Best Cordless Miter Saw Reviews
Contents
- The Best Cordless Miter Saws Are:
- 1. Milwaukee 2734-21HDP FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Compound Miter Saw – Top Pick
- 2. Makita XSL06PT 18V 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw – Best Value
- 3. DCS361M1 20V Max Cordless Miter Saw – Consumer’s Choice
- 4. Ridgid R48607K 18-Volt Sliding Miter Saw Kit
- 5. Makita XSL02Z 18V Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw
- 6. DeWalt DCS361B Sliding Miter Saw
- 7. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ 7-1/4 in Cordless Miter Saw
- Best Cordless Miter Saw – Buying Guide
- Battery
- Blade Size
- Carbide Blade
- Blade Guard
- Adjustable Fencing
- Dust Bag
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
A cordless miter saw lets you make accurate crosscuts and miters where there is no power. Brushless models now come close to corded saws for trim and framing cuts, though run time depends on the battery.
The best cordless miter saw has good battery capacity, cuts accurately, holds up to job site use, and fits your budget. Below we review seven, with pros, cons, and key features.
OUR TOP PICK
The Milwaukee 2734-21HDP is a premium 10-inch dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw. The head tilts both left and right, so you can cut bevels in either direction without flipping the board. It performs close to a corded saw and suits anyone who needs precise cuts.
The Best Cordless Miter Saws Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Milwaukee 2734-21HDP FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Compound Miter Saw | 1. Milwaukee 2734-21HDP FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Compound Miter Saw Top Pick | - 10-inch blade - 18-volt battery - Brushless motor - 5-year warranty | Check Current Price |
| 2. Makita XSL06PT 18V 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw | 2. Makita XSL06PT 18V 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw | - 10-inch blade - Two 18-volt batteries (36V) - 4,400 RPMs - Brushless motor - Kit with two 5.0 Ah batteries and laser | Check Current Price |
| 3. DeWalt DCS361M1 20V Max Cordless Miter Saw | 3. DeWalt DCS361M1 20V Max Cordless Miter Saw | - 7.25-inch blade - 3750 RPMs - Cross-cut positioning system with LED light - 20V battery - 3-year warranty | Check Current Price |
| 4. Ridgid R48607K 18-Volt Sliding Miter Saw Kit | 4. Ridgid R48607K 18-Volt Sliding Miter Saw Kit | - Ergonomic design - Five positive miter stops - LED cutline indicator - Brushless motor | Check Current Price |
| 5. Makita XSL02Z 18V Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw | 5. Makita XSL02Z 18V Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw | - Powerful brushless motor - Automatic speed change - Two 18V batteries - 5,700 RPMs - 4-steel rail sliding system | Check Current Price |
| 6. DeWalt DCS361B Sliding Miter Saw | 6. DeWalt DCS361B Sliding Miter Saw | - 7.25-inch blade - 20V battery - Cross-cut positioning system with LED light - 3,750 RPMs - 3-year warranty | Check Current Price |
| 7. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ 7-1/4 in Cordless Miter Saw | 7. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ 7-1/4 in Cordless Miter Saw | - 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade - Generous cross-cut capacity - Exact line adjustable laser | Check Current Price |
1. Milwaukee 2734-21HDP FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Compound Miter Saw – Top Pick
The Milwaukee 2734 is a premium M18 FUEL 10-inch sliding miter saw. The kit comes with one M18 battery and a rapid charger, plus a dust bag, clamp, and blade.
Milwaukee rates it at up to 400 cuts per charge with its REDLITHIUM HIGH DEMAND 9.0 battery. With a smaller battery, expect fewer. Milwaukee has since replaced the 2734-21HD kit with the 2734-21, so check which kit a listing includes.
The stainless steel detent plate holds common miter angles and resists wear.
It may need occasional calibration for the best results.
Specs
- 10-inch blade
- 18-volt battery
- Brushless motor
- 5-year warranty
Pros
- Battery and rapid charger included
- Up to 400 cuts per charge with a 9.0 Ah battery (Milwaukee)
- Dual bevel for angled cuts
Cons
- Might need calibration
The Milwaukee 2734 is one of the best cordless miter saws available and makes some of the cleanest cuts you can expect from a cordless saw.
Overall Rating – 4.7 out of 5 stars
2. Makita XSL06PT 18V 10″ Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw – Best Value
The Makita XSL06PT is a dual-bevel sliding miter saw comes with a 10-inch blade and runs on two 18V LXT batteries (36V total). Automatic speed change adjusts blade speed and torque to the load.
That helps cut quality and stretches run time per charge.
Makita rates it at about 334 cuts per charge with the two included 5.0 Ah batteries. That is fewer than some competitors claim.
Specs
- 10-inch blade
- Two 18-volt batteries
- 4,400 RPMs
- Brushless motor
- Kit with two 5.0 Ah batteries and laser
- Automatic speed change
- 3-year limited warranty
Pros
- Enhanced efficiency
- Laser cut line
Cons
- Number of cuts per charge can be improved
Its laser marks the cut line, and automatic speed change keeps it efficient and easy to use.
Overall Rating – 4.7 out of 5 stars
3. DCS361M1 20V Max Cordless Miter Saw – Consumer’s Choice
DEWALT is one of the best-known cordless tool brands, and the DCS361M1 is a popular 7-1/4-inch sliding miter saw. The M1 kit includes a 20V MAX battery and charger.
At about 31.6 pounds, with 11 positive stops on a stainless steel detent plate, it is among the lighter sliding miter saws. Its cut-line positioning system shows where the blade will cut, and an oversized bevel scale makes angles easy to read.
It comes with a carbide-tipped blade. Its 7-1/4-inch blade limits crosscut width compared with 10-inch saws.
