A common question I hear is whether you can get a truly capable cordless circular saw without breaking the bank. The answer is a resounding yes, but navigating the sea of budget-friendly options can be tricky. You don’t need a pro-grade tool for weekend projects, but you certainly don’t want a saw that will bog down in the middle of a simple cut.
That’s why I decided to dive deep into the sub-$150 category. I put three of the most popular DIY-focused brands—Ryobi, Craftsman, and Kobalt—through a typical workshop gauntlet to find out which one offers the most bang for your buck. Let’s find the perfect saw for your needs.
| Model | Best For | Standout Feature | Key Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V | Overall Value & Performance | Powerful brushless motor that punches above its weight. | The included dust port adapter can be clumsy. |
| Craftsman V20 | Brand Loyalists & Basic Cuts | Comfortable ergonomics and a solid, familiar feel. | The included stock blade is poor and needs an immediate upgrade. |
| Kobalt 24V Max | Surprising Power & Features | The 24V platform delivers impressive torque and includes an electric brake. | Smaller battery ecosystem compared to Ryobi and Craftsman. |
The Showdown: How They Performed
Over the past month, I used these three saws for a range of typical DIY tasks: breaking down a 4×8 sheet of plywood for a shelving project, making crosscuts on 2x4s for a workbench frame, and even some 45-degree cuts for trim work. Here’s how each one stacked up.
1. Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless 6-1/2″
- ONE+ HP Technology delivers up to 260 linear feet of cutting per charge when paired with a 4.0 Ah HIGH PERFORMANCE battery. Combine (2) 27.5 in. included tracks for up to 55 in. of controlled, accurate cutting
- Add additional tracks for extended continuous cutting. Up to 1-15/16 in. depth of cut at 90° (with track)
- -1° to 48° bevel capacity. Up to 4,300 RPM for controlled, accurate cuts
- Adjustable depth control switch and depth scale for precise score and plunge cuts. Track adjust and anti-tip adjustments ensure smooth and accurate cuts
- Includes: PTS01 18V ONE+ HP Brushless 6-1/2 in. Track Saw, 40T carbide-tipped blade, (2) 27.5 in. tracks, riving knife, track clamp, blade wrench, track wrench, (1) PBP004 18V 4.0 Ah HIGH PERFORMANCE Battery, PCG002 Charger, and operator’s manual
Ryobi has become a DIY powerhouse, and this saw is a perfect example of why. The “HP” brushless motor is the star of the show. My “wow” moment came while cutting through a slightly damp piece of ¾-inch plywood; the saw barely bogged down, maintaining speed and confidence. It felt like it was punching well above its price class.
The ergonomics are solid, and its compatibility with the massive Ryobi ONE+ battery platform is a huge plus for anyone already invested in their system.
- Who Is It For? The DIYer who wants the best overall performance and value under $150, especially if you already own Ryobi ONE+ batteries.
2. Craftsman V20 6-1/2″
- Part of the V20 cordless system
- Cordless Circa saw accepts 61/2 in. Blades for cross cutting or ripping 2x material
- Extended runtime for heavy duty jobsite applications
- Professional grade High energy cells for improved power
The Craftsman V20 has that classic, reliable feel you’d expect from the brand. It’s comfortable to hold, the controls are intuitive, and it handles basic 2×4 crosscuts with ease. However, my most frustrating moment of this entire test came from this saw. The stock blade it ships with is simply not good. It produced significant tear-out on the plywood, forcing me to swap it for a better blade to get clean, usable cuts.
It’s a classic case of a decent tool being held back by a cheap accessory. Once you factor in the cost of a new blade (which I highly recommend), its value proposition drops slightly. For more on this, see my guide on choosing the right saw blade.
- Who Is It For? The Craftsman loyalist, or the beginner who finds a great sale and is willing to immediately invest in a better blade.
3. Kobalt 24V Max 6-1/2″
- 0-50° bevel with bevel stops allows for non-traditional cutting applications
- 6.73-lb ultra-compact design is easy to use, even in tight spaces
- Electric brake stops blade rotation when the trigger is released for added safety Built-in LED
- Compatible with all Kobalt 24-volt max batteries (battery and charger sold separately)
- 5-year limited warranty gives you peace of mind
Kobalt is often seen as an underdog, but its 24V platform consistently delivers impressive power, and this saw is no exception. The extra voltage gives it a noticeable amount of torque, making it feel confident and capable. A key feature often missing at this price point is an electric brake, which stops the blade quickly after you release the trigger—a great safety feature that the Kobalt includes.
The primary drawback is its smaller battery ecosystem compared to the sprawling platforms of Ryobi and Craftsman. But if you’re starting fresh, it’s a very compelling option.
