Last Updated on August 28, 2022 by Barry Gray
When I first began woodworking, the circular saw was pretty much my savior. This is why I always say that circular saws are valuable tools in a beginner woodworker’s arsenal. Believe me when I say that it will make your DIY woodworking project SO much easier.
The step that comes after deciding to buy a circular saw is finding one that will fit your needs and also not break your bank. With so many options available on the market, it can get a little overwhelming to choose. That is why I have put together a list of a few of my favorite circular saws- all on a budget!
Below are some of the best budget circular saw reviews, all of them priced under $100. Psst.. there’s a guide on how to choose the best FOR YOU below, too.
SKIL 15 Amp Circular Saw With Laser Guide (5280-01)
Key Features:
- Blade Length: 7.25 inches
- Motor: 15 Amps
- Speed: 5300 RPM
- Power Source: Corded Electric
The SKIL 15 Amp circular saw is a powerful device that can be used by novices and professionals alike. With a maximum speed of a whopping 5300 RPM, this budget-friendly saw is right up there with some of the best ones in the market.
This saw comes with a 24 tooth carbide blade and is capable of making sharp and accurate cuts running upto 2-⅜ inches deep. One of its best features is the laser guide which guides you in making cuts that are laser-straight. The saw features a blade change mechanism and a safety trigger that stops the tool whenever it encounters any obstacle.
I especially liked the dust blower. It provides for a nice touch, keeping the line of your cut dust-free! Weighing just 8.7 pounds, this device is very handy. But, don’t let its compactness fool you; this saw still packs a punch.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Compact.
- Powerful with a heavy duty motor.
- An adjustable single laser beam guide that helps you make straight cuts.
- Blade change mechanism.
- Safety trigger.
- Dust blower.
- Indicator light to know when the saw is on.
- Comes with a wrench and carry bag.
- 1 year warranty.
Cons
- Cannot be used to cut plastic.
- The laser beam takes time to set up.
- Laser beam is not always accurate.
- Not really suitable for cutting 4×4.
My Thoughts: This device is pretty powerful for the price and cuts through wood smoothly and cleanly. It comes with a lot of great features, giving you the most bang for your buck. It would make a valuable addition to your toolkit, especially if you’re a beginner.
My Score: 9/10
Ryobi One P505 Circular Saw
Key Features:
- Blade Length: 5.5 inches
- Speed: 4700 RPM
- Power Source: Battery powered
The Ryobi One P505 is a cordless, battery operated circular saw that runs on 18 Volt Lithium ion batteries. With a speed of 4700 RPM, this is a pretty powerful saw and will be perfect for all your DIY woodworking needs.
Weighing just 4.77 pounds, this tool is easy to use and easy to hold! Its handles are fitted with rubber, which means your muscles won’t hurt even if you work with it for hours. Its 5.5 inch blade has 24 teeth and cuts through wood like a breeze and is positioned on the left side, providing maximum visibility, making it easier for you to see the blade.
The saw is capable of making bevel cuts of up to 50 degrees. It comes with a spindle lock with on-board wrench storage, making it easier for you to change the blades. There is a lock knob as well as a scale to increase the precision of your cuts. This compact saw is very user friendly and you won’t have trouble using it!
Pros
- Compact. Easy to handle.
- User friendly.
- Lightweight.
- Above average speed for a cordless unit.
- Quite powerful for its size.
- Rubber-fitted handles provide good grip.
- Positioning of the blade on the blade gives you an unobstructed view of the cut line.
- Compatible with all Ryobi 18V batteries, meaning if you have other Ryobi products, you can use those batteries for the P505 too.
Cons
- Battery is not included with the saw. You will have to buy it separately, which increases the price of the total product.
- Not suitable for heavy-duty projects. It is best used for small DIY projects.
- Cannot make very deep cuts.
- No laser beam guide.
My Thoughts: I love that this product is compact and easy to use. It is very portable and packs a good punch for its size. It is a great tool for newbies who are just getting started on woodworking! It also makes for a nice backup for professional woodworkers.
My Score: 8.5/10
Black + Decker Circular Saw With Laser (BDECS300C)
Key Features:
- Blade Length: 7.25 inches
- Motor: 13 Amp
- Speed: 5300 RPM
- Power Source: Battery powered
Powered with a laser guide, this circular saw is one of the best saws under $50 for precision cuts. It is powerful enough to make any type of cuts on your typical 2x wood and its corded design means you can use it for projects that run long.
Weighing just 7 pounds, the saw is lightweight and is designed for maximum portability and grip. Its body is made out of sturdy polypropylene, which means it’s very durable and won’t get dented or scratched that easily. It is equipped with a spindle lock which makes it very easy to change blades. You can do this using a hex wrench which comes with the saw.
The bevel is easily adjustable and can make deep and accurate cuts of up to 45 degrees. At 90 degrees, the depth adjusts to 2.5 inches. At this price, this saw is a steal and will aid you in making straight and sharp cuts!
