Last Updated on March 28, 2023 by Barry Gray
I’m always on the lookout for a bit of a bargain when it comes to power tools, but working on a budget doesn’t have to equate to giving up on quality. Unfortunately, people fall into the trap of thinking they get what they pay for even though that needn’t be the case.
So, I’m going to help you out a bit. I’ve spent time searching through miter saws to find six excellent saws that won’t cost you the earth. Yep, you don’t have to spend a fortune to still get an above average miter saw.
But I’m not only going to tell you six miter saws and tell you that those are the models you should contemplate buying. Instead, I will also explain why they are the best and why I feel they represent value for your money.
- Best 10-Inch Budget Miter Saw – Metabo HPT C10FCGS Compound Miter Saw
- Best 12-Inch Budget Miter Saw – DeWalt 12-Inch Single Bevel Miter Saw (DWS715)
- Best Budget Miter Saw with Laser – Skil 3821-01 12” Miter Saw
- Best Budget Miter Saw Under $200 – Metabo C10FCH2S 10” Compound Miter Saw
- Best Cordless Budget Miter Saw – Genesis GMS1015LC 10” Compound Miter Saw
- Best Budget Sliding Miter Saw – WEN MM1011 Compound Sliding Miter Saw
I also need to explain what you should be looking for when contemplating purchasing a new miter saw. So, I suggest you check out the tips section on what to focus on to make your decision that bit easier.
How I Made My List
The six models you will find below all had to pass through stringent criteria to make it on my list. When checking out the different miter saws, I looked to see which options were not only the most robust but also the most reliable.
But I didn’t stop there.
Each saw on my list is easy to use and adjust to allow you to produce the perfect cuts for your needs. I hate when any power tool makes life more complicated than it needs to be, so that’s not the case here.
Finally, I didn’t just go by the facts and features linked to an individual model. I also spent time checking out what other owners had to say about the models. I just wanted to be sure that each model I recommend can continue operating to the standard you expect long after your purchase.
So, after all those things were considered, these are the six different miter saws on the market for anybody on a budget.
Best 10-Inch Budget Miter Saw – Metabo HPT C10FCGS Compound Miter Saw
- Blade Size: 10”
- Power: 15 Amp
- Speed: 5,000 RPM
- Bevel Cut: 45 degrees to the left
- Miter Cut: 52 degrees to the right
If you want to own a 10” miter saw specifically, then I recommend this model by Metabo. I feel it ticks all the boxes for what you want in a compound miter saw, and you can also get your hands on it for a bargain price.
With this model, you get a miter saw with a 15 Amp motor pushing out a maximum speed of 5,000 RPM. I think that’s quite impressive, and it does mean the miter saw won’t struggle too much when cutting through harder woods. Oh, and the saw blade comes with 24 teeth, so it’s going to rip through things with ease.
This model offers a cutting width of just over 5 ½”, and I feel that’s sufficient for most projects where a 10” blade will be enough. However, this model doesn’t come with sliding rails, so you feel slightly restricted when looking at the width of the material you can work with.
For cutting angles, you have a 45-degree bevel to the left and a 52-degree miter cut to the right. While I would have preferred the angles to be slightly better, I still feel this is more than enough for most DIY’er carrying out projects around the home.
Finally, this model does come with a decent dust collection system along with a dust bag. Not every model comes with a dust bag and instead leaves you to connect your own system, so that’s a nice bonus.
Overall, I find this model to be straightforward to adjust, and it will do a very reasonable job for anyone looking to make those quick cuts.
Pros
- It has more than enough power and speed
- It’s very easy to set up and use
- It works well for basic DIY projects
- It produces both bevel and miter cuts
- It has a fantastic dust collection system
Cons
- The angles could be slightly better
Best 12-Inch Budget Miter Saw – DeWalt 12-Inch Single Bevel Miter Saw (DWS715)
- Blade Size: 12”
- Power: 15 Amp
- Speed: 4,000 RPM
DeWalt always manages to produce high-quality tools, and this miter saw is no exception. It comes with a 12” blade alongside a 15 Amp motor capable of pushing out speeds of up to 4,000 RPM, and those are fantastic figures.
But this model is not all about power, even though it can rip through the material relatively easily.
Instead, take a look at the steel detent plate. It comes with 14 stops, and then you have the 5 ½” high fence as well. That means this machine can quickly deliver 5 ½” high crown moldings and base moldings, and I don’t see why most people would need something more.
I feel that this model is the type where you can just set it up in minutes and start producing those ultra-accurate cuts. The power in this miter saw will certainly back that up as it will make short work of pretty much anything you throw at it.
