The 5 best power saws in 2021

Methodology

As a former residential and commercial carpenter, I have used nearly every kind of power saw there is, from handheld jigsaws to massive 20-foot table saws. I've used this experience to choose which saws to include in this guide.

Nick Yahoodain of Advanced Builders and Contractors , a professional home remodeling company in Los Angeles, also provided expert advice. His extensive experience in the construction and contracting industry provided valuable insight into our saw choices.

The best circular saw

The Makita 5007MG Magnesium powers through lumber with ease thanks to its 15-amp motor and lightweight, easy-to-handle design.

Pros: Durable carrying case, powerful motor

Cons: Cord limits mobility

There isn't much to dislike about the Makita 5007MG . It's a reliable workhorse. It's relatively easy to heft and maneuver around, and it has a great balance to it, making it surprisingly fun to use.

This balanced weight also increases safety, allowing you to maintain better control as you work. Its rubber handle and top-mounted knob also provide a comfortable, ergonomic grip as you work.

A pair of built-in LED lights illuminate the cutting area, allowing you to get a clear look at your cut line. These lights, combined with the dust-blowing feature that clears away dust and debris, increase your cutting accuracy and make for easy and comfortable operating. I also appreciate how large and easy to read the settings and measurements are on the Makita 5007MG .

Yahoodain recommends the Magnesium as his favorite circular saw, citing its light weight and speed. He also recommended the cordless version for anyone looking for a more mobile option, the Makita XSR01PT . I've used this model as well and agree that it's a great option. I'll only note that the cordless version is heavier, and as a result, isn't as easy to carry around.

The corded power supply does make the Makita 5007MG less mobile than the battery-powered option. But unless you're working on a large job site, the cord shouldn't be much of a factor. I've used it to rip through plywood and MDF panels, as well as to chop through lumber for framing, and it's a blast to use.

The best miter saw

Capable of easily cutting miter and bevel cuts, the DeWalt 15-Amp DWS779 packs a ton of versatility into a durable, easy-to-use package.

Pros: Manual arm lock, includes separate board clamp

Cons: More expensive than most options

The DeWalt 15-Amp DWS779 is a great all-around miter saw. Easy to use for beginners, it still has the precision necessary for professional projects. Yahoodain recommended this model due to its easy setup. "We love the extendable support for longer boards," he said.

The DWS779 has a nice weight to it as well. It's solid enough to provide a sturdy foundation while you work, while still light enough to transport around a job site.

My favorite part of the DeWalt 15-Amp DWS779 is that despite its sturdy construction it's remarkably easy to maneuver the blade while you work. Whether you're chopping straight cuts on two-by-fours, tilting it for bevels, or pivoting for miter cuts, the trigger arm moves smoothly without much effort.

The included carbide blade has a nice cutting capacity. The sliding fences are also nice and tall, supporting up to 7.5 inches of material, and the included clamp keeps everything nice and tight while you cut.

The integrated dust port allows you to connect it to your own collection system. It does include a dust bag, but its small size isn't very useful for larger projects. It also comes with the blade wrench needed to switch out the blade, which is a nice perk.

DeWalt is a well-respected brand in the power tool space, and I've always found them to back up their products if any issues come up.

The best table saw

Thanks to a rolling stand and compact size, the 15-amp DeWalt DWE7491RS combines power and mobility, making it a valuable addition to a garage or workshop.

Pros: High-visibility off switch

Cons: Does not include dust collection bag

The rolling stand of the DeWalt DWE7491RS allows you to easily wheel it around the garage or driveway while you're working. When you're finished for the day, the unit breaks down quickly and can be stored away with a minimal footprint.

Its telescopic rack and pinion fence rail extends the rip capacity, making it possible to accept four-by-eight-foot sheets of plywood or MDF. This rail flexibility is a big part of what makes the DeWalt DWE7491RS such a great choice.

It also has several valuable safety features, including a blade guard, push stick, and power-loss reset function. This mechanism will automatically turn the saw to the off position if the power goes out while it's in operation. Without it, the saw would immediately start back up when the power turned back on.

Its 2.5-inch dust-collection port cuts down on sawdust buildup in and around the saw, though you will need to provide your own bag or vacuum to make it work. This dust collector, combined with an easy-to-read miter gauge and blade height adjustment lever, makes it easy to execute accurate and straight cuts.

I also like how the guard, fences, and wrenches are stored inside the unit itself. This convenient design reduces the chances of forgetting or losing a piece of important equipment.

I've always had nothing but great experiences with DeWalt tools and found that their warranties and customer service are top-notch. This saw is another Yahoodain recommendation; he praised its portability and convenient rolling design.

The best jigsaw

The cordless Makita XVJ03Z strikes the ideal balance between power and convenience, thanks to its 18-Volt motor, three orbital settings, and LED work light.

Pros: Comes with two batteries, variable speed trigger, comfortable handle

Cons: Expensive

Jigsaws are one of the most useful cutting tools, but they require a significant amount of control and focus to be used effectively. The Makita is designed with this emphasis on ease of use, making it a great jigsaw option for beginners and professionals alike.

The rubberized soft grip handle is one of my favorite parts of this tool because it allows you to maintain maximum control while you cut. The variable speed trigger provides even more control. Its three orbital settings allow you to customize its cutting action as well, making it ideal for precise tasks. It's also a powerful cutting when precision is less of a priority.

