Photo: Makita
A miter saw is a circular saw that is built to create straight, angled, compound and crown molding cuts for high precision woodworking projects. These saws are designed to cut in two main ways, which are bevel (across wood thickness) and miter (across wood width).
That said, cordless miter saws give you the convenience of being easily mobile and if you are shopping for this woodworking tool, below is a review of 10 of the best cordless miter saws that you should consider buying.
In this post:
- 9 Best Cordless Miter Saws – Review
- 1. DeWalt DCS361B – Cordless Miter Saw with a Cutline Positioning System
- 2. Makita XSL06Z – Cordless Miter Saw with Laser Guidance
- 3. DeWalt DHS716AT2 – Complete Cordless Miter Saw Set
- 4. DeWalt DHS790AB – AC Compatible Cordless Miter Saw
- 5. Ryobi P551 One+ – Affordable Cordless Miter Saw
- 6. Makita XSL04ZU – Cordless Miter Saw with Auto-Start Wireless Technology
- 7. Milwaukee Electric Tools 2733-21 – Cordless Miter Saw with a Brushless Motor
- 8. Makita XSL05Z – Lightweight Cordless Miter Saw
- 9. Milwaukee Electric Tools 2734-21HDP – Cordless Miter Saw with Redlink Plus
- How to Buy the Best Cordless Miter Saw
- Conclusion
9 Best Cordless Miter Saws – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. DeWalt DCS361B (Cutline Positioning System) |
| |
 | 2. Makita XSL06Z (With Laser Guidance) |
| |
 | 3. DeWalt DHS716AT2 (Complete Set) |
| |
 | 4. DeWalt DHS790AB (AC & Compatible) |
| |
 | 5. Ryobi P551 One+ (Affordable) |
| |
 | 6. Makita XSL04ZU (Auto-Start Wireless Technology) |
| |
 | 7. Milwaukee Electric Tools 2733-21 (Brushless Motor) |
| |
 | 8. Makita XSL05Z (Lightweight) |
| |
 | 9. Milwaukee Electric Tools 2734-21HDP (With Redlink Plus) |
|
PRODUCT |
|---|
1. DeWalt DCS361B (Cutline Positioning System)
|
2. Makita XSL06Z (With Laser Guidance)
|
3. DeWalt DHS716AT2 (Complete Set)
|
4. DeWalt DHS790AB (AC & Compatible)
|
5. Ryobi P551 One+ (Affordable)
|
6. Makita XSL04ZU (Auto-Start Wireless Technology)
|
7. Milwaukee Electric Tools 2733-21 (Brushless Motor)
|
8. Makita XSL05Z (Lightweight)
|
9. Milwaukee Electric Tools 2734-21HDP (With Redlink Plus)
|
1. DeWalt DCS361B – Cordless Miter Saw with a Cutline Positioning System
Photo: DeWalt
- Battery Power: 20 volts
- Speed: 3,750 RPM
- Cutting Depth: 3.5 inches
- Weight: 30 pounds
Starting the list is DeWalt’s DCS361B, which is equipped with a cutline positioning system that shows the exact spot where the blade will hit the wood. This ensures high accuracy and better visibility when making crosscuts.
The saw has a 7.25-inch diameter blade that gives a cutting depth of 3.5 inches and 3.63 inches in a nested crown molding position.
That said, you get an adjustable stainless-steel miter scale with 11 positive stops for easy cutting on the popular angles, as well as a cam lock handle for quick fastening along the scale. This mechanism ensures you make accurate miter cuts by locking firmly to prevent sliding.
Other features include a durable machined base fence that enhances cutting accuracy, a 20-volt electrical system, and an oversized bevel scale for easy and accurate bevel angle adjustments.
However, the tool is a single bevel saw with a -3˚ to 48˚ range, which means you will have to flip your workpiece to make cuts on both ends, and it comes as a tool only with no battery or charger.