But one thing that stands out for me is something that is common with DeWalt products, and that’s durability. This saw is robust, and you can take it out onto the job site and know it will still make those cuts.
Overall, this model keeps things nice and simple from an operational perspective. It doesn’t produce too many different cuts, but at least you know its limitations and what to expect before you buy.
Pros
- It works well for both crown and base molding
- You also get a vertical clamp and wrench included
- It’s simple to use and won’t overcomplicate matters
- It has a lot of power for a 12” miter saw
- It’s very robust
Cons
- It’s more to the higher end of the budget market, but it’s a DeWalt!
Best Budget Miter Saw with Laser – Skil 3821-01 12” Miter Saw
- Blade Size: 12”
- Power: 15 Amp
- Speed: 4,500 RPM
Skil is a brand that I feel is often overlooked, and I hate that fact. I just believe that Skil produces high-quality tools regularly, and this particular miter saw is one of those tools.
You get a 15 Amp motor on this 12” miter saw, pushing out speeds of 4,500 RPM. I do feel that those are the types of figures that the average DIY’er should be looking for, as it does mean you should have no problem completing your projects.
But one feature I feel makes a difference with this model is how it comes complete with a laser. That means you find it easier to maintain your line and get the precise cut you want.
To help, it also comes with a detent plate complete with 9 steps. I admit this number is lower than you see elsewhere, but it’s still ample for basic projects in and around the home.
I feel that this particular miter saw is one of the easiest to operate. Setting it up takes minutes to do, and it then produces both angled and bevel cuts with ease.
Overall, the fact you can get a budget miter saw complete with a laser is astonishing. I love this model for that single fact, so if you thought only professional miter saws had these types of features, then think again.
Pros
- The laser makes life so much easier
- It takes just minutes to set up
- You can produce more than one type of cut with this model
- It is straightforward to operate
- It has ample power and speed
Cons
- I would have liked to have seen more precision stops
Best Budget Miter Saw Under $200 – Metabo C10FCH2S 10” Compound Miter Saw
- Blade Size: 10”
- Power: 15 Amp
- Speed: 5,000 RPM
- Bevel Angle: 45-degree left
- Miter Angle: 52 degrees left and right
If you want to spend less than $200 on a compound miter saw, then this model by Metabo is one I would suggest you check out. It comes equipped with a 15 Amp motor and produces speeds of up to 5,000 RPM, so I don’t see it struggling with any materials.
It also comes with a 10” blade, and I do love how it offers you a miter angle to both the left and right. That flexibility increases its range considerably, and you shouldn’t run into any problems setting the angle either.
That’s due to the precise markings on the plate and the fact that this model comes with a laser guide. Yes, you can get a laser guide miter saw for under $200, which is terrific.
This model also has a pivoting flip fence, and I just feel that setting the saw up for any cuts is quick and straightforward. Also, you get a large dust collection bag with this model, and it’s far superior to what you tend to get with other brands. However, you can still set up your own dust collection system if you prefer.
Overall, this miter saw packs so much into the model, and the fact it’s less than $200 is outstanding.
Pros
- The dust bag is out of this world and works well
- The angles are very easy to set up
- It packs a whole lot of power into the saw
- The laser makes a huge difference
- It feels robust
Cons
- The plastic handle feels slightly cheap and inferior
Best Cordless Budget Miter Saw – Genesis GMS1015LC 10” Compound Miter Saw
- Blade Size: 10”
- Power: 15 Amp
- Speed: 4,600 RPM
- Miter Cuts: -45 to +45 degrees
If owning a cordless tool is essential to you, and I prefer them myself, I suggest checking out this model by Genesis. This 10” blade compound miter is a fantastic example of what’s out there on the market for those on a budget, and I promise it’s not going to let you down.
You get that usual 15 Amp motor capable of throwing out speeds of up to 4,600 RPM. I know that’s ample power for most home projects, so I have no fears from that perspective.
In addition, this miter saw allows you to make both bevel and miter cuts from the one saw. The bevel cut option is up to 45 degrees to the left, while the miter cut works from -45 to +45 degrees. While I would like those angles to be slightly wider, it’s still satisfactory enough for most people.
To help with the accuracy, this model comes with 9 position stops, and while other brands do offer more stops, this should also prove sufficient. Oh, and it also comes with a laser guide, and that’s a massive deal for that whole accuracy thing when lining up your cuts.
Overall though, I just feel this budget miter saw can make your projects a lot easier to complete, and it does so with minimal fuss. That alone is a great reason to seriously contemplate owning one.
