Rankings
The Skil 5280-01 is a lightweight, budget-friendly corded circular saw featuring a single-beam laser guide for precision cutting. It offers a 15-amp motor and dust blower, making it a powerful yet portable option for DIYers and light professionals. However, its plastic construction limits its suitability for heavy-duty daily use.
The Skil 5080-01 is a lightweight, corded 13-amp circular saw designed for DIY home workshop projects. It offers excellent value and ease of use, though the corded nature limits its portability. It is best suited for DIY homeowners and light professionals tackling home workshop tasks.
The Craftsman CMES510 is a robust 15-amp corded circular saw designed for aggressive cutting in wood, featuring a durable magnesium shoe and high no-load speed. It lacks modern safety and convenience features like an electric brake or dust collection, which may deter some professionals. It is best suited for DIYers and homeowners needing a budget-friendly, powerful tool for framing and general jobsite work.
The Craftsman V20 Cordless Circular Saw (CMCS500B) is a 6-1/2-inch bare tool designed for everyday cross and rip cuts in a compact, ergonomic form factor. It features a high-performance brushed motor running at 4,200 RPM and a tool-free beveling shoe that adjusts up to 50 degrees. The smaller blade and limited cut depth make it less suitable for heavy framing.
The Black+Decker BDECS300C is a budget-friendly corded circular saw featuring a 13-amp motor and a laser guide for improved accuracy. Its main limitation is the basic build quality and limited 45-degree bevel capacity, which restricts its utility for advanced projects. It is best suited for beginners and DIY homeowners needing straightforward cuts on a budget.
The Rockwell RK3441K is a compact, lightweight corded circular saw designed for portability and maneuverability in tight spaces, featuring a left-handed blade for better visibility. Its depth adjustment mechanism is prone to slipping, which detracts from precision during aggressive cuts. It is best suited for DIYers and light-trade professionals who prioritize portability and dust management over raw power.
The Ryobi 18V ONE+ 5-1/2" Circular Saw is a compact, cordless tool designed for light-to-medium DIY tasks, featuring a brushed motor and excellent battery efficiency. While it provides impressive runtime and portability, it lacks the cutting depth and durability required for heavy-duty professional work. It is best suited for homeowners and beginners needing a versatile tool for framing trim or shelves.
The DOVAMAN MCS01A is a compact, corded mini circular saw designed for versatile cutting of wood, soft metal, plastic, and tile. It features a 5.8A motor, 6 interchangeable blades, and precision aids like a laser guide and edge guide to facilitate detailed DIY and light professional projects. Best suited for users who prioritize multi-material versatility and precision over raw power and portability.
The BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B is a compact, cordless 20V MAX* circular saw featuring a 5-1/2 inch blade and a high-torque brushed motor, designed specifically for light to moderate DIY tasks. It operates within the POWERCONNECT™ system for battery interchangeability, offering a lightweight and portable solution for home repairs and trimming. The tool is ideal for users needing a handsaw replacement for small projects.
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7.25 inchesbest | 7.25 inchesbest | 5.5 inches | 7.25 inchesbest | 7.25 inchesbest | 4.5 inches | 4.5 inches | 5.5 inches | 6.5 inches | |
2.438 inches | 2.438 inches | 1.625 inches | 2.5 inchesbest | 2.5 inchesbest | 1.688 inches | 1.688 inches | 1.688 inches | 2 inches | |
5,300 RPM | 5,300 RPM | 3,700 RPM | 5,500 RPMbest | 5,300 RPM | 3,500 RPM | 3,700 RPM | 4,700 RPM | 4,200 RPM | |
51 degrees | 51 degrees | 45 degrees | 55 degreesbest | 45 degrees | 45 degrees | 45 degrees | 50 degrees | 50 degrees | |
120 V | — | 20 V | 120 V | 110 V | 120 V | 220 Vbest | 18 V | 20 V | |
| ↓ lower better | 8.7 lbs | 6.95 lbs | 6 lbs | 11.05 lbs | 7 lbs | 5 lbsbest | 8.6 lbs | 5.64 lbs | 7.55 lbs |
15 Abest | 13 A | — | 15 Abest | 13 A | 5 A | 5.8 A | — | — | |
0.625 inchesbest | 0.625 inchesbest | — | — | 0.62 inches | 0.375 inches | — | 0.625 inchesbest | 0.625 inchesbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | | | | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Power & Motor(4) | |||||||||
Power Source | Corded | Corded | Cordless | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded Electric | Cordless | Cordless |
Voltage (V) | 120 V | — | 20 V | 120 V | 110 V | 120 V | 220 V | 18 V | 20 V |
Amperage (A) | 15 A | 13 A | — | 15 A | 13 A | 5 A | 5.8 A | — | A |
Motor Type | Brushed | Universal | Brushed | Brushed | Brushed | — | Brushed | Brushed | |
Performance & Cutting(5) | |||||||||
Blade Diameter (inches) | 7.25 inches | 7.25 inches | 5.5 inches | 7.25 inches | 7.25 inches | 4.5 inches | 4.5 inches | 5.5 inches | 6.5 inches |
Cutting Depth at 90 Degrees (inches) | 2.4375 inches | 2.4375 inches | 1.625 inches | 2.5 inches | 2.5 inches | 1.6875 inches | 1.6875 inches | 1.6875 inches | 2 inches |
No-Load Speed (RPM) | 5300 RPM | 5300 RPM | 3700 RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM | 4700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Bevel Capacity (degrees) | 51 degrees | 51 degrees | 45 degrees | 55 degrees | 45 degrees | 45 degrees | 45 degrees | 50 degrees | 50 degrees |
Arbor Size (inches) | 0.625 inches | 0.625 inches | inches | inches | 0.62 inches | 0.375 inches | — | 0.625 inches | 0.625 inches |
General & Warranty(1) | |||||||||
Warranty Length (years) | 1 years | — | 2 years | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years | 2 years | 3 years | 3 years |
Design & Ergonomics(3) | |||||||||
Weight (lbs) | 8.7 lbs | 6.95 lbs | 6.0 lbs | 11.05 lbs | 7.0 lbs | 5.0 lbs | 8.6 lbs | 5.64 lbs | 7.55 lbs |
Cord Length (ft) | null ft | 6 ft | — | 8 ft | 6 ft | 10 ft | — | — | ft |
Handle Type | Standard | — | — | Contoured over-molded | Standard | Slim inline grip | — | — | Contoured |
Features & Accessories(5) | |||||||||
Dust Collection | true | true | false | false | false | true | true | false | false |
Electric Brake | false | — | false | false | false | false | — | false | true |
Spindle Lock | true | true | true | true | true | true | — | true | false |
Included Blade | true | true | — | true | true | true | true | true | false |
Laser Guide | true | — | false | false | true | false | true | false | false |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors praise the Skil SKIL 5280-01 for delivering power and accuracy that rival higher-priced models, identifying it as a top budget pick that offers pro-level cuts for DIYers.
