Top 5 Budget Circular Saws on Amazon

A reliable circular saw can make or break a DIY project. Whether I’m cutting plywood for a workbench, trimming deck boards, or resizing 2x4s for framing, I’ve come to appreciate the sheer utility of a circular saw. The good news for fellow DIYers is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get one that delivers consistent performance. After testing and researching dozens of models, I’ve narrowed it down to five of the best budget circular saws on Amazon that are affordable, dependable, and surprisingly powerful for their price range.

Buying tools online can be hit or miss, but these saws stand out because they balance quality, price, and user-friendliness. Whether you’re just getting into woodworking or need a backup for weekend jobs, these options all deliver in the budget category. Each saw I’ve chosen here comes in under a reasonable price point and is backed by strong reviews or personal experience.

1. SKIL 5280-01 15-Amp 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

SKIL has a long-standing reputation in the power tool world, and this model lives up to it. The SKIL 5280-01 is one of those saws that feels like a premium tool without the premium price tag. It comes with a 15-amp motor that tears through plywood, OSB, and dimensional lumber like it’s nothing. I’ve used this one on multiple backyard projects and it’s never bogged down.

What makes it stand out among other budget circular saws on Amazon is its lightweight build. Weighing just under 9 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver, even during overhead cuts. The built-in laser guide is a handy bonus for keeping cuts straight, especially if you don’t have a track system. It also has a wide bevel range that goes up to 51 degrees, which is great when I need to make angled cuts.

Dust control is another nice feature. The blower keeps the line of cut clean, which really helps when I’m working outside on breezy days or in sawdust-heavy areas. It’s a dependable saw that gives you professional-level cuts at a price any DIYer can appreciate.

Key Features:

• 15-amp motor with 5,300 RPM
• 7-1/4-inch blade size
• Integrated laser guide
• 51-degree bevel capacity
• Spindle lock for easy blade changes

Pros:

• Powerful motor for the price
• Lightweight and easy to handle
• Laser guide adds precision

Cons:

• Base plate feels a bit thin
• No electric brake

2. BLACK+DECKER 13-Amp Circular Saw with Laser (BDECS300C)

This BLACK+DECKER model is the definition of budget-friendly. It’s not the flashiest saw, but it absolutely gets the job done for basic home projects. The 13-amp motor is slightly less powerful than some competitors, but I’ve found it capable for cutting 1x or 2x boards, MDF, and thin plywood. It also includes a laser guide, which helps with straight-line accuracy.

One of the things that made this model a must-include in my list of budget circular saws on Amazon is how beginner-friendly it is. The controls are simple and intuitive. The included blade isn’t anything special, but I swapped it out for a higher-quality 24-tooth carbide blade and saw a big performance boost.

It has a bevel capacity of 45 degrees and a spindle lock, which makes blade changes quick. If you’re on a tight budget and need a no-frills saw that can handle most DIY cuts, this one is worth looking into. It’s perfect for someone who doesn’t need contractor-level power but still wants solid results.

Key Features:

• 13-amp motor
• Laser guide for straight cuts
• 45-degree bevel
• Spindle lock
• Includes blade and wrench

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Easy to use for beginners
• Lightweight design

Cons:

• Lower power limits heavy-duty cuts
• Basic features

3. CRAFTSMAN 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw (CMES510)

CRAFTSMAN hit a sweet spot with the CMES510. It’s priced in the budget category but feels like it should cost more. The 15-amp motor offers solid cutting performance, and it can slice through 2x material without hesitation. I’ve used this saw on fence panels, framing lumber, and treated wood, and it held up well across the board.

The magnesium shoe is a nice touch—it keeps the saw stable while staying lightweight. The saw also includes a metal rafter hook, which I use all the time when working on ladders or roofing. It’s built like a tank, yet doesn’t feel heavy in the hand, which is ideal for long cutting sessions.

Among the best budget circular saws on Amazon, this one stands out for being both powerful and feature-rich. It has a 55-degree bevel capacity with detents at common angles, and the handle has a nice textured grip that keeps the saw secure even when working in sweaty conditions or gloves.