Specs
- 7.25-inch blade
- 3750 RPMs
- Cross-cut positioning system with LED light
- 20V battery
- 3-year warranty
Pros
- Enhanced portability due to reduced weight
- Highly precise cuts
Cons
- The carbide blade could use some upgrading
The DEWALT DCS361M1 works well for both home and professional use. It cuts cleanly, the horizontal handle is comfortable, and it is easy to carry.
Overall Rating – 4.7 out of 5 stars
4. Ridgid R48607K 18-Volt Sliding Miter Saw Kit
The Ridgid R48607K is a 7-1/4-inch dual-bevel sliding miter saw with a brushless motor and a reputation for durability. Ridgid covers it with its Lifetime Service Agreement when you register the tool.
At about 24 pounds, it is one of the lightest cordless sliding miter saws.
The Ridgid R48607K also comes with an LED cut light indicator, which works to enhance the precision of your cuts. Its ergonomic design not only makes it easier to carry around but to use, as well.
A number of its users, however, have said that this machine works best when placed on a stand.
Specs
- Ergonomic design
- Five positive miter stops
- LED cutline indicator
- Brushless motor
Pros
- Powerful and portable
- Enhanced accuracy
Cons
- You may need a stand for best results
The Ridgid R48607K is tough and makes quality cuts. Its slide and dual bevel handle a wide range of trim and framing cuts.
Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5 stars
5. Makita XSL02Z 18V Dual Slide Compound Miter Saw
The Makita XSL02Z is a 7-1/2-inch dual-slide compound miter saw that adapts well to different materials.
Its automatic speed change adjusts torque and speed during the cut, which saves battery power.
It runs on two 18V LXT batteries at up to 5,700 RPM, and a four-rail steel slide gives it good crosscut capacity for its blade size.
It is sold bare, so batteries and a charger cost extra.
Specs
- Powerful brushless motor
- Automatic speed change
- Two 18V batteries
- 5,700 RPMs
- 4-steel rail sliding system
Pros
- Steel sliding system
- High blade speed
- Dual slide design
Cons
- You have to purchase the batteries separately
The Makita XSL02Z is versatile and durable enough for tough job sites.
The manufacturer also provides you with a dust bag to help clean up as you work.
Overall Rating – 4.6 out of 5 stars
6. DeWalt DCS361B Sliding Miter Saw
The DCS361B is the bare-tool version of the DEWALT saw above, without a battery or charger. It is a good buy if you already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries.
It has 11 positive miter stops and a cut-line LED for accurate cuts, and it weighs around 30 pounds.
With an RPM of only 3,750, however, the DCS361B might not be the most powerful cordless miter saw for your needs.
Specs
- 7.25-inch blade
- 20V battery
- Cross-cut positioning system with LED light
- 3,750 RPMs
- 3-year warranty
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- 11 positive stops
- Enhanced durability
Cons
- Could use more power
The DeWalt DCS361B is a high-quality cordless miter saw that allows you to work with higher precision thanks to its cross-cut positioning system with LED.
Overall Rating – 4.5 out of 5 stars
7. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ 7-1/4 in Cordless Miter Saw
The Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Miter Saw is a lightweight, non-sliding 7-1/4-inch saw that is easy to use.
It handles well and miters up to 45 degrees left or right. A laser guide helps you line up cuts.
This saw comes equipped with a 24-tooth carbide blade. However, its small stature makes it less useful for larger cuts.
Specs
- 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade
- Generous cross-cut capacity
- Exact line adjustable laser
Pros
- Enhanced degree of accuracy
- Compact and lightweight design
- Attractive price point
Cons
- Can be small for some jobs
The Ryobi ONE+ is light and makes small, accurate cuts at an attractive price. It suits DIYers working on trim and smaller projects.
Overall Rating – 4.5 out of 5 stars
Best Cordless Miter Saw – Buying Guide
So, what are some of the things to consider when looking to buy a good cordless miter saw? Here are the most critical factors we believe you should consider.
Battery
You want enough battery to get through a day of cuts.
Most cordless miter saws run on 18V or 20V MAX batteries, and some use two at once for 36V. A few high-end 12-inch saws, such as DEWALT's FLEXVOLT 120V MAX models, run on two 60V batteries.
In addition to actual volts, you should also consider a battery’s Ah capacity. The Ah capacity is what typically determines runtime. Therefore, the higher the Ah capacity, the longer the battery can last.
Blade Size
Larger blades cut wider and thicker boards. Many cordless miter saws use 7-1/4-inch blades, which are light and fine for trim and 2x4s. Many corded miter saws have a 10-inch blade, and some go up to 12 inches for wide stock.
Carbide Blade
Most miter saws come with a steel-plate blade with carbide-tipped teeth. Carbide improves the durability of the blade, and a higher tooth count gives cleaner trim cuts.
Blade Guard
The lower blade guard covers the blade and retracts as you lower the head into the cut. Never pin or tie it back.
Keep your hands well clear of the blade path, clamp short or small pieces instead of holding them, and let the blade stop completely before raising the head. Remove the battery before changing blades.
Adjustable Fencing
The fence runs across the back of the table and supports the board as you cut. Sliding fence sections that adjust for bevel cuts and tall stock are a plus.
Dust Bag
Most miter saws come with a dust bag on the back of the saw, but bags catch only part of the dust. Connect a shop vacuum where possible and wear a dust mask for long sessions.
Final Thoughts
Cordless miter saws are handy wherever power is hard to reach. In our review, we gave the Milwaukee 2734-21 HDP Compound Miter Saw the highest ranking for its 10-inch dual-bevel slide, brushless power, and long run time with a large battery.
For lighter trim work or a tighter budget, a 7-1/4-inch saw like the DEWALT or Ryobi is easier to carry.
