Best Budget Miter Saw under $200 of 2023 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

For any carpenter, carpentry enthusiast, or those interested in DIY projects, it might be hard to make beveled cuts or crosscuts. And you might be stumped as to how you will make pieces for joint items like pictures and door frames. Well, we have a solution for you, the best budget miter saw under $200.

This is a very special tool that enables you to make accurate crosscuts, angled cuts, and cutting of molding and trim easily. If you are a professional woodworker, you might need a powerful machine, and these might cause a considerable dent in your budget although it will be worth it. What however happens to those who don’t need to use the miter saw professionally?

Well, the answer is pretty simple, find a smaller, cheaper model that will give you the same use as the others but at a much lower price. We did our research and tested dozens of affordable miter saws, and these were what we found to be the best.

Note: Our reviews cover miter saws under $200. However, when buying, the price may NOT be under $200 because amazon.com and its subsidiaries change the price from time to time.

Best Budget Miter Saw – Quick Table

Best Miter Saw Under $200: Reviews for 2022

If you are looking for budget miter saws, we have reviewed the top models on the market. Read the following reviews to find which miter saw is right for you.

1. Hitachi C10FCG 10-Inch Saw

Do not let the small size of the Hitachi C10FCG fool you don’t forget it’s a single bevel compound miter saw. This machine is a powerful tool when it comes to reliability and precision. This saw is very lightweight and small and these features make moving around with it so much easier. We moved from site to site to test its portability, and we are pleased to tell you it was perfect, you could almost forget you had it with you, and it is also a breeze when it comes to storing.

We tested different types of wood, and it did not disappoint. This saw was designed to cut any type of wood without a problem. It can be used on lumber, hardwood for flooring projects, and baseboard and trim for the DIY-ers.

Although it does not have XPS lighting or a laser for pointing, it allows you to make accurate cuts with its incredible power and adjustment settings. Speaking of power, the saw comes with a 15-amp motor that is powerful enough to cut any kind of wood without, and it can last for a long time. It also has an excellent bevel range of 0-45°for precise angled cuts.

What we liked

• It is lightweight and portable.
• Has an easy to change the blade.
• It performs high-quality jobs.
• It is very quick and accurate.

What we didn’t like

• The instruction booklet is lacking.
• Its body might not be long-lasting.
• The dust bag relatively useless.

2. WEN 70716 10-Inch Saw

Although not universally known for its miter saws, WEN did an amazing job with the 70176 miter saw. It is versatile, meaning you can perform a wide range of cuts like straight cuts, compound cuts, and bevel cuts to name a few.  It is also versatile when it comes to its blade. The blade can pivot both vertically and horizontally. Its bevel angles are between 0-45 degrees to the left, and it can miter up to 52 degrees both left and right.

A surprising feature that we discovered in the Wen 70716 is its dust port. Most machines have small dust ports, but this one comes with a larger dust port than any machine on its level. The saw comes with a 15-amp motor that can perform up to 5,500 RPM, powerful huh?

This saw comes with a large worktable that allows you to work on big pieces of wood without wasting time in maneuvering and get accurate cuts even when it comes to performing bevel cuts. It also comes with its own stable, durable fence and clamp that gives you quality work allowing you to make precise cuts all the time.

What we liked

• It is easily portable.
• Has a powerful motor.
• It is very versatile.
• Has a large dust port.

What we didn’t like

• It can only bevel to the left.
• Does not work well with crown moldings.

3. Genesis GMS1015LC 10-Inch Saw

As the name suggests, this miter saw comes with a laser guide that illuminates where the blade wants to cut for more accurate cutting. It comes with a clamp that holds the material steadily in place to reduce movement of the stock when the saw is in use.

It is versatile in that it can make miter cuts up to 45 degrees both left and right and can perform bevel cuts up to 45 degrees to the left. It also has a compound cutting feature that makes it perfect for crown molding, picture, and door frames. It is lightweight and made of a die-cast aluminum base for easy portability.

Without disappointing, it has a powerful 15-amp motor that can make up to 4600 RPM and its 60T carbide blade has 10 inches in diameter and is powerful enough to cut up to 3 inches of material and the blade can even cut through soft plastic. The saw has 2 extendable wings for when you need to work on larger pieces.

For safety purposes, the saw comes with an electric brake and a blade guard that covers the blade so that you do not harm yourself.

What we liked

• Powerful 15-amp motor.
• Lightweight for easy portability.
• Has a laser guide system for accurate cuts.
• Can be used on a larger workpiece.

What we didn’t like

• It vibrates when in use.
• It has a short life span.

4. Delta Power S26-262L 10-Inch Saw

When working with the Delta S26-262l the first thing we noted was how lightweight it is. This machine makes it is easy to move from place to place without tiring you easily and makes for easy storage since it is small and it can work with all miter saw stands which won’t give you a headache trying to find its perfect stand.