- Who Is It For? The DIYer who isn’t tied to a battery system and wants the most power and safety features for their money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a 6 1/2 inch circular saw big enough for DIY?
Yes, absolutely. A 6-1/2″ blade provides a cutting depth of over 2 inches, which is more than enough to cut through 2x dimensional lumber (which is actually 1.5 inches thick) even at a 45-degree angle. It’s the perfect size for the vast majority of home projects.
What is a good cheap circular saw?
Based on this testing, the Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless model offers the best combination of power, features, and value, making it an excellent “good cheap” circular saw. The key is to look for a brushless motor if you can find one in your budget, as it significantly improves performance and battery life.
Is Ryobi a good brand for a circular saw?
Yes, Ryobi is a very good brand for DIY and homeowner-grade circular saws. They focus on providing excellent value, and their brushless “HP” line offers performance that often competes with more expensive tools. Their massive ONE+ battery system is another huge advantage.
My Top Pick for Value
After running all three saws through their paces, my top recommendation for the best budget cordless circular saw under $150 is the Ryobi ONE+ HP 18V Brushless model.
Other models to consider:
- 5150 RPM motor delivers power and speed to make the most demanding cuts with ease
- High strength and lightweight magnesium shoe provides jobsite durability for long-term cut accuracy
- Optimized rubber over molded comfort grip delivers optimal balance and control of electric saw for wood cutting
- 0-50° bevel capacity allows for aggressive bevel cuts for a multitude of applications
- 6-1/2 inch 18-tooth carbide-tipped blade included for cutting 2 times material at 90° and 45° and more cuts per charge. Maximum cut depth @ 90°: 2-1/8 inches (2.125 in). Maximum cut depth @ 45°: 1-5/8 inches (1.625 in)
- Powerful 15-amp motor delivers 5 300-RPM for greater speed and faster cuts
- 7-1 4-inch carbide-tipped blade included. Spindle lock for easy blade changes.
- 51° bevel capacity with a positive stop at 45° for a wide variety of cuts
- Dust blower keeps line-of-cut free of sawdust for improved visibility
- Safety lock/guarded trigger and power-on indicator minimize accidental starts
- Powerful Circular Saw：20V cordless circular saw gives freedom of movement. 4500/min no-load speed for efficient cutting in various tasks at worksite or DIY.
- Durable Quality Build：Made of quality materials. Withstands job site use. Keeps cutting accuracy. Long-lasting.
- Ergonomic Handle for Comfort：Ergonomic handle. Comfortable grip. Reduces hand fatigue. Helps control for precise cuts.
- Adjustable Bevel with Laser Aid：0 - 45 degrees adjustable bevel. Laser projects line for better visibility. Useful for different cuts.
- 6.5-Inch High-Performance Blade：165mm carbide-tipped blade. Cuts various materials well. Leaves clean edges. Good for hardwood and softwood.
- Our most powerful 20V MAX circular saw - cut through tough applications with up to 1,700 mwo.
- Up to 368 cuts per charge - make fast cuts with a powerful brushless motor that delivers up to 5,500 RPM (no-load).
- High versatility - take on a wide range of materials with a maximum depth of cut of 2-9/16 in. at a 90° and a maximum depth of cut of 2 in. at a 45°.
- Electric brake – avoid wide, imprecise cuts with an automatic electric brake designed to stop the blade from coasting after the trigger switch is released.
- Compact & Powerful: Featuring a 4-½ inch blade and a no-load speed of 3400 RPM, this circular saw cuts smoothly through wood, soft metals, tiles, drywall, and plastic
- Precision Cutting: Make accurate cuts up to 1-11/16" at 90° and 1-1/8" at 45°. Ideal for miters, bevels, framing, and trimming—includes both a 24T wood blade and a 60T metal blade, easily switched with the included hex key
- Laser-Guided Accuracy: Built-in laser clearly marks your cutting line for straight, professional results every time. Vacuum adapter lets you connect a dust extractor to keep your workspace clean
- Safety Ergonomic Design: Equipped with a double protection switch to prevent accidental starts. The soft-grip handle reduces vibration and offers superior control and comfort
- Please Note: This tool is designed for use only with Inequalit batteries and is not compatible with battery packs from other brands
While the Kobalt offers impressive power and the Craftsman has a comfortable feel, the Ryobi delivers a nearly perfect balance of performance, value, and battery system compatibility. Its brushless motor performs like a more expensive tool, making it the smartest investment for any DIYer looking to get the most capability for their money. It’s a tool that won’t just get the job done—it will make you feel confident while doing it.
