Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or working in a professional capacity, a circular saw is one of the most valuable tools you can have in your workshop. Rather than struggling with an imprecise hand saw, an electric circular saw will quickly and accurately cut through wooded logs and planks, plastic piping, and even metal in some cases, but there are lots of options to consider while shopping.
We've put together this buying guide that includes everything you need to know, from types to blade sizes. We've also included a list of the best circular saws available in the UK from trusted brands like Bosch, DeWalt, and Makita, including both cordless and corded options. Take a look at these great options on Amazon and Argos, and you won't have to worry about over-exerting yourself while undertaking home repairs again!
Quick List - Top Circular Saws
Makita
An Affordable, Cordless, Brushless Motor That’s Safe for Beginners
DeWalt
A Compact Portable Option That Comes With 3-Year Warranty and Will Last a Lifetime
Bosch
A High-Performance Brushless Motor That Delivers Serious Cordless Power
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Table of Contents
One of the most important decisions to make is whether to opt for a cordless or mains-powered circular saw. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, so it's a good idea to consider where you'll be doing most of your work and what you're primarily using your saw for.
If you're spending most of your time in a workshop or at a workbench, a corded mains-powered option is probably the way to go. These saws tend to be much more powerful than cordless options, making tougher materials easy to cut, but you will be limited by the length of the power cord, so an extension cable may be required.
Cordless options are obviously much more portable than a mains-powered saw making any jobs where you have to move around much easier. They're also perfect for any jobs where an extension cord might not reach, such as on scaffolding or out in the garden - just make sure you have some extra battery packs handy just in case!
Moving around a lot when working? Keep everything handy with a tool belt!
Circular saw blades may only come in one shape, but they do come in many sizes, and each saw will have a specific size of blade they are compatible with. These can range quite a lot when it comes to specific tools, but when looking at saws for general use, they tend to fall between 85 mm and 190 mm.
This size is the diameter of the blade itself and not the depth at which it cuts; this varies depending on the angle of the blade, and the saw itself. As a general rule of thumb, the depth of cut at a 90-degree angle will be around a third of the diameter.
Have other home improvement projects in mind? Consider another electric hand saw!
When it comes to circular saws and power tools in general, you'll probably come across the term brushless motor and may not know what it means. In short, brushless motors are a more modern type of motor that uses simple electronics to run more efficiently and produce less heat than a traditional mechanical brushed motor.
Additionally, brushless motors are lighter and more efficient than their brushed counterpart but are considerably more expensive. However, if you're planning on using your circular saw regularly, they are a better investment as they have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance.
However, brushed motors do have their place as they make a great affordable option for occasional use around the home or garden for repairs and general upkeep. If you're not using your circular saw in a heavy-duty capacity, opting for a brushed motor is a fine choice.
Take a look at some multi-tools if you have a task a circular saw can't quite cut!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Makita Brushless Circular Saw|DHS680Z | ![]() | An Affordable, Cordless, Brushless Motor That’s Safe for Beginners | |
2 | Black + Decker Circular Saw | ![]() | This Bargain 190 MM Saw Is Perfect for Home Repairs on a Budget | |
3 | DeWalt Brushless Compact Circular Saw|DEWDCS571N | ![]() | A Compact Portable Option That Comes With 3-Year Warranty and Will Last a Lifetime | |
4 | Bosch Cordless Plunge Saw|BITURBO GKT 18V-52 | ![]() | A High-Performance Brushless Motor That Delivers Serious Cordless Power | |
5 | Hychika Mini Circular Saw | ![]() | A Budget Compact Option That’s Great for Small Jobs and Beginners | |
6 | Makita Circular Saw | ![]() | A Powerful Corded Option With 190 mm Blades That’s Great at All Angles | |
7 | DeWalt Circular Saw|DCS391N-XJ | ![]() | A Durable and Reliable Option From One of the Best Brands in the Business | |
8 | Hychika Circular Saw | ![]() | One of the Best Value Sets on the Market for a 190 MM Circular Saw | |
9 | Bosch Cordless Hand-Held Circular Saw|BITURBO GKS 18V-68 | ![]() | A Powerful Cordless Option From Bosch’s Professional Range, Perfect for Deep Cuts | |
10 | Worx Compact Circular Saw|WX423 | ![]() | A Powerful Little Saw That Can Cut Stone, Metal, and Ceramics as Well as Wood |
Makita is a Japanese company that specialises in creating high-quality power tools that go above and beyond Japan's strict quality verification procedure. For a brushless saw, this represents unbelievable value.
