Photo: Skilsaw
The miter saw is a very practical tool for cutting material accurately in the workshop.
However, the main problem with the miter saw is its price. Indeed, it can be quite expensive and beyond the reach of those with a small budget.
But don’t worry. Even if you have a small budget, you can still get a quality model.
To help you, we reviewed some of the best budget miter saws by price range. You will find a hand-picked selection of budget miter saws that do not sacrifice features for price.
In this post:
- 10 Best Budget Miter Saws – Review
- Best Miter Saws under $200 (product 1 to 5)
- 1. Hitachi C10FCG – Clean and Accurate Cuts
- 2. Skilsaw 3821-01 – Easy to Use by Absolute Beginners
- 3. Tacklife PMS03A – Versatile and Highly Maneuverable
- 4. Genesis GMS1015LC – Lightweight and Portable
- 5. Wen 70716 – Powerful and Cut Materials Smoothly
- Best Miter Saws under $300 (product 6 to 8)
- 6. Delta Power Tools H26-260L – Compatible with All Miter Saw Stands
- 7. Makita LS1040 – Versatile Angular Cuts
- 8. Delta Power Tools S26-262L – Excellent Price to Performance Ratio
- Best Miter Saws under $400 (product 9 & 10)
- 9. DeWalt DWS779 – Superior Build Construction
- 10. Evolution RAGE 3-DB – Heavy-duty and Professional Miter Saw
- How to Buy the Best Budget Miter Saw
- Conclusion
10 Best Budget Miter Saws – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
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1. Hitachi C10FCG (Clean & Accurate Cuts) |
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2. Skilsaw 3821-01 (Easy to Use by Absolute Beginners) |
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3. Tacklife PMS03A (Versatile & Highly Maneuverable) |
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4. Genesis GMS1015LC (Lightweight & Portable) |
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5. Wen 70716 (Powerful & Cut Materials Smoothly) |
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6. Delta Power Tools H26-260L (Compatible with All Miter Saw Stands) |
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7. Makita LS1040 (Versatile Angular Cuts) |
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8. Delta Power Tools S26-262L (Excellent Price to Performance Ratio) |
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9. DeWalt DWS779 (Superior Build Construction) |
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10. Evolution RAGE 3-DB (Heavy-duty & Professional) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Hitachi C10FCG (Clean & Accurate Cuts)
|
2. Skilsaw 3821-01 (Easy to Use by Absolute Beginners)
|
3. Tacklife PMS03A (Versatile & Highly Maneuverable)
|
4. Genesis GMS1015LC (Lightweight & Portable)
|
5. Wen 70716 (Powerful & Cut Materials Smoothly)
|
6. Delta Power Tools H26-260L (Compatible with All Miter Saw Stands)
|
7. Makita LS1040 (Versatile Angular Cuts)
|
8. Delta Power Tools S26-262L (Excellent Price to Performance Ratio)
|
9. DeWalt DWS779 (Superior Build Construction)
|
10. Evolution RAGE 3-DB (Heavy-duty & Professional)
|
Best Miter Saws under $200 (product 1 to 5)
1. Hitachi C10FCG – Clean and Accurate Cuts
Photo: Hitachi
- Power: 15 A
- Speed: 5,000 RPM
- Blade Size: 10 inches
- Weight: 24.2 lbs
The Hitachi C10FCG is a feature-rich miter saw. This model is extremely accurate and produces one of the smoothest cuts in material that we have seen.
Indeed, with its high-speed blade rotation of 5,000 RPM and powerful motor of 15 A, this model has no problem cutting through any type of materials.
In addition, at 24.2 lbs, the Hitachi C10FCG is lightweight and portable. It can be easily carried to the job site.
We like the fact that the bevel cuts are versatile. You can perform annular cuts anywhere from 0 degrees to 52 degrees to the right and 0 degrees to 45 degrees to the left. For better convenience, this miter saw is also equipped with a dust collection system.
And for even better versatility, this is a compound miter saw, so the arm slides along the rail. This will allow you to collect longer pieces of materials more easily and efficiently.
Based on features alone, this model is one of the best compound miter saws under $200 that you can get.
The only problem with it is that the blade guard system does not have the best design. It can sometimes touch the blade. Also, the fence is made from thin aluminum and not very heavy-duty.
Notes: Hitachi Power Tools has changed the name to Metabo HPT so you may find Metabo HPT mention in the manual or product description of the Hitachi C10FCG.
