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A circular saw under $100 is a real category -- not a compromise. The best options here handle framing lumber, sheet goods, and decking reliably. The weakest ones will frustrate you inside a week. We compared five models to separate them.
Our top pick: DEWALT DCS391B 20V MAX. If you are already in the DEWALT 20V MAX ecosystem, this is the correct circular saw -- clean cuts, 6-1/2-inch blade, and the same battery you are already running on your drill and impact driver.
Our Top 5 Circular Saws Under $100
1. DEWALT DCS391B 20V MAX -- Best Overall
The DCS391B is the standard recommendation for anyone in the DEWALT ecosystem who needs a circular saw. Even as a bare tool, it is a real circular saw -- not a trimmed-down homeowner version. The 6-1/2-inch blade cuts 2-1/4 inches at 90 degrees and 1-5/8 inches at 45 degrees, which covers every common framing and decking application.
The magnesium footplate is solid and does not flex under lateral pressure the way the plastic base on the BLACK+DECKER does. The bevel detent stops at 45 degrees are positive and repeatable -- you can set a consistent miter without guessing. The cam-lock miter detent is fast to adjust in the field.
The 5,150 RPM motor handles ripping 3/4-inch plywood and crosscutting 2x material without bogging. It is not a framing contractor saw -- for full-day production framing, you want a 7-1/4-inch corded saw. But for a homeowner or DIYer doing weekend projects, deck repairs, and finish work, the DCS391B handles everything you will throw at it.
- 6-1/2" blade -- 2-1/4" depth at 90, 1-5/8" depth at 45
- 5,150 RPM motor
- Magnesium footplate -- solid, no flex
- Cam-lock miter detent -- fast bevel adjustment
- Compatible with all DEWALT 20V MAX batteries
- Lightweight at 5.7 lbs bare
Specs: Blade: 6-1/2" | RPM: 5,150 | Depth at 90: 2-1/4" | Depth at 45: 1-5/8" | Battery: 20V MAX
The Metabo HPT C7SB3 is the best corded circular saw under $100 for serious cutting volume. It runs a 7-1/4-inch blade at 5,800 RPM off a 15-amp motor -- more blade and more power than any of the cordless options here -- and it does not have the runtime limitation of a battery. If you are cutting a full sheet of plywood or ripping deck boards for hours, corded is the right choice in this price range.
The double-insulated aluminum die-cast base is flat and accurate. The electric brake stops the blade quickly after releasing the trigger, which is the safety feature you miss most on saws that do not have it. Bevel capacity goes to 56 degrees, which covers every standard cut. It is the right corded option if your application is high-volume cutting where battery management is a distraction.
- 7-1/4" blade -- 2-9/16" depth at 90, 1-15/16" at 45
- 5,800 RPM, 15-amp motor
- Electric brake -- fast blade stop after trigger release
- 56-degree bevel capacity
- Die-cast aluminum base -- accurate and flat
- Corded -- no battery limitation
Specs: Blade: 7-1/4" | RPM: 5,800 | Motor: 15A | Depth at 90: 2-9/16" | Bevel: 0-56 degrees
3. SKIL 5280-01 -- Best Corded Under $50
The SKIL 5280-01 is the right answer when the budget is hard-capped at the current retailer price and the application is residential DIY -- framing a small shed, ripping furring strips, cutting trim. The 15-amp motor runs a 7-1/4-inch blade and generates enough power for everything a homeowner will reasonably attempt.
The SKIL is not a tool for extended heavy use. The plastic shoe is functional but less accurate than the Metabo HPT's aluminum base, and the build quality reflects the price point. The sawdust blower keeps your cut line visible, which is a practical feature at this price. For occasional use where the saw spends most of its time on a shelf, the SKIL is adequate.
- 7-1/4" blade, 15-amp motor
- 51-degree bevel capacity
- Sawdust blower -- keeps cut line clear
- Laser guide included
- Corded
Specs: Blade: 7-1/4" | Motor: 15A | Depth at 90: 2-7/16" | Bevel: 0-51 degrees
4. Makita SH01R1 12V MAX CXT -- Best Compact
The SH01R1 is in this list for a specific use case: compact cutting where a full-size saw is overkill. The 3-3/8-inch blade cuts 1-1/16 inches at 90 degrees -- enough for trim, thin stock, and 3/4-inch plywood rips -- and the entire package weighs 3.5 lbs with a battery. It is the correct tool for finish carpenters and cabinet installers who need a light, portable saw for precise cuts on thin material.
Do not buy this if you are framing, decking, or cutting dimensional lumber. The 12V platform limits cutting depth and sustained motor power for heavy stock. The use case is precise cuts on light material where portability is the priority.
- 3-3/8" blade -- 1-1/16" depth at 90, 13/16" at 45
- 0-3,900 RPM
- 3.5 lbs with battery -- lightest saw in this test
- Compatible with Makita 12V MAX CXT batteries
- Best for trim, thin stock, and finish work
Specs: Blade: 3-3/8" | RPM: 0-3,900 | Depth at 90: 1-1/16" | Battery: 12V MAX CXT
5. BLACK+DECKER BDECS300C -- Best for Occasional Use
The BDECS300C is the right choice only if you need a circular saw two or three times a year and want to spend as little as possible to own that capability. The 13-amp corded motor, 7-1/4-inch blade, laser guide, and basic depth/bevel adjustments cover simple tasks adequately -- cutting 2x lumber for a shelving project, trimming a door, ripping plywood for a patch.
