Five years ago, I made a classic beginner mistake: I bought the absolute cheapest cordless circular saw I could find—$79 on sale, battery included. The saw lasted exactly three weekend projects before the motor started smoking and the battery wouldn’t hold a charge. I spent another $140 replacing it with a quality saw, bringing my total to $220. If I’d just spent $105 on a good value saw from the start, I would’ve saved money and weeks of frustration.
That painful lesson taught me something crucial: the best cordless circular saw for the money isn’t the cheapest one—it’s the one that delivers reliable performance at a fair price.
If you’re budget-conscious (and who isn’t?), you don’t need to spend $300+ on Milwaukee or DeWalt’s premium cordless saws to get great results. But you also shouldn’t grab the bargain-bin special that’ll quit after 20 hours of use.
After eight years of woodworking and home renovation, I’ve used everything from cheap budget saws to high-end pro models. I’ve also seen friends waste money on tools that broke too soon—and others overpay for features they never actually use. This guide cuts through the noise and highlights the cordless circular saws that give you the best performance for your money in 2026.
What “Best Value” Actually Means (It’s Not Just Cheap)
Let’s clear this up immediately: value doesn’t mean “lowest price.” It means getting the most capability and longevity for your money.
The Value Equation
A truly valuable cordless circular saw delivers:
- Adequate power for common cutting tasks (not pro-level power, but enough to get work done)
- Durability to survive several years of regular DIY use without falling apart
- Battery system that’s affordable to expand and widely available
- Reasonable price that doesn’t require taking out a small loan
The sweet spot is typically $100-180 for a complete kit (saw, battery, charger). Below $100, you’re usually getting garbage. Above $250, you’re paying for premium features most DIYers don’t need.
What You Can Skip to Save Money
Premium saws cost more because they include features that matter for professionals but not casual users:
- Brushless motors: Nice to have, but quality brushed motors work fine for DIY use
- High-capacity batteries: A 2.0Ah battery handles most projects; you don’t need 5.0Ah+
- Advanced electronics: Features like electric brakes and soft-start are convenient but not essential
- Premium materials: Magnesium bases are lighter, but aluminum works fine if you’re not using it 8 hours daily
I’ve completed entire deck builds, built custom furniture, and renovated two bathrooms using mid-range value saws. They took longer than premium saws would have, but they got the job done at half the cost.
Top Cordless Circular Saws for the Money [2026 Models]
These saws deliver exceptional performance-per-dollar based on real-world testing and long-term ownership.
1. SKIL PWR CORE 20 6-1/2″ Circular Saw Kit (CR540602) – Best Overall Value
SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw Includes 2.0Ah PWR CORE 20 Lithium Battery and Charger – CR540602
- CUT THROUGH WOOD WITH EASE – This cordless circular saw is the go-to wood-cutting tool for DIY projects around the house.
- LONG RUNNING TIME & BATTERY LIFE – The PWR CORE 20 Lithium battery has an innovative temperature management system to keep battery cool and powering on through your project.
- FAST AND CLEAN CUTS – Make your cuts fast and accurate with the tool’s thin-kerf carbide-tipped blade, with 24 teeth.
Price: ~$80-105 complete kit | Blade Size: 6-1/2 inch | Battery: 2.0Ah included | Weight: 7.3 lbs with battery
This is the saw I recommend most often to budget-conscious DIYers, and it’s what I’d buy if I were starting over with limited funds.
Why it’s incredible value:
- Complete kit under $105 includes saw, 2.0Ah battery, and charger—everything you need to start cutting
- PWR CORE 20 battery technology keeps the battery cool, extending runtime and lifespan significantly
- Brushless motor delivers surprising power for the price—cuts through 2x4s and plywood without struggling
- 4,700 RPM is plenty for DIY cutting tasks
- LED light improves cut visibility in dim garages or early morning work
- 2-1/8 inch cutting depth handles all standard dimensional lumber in one pass
Real-world value experience: I bought this saw for my father-in-law who’s a serious DIYer but doesn’t want to spend big money on tools. He’s used it for 18 months on projects including building garden beds, cutting deck boards, and building workshop shelving.
