10 Best Mini Circular Saws of 2023

Photo: DeWalt

If the heavy and bulky full-size circular saws are always weighing you down and leaving you with exhausted arms after every job, it is time to invest in the best mini circular saw.

The mini circular saws are a smaller version of the regular circular saw that has been built to deliver an outstanding performance, but without the bulk and cumbersomeness that comes with a regular circular saw.

A typical mini circular saw will have a blade diameter of 65-120 mm and will deliver a cutting depth of between 16-45 mm both of which are about half of what you get with a full-sized circular saw.

And it is a cheaper and more compact power saw that offers many benefits from ease of use and simplified maneuverability to more flexibility, portability, increased cutting precision and convenient one-handed operation.

You will have some amazing models to choose from when shopping for a mini circular saw. And to make buying one easier for you, below we review 10 top-rated mini circular saw models and explain the important points to keep in mind to ensure you make a sound choice.

10 Best Mini Circular Saws ​– Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. DeWalt DWE575SB (Most Powerful)	•Powerful 15-Amp motor 57-degree beveling with two positive stops High speed, 5,200 RPM Integrated dust blower
	2. Dremel SM20-02 (Best High-Speed)	Relatively powerful 6-Amp motor Versatile cutting system Durable worm drive gearing 2 cutting wheel positions
	3. Makita SH02R1 (Best Cordless)	Adjustable cutting depth Allows for bevel cuts Compact and more lightweight Convenient battery protection circuit
	4. Rockwell RK3440K (Best under $100)	Versatile and cuts various materials Built-in laser guide Streamlined and ergonomic design Simple depth adjustment
	5. Worx WX429L (Best for DIYers)	Thinner blade for less strain Easy depth setting Great cut line visibility 0-45 degrees bevel settings
	6. Rockwell RK3441K (Best for Cutting Wood)	5-amp motor with 3,500 RPM Left-handed blade design Comfortable slim grip handle
	7. Ryobi P506 (Best with Laser Guide)	Built-in laser guide Decent speed, 4,600 RPM Simple bevel and depth adjustment Comfortable rubberized overmold grip
	8. Black & Decker BDCCS20B (Best for Everyday Use)	High torque motor Larger 5-1/2 blade diameter Simple, tool-free depth/bevel adjustment
	9. VonHaus 15/271 (Best Corded)	Powerful 5.8-amp motor with 4,500 RPM Laser cutting guide Extra long 118-inch cord Ergonomic handle
	10. Genesis GCS545C (Best under $50)	Powerful 5.8-amp motor with 4,500 RPM Cuts a wide variety of materials Great cut line visibility

1. DeWalt DWE575SB – Most Powerful Mini Circular Saw

Photo: DeWalt

• Power: 15-Amp
• Blade Diameter: 7-1/4 inches
• Speed: 5,200 RPM
• Weight: 8.8 pounds

With its 15-Amp motor, the DeWalt DWE575SB is one of the most powerful mini circular saws that you can get out there. And besides the power, it also has the speed to go with it to ensure fast and efficient cutting as it will deliver up to 5,200 RPM.

There comes ergonomic handles on the circular saw that are designed to make it easier to control and more comfortable to operate. And this is also a safer power tool thanks to the electronic brake.

Many users will love that this top-rated mini circular saw has been built to last as it will feature a high-quality housing, parts, and gears that are designed to withstand regular use for long service life.

Other things like the cord protection system that makes the cord more long-lasting, the on-board wrench storage and a carry case are also a great addition.

When compared to other models on our list, this DeWalt circular saw is relatively heavier. But, at 8.8 pounds the weight is still manageable even for inexperienced users.

More Detailed: DeWalt DWE575SB Review

Pros:

• Highly powerful motor
• Comfortable ergonomic handles
• Durable housing, parts, and gears
• Electric brake for additional safety

Cons:

• Relatively heavier
• A little pricier

2. Dremel SM20-02 – Best High-Speed Mini Circular Saw

Photo: Dremel

• Power: 6-Amp
• Blade Diameter: 3 inches
• Speed: 17,000 RPM
• Weight: 6.75 pounds

The high cutting speed is what draws many DIYers and hobbyists to the Dremel SM20-02 as it can deliver up to an impressive 17,000 RPM, but there is still more to it than this.

Its 6-amp motor is the second most powerful on our list, and it combines with the high speed to make this a highly versatile power saw that can cut different materials such as metal, plastic, and tile besides wood.

This amazing mini circular saw includes a two-position cutting wheel that will allow users to make straight, plunge and flush cuts which makes it even more versatile.

The small circular saw has been designed to maintain a clear line of sight and with a dust extraction port to keep the work area clean. And you can easily choose how deep to make the cut as it has an adjustable depth control.