Pros:
- The blade makes clean and accurate cuts
- Lightweight at 24.2 lbs. Portable
- The sliding arm can cut longer pieces of material
- Versatile bevel cuts anywhere from 0 to 52 degrees
Cons:
- Not the best blade guard system
- Thin aluminum fence
2. Skilsaw 3821-01 – Easy to Use by Absolute Beginners
Photo: Skilsaw
- Power: 15 A
- Speed: 4,500 RPM
- Blade Size: 12 inches
- Weight: 42.5 lbs
What demarks the Skilsaw 3821-01 from the rest is its ease-of-use. This model has a very accurate and clear laser guide that makes it extremely easy to use.
Indeed, it is very easy to get accurate and professional cuts with this unit.
Furthermore, the blade speed of 4,500 RPM and shows that you get a smooth and professional finish in any type of material.
Best, the base of this miter saw can be extended. This will allow you to work with longer pieces of materials more easily.
Many of its users will also appreciate the 9 positive stops. Those positive stops make it very easy to make common woodworking angles. All these make this model one of the best miter saws under $200 that you can purchase.
However, there are a few caveats. The blade bolt is overly tight, so you will need some muscle power to change the blade. Additionally, the fence system is also a bit more difficult to maneuver than other models.
Pros:
- The laser-guided system makes it easy to use
- The base can be extended to cut longer materials
- Produces a smooth cut due to its speed of 4,500 RPM
- Equipped with 9 positive stops when making bevel cuts
Cons:
- The fence is not as maneuverable as others
- Changing the blade is a little bit difficult
3. Tacklife PMS03A – Versatile and Highly Maneuverable
Photo: Tacklife
- Power: 15 A
- Speed: 3,800 RPM
- Blade Size: 12 inches
- Weight: 55 lbs
The Tacklife PMS03A is one of the most versatile miter saws under $200. Indeed, this model is a sliding dual compound miter saw, so it is highly maneuverable.
The arm can be stretched to cut longer pieces of material. In addition to the arm reaching longer distances, it can also perform bevel cuts to both the left and right at an angle of 45 degrees.
Best, it is equipped with a large blade of 12 inches, which shows that it can cut materials fast and easily. Especially when you consider that the blade spends at an impressive 3,800 RPM.
All in all, if you must cut long pieces of materials, then the Tacklife PMS03A is an excellent choice, and one of the best sliding miter saws under $200.
The only issue you will encounter with this model is the plastic handle at the base. It is not very durable. This model is also quite heavy at 55 lbs.
Pros:
- Versatile. The arm can easily be extended
- The arm is highly maneuverable as it can be easily tilted left or right
- Equipped with a large 12 inches blade
- Fast blade speed of 3,800 RPM
Cons:
- Fragile plastic handle at the base
- Heavy at 55 lbs. Difficult to carry
4. Genesis GMS1015LC – Lightweight and Portable
Photo: Genesis
- Power: 15 A
- Speed: 4,600 RPM
- Blade Size: 10 inches
- Weight: 24 lbs
If you frequently need to carry your miter saw to the job site, then there is no model that is more portable than the Genesis GMS1015LC. This model weighs only 24 lbs and is the best budget miter saw under $200 when it comes to weight.
This model has a powerful laser guide that will make it more accurate when cutting material. Moreover, the blade has an electric brake stop that will immediately lock the blade in case of an emergency.
You can make highly accurate bevel cuts with this miter saw as it can do left and right angular cuts from 0 to 45 degrees. It has 9 position stops for more convenience.
The only problem with this model is that the clamping design that holds the material on this saw is not the best. And, this miter saw is not intended for heavy-duty use.
More Detailed: Genesis GMS1015LC Review
Pros:
- Very lightweight at 24 lbs. Highly portable
- Powerful laser guide that improves accuracy
- Electric brake at the blade for safety
- 9 position stops for cutting common woodworking angles
Cons:
- The clamping design could have been better
- Not heavy-duty
5. Wen 70716 – Powerful and Cut Materials Smoothly
Photo: Wen
- Power: 15 A
- Speed: 5,500 RPM
- Blade Size: 10 inches
- Weight: 37.5 lbs
The Wen 70716 has a powerful 15 A motor that spins the blade at an impressive speed of 5,500 RPM. This guarantees to produce a smooth and professional cut.
Moreover, this unit comes with a 60-tooth carbide-tipped blade that will cut through any type of material, whether it is hard or soft. It is quite versatile in cutting.
The work table is large and can easily be rotated with the front handle. Since this is a sliding compound miter saw, you have a lot of maneuverability when cutting long pieces of material.
Not to mention that making bevel cuts is very easy. It can be swiveled anywhere from 0 to 52 degrees in both directions. This will prove handy when making crown moldings.
The only issue is its price, which is a bit high. But other than this, this model is one of the best inexpensive miter saws out there.
