Best Circular Saw under $100 in 2023 – Reviews & Buying Guide

Having the right tools will help you handle your woodworking tasks with ease. When you are picking the right tool, an essential thing that you should consider is your needs. While there are many circular saws on the market, you don’t need to break your bank to acquire a functional there. You can get the best circular saw under $100. These are incredible circular saws that suit people on a budget or beginners.

It is important to note that the fact that they are cheap doesn’t mean they will compromise their cutting ability. In fact, you will be impressed with the performance of these circular saws.

They have the best features that make woodworking tasks easy. We selected high-quality and powerful tools that can handle even the most overwhelming tasks. Check out our detailed reviews and guide to find out which affordable circular saw is right for you.

Note: Our reviews cover circular saws under $100. However, when buying, the price may NOT be under $100 because amazon.com and its subsidiaries change the price from time to time.

Best Budget Circular Saw under $100 – Quick Table

Best Circular Saw Under $100 – Reviews of 2022

After doing extensive research and testing, we shortlisted some of the budget-friendly circular saws that you can get. These are amazing tools that will be a great addition to your workshop.

They beat several models on the market in terms of capacity, features, and amperage, among others. Check the detailed review of every model so that you can select the one that meets your needs.

1. DEWALT DC390B 6-1/2 Cordless circular saw

When it comes to picking an affordable circular saw, you need to be keen so that you don’t end up compromising the performance of the tool. Dewalt is one of the top brands that offer you high-quality and affordable tools that will meet your needs. The DEWALT DC390B is a powerful saw with a cutting speed of 3700 RPM, making it ideal for crosscuts and fast rips.

This professional tool works well on various materials like kitchen cabinets, bookcases, dormers, and other heavy-duty tasks. Since it is a cordless circular saw, you can enjoy the right cordless convenience when handling your tasks, and this doesn’t reduce the power or performance. It has a fan-cooled motor with replicable brushes for more prolonged use.

Considering its price, you will be amazed by the durability of this tool. It features quality craftsmanship and a strong magnesium shoe combined with an upper guard that offers a durable performance. It provides you with a bevel capacity of 0-50 degrees hence giving you more capacity for various applications.

What we liked

• It is lightweight as it weighs 6.3 pounds.
• The machine’s performance is fantastic.
• It is among the best saws for a professional carpenter.
• Easy to use.
• Features a strong and durable construction.

What we didn’t like

• Doesn’t come with a battery and charger.
• The motor feels weak on plywood.

2. SKIL 5280-01 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

This is another affordable circular saw with a powerful motor. It is equipped with a 15 amp motor that provides 5300 RPM, which is an incredible speed for faster cuts. In the circular saw ranking, this type of saw is among the top fast hardwood and softwood cutting saws.

It is lightweight and portable, which makes it convenient to use. Therefore, in the case of external job contracts, you can walk with your saw easily to the work field. It also helps in reducing working fatigue.

You can work with no risk and easy visibility as this saw has a dust blower to keep away sawdust. Additionally, when performing narrow cutoffs, the motor has the capability of reducing snags as it has an in-built anti-snag lower guard.

The saw features quality 7 ¼ carbide-tipped blades that offer an incredible cutting performance. Also, changing blades is easy since it has a spindle lock. Users also love the saw’s bevel capacity which gives room for different types of cuts.

What we liked

• It is a multi-purpose circular saw.
• Skil has an in-built high-quality laser.
• Generally meant for high-speed cutting.
• It is designed to minimize any chance of accidental startups.

What we didn’t like

• Its in-built blades are painful to use when the saw is wet.
• The depth adjustment lever doesn’t work well.

3. Hitachi C18DGLP4 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw

When you are buying a circular saw, not only should you concentrate on an affordable model but also a tool that meets your needs. One of the best budget cordless circular saws that you can consider is the Hitachi C18DGLP4. Not only is this saw durable but also designed to perform well. Its blade is located on the left side, which makes it easy to use.

This lightweight is comfortable to use. It features a soft-grip handle that gives you working comfort and reduces fatigue. As a result, you can handle your work with accuracy and precision. Another great aspect that you will find on this saw is the electric brakes. They are designed to offer increased precision and safety.

Also, the saw offers an accurate cut as it has a spotlight that provides improved visibility to the cut line. If you would also like a tool that you can maneuver with ease, this is the right option. It is lightweight, which makes it easy to maneuver.