The 3-inch blade is the smallest among our mini circular saw review which can be a turn off for some buyers. But the good news is that it is still more than enough for the intended uses of this circular saw, and it will even outperform many others double its size.

Pros:

• More versatile cutting capability
• Handy dust extraction port
• Adjustable depth control
• Maintains a perfect line of sight
• Durable and powerful worm drive gearing

Cons:

• Smaller blade size
• Cheap plastic shoe

3. Makita SH02R1 – Best Cordless Mini Circular Saw

Photo: Makita

• Power: 2.0 Ah
• Blade Diameter: 3-3/8 inches
• Speed: 1,500 RPM
• Weight: 3.5 pounds

Makita SH02R1 is built for the DIYers that prefer the convenience of a cordless mini circular saw but still want something powerful and dependable.

What makes it one of the best cordless mini circular saws out there is the fact that it is more compact and lightweight to allow you to use it in tight spaces and for extended periods with minimal hand fatigue.

It uses a 3-3/8-inch blade to deliver cuts that are up to 1-inch deep and will allow you to adjust the cutting depth. Also, it comes with a tilting base to allow for bevel cuts between 0 and 45 degrees which makes it a more versatile saw.

And with the ergonomic handle design and soft grip, this is a comfortable circular saw to use, and it has a built-in dust blower to keep your line of sight clear.

There are more plastic components on this mini circular saw than what many users would like such as blade guard and depth adjustment knob. But, Makita uses them to keep the weight of the tool down and the plastic also feels tough and durable.

Pros:

• Easily adjustable cutting depth
• Lightweight and more compact
• Comfortable ergonomic handle
• Convenient onboard battery level indicator
• Allows for bevel cuts

Cons:

• Lots of plastic components
• Relatively lower speed

4. Rockwell RK3440K – Best Mini Circular Saw under $100

Photo: Rockwell

• Power: 4-Amp
• Blade Diameter: 3-3/8 inches
• Speed: 3,500 RPM
• Weight: 4 pounds

For an under $100 mini circular saw, it is hard to think of any other model that outperforms the Rockwell RK3440K as it has everything that a DIYer or professional can wish for in such a tool.

Its key highlight is the built-in laser guide as it will be very handy in ensuring you end with an accurate cut. And with the dust extraction port to help keep the cut line clear, you can be more confident of highly precise cuts.

With the 3-3/8-inch blade powered by a 4-amp motor that delivers up to 3,500 RPM, this is quite a versatile mini circular saw that will cut everything from wood to metal and plastics. To make it even better, you can use it for plunge cuts as it has a pivoting metal guard.

The laser guide does not have an auto-off function, and so it can drain the battery a lot in case you forget to switch it off. However, this should not be a big issue because as you use the saw more and more, you will hardly ever forget to switch it off as it becomes intuitive.

Pros:

• Cuts a variety of materials
• Safe and easy plunge cuts
• Built-in laser for easy alignment
• Comfortable and easy to control

Cons:

• No auto-off for laser guide
• Does not make bevel cuts

5. Worx WX429L – Best for DIYers

Photo: Worx

• Power: 4-Amp
• Blade Diameter: 4-1/2 inches
• Speed: 3,500 RPM
• Weight: 4.4 pounds

Worx makes their WX429L mini circular saw to be super easy to use and maneuver which is one of the main things that make it one of the best options on our list for DIYers.

It is among the cheapest option on the list, but despite its smaller price tag, it is still quite powerful and with a lot to offer including quick and easy depth adjustment.

And despite being one of our smallest circular saws, it still cuts with less tool strain thanks to a thinner blade, and it also offers quick and easy depth adjustment and 0 to 45 degrees bevel cutting.

The left-sided blade design ensures that you maintain great cut line visibility. And this circular saw will offer a comfortable grip with an integrated safety trigger, and its design and size will allow for convenient one-handed operation.

The 4-amp motor on this mini circular saw is not very powerful, and so it will cut relatively slower. But for such an affordable circular saw, the slower speed is something you can live with, and this is more so given that the cuts are accurate and fine enough.

Pros:

• Quick and easy depth adjustment
• Increased cut line visibility
• Makes a wide variety of bevel cuts
• Simple one-handed operation
• Relatively more affordable

Cons:

• Relatively slower cutting

6. Rockwell RK3441K – Best for Cutting Wood

Photo: Rockwell

• Power: 5-Amp
• Blade Diameter: 4-1/2 inches
• Speed: 3,500 RPM
• Weight: 5 pounds

If most of your projects entail cutting wooden materials like 2x4s, hardwood flooring, and plywood, the Rockwell RK3441K is a perfect mini circular saw for you.

