Best Circular Saw UK 2026 — Cordless & Corded Trade Picks
From site carpentry to kitchen fitting, we’ve picked the best circular saws available in the UK right now — with honest trade-focused verdicts on each.
A circular saw is one of those tools where getting it right matters enormously and getting it wrong costs you time, money, and potentially a finger. Whether you’re a joiner ripping sheet material all day, an electrician occasionally notching joists, or a general builder who needs a reliable all-rounder, the saw you choose needs to match how you actually work — not just look impressive on a spec sheet.
The UK circular saw market has shifted dramatically toward cordless in the last few years. The latest 18V brushless models from the major brands now genuinely match or exceed the cutting performance of their corded equivalents, with the added benefit of no trailing cables on site. That said, corded saws still have a place — particularly for workshop use where you’re making hundreds of cuts a day and don’t want to think about battery management.
We’ve focused this guide on the saws that UK tradespeople actually use and trust. Every pick has been evaluated on cutting performance, build quality, ergonomics, battery ecosystem (for cordless), and real UK pricing and availability. No filler picks, no Amazon no-name brands — just the saws worth spending your money on.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Circular Saw | Best For | Blade | Max Depth (90°) | Price Range |
| Makita DHS680Z | Overall (cordless) | 165mm | 57mm | £130–£160 |
| Milwaukee M18 CCS55 | Power users (cordless) | 165mm | 55mm | £150–£185 |
| DeWalt DCS570N | Heavy-duty (cordless) | 184mm | 65mm | £140–£170 |
| Makita HS7601J | Best corded | 190mm | 66mm | £130–£160 |
| Bosch GKS 18V-57 | Budget cordless | 165mm | 57mm | £90–£120 |
| DeWalt DCS571N | Compact/trim work | 115mm | 38mm | £100–£130 |
All cordless prices shown are bare tool (body only). Battery and charger kits will add £80–£150 depending on the platform.
Cordless vs Corded: Which Should You Choose?
Five years ago, this was a genuine debate. Today, for most UK tradespeople, cordless is the obvious choice. The latest brushless motors paired with high-capacity 18V batteries deliver cutting performance that matches 1,200–1,400W corded saws, and the freedom from cables is transformative on a busy site. You’re not hunting for sockets, not tripping over extension leads, and not accidentally cutting through your own power supply.
Corded circular saws still make sense in two specific scenarios. First, if you’re working in a fixed workshop environment where the saw lives on a bench or cutting station and you’re making hundreds of cuts per day — the unlimited runtime of mains power means zero downtime. Second, if you need maximum cutting depth and power for heavy structural timbers, a 190mm corded saw with a 1,200W+ motor still offers a slight edge over most 18V equivalents in sustained heavy cutting.
For everyone else — site joiners, electricians, plumbers, kitchen fitters, general builders — a good 18V cordless circular saw with a 5.0Ah battery is the right call. You’ll get a solid day’s work from two batteries, and the convenience is worth every penny.
1. Makita DHS680Z — Best Cordless Circular Saw Overall
The Makita DHS680Z has earned its reputation as the UK’s most popular cordless circular saw, and after years of tradespeople putting it through its paces, that reputation is thoroughly deserved. This is the saw that site joiners, kitchen fitters, and second-fix carpenters reach for day after day, and there are good reasons why.
The 165mm blade is driven by Makita’s brushless motor at up to 5,000 RPM, and the electronic speed control automatically adjusts power delivery based on cutting load. In practice, this means the saw maintains consistent blade speed whether you’re crosscutting softwood battens or ripping through 18mm MDF, without the motor bogging down. The cutting depth of 57mm at 90 degrees covers the vast majority of trade cutting tasks, and the bevel adjusts to a generous 50 degrees.
What genuinely sets this saw apart is how it feels in your hand. At just 3.3kg (bare tool), it’s noticeably lighter than most competitors, and the balance is excellent. After a full day of cutting, that weight difference translates directly into less fatigue. The Efficut 165mm blade that ships with the saw is genuinely impressive — thin kerf for reduced battery drain, yet it leaves a remarkably clean finish on hardwoods. Many tradespeople report that the stock blade outperforms aftermarket blades from other manufacturers.
The sky hook is a small but appreciated touch — a retractable metal hook that lets you hang the saw from a rafter or scaffold while you’re working at height. The electronic brake stops the blade almost instantly when you release the trigger, which is a genuine safety benefit on a busy site.
Who it’s best for: Site joiners, kitchen fitters, second-fix carpenters, and anyone who values lightweight handling and all-day comfort. If you’re already in the Makita LXT ecosystem, this is the obvious choice.
