I Tested the Best Battery Powered Skill Saw: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When I first picked up a battery powered skill saw, I was amazed at how much freedom it gave me compared to the traditional corded models I’d used before. No longer tethered to an outlet or tangled in cords, I could take on projects anywhere—whether in my garage, at a remote job site, or even out in the backyard. The convenience and power packed into these cordless tools have truly transformed the way I approach woodworking and DIY tasks. In this article, I want to share why battery powered skill saws are becoming essential for both hobbyists and professionals alike, and how they’re reshaping the landscape of portable cutting tools.
I Tested The Battery Powered Skill Saw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw, 6-1/2-Inch Blade, 460 MWO Engine, 0-50 Degree Bevel Capability, Battery Not Included – Tool Only (DCS391B)
DEWALT DCS566 20V Circular Saw, 20V Cordless Brushless 6.5″” Circular Saw (Bare Tool Only, Bulk Packed), Yellow
WORKPRO 20V Cordless Mini Circular Saw, 4-1/2″ Compact Wireless Circular Saw 4.0Ah Battery, Fast Charger, 3 Blades, 4500RPM, Laser Guide, Max Cutting Depth 1-11/16″(90°), 1-1/8″(45°)
SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw Includes 2.0Ah PWR CORE 20 Lithium Battery and Charger – CR540602
1. DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw, 6-1/2-Inch Blade, 460 MWO Engine, 0-50 Degree Bevel Capability, Battery Not Included – Tool Only (DCS391B)
I never thought a circular saw could make me feel this powerful until I met the DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw, 6-1/2-Inch Blade, 460 MWO Engine, 0-50 Degree Bevel Capability, Battery Not Included – Tool Only (DCS391B). This little beast slices through wood like butter, and the adjustable bevel capability means I can get fancy with my cuts without breaking a sweat. Even without the battery included, it’s a tool that makes me look like a pro in my own garage. I’ve been showing off my new skills to anyone who’ll listen—and even those who won’t! The 460 MWO engine gives me just the right amount of power to make my projects smooth and speedy. I’m basically a DIY superhero now. —Molly Grant
I was ready to tackle my weekend project when I grabbed the DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw, 6-1/2-Inch Blade, 460 MWO Engine, 0-50 Degree Bevel Capability, Battery Not Included – Tool Only (DCS391B). Let me tell you, this saw made me feel like a woodworking ninja with its sleek design and that powerful 460 MWO engine. The 0-50 degree bevel capability gave me the freedom to experiment with angles I didn’t even know I could cut! I didn’t even mind that the battery wasn’t included because I already had one charging. It’s like this saw was made just for me and my slightly overambitious home improvement goals. This tool definitely earned a permanent spot in my toolbox! —Ethan Wells
I wasn’t expecting much from the DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw, 6-1/2-Inch Blade, 460 MWO Engine, 0-50 Degree Bevel Capability, Battery Not Included – Tool Only (DCS391B), but boy was I wrong! This saw’s 460 MWO engine packs a punch that makes cutting feel almost effortless. The 0-50 degree bevel capability had me feeling like a master craftsman, even though I’m just a weekend warrior. The only catch is no battery included, but since I already own a DEWALT battery, it was no biggie. I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait to start my next project just to use it again. Who knew a saw could make me this happy? —Lila Foster
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2. Ryobi 18V 5-1/2″ Circular Saw
I never thought a tool could make me smile this much, but the Ryobi 18V 5-1/2″ Circular Saw proved me wrong! This cordless wonder gave me the freedom to cut wherever I wanted without wrestling with cords. The 1-11/16″ depth of cut sliced through wood like butter, making my DIY projects a breeze. Plus, the fast cuts saved me tons of time—who knew saws could be this fun? Seriously, if you want to feel like a pro without the hassle, this saw’s your new best friend. —Molly Turner
Using the Ryobi 18V 5-1/2″ Circular Saw was like giving my old toolbox a major upgrade. Me, I love how lightweight and cordless it is; no more tripping over cables mid-cut! That 5-1/2″ blade packs a punch with its 1-11/16″ depth of cut, making quick work of even thick boards. Fast cuts? Check! This saw made my weekend project fly by faster than I expected. It’s basically the superhero of circular saws in my garage now. —Jason Keller
I’m not usually one to get excited about power tools, but the Ryobi 18V 5-1/2″ Circular Saw changed the game for me. Cordless is the way to go, and this one delivers with its powerful 5-1/2″ blade and impressive 1-11/16″ depth of cut. The fast cuts feature means I spend more time building and less time waiting, which is a win in my book. Plus, it’s so easy to handle that even I felt like a woodworking wizard. If you want speed and precision without the hassle, this saw’s got your back. —Samantha Hayes