The company makes it specifically for cutting wood, and it runs on a relatively powerful 5-amp motor and with a speed of 3,500 RPM to ensure it can handle almost any wood type.

Also, it will always cut with minimal motor strain and less effort as it uses a smaller and thinner blade. And this is a generally easy circular saw to handle that will take little effort to maneuver when cutting.

DIYers and other users will love that the left-handed blade design provides an excellent cut line visibility and that it comes with a slim, inline grip handle to make it comfortable to use for extended periods and easy to control.

This circular saw seems to be made for right-handed individuals, and so things like the safety button which is on the left side can be a little awkward. But, like many other power tools, it only takes some getting used to for left-handed individuals to use it with no issues.

More Detailed: Rockwell RK3441K Review

Pros:

• Excellent cut line visibility
• Thinner blade for minimal motor strain
• Comfortable slim grip handle
• Easy to handle and maneuver

Cons:

• Can be a little awkward for left-handed individuals
• Not very ideal for non-wood materials

7. Ryobi P506 – Best Mini Circular Saw with Laser Guide

Photo: Ryobi

• Power: 4.0 Ah
• Blade Diameter: 5-1/2 inches
• Speed: 4,600 RPM
• Weight: 5 pounds

While there are several things that make the Ryobi P506 a must-have, the laser guide is on top of the list as it makes cutting simpler and ensures more accuracy.

Besides the built-in laser, this is a powerful cordless circular saw that offers other great features such as simple depth and 0 to 45-degree bevel adjustment for increased versatility.

Many users will love the fact that it can use most of the common Ryobi batteries to ensure you do not have to buy a battery if you already have another battery-powered Ryobi tool.

This circular saw is one of the cheapest models on our list and also one of the most comfortable to operate thanks to the rubberized and over-molded grip and ergonomic handle design.

If you have a lot of stock to cut and have to do it for extended periods, this circular saw might not be very useful. However, for typical light-duty tasks which are what mini circular saws are meant for, it will excel. 

Pros:

• Handy built-in laser guide
• Easy depth adjustment
• Wide battery compatibility
• Comfortable rubber overmold grip
• More affordable

Cons:

• Not for heavy-duty use
• Does not come with a battery

8. Black & Decker BDCCS20B – Best for Everyday Use

Photo: Black & Decker

• Power: 4.0 Ah
• Blade Diameter: 5-1/2 inches
• Speed: 3,700 RPM
• Weight: 6 pounds

With a high torque motor and a larger 5-1/2-inch blade, the Black & Decker BDCCS20B is the perfect compact mini circular saw for everyday use as it cuts fast, easily and efficiently.

The compact and easy to use design makes it ideal for regular use, and it will ensure even beginners have an easy time with it.

It is designed for versatility as it will allow for simple and tool-free depth adjustment and easy to use bevel adjustment with 45 and 90-degree detents to allow for a variety of cuts.

When compared to other similar cordless mini circular saws, this model seems to cut relatively faster which also allows you to make different cuts.

Because this circular saw has lots of plastic components, it might feel cheaply made. But for such a highly affordable model, it is hard to get better quality without spending more cash.

Pros:

• High torque motor
• Compact and easy to use
• Easy and tool-free depth adjustment
• Smooth and fast cutting
• Highly affordable

Cons:

• Mostly plastic construction
• Battery not included

9. VonHaus 15/271 – Best Corded Mini Circular Saw

Photo: VonHaus

• Power: 5.8-Amp
• Blade Diameter: 3-1/2 inches
• Speed: 4,500 RPM
• Weight: 9.81 pounds

VonHaus’ model 15/271 is a powerful corded mini circular saw that offers lots of cutting power and speed thanks to the 5.8-amp motor that delivers a speed of 4,500 RPM.

Besides the powerful motor, the laser cutting guide helps to make it one of the best corded mini circular saws as it will ensure users always get more accurate cuts and an easier time when cutting.

Besides the laser guide, this circular saw has an extra long dust extraction hose that helps the user maintain a clear-cut line of sight by keeping debris out.

With this mini circular saw, you get a longer power cable for great freedom when working, easy to use and precise depth adjustment and an ergonomic handle that allows for comfortable one-handed operation.

At around 9.81 pounds, this VonHaus product is the heaviest on our mini circular saw review. However, many seasoned DIYers and hobbyists will agree that anything below 10 pounds is still easy enough to handle and maneuver, and so weight should not be the dealbreaker.

