 105 cuts in 2×4 pine on one charge. That is plenty for a weekend project, but a bigger job will have you waiting on the charger. It is a great fit for DIYers who mostly cut wood and plywood.
Pros:
- Blade-left design and LED shadow line improve cut-line visibility
- Compact 6-1/2 inch size, easier to handle than a 7-1/4 inch saw
- Brushless motor with electric brake
- Kit includes battery, charger, and thin kerf blade
Cons:
- Included 2.0Ah battery limits runtime on bigger jobs
Verdict: Buy the SKIL if you want a compact brushless saw with a clear view of your cut line for wood and plywood projects.
BLACK+DECKER POWERCONNECT: A Light, Simple Saw for DIY Jobs
This is the lightest-duty saw in the group, and it makes sense for that reason: it has the smallest blade and a standard motor. The 5-1/2 inch blade handles basic DIY cuts, and tool-free depth adjustment and blade changes keep setup quick. Bevel detents at 45 and 90 degrees let you snap into the common angles without fiddling.
The real appeal is the POWERCONNECT battery system. If you already own other BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX tools, the same battery can move between them. The smaller blade and lack of a brushless motor mean it is not the saw for thick lumber or all-day work. Think of it as a simple choice for occasional home repairs and light carpentry.
Pros:
- Tool-free depth adjustment and blade changes
- Battery works with other POWERCONNECT tools
- Bevel detents at 45 and 90 degrees
- Simple setup suits small jobs
Cons:
- Smaller 5-1/2 inch blade limits cutting depth
- Not brushless, so it is not built for heavy work
Verdict: Buy the BLACK+DECKER if you do light DIY cuts or already own tools that use the POWERCONNECT battery.
SEESII 7-1/4 Inch Kit: Two Batteries and a Bag in One Box
The SEESII stands out for what comes in the box. You get two 4.0Ah batteries, a charger, and a canvas tool bag, so you can swap packs and keep cutting. The listing says that adds up to over 40 minutes of continuous cutting. That makes it a strong pick for anyone who hates stopping to recharge.
It runs a brushless motor at up to 5,600 RPM with a 7-1/4 inch blade, plus a 0 to 45 degree bevel and a depth of up to 2-5/8 inches at 90 degrees. Four dust port sizes let you hook it to a shop vacuum, and a guide system helps with straight cuts. It is a lesser-known brand than DEWALT or CRAFTSMAN, so check the warranty and battery support before you buy.
Pros:
- Two 4.0Ah batteries and a canvas tool bag included
- Brushless motor with up to 5,600 RPM
- Four dust port sizes for shop vacuum hookup
- Full 7-1/4 inch blade with a 0 to 45 degree bevel
Cons:
- Lesser-known brand, so check warranty details
Verdict: Buy the SEESII if you want two batteries and a bag in the kit and care more about runtime and kit contents than brand name.
CRAFTSMAN V20 6-1/2 Inch: A Straightforward Saw with a Wide Bevel
The CRAFTSMAN is a plain, no-surprise saw. It runs at 4,000 RPM, which is slower than the brushless models here, and it takes 6-1/2 inch blades for cross cuts or ripping 2x material. The beveling shoe pivots up to 50 degrees, the widest bevel range on this list, and that helps with steeper angled cuts.
The contoured over-molded handle and compact size are meant to cut down on fatigue during longer sessions. The kit includes a battery and charger, and V20 batteries work across other tools in that line. It is a sensible choice for home projects, but if you want faster cutting or the most depth, the DEWALT and SEESII are stronger picks.
Pros:
- Bevel shoe pivots up to 50 degrees
- Contoured handle and compact body
- Accepts 6-1/2 inch blades for cross cuts and ripping
- Works with the V20 battery family
Cons:
- 4,000 RPM is slower than the brushless picks
Verdict: Buy the CRAFTSMAN if you want a simple, comfortable saw with a wide bevel range for general home projects.