What we liked

• The circular saw is very easy to carry.
• Its levers are easy to adjust.
• Reliable as it has a spotlight for easy visibility.
• Built with durable materials.
• The handle has a non-slip grip.

What we didn’t like

• Doesn’t come with a battery.
• Not suitable for longer cuts.

4. PORTER-CABLE PCC660B 6-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular Saw

Are you on a tight budget and in need of a powerful circular saw with excellent characteristics? The PORTER-CABLE PCC660B can be an excellent pick. It offers a high-performance 4000 RPM speed making it suitable for tough cuts. The saw is also designed with a 6 ½ carbide-tipped blade that allows a cutting capacity of up to 2 1/8 inches.

It has a beveling shoe pivot that runs up to 50 degrees that helps you do your work perfectly. Furthermore, if you need comfort during the cutting process, you are lucky. This saw has a contoured over-molded handle that is intended for improving user comfort. Moreover, this will allow you to work for long hours without getting exhausted.

One of the major problems that many users experience when using circular saws is job site fatigue. To solve this problem, this circular saw has a compact in size, and it is lightweight, making it easy to use. Even when you are using it for many hours, you will always feel comfortable.

What we liked

• It is a compact circular saw.
• The price is pocket-friendly.
• Extremely versatile with the power to cut across every material.
• Can be suitable for industrial purposes.
• Easy to use.

What we didn’t like

• Some users find the motor underpowered.
• The gear drive wobbles.

5. Milwaukee M18 2630-20 6-1/2″ Cordless Circular Saw

Woodworking tasks require a power saw to get smooth and accurate cuts. You can achieve that with the Milwaukee M18 2630 saw. This is a cordless tool that is easy to use. It features a heavy-duty 18-volt ion powerhouse that is responsible for providing the required amount of power for cutting tasks. This high-grade saw is suitable for the toughest jobs.

The circular saw has electronic brakes that quickly bring the blade to a halt immediately after you are through with your cut. It will save the time you could have used waiting for the edge to stop to continue with your work. You will also enjoy the soft grip handles. This feature offers you comfort so that you can work with easy precision on slippery grounds and materials.

It has a bevel having a depth adjustment mechanism that has a depth adjustment ability of up to 1-1/2 inches. Furthermore, the 45 degrees bevel angle offers vast versatility degrees during the cut. The unit has protection from drops and bumps. It has well-placed magnesium guards both on the bottom and top of the blade. Therefore it provides safety for you and your tool resulting in a specific task.

What we liked

• It enhances fast project termination as it is fast.
• Its durable materials.
• Cordless, thus easy to maneuver.
• Incredibly perfect for amateurs and professionals.
• It offers gentle softwood and hardwood furnishings.
• Suitable for tougher tasks.

What we didn’t like

• Its blades can quickly get dull.

6. BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B 5-1/2-Inch Cordless Circular

Looking for a high torque circular saw that doesn’t cost much? You can enjoy an excellent cutting performance from the BLACK+DECKER BDCCS20B. The motor torque offers 3700 RPM that enhances easy and faster cutting. Its heavy gauge precise base is meant for accurate and smooth cutting.

It has a bevel adjustment capability having 45 and 90 degrees detents. Additionally, it is easy to use, as it is an exceptionally compact design. This circular saw works well with the Black and Decker system. However, you need to buy the charger and battery separately.

An inbuilt 5-1/2 inches circular blade provides a fast and smooth cutting ability meant for everyday tough tasks. Its compact design allows ease of use and a bevel adjustment that permits you to cut materials at any desired angle. Furthermore, the tool-free depth will enable you to cut thick materials.

What we liked

• The circular saw has a laser blade at the time of purchase.
• Its safety characteristics are incredibly dependable.
• Blades replacement is straightforward.
• Compact design and easy to use.
• Has a high-torque motor.

What we didn’t like

• Poor quality fitted blade.
• Its shoe notch requires constant adjustment.
• Its motor torque might be inadequate for industrial jobs.

7. WORX WORXSAW WX429L 4-1/2″ Compact Circular Saw

When it comes to picking circular saws, you want to have the best model on the market for an incredible performance. For those who prefer lightweight tools, the WORX WORXSAW saw can be a great purchase. This circular saw is 50% lighter as compared to other models on the market, making it easily maneuverable.

The saw is designed with a thin blade that offers less strain when cutting. As a result, you will end up with more cutting speed and great performance. The blade measures 4.5 inches, and it has a no-load speed of 3500 rpm. This is enough speed that you need for faster and more accurate cuts.