Its light weight cuts back on user fatigue. That comes in handy during larger jobs and extended cuts, especially with tough materials like sheet metal. I'm a big fan of the balance of this tool and have always felt it was more comfortable to use than similar options.

The built-in dust blower doesn't just keep your workspace clean, it also clears debris from your cut line as you work. The included LED light helps even more, illuminating your work area and increasing accuracy as well as safety.

It's not the cheapest option on the market, but the inclusion of two hefty 3.0Ah batteries makes it worth it in my opinion. (You can also purchase the tool by itself.) I love Makita batteries, which have an impressive running time. Plus, their 30-minute recharging time is quick.

Yahoodain recommended this tool as well, saying that he prefers wireless options, "as sometimes the cord can get in the way while cutting curves."

The best reciprocating saw

The cordless Milwaukee M18 Fuel Super Sawzall is rugged enough to chew through heavy-duty demolition projects, while staying mobile and comfortable to handle.

Pros: Variable speed trigger, five-speed dial for maximum control, Quik-Lok blade mechanism

Cons: Battery must be purchased separately

With no cord to restrict your movement, the battery-powered Milwaukee M18 Fuel Super Sawzall allows you to bring its heavy-duty power and effectiveness virtually anywhere. This makes this tool ideal for basic demolition work or pruning trees in the backyard.

It also features an orbital setting, which adds a slight circular motion to the blade's back and forth action. This makes it much more effective when cutting through soft materials like wood or plastic. If you plan on using this saw for a lot of lumber demolition, this setting is absolutely a necessity.

One of my favorite features of the Milwaukee Sawzall is the thick rubber overmold that surrounds the handle. This allows you to comfortably hold the saw in a variety of angles and position it however you need for your specific task. The rubber grip also increases safety, decreasing your chance of losing your grip while operating.

The bulky size and weight of the Sawzall might turn some customers off. But it's often worth the extra bulk to get the job done fast. Waiting for weaker tools to finish ends up being more fatiguing.

The biggest potential drawback to the M18 Sawzall is that unlike corded models you'll have to manage its battery usage during longer projects. If you already have similar tools in the Milwaukee M18 family, you'll have additional batteries to extend the saw's runtime.

What else we considered

What else we recommend and why:

SawStop Industrial Cabinet Saw : For pros or those who prefer a stationary option over portable, the SawStop Industrial Cabinet Saw is a great choice. Yahoodain praised its SawStop technology, which stops the saw before it can cut through skin. SawStop also offers a portable option, but that one also comes with a pretty hefty price tag.

DeWalt Atomic 20-Volt Max : Another Yahoodain pick that I also have experience with, this is a one-handed tool that's great for around the house. It's probably not big enough for large demolition projects, but its compact size makes it perfect for accessing tight and awkward areas. Plus, you can share batteries with any other compatible DeWalt power tools.

Power saw FAQs

What type of power saw do I need?

Circular saw: These compact workhorses are probably the most well-known power saw type. They are designed for both cross-cuts (across a board) and rip cuts (down the length of the board). Their small size and relatively light weight make them comfortable to use, and they take up less space than bulkier miter saws or chop saws. Like most power tools, they're available in both corded and battery-powered models.

Reciprocating saw: Also known as sawzalls, reciprocating saws are most commonly used for demolition. In addition to lumber, they can also cut through drywall, nails, and metal. Their narrow design allows you to maintain a lot of leverage and to maneuver them into tighter areas than with other power saws. Most can accept a variety of blades, allowing you to customize them to your specific project and material.

Table saw: Unlike other saw blades that drop down, table saw blades stick up and require you to slide lumber into them to make your cuts. They can range in size from huge stationary models to smaller versions that can fit in the corner of your garage or tool shed. Some, like the DeWalt DWE7491RS , are portable enough to easily transport and maneuver around a job site. These saws are essential for making long rip cuts.

Jigsaw: These small handheld saws have a reciprocating blade and are designed for maximum maneuverability, making them great for both straight lines and curved cuts. Their small blades also make them well-suited for cutting circles by drilling a small starter hole and working from there. They're offered in both cordless and battery-powered options and can be used for cutting sheet metal as well as wood.

Miter Saw: Essentially a circular saw mounted on an arm, miter saws let you pivot the blade side to side and tilt it from left to right. You can easily create the angled cuts — miters — for molding or door frames. A "chop saw" is basically a miter saw without the ability to tilt the blade and is only designed for 90-degree cuts.

How do I safely use a power saw?

Power saws are extremely dangerous machines and can cause serious injury or death if not given the proper respect. One of the most dangerous scenarios I've seen is people failing to power off their saw before unplugging from the wall. With the power switch still set in the "on" position, the next time the machine is plugged in it can easily turn on by accident.

This may seem counter to common sense, but you should typically not wear work gloves while using a power saw. Their loose fabric can reduce your sense of touch and also become caught in the blade. It's also very important to use sharp blades that are appropriate for the task at hand. Dull blades can stall or cause dangerous kickback.

Make sure to read through the instruction and safety manual of whichever saw you purchase, and take the time to learn how to use it properly. If you'd like additional information, there are countless online videos and tutorials to walk you through safely operating nearly any saw.

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