The saw hasn’t failed once. Battery life is respectable—he gets about 120-150 cuts per charge on 2x4s. The brushless motor runs cool even after extended use. For someone doing weekend projects, this saw performs identically to saws costing twice as much.
What you’re not getting: The 6-1/2 inch blade means slightly shallower cutting depth than 7-1/4 inch saws (2-1/8″ vs 2-9/16″). The base plate is aluminum, not magnesium. No electric brake—the blade coasts for 8-10 seconds after release. Battery capacity is modest at 2.0Ah.
None of those limitations matter for typical DIY use. You’re saving $100-200 compared to premium saws and getting 90% of the performance.
Best for: DIYers on a budget. First-time cordless saw buyers. Anyone who needs reliable performance without premium pricing. Homeowners tackling occasional projects.
2. Ryobi P507 18V ONE+ Circular Saw – Best Battery Ecosystem Value
Price: ~$99-119 tool only, ~$139-159 kit | Blade Size: 6-1/2 inch | Battery: Sold separately or with kit | Weight: 7.1 lbs
Ryobi P507 One+ 18V Lithium Ion Cordless 6 1/2 Inch 4,700 RPM Circular Saw w/ Blade (Battery Not Included, Power Tool Only)
- ONBOARD GUIDING BASE allows you to maintain precise control over your cuts with both hands on the tool
- CUT A VARIETY OF ANGLES with the easy-to-use bevel adjustment knob on the side of the unit. Adjust your angle up to 56 degrees
- TOUGH ABS PLASTIC keeps the tool lightweight and sturdy so you can rip through wood with greater control
If you already own Ryobi ONE+ batteries or plan to build a cordless tool collection, this saw offers unbeatable ecosystem value.
Why it’s smart value:
- Works with Ryobi’s massive ONE+ battery platform—over 280 compatible tools
- Tool-only price around $99 means you’re not paying for redundant batteries and chargers
- 4,700 RPM cuts through construction lumber and plywood efficiently
- Carbide-tipped 18-tooth blade included cuts aggressively for fast rough carpentry
- Spindle lock makes blade changes easier than saws requiring two wrenches
- Laser guide (if it works) helps follow cut lines—nice bonus feature at this price
Real-world value experience: I’ve recommended this saw to three friends who were already invested in Ryobi’s battery platform. They all had Ryobi drills and wanted to add a circular saw without buying into a second battery system.
The saw works great for their needs—building fences, cutting deck materials, general home improvement. One friend used it to rip 30 sheets of OSB for a shed floor. The saw handled it without complaint.
Battery compatibility is the real value here. If you already own four Ryobi 18V batteries from other tools, you’ve got instant backup power for the saw. No battery anxiety.
What you’re not getting: It’s a brushed motor, not brushless (shorter lifespan, less efficiency). The laser guide is gimmicky—helpful maybe 20% of the time. Build quality is functional but not premium. Blade guard can stick occasionally.
Best for: Existing Ryobi ONE+ users. DIYers building a multi-tool cordless collection. Anyone who values battery compatibility over maximum cutting power.
3. Black+Decker BDCCS20C 20V MAX Circular Saw – Best Under-$100 Option
Price: ~$69-89 tool only, ~$99-119 kit | Blade Size: 5-1/2 inch | Battery: Sold separately or with kit | Weight: 6.5 lbs
BLACK+DECKER 20V 5-1/2" Cordless Circular Saw, Bare Tool Only (BDCCS20B)
- Versatile 5-1/2 In. Blade – Fast-cutting blade is ideal for a range of DIY tasks.
- Angled Cuts – level detents at 45 and 90 degrees for angled cuts.