Pros
- Durable.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Laser guide to help you make straight cuts.
- 2 year warranty.
- Easy bevel adjustment.
- Spindle lock to change blades easily.
Cons
- Low quality blade.
- Cord is only 6 feet long.
- Not powerful enough for professional use.
My Thoughts: This saw is not the most powerful in the market, but it is a great investment for DIY woodworkers or homeowners who want a saw for occasional needs.
My Score: 7.5/10
Craftsman Circular Saw (CMES510)
Key Features:
- Blade Length: 7.25 inches
- Motor: 15 Amp
- Speed: 5500 RPM
- Power Source: AC/ DC
- Price: $80
The Craftsman circular saw is a powerhorse with a speed of a whopping 5500 RPM. Its high performance motor lets you saw through wood with ease and is ideal for making fast and accurate cuts!
The carbide tipped blade is 7.25 inches long and has 18 teeth. It has a strong magnesium shoe, ensuring durability, so you can use this saw for years to come. The bevel has a 55 degree capacity with detents at 22.5 and 45 degrees, allowing you to make various cuts with ease.
This circular saw is also very easy to use. It has a durable metal rafter hook and a contoured overmolded handle for added comfort. The spindle lock makes it easy to change blades.
It weighs a little more than 11 pounds, but is still lightweight and portable, and you don’t even have to assemble anything! Moreover, its dust blower will keep your line of cut clean.
Pros
- Powerful and is suitable for aggressive cutting.
- Durable magnesium shoe.
- Easy to use.
- Adjustable bevel with a 55 degree capacity.
- Spindle lock.
- Dust blower.
- 3 year warranty.
- Convenient to hold and use.
- Suitable for harsh job conditions.
Cons
- Doesn’t have a brake.
- High maintenance.
- No safety trigger.
My Thoughts: This is one of my favorite budget circular saws. For its price, it offers a high performance and is comparable to pro-grade models. You can use it for any type of work – whether light or heavy duty. Very easy to use, and provides a lot of value for money.
My Score: 9.5/10
Galax Pro Handheld Corded Circular Saw
Key Features:
- Blade Length: 7.25 inches
- Motor: 10 Amp
- Speed: 5800 RPM
- Power Source: Corded Electric
The Galax Pro is another powerful saw that will especially be useful if you are working with hard wood that chips a lot. Its dust blower will blow the dust away from your line of cut and its powerful motor will make it easy for you to cut through the wood. The best part is that it also saws through other materials such as PVC pipes, plaster boards, laminate flooring, and plastics with ease!
Its blade is 7.25 inches in length and has 24 teeth. The saw has several bevel and miter angles, letting you make cuts from 0 to 90 degrees. You can use the depth adjustment lever to adjust the cutting depth based on the material you are cutting. There is also a parallel guide which helps you make accurate straight cuts.
I love that it comes with a double safety trigger to minimize any accidents, especially considering its speed. It weighs 8.74 pounds and is easy to hold and use. The saw comes with two blades and has a very comfortable grip.
Pros:
- Powerful.
- Can cut through various types of materials.
- Dust blower.
- Double safety trigger.
- Lightweight and easy to use.
- Several bevel and miter angles.
- Depth adjustment lever.
- Plastic lower blade guard.
- Parallel guide.
Cons:
- Hard to see where you are aiming the blade.
- A little slower than similar models.
My Thoughts: I love how versatile and easy to use this saw is. For a budget saw, it is pretty powerful, too. If you need a saw for large DIY projects, this would be a great fit!
My Score: 9/10
Skilsaw Sidewinder Circular Saw (SPT67WL-01)
Key Features:
- Blade Length: 7.25 inches
- Motor: 15 Amp
- Speed: 5300 RPM
- Power Source: Corded Electric
Here is yet another powerful Skilsaw tool with a speed of 5300 RPM. This just goes to prove that Skilsaw is a trusted brand when it comes to power tools. At 8.6 pounds, this is one of the lightest saws in its class. This is due to its magnesium guard and footplate.
This circular saw has several features that make it a very exciting buy for beginners and professionals alike. It has a 56 degree bevel capacity and comes with a dual field motor which prevents the saw from running hot. This has an added benefit of extending the life of your saw.
The 24 teeth Diablo carbide blade makes cutting through wood a breeze. It features an integrated standard measurement scale for depth setting. This means you don’t need to rely on tape measures anymore!
The saw’s built-in dust blower keeps your cut line clean. The 10 foot cord is convenient, too. It also has a blade lock with a wrench integrated in the footplate, making it easier for you to store and change blades without running around.
Pros
- Durable and easy to use.
- Lightweight.
- Powerful.
- Dust blower.
- Integrated multi-purpose wrench.
- Dual field motor that prevents overheating.
- Integrated standard measurement scale.
