The Best Compact Circular Saws, Tested

Compact circular saws are designed to deliver power and precision in small, maneuverable packages, which makes them ideal for DIYers, remodelers, and pros working in tight spaces. To find out which models lived up to the hype, we tested 11 compact circular saws in our own workshops. 

Many were good, but we found one clear standout—the DeWalt Atomic 20V MAX 4-½-inch Circular Saw, which earned the Best Overall spot thanks to its balance of lightweight design, reliable cutting power, and thoughtful features like a dust port adapter and bevel adjustment.

Still, not every user needs the same type of saw. Some buyers may prefer a more affordable option, while others may want more depth capacity from a mid-size 6½-inch model or the ultra-portability of a super-compact version.

Ahead, we’ll break down what to look for when shopping for these tools, explain how we tested, and provide detailed reviews of our top-rated picks. Read on to find the best compact circular saws.

1. BEST OVERALL: DeWalt Atomic 20V MAX 4½Inch Circular Saw Kit
   ↓ Jump to Review
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Greenworks 24V Max 4¼-Inch Circular Saw Kit
   ↓ Jump to Review
3. BEST FOR PROS: DeWalt 6½-Inch Circular Saw Kit
   ↓ Jump to Review
4. BEST FOR DIY: Milwaukee M12 FUEL 12V 5¾-Inch Circular Saw [Also order Battery Kit]
   ↓ Jump to Review
5. BEST FOR CRAFTS: Dremel 12V Blueprint Saw Station
   ↓ Jump to Review
6. BEST HIGH RPM: Worx Nitro 20V Worxsaw 4½-Inch Circular Saw
   ↓ Jump to Review
7. BEST LIGHT-DUTY: Makita SH02R1 12V Max CXT 3⅜-Inch Circular Saw Kit
   ↓ Jump to Review
8. BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Skil PWR CORE 20 20V 6½-Inch Circular Saw Kit
   ↓ Jump to Review 

Compact Circular Saws Comparison

Our Top Picks

We selected these models for their performance, value, and overall quality, along with other key factors. Then we put each one through hands-on testing to see which could truly “make the cut.” Read on to discover the best compact circular saws available today.

Our Ratings

This little DeWalt Circular Saw is an excellent compact option that balances portability with surprising power. At just over 5 pounds, we found it easy to maneuver and ideal for jobs where space is limited or overhead cutting is required. Its brushless motor delivers up to 4,500 RPM, and we tested it on dimensional lumber, sheet goods, and for light construction tasks, and it didn’t bog down.

It also comes with a dust port, onboard blade-key storage, and a rip fence for consistency. While the 45-degree bevel capacity is good for angled cuts, its maximum cut depth is smaller than that of larger saws, but it’s still more than adequate for typical DIY or pro trim work.

We think the DeWalt Atomic is a good pick for anyone who values performance and needs a compact saw. It won’t replace a full-size framing saw, but it’s a good all-around choice for portability, convenience, and powerful cutting.

What our tester said: “I loved how easy it was to adjust the base plate for making bevel cuts with this compact DeWalt circular saw. And it cut smoothly with almost no vibration.”—Glenda Taylor, Product writer and tester

Get the DeWalt Atomic compact circular saw at Amazon, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, and Walmart (tool only). 

Our Ratings

You don’t have to spend a lot to get a good compact circular saw. The Greenworks 24V 4.5-inch mini saw offers cordless convenience for DIYers or homeowners at an affordable price point. With a no-load speed of 6,500 RPM, it actually spins faster than many competitors in its class, giving it the ability to make quick, clean cuts through plywood, trim, and light stock.

We tried it out on several types of dimensional lumber and other materials, and its high RPM is a big plus, but it still took slightly longer to cut through the materials than some of the others we tested. Just don’t push this saw too hard, and it will do everything you want it to do. 