- Tool-Free Depth Adjustment – For quick and easy adjustments without extra tools.
For absolute minimum budget or light-duty use only, this saw delivers surprising capability at a rock-bottom price.
Why it works despite being cheap:
- Often under $90 for a complete kit makes it accessible for anyone
- Compact 5-1/2 inch blade size makes it lightweight and maneuverable
- High-torque motor handles cutting 2x4s and thin plywood
- Tool-free depth and bevel adjustments work smoothly enough
- Black+Decker 20V batteries are among the cheapest to replace
- Good entry point for absolute beginners unsure if they’ll use the saw much
Real-world value experience: My neighbor bought this saw for a single project—building a small garden shed. He wasn’t sure if he’d ever use a circular saw again, so he didn’t want to invest much.
The saw completed his project without issues. He cut probably 200 pieces of dimensional lumber and a few sheets of plywood. It’s been sitting in his garage for a year since then, but it worked when he needed it.
That’s the use case for this saw: occasional, light-duty projects where you’re unsure if the investment in better tools is justified.
Honest limitations: The 5-1/2 inch blade limits cutting depth to 1-7/8 inches—you can’t cut a 2×6 in one pass. Motor power is marginal for hardwood or thick material. Battery life is short with the included 1.5Ah battery. Build quality is basic plastic—expect 2-3 years of life, not 10.
This isn’t a saw for serious DIYers or anyone doing regular projects. It’s for the person who needs to make a few cuts once or twice a year.
Best for: Absolute beginners. Ultra-tight budgets (under $100 total). People doing very occasional, light cutting tasks. Anyone unsure if they’ll use a circular saw enough to justify a bigger investment.
4. Craftsman V20 7-1/4″ Circular Saw (CMCS551B) – Best Full-Size Value Saw
Price: ~$119-149 tool only, ~$179-199 kit | Blade Size: 7-1/4 inch | Battery: Sold separately or with kit | Weight: 8.9 lbs
CRAFTSMAN V20 RP Cordless Circular Saw, 7-1/4 inch, Bare Tool Only (CMCS551B)
- Brushless motor: up to 75% more power***
- See clearly: LED illuminates the cutting line and worksurface
- Maximum bevel: 56 degrees with positive stops at 22.5 and 45
List Price :
Offer: 130.00
Go to AmazonIf you want full-size 7-1/4 inch cutting capacity without spending premium money, Craftsman delivers.
Why it’s solid value:
- Full 7-1/4 inch blade gives you 2-1/2 inch cutting depth—same as premium saws
- 5,500 RPM matches more expensive competitors
- 0-55 degree bevel capacity covers any angle you’d actually use
- Magnesium shoe reduces weight while maintaining durability
- LED light is actually bright enough to help (many budget LEDs are useless)
- Craftsman V20 batteries are reasonably priced and widely available
Real-world value experience: I used this saw on a friend’s deck project when my primary saw was in for repair. We cut about 400 pieces of lumber over three days—joists, decking, rim boards.
The saw performed admirably. It never bogged down, stayed balanced during long cuts, and the battery lasted longer than I expected (we were using 4.0Ah batteries). I honestly couldn’t tell a significant performance difference between this $150 saw and my $280 Milwaukee.
The magnesium shoe is surprisingly well-made for the price. Adjustments locked solidly. The LED actually improved visibility on early morning cuts.
What you’re giving up: It’s brushed motor, not brushless (though it runs cooler than most brushed motors I’ve used). No electric brake. The included blade is mediocre—upgrade immediately. Battery ecosystem is smaller than Ryobi or DeWalt.