Designed with an easy-set lever gauge and 0-45 degrees set the angle that helps you easily experience quick adjustment of the blade. The blade is on the left side of the circular blade meant for perfect visibility of the cut-line. It has an integrated safety trigger that allows proper control, safety, and adequate balance when cutting materials.

What we liked

• Compact and lightweight.
• Its building quality is perfect.
• It is electronically designed to offer speed cuts.
• It is Versatile and hence capable of making a wide variety of cuts.
• Easy to use.
• The safety trigger provides you maximum protection.

What we didn’t like

• At some point, you can find yourself adding more force than you can expect.
• The dust control mechanism can be a stressor.

8. Rockwell RK3441K 4 ½-Inch Compact Circular Saw

Rockwell is a multipurpose saw that can cut through several materials with ease. It is compact with a powerful 5-amp motor, fitting the performance of a full-size saw having 3500 RPM. Generally, its outlook is very impressive, from the construction down to power.

Working with a circular saw is easy because it is designed to minimize job site fatigue. It is 50% lighter as compared to other conventional circular saws that are 7 ¼ inches. The tool is also comfortable to use because it is designed with a slim inline handle that provides working comfort.

This helps you to achieve better control and balance. Also, the saw works well for overhead cuts. It features a left-hand blade design that provides you with better visibility when you are cutting. As a result, you can achieve smooth and accurate cuts all the time.

What we liked

• Cutting ability is excellent.
• The human effort required is minimal.
• Promotes quick project termination as it works faster.
• Has reduced human resources requirements.
• Saves your time as it is a multitasking saw.
• Portable circular saw.

What we didn’t like

• Its blades are prone to getting blunt after the purchase.
• If you don’t observe during the process, you will end up in inaccurate cuts.

9. TACKLIFE PES01A 7¼-Inch Classic Circular Saw with Laser

The TACKLIFE Classic is one of the most powerful and affordable circular saws that works well. It has 12.5 amperes with 1500 watts pure rotating motor made of copper with a speed of 4700 RPM. The copper-made engine provides speed and excess power to handle the most robust materials.

Tacklife has an overall cutting depth of 90 degrees with a cutting level of 2-1/2 inches. Its bevel capacity ranges at 45 degrees with 1-4/5 inches depth. Another great thing about this tool is that it has a laser.  Its adjustable laser guide and the scale ruler provide a perfect line cutting providing accurate work.

The circular saw has an inbuilt aluminum guide with the support of an iron shoe. The aluminum guard improves the diversity use and results in an extended saw life. The iron shoe, with the help of a blade serration, offers durability to the saw. The circular saw is lightweight, so it will significantly reduce work fatigue as it is light compared to a standard saw.

Its double switch requires finger and thumb action that permits one-hand use as well as reducing any accidental changes. You have guaranteed safety when using the saw. Dust blowers keep your work area free from sawdust. Additionally, the wrench promotes easy blade removal and installation.

What we liked

• Laser guide for precision cuts.
• Has a powerful motor.
• Has dust blowers to maintain cleanliness within your field of work..
• Excellent and accurate results.
• Easy to install and remove the blade.

What we didn’t like

• Requires some adjustments to cut straight.
• The tool’s base is not flat.

10. Makita XSS02Z 6 ½ Cordless Circular Saw

The Makita XSS02Z is a budget circular saw that provides accurate and smooth cuts. The tool has an inbuilt motor that offers a 3700 RPM meant for easy cutting and ripping across the wood. Furthermore, the saw has a reliable gauge precisely meant for accurate cuts and severe job conditions.

The circular saw has 50 degrees bevel cutting capability, and it is lightweight, which makes it easy to use. You can use the saw for a wide range of cutting tasks without experiencing user fatigue. It features a strong construction making it durable. This is a quality tool from a reputable brand that will serve you for many years.

With a 6-1/2 inch blade, the circular saw blades provide a cutting depth capacity of up to 2-1/4. Consequently, this is essential when dealing with thick logs of wood. Furthermore, it is versatile with the ability to cut a wide variety of materials.

What we liked

• Results in smooth cuts.
• The 3700 RPM never hesitate when working on any material.
• Its lower guard offers effective services best for a pro.
• A multipurpose circular saw is best for a craftsman.
• Reduces fatigue as it only weighs 7.3 pounds.

What we didn’t like

• Doesn’t come with a battery.
• Works well with left-handed only.

