Best Miter Saw in 2023 – Reviews of Compound, Sliding & Buying Guide

If you are a handyman dealing with different kinds of woodworking tasks, a miter saw is one of the most crucial tools that you need in your workshop. This is a versatile tool that you can use to make cross cuts, angled cuts, window casing, crown molding, and lap joints, and rabbets among other uses. Since every woodworker needs this tool, how will you pick the best miter saw to match your needs?

Choosing the right miter saw is essential so that you can enjoy an incredible performance from the tool. Luckily, you don’t have to go through a hard time selecting a quality miter saw.

Our expert reviewers have researched and analyzed the market to provide you with the best miter saws. We have reviewed decent quality miter saws and a detailed guide to make your purchase decision easier.

Best Miter Saws – Quick Table

Best Miter Saw Reviews – For 2022

The following are quality and affordable miter saws that will help you achieve accurate and precise cuts. These miter saws also help you save time when you are doing your woodworking projects. Compare all the products so that it can be easy to pick the right tool.

1. DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch

If you’re antsy to get the very best, then this is the one you get for your workshop. The price may be a bit on the high side, but then again the Dewalt brand offers premium quality and features. The miter angle on the DWS780 reaches up to 50 degrees to the right and 60 degrees to the left.

The miter detent plate makes it easy for you to set the right setting since you get 10 different preset stops to choose from. There’s a miter override in case you want to use another angle that’s not preset.

With your bevel cuts, you can go up to 49 degrees on both the left and right. The stops on each side are set at 0, 22.5, 33.9, 45, and 49 degrees. You can make 45-degree crosscuts on lumber measuring 2 by 12 inches. At 90 degrees, your cuts can go through 2 by 16-inch lumber.

You can cut horizontally up to 13⅞ inches, with a nested crown capacity of 7.5 inches and a vertical capacity of 6.75 inches. You also get a bright LED light for even greater accuracy, as this will show you just where the blade will go on the wood.

The alignment system is terrific, as there’s no need for recalibration even after a blade change. The power cord placement is very convenient, and the dust collector system is very effective. The durability is also exceptional, and the warrant is terrific. You get a limited warranty for a decent year and a whole year of free service.

What we liked

• Lightweight.
• Portable so it can be carried with one hand.
• Less noise while at work.
• Optimum durability.
• High cutting capacity.
• Easy to use.
• Accurate alignment of the LED light.

What we didn’t like

• Does not come with a stand.
• Non-adjustable bearings.

2. Makita LS1018

Dual-Bevel Slide Compound Miter Saw

Makita LS1018 is a miter saw with a 10-inch blade, and it’s powered by a 13-amp motor. It doesn’t need as much maintenance as a typical 15-amp motor, as no belt can slip or wear down so you have to replace it. It also has a soft start, so starting it up is much smoother.

It sure doesn’t offer less rpm as it delivers 4,300 rpm. So it’s ideal for both general construction and carpentry as well as for fine woodworking. It miters up to 47 degrees to the left and up to 60 degrees to the right. The rear handle bevel lock lets you secure the angle up to 45 degrees left and right.

The maximum cutting depth can handle a 1¼ by 8½-inch lumber at 45 degrees. At 90 degrees, you can cut a piece of lumber measuring 3⅝ by 12 inches. Makita LS1018 features a linear ball bearing system, so it’s designed to offer extremely accurate cuts. The large aluminum base offers a lot of stability, but the weight still allows for some portability.

The rubberized D-handle is ergonomic for a better fit and greater comfort, while the electric brake speeds things up while it enhances your safety. With this, miter saw, you only need a single pass to cut through 4 by 4-inch lumber pieces. Cutting crown molding and baseboards become much easier too.

What we liked

• Lightweight.
• Smooth cutting ensuring accuracy.
• Can perform a wide variety of tasks.
• Non-expensive.
• Portable.
• Powerful motor.
• Electric brake to maximize productivity.
• Rubber handle for comfort.

What we didn’t like

• Poor dust collection ability.
• No laser guide.

3. Homecraft H26-260L

If you are considering buying a battery-operated Compound Miter saw, I would recommend Homecraft H26-260L 10-Inch. This is an incredible tool that works well with almost every miter saw stand. The saw is lightweight so you will not have trouble moving it from one point to the other in your Jobsite.

This compound miter saw features a laser so you can easily align the blade to the workpiece to achieve accurate and convenient results. On top of that, you will find an arbor lock to help you lock the blade in position so that you can change the blade with ease.

The saw is designed with a powerful 14 amp motor that provides the right amount of power to cut through wood. The blade spins at a speed of 5500 rpm. With this tool, you can make left bevel cuts ranging from 0-47 degrees.

