A circular saw under $100 can handle framing, sheet goods, and trim cuts -- if you pick the right one. We tested five saws at or below $100, cutting 2x4 framing lumber, 3/4-inch plywood, and 7/16-inch OSB to evaluate cut quality, motor heat, and bevel accuracy. The cheap ones walk on plywood and overheat on long cuts. These five do not.
Our top pick: DeWalt DCS391B at $89 (bare tool). Cordless freedom, a 460 MWO motor, and the DeWalt 20V MAX platform make it the most versatile sub-$100 saw available. If you have 20V MAX batteries already, this is the obvious buy. Check the current price on Amazon.
Our Top 5 Circular Saws Under $100
| Saw | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCS391B | Best Cordless | $89 (bare) | 4.7/5 |
| Skil 5280-01 | Best Corded | $59 | 4.6/5 |
| Ryobi PBLCS300B | Best Brushless | $79 (bare) | 4.5/5 |
| Craftsman CMCS500B | Best Kit | $69 (bare) | 4.4/5 |
| Tacklife TCS115A | Best Budget | $45 | 4.2/5 |
1. DeWalt DCS391B -- Best Cordless Under $100
The DCS391B is DeWalt's 20V MAX 6-1/2-inch circular saw in bare tool format, and it is the most capable cordless saw available under $100. The 460 MWO motor cuts through 2x4 framing at 3,700 RPM without bogging, the bevel adjustment locks cleanly at 0 and 45 degrees, and the 2-inch depth of cut at 90 degrees handles all standard framing and sheet goods work.
Sold as a bare tool, you need a 20V MAX battery to run it -- a 2Ah or 4Ah pack gives 30-60 minutes of cutting. For users already in the DeWalt ecosystem, that is a non-issue. For new buyers, the DCS391 kit (with battery) runs around $140, which still beats most corded alternatives at the features-per-dollar calculation.
- 460 MWO motor at 3,700 RPM -- powerful enough for 2x material and plywood without bogging
- 6-1/2-inch blade -- 2-inch depth at 90 degrees, 1-1/2-inch at 45 degrees
- Lightweight at 7.2 lbs -- easier on extended framing work than corded saws
- Bevel capacity 0-50 degrees with positive stops at 0 and 45
- Runs on any DeWalt 20V MAX battery
- Left-blade orientation gives sightline advantage for right-handed users
Specs: 20V MAX | 460 MWO | 3,700 RPM | 6-1/2" blade | 2" depth at 90° | 7.2 lbs bare
2. Skil 5280-01 -- Best Corded Under $100
The Skil 5280-01 is a 15-amp corded 7-1/4-inch saw at $59 -- the most powerful option on this list by a wide margin. The larger blade gives a 2-9/16-inch depth of cut, adequate for cutting through double 2x4 material in a single pass. The 5,300 RPM no-load speed cuts faster than any cordless saw under $100, and the corded design means no runtime limits.
Skil's build quality has improved substantially since its relaunch under the Chervon parent brand. The 5280-01 has a solid aluminum upper guard, a smooth bevel adjustment from 0 to 51 degrees, and a transparent blade guard that lets you track the cut line without twisting. For users who work near outlets and need sustained cutting power, this beats any cordless option at this price.
- 15 amps at 5,300 RPM -- most raw cutting power in this price range
- 7-1/4-inch blade -- 2-9/16-inch depth at 90 degrees
- Laser guide helps maintain straight cuts on sheet goods
- Bevel 0-51 degrees with wrench-free adjustment
- Corded -- no battery cost, no runtime limits
- $59 all-in including blade
Specs: 15A corded | 5,300 RPM | 7-1/4" blade | 2-9/16" depth at 90° | 8.0 lbs
3. Ryobi PBLCS300B -- Best Brushless Cordless
The PBLCS300B is Ryobi's ONE+ HP brushless 6-1/2-inch saw, and the brushless motor is the key differentiator at $79 bare. Compared to brushed cordless saws, it delivers around 20% more cuts per charge and runs notably cooler on long cutting sessions -- both of which matter if you are cutting a full sheet of plywood or working a half-day framing job off battery power.
The ONE+ HP platform includes over 280 compatible tools, making this the best cordless saw entry point for users building out a Ryobi battery collection. The tradeoff is that Ryobi's base plates and fence systems are lighter than DeWalt's, which requires more attention to technique on long rip cuts.
- Brushless motor -- 20% more runtime per charge than brushed competitors
- Compatible with all Ryobi ONE+ 18V batteries (280+ tool platform)
- 4,700 RPM no-load speed -- faster than the DeWalt DCS391B
- Bevel 0-56 degrees
- 6-1/2-inch blade, 2-1/16-inch depth at 90 degrees
- Lightweight at 6.5 lbs bare
Specs: 18V ONE+ HP | Brushless | 4,700 RPM | 6-1/2" blade | 2-1/16" depth at 90° | 6.5 lbs bare
4. Craftsman CMCS500B -- Best Kit Deal
The CMCS500B is Craftsman's V20 6-1/2-inch cordless saw, priced around $69 bare or $99 in a kit with a 2Ah battery and charger. The kit pricing puts it at or just above $100 depending on promotions -- but it frequently drops below $99 and is worth including here for the all-in value. The brushed motor performs comparably to the DeWalt DCS391B, and the V20 platform is compatible with all Craftsman and Black+Decker 20V MAX batteries.