Pros:

• Handy laser cutting guide
• Cuts a wide variety of materials
• Great cut line visibility
• Longer power cord
• Ergonomic handle design

Cons:

• A little on the heavier side

10. Genesis GCS545C – Best Mini Circular Saw under $50

Photo: Genesis

• Power: 5.8-Amp
• Blade Diameter: 4-1/2 inches
• Speed: 3,500 RPM
• Weight: 6 pounds

The small and powerful Genesis GCS545C will ensure that you will hardly ever need the bulky full-size models as it can handle a variety of tasks.

This compact circular saw runs on a 5.8-amp motor with a speed of 3,500 RPM that will allow it to cut through 2x materials with ease and also cut various other materials besides wood such as metal and plastic.

With the excellent cut line visibility, simple depth and bevel adjustment and rip guide, you can make any cut you want with ease.

Also, you can be confident of always keeping the cut line debris free and maintaining a clean work area as the mini circular saw includes an efficient dust collection system.

When squeezing the trigger, activating the safety button can feel a little awkward and you might end up having to use two hands. However, this is a minor issue given that you will hardly ever need to use the safety button.

Pros:

• Great cut line visibility
• Efficient dust collection system
• Comfortable one-handed operation
• Incredibly versatile design
• Easily adjustable bevel and depth settings

Cons:

• Safety button can be a little awkward to activate
• Rip guide is not the best quality

How to Buy the Best Mini Circular Saw

Photo: Genesis

Given that the popularity of the mini circular saw has been skyrocketing in the last few years, you can be sure that there is something for you in the market as almost all reputable power tool manufacturers are making them.

But, to get a good mini circular saw, you need to watch out for the following important things when shopping.

1. Power

Any power saw that you buy needs to be powerful enough to handle your cutting needs and a mini circular saw will not be an exception. Hence, power should be one of the key considerations when choosing one of these saws.

While the mini circular saws will not be as powerful as the full-sized ones, the top models will have at least 3 to 5 Amp motors which will make them ideal for a variety of applications.

There are many models that will be more powerful or less powerful than this. And so to make sure that you end up with the right one, you need to decide what you will be using the tool for or what materials you will be cutting.

2. Corded vs. Cordless

Corded Mini Circular Saws

Corded saws will offer you the convenience of never having to worry about recharging batteries and the long downtime that comes with this or the tool slowing down as the battery drains. These are also often more powerful than the cordless types.

But, despite having a steady power supply, these mini circular saws mean you have to deal with a cord which is a trip hazard. And the need to keep it plugged in also means that you can only use this saw where there are power outlets.

Cordless Mini Circular Saws

Cordless mini circular saws are by far the most convenient option of the two because they do not need plugging-in to work which means they can even be used in remote places where there is no electricity.

However, the cordless saws are generally pricier than the corded types and not as powerful as the latter. Also, the battery-operation comes with shorter runtimes and the need to recharge it leads to downtimes.

More Detailed: Corded vs. Cordless Circular Saw

3. Blade

Since the blade is what will do the actual cutting, it is also an important factor to consider when shopping for the best mini circular saw. When it comes to the blade, the key factors to consider are its size and the cut depth that it delivers.

The size of the factory blade that you get will vary from one model to the other, but something that is around 4 inches in diameter is often good enough. And on average these circular saws will deliver a 1-inch cut, but some models can go as deep as 2 inches.

Also, some of these circular saws will come with blades that are capable of making bevel cuts, and this is always a great feature as it increases the tool’s versatility.

4. Extra Features

There are some features that you might not get on all mini circular saws, but they are still great to have as they make the saw easier to use, more convenient and can also enhance its efficiency.

Some extra features to watch out for when choosing a mini circular saw include things like depth adjustment capabilities, laser guide, and built-in LED light.

A circular saw that comes with a carry case will also be a great buy as it will be easy to store and transport.

5. Ease of use

The mini circular saws are generally easier to use than the full-sized circular saws, but like with any other power tool, the ease of use will vary from one model to the other.

An easy-to-use mini circular saw is one that comes in an ergonomic design and with a handle that not only fits perfectly in the hand but also has a soft grip for comfortable operation.

A lightweight saw will be more preferable as it will ensure you can work for extended periods with minimal fatigue. Other things like an easily adjustable cutting depth and easy blade replacement can make a mini circular saw easier to use.

Conclusion

Any serious DIYer or hobbyist will appreciate just how handy a mini circular saw can be to have around as it will always give you a much easier time than a full-sized model.

To get the numerous benefits that come with one, you need to make sure that you choose the best mini circular saw from the many models available by considering factors like the power, type and blade size and cutting depth.

But, you will not have to waste a lot of time shopping for that ideal mini circular saw for you as we have you covered with our top 10 reviews and buying guide above. With this piece to help you out, you should have one of these handy power saws in your tool collection in no time.