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Circular saws can be a true game changer for DIY projects or professional woodworking options. But they can also be extremely expensive.
In order to help your budget out, we have compiled a list of some of the most affordable circular saws on the market. Read on to learn more about these awesome and cost effective options.
Comparison of the Best Circular Saws Under $100
Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
Dewalt DWE575SB  | Best Overall | |
Skilsaw SPT67WL-01  | Runner-up | |
TECCPO Compact Circular Saw  | Best for the Money | |
Tacklife TCS115A  | Best Compact Circular Saw Under $100 | |
Tacklife PES01A  | Best Lightweight Circular Saw Under $100 |
What Does a Circular Saw Do?
You may think a circular saw has a limited range of cutting options, but you would be surprised. These are actually some of the most versatile tools on the market. Check out some of the cutting options for circular saws:
Making Long Cuts
If you need to make long cuts, you really can’t find a better tool than a circular saw. Say goodbye to the days of wrestling unwieldy, bulky boards through your narrow table saw.
With a circular saw, you will be able to cut even the longest boards with high levels of speed and accuracy. Beyond boards, many circular saws can cut tile and metals as well, so long as you have the right blade!
Making Straight Cuts
Speaking of accuracy, how does making the straightest cuts of your life sound to you? This is another area that circular saws can really excel at. If you are working on a project that prioritizes straight, neat, clean cuts, you will not be able to find a method that works better than using a circular saw.
Can You Really Find a Quality Circular Saw That’s Affordable?
It is the ever present debate with power tools: do you go with the cheaper model, or the one that is actually made of quality material and can get the job done effectively?
Most people believe that you need to choose one or the other – you either need to break the bank, or you need to compromise on effectiveness. With circular saws, the truth is you actually can have the best of both worlds.
For a reasonable price, you will not have to deal with the pitfalls of poorly made products, such as inadequate safety features or a limited range of durability. You will be surprised at how far your money can go when it comes to these product options.
What to Look for When Buying a Circular Saw
How do you know what makes a good quality saw? We have laid it out for you:
Motor Power
Make sure you find yourself a saw with appropriate motor power for what you are trying to cut. Keep in mind that the stronger the motor, typically the more heavy the saw becomes. Strike a good balance that works for you in this area.
Safety Features
Nothing is more important than personal safety when you are working with power tools. Fortunately, many of the models on today’s market have additional safety features, like an emergency shut off or a two button power system. Find yourself a model that will help you keep all your fingers and limbs intact.
Size
As mentioned above, size and weight can be a big factor in your own personal effectiveness working with circular saws. Size can also impact what you can cut with your saw, and if you can get it into tight spaces. Choose a saw that is the best size for your particular projects - if you are working on making small, precise cuts that need to be aesthetically pleasing (such as cutting tile for your bathroom backsplash), a smaller saw may be the better choice for you. If you want to make large cuts, such as on longer boards, a larger saw will be able to go the distance better.
Quick Take: Best Circular Saws Under $100
Hoping to cut right to the chase? Below are the best circular saws under $100:
Review of the Best Circular Saws Under $100
Now that you know more about what circular saws can do for you, let’s check out some actual products:
Best Overall:
Dewalt DWE575SB
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
People appreciate some of the convenience aspects the manufacturers provided on this model. One example is the included wrench for changing out the saw blades, which can be stored on the saw itself so that you will never lose it.
What We Love About It
We absolutely adore how lightweight this bad boy is. For all it can handle, it is really surprisingly that it comes in at just under nine pounds and is incredibly easy to carry to wherever your work site may be.
Who’s This Perfect For?
If you are someone who likes to haul your saw with you everywhere you go, you will greatly appreciate this model. Not only is it lightweight, as mentioned above, it is also extremely tough and durable. Even its cord is specifically designed to last through some rough wear and tear!
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this model was our top overall choice - it is one of the toughest saws around, and will be able to stand up to anything you throw at it. If you are a mobile woodworker who cares about accessibility and convenience, you will not be able to find a better choice than this model.
Runner-up:
Skilsaw SPT67WL-01
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
Users love the attention to detail the manufacturers included in the design of this saw. They are particularly impressed by the bevel degree marking system. While most saws mark their bevel degrees in increments of five, this SKILSAW marks each degree individually for maximum precision when adjusting.
What We Love About It
We appreciate the lever system on this saw. Both the bevel and depth adjustment levels will lock tightly into place once set, ensuring no slippage. They also release easily, so you will not be needing to wrestle with them when you could be cutting.
Who’s This Perfect For?
This is one of the most durable models available on the market today, so if you intend to do a ton of cutting and multiple jobs per day, this is the product for you. You will not have to worry about the saw seizing up or overheating.
Final Thoughts
Durability is the name of the game with this product option - you will be able to count on this model for years and years to come. If you appreciate precise cuts, a model that will not back down, and some excellent convenience features, you will not be disappointed by this impressive little saw.
Best for the Money:
TECCPO Compact Circular Saw
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
Users love that this model comes with its own dust extraction hose. Forget the hassle of finding and clearing out all the sawdust from the nooks and crannies, just hook the hose up to a ShopVac and you are good to go!
What We Love About It
We could not believe our eyes when we saw the price point for this saw. Could it be possible that something for that cheap could actually perform at a high level? The answer is a resounding yes!