Key Features:

• 15-amp high-performance motor
• Magnesium shoe for durability
• 7-1/4-inch carbide blade
• 55-degree bevel capacity with stops
• Metal rafter hook

Pros:

• Durable construction
• Strong motor
• Versatile beveling

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than some budget models
• No laser or LED light

4. GALAX PRO 12.5A 7-1/4-Inch Circular Saw

The GALAX PRO isn’t a household name like SKIL or BLACK+DECKER, but it has quietly earned a spot in my workshop. For the price, this saw is surprisingly capable. The 12.5-amp motor isn’t going to rival pro-grade saws, but it’s got enough punch to handle medium-duty cutting. I’ve used it on laminate flooring, trim, and DIY furniture builds without any issues.

What makes this one stand out among budget circular saws on Amazon is the attention to detail in its design. It comes with a parallel guide, which helps keep cuts straight even if you’re working without clamps. The depth adjustment is tool-free and easy to lock in, which I appreciate during fast-paced tasks.

This saw also includes a vacuum adapter, which I didn’t expect at this price point. Hooking it up to a shop vac makes cleanup easy, especially when cutting indoors. If you’re looking for something inexpensive that performs better than expected, the GALAX PRO is a smart pick.

Key Features:

• 12.5-amp motor
• 7-1/4-inch blade
• Adjustable cutting depth and bevel
• Parallel guide and vacuum adapter included
• Aluminum base

Pros:

• Great value for the price
• Vacuum attachment is useful
• Lightweight and compact

Cons:

• Limited to lighter-duty tasks
• Less known brand

5. HYCHIKA 12.5A Corded Electric Circular Saw

HYCHIKA surprised me. I was skeptical of the brand at first, but the build quality on this saw is better than I expected. It’s aimed at budget-conscious DIYers, and it delivers solid cutting performance thanks to its 12.5-amp motor. While not ideal for heavy construction, I’ve had no problem using it for cutting boards, sheet goods, and even composite decking.

The standout feature here is the inclusion of two blades: one for wood and another for metal. I don’t often cut metal with a circular saw, but having the option was a pleasant surprise. The saw also comes with a parallel guide and vacuum port, which helps keep things clean and straight.

In the world of budget circular saws on Amazon, this model holds its own thanks to the number of accessories and features packed in. It’s also fairly compact, which makes it easy to store and transport. It won’t win any awards for power, but it gets the job done.

Key Features:

• 12.5-amp motor
• Includes wood and metal cutting blades
• Parallel guide and vacuum port
• Adjustable cutting depth and bevel
• Safety trigger and blade guard

Pros:

• Multiple blades included
• Clean, accurate cuts
• Excellent starter saw

Cons:

• Not ideal for thick materials
• Slightly underpowered for framing

How to Choose the Right Budget Circular Saw

Picking the right saw depends on your typical DIY projects. If you’re building furniture or doing home repairs that involve lots of 2x4s and plywood, a 15-amp saw like the SKIL or CRAFTSMAN will give you more muscle. For lighter work or more casual weekend tasks, the BLACK+DECKER or HYCHIKA models are perfect. Size, weight, blade compatibility, and features like bevel capacity and dust control should all factor into your decision.

Blade size matters too. The 7-1/4-inch blade is standard and cuts through 2-inch material in a single pass, which is ideal for most builds. Also, keep in mind that replacing blades with a higher tooth count can make a cheap saw cut like a premium one.

Safety features are a bonus—look for blade guards, electric brakes, and ergonomic grips that reduce fatigue. I also find it helpful to invest in a speed square and a few clamps to make straight, accurate cuts even easier.

Final Thoughts

After hours of cutting, testing, and comparing features, these five models have proven themselves worthy of being labeled the top budget circular saws on Amazon. They offer a range of power levels, features, and durability at prices that won’t crush your tool budget. Whether you’re new to DIY or a seasoned builder looking for a reliable secondary saw, each of these tools has something to offer.

The key to a successful project is having the right tool in hand—and luckily, buying a high-performing circular saw doesn’t have to cost a fortune. These options deliver serious value without compromise, and that’s why they’ve earned a permanent place on my bench.