Pros
- It has ample power to help complete those tasks
- The laser cutting guide makes a huge difference
- It’s very easy to set up your miter cuts and the angles
- The point angles incorporate the most commonly used in woodworking
- It doesn’t take up a lot of space in your workshop
Cons
- You need to clean the laser as dust covers it due to poor positioning
Best Budget Sliding Miter Saw – WEN MM1011 Compound Sliding Miter Saw
- Blade Size: 10”
- Power: 15 Amp
- Speed: 4,500 RPM
- Bevel Angle: 45-degree to left
- Miter Angle: -45 to +45 degrees
I love this sliding miter saw by WEN, and the fact it doesn’t break the bank is a huge bonus. It comes with a 10” blade powered by a 15 Amp motor, so everything is standard. Also, the speed of 4,500 RPM is another standard rate, so at this point, it’s clear this miter saw is lined up to do all those common jobs you expect from this type of saw.
But for me, the ease with which you can slide those blades out to cut larger boards is the main appeal. It works effortlessly, and it does increase the number of ways in which you can use this model.
If you want to know the difference this sliding mechanism makes, then think about this. You will usually only be able to cut 6” boards with a 10” blade. However, you can double that, thanks to the sliding mechanism, and that’s fantastic.
Also, I feel the angles are sufficient for both bevel and miter cuts, so I have no real complaints. It also comes with 9 positive stops, so lining up the cuts takes little time, and I believe this model offers you more than enough from an accuracy point of view.
Overall, the sliding mechanism marks this model as one of the best budget miter saws around. This could be the perfect model if you have never used a sliding saw before.
Pros
- The sliding rails work well
- The extra size of material you can cut transforms this saw
- The positive stops are ample to get you started
- The blade is powerful and fast enough to rip through stock
- It comes with a decent dust collection system
Cons
- The warranty is relatively poor, but the machine is still reliable
What to Look for When Choosing a Budget Miter Saw
If I’m in the market for a new miter saw, I have several key things that I pay attention to when looking through the various models.
Power
For power, I would not drop below 15 Amp. If you do, then you run the real risk of coming into problems with tougher materials. You need to know the motor can spin that blade and slice through even hardwood when pushing the saw to its limit.
Anything below that 15 Amp means you risk getting rougher cuts that also take significantly longer to make.
Speed
The speed of the blade changes how smooth the cuts are, along with the time it takes to complete the cut. So, I suggest sticking with something above 4,000 RPM. At that figure, you should find the cuts are pretty smooth and easy to work with. Also, you don’t have to spend a long time hoping the blade can perform the cut.
Blade Size
A miter saw will come with either a 10” or 12” blade. Honestly, it all then depends on the size of material you plan on cutting with the miter saw as to which one you choose. A 10” miter saw can typically cut around 6” sized material, while a 12” can cut boards of up to 8”.
So, think about your projects when deciding on the blade size.
Angles
Depending on the type of miter saw you purchase, you may find you can make both bevel and miter cuts with the one saw. If so, then look carefully at the angles and the limitations.
Bevel cuts will usually come at 45 degrees, and while that’s sufficient, it would be better if they went slightly beyond that mark. Also, the bevel cuts will only go to the left with most models.
Miter cuts will involve going to an angle to both left and right. Typically, you will find an angle of 45 degrees to the left, while the angle to the right may go up to just over 50 degrees. Once again, consider your projects to decide which angles work best for you.
Precision?
If possible, I would try to pick up a model with a laser guide from a precision perspective. It used to be the case that budget models would never have a laser, but they are becoming more common now.
Also, look at the number of stops marked on the plate. Most models will come with 9, but others offer you more. Once again, this helps you to line up your cuts with minimal fuss.
Other Key Features
The other key features to look at will include how easy it is to change the blade and even how well the miter saw copes with dust.
I would opt for a model that comes with a good dust collection system. Most will allow you to use the bag that comes with the model, which is a good idea. I would prefer that to one that requires you to incorporate your own system.
Overall, it’s the power, cutting angles, and speed that plays the main roles when choosing a miter saw. If you don’t drop below the numbers I’ve suggested, your budget miter saw should still be more than capable of performing a whole host of tasks.
Overall Conclusion
Those are my six recommendations for the best budget miter saw, and I can guarantee there are some names and models on there that you probably would not have expected to see.
It shows how it’s worth taking your time and researching power tools before purchasing. There are bargains out there that can still result in you owning a fantastic miter saw, and you can do so without it hurting the bank balance too much.
But I still recommend checking out my tips on the key things to look out for when buying a miter saw. I think it will make the entire process a whole lot easier for you as a result.
Anybody who plans to work with wood for any project would be well served to have a quality miter saw in their workshop. It will prove invaluable in a short period of time and will drastically reduce the length of time it takes you to complete your projects.
I know one of the six listed above will be perfect for your needs. The only question you have to ask yourself is which one of the six stands out.