The plastic shoe flexes under lateral pressure and the blade wobble is noticeable on precise rip cuts. It is not a tool for anyone who values cut quality or plans to use a circular saw regularly. If that description fits your use case, the DEWALT is worth the small extra cost.
- 6-1/2" blade
- 0-3,500 RPM
- Depth capacity: 1-3/4" at 90
- 13-amp corded motor -- no batteries required
- Occasional-use positioning only
Specs: Blade: 7-1/4" | RPM: 5,300 | Depth at 90: 2.5" | Power: 13A corded
How to Choose a Circular Saw Under $100
Corded vs. cordless in this price range
Under $100, corded gives you more power per dollar. The Metabo HPT is a legitimate 15-amp 7-1/4-inch saw. The DEWALT is a legitimate cordless option only if you already own 20V MAX batteries -- the bare tool price is deceptive if you need to buy a battery and charger too (add $60-80).
Blade size
6-1/2 inch is sufficient for most homeowner and light contractor work. 7-1/4 inch is the industry standard for framing and cuts deeper -- 2-9/16 inches vs. 2-1/4 inches at 90 degrees. If you are cutting joists or doubled-up stock, 7-1/4 is the right choice.
Aluminum is better than plastic. It stays flat, takes abuse, and does not flex on long rip cuts. In this price range, the Metabo HPT and DEWALT have the best footplates. The SKIL and BLACK+DECKER use plastic.
If You Can Stretch Your Budget a Little
Every saw above sits under $100, but several cordless saws that sit just above that line are worth a look, especially if you already own the batteries. Bare-tool pricing on these models moves around, so check the current listing before assuming one fits your budget.
- Milwaukee 2730-20 M18 FUEL (6-1/2 inch). A compact brushless saw for anyone already on M18 batteries. Battery sharing is what makes it sensible on a tight budget; buying into M18 from scratch adds a battery and charger to the cost. It is one of the six saws in our full circular saw roundup.
- Milwaukee 2732-20 M18 FUEL (7-1/4 inch). The full-size upgrade for M18 owners who need more depth of cut than a 6-1/2 inch saw gives, for framing and doubled-up stock. It usually costs more than the compact model outside sale windows. See the Milwaukee 2732-20 review for details.
- Bosch GKS18V-22 (6-1/2 inch). A compact brushless blade-left saw. The blade-left layout gives right-handed users a clearer view of the cut line, which suits buyers who value control over maximum depth. It makes most sense if you own or plan to buy Bosch 18V batteries.
- WORX WX530 20V. One of the cheaper ways into a brushless 6-1/2 inch saw, with a laser guide and a tool-only option for existing WORX PowerShare owners. Expect less refined fit and finish than DEWALT or Makita, and a laser guide that can drift out of alignment, so treat the laser as a rough reference rather than a substitute for a marked line.
- Rockwell RK3440K 20V kit. A complete kit with battery, charger and carrying bag, and a bevel range to 50 degrees. It suits first-time buyers who want everything in one box and do not mind a smaller brand with a thinner dealer and support network.
- DEWALT DCS391 in kit form. If you like the top pick but do not own 20V MAX batteries, the kit versions bundle the saw with batteries and a charger, which avoids the hidden cost of buying the bare DCS391B and its power source separately.
What a bit more budget usually buys
Stepping up mostly gets you a brushless motor (cooler running and longer runtime per charge), an electric brake on more models, a sturdier aluminum or magnesium shoe, and better bevel locks. What it usually does not get you at this level is true shop vac dust collection or a second battery. Kits in this tier tend to ship one small-capacity battery and a basic, slower charger, so plan on a second battery if you expect long cutting sessions. Whichever saw you choose, confirm it takes standard 5/8-inch arbor blades so replacement and finish blades are easy to find, and budget for a 60 or 80 tooth blade if you cut plywood or trim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best circular saw under $100?
The DEWALT DCS391B (bare tool), if you already own 20V MAX batteries. If you need a complete kit or prefer corded, the Metabo HPT C7SB3 is the stronger tool for the money.
Is a 6-1/2-inch or 7-1/4-inch blade better?
7-1/4 inch for framing and deeper cuts. 6-1/2 inch is adequate for most DIY applications and is standard on cordless saws in this price range. If you are cutting material thicker than 2 inches, use a 7-1/4-inch blade.
Can I cut pressure-treated lumber with these saws?
Yes, but use a carbide-tipped blade rated for PT lumber -- the chemicals accelerate blade wear. All five saws here can handle PT lumber mechanically. The blade is the variable.
Do circular saws under $100 have electric brakes?
Some do. The Metabo HPT C7SB3 has an electric brake -- the blade stops in under 2 seconds after trigger release. The DEWALT DCS391B does not have an electric brake. For safety and convenience, the electric brake is a feature worth prioritizing.