The kit comes with a battery and charger, and other helpful features include an integrated LED work light, bevel adjustment, and a vacuum port for dust collection. At about 6 pounds, we found it a bit heavier than some ultra-compact models, but still light enough for one-handed use in tight spots.

Its strength lies in its depth capacity and runtime. It maxes out at 1.52 inches of cutting depth at 90 degrees, which will handle 2x lumber. For the price, we think it’s one of the best cordless mini saws available.

Get the Greenworks compact circular saw at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart. 

Our Ratings

The DeWalt 20V 6½-Inch Circular Saw balances compact size with full-sized cutting capacity. Its brushless motor spins at 4,950 RPM, and in our tests, it easily handled framing lumber, sheet goods, and crosscuts. Its 2⅛-inch max cut depth at 90 degrees outguns smaller compact saws, so it’s also a versatile option for jobsite and workshop tasks.

We really like its bright LED light that clearly lit up dim workspaces, a rafter hook for easy on-site storage, and a tool-free bevel adjustment up to 50 degrees. The electronic brake and spindle lock add safety and convenience. At just over 6 pounds, it’s still manageable yet robust enough for repeated heavy use.

If you’re looking for a cordless circular saw powerful enough for pro work yet still relatively compact and lightweight, this DeWalt is a top contender. 

Get the DeWalt 6½-inch compact circular saw at Amazon, Lowe’s (tool only), Ace Hardware (tool only), or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings

The Milwaukee circular saw is one of the lightest saws in its class (5⅜ inch), weighing under 5 pounds. It’s designed for portability, and we found it perfect for quick cuts, overhead work, or projects where a full-size saw is overkill. The brushless motor spins the blade at 3,850 RPM, which is more than you’ll need for trim, sheet goods, and thinner stock.

Our favorite feature was its very bright LED work light, and we also appreciated the cut-line blower that blows away dust that collects on the cutline for better accuracy. It also comes with a blade brake and spindle lock that boost safety during use and blade changes. A storage hook and vacuum adapter round out the rest of its practical features.

Its trade-off is cutting capacity—it’s not intended for thick or heavy framing lumber. But for light-duty cutting, its portability and ease of use make it an outstanding compact option.

Get the Milwaukee 5⅜-inch compact circular saw at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Do-It-Best. 

Our Ratings

Dremel’s new Blueprint Saw Station is built with crafting and hobby projects in mind. The bundle pairs a compact cordless circular saw with a fold-out workstation setup. With a 3⅜-inch blade spinning at 5,000 RPM, we found it best suited for cutting trim pieces, small boards, and craft materials like plywood or plastics. Its 1-inch max cut depth is limiting, but it’s adequate for the lighter work it’s designed for.

What makes this saw bundle stand out are the extras. It includes a laser guide, clamps, a dust port adapter, edge guides, and the workstation table—all features rarely found in compact saw kits. At just 4.5 pounds, the saw is highly maneuverable and easy to handle, even for extended use. Safety is supported by a spindle lock and a lower guard lever.

We recommend this Dremel circular saw for hobbyists, DIYers, or anyone working on craft projects. This is a very well-equipped kit. While it won’t replace a jobsite saw, it excels in its niche and is a creative solution for light material cutting and it functions like mini table saw. 

See full Dremel Blueprint Review here.

What our tester said: “This is an incredible little circular saw from Dremel. They’ve pulled out all the stops to make this tool easy to use and safe for crafters.”—Glenda Taylor, Product writer and tester

Get the Dremel Blueprint compact circular saw at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Our Ratings

For small jobs, occasional use, and specialty cuts, this saw’s outstanding power and cord-free setup really perform. The 20V 2 Ah battery and brushless motor (which works more efficiently than standard, brushed cordless tools) spin the blade fast, and it delivered excellent cutting for a small saw in materials as thick as 2×4 during our hands-on tests. 

