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Shopping for the best cordless circular saw in 2026? We read the head-to-head results from Pro Tool Reviews (12 saws on a timed cutting rig), Fine Homebuilding’s eight-saw test, Popular Mechanics’ brand-by-brand picks and TechGearLab’s lab data, and watched hands-on YouTube reviews so you don’t have to. Here’s where the testers agree, where they don’t, and which saw fits your projects and your battery platform.

Quick picks

Award	Saw	Where to buy
Best overall	Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7-1/4 in. 2834-20	Home Depot · Amazon
Best value	Ryobi ONE+ HP 7-1/4 in. PBLCS302B	Home Depot
Best lightweight saw	Makita 18V LXT 6-1/2 in. XSH03Z	Home Depot · Lowe’s · Amazon
Best for framing	Makita 40V Max XGT 7-1/4 in. GSH01Z	Home Depot · Amazon
Best for DeWalt owners	DeWalt 20V Max 6-1/2 in. DCS565B	Home Depot · Lowe’s · Amazon
Best compact budget saw	Ridgid 18V SubCompact 6-1/2 in. R8656B	Home Depot

How we built this list

We don’t just repeat one site’s ranking. We started with the two biggest 2026 head-to-head tests: Pro Tool Reviews timed 12 sidewinder saws on a cutting rig and scored everything from speed to guard action and dust collection, and Fine Homebuilding put eight 6-1/2-inch saws through real jobsite work. Then we cross-checked Popular Mechanics’ 2026 picks, TechGearLab’s battery-life and cut-speed data, and hands-on video reviews. A saw only makes this list if more than one source backs it up, and we call out the complaints that keep coming up.

1. Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2834-20 — Best cordless circular saw overall

Why reviewers love it: Milwaukee has owned this category for years, and the new 2834 keeps the crown. It was the only saw in Pro Tool Reviews’ 2026 head-to-head to score above 90 points (94), and it posted the fastest rip cut of the group at 9.76 seconds, roughly twice as fast as the slowest saw. Testers praised its accurate sightlines and dust collection, and Pro Tool Reviews said its speed didn’t fade in tough cuts. Tool Box Buzz gave it 4.5 out of 5. Compared with the older 2732 (TechGearLab’s previous top pick), Milwaukee trimmed the gear case, shoe and guards to make it smaller and lighter.

• Blade: 7-1/4 in., up to 6,000 RPM
• Max depth: 2-5/8 in. at 90° (cuts 3x lumber in one pass), 2-1/16 in. at 45°
• Weight: 7.9 lb (tool only)
• Typical price: about $249 tool only; about $449 as a kit with a 12.0Ah battery

What to watch for: It’s expensive, and Milwaukee’s headline claim of up to 750 cuts per charge assumes its big 12.0Ah Forge battery, which adds real weight. A OneKey version (2835) adds automatic vacuum start and kickback control for even more money. If you only break down a few sheets of plywood a year, this is more saw than you need.

2. Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLCS302B — Best value

Why reviewers love it: This was the surprise of 2026. Ryobi’s second-generation HP brushless saw took second place in Pro Tool Reviews’ head-to-head with 88 points, ahead of pro saws that cost twice as much. It’s much faster than the first-generation model (5,000 RPM vs. 4,300), cuts deeper, and gets metal depth and bevel adjustments, a rafter hook and a quick blade brake. Pro Tool Reviews said it performs well beyond what you’d expect from a DIY saw, though it still falls short of the Milwaukee’s raw power.

• Blade: 7-1/4 in., up to 5,000 RPM
• Max depth: 2-9/16 in. at 90°
• Weight: 8.3 lb tool only, about 9.8 lb with a 4.0Ah battery
• Warranty: 3 years
• Typical price: about $139 tool only

What to watch for: Pro Tool Reviews found its dust collection poor compared with most of the group, and its 45° sightline could be better. It’s also the heaviest saw on this list once a battery is on, and Ryobi’s cheaper saws are a big step down, so check that the model number is PBLCS302. You can only buy it at Home Depot. If you already own green Ryobi batteries, this is the easy pick.

3. Makita 18V LXT XSH03Z — Best lightweight saw

Why reviewers love it: Fine Homebuilding named this 6-1/2-inch saw its best overall, and the tester said it was the one they kept reaching for thanks to its balance, natural handle position, big blade-guard lever and bright LED. Popular Mechanics picked it too, calling out its comfort and build quality, and Pro Tool Reviews says it’s still the saw they grab most often for quick cuts. It weighed 6 lb 2 oz in Fine Homebuilding’s test, and Makita’s Automatic Speed Change shifts speed and torque as the cut gets harder. The blade sits on the left, so right-handers can see the cut line easily.

• Blade: 6-1/2 in., up to 5,000 RPM
• Max depth: 2-1/4 in. at 90°, 1-5/8 in. at 45°
• Weight: 6 lb 2 oz (Fine Homebuilding)
• Typical price: about $199–$249 tool only

What to watch for: A 6-1/2-inch blade won’t go through a 4×4 in one pass. Fine Homebuilding’s tester had trouble getting used to the notches on the baseplate, and Popular Mechanics noted it has fewer high-tech extras than newer saws. It’s been around for years, so shop around for sale prices.

4. Makita 40V Max XGT GSH01Z — Best for framing

Why reviewers love it: Makita’s 40V saw finished third in Pro Tool Reviews’ 2026 head-to-head (83 points). Testers liked its slick magnesium shoe that glides over lumber, its strong adjustments and its dust collection, which scored among the best in the group. It spins at 6,000 RPM, cuts as deep as the Milwaukee, and bevels all the way to 56° with stops at 22.5°, 45° and 56°. Pro Tool Reviews recommends it for framers and builders.