Just like other power tools, safety is important for every user. In this case, this saw has a lockout switch that ensures that you are safe all the time. So, if you are a DIY lover and need a quality miter saw for everyday use, consider this model as the best.

What we liked

• Good saw for the price.
• Easy to change the blade.
• Provide accurate cuts.
• Works well with many miters saw stands.
• Has a powerful motor.

What we didn’t like

• Complaints of low-quality materials.

4. DEWALT DW715 12-Inch

We also have the highly regarded Dewalt DW715 miter saw from Dewalt. It’s been available since 2007, and even now it still competes as one of the best in the miter saw a niche.

First of all, it’s still quite powerful. The 15-amp motor it uses offers enough power for 4,000 rpm for the 12-inch blade, and the motor has a terrific reputation for durability. With this miter saw, you can get very accurate cuts very quickly. The miter capacity is pretty wide, with up to 50 degrees to the left and right.

It’s very easy to set up the miter system, as you have 11 positive stops to choose from. The cam-lock miter handle isn’t difficult to adjust at all, and you also get a detent override for more unconventional angles. With the tall fence on the sliding miter saw, you can work on a 5.25-inch crown molding and 6.5-inch base molding.

When you switch to bevel cuts, the fence easily slides out of the way. It’s also designed to provide you with very quick and accurate bevel cuts.

Your bevel cuts can measure up to 48 degrees to the left, with up to 3 degrees to the right. That makes this miter saw useful even for big jobs. It can cut through 2 by 8-inch lumber at 45 degrees.

Dewalt DW715 comes with a decent period as a warranty, along with a free service contract for an entire year

What we liked

• Powerful motor.
• Easy to carry.
• Accurate clean cuts.
• The saw is not noisy.
• Easily read the miter scale.
• Cuts through large piles in a single cut.
• Automatic blade guard.
• Comes with a large blade.
• The miter is stainless steel.

What we didn’t like

• Not so good adjustment features.
• Fence not parallel on most models.
• Small dust bag.
• No laser.

5. Hitachi C12RSH2 12-Inch

The Hitachi brand has been around for more than a century, and it’s famous for its electrical appliances. So it’s not surprising that they also compete in the sliding miter saw niches.

This C12RSH2 sliding miter saw offers a compact sliding system that lets the saw head slide along fixed rails and this design results in the elimination of the rear clearance that other miter saws need. This design cuts 12 inches from the required footprint of the miter saw.

The C12RSH2 comes with a 15-amp motor, and the sliding fence allows you to cut 7.5-inch crown molding vertically. The miter angle goes up to 45 degrees to the left and up to 57 degrees to the right. The range of the bevel angle goes up to 45 degrees to both the left and right.

The measurements on the bevel and miter scales are very easy to read, so you can make adjustments without much effort. There’s a laser marker too for greater accuracy in your cuts. For greater control and comfort, the vertical handle is quite soft, and the elastomer grip is very effective in reducing the vibrations you feel.

Hitachi C12RSH2 is quite durable, and it can help you in your wood cutting work for a lot of years. All of its good features make it the ultimate choice for every homeowner and trim carpenter. The warranty is a very decent amount of time, although you may need to double-check this with your seller.

What we liked

• Sufficient cutting capacity.
• Dual bevel to reduce flipping.
• Stable and quiet.
• Accurate cuts.
• High power.

What we didn’t like

• Heavy and not portable.
• Not very accurate.
• The slide system is rough and gums up.

6. WEN 70716 Sliding

Wen 70716 is one of the more affordable miter saws on this list, but it does offer a lot. This uses a 15-amp motor with 5500 rpm, so you can easily cut up wooden boards up to 3.25 inches thick. As it’s a sliding miter saw, it can accommodate boards up to 11.5 inches deep.

The 10-inch blade features 60 teeth tipped with carbide, while it also comes with a dust collection bag that collects your sawdust to make it easier for you to clean up after your work. Because of the low price of the miter saw, you should have enough money left with you so you can buy a higher quality blade if you want.

With this compound miter saw, you can bevel up to 45 degrees to the left, while you can miter to the left and right up to 52 degrees. The preset detents are at 0, 15, 22.5, 30, and 45 degrees. The automatic blade cover retracts when you use it, which should reduce the risk of accidents and enhance your safety.

Wen 70716 is quite a dependable miter saw. Just make sure that you keep the sliding stainless bar well lubricated. It comes with a decent time-limited warranty, and the customer helpline can give you the friendly assistance you need if you have any issues with the WEN miter saw.

All in all, We​​​​​n 70716 offers a great bang for the buck. At this price range, it can be very difficult to find a miter saw with greater capabilities and features.