The tool runs quietly. The neck of the saw is thin and ideal for reaching the release switch and trigger while positioning the saw on the cutline. It handily cuts sheet goods as well as 1x and 2x lumber. It’s a lot of saw in a small package at a good price.

Get the Worx compact circular saw at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings

The Makita compact circular saw weighs just 3½ pounds, but it can drive the 3⅜-inch wood blade at up to 1,500 RPM through plywood, medium-density fiberboard, pegboard, particleboard, melamine, and drywall at a maximum depth of 1 inch. The cordless saw kit also includes a blade, battery charger, two batteries, and a carrying case to protect each item. 

Any kitchen, bath, flooring, or millwork installer would do well to keep this tool on their truck, in our opinion. Because of its small size, it could be a great tool for cutting out cabinet backs or bases, plunge cutting flooring for a heat register, or oddball cuts in remodels where dust is an issue. This saw—with its two batteries and included charger—is a lightweight, nimble, get-out-of-jam-free card. 

Get the Makita compact circular saw at Amazon, Ace Hardware (tool only), or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings

With its 20-volt battery, we found that this 6½-inch compact circular saw has enough power for cutting larger materials like 2x4s and sheet goods. However, at 2 Ah (think of volts as the gasoline and amp hours as the size of the tank), it can’t do it for long. Plus, it had to work hard the whole time during our tests. (Though, according to the product manual, higher-amp batteries are compatible and sold separately.)

The tool has basic light-duty adjustments and a stamped steel shoe that make it a go-to for periodic DIY work like replacing some deck boards, trimming a door, cutting a few fence posts, or building a compost bin. The blade is not so hot, and the tool only comes with one battery, so unless the user has other Skil batteries to swap in, the runtime will be limited. 

The 6½-inch blade is small; however, 6½-inch blades can handle 90 percent of what needs to be cut. The unit is small and well-balanced.

Get the Skil compact circular saw at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Acme Tools. 

How We Tested the Best Compact Circular Saws

When choosing the saws to test, we considered as many different types of users and applications as possible, from pros and DIY enthusiasts to beginners and users already on a battery platform.

We cut composite decking, ⅝-inch oriented strand board, dimensional lumber, and 5/4 pressure-treated pine decking. Using a rubric, we awarded points for power output, ability to stay on the cutline, vibration, grip, noise, and base plate (the “shoe”) durability. We averaged those scores to determine the best overall pick and to categorize the others.

We also considered what “compact” means. For us, compact tools are small enough in size that they can be easily maneuvered in tight spaces, such as during a kitchen remodel. Therefore, we weighed size and power alongside features like balance and durability.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Compact Circular Saw 

Whether cutting through sheet metal, repairing a deck, making a shelf, or removing an old shed, using a compact circular saw—paired with the correct blade—is an essential tool for getting these jobs done. They’re not as rugged as reciprocating saws—they may not be suitable for demo work, for example—but they still have their place.

Before buying a new compact circular saw, consider factors such as motor type, speed, and amperage, as well as the potential need for the power of a corded model or the increased mobility of a cordless circular saw. 

Sidewinder vs. Worm Drive 

There are generally three types of circular saws: Direct drive, also called “sidewinders” because the motor sticks out the side; worm drive, which refers to a helical gear in the tool that drives the blade; and belt drive, where a gear turns a belt. 

• Sidewinder circular saws (sidewinders) with a direct-drive motor tend to be shorter and stouter tools than other types. It’s the classic circular saw setup that most people probably envision when they think of a handheld circular saw. The blade is typically on the left side of the tool (for right-handed users), though there are left-handed circular saws. 
• Worm-drive circular saws are typically long and front-heavy. The tool has what’s called an in-line design, and while it’s not really the best saw for a home workshop, professional framers and deck builders use this long tool body and weight to their advantage. Worm drives are said to have more power and durability than direct drives, but a lot of that is enthusiast talk and passion from users who love and depend on their tools. 
• Belt-drive circular saws aren’t compact saws. Used in workshops, they use a belt-and-pulley system to power the blade. Unlike compact saws, these are made to tackle denser and thicker material, similar to what a large circular saw is designed to handle.