More Detailed: DeWalt DCS361B Review
Pros:
- Cutline positioning system for crosscut accuracy
- Adjustable miter scale with 11 positive stops for easy use
- Cam lock handle for quick and firm fastening on the miter scale
- Durable and accuracy-enhancing machined base fence
Cons:
- Single bevel
- Battery and charger not included
2. Makita XSL06Z – Cordless Miter Saw with Laser Guidance
Photo: Makita
- Battery Power: 36 volts
- Speed: 4,400 RPM
- Cutting Depth: 5.25 inches
- Weight: 60.2 pounds
Makita’s XSL06Z stands out as one of the best battery powered miter saws because of a number of reasons. For starters, it has a built-in laser that accurately shows the cutline, and it is adjustable to the left or right for accuracy enhancement.
The saw also has a relatively large 10-inch blade that gives a vertical cutting capacity of 5.25 inches while its sliding mechanism ensures you get a wide range of 12 inches when crosscutting at 90˚.
You get a dual bevel design with a 0-48˚ range on both sides and a wide miter range that extends up to 60˚ to the left and right, giving you the flexibility to cut in many angles. Additionally, its miter scale has 11 positive stops for easy use and accurate cutting.
Other features include electric brakes, an efficient brushless motor and automatic speed change technology, which adjusts the torque and cutting speed for optimal performance. However, the saw comes as a tool only and it is quite heavy (60.2 pounds), making it a bit difficult to carry.
Pros:
- Adjustable laser cutline guidance
- Sliding mechanism extends the horizontal range to 12 inches at 90˚
- Dual bevel with a 0-48˚ on both sides
- Wide 120˚ miter range with 11 positive stops
Cons:
- Battery and charger not included
- Heavy
3. DeWalt DHS716AT2 – Complete Cordless Miter Saw Set
Photo: DeWalt
- Battery Power: 20 volts
- Speed: 3,800 RPM
- Cutting Depth: 6.5 inches
- Weight: 44 pounds
If you are looking for a complete cordless miter saw set, DeWalt’s DHS716AT2 is your best bet because it comes with two Flexvolt 20/60V batteries, a dual-port fast charger, and a 120V AC power adapter.
This AC power adapter makes the tool very versatile because it gives you a corded option in case the batteries run out or if you want unlimited power for high torque cutting demands.
Other than that, the saw is equipped with a cutline blade positioning system for accurate crosscuts while a large 12-inch blade gives a deep vertical capacity of 6.5 inches. This enables you to work on thick pieces of wood.
More features include an efficient brushless motor and a 0-110˚ miter range (60˚ to the right, 50˚ to the left). However, the unit is quite expensive and it is a non-sliding type, which means you get only a 10-inch crosscutting capacity, despite having a 12-inch blade.
Pros:
- Complete kit with two batteries, a charger, and an AC adapter
- Versatile power supply with corded or cordless options
- Cutline blade positioning for accurate cuts
- Efficient brushless motor
Cons:
- Non-sliding
- Expensive
4. DeWalt DHS790AB – AC Compatible Cordless Miter Saw
Photo: DeWalt
- Battery Power: 20 volts
- Speed: 3,800 RPM
- Cutting Depth: 6.75 inches
- Weight: 56 pounds
This cordless miter saw is quite similar to the one above due to its AC compatibility, which gives you the flexibility of using either battery power or plugging to a wall outlet for unlimited power.
Either option is used to run an efficient brushless motor that delivers a top speed of 3,800 RPM while turning a large 12-inch blade.
With such a large blade, you get a very wide vertical cutting capacity of 6.75 inches to comfortably work on thick pieces of wood. Additionally, the blade is mounted on a sliding mechanism, which gives a very wide crosscutting capacity of 16 inches.
Other features include tall sliding fences that support a 7.5-inch crown molding capacity in a vertically nested position, a 110˚ miter range with 11 detents and a dual bevel design with high visibility bevel scales for accurate adjustments.
However, the required 20-volt battery and charger are not included, but you get an AC adapter for corded use.
Pros:
- AC and battery-compatible for corded/cordless use
- Efficient brushless motor
- Deep 6.75-inch vertical cutting capacity
- Sliding design with a wide 16-inch horizontal cutting capacity at 90˚
Cons:
- No battery or charger
5. Ryobi P551 One+ – Affordable Cordless Miter Saw
Photo: Ryobi
- Battery Power: 18 volts
- Speed: 4,500 RPM
- Cutting Depth: 1.5 inches
- Weight: 15 pounds
If you are on a tight budget, Ryobi’s P551 is an affordable option that you should consider. It is equipped with a 7.25-inch 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade that is designed for fast, clean cuts while an adjustable laser alignment system helps you to make accurate crosscuts.