It has twin LED job lights to clearly see where you're cutting and automatic speed control that changes cutting speed depending on the load. Combining all this with the fact that it's cordless means it's one of the safest options around.
If you have some home repairs or maintenance in mind and are working with a tight budget, this circular saw from Black + Decker is on of the cheapest options on our list. It combines excellent performance with value, featuring a laser guide to help you cut long straight pieces of wood with ease.
It has all the features you would expect from other 190 mm saws: an extraction fan for dust, a safety lock-off, and depth settings for optimal cutting performance. This is a well-built saw that's available for a bargain price.
The DeWalt Brushless Compact Circular Saw is another great pick. This is the perfect choice for professionals or avid enthusiasts, looking to spend a little more on a product that will likely last well beyond the three-year warranty included.
The ergonomic design and rubber grip make this easy to use whatever the environment, while also featuring a lock-off switch and electronic motor brake for additional control and work safety. If you're looking to invest in a smaller portable option, this is the one to go for.
One of the main drawbacks of a portable saw over a corded option is the tradeoff in power, but this cordless offering from Bosch offers comparable performance to a mains-powered option. It's not just suitable for wood but also aluminium, panelling, and acrylic glass.
The premium price reflects the professional-grade quality of the tool, with Bosch combining powerful batteries and fast charging technology to achieve outstanding portable performance. It also features customisable settings with a companion app and restart protection.
If you're looking to work with thinner materials like wood panels, flooring, tiles, or plastic guttering, this Mini Circular Saw from Hychika is a great option to have in your toolbag. Thanks to its laser guide, you shouldn't have any trouble staying the course even if you're a beginner.
As well as the saw itself, this package comes with a carry case, guide ruler, and additional blades alongside an extractor hose to keep your working area clean. If you're looking for a small, budget option with some extra goodies, this is well worth the price of admission.
This 190 mm Makita circular saw is a great pickup and represents excellent value if you're looking for a powerful corded option to use in a carpentry workshop. It especially shines when cutting at a bevelled angle, thanks to its smooth and precise guide.
It just narrowly misses out on our top five due to its more niche nature. However, if you're a woodworking professional or even an avid hobbyist with a space to work, this is well worth picking up for the price.
In a vacuum, the DeWalt Circular Saw is a great cordless option for repeated use thanks to its extremely durable tool design, including a cast magnesium base for repetitive, accurate cuts. DeWalt is one of the most reliable brands in power tools, and this saw is no exception.
The only reason this option isn't higher on our list is the fact that the brushless Makita saw exists at our number one spot. If you have other DeWalk products, however, this is well worth picking up, especially if you have plenty of battery packs!
With a built-in laser guide and scale ruler, even beginners won't have any trouble cutting the straightest lines with this circular saw from Hychika. The adjustable cutting depth and angle mean you'll be able to make any cuts you need, and it even has a dust outlet for you to attach a vacuum to!
If you're looking to pick up a 190 mm saw alongside some extra materials and blades for the cheapest amount possible, you won't be disappointed with this option. If you're looking for a more professional-grade saw, however, you may be disappointed with the quality as it isn't the most robust of the pack.
This handheld circular saw from Bosch is another powerful cordless option in their professional range. This is one of the larger 190 mm options available but features the deepest cuts on our list, whether straight down or at an angle.
While the saw itself is high quality, the price and the fact that it's not compatible with a guide rail hold it back a little. It also doesn't feature one-handed depth adjustment, which can be a little disappointing.
There's a lot to like about this Compact Circular Saw from Worx, most notably that it offers some impressive power in a small package. Whether you're looking to cut wood, stone, or metal, this small saw can handle it.
That being said, it's not the most precise saw on the market, with some customers complaining about the straightness of the cut over distance. Unless you're looking to cut small ceramics or piping, it may be wise to opt for a better-known brand.
No. 1: Makita|Brushless Circular Saw|DHS680Z
No. 2: Black + Decker|Circular Saw
No. 3: DeWalt|Brushless Compact Circular Saw|DEWDCS571N
No. 4: Bosch|Cordless Plunge Saw|BITURBO GKT 18V-52
No. 5: Hychika|Mini Circular Saw
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