What we liked

• Portable due to its lightweight.
• Soft handle for comfort.
• User-friendly.
• Compact, beautiful design.
• Powerful motor.
• Maximized cutting capacity.

What we didn’t like

• Requires extra care while handling.
• Not ideal for cutting some moldings.
• The blade needs replacement after a while.

7. Hitachi C10FCE2

This is a very affordable 10-inch miter saw, but the low price isn’t the only reason why the Hitachi C10FCE2 is a perennial bestseller. Another reason is that, unlike other miter saws, this one is extremely portable too. While other models can weigh up to 76 pounds, this one weighs just 26.3 pounds. You’ll have a very difficult time finding another 10-inch miter saw this light.

Still, perhaps the real reason is that the overall quality of the Hitachi C10FCE2 is excellent. The 15-amp motor is quite formidable, and it can deliver up to 5,000 rpm to the blade. That makes short work of any wood cutting job.

You can control all that power easily enough, though. You have an elastomer grip on the horizontal handle, which deadens the vibrations coming through the handle to your hand. You can also secure your workpieces firmly with the fine clamping system built-in.

You can make adjustments with only your thumb, so you can set the miter adjustments up to 52 degrees. This design allows you to change the cutting angle of the blade very easily, so you can create miters in your crown molding and other trim pieces.

The bevel adjustment can reach up to 45 degrees to the left. That gives you beautiful bevel cuts in just one attempt. You can raise the flip fence to 4 inches, so you can work on pieces measuring 5 and 21/32 inches deep, and 2 and 5/16 inches high.

To maximize the durability of the miter saw and protect the interior parts from dust, the Hitachi C10FCE2 uses a highly effective dust collector system. The durability of this brand is very well-known, and its 1-year warranty is tough to beat.

What we liked

• Powerful 15-amp motor.
• Makes accurate cuts.
• Lightweight making it portable.
• Strong and well made.
• Large table to ease cutting.
• Adjustable bevel stops.
• Good quality.
• Blade guard.
• Large handle for smooth handling.

What we didn’t like

• Poor dust collection system.
• Setup guide not reliable.
• Blade changing takes time.

8. DEWALT DWS709 

The Dewalt brand is famed in the industry for its high quality and dependable durability. That’s why it’s always been a popular choice among woodcutting aficionados, who don’t mind paying a little bit more to get a lot more in terms of capabilities.

Its 12-inch blade is powered by a 15-amp motor delivering a speed of up to 3,800 rpm. Making repetitive cuts accurately is quite easy since you can just quickly adjust the miter angle to one of the 13 different miter detents.

The miter angles can reach up to 50 degrees to the left and 60 degrees to the right. It’s very easy to set to the miter angle setting you want, as the miter scales are easy to read and the red miter pointer is huge.

The same goes for the bevel scales. The accuracy is also enhanced by the use of dual horizontal steel rails with linear ball bearings. With the sliding fences, you can work on 4.5-inch base molding and 5.5-inch crown molding.

When you need to switch to bevel cuts, these slide fences can just slide out of the way. You can also cut through 2 by 10-inch lumber easily at 45 degrees. At 90 degrees, you can also deal with 2 by 14-inch lumber pieces.

The DWS709 is extremely strong and rigid, as it features a heavy-duty aluminum base. You even have pads on the stainless steel plates to minimize the effects of wear and tear. Add the 3-year limited warranty, and you can see just how durable this miter saw is.

What we liked

• Can perform difficult cuts.
• Durable.
• Stainless steel miter that is adjustable.
• Powerful motor.
• Well-built design.
• Increased accuracy while cutting.
• Lightweight for portability.

What we didn’t like

• Lacks a laser guide.
• The fence is faulty.
• Dust bag not very efficient.

9. Black+Decker M1850BD 7-1/4″

Compound Miter Saw

The M1850BD miter saw from Black and Decker is one of the leading recreational miter saws on the market and is known to be used in some expert environments. If a miter saw is lacking from your private workshop, it might be the ideal candidate to fill the gap, and we’ll look at precisely why that is.

One of the most striking characteristics is the 9.0 amp ball bearing motor of the saw, resulting in an energy production far exceeding its cost. It can produce 5000-rpm

The development team of Black and Decker equipped it with nine positive stops to further the adaptability of this miter, providing it a variety of 0-45 degrees left and right. Each of the nine stops of M1850BD is made to determine the most common cutting positions.

The Black & Decker miter compound saw features a strong motor to take hold of your easy woodcutting task. It will give you a range of 0-45 degrees to the left and the right, and it can make bevel to the left as well.