The tool is also quite lightweight, coming in at 15 pounds, and this makes it very easy to carry to the site. Additionally, it has an ergonomically designed D handle for easy carrying and easy holding when in use.
Other features include an 18-volt motor with a top speed of 4,500 RPM, a dust bag and a 0-90˚ miter scale range. However, the saw has a shallow cutting depth of 1.5 inches, which limits its use to cut thin pieces of wood, and it has a single bevel design with a 0-45˚ range.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Adjustable laser alignment system for enhancing accuracy
- Lightweight
- Ergonomically designed D handle for easy holding
Cons:
- Shallow cutting capacity
- Single bevel saw
6. Makita XSL04ZU – Cordless Miter Saw with Auto-Start Wireless Technology
Photo: Makita
- Battery Power: 36 volts
- Speed: 4,400 RPM
- Cutting Depth: 5.25 inches
- Weight: 60.2 pounds
Makita’s XSL04ZU is a sliding dual bevel compound cordless miter saw that has Auto-Start Wireless Systems for efficiency purposes.
This system utilizes Bluetooth technology to communicate to the dust extractor to power it on or off in response to pressing or releasing the trigger respectively.
That said, the tool has 2 dust collection ports for enhanced dust extraction, but you must buy the extractor separately in order to make this whole system work.
Other features include automatic speed change for adjusting the torque and cutting speed to match the required performance, an efficient brushless motor, built-in laser guidance, and electric brakes for quick stopping after releasing the trigger.
On the downside, this saw is quite heavy, and it comes without the required battery and charger.
Pros:
- Auto-Start Wireless System for efficient control of the dust extractor
- 2 dust collection ports for quick dust extraction
- Automatic speed change for speed and torque adjustment
- Built-in laser guidance
Cons:
- Heavy
- Tool only. Battery and charger must be bought separately
7. Milwaukee Electric Tools 2733-21 – Cordless Miter Saw with a Brushless Motor
Photo: Milwaukee
- Battery Power: 18 volts
- Speed: 5,000 RPM
- Cutting Depth: 3.5 inches
- Weight: 28 pounds
With its fast and efficient brushless motor, Milwaukee’s 2733-21 has a very high spinning speed of 5,000 RPM, which ensures you cut quickly through your workpieces. An 18-volt 5 Ah battery is included to power up the motor, delivering up to 600 cuts when fully charged.
The motor runs a 7.25-inch blade that is mounted on a sliding mechanism, giving a horizontal capacity of 8 inches, which is quite wide for its size. You also get a cutting depth of 3.5 inches and a crown molding capacity of 3.63 inches in a nested position.
Other features include a cut line indicator for accurate cutting, a dual bevel design with 48˚ on both sides and integrated top and side handles for easy carrying. However, you get no electric brakes for quick, safe stopping after releasing the trigger.
Pros:
- Fast and efficient 5,000 RPM brushless motor
- Comes with its battery
- Sliding mechanism for increased horizontal capacity
- Cutline indicator for accurate cuts
Cons:
- No electric brakes
8. Makita XSL05Z – Lightweight Cordless Miter Saw
Photo: Makita
- Battery Power: 18 volts
- Speed: 5,000 RPM
- Cutting Depth: 1.8 inches
- Weight: 14.6 pounds
This cordless miter saw from Makita is very easy to transport thanks to its lightweight 14.6-pound design, and it has an ergonomic D handle for comfortable carrying.
Other than that, this tool is equipped with a convenient LED light for illuminating the work area while a 3-stage LED battery indicator shows you the battery level for easy monitoring.
You also get an efficient brushless motor that delivers a top speed of 5,000 RPM, a 6.5-inch diameter blade with a vertical cutting capacity of 1.8 inches, automatic speed change for adjusting the speed and torque for efficient cutting and a mini sub-fence for support.
