Cordless saws used to be a joke. Underpowered, short runtime, couldn't cut through a 2x4 without bogging down. That era is over. Modern brushless motors and high-output batteries have made cordless saws genuinely competitive with corded models. Some are even better — no cord to trip over, no generator needed on remote jobsites.
But saws are the most demanding cordless tools. They draw massive current and expose every weakness in a battery platform. That's why choosing the right saw matters more than almost any other tool category. Here are our picks.
Best Cordless Circular Saws
1. DeWalt DCS578B FLEXVOLT 60V MAX 7-1/4" Circular Saw
DeWalt DCS578B FLEXVOLT
This is the cordless circular saw that made corded saws nervous. Running on FLEXVOLT 60V, it delivers power that's indistinguishable from a corded 15-amp saw. The 7-1/4" blade handles full 2x lumber at 45° with room to spare. The electronic brake stops the blade in under 2 seconds. With a 9.0Ah FLEXVOLT battery, expect 150-200 cuts per charge in framing lumber. This is the saw that proved cordless could replace corded.
✓ Pros
- Corded-equivalent power on FLEXVOLT
- 5,800 RPM — fastest in class
- Electronic brake stops blade quickly
- Works with 20V MAX batteries too (reduced power)
✗ Cons
- Requires FLEXVOLT battery for full power
- Heavy with 9.0Ah battery
- FLEXVOLT batteries are expensive
2. Milwaukee 2732-20 M18 FUEL 7-1/4" Circular Saw
Milwaukee 2732-20 M18 FUEL
Milwaukee proves you don't need 60V to make a serious cordless circular saw. The M18 FUEL circ saw delivers 5,800 RPM on standard M18 batteries — no special battery required. The POWERSTATE brushless motor and REDLINK electronics optimize power delivery to squeeze every bit of performance from 18V. Slightly less sustained power than the FLEXVOLT, but the convenience of using your existing M18 batteries is a huge plus.
✓ Pros
- Uses standard M18 batteries
- 5,800 RPM matches FLEXVOLT
- Excellent dust blower keeps cut line visible
- Magnesium shoe is lightweight and durable
✗ Cons
- Less sustained power than FLEXVOLT in hardwood
- Higher price than DeWalt
- Battery drains faster under heavy load
Best Cordless Reciprocating Saws
1. Milwaukee 2821-21 M18 FUEL SAWZALL
Milwaukee 2821-21 M18 FUEL SAWZALL
Milwaukee invented the reciprocating saw (literally — they hold the SAWZALL trademark), and the M18 FUEL version is the best one ever made. 3,000 SPM with a 1-1/4" stroke length tears through demo work like nothing else. The orbital action setting adds aggressive cutting for wood, while the straight setting gives control for metal and plumbing. The one-handed blade change is the fastest in the industry.
✓ Pros
- Most powerful cordless recip saw available
- Orbital action for aggressive wood cutting
- One-handed blade change
- Anti-vibration handle reduces fatigue
✗ Cons
- Heavy (8.2 lbs with battery)
- Aggressive — can be hard to control for beginners
- Premium price
2. DeWalt DCS382B 20V MAX XR Reciprocating Saw
DeWalt DCS382B 20V MAX XR
DeWalt's XR recip saw is the value play. At $50 less than the Milwaukee, it delivers 2,900 SPM with a 1-1/8" stroke. The POWER DETECT technology automatically increases power when paired with larger batteries. The 4-position blade clamp lets you mount the blade in any orientation for flush cuts. With 6,800+ reviews at 4.8 stars, this is one of the most proven cordless recip saws on the market.
✓ Pros
- $50 cheaper than Milwaukee
- 6,800+ reviews at 4.8 stars
- 4-position blade clamp
- POWER DETECT for automatic power boost
✗ Cons
- Slightly less powerful than Milwaukee
- No orbital action
- Blade change not quite as smooth
Best Cordless Miter Saws
1. DeWalt DCS361B 20V MAX 7-1/4" Sliding Miter Saw
DeWalt DCS361B 20V MAX
A cordless miter saw sounds like a gimmick until you use one on a deck build or trim job without running extension cords. The DCS361B runs on standard 20V MAX batteries and delivers clean, accurate cuts in trim and light framing. The integrated XPS cross-cut positioning system projects an LED shadow line for precise alignment. It won't replace a 12" corded miter saw for heavy framing, but for trim work and light construction, the freedom from cords is transformative.
✓ Pros
- True cordless freedom for trim work
- XPS LED shadow line for accuracy
- Runs on standard 20V batteries
- Compact and portable
✗ Cons
- 7-1/4" blade limits capacity
- Not for heavy framing lumber
- Battery life is limited under heavy use
The Bottom Line on Cordless Saws
Circular saws: DeWalt FLEXVOLT is the king. If you're in the Milwaukee ecosystem, the M18 FUEL is excellent but can't quite match FLEXVOLT's sustained power. Reciprocating saws: Milwaukee SAWZALL is the best, but DeWalt's XR is 90% of the performance at a better price. Miter saws: Cordless miter saws are still a niche — great for trim work and portability, but don't sell your corded 12" slider yet.