Cutting capacity is 2×4″ at 90 degrees and 2×3″ at 45 degrees. Has an in-made miter that can stop on most degrees. Made of aluminum cast making it very durable. For accurate cutting or trimming and craft projects. The saw head tilts 45 degrees for compound cut angles.

What we liked

• The saw is mobile and compact.
• Built from sturdy metal.
• Ideal for the crown and base molding jobs.
• Lightweight and portable.
• Long-lasting and reliable.
• Not costly.
• Positive stops are dependable.

What we didn’t like

• Dust bag not reliable

10. Festool 561287 Kapex KS 120

Festool 561287 Kapex KS 120 upholds the commitment of the company to produce high-quality instruments that operate well with the other materials of the brand. This saw is packed with many distinct characteristics that are easy to use as well as some additional safety features.

This saw creates the most precise cuts out of any saw.  It is the quietest sliding compound with elevated power.  This miter saw offers great speeds, and unlike some other saws, it requires slowing down to cut through smaller scrap or trim pieces.

The Kapex KS 120’s miter angle adjustment system is simple to use and durable.  Over-sized angle markers enable a half or even a quarter of a degree to view your angles. The KS 120 features multiple turns on the usual compound miter parts that make it easier to move between roles.

You can adopt a configuration that allows you to lower the cutting depth to the extent that the rarely used bottom of the blade gets to play a role. Festool has an increased cutting capacity of 12 “with only a 10” blade.  Switching on and off is simple, and it’s a brilliant way to gain thickness in cuts.

What we liked

• Portable due to its lightweight.
• The change of blade is fast.
• Laser-guided cuts.
• Reduced noise.
• Accurate miter lock.
• Cuts wood and soft plastic.

What we didn’t like

• Motor risks overloading with prolonged use.

Buyer’s Guide

If you want to get the most from your miter saw, then you need to consider some important features. There are several aspects that you need to check when you are buying a miter saw so that you can end up with the right tool. Before you buy, make sure that you go through our comprehensive buyer’s guide below.

Type of Work

How do you intend to use your miter saw? This is an important consideration that you should think about when you are buying a miter saw. There are different types of miter saws on the market today, and the type you choose should match your projects.

For instance, sliding compound miter saws allow you to cut in only one direction. On the other hand, a compound miter saw can be used to cut in two directions because you can easily pivot it.

Corded or Cordless

Before you select a miter saw, it is crucial to know more about your work environment. Does the place have electrical outlets? If you cannot access an electrical outlet, then you need to invest in a cordless miter saw. For the cordless models, you can buy extra batteries in case you want to work for more hours and one battery cannot sustain you.

Another factor that will help you determine if you need a corded or cordless model is the space in your workshop. For instance, if there is less space and you need to optimize the workplace, you need to buy a compact miter saw. If you are also a woodworker on the go, it is essential to consider a lightweight tool so that it can be easy to transport to different job sites.

Size of Blade

The blade is an important part of a miter saw. For you to get the right blade size, it is vital to know the materials you will cut. Most people prefer miter saws with 10 or 12-inch blades. However, the larger the size of the blade, the larger the cuts you will get. You should also know that a 12-inch miter saw can only use 12-inch blades.

Make sure you check the compatibility of the tool and the blade; otherwise, the tool will not work. Another important thing that you should consider in regards to the blades is the tooth count. Larger blades feature more teeth as compared to smaller blades. If you want to get smoother finishes, look for a blade with a higher tooth count.

Additionally, if you are cutting thicker material, you need to invest in a blade with a lower tooth count so that it is simple to power through the material effectively.

Motor Power

The power of a particular miter saw determines its cutting performance. If you don’t want your miter saw o disappoint you at work, look for a tool that is designed with the best motor.

You need a tool that performs well especially if you are planning to use it for longer hours. Miter saws vary in power, depending on the brand. I would recommend a miter saw with a minimum power of at least 15 amps and a rotation speed of 3500 rpm.

If the power is below that, then you will not get the most from the tool, especially if you are a professional. For homeowners, you can look for a tool with less power since you will be handling relatively smaller projects. The most important thing that you should remember is to pick a miter saw that provides you with the results that you need.

Experience Level

Miter saws are designed to suit the needs of all types of users regardless of their skills. There are miter saws that are suitable for beginners, while others are made for professionals.

If you are a DIY lover and you handle occasional projects, then you need to invest in a smaller miter saw. On the other hand, if you are serious about woodworking and spend most of your time on the job site, you need to buy a durable kiter saw that can handle daily abuse.

