The sheer number of circular saws on the market today can be overwhelming, especially if you're looking to buy your first tool. There are power saws that are battery-powered or corded, laser-guided or lower-tech, and basic or fully featured. Consumer Guide has assembled a roundup of some of the most intriguing circular saws out there, and although they range in price from $55 to $160, all of them come standard with enough noteworthy features and well thought out designs to cut through the competition.


Black & Decker CS 1030L laser circular saw

These days, even many of the least expensive circular saws come equipped with a laser. For just $55, the Black & Decker CS 1030L circular laser saw is a good example of a cost-effective option. The tool's onboard laser projects a nicely visible beam that can really help you cut a straight line, especially when you're dealing with view-obscuring sawdust or less than ideal lighting conditions.

The saw is run by a 13-amp motor, which provides a moderate amount of power and torque. The 7-1/4-inch 18-tooth carbide blade is fine for everyday jobs, but more teeth would provide an even smoother cutting performance. (The greater the number of teeth, the smoother the cut.) We like the bail handle, which gives the user an added amount of professional-level control, and the soft grips. The 6-foot cord is far too short, though. The Black & Decker CS 1030L laser circular saw delivers an impressive combination of performance, features and value for the price, which is why it earns Consumer Guide's Budget Buy designation.

Black & Decker CS 1030L laser circular saw
Black & Decker CS 1030L laser circular saw


Black & Decker Firestorm FS18CS cordless circular saw

For just a few dollars more than an electric model, you can chuck the cord altogether and get yourself a cost-effective cordless saw. The Firestorm FS18CS cordless circular saw is a user-friendly tool and is completely portable, which makes sense for use in areas where you don't have easy access to an electrical outlet, or when you need to move around quickly.

This model also comes with an onboard laser, which goes a long way toward ensuring accurate cuts. When it comes to design, the in-line blade and secondary knob-style handle might not appeal to everybody. We'd like to see a more professional style bail handle instead. However, the unobtrusive battery on this model can be interchanged with other Firestorm 18-volt tools.


Hilti WSC 167 Circular Saw

Created for professional users, the heavy-duty Hilti WSC 167 Circular Saw might not have some of the bells and whistles of more feature-packed models; it does, however, do exactly what it's designed to do- cut wood well. This corded saw's powerful 15-amp motor propels the blade up to an impressive 5,800 rpm. It also features a nice-sized viewing window that provides a clear view of the cutting line, rear dust exhaust and a generous 15-foot cord.

The Hilti WSC 167 Circular Saw is a durable tool, with cast-magnesium construction and heavy-duty ball and needle bearing. The lightweight 10.3-pound design provides plenty of control, combining a pistol-style trigger and handle with a secondary front knob for extra stability.


Worx WT430K circular saw

There are several budget-conscious saws available, and this is one of them. The Worx WT430K circular saw is a good example of what you'll find within that higher tier of affordable tools.

It's a relatively heavy-duty saw, with a durable cast-aluminum base and guards. The combination of the nicely shaped front handle and soft-grip rear handle provides a good amount of control. However, we'd like to see a trigger guard on this model to ensure that the power switch doesn't accidentally turn on.

The Worx WT430K circular saw comes with a 7-1/4-inch, thin kerf, 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade that's equivalent to blades on competing models in the same price range. It uses a 13-amp motor and a 10-foot cord, both of which are also fairly standard features.

Worx WT430K circular saw
Worx WT430K circular saw


Rockwell RK2833K2 cordless circular saw

You can also opt for a higher-end cordless saw. Of course, even a top-drawer cordless isn't going to replace the power or endurance of a corded saw (especially for longer jobs), but the Rockwell RK2833K2 cordless circular saw tries pretty hard. Although it doesn't offer the permanent power source of a corded unit, it beats the pants off of electric units when it comes to portability. This lightweight 7.7 pound saw comes with two batteries, so you can always keep one juiced and ready to go, while you have a backup battery on the charger. The recharge rate is an especially speedy one hour.

The Rockwell RK2833K2 cordless circular saw's other distinguishing quality is its sleek, high-tech design. But it's not just good looking: the soft, contoured grip is ergonomically designed, and the two-finger speed trigger provides an impressive amount of control.