Another thing to note is its electric brake. This brake stops the blade within seconds of the command being issued and a spindle lock that holds the spindle in place when the blade nut is being removed making it not only easy but safe to change the blade. It features a battery-operated laser that allows you to align the blade to the workpiece perfectly and acts as a guide for making very precise and accurate cuts.

When using a miter saw, one of the first things you consider is the power capability, and we are pleased to say that this saw has a 15-amp motor that spins the blade at 5500 RPM and can cut through wood very easily. It can also bevel 0-47 degrees to the left and miters up to 45 degrees to the left and right with positive stops at 0, 15, 22.5, 30, and 45 degrees.

What we liked

• Is versatile.
• Has a laser for accurate cuts.
• Powerful 15-amp motor.
• Lightweight and portable.

What we didn’t like

• The control arm can snap off when working.
• Positive stops may not work.

5. DEWALT DW713 10-Inch Saw

Dewalt is the world leader when it comes to the miter saw innovation, and their products are of the highest quality. The DW713 has a powerful motor of 15-amp that can deliver up to 5000 RPM. We can assure you that this motor will allow you to work for a long time and can be used to cut even the thickest of materials and makes you able to make cuts in a concise time.

The powerful motor has made crown mold making very easy because the blade can tilt to 45 degrees and it is lightweight, so it is easily portable. What we liked about this model is how accurate it is. This is due to its simple bevel adjustment system. It also has an adjustable cam lock on its miter handle which makes it easy to cut almost anything and has easy to set up 11 positive stops for increased cutting efficiency.

It also features a transparent blade guard that lets you monitor the blade safely as you make the cuts allowing you to see just where the cuts are being made. The blade guard also protects you from coming into contact with the blade when it is in use.

What we liked

• Powerful motor.
• Has a blade guard for safety.
• Makes accurate cuts.
• It is lightweight.

What we didn’t like

• Very loud and intense vibrations at a higher speed.
• Is not easy to use by hobbyists.

6. Ryobi ZRTS1345L 10-Inch Saw

The Ryobi ZRTS1345L is a refurbished tool. Although the body and the table have been used, all the other parts are completely new. It features a full-size motor rated at 14-amp that has a cutting speed of 5000 RPM which gives it a fast cutting action that produces very smooth edges.

We tried cutting using this saw, and it did not disappoint. It has an ergonomic handle with trigger access for easy carrying, and it helps to reduce vibrations from the blade. The handle can also be used to make accurate cuts since it can be tilted towards the workpiece for increased accuracy, especially in bevel cuts.

It has a dual bevel scale view which allows you to make accurate cuts since it gives you a view of both sides of the target before making the cut. As if the accuracy features were not enough, it has an integrated laser line that casts a shadow that shows you where to make the cut.

Changing the blade is made easy by the availability of a spindle lock and single wrench blade that allows for fast blade changing.

What we liked

• Lightweight.
• It has easy angle adjustments.
• Has a dual bevel feature for making accurate cuts.
• Integrated laser line for accurate cuts.
• Ergonomic handle to prevent slipping and reduce vibrations.

What we didn’t like

• The dust collecting bag is not very efficient.
• Lacks detents.

7. ShopSeries RK7136.1 10-Inch Saw

This is yet another miter saw that we consider being among the best because it works efficiently. The Shop Series miter saw comes with its own leg stand, and this allows you to take it out and use it quickly since you will not have to look for a stable place to set it up. It has sturdy metal legs that easily fit into the base and aids in the quick assembling of the parts.

The RK7136.1 has a motor of 14 amps which delivers 5200 RPM that allowing it to work easily even in tough woodworking jobs. It is lightweight, and that combined with its die-cast aluminum casting makes it easy to move from site to site. As a bonus, it has rolling wheels that further simplify transportation.

This model has an electric brake and spindle lock that simplifies the blade changing process. Versatility is also a benefit of this saw; it has a single maximum bevel degree of 45-degrees and miters 45-degrees to the left and right with miter detents at the usual angles making it easy to perform accurate cuts and molding.

What we liked

• Lightweight.
• Has wheels that make transportation easy.
• Versatile in its use.
• The changing of the blade is quick.
• Comes with its stand.
• Easy to assemble.
• Performs quick and efficient cuts.

What we didn’t like

• The user manual is not easy to understand.
• The leg display can be hard to manage.

8. Black+ Decker M1850BD 7-1/4-Inch Saw

The Black and Decker miter saw is most commonly used by hobbyists who don’t need it for any professional use meaning it is mostly used for light or medium tasks, but it is so efficient that professionals sometimes use it. It has a 9 amp ball bearing motor which is great considering its low price.