Everyday users commonly praise the laser guide for enabling straight, precise cuts, making the tool particularly beginner-friendly. However, some users report that the weight feels heavier during extended use and note that the basic plastic components do not match the longevity of metal parts on premium saws.
“really straight line”
“laser guided thing”
“best budget corded”
Choose Skil 5280-01 for better power and laser precision, but choose the 5080-01 for a cheaper, lighter option without laser guidance.
Choose the Craftsman CMES510 for better performance and versatility, or the Skil 5280-01 for a lower budget.
Choose the Black+Decker for laser precision and budget, or the Skil for greater bevel flexibility.
Professional reviewers and editors praise the Skil 5080-01 for its power and value, noting that the 13-amp motor performs well in real-world DIY scenarios.
Everyday users commonly praise the saw's strong power for effortless wood cutting and the reduced weight for minimizing fatigue on home projects.
Professional reviewers like TechGearLab and iFixit highlight the BDCCS20B as an excellent lightweight trim saw or handsaw replacement for DIY enthusiasts. They praise its compact design, pivoting shoe, and variable-speed trigger for enhancing control and versatility in small projects. However, critics consistently note that the underpowered motor and short battery life limit its utility for broader or more demanding applications.
Everyday consumers generally find the saw to be great for consumer use around the house, particularly for cutting shelves and trim. The light weight and battery interchangeability are frequently cited as major advantages. However, recurring complaints focus on the power limitations for anything beyond modest tasks, with users noting it is not suitable for major construction work.
Professional reviewers highlight the CMES510's high-performance 15-amp motor and 5,500 RPM speed as key strengths, while noting the absence of a motor brake and laser guide as omissions compared to premium alternatives.
Everyday users praise the saw's power and ability to cut through various woods without binding, with the comfortable grip frequently mentioned as a positive factor for control.
Professional reviewers identify the BDECS300C as an ideal tool for budget-conscious beginners due to its laser guide, spindle lock, and warranty. While the 13-amp motor and 2.5-inch depth are praised for basic tasks, experts note that the 45-degree bevel limit and brushed motor technology restrict its utility for advanced angled cuts or professional durability.
Everyday users generally praise the saw for its easy laser-guided straight cuts and sufficient power for DIY woodwork. Recurring complaints focus on the limited 45-degree bevel cap restricting project flexibility and the basic build quality being unsuitable for heavy daily use.
Professional reviewers praise the Rockwell RK3441K for its ability to match full-size performance in a lighter package, but flag significant concerns regarding the depth lock's reliability, noting that it can slip during hard bumps or aggressive cutting.
Everyday consumers generally love the saw for its portability, surprising power for its size, and excellent visibility, though many find it highly effective for DIY projects and light trade work.
A YouTube video by Recovery Garage highlights the saw as essential for detailed processes, praising its versatile blades, laser precision, stability, and safety features for wood, metal, and tile cuts.
No direct consumer reviews or feedback were found in the search results. Product pages and manuals focus on specifications without testimonials, though implied user-friendliness is noted for garage and recovery projects.
Professional reviewers praise the PCL500B for its surprising power relative to its compact size, noting that it can handle 2x4 posts and hardwood with clean cuts.
Everyday consumers commonly praise the tool's portability, impressive battery life, and ability to cut 2x4s and plywood cleanly.
Professional reviewers praise the Craftsman CMCS500B for its surprising speed and lightweight design, noting its excellent sightlines and ergonomic build. However, experts consistently recommend it below pro-grade for heavy framing due to its brushed motor and limited cut depth. It is viewed as a value-driven tool for everyday tasks, with significant performance gaps compared to brushless upgrades like the CMCS551.
Everyday consumers appreciate the saw's lightweight portability, easy bevel adjustments, and sufficient power for DIY projects like renovations and trim work. Common praise highlights its reliability within the V20 ecosystem and good value for homeowners. Recurring complaints focus on the shallow cut depth limiting thick lumber work, fast battery drain on demanding jobs, and occasional sticking of the blade guard.