Corded vs. Cordless 

As with many power tools, a compact circular saw can either be connected to an electrical outlet with a power cord or powered with a battery for cordless operation.

A corded circular saw is still the king of the jungle when it comes to uninterrupted power and dependable “go-now” performance. Sure, cords must be run, and they can be tripped over and need to be managed. But for “all-day go,” the cord is still king. 

Battery-powered circular saws have surprising power and runtime. They’re typically more than suitable for home workshop projects, occasional use, and professional output of the design details.

Speed and Amperage

Speed and amperage are both measurements that can be attributed to the motor. Speed is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm) and is generally higher for sidewinder circular saws. The best small handheld saw offers a balance of speed and torque so the blade cuts cleanly through a wide range of materials.

Amperage (amp) refers to how much electrical power a motor draws from the power source. The amperage rating is not a measure of power—that’s marketing lingo. It’s just a measure of how much electricity it consumes. Compact circular saws range in amperage from a small 4-amp motor to a 15-amp motor that is more common with standard-size circular saws.

Blade Size and Types

Blade size is another defining measure of the tools in this category. The 7¼-inch is the standard or what might be considered full-size. The 6½-inch tools are just a bit smaller than full-size 7¼-inch tools but cut about 90 percent of what the larger, heavier saws cut and are worth consideration. The 4½-inch and under compact circular saws, including mini circular saws, tend toward specialized uses. They’re not suitable for sharp, curved cuts, like scroll saws, but they can make gradual, rounded edges. 

The 6½ and 7¼-inch tools can cut most wood building materials and, with a blade switch, concrete. These are the go-to platforms for general use, such as cutting 2x4s or plywood for building a shed or cutting pressure-treated lumber for building a deck. For the most part, they can only run wood-cutting and concrete-cutting blades. On the other hand, the smaller tools in the category can only cut thin, light material with very few exceptions.

Safety Features

When using a power tool, pros and DIYers alike should rank safety as a priority. To help users reduce the risk of injury, some compact circular saws contain retracting blade guards and blade brakes that bring the blade to a quick stop when the trigger is released. 

Cordless circular saws usually incorporate a trigger release, so the blade doesn’t start up unless both switches are pressed. This prevents accidental starts from a slip of the finger or from the saw moving in a tool box or bag. Another feature is a built-in vacuum port that allows a small vacuum hose to connect to the saw to pull dust and debris from the work area, increasing visibility and improving air quality.

Additional Features

While the main features of the best compact circular saws are the type of blade and motor power, several extras can make this tool much easier to use:

• Laser guides are typically mounted on the top of the compact circular saw so the laser is directed down at the surface of the material being cut. For the most accurate cuts, with or without a laser, users should simply watch the blade on the cutline. 
• Bevel and depth adjustments to the blade allow users to change the cutting angle and depth, as well as customize the project to meet desired results. It’s best to have a full blade gullet under the work, but not much more.
• Protective carrying cases protect the compact circular saw and accessories, like batteries and chargers, and keep them neat and organized.

FAQs

Working with good circular saws provides more freedom of movement, which makes accurate cuts easier. Remember that any power tool can be a hazard when used incorrectly. To learn more about these powerful and versatile tools, take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about compact circular saws.

Meet the Testers

Mark Clement is a carpenter and professional remodeler. With his wife, Theresa Clement, he developed the blog MyFixitUpLife, opening the way to other home improvement adventures: trade shows, podcasting, and television.

Glenda Taylor is a contractor, product tester, and writer focusing primarily on construction, DIY tools, and home appliances. 

 

All You Need to Care for Your Lawn & Garden

Keeping your grass green and your plants thriving doesn’t just take a green thumb—it starts with the right tools and supplies.