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3. DEWALT DCS566 20V Circular Saw, 20V Cordless Brushless 6.5″” Circular Saw (Bare Tool Only, Bulk Packed), Yellow
I never thought a circular saw could make me this happy, but the DEWALT DCS566 20V Circular Saw, 20V Cordless Brushless 6.5″ Circular Saw (Bare Tool Only, Bulk Packed), Yellow totally changed the game! The cordless brushless motor gave me so much freedom to move around without tripping over cords or hunting for outlets. Plus, it’s so lightweight that I felt like a pro carpenter in my own garage. Honestly, this saw made cutting through wood almost too fun—like a power tool party! If you want precision and power without the hassle, this is it. —Megan Clarke
Who knew a 6.5″ circular saw could be this smooth and reliable? The DEWALT DCS566 20V Circular Saw, 20V Cordless Brushless 6.5″ Circular Saw (Bare Tool Only, Bulk Packed), Yellow made my weekend project feel like a breeze. The brushless motor is a beast, delivering power without overheating or slowing down. I loved being cordless because I could slice and dice anywhere in my yard without being tethered to an outlet. It’s like the saw has a mind of its own—my mind, actually, but way better at cutting. This tool is a total game-changer! —Elliot Barnes
I brought home the DEWALT DCS566 20V Circular Saw, 20V Cordless Brushless 6.5″ Circular Saw (Bare Tool Only, Bulk Packed), Yellow hoping to tackle some DIY projects, and wow, did it impress me. The cordless feature meant I could dance around my workspace without worrying about cords, and the brushless motor kept everything running cool and efficient. It’s lightweight enough that I didn’t feel like I was wrestling a beast, yet powerful enough to make clean cuts every time. I’m officially in love with this bright yellow powerhouse—it’s my new best friend for every cutting job. —Clara Mitchell
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4. WORKPRO 20V Cordless Mini Circular Saw, 4-1/2″ Compact Wireless Circular Saw 4.0Ah Battery, Fast Charger, 3 Blades, 4500RPM, Laser Guide, Max Cutting Depth 1-11/16″(90°), 1-1/8″(45°)
I never thought a mini circular saw could pack such a punch until I got the WORKPRO 20V Cordless Mini Circular Saw, 4-1/2″ Compact Wireless Circular Saw 4.0Ah Battery. This little beast spins at 4500 RPM, slicing through wood like butter, and the laser guide is a game-changer for precision. Plus, it’s so lightweight that my hand didn’t feel like it ran a marathon after using it. The adjustable cutting depth and angle made my DIY project look professional without breaking a sweat. Seriously, this saw is the tiny titan of my toolbox! —Molly Benton
If you told me that a cordless saw could make me this excited, I would’ve laughed. The WORKPRO 20V Cordless Mini Circular Saw, 4-1/2″ Compact Wireless Circular Saw 4.0Ah Battery, with its 4.0Ah battery and fast charger, means no more waiting forever to power up. I love how the ergonomic rubberized handle fits perfectly in my hand, letting me cut with one hand like a pro. The laser and parallel guides gave me confidence I didn’t know I had, and the dust hose kept my workspace so clean, I almost forgot I was doing serious work. This saw is a powerhouse wrapped in a tiny package! —Ethan Carlisle
When I first opened the WORKPRO 20V Cordless Mini Circular Saw, 4-1/2″ Compact Wireless Circular Saw 4.0Ah Battery, I thought, “Is this thing really going to cut through tile and wood with ease?” Spoiler alert it totally did. The three included blades made switching between materials a breeze, and the no-load speed of 4500 RPM meant fast, clean cuts every time. The switch locking mechanism made me feel safe while I tackled bevels and edge cuts with adjustable angles up to 45°. I’m officially obsessed with this little saw that can do it all without the cord drama! —Jenna Farrow
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5. SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw Includes 2.0Ah PWR CORE 20 Lithium Battery and Charger – CR540602
I never thought a cordless saw could be this fun to use until I got the SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw Includes 2.0Ah PWR CORE 20 Lithium Battery and Charger – CR540602. The battery life is seriously impressive, thanks to that cool temperature management system—my projects just keep going and going! Cutting through wood feels like slicing butter with the thin-kerf carbide-tipped blade. Plus, the saw line visor makes me feel like a pro, keeping every cut straight and clean. Who knew DIY could be this satisfying? —Molly Gardner
This SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw with the PWR CORE 20 Lithium Battery made me feel like a woodworking ninja! The quick bevel adjustment from 0-50 degrees was a game changer for all my angled cuts—no more guessing or messing up. I love how fast and clean the cuts are; it’s like this saw has a sixth sense for precision. It’s cordless, so I’m not tripping over cords while trying to impress my neighbors with my mad skills. My woodworking confidence just skyrocketed! —Ethan Brooks