Best for: DIYers who want full-size cutting capacity. Anyone doing regular projects (decks, fences, framing). People who value American brand heritage. Budget-conscious contractors doing side work.
| Saw Model | Blade Size | Kit Price | Best For | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKIL PWR CORE 20 | 6-1/2″ | $80–105 | Overall Best | ★★★★★ |
| Ryobi P507 | 6-1/2″ | $139–159 | Battery Ecosystem | ★★★★½ |
| Black+Decker BDCCS20C | 5-1/2″ | $99–119 | Under $100 | ★★★½ |
| Craftsman V20 | 7-1/4″ | $179–199 | Full-Size Value | ★★★★ |
Hidden Costs: What Really Impacts Long-Term Value
Battery Replacement Reality
Batteries eventually wear out. After 3-5 years, even quality batteries hold maybe 60-70% of original capacity.
Replacement battery costs matter enormously:
- SKIL 20V batteries: $40-60 for 2.0Ah
- Ryobi ONE+ batteries: $40-70 depending on capacity
- Black+Decker 20V batteries: $35-50
- Craftsman V20 batteries: $45-70
A saw with $30 batteries saves you money over time versus one with $80 batteries. Over 10 years, you might replace batteries 2-3 times.
Blade Costs Add Up
Budget saws typically come with cheap 18-24 tooth blades that work fine for rough carpentry but tear plywood badly.
Plan to spend $20-35 on a quality 40-60 tooth finishing blade if you’re cutting plywood or doing finish work. This isn’t unique to value saws—even $300 premium saws have mediocre stock blades.
Warranty Coverage
Value saws typically offer shorter warranties than premium models:
- SKIL: 3-year limited warranty
- Ryobi: 3-year limited warranty
- Black+Decker: 2-year limited warranty
- Craftsman: 3-year limited warranty
Premium brands often offer 5-year warranties or longer. But honestly, if a saw is going to fail, it usually happens in the first year anyway.
Value Saws vs Premium Saws: The Real Performance Gap
Where You Notice the Difference
After using both value and premium saws extensively, here’s where premium saws genuinely perform better:
- Extended use: Premium brushless motors run cooler during all-day cutting sessions
- Tough materials: Wet lumber, hardwood, thick material—premium saws maintain power better
- Weight and balance: Magnesium construction and better engineering reduce fatigue on long projects
- Refinement: Smoother adjustments, better blade guards, nicer ergonomics
Where the Difference Doesn’t Matter
For typical DIY use, value saws perform identically to premium saws in these scenarios:
- Cutting dimensional lumber: A $100 saw cuts 2x4s just as fast as a $300 saw
- Breaking down plywood: Both make the same cuts with the same blade quality
- Weekend projects: If you’re cutting 50-100 pieces, any quality saw works fine
- Accuracy: Cut quality depends more on blade choice and technique than saw price
I’ve completed identical projects with both my $280 Milwaukee M18 FUEL and my friend’s $105 SKIL saw. The Milwaukee felt nicer and was slightly more comfortable for extended use. But the end results—the actual cuts and finished projects—looked the same.
Value Tip: If you’re torn between a $100 value saw and a $250 premium saw, buy the value saw and spend the $150 savings on other essential tools (miter saw, drill/driver combo, quality blades). You’ll have a more complete workshop for the same total investment.
Battery Platform Decisions: The Long Game
The saw you buy locks you into a battery platform. This matters more than the saw itself for long-term value.
Major Value-Focused Platforms
Ryobi ONE+ (18V)
JUNWOOD Upgraded Replacement for Ryobi 18V Battery, 2Pack P108 8.0Ah 18 Volt Lithium Battery Compatible with All P102 P103 P104 P105 P107 P108 P109 P190 P191 P122 18v ONE+ Plus Power Tools
- 【Rechargeable Battery Details】2-Pack 8.0Ah High Capacity Battery Replacement for RYOBI 18V ONE +Battieries:Lithium-ion; Voltage:18-Volt; Capacity:8000mAh/8.0Ah 144Wh;Compatible with Ryobi 18V ONE+ System Cordless Power Tools and Charger.