Who’s This Perfect For?
If you want a model that can handle pretty much any material, this is the option for you. This saw comes with three different types of blades: a blade for wood with twenty four teeth, a blade for metal and plastic with forty four teeth, and a diamond blade (with no teeth) for cutting tile.
Final Thoughts
We promise, the price is not too good to be true. If you are looking for a versatile saw that will not break the bank, you will not be able to find one that works better for you than this model. Plus, its included warranty ensures that if you find anything you dislike about this product, TECCPO will make it right.
Best Compact Circular Saw Under $100:
Tacklife TCS115A
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
Users are big fans of everything they can use this saw for. They report that it can handle cutting through not just wood, but also plaster board, plastics, PVC pipe, and even tile.
What We Love About It
We liked the additional safety features built into this model. If you are a little spooked at the idea of operating a handheld circular saw, it will be reassuring to know that this TACKLIFE has a two button power system, meaning your saw will never be able to accidentally start up and chew through whatever is closest to it.
Who’s This Perfect For?
Because of the smaller size, this model is an ideal option for smaller users and those who may not have the strength to haul a huge saw around for long periods of time. Women in particular report that they feel very comfortable when using this saw.
Final Thoughts
This is a phenomenal product option that works especially well for getting into tight spaces and making cuts at odd angles, thanks to its compact nature and the ease with which it can be maneuvered. If you want a saw that is simple to operate, you can’t go wrong with this model!
Best Lightweight Circular Saw Under $100:
Tacklife PESO1A
PROS
CONS
What Are People Saying?
For its size and weight, users are extremely impressed with this model’s motor power and speed. With motor operating at 12.5 amps, it can reach speeds of up to 4500 rotations per minute. How’s that for fast, efficient cutting?
What We Love About It
We were big fans of the laser guide on this model, which allows you to make extremely precise cuts. If you have any doubts about your abilities to make straight cuts with a circular saw, this product will put you completely at ease and help boost your confidence.
Who’s This Perfect For?
If you are sick and tired of saws that cause permanent hearing damage not only to yourself, but also to everyone in a twenty mile radius, put those noisy models down forever. This product is one of the quietest options on the market.
Final Thoughts
This saw model strikes an excellent balance between making quick cuts and making accurate cuts. Plus, it is extremely lightweight and easy to handle, making it a good option to use for long periods of time and bigger projects. You will not have much to complain about when working with this model!
Types of Circular Saws
When looking for the best saw model, you may run into some language describing saw type. Here are the two main types broken down for you:
Sidewinder
These are the most common circular saws on the market. If you are working with a compact saw, odds are it is most likely a sidewinder, because these saws have the motor mounted on the side of the saw, which allows for a smaller overall tool.
This smaller size also typically results in a lighter saw weight, making these saws ideal for transporting to jobs outside of your workshop or when maneuvering into tight spaces and making overhead style cuts. The motor location directly adjacent to the blade also means these saws can usually operate at a faster rate than other types of circular saws.
Worm Drive
The difference between a sidewinder saw and a worm drive circular saw is that worm drive saws mount their motors towards the back of the machine, rather than right next to the blade. These saws are more narrow than sidewinders, but bulkier and can be more difficult to handle. However, despite these drawbacks, worm drive motors boast more torque than sidewinder motors, which helps with cutting longer work pieces and making plunge cuts.
How to Maintain Your Circular Saw
Circular saws are one of the easiest power tools to have and to maintain. Worm drive saws require slightly more maintenance than sidewinder saws, but even then it is not too much.
The first thing you should pay attention to on your saw is the power cord. It may seem needless, but a nicked power cord can actually be a huge safety hazard, so if your cord is worn down, get a replacement as soon as possible.
Also, make sure you are regularly checking your brushes to ensure they are still a usable length, and the ends are still shiny and resilient. Clear out your brush holders of dust to help preserve your brushes even longer. And of course, you need to make sure your blade is sharp or replace it if necessary.
Do not forget your saw’s safety features as well – check that the blade guard is still functional and not cracked or broken. Finally, make sure your machine is still greased up properly.
Check out the included video below for a more in-depth look at how to maintain your saw.
People Also Ask
Circular saws can be a handful to work with. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions regarding these tools:
What Materials Can a Circular Saw Cut?
A circular saw can cut basically any type of material you throw at it. Wood is the most common material used, of course, but circular saws can also handle metal, aluminum, tile, and more. Just make sure you switch out the blades depending on which material you are cutting. Here are some popular related articles.
- How to Use a Circular Saw
- How to Cut Concrete Blocks With a Circular Saw
- Cutting Plywood With a Circular Saw
- Cutting Granite With Circular Saw
- How to Cut Thick Wood With Circular Saw
What Size Circular Saw Should I Get?
This question is directly related to the previous question – what material are you intending to cut, and what kind of cuts are you intending to make? Larger circular saws are best for making long cuts and cutting tougher materials, such as tile or metal. Smaller circular saws are easier to work with, but might not be able to stand up to intense material or super lengthy cuts.
Conclusion
Circular saws do not actually have to break the bank. When you choose a saw for a lower price, you can find models that will not force you to compromise on quality. We have outlined a thorough list of the best options – we promise you will not be disappointed with any of our chosen models!