Pros:
- Equipped with a powerful motor of 15 A. It will not stall
- Comes with a 60-tooth carbide-tipped blade
- The arm is sliding to cut longer pieces of material
Cons:
- The price could have been a little bit more competitive
Best Miter Saws under $300 (product 6 to 8)
6. Delta Power Tools H26-260L – Compatible with All Miter Saw Stands
Photo: Delta
- Power: 14 A
- Speed: 5,500 RPM
- Blade Size: 10 inches
- Weight: 25 lbs
The Delta Power Tools H26-260L demarks itself by offering universal compatibility with any type of miter saw stands. If you have a stand roaming around in the workshop, then this Delta Power Tools miter saw is an excellent choice.
Best, this model is quite comfortable to use because the handle is coated with a soft rubber material for ergonomics. You can use it for the whole day and not experience hand fatigue.
Moreover, the blade speed of 5,500 RPM is higher than the average. This will guarantee that you get a smooth and professional cut in any type of material. And to keep your workshop clean when cutting, this miter saw is equipped with an inbuilt dust compartment bag.
The only issue we face with this model is its build construction, which is not the most rugged we have seen. This model is mostly for light and medium-duty cutting. It is also equipped with a smaller 14 A motor while most models in this review have a 15 A motor.
However, all things considered, this model is still one of the best budget miters saw for the money. Especially if you already have a miter saw stand in the workshop.
Pros:
- Universally compatible with all miter store stands
- Ergonomic handle that does not cause hand fatigue
- High speed of 5,500 RPM. Smooth and professional cut
Cons:
- A little less powerful than other models with a 14 A motor
- Not the best build construction quality
7. Makita LS1040 – Versatile Angular Cuts
Photo: Makita
- Power: 15 A
- Speed: 4,600 RPM
- Blade Size: 10 inches
- Weight: 27.3 lbs
When it comes to angular cuts, the Makita LS1040 is unbeatable and one of the best affordable miter saws on the market. This model can easily perform bevel cuts anywhere from 0 degrees to 45 degrees to the left, and 0 degrees to 52 degrees to the right.
But one of the best features of this saw is its 9 positive stop settings. Those will allow you to quickly and easily lock the blade in pre-defined angles for faster repetitive use.
The base is perfectly flat, and you will be able to make accurate and easy cuts on it. When it comes to blade change, no problem. This unit is equipped with a blade shaft system that makes it easy to change the blade in seconds.
The only issue we find with this saw is that the blade guard is a bit thin and lacks safety.
More Detailed: Makita LS1040 Review
Pros:
- Versatile angular cuts of 0 to 52 degrees in any direction
- Equipped with 9 positive stops for faster angular cuts
- Perfectly flat base for more accuracy
Cons:
- The blade guard is thin and not the safest out there
8. Delta Power Tools S26-262L – Excellent Price to Performance Ratio
Photo: Delta
- Power: 15 A
- Speed: 5,500 RPM
- Blade Size: 10 inches
- Weight: 25 lbs
For years, the Delta Power Tools S26-262L has been ranked by its users as one of the best miters saw for the money. This is because this model delivers an excellent price to performance ratio.
It is powered by a powerful 15 A motor that turns the 10 inches blade at an impressive speed of 5,500 RPM. At this very high speed, this saw delivers a smooth and professional cut on any type of material.
Also, it is equipped with a high-quality dust collection bag in order to keep your workshop clean.
In addition, we like the angular cuts of 0 degrees to 47 degrees. And in case you need a lightweight miter saw to carry to the job site, then this model is excellent because it weighs only 25 lbs.
The only issue we have with this unit is that the positive stops are difficult to use. Also, this model includes a laser guide, but it is unreliable as it is a bit off by a few degrees.
Pros:
- Good price considering the performance
- Portable. Weighs only 25 lbs
- Equipped with a quality dust collection bag
- Universally compatible with any type of miter saw stands
Cons:
- The positive stops are difficult to find
- The laser guide is unreliable
Best Miter Saws under $400 (product 9 & 10)
9. DeWalt DWS779 – Superior Build Construction
Photo: DeWalt
- Power: 15 A
- Speed: 3,800 RPM
- Blade Size: 12 inches
- Weight: 56 lbs
The DeWalt DWS779 is an absolute beast when it comes to construction quality. Indeed, this model has been made in such a way that it is durable and long-lasting.
Under the hood of this miter saw, we find a powerful 15 A motor that can rotate the blades at 3,800 RPM.
This is a good combination as this motor will not stall when cutting tough materials like hardwood. Also, the large 12 inches blades turn sufficiently fast to cut materials fast and smoothly.
In addition, it has positive locks that allow you to quickly and easily lock the blade at different angles ranging anywhere from 0 degrees to 45 degrees with ease.
All in all, if you need a robust miter saw that would not only last a long time but also get the job done, then this model is one of the best budget miter saws that you can get.