• Blade: 7-1/4 in., up to 6,000 RPM
• Max depth: 2-5/8 in. at 90°, 1-13/16 in. at 45°
• Weight: 9.7 lb with battery
• Typical price: about $279 tool only, about $449 as a kit

What to watch for: It runs on Makita’s 40V XGT batteries, not the far more common 18V LXT packs, so buying in is expensive. It’s also the priciest saw here. Buy it if you already own XGT tools or cut framing lumber all day.

5. DeWalt 20V Max DCS565B — Best for DeWalt owners

Why reviewers love it: In Fine Homebuilding’s eight-saw test, DeWalt’s 6-1/2-inch brushless saw had excellent power and torque, the fastest blade brake in the group, and a smooth depth lever with detents for common lumber thicknesses. It also has a folding rafter hook and an LED light. It works with every DeWalt 20V Max battery, one of the biggest lineups at both Home Depot and Lowe’s.

• Blade: 6-1/2 in.
• Max depth: 2-1/8 in. at 90°, 1-5/8 in. at 45°
• Weight: 6 lb 4 oz (Fine Homebuilding)
• Typical price: about $229 list, but frequently on sale for much less

What to watch for: Fine Homebuilding found the bulky motor housing hurts its balance a little and the trigger safety has a stiff spring. So far it has fewer expert reviews than the other picks. It has the shallowest cut on this list, so if you want a DeWalt that handles thicker stock, look at the 7-1/4-inch DCS590 instead.

6. Ridgid 18V SubCompact R8656B — Best compact budget saw

Why reviewers love it: Fine Homebuilding’s Best Value pick was the most compact saw in its test at just 5 lb 12 oz, yet it still cut well. The tester liked the rear dust port and the side trigger lock, which felt more natural than most. Pro Tool Reviews weighed it at 7.25 lb with a 4.0Ah battery, found its 90° and 45° cut-line markers dead on, and called it a great companion to a full-size saw for quick cuts. It bevels to 50°.

• Blade: 6-1/2 in., up to 5,000 RPM
• Max depth: 2-1/4 in. at 90°, 1-5/8 in. at 45°
• Weight: 5 lb 12 oz (Fine Homebuilding)
• Typical price: about $149 tool only

What to watch for: Pro Tool Reviews saw noticeable dips in speed on demanding cuts, and Fine Homebuilding measured it at 97 dB, louder than most, with a slower blade brake than the others. It’s a Home Depot exclusive, and like the other 6-1/2-inch saws it won’t cut a 4×4 in one pass.

Cordless circular saw buying guide

Pick the battery platform first

Batteries are the expensive part, and they only fit one brand. If you already own DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Ryobi or Ridgid batteries, buy the tool-only saw from that brand and save $100 or more. A circular saw is a hungry tool, so a 4.0Ah or bigger battery makes a real difference in runtime. Still choosing a platform? Our guides to the best cordless drills and best impact drivers cover the same brands.

7-1/4 in. vs. 6-1/2 in. blades

A 7-1/4-inch saw is the standard size. It cuts about 2-1/2 inches deep or more, enough for a 2x at a 45° bevel or a 3x in one pass, and blades are easy to find everywhere. A 6-1/2-inch saw is lighter and easier to use one-handed or overhead, and still handles plywood and 2x lumber at 90°. Homeowners doing shelves, sheet goods and small decks will be happy with either; framers should get a 7-1/4.

Features worth paying for

Look for a brushless motor (every saw here has one), an electric blade brake that stops the blade in a second or two, a metal shoe (magnesium or cast aluminum stays flat better than stamped steel), and clear sightlines so you can see where the blade meets your pencil mark. An LED light, a rafter hook and a dust port are nice extras.

Frequently asked questions

Are cordless circular saws as powerful as corded ones?

The best ones are close. Top brushless saws like the Milwaukee 2834 handle framing lumber without bogging down. Corded saws still win for all-day ripping and very thick stock, and they cost less, but most DIYers won’t notice the difference.

What size battery do I need for a circular saw?

Get at least a 4.0Ah battery. Small 2.0Ah packs work for a few cuts, but they drain fast and can limit the saw’s power. Pros often run 6.0Ah or bigger packs.

Is Milwaukee or DeWalt better for circular saws?

In 2026 testing, Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 2834 came out on top and beat DeWalt in Pro Tool Reviews’ head-to-head. DeWalt’s saws are still well liked, especially the lighter 6-1/2-inch DCS565. Stick with whichever batteries you already own.

What’s the best cordless circular saw for a beginner?

The Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLCS302 gives beginners near-pro performance for about $139. If you want something lighter and easier to control, a 6-1/2-inch saw like the Ridgid R8656B or Makita XSH03Z is less intimidating.

The bottom line

Get the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2834 if you want the fastest, most capable cordless circular saw you can buy. Save a lot with the Ryobi ONE+ HP PBLCS302, which nearly matched it in testing for about half the price. If you’d rather have a light, easy-handling saw, the Makita XSH03Z and Ridgid R8656B are the testers’ favorites, and DeWalt owners can’t go wrong with the DCS565.

Sources: Pro Tool Reviews (2026 head-to-head), Pro Trade Craft (head-to-head results summary), Pro Tool Reviews (Milwaukee 2834), Pro Tool Reviews (Ryobi PBLCS302), Pro Tool Reviews (Makita GSH01), Pro Tool Reviews (Makita XSH03), Pro Tool Reviews (Ridgid R8656), Tool Box Buzz, Popular Woodworking, Fine Homebuilding, Popular Mechanics, TechGearLab, and manufacturer specs. Specs and prices were accurate as of September 2026; check the retailer for current pricing.