Build quality is solid for the price. The bevel adjustment locks firmly at 0 and 45 degrees, and the upper guard feels more substantial than budget alternatives. A good option for users already in the Craftsman/Black+Decker ecosystem.
- 3,700 RPM no-load speed -- matched to the DeWalt DCS391B
- Compatible with V20 platform and Black+Decker 20V MAX batteries
- Bevel 0-50 degrees with positive stop at 45
- 6-1/2-inch blade, 1-15/16-inch depth at 90 degrees
- Bare tool at $69 -- kit frequently found under $99
Specs: 20V MAX | 3,700 RPM | 6-1/2" blade | 1-15/16" depth at 90° | 7.0 lbs bare
5. Tacklife TCS115A -- Best Budget Corded
At $45, the Tacklife TCS115A is a 12-amp corded 6-1/2-inch saw aimed at users who need a reliable saw for occasional cuts and cannot justify spending more. It cuts 2x4 framing without issue, includes a parallel guide for rip cuts, and arrives with two blades. The laser guide is more useful here than on premium saws because the base plate tolerances are slightly looser -- the laser compensates for operator error on straight cuts.
The Tacklife is not a tool for sustained production use. Motor heat builds noticeably after 15-20 minutes of continuous cutting. For occasional trim cuts, breaking down a sheet of plywood, or a weekend framing project, it performs adequately and the price is very hard to beat.
- $45 -- lowest price on this list, includes two blades and a parallel guide
- 12 amps at 4,500 RPM -- adequate for framing lumber and sheet goods
- Laser guide for straighter cuts
- Bevel 0-45 degrees
- 6-1/2-inch blade, 1-11/16-inch depth at 90 degrees
- Corded -- no battery investment required
Specs: 12A corded | 4,500 RPM | 6-1/2" blade | 1-11/16" depth at 90° | 6.5 lbs
Corded vs. Cordless Circular Saw Under $100
Buy corded if: You work near power outlets, need to cut for extended periods without stopping, or want the most cutting power for the dollar. The Skil 5280-01 at $59 delivers 15 amps and a 7-1/4-inch blade -- more than any cordless option at this price.
Buy cordless if: You already own compatible batteries, you work away from outlets, or you want a saw you can carry in and out of tight spaces without cord management. The DeWalt DCS391B at $89 bare is the right choice with an existing 20V MAX battery.
Blade size matters: 7-1/4-inch blades (corded saws) cut deeper -- 2-9/16 inches vs. 2 inches for 6-1/2-inch cordless blades. For cutting double 2x4 headers in a single pass, you need a 7-1/4-inch blade. For decking, plywood, and standard framing, 6-1/2 inches is sufficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I cut with a circular saw under $100?
Framing lumber (2x4, 2x6, 2x8), plywood and OSB sheet goods, MDF, composite decking, and basic trim cuts. For tile, stone, or metal, you need a specialized blade and ideally a different saw type altogether.
Do I need a worm-drive or sidewinder circular saw?
For most DIY and general construction work, a standard sidewinder (inline motor) circular saw is the right choice -- lighter, less expensive, and easier to maneuver than a worm-drive. Worm-drives are preferred by West Coast framers for their torque advantage on long cuts in heavy lumber, but they start around $150 and require gear oil maintenance.
What blade should I use for plywood?
A fine-tooth blade (40-60 teeth) minimizes tear-out on plywood. Most saws ship with a 24-tooth framing blade that cuts fast but rough. For finish cuts on cabinet-grade plywood, a dedicated crosscut or combination blade is worth the $15-20 investment.
Is a 6-1/2-inch circular saw as good as a 7-1/4-inch?
For most tasks -- plywood, OSB, 2x4 framing -- a 6-1/2-inch saw cuts everything you need. The 7-1/4-inch blade gives you an extra 9/16-inch depth, which matters when cutting double headers or thick stock. If you never cut material thicker than a single 2x6, a 6-1/2-inch cordless saw is perfectly adequate.
Can a budget circular saw make accurate cuts?
Yes, with a straight edge or ripping guide. Budget saws have slightly looser base plate tolerances than professional models, which makes freehand cuts less accurate. Clamp a straight piece of lumber or a dedicated ripping guide to your workpiece and the cheapest saw on this list will cut as accurately as any premium model.
See how these saws compare to higher-end options in our best circular saws 2026 roundup. For a budget drill to complement your new saw, see the best cordless drills under $100. For cutting metal or tile, see our best angle grinders guide.