- 【Compatible with Ryobi 18V】Ryobi 18v Battery P102 P103 P105 P107 P108 P109 P122 P197 Replacement, Adapt the original charger, Compatible with Ryobi Battery 18 Volt Power Tools: weed whackers, cordless drills, blowers, reciprocating saws, jigsaws, hand-held vacuum cleaners
- 【Long Last Battery Life】P108 18v battery lithium compatible with Ryobi 18V battery with longer battery life,good quality 2Pack 8000mAh capacity 18 volt battery with LED indicators and precise interface make hold charge great.P108 battery is a durable and a nice choice replacement for Ryobi 18v tools.
- Over 280 compatible tools—largest selection
- Batteries widely available and reasonably priced
- Perfect for DIYers building complete cordless workshops
- Tools are mid-range quality—fine for homeowner use, not quite pro-grade
SKIL PWR CORE 20 (20V)
SKIL PWR CORE 20 20V Battery and Charger Starter Kit Including 4.0 Ah Battery and Standard Charger-CB5196B-11
- PWR CORE 20 SYSTEM – Compatible with SKIL 20V products
- 2X BATTERY LIFE – Patented battery technology extends the battery life 2X longer
- PWR CORE 20 LITHIUM TECHNOLOGY – Industry-leading technology keeps the battery cool and powering on for 25% longer runtime
- Smaller tool selection (about 50 tools)
- Excellent battery technology at competitive prices
- Good for someone who needs a saw, drill, impact driver, and maybe 2-3 other tools
- Not ideal if you want 20+ cordless tools eventually
Craftsman V20 (20V)
CRAFTSMAN V20 Lithium Ion Battery, 4.0-Amp Hour (CMCB204)
- EXTENDED RUNTIME: CRAFTSMAN battery is made for heavy duty jobsite applications
- IMPROVED POWER: Premium grade high energy cells
- LONGER LIFE: Resulting in an extended battery life
- Medium-sized platform (100+ tools)
- Available at Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Amazon—good availability
- Battery prices are reasonable
- Brand recognition and decent build quality
Black+Decker 20V MAX
- Budget-focused platform with 100+ tools
- Cheapest battery replacements
- Good for absolute minimum budgets
- Tools are entry-level quality—expect shorter lifespans
My Honest Platform Recommendation
If you’re starting fresh with zero cordless tools: Go with Ryobi ONE+. The massive tool selection means you can build an entire workshop on one battery platform. Tool quality is perfectly adequate for homeowner use, and prices are reasonable.
If you only need 3-5 cordless tools total: SKIL PWR CORE 20 offers great bang-for-buck without platform lock-in concerns.
If you’re ultra budget-constrained: Black+Decker gets you working, but plan to upgrade to better tools eventually.
Want to see how these value saws compare to premium models? Check out our detailed comparison guides or browse our expert saw reviews for hands-on testing results.
The Honest Bottom Line: Which Value Saw Should You Buy?
After eight years of testing budget and premium saws, here’s my straight recommendation on the best cordless circular saw for the money:
If you have $100-120 to spend:
Buy the SKIL PWR CORE 20 kit (CR540602) for $80-105. You get everything you need in one box—saw, battery, charger—and it’ll handle any DIY project you throw at it for years. This is the saw I’d buy if I were starting over with limited funds.
If you already own Ryobi ONE+ batteries:
Get the Ryobi P507 tool-only for $99. Don’t waste money on redundant batteries and chargers. The saw performs great, and battery compatibility with your existing tools is valuable.
If your budget is truly under $100:
The Black+Decker BDCCS20C kit works for light-duty, occasional use. Just understand its limitations—this isn’t a saw for serious DIYers or regular use.
If you want full 7-1/4 inch cutting capacity:
Spend the extra $80-100 for the Craftsman V20 (CMCS551B) kit. You get premium-saw cutting depth at value-saw pricing.