Worth knowing: The 57mm maximum depth means this won’t cut through full 3-inch (75mm) timber in a single pass. If you regularly work with heavy structural timbers, consider the DeWalt DCS570N with its 184mm blade for the extra depth. The grip can also feel tight for larger hands, particularly with work gloves.
➡ Related: Milwaukee vs Makita — Full Platform Comparison
2. Milwaukee M18 FUEL CCS55 — Best for Power and Smart Features
Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL circular saw brings the brand’s characteristic approach — maximum power, advanced electronics, and premium build quality at a premium price. The POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers cutting performance that genuinely rivals 15-amp corded saws, and when paired with a HIGH OUTPUT or FORGE battery, this saw maintains consistent power right through to the end of the charge cycle rather than gradually fading as the battery depletes.
The REDLINK PLUS intelligence system provides overload protection, preventing damage to both the tool and battery during heavy cuts. It’s the kind of feature you don’t notice until the one time it saves you from burning out a motor mid-cut. Build quality is excellent throughout — the magnesium guard, aluminium shoe, and overall construction feel bulletproof.
For 2026, Milwaukee has introduced ONE-KEY compatible versions of their circular saws, adding Bluetooth tool tracking, AutoStop kickback control, and VacLink wireless dust extraction activation. These features are genuinely useful for larger operations managing multiple tools across sites, though sole traders may find the standard non-ONE-KEY model offers better value.
Who it’s best for: Tradespeople who demand maximum cutting power and are already invested in the Milwaukee M18 ecosystem. Particularly strong for framers and those cutting dense hardwoods or engineered timbers regularly.
Worth knowing: It’s heavier than the Makita DHS680Z and comes at a higher price point. If you’re not already on the Milwaukee platform, the cost of buying into the battery ecosystem adds significantly to the total investment.
➡ Related: Milwaukee vs Makita — Full Platform Comparison
3. DeWalt DCS570N — Best for Heavy-Duty Cordless Cutting
If you need more cutting depth than a 165mm saw can offer but still want to stay cordless, the DeWalt DCS570N is the answer. The 184mm blade provides a maximum cutting depth of 65mm at 90 degrees — that’s a significant step up from the Makita and Milwaukee 165mm saws, and enough to handle most structural timber in a single pass.
The brushless motor spins the blade at 5,500 RPM, and DeWalt’s XR battery platform delivers reliable, consistent power. The saw weighs 3.6kg bare, which is heavier than the Makita DHS680Z but reasonable for a larger-bladed saw. The bevel adjustment is smooth with positive stops at common angles, and the overall build quality is solid with a robust aluminium base plate.
DeWalt’s positioning in the UK market is interesting. The brand tends to sit between Makita and Milwaukee on price, often offering a compelling middle ground of performance and value. The DCS570N is a perfect example — it delivers serious cutting capability at a price point that doesn’t feel excessive, and DeWalt’s XR battery platform is widely available and competitively priced.
Who it’s best for: First-fix carpenters, general builders, and anyone who regularly cuts timber thicker than 50mm. The extra blade size makes this a more versatile site saw than the 165mm alternatives.
Worth knowing: The larger blade diameter means slightly more battery drain per cut compared to 165mm saws. Budget for at least two 5.0Ah batteries for a full day’s work on a busy site.
4. Makita HS7601J — Best Corded Circular Saw
If you want the best corded circular saw available in the UK right now, the Makita HS7601J is it. This 190mm saw has been a trade favourite for years, and its continued popularity speaks to its fundamental quality. The 1,200W motor drives the blade at 5,200 RPM, delivering effortless cuts through everything from construction-grade softwood to dense English oak.
The 66mm maximum cutting depth at 90 degrees is the deepest on this list, handling thick structural timbers that would require two passes on a cordless 165mm saw. The aluminium base plate is flat and true, the depth adjustment is smooth with a single-action lever, and the overall build quality is classic Makita — functional, robust, and built to last years of daily use.
At around £130–£160 including the MAKPAC carry case, it represents outstanding value. There’s no blade-tracking laser and no electronic frills, but what you get is a saw that cuts beautifully, handles well, and never lets you down. For workshop-based joiners and carpenters who value reliability over gadgetry, this is a difficult saw to beat.
Who it’s best for: Workshop-based joiners, carpenters working from a fixed bench, and anyone making high volumes of cuts where unlimited mains power is an advantage.
Worth knowing: At 3.8kg, it’s not the lightest saw here, and you’ll obviously need a power supply. The 190mm blade means the saw is physically larger than 165mm models, which can be less convenient for transport.