- Double true grip handle.
Cons
- No safety lock.
- A bit more expensive when compared to other budget circular saws.
- Depth adjustment is a bit difficult to set.
My Thoughts: This tool is obviously more expensive when compared to others on this list, but it has several additional features that make it worth the investment. It has been carefully designed to be lighter without compromising on quality. A durable saw that can be used for both small as well as large projects.
My Score: 9/10
Genesis Compact Circular Saw (GCS445SE)
Key Features:
- Blade Length: 4.5 inches
- Motor: 4 Amp
- Speed: 3500 RPM
- Power Source: Corded Electric
A saw doesn’t always have to be the most powerful one out there to get the job done. The Genesis compact saw is a great example of that. Weighing just 4.7 pounds, this saw is truly a lightweight! You can easily use this saw one-handed. In fact, it is designed for that with a slim barrel grip.
This saw packs a surprisingly powerful performance inside its compact body. Its 24 tooth carbide blade cuts through 2x material like butter and can make bevel cuts, plunge cuts, and cross cuts with ease! Its spindle lock makes it easier to change blades.
It has several other features such as a parallel guide to help you make accurate straight cuts and even a dust collector hose. You no longer have to worry about keeping your workpiece free of saw dust. The Genesis will do that for you! Its compact size makes it easier to maneuver it around.
Pros
- Very compact and lightweight. Designed to be used one-handed.
- Powerful for its size.
- Versatile.
- Parallel guide.
- Dust collector hose.
- Spindle lock.
- Not very noisy.
- 2 year warranty.
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty projects.
- Not always accurate.
- Complaints of blade not being high quality.
My Thoughts: If you are looking for a lightweight saw that is easy to carry around, then the Genesis is a great tool. I loved that it packs a nice punch for its size. This would be a great beginner circular saw as it is not heavy and is also easy to use.
Score: 8/10
Now that we have reviewed 7 of the best budget circular saws, it is time for a buyer’s guide. This will let you know what to look for in a circular saw so that you can make the best purchase decision that fits your needs. Let’s dive in!
What To Look For In a Circular Saw
Like any other tool, circular saws come with various capacities. Here are a few of the features you should look out for:
Corded or Cordless?
Both have their own advantages and disadvantages. Cordless saws are portable compared to corded ones. They are also smaller and are handy when working in areas where extension cords are unsafe or unavailable. For example: outdoor job sites. However, if you want to purchase the battery along with the tool, you will end up paying more than $100.
A corded saw, on the other hand, will never run out of battery and can be used for a longer runtime. But they are less portable. So choose the type based on your needs.
Power
This is one of the most important things to consider before buying a saw. When it comes to a corded saw, you would need a 15 Ampere motor to handle your DIY woodcutting tasks. If you are looking for a saw specifically for very lightweight tasks, you can go for one that has a power of around 12 Amp.
For cordless saws, an 18 Volt lithium-ion battery is the average. If you want a more powerful saw for heavy-duty tasks, look for ones that use 20 V batteries.
Speed
The speed of a saw is measured in Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). The RPM tells you how fast the saw will cut through the wood. A standard saw having 5000 – 5500 RPM will cut through wood pretty fast.
But again, this depends on the material you want to cut. The same speed will not be maintained through different types of materials.
Bevel Capacity
The bevel capacity of the saw will determine at which angles you will be able to cut. The bevel capacity is usually pretty flexible and adjustable. The most common setting is up to 45 degrees, although you may find ones that go up to 57 degrees. Some of them have positive stops at 22.5 degrees as well, making it easier for you to cut.
Make sure that the bevel has a lock on it to prevent shifting and sliding. You must also be able to straighten the bevel to make straight 90 degree cuts.
Blade Material and Length
Most standard circular saws have a 7.25 inch blade. This blade size combined with a 15 Amp power and a 5500 RPM is pretty much the standard. Blade size will determine the depth of the cut as well as the thickness of the material it can cut.
However, the blade length doesn’t matter that much when compared to other features because blades are detachable and replaceable!
Carbide tipped and stainless blades usually offer durability.
Weight
Ideally, the saw should be light enough for you to be able to handle it easily. Most saws that I reviewed above are lightweight. Heavy saws are.. Well.. heavy, and can be tiring and difficult to use. They are more suitable for professional work.
So look for ones that are compact without compromising on other features. They are enough for DIY woodworking and will also let you work for longer without tiring out your muscles.
Other Features
Some other features that will make your saw easier to use are:
- Safety features such as indicator light, laser beam guides, and rafter hooks.
- Dust blower to blow the debris away from your workpiece, giving you a clear view of the cut line.
- Spindle lock to change blades easily.
In this article, I have reviewed 7 best budget circular saws and also talked about what to look for before you go about buying one. Before I go, I will leave you with this piece of advice: always choose the saw that fits your needs. And never forget to take safety precautions. Happy woodworking!