How to Choose a Cordless Circular Saw with a Battery
Blade size and cutting depth
Blade size decides how deep the saw can cut. A 7-1/4 inch saw reaches deeper than a 6-1/2 or 5-1/2 inch model, which matters when you cut thick lumber or stack boards. Smaller saws are lighter and easier to maneuver, so they work well for plywood, trim, and shelving. Check the listed depth at both 90 and 45 degrees, since it drops when you bevel.
Brushless or brushed motor
A brushless motor usually runs cooler and wastes less energy, which can mean more cuts per charge and a longer tool life. Brushed motors are common on budget saws and are fine for light use. If you cut often or work on bigger jobs, a brushless motor is usually worth the step up.
Battery capacity and what is in the box
Amp-hours show how long a battery can run. A 2.0Ah pack is light and quick to charge but runs out sooner, while a 4.0Ah pack lasts longer. A kit with two batteries lets you keep working while one recharges. Also see whether the kit includes a charger and a blade, because some saws are sold bare.
Battery compatibility
If you already own cordless tools from one brand, choose a saw that uses the same battery. It saves money and keeps your charging setup simple. If you are starting fresh, pick a battery system that has the other tools you may want later.
Bevel range, visibility, and comfort
Look at the bevel range if you plan to cut angles. Features such as a shadow line, a blade-left design, or a dust port can make cuts cleaner and easier to follow. A contoured handle and lighter weight matter more than you might think when you make dozens of cuts in a row.
Safety features and safe use
An electric brake that stops the blade fast adds a useful layer of safety, and tool-free depth and bevel adjustments let you change settings quickly. Whatever saw you choose, remove the battery before you change a blade or adjust anything near it. Clamp or firmly support your work, keep the lower blade guard moving freely, and let the blade come to a complete stop before you lift the saw out of the cut. Wear eye and hearing protection and keep both hands clear of the blade path.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size cordless circular saw should I buy?
For most home projects, a 6-1/2 inch saw is a good balance of power and weight. Choose a 7-1/4 inch saw if you cut thick lumber or do framing, and a 5-1/2 inch saw for light work and trim.
Is a brushless cordless circular saw worth it?
Often, yes. Brushless motors tend to run cooler and use battery power more efficiently, so they suit people who cut often. For occasional use, a standard motor can still do the job.
How long will the battery last?
It depends on the battery size and the material you cut. A 2.0Ah pack suits short projects, while a 4.0Ah pack or a kit with two batteries is better for long sessions.
Can I use the battery with my other tools?
Only within the same brand and battery system. Saws from DEWALT, BLACK+DECKER, CRAFTSMAN, and SKIL each use their own battery family, so match the saw to the tools you already own. For the SEESII, check what its batteries fit before assuming they work with other tools.
Can a cordless circular saw cut plywood and 2×4 lumber?
Yes, these saws are meant for wood cutting such as plywood and dimensional lumber. The 7-1/4 inch models cut deeper, so they handle thicker material more easily, while smaller saws suit plywood, trim, and lighter lumber.
How do I change the blade safely?
Remove the battery first so the saw cannot start by accident. Then follow the instructions for your model, and make sure the lower guard still moves freely and snaps back before you put the battery back in.
Do I need a dust port?
It is not required, but it helps. A dust port that connects to a shop vacuum keeps your cut line clear and cuts down on cleanup, which the SEESII supports with several port sizes.
Final Recommendation
If you want the best all-around saw, the DEWALT 20V MAX XR is the strongest choice for deep cuts and heavy lumber. For a compact saw that is easy to control, the SKIL PWR CORE 20 is a smart pick, and the SEESII gives you the most in the box with two batteries and a bag. Choose the BLACK+DECKER for light jobs or if you already own POWERCONNECT tools, and the CRAFTSMAN for a simple saw with a wide bevel range. Match the blade size and battery system to your projects, and you will end up with a saw that serves you well.