Dust Collection

A dust collection feature is important when choosing the best miter saws. Not only will you have a clean work environment but also ensures your health is not at risk. Having a dust collection system is also crucial because you can see the cutting area clearly because there will be no dust spread all over the wood.  Most of the miter saws you will find on the market have dust collection features but not all of them have.

On top of that, you will find other miter saws that are designed with hoses to blow air.  In as much as it keeps the area clean, you can end up dealing with more mess. Some tools are designed with offset dust bags that work well in collecting dust. So, depending on the dust collection features that you want, you can choose the right miter saw that suits your working requirements.

YouTube Video Credit Steve Ramsey – Woodworking for Mere Mortals

Type of Cuts

A miter saw is one of the most versatile tools that you can use to cut a wide range of cuts. With this tool, you can make angled crosscuts across edges, perpendicular crosscuts, and angled cuts across the face of the material.

Additionally, if you are using a sliding miter saw, you can enjoy an increased cutting depth control to help you cut rabbets, dadoes, and lap joints when you are handling multiple passes.

While a miter saw can do many types of cuts, it cannot do everything that you need. For instance, it is hard to achieve rip cuts or curved cuts when you are using this tool. On top of that, you will get some limitations when it comes to the width of the material at hand. In this case, many people prefer to use a sliding miter saw because it offers more versatility.

The non-sliding miter saws are also limited in the size of the blade on the width of the material that you are working on.

Safety

We cannot forget about safety when you are dealing with any power tool, especially miter saws. Before you buy a particular model, check out some of the safety features that are included to protect you when you are working. One of the most critical safety features that you should check is a guard. A guard protects you when you are using or transporting a miter saw so you will not experience accidents.

Another safety feature that you should check is the presence of electric brakes. The brakes work well in preventing the blade from spinning in less than two seconds. It reverses the electrical flow to give a quick stop.

Laser Guard

This is an additional feature that you can find in some miter saws. Miter saws that are designed with laser make your cutting tasks easier. You can see clearly where the blade is cutting so you can be sure of precise cuts. Another essential feature that you should also check is clear-cutting guards. If you are using a laser and you can see through the cutting guard, your job is easier

Cost

The cost of miter saws varies based on the features and the brand. You can get any miter saw depending on your budget requirement. Whether you are a professional or a beginner, there is a miter saw that is designed for you. You can get a cheap, mid-priced, and high-end miter saw depending on your skill level and the amount of money that you need.

If you are a DIYer who handles projects occasionally, there is no need of investing in a high-end miter saw. You can look for an entry-level miter saw with some basic features and affordable price. In as much as the price doesn’t necessarily determine the performance of the product, you can get quality miter saws that perform well at very pocket-friendly prices.

Make sure that you weigh your budget needs so that you can get a decent miter saw to suit your projects. If you are a professional and require more advanced features, then be ready to spend more to acquire the right miter saw.

Construction

Another important consideration that you should think about is the construction of the miter saw. The type of material that is used to make the saw affects the overall durability of the tool. Miter saws are made of different materials and the most common materials that you will find include aluminum and steel. However, you can find that the blades feature a heavy-duty plastic construction.

A quality miter saw should feature a durable construction such that it can withstand heavy-duty use. This will help you enjoy the best performance from the tool for many years.

Stand

Does the miter saw come with a stand? You should also check this feature because some models come with stands and it other models, you need to buy a stand separately. Purchasing a miter saw with a stand is great because it gives long lumbar support when you are cutting. Again, when you have a stand, it is easy to maintain a stable workpiece leading to accurate cuts.

Bevel

A bevel is an important feature to check. It allows you to tilt and rotate the base of the saw so that you can change miter angles when cutting. Some miter saws only tilt in one direction while other high-end models can tilt in two directions, so you don’t have to switch the direction that you want to cut. So you need to consider the bevel to determine when you need a tool that tilts in one or two directions.

Final Verdict

When it comes to picking the best miter saw, make sure that you select a tool that meets your needs. Depending on the nature of your work, level of experience, or the features that you want, you can choose the right tool from our reviews.

We have covered powerful miter saws that can handle both small and large projects. These miter saws are also easy to use and packed with essential features to enhance ease of use.

Our experts compared and contrasted the features, benefits, and drawbacks of a wide range of miter saws to provide you with the above list. We selected highly rated products for power, usability, design, durability, bevel capacity, and dust collection features, among others. After checking all the reviews; it will be easy for you to pick the right miter saw to suit your needs.

Relevant Resources

• The 9 Best Miter Saw Blades for 2022 – The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide & Reviews
• The 10 Best Miter Saw Stand for 2022 – The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide & Reviews
• The 6 Best compact miter saw for 2022 – Reviews & Ultimate Buyer’s Guide