5. Bosch Professional GKS 18V-57 — Best Budget Cordless Option
Not everyone needs or wants a £150+ circular saw. If you’re an electrician who occasionally needs to notch a joist, a plumber who makes a handful of cuts per week, or a tradesperson building out a cordless toolkit on a budget, the Bosch Professional GKS 18V-57 delivers solid performance at a more accessible price point.
The 165mm blade cuts to 57mm at 90 degrees — matching the Makita DHS680Z — and the brushless motor provides enough power for clean cuts through standard construction timbers and sheet materials. It’s part of Bosch’s 18V Professional system, so if you already own Bosch blue tools, the batteries are interchangeable across the platform.
Build quality is good without being exceptional. The base plate is aluminium, the blade guard operates smoothly, and the depth and bevel adjustments are straightforward. It doesn’t have the premium feel of the Makita or Milwaukee, but for the price, it’s a genuinely capable saw that will serve intermittent users well.
Who it’s best for: Tradespeople who need a circular saw for occasional use rather than daily cutting. Also a solid choice for anyone already on the Bosch Professional 18V platform.
6. DeWalt DCS571N — Best Compact Circular Saw
Sometimes you don’t need a full-size circular saw. For cutting sheet materials, trimming kitchen worktops to size, or making precise cuts in tight spaces, a compact circular saw is the right tool. The DeWalt DCS571N is the best in this category, packing a surprisingly capable 115mm blade into a compact, one-handed design.
The 38mm cutting depth at 90 degrees won’t handle structural timber, but it’s more than enough for plywood, MDF, laminate, and most sheet goods. The brushless motor on DeWalt’s 18V XR platform delivers smooth, controlled cuts, and the compact size makes it genuinely useful in situations where a full-size saw would be unwieldy — cutting worktop returns in a fitted kitchen, for example, or trimming shelving on site.
Who it’s best for: Kitchen fitters, shopfitters, and tradespeople who primarily cut sheet materials. A brilliant second saw to complement a full-size model.
Circular Saw Buying Guide: What Actually Matters
Blade Size
This is the single most important specification because it directly determines your maximum cutting depth. A 165mm blade typically gives you 55–57mm depth at 90 degrees, which handles most construction timbers up to about 2-inch (50mm) thickness. A 184mm or 190mm blade extends that to 64–66mm, covering heavier structural work. For sheet materials and trim work, a compact 115mm blade is more than sufficient.
Brushless vs Brushed Motors
For any saw you’re buying in 2026, a brushless motor should be non-negotiable. They’re more efficient (meaning longer battery life on cordless), more powerful, generate less heat, and last significantly longer than brushed alternatives. Every saw on this list uses a brushless motor, and at this point, any new cordless saw with a brushed motor should be considered outdated.
Blade Quality
The blade that ships with your saw matters more than most people realise. A quality thin-kerf blade removes less material per cut, which means less battery drain and a cleaner finish. Makita’s Efficut blades are particularly well-regarded. Regardless of which saw you choose, investing in a decent aftermarket blade (Freud, Trend, or Makita Efficut) for finish work is money well spent.
Base Plate Material
Aluminium or magnesium base plates are significantly more durable and accurate than pressed steel alternatives. A flat, true base plate is essential for straight cuts, and a warped base plate — common on cheaper saws — will haunt every cut you make. All the saws on this list feature aluminium or magnesium bases.
Battery Ecosystem
If you’re buying cordless, your choice of circular saw is inseparable from your choice of battery platform. Buying a circular saw from a different brand to the rest of your kit means maintaining a separate set of batteries and chargers, which is expensive and inconvenient. Choose a saw that fits the platform you’re already invested in, or use a circular saw purchase as the starting point for building a new ecosystem.
➡ Related: Milwaukee vs Makita — Full Platform Comparison
➡ Related: Best Cordless Drills for Electricians
The Verdict
For the majority of UK tradespeople, the Makita DHS680Z remains the circular saw to beat. Its combination of cutting performance, lightweight handling, excellent stock blade, and the depth of the LXT battery platform make it the most complete package on the market. It’s been the UK’s favourite cordless circular saw for several years running, and nothing in the current market has dethroned it.
If you need more raw power and you’re already on Milwaukee M18, the FUEL CCS55 is a formidable alternative that’ll handle anything you throw at it. For heavier structural cutting, the DeWalt DCS570N’s 184mm blade gives you the extra depth that 165mm saws can’t match. And for workshop use where cordless isn’t necessary, the Makita HS7601J corded saw is simply outstanding.
Whichever saw you choose, invest in your batteries. A circular saw is one of the most power-hungry tools in any cordless platform, and trying to run one on a 2.0Ah battery is a false economy. Start with at least two 5.0Ah packs and a rapid charger, and you’ll have a setup that keeps you cutting all day without interruption.
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