The only problem with this model is that it is quite heavy at 56 lbs, so it isn’t very portable. Also, it does not come with an LED light, which is expected at this price range.
Pros:
- Durable and long-lasting build construction
- Large blade size of 12 inches
- Positive locks to easily lock the blade angle
Cons:
- Does not have an LED light
- Heavy at 56 lbs. Not very portable
10. Evolution RAGE 3-DB – Heavy-duty and Professional Miter Saw
Photo: Evolution
- Speed: 2,500 RPM
- Blade Size: 10 inches
- Weight: 39.2 lbs
The Evolution RAGE 3-DB is a high-quality and heavy-duty miter saw that had been built for both professional use as well as for absolute beginners.
One of the best features about this miter saw is the extendable fence that makes it very versatile to work with any type of material regardless of length.
Also, the blades have been specially designed so as not to create any sparks. This is very useful, especially if you work in the workshop with flammable liquids around.
The only caveat we have with this model is its price. When compared to other products in this budget miter saw review; it is quite expensive.
However, you always get what you pay for. This is a high-quality miter saw for the price, and it can be used for both professional as well as amateur use.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty build construction
- Heavy-duty blade. It can easily cut wood with nails in it
- The fence is extendable. Able to easily work with different material size
- Blade does not produce sparks. Safe to use
Cons:
- The price could have been better
How to Buy the Best Budget Miter Saw
Photo: Wen
1. Type of Miter Saw
Stationary Compound: The stationary compound miter saw is one of the most popular and affordable miter saws that you can buy. The blade of this saw pivots left and right from a central stationary position.Due to this pivoting, you can make accurate angular cuts using the compound miter saw. This makes this type of saw an ideal choice for those looking to simply make picture frame corners or other angular cuts like crown molding.
Sliding Compound: As its name suggests, the blade arm of the sliding compound miter saw can “slide” along a rail. This allows the sliding compound miter saw to make long cuts, and thus, it can be used to cut longer pieces of material.
Sliding Dual Compound: Also known as the dual-bevel miter saw, the sliding dual compound miter saw is the most versatile miter saw on the market.Not only can this miter saw cut long pieces of material similar to a sliding compound miter saw, but it can rotate both left and right to perform angular cuts.This offers it a superior level of versatility and maneuverability when working with long pieces of material.
More Detailed: Types of Miter Saws
2. Power
Power is one of the most important aspects to consider in a compound miter saw. If the miter saw lacks power, then it can stall, especially when cutting hard material like hardwood.In order to prevent this from happening, it is recommended to go with a miter saw that is equipped with a motor of at least 15 A.
This will ensure that the blade receives enough power to cut through any type of material, whether it is soft or hard.
3. Speed
In addition to power, you should also consider the speed. Some of the best inexpensive miter saws on the market have a rotation of at least 3,500 RPM at the blade.
At this speed, the miter saw can cut through material without creating splinters and produce a smooth and professional finish.
Also, it is best to go with a miter saw that provides you the possibility to adjust the speed of the blade for more versatility.
4. Blade
The miter saw is equipped with a blade that does all the cutting. The main distinction of the miter saw when compared to other types of cutting tools is that you cannot change the blade size.
If you buy a 10 inches miter saw, then you will only be able to use 10 inches blades with this saw. Therefore, you must choose your miter saw’s blade size correctly, depending on your need and purpose the first time.
Common blade sizes in a miter saw range anywhere from 4 inches to 12 inches. 10 inches and 12 inches being the most common sizes.
In addition to the size of the blade, you must also consider the number of teeth of the blade.
A blade equipped with more teeth will cut material more smoothly and faster. Most quality blades usually contain 60 teeth or more.
5. Bevel Range
The bevel range is simply the different angles that the blade can pivot to. A typical bevel range is 0 degrees to 45 degrees.
This bevel range will allow you to quickly and easily make common woodworking angular cuts.
Also, it is best to go with a miter saw that has bevel stops that allow you to lock the blade angle in position. This way, you don’t have to constantly readjust the blade angle for future use.
6. Budget
Even the best cheap miter saw that you could find can still be costly, especially if you plan to go with a model that has many features.
Therefore, it is important that you try to find a model that fits in your budget. Generally, you should get a quality model under $200.
But if you want the best of the best, then make a budget of $400, and you will get a heavy-duty miter saw for professional use.
Conclusion
The miter saw is one of the best ways to cut material in a quick and efficient manner. It is an absolute must-have tool in the workshop, regardless of how much cutting you perform.
Best, as we’ve seen in this budget, miter saw review you don’t have to spend a fortune to get one. There is a model for each type of budget out there.
Also, all those models are beginner-friendly, and you don’t need any advanced skills to operate them. So, what are you waiting for? Go get your budget miter saw right now!