However, this 1.8-inch vertical capacity limits its use to cutting only thin pieces of wood and it comes without the required 18-volt battery and charger.
Pros:
- Lightweight 14.6-pound design
- LED work area lighting
- 3-stage LED battery indicator for showing the battery level
- Efficient 5,000 RPM brushless motor
Cons:
- Relatively shallow cutting capacity
- No battery or charger
9. Milwaukee Electric Tools 2734-21HDP – Cordless Miter Saw with Redlink Plus
Photo: Milwaukee
- Battery Power: 18 volts
- Speed: 4,000 RPM
- Cutting Depth: 5.75 inches
- Weight: 45 pounds
Milwaukee’s 2734-21HDP rounds up the list and it features Redlink Plus electronic intelligence for high performance. This system communicates with the attached battery to draw just the right amount of power without causing any damage.
That said, the tool comes with two 18-volt batteries with each delivering up to 400 cuts per charge. They run a power state brushless motor, which then spins a 10-inch blade that gives a vertical cutting capacity of 5.75 inches and a horizontal capacity of 12 inches on the sliding arm.
Other features include a dual bevel design with a 0-48˚ range on each side, a 0-110˚ miter range with 11 positive stops and a cam lock handle, and top plus side carrying handles for easy portability. On the downside, this saw is very costly.
Pros:
- Redlink Plus electronic intelligence for efficient battery use
- Includes two 18-volt batteries
- Dual bevel with a 0-48˚ range on each side
- Top and side carrying handles for easy portability
Cons:
- Expensive
How to Buy the Best Cordless Miter Saw
Photo: DeWalt
1. Battery
Cordless miter saws are battery-powered and as such, it is important to check whether a battery is included or not and most importantly, the battery’s voltage rating. If a battery is included as an accessory, the better.
As for the voltage, a low voltage value means you will get a reduced amount of power and the vice versa is true. However, it is important to note that each miter saw is rated at a particular voltage and therefore, you can only buy a compatible battery.
Therefore, you need to check the tool’s power rating first, then buy the ones with at least an 18-volt electrical system so as to fit in a powerful, high-voltage battery.
2. Speed
Given in RPM, a miter saw’s no-load speed basically shows how fast the blade is spinning and this has a direct impact on the tool’s cutting pace. Additionally, a high RPM creates clean cuts that have a very professional look.
That said, it is recommended to buy one with 3,800 – 4,000 RPM minimum but the faster, the better.
3. Bevel Angles
Bevel cuts are widely used to create decorative and high-quality finishes such as crown molding, and for this reason, it is important that this feature be present.
That said, there are single and dual bevel miter saws to choose from in the market. Single bevel units tilt the blade in one direction and this means you have to flip your workpiece in order to make multiple repeated cuts.
On the other hand, a dual bevel saw is more convenient to use since you can tilt the blade in either the left or right side, and the wider the tilt angle range, the better.
4. Cutting Capacity
For a cordless miter saw to be useful, it must be able to cut the wood pieces you have for your project. As such, you have to ensure the cutting depth, horizontal and crown molding capacities are large enough to accommodate your workpieces.
5. Accuracy
To maintain high accuracy, there are a number of features to look for. First is the cutline indicator or laser guidance for directing you towards the exact line that the blade will hit the wood.
A cam lock miter handle is also very handy for firmly locking in your preferred miter angle while multiple positive stops help you to accurately cut along the common angles.
6. Safety Features
Safety should be given a high priority when working with any type of tool and in this case, the saw should have electric brakes for quick stopping of the blade after releasing the trigger. This minimizes the risk of getting accidental cuts immediately after use.
Overload-and-overheat protection is also important for protecting the battery against costly damages.
7. Portability
Considering that the cordless factor is meant to give you the freedom to work almost anywhere, this cutting tool should be lightweight enough for easy transportation.
The saw should also have a top and side handles for easy carrying. Otherwise, it will be cumbersome to move to the site.
Conclusion
There are a lot of features that make up the best cordless chop saw and as you can see above, the differences between these features determine which piece stands out for your project.
Therefore, after reading through, you should have an easier time picking the best cordless miter saw that suits your needs.