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to choosing a budget circular saw, there are so many things that you need to consider. After all, you don’t want to compromise the quality for the price. The following are some essential tips that will help you acquire a powerful, quality, and affordable circular saw that will serve you well.

Lightweight and Portable

We are all after portable items. Just imagine you receive a phone call for a job contract thousand miles away, and you have a heavy circular saw. It is boring. It is better to look for a small-sized and powerful module for your task.

Blade size and capacity

Circular saws have a wide variety of blade sizes, depending on the diameter of the saw blade. A 7-1/4″ is the standard size. You can easily adjust the blade depth as well as place a saw with a large diameter in a saw meant for a blade with a small diameter.

Before you make any purchase at the market, it is vital to view the sawing capacity. Also, check the wood thickness to be cut across by the saw. It is essential to be sure that the saw will perform every task you do within your workstation. Additionally, a saw with the capacity of 1-1/2″ will not perform best when cutting a two by four lumber.

Safety Blade Guard

You must check on your safety at the workstation before commencing any work. Prevention is always better than cure. That’s why you must consider buying a blade with all safety requirements that will best serve you.

Go for a blade with a built-in blade guard that reduces the chances of the edge cutting a different thing. When performing the circular saw test, have a look at how the blade guard functions. Find a saw blade protector that runs smoothly, and lacks an awkward feeling.

Most saw blades require a self-raising mechanism when making cuts. Therefore it is advisable to raise the blade guard if necessary manually. Avoid removing the blade guard from the saw if you want safety.

Youtube Video Credit  Woodworking for Mere Mortals

Sidewinder and worm Drive?

A sidewinder circular saw is a design. What is it? It is a situation where the saw motor sits beside the blade. This is a popular type of saw blade that you should consider before the actual purchase of a blade. It has a fair price and cuts wood with more power.

Also, if you want to save your cash, it is vital to buy a worm drive saw. This type of blade has the motor aligned with the blade. It is pocket-friendly if you need one.

The Type of Circular Saw Blade

Majorly, arbors are universal. Although, some blades meant for a particular purpose are difficult to find. Before you make any circular saw purchase, consider the style and diameter of the edges. Always ensure the saw blades are readily available within your locality whenever you need them.

During the circular saw test, ensure that it offers a sturdy feel and operates smoothly, and accurately when cutting materials. Check on your comfort when controlling the movements.

Horsepower and RPM

Working with large and thick boards within your workshop? Trying to make cuts, but the results are discouraging? Then check on your saw horsepower and RPM.

With any woodworking saw, consider buying a saw with RPM and horsepower that will match your task at the workshop. When dealing with long, thick, and massive cuts, avoid cheap, and low horsepower circular saws.

A low-powered circular saw results in blade heat build this effect results in a dangerous saw kickback effect and blades are worn out.

Easy and Accurate Adjustments

The circular saw always has reduced adjustments. Although, when locking the blade, ensure that the blade depth remains at its right positioning. Furthermore, check at the ease of changing the saw blades, and the edge remains locked in its place sturdily.

When you are making angled cuts, consider looking for a tilted and locked base to guide you during the cuts.

The Materials

If you want to avoid future expenses, it is better to buy a durable circular saw. The soleplate and the shoe of the saw must be made of the best materials to last long.

Accuracy

Everybody is after the perfect and accurate cut. If you cannot get a circular saw that offers reliable results, then no need to buy it. You will provide poor results.

Check the Ergonomics

Do you know that not all circular saws have the same characteristics? They may look the same at some point but put them into use. That’s where you will spot the difference.

Test the circular saw at the shop before making an official purchase. By doing this, you will get the best saw type that will be appropriate for your hands.

Final Verdict

If you want the best circular saw under $100 with excellent features and amazing performance, then you will have to do proper research. Additionally, this will help you be sure of the saw you want to purchase.

However, you may lack adequate time to do the research task due to daily duties and commitments. Nevertheless, after doing proper research from our expert team, our reviews cover some of the top budget circulars saw for you.

The good thing is that you don’t have to break your bank to get a quality circular saw. There are so many models on the market today that are affordable and give an excellent cutting performance. From our top reviews and guide, you can compare the features of these budget circular saws and pick the one that meets your needs.

Relevant Resources

• The 8 Best Circular Saw reviews in 2022 – Reviews & Buying Guide
• The 8 Best Compact & Mini Circular Saws in 2022 -Reviews & Buying Guide
• Corded vs Cordless Circular Saw – Think First Before Buying