My personal value strategy: I recommend people start with a value saw and upgrade later if they discover they need premium features. Many DIYers use value saws for years and never feel limited. Those who outgrow them can sell the value saw for $40-60 and upgrade, having lost minimal money while discovering what features they actually need.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need a $300 saw to build a deck or renovate a bathroom. You don’t. The SKIL or Ryobi will complete those projects just fine, and you’ll have $150-200 left over for other tools or materials.
Ready to maximize your tool budget? Visit our comprehensive buying guide for tips on building a complete workshop on a budget, or check out our how-to tutorials for cutting techniques that work with any saw.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best budget cordless circular saw?
The SKIL PWR CORE 20 6-1/2″ Circular Saw Kit (CR540602) is the best budget cordless circular saw in 2026, typically priced at $80-105 for a complete kit with battery and charger. It features a brushless motor for efficiency, PWR CORE 20 battery technology for extended runtime, and 4,700 RPM cutting speed. Despite its low price, it delivers reliable performance for typical DIY projects including cutting dimensional lumber, plywood, and deck materials. The 2-1/8 inch cutting depth handles all standard framing lumber in one pass.
Is it worth buying a cheap cordless circular saw?
It depends on your definition of “cheap” and intended use. Quality value saws in the $80-150 range (SKIL, Ryobi, Craftsman) offer excellent performance for DIY use and are absolutely worth buying. Ultra-cheap saws under $60 typically lack durability and adequate power—they’re only worth it for very occasional, light-duty use. The sweet spot for value is $100-180 complete kits that deliver years of reliable service. Spending less than $80 usually results in frustration and eventual replacement, while spending over $250 gets you premium features most DIYers don’t need.
How long do budget cordless circular saw batteries last?
Budget cordless circular saw batteries (2.0-3.0Ah capacity) typically provide 100-200 cuts per charge when cutting standard dimensional lumber like 2x4s. With proper care—storing at 40-50% charge, avoiding temperature extremes, and using the saw regularly—batteries last 3-5 years before capacity degrades noticeably. Higher-capacity batteries (4.0-5.0Ah) deliver 250-400 cuts per charge. Battery lifespan depends more on usage patterns than price—a well-maintained budget battery can outlast an abused premium battery. Budget replacement batteries cost $35-60 compared to $60-100 for premium brands.
Are brushless cordless circular saws worth the extra money?
For serious DIYers or frequent users, yes—brushless motors deliver 25-50% longer battery runtime, run cooler during extended use, and require no brush replacement maintenance. However, for occasional DIY use, quality brushed motors (like those in Ryobi or Craftsman value saws) work perfectly fine and save you $30-80. If you’re cutting more than 100 pieces per project or using the saw weekly, brushless is worth it. For monthly or less frequent use, brushed motors are adequate. The SKIL PWR CORE 20 offers brushless technology at budget pricing, making it exceptional value.
Should I buy a 6-1/2 inch or 7-1/4 inch cordless circular saw?
For most DIY use, 6-1/2 inch saws offer better value—they’re lighter (reducing arm fatigue), cost less, and the 2-1/8 inch cutting depth handles all standard dimensional lumber including 2x6s in one pass. Choose 7-1/4 inch saws only if you regularly cut material over 2 inches thick or want maximum versatility. The weight difference (typically 1-2 pounds) matters significantly during extended use. I recommend 6-1/2 inch for homeowners doing typical projects, 7-1/4 inch for contractors or anyone doing heavy-duty framing work. The smaller blade also means lower battery drain for equivalent cuts.
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Finlay Connolly is a woodworking enthusiast and power tool specialist with over a decade of hands-on experience in the workshop. As the founder and lead writer at ProTableSawReviews.com, Finlay combines expert knowledge with real-world testing to help woodworkers, DIYers, and professionals choose the best tools for the job. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for precision, Finlay is committed to providing trustworthy, practical advice backed by years of experience and research in the field. Whether you’re cutting dados or comparing fence systems, you can count on Finlay for honest, reliable reviews that make your next cut your best one.