The saw is compact and has a handle that can be tilted toward the workpiece allowing it to make accurate, efficient cuts. It has a miter range of 0-45 degrees and has positive stops, which make the work easier and more convenient to carry out. It has a stop feature that assists in accuracy and precision as it regulates the angle cuts

The blade has 24 teeth that make cutting easy and contains a carbide blade that makes circular shapes on the workpiece. There is a clamp included for gripping the work tool so that it does not slip, which may cause accidents.

This saw is also lightweight and compact, and it can be used for a long time without tiring you out.

What we liked

• Lightweight and compact.
• Powerful 9 amp motor.
• Can be used for a variety of cuts, like angular cuts and crosscuts.
• Positive stops for more accuracy.
• 24 teeth for fast cutting of a workpiece.

What we didn’t like

• Dust bag does not work well on large projects.

Buyer’s Guide

Before buying a miter saw, there are a few things you need to look at to help you get the best tool. The following is a guide that will help you pick the most suitable miter saw to meet your woodworking needs.

Blade Size

In our reviews of miter saws, we discovered that most of the saws in the market have a blade size of 12-inches or 10-inches. The 10-inch blades have a lower price. They have fewer teeth, which means that the sharpening costs are reduced. The small radius of the blades allows them to spin faster using fewer amps and reducing the cost of electricity.

The 12-inch blades are used to make longer cuts which are cleaner and sharper due to the high tooth speed that comes with the longer blades. They are ideal when working with projects that require thicker material.

Before buying a miter saw, look at the work you want to use and determine the correct blade size for the work. Remember that the bigger the blade, the longer the cuts you will be able to make.

Blade Guard

Safety is always important when working with any type of machine, and the miter saw is not any different. To prevent yourself from getting cut while working, we recommend that you look for a saw with a blade guard.

The blade guard is used to protect you from the saw’s blade when it is in use by wrapping itself around the blade. It shifts itself out of the way when you are lowering your arm and moves back down when you raise your arm. There is also a trigger lock feature that allows you to control the starting up and shut down the machine and prevents accidental startups.

For extra protection consider buying eye and nose masks to shield yourself from any sawdust produced by the lumber.

Versatility 

Any good miter saw must have the ability to be used in several different functions so that you get the most use out of it.

One of the features that help with the versatility of the miter saw is the miter. This is the ability of the saw to make angled cuts. A good saw should have miter angles, whether to the left or the right enabling you to make well-measured angle cuts.

Another feature is the bevel. This is simply the way the saw head will tilt and rotate. This ensures that you would not need to keep turning the piece of wood to get the angle you want to cut. Some saws are single bevels, which means they can be tilted only to one side while others are double bevels and can be tilted both to the left and to the right.

YouTube Video Credit Lowe’s Home Improvement

Power

One of the most important things to consider when buying a miter saw is the power and the power source.

The amount of power that your motor will need will depend on the amount of work you want to do. Light work will require less powerful motors than much heavier work. A powerful motor means that you get a lot of power, which enhances the cutting power of the saw, giving you accurate and smooth cuts. Small motors lead to the conservation of energy and power, therefore, reducing the cost of power.

Another thing to look for is the power source. Some saws are battery operated while others require a direct current for them to function. Batteries will provide users up to a certain point when they need to be recharged, but when using corded saws which will require direct current, you can get unlimited use of the saw because you will not need to stop to recharge.

Cut Guides

A cut guide is used to show you where you need to place the blade to get the most accurate cuts.

Most miter saws use laser guides. These guides work by showing the path of the blade on the material. Some saws do not have this feature, and you will have to buy one separately. Using a laser guide is sometimes not accurate because the laser and the blade are not connected, and the reading may be off.

Other saws use LED lighting as their cut guides. It is more accurate than the laser guide. It casts a shadow from the blade to the material being worked on making precise cuts.

Some other miter saws have a transparent window tracking feature that allows you to see where the blade is and where to position it and follow the path of the blade for accurate cuts.

Final Verdict

For any carpentry job that requires you to make unconventional cuts that cannot be made by any other saw, the miter saw should be your go-to tool. It is handy to have in your shed as it provides many uses.

If you need a miter saw and the ones you could see were too pricey for you, we have compiled this list of the best miter saw under $200. Even though they are cheap, these saws contain everything you need, including stands and bevel and miter features, and are of high quality. They also come with instructions that make their use that much easier.

Even if you are just a beginner in the carpentry game, or you have been doing this for a long time, we can assure you that these saws will not let you down and will give you the best experience, and we hope you will all enjoy working with these saws as we have and better yet, these saws are very affordable and will not dig that much into your pocket. Go out there and get yourself one of these for the best woodworking journey ever.

Relevant Resources

• Sliding and Sliding Compound Miter Saw 10 Inch
• Compound, Sliding & Sliding Compound Miter Saw 12 Inch