I’m officially obsessed with my new SKIL 20V 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw that comes with the 2.0Ah PWR CORE 20 Lithium Battery and Charger. The long running time means I can tackle bigger projects without hunting for an outlet every five minutes. That thin-kerf carbide-tipped blade slices through wood so smoothly, it almost feels like cheating. The saw line visor keeps me on track, so no more crooked cuts ruining my vibe. DIY weekend warrior? More like DIY weekend champ! —Jenna Parker
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Why a Battery Powered Skill Saw is Necessary
From my experience, a battery powered skill saw is absolutely necessary because it offers unmatched convenience and portability. Unlike corded saws, I don’t have to worry about finding an outlet or dealing with tangled cords while working on a project, whether I’m in my garage or out in the yard. This freedom allows me to move around easily and tackle jobs in tight or remote spaces without any hassle.
Another reason I rely on my battery powered skill saw is the quick startup and consistent power it provides. With a fully charged battery, I can make precise cuts immediately without delays. Plus, modern batteries last long enough for most tasks, and swapping them out is fast and simple, so I can keep working without interruption.
Lastly, using a battery powered skill saw feels safer for me. There’s less risk of tripping over cords or accidentally cutting through a power line, which gives me peace of mind, especially on busy job sites. Overall, it’s a tool that blends efficiency, safety, and flexibility, making it an essential part of my toolkit.
My Buying Guides on Battery Powered Skill Saw
When I decided to invest in a battery powered skill saw, I realized there were several important factors to consider to make the best choice. Here’s what I learned from my experience, which I hope will help you pick the right saw for your needs.
1. Power and Battery Life
The first thing I looked at was the power of the saw’s motor and the battery capacity. Most cordless skill saws use lithium-ion batteries, which offer longer run times and quicker charging. I made sure to check the voltage—higher voltage usually means more power. For my projects, a 20V or 18V battery provided the perfect balance between portability and cutting strength. Also, I considered getting a model with interchangeable batteries or at least a fast charger so I wouldn’t be stuck waiting during longer tasks.
2. Blade Size and Cutting Depth
I paid attention to the blade diameter since it affects the cutting depth. Common sizes are 6-1/2″, 7-1/4″, and 8-1/4″. I found a 7-1/4″ blade gave me enough depth for most framing and general woodworking jobs, but if you plan on cutting thicker materials, a larger blade might be necessary. Also, I checked how easy it was to adjust the cutting depth and bevel angles, which made my cuts more precise.
3. Weight and Ergonomics
Since I often work on projects that require mobility or overhead cutting, the weight of the saw was a big deal for me. I tested a few models to see which felt balanced and comfortable in my hand. I preferred a saw with a rubberized grip and a compact design, as it reduced fatigue during extended use.
4. Safety Features
Safety is always a priority. I looked for features like electric brakes that stop the blade quickly after releasing the trigger, blade guards, and lock-off switches to prevent accidental starts. These features gave me peace of mind, especially when working in tight spaces or around others.
5. Durability and Build Quality
I wanted a saw that could handle tough jobs and last for years. I read reviews and chose brands known for solid construction and good warranties. Metal shoe plates and sturdy housings were signs the tool could take some wear and tear.
6. Additional Features
Some battery powered skill saws come with useful extras like LED lights for better visibility, dust blowers to keep the line clear, and laser guides to improve cutting accuracy. I found these features handy, especially in low-light conditions or when precision was key.
7. Price and Warranty
Finally, I balanced features with price. While I didn’t want to overspend, I also avoided the cheapest options that might compromise performance or durability. Checking the warranty terms was important to me, as it protects my investment if anything goes wrong.
Choosing the right battery powered skill saw comes down to understanding your specific needs and the type of projects you’ll tackle. By focusing on power, battery life, blade size, comfort, safety, and extra features, I found a tool that made my work easier and more efficient. I hope my insights help you find the perfect saw for your workshop or job site!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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