Best cordless miter saw

Best cordless miter saw (10-inch)

Small cordless miter saws (7-1/4)

Miter saws are designed to make crosscuts and miters in wood and other material.

They have circular saw blades attached to a frame that tilts down onto workpieces to cut into the surface. 

Also known as “drop saws”, they may be used with abrasive discs. Tools with these attachments are often referred to as “chop saws”.

Miter saws come in corded and cordless models, each of which may be an excellent choice for you depending on your needs.

Whichever type you go for, miter saws will allow you to make different angled cuts.

This is because miter saws can swivel from side to side apart from tilting down. It helps you make cuts at different angles, like beveled cuts for joining wood end-to-end. 

The ability to set the blade to different positions makes miter saws some of the most versatile tools around.

They are especially useful for framing, flooring, and trimming work, which would be difficult and even impossible with most other saws.

Miter saws can even be used to make regular board cuts, so you will get a lot of use out of them even for projects that don’t require a lot of angle cuts. 

You get even more versatility with compound miter saws, which allow you to make bevel and miter cuts, and even both at the same time.

And if you need to cut boards to the same length, you will appreciate the versatility that a top-performing compound miter saw provides. 

However, do not confuse them with circular saw as they are different in many ways.

Parts of a cordless miter saw

• Blade and guard. Most miter saws have blade and guard systems that work together to allow for safe cutting. Lowering the blade causes the guard to slide back to reveal the cutting edge. When you release the cutting mechanism, the guard then slides back to its previous position.
• Fence. The fence acts as a stopper that lets you push the workpiece flush against it so you can make straight and even cuts.
• Handle and switch. The handle lets you position the blade as you lower it down to the workpiece. With most miter saws, the switch is located near the handle so you can easily turn it on and off while maneuvering the blade.
• Miter gauge. The gauge lets you make cuts at different angles. This is usually equipped with built-in stops for precise angle setting, although the best cordless miter saws let you set the tool to make cuts between preset increments as well.

1. The tool’s ability.

A phenomenal miter saw should be able to cut through fairly large amounts of material without breaking down.

At the very least, you should be able to make close to 200 cuts into pine wood or similar density material on a single charge.

A miter saw that can cut through light metal sheets as well would be an even better choice. Use it for cutting aluminum with the right blade.

2. The brand and its reputation.

As with corded miter saws–and most powerful tools in general–DeWalt and Makita can generally be counted on to provide superior performance.

Purchase a cordless miter saw from either of these two manufacturers, and you are reasonably assured of excellent performance, long tool life, and a host of useful attributes.

3. The expected battery life.

Try to get a cordless miter saw that offers the longest possible battery life.

The more cuts you can get out of a single charge, the less time you will have to spend changing batteries and waiting for them to recharge.

The best cordless miter saws let you do close to 200 cuts per charge.

4. The price you need to pay for quality.

It’s always an excellent idea to spend more on a quality tool now than to have to keep getting a substandard model repaired or spending money on a replacement.

Cordless miter saws from DeWalt and Makita may cost more at the outset, but you will get more use out of them for many more years as compared to a cheap cordless miter saw aimed at the DIY market.

Traditionally, tradespeople and professional woodworkers preferred corded power tools due to their powerful motors and reliable performance.

But more and more professionalss are shifting to battery-operated tools, many of which deliver comparable performance.

The newer crop of cordless miter saws measures up well compared to corded models, providing similar performance and attributes. And will perform well in conjunction with your best cordless circular saw.

There are many reasons to go for each, of course. Corded models continue to be popular choices for experts that require constant operation.

But cordless miter saws are the better options for remote job sites where there is no power outlet handy.

Even if you work strictly at home, you can consider going cordless for convenience and portability, but a corded model is best for a workshop or building site set-up. 

For my review on the corded sliding miter saws click here.

Miter saws generally come with 12-inch or 10-inch blades. Larger blades are better suited for making wide and deep cuts, while the smaller blades are easier to handle. 

When choosing what size of blade to go for, you should consider the jobs you will be doing.

For cutting crown molding, 10” blades are better suited for four to five-inch molding. For molding measuring six inches or more, you should go for a 12” blade. 

For cutting laminate flooring, go for a 12” blade if you are cutting larger pieces. For smaller pieces, you should be able to make do with a 10” blade.

That being said, if you frequently have to cut tough flooring material, you might be better off with a 12” blade regardless of the size of the workpieces. 

If most of your work involves cutting 4 x 4s, a hhigh-quality 10” blade should be sufficient.

But I prefer a 12-inch blade size still because it is easier to cut in a sliding and dropping motion, rather than only a dropping motion that’s common with smaller 10-inch blades, or non-sliding saws.

There are many fine cordless miter saws available on the market today, but DeWalt and Makita make the best cordless miter saws.

According to several cordless miter saw reviews, the two companies have established their reputations on superior quality tools that deliver outstanding performance and pro attributes.

Although you will likely spend a bit more on DeWalt and Makita cordless miter saws, the extra cost is worth it considering the quality and performance that you get for your money. 

DeWalt’s 12-inch model is an excellent choice for DIYers and professionals alike, with a sliding meter that facilitates 12” crosscuts, which isn’t commonly seen in cordless saws.

It is powered by a brushless motor, resulting in more efficient performance and longer tool life. 

The Makita 12-inch model is equally impressive, with consistent performance and zero blade wobbling.

It cuts angles at 45° and miters at 60° in either direction.

The DeWalt DHS790AT2 combines the power and performance of a corded miter saw with the convenience and portability of a cordless model.

Powered by DeWalt’s FlexVolt technology, this miter saw provides excellent runtime while keeping the battery cool under load.

Additionally, it operates on a powerful brushless motor that offers more efficient performance and much longer runtimes than non-brushless designs, without the need for brush replacement maintenance.

Features such as the Cutline Blade Positioning System allow for accurate cuts without the need for adjustment, and you can even make accurate bevel cuts easily with the high visibility bevel scale.

And with an adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate, you have a lot more cutting options as compared to other cordless miter saws. 

The Makita XSL06PT is a 10-inch model that is highly regarded in many compound miter saw reviews.

It boasts a dual-bevel sliding design and a pair of 18V Lithium-ion batteries, which gives you 36V power and performance in a compact form.

This particular motor is even more efficient than other brushless models, giving you 50% longer run time than other miter saws.

It is capable of 4,400 RPM peak performance, so you can cut through most materials quickly and efficiently.

The XSL06PT features an Automatic Speed Change functionality that adjusts the torque and cutting speed depending on the load.

The 2-steel rail sliding system ensures smooth and accurate cuts and makes this one of the best compound miter saws on the market.

The DeWalt DCS361M1 is a handy and versatile miter saw with a 7 ¼” blade.

Don’t let the modest size fool you: this is one compact wonder that provides equal performance to many of the bigger miter saws in this roundup.

The DCS361M1 is powered by a 20V Max Battery Pack that lets you make as many as 183 cuts into 2 x 4 pine on a single charge, and as many as 275 cuts in 3 ¼” pine baseboard.

Moreover, it features a useful XPS cross-cut positioning system that helps you make clean and accurate cuts without having to make adjustments.

One other thing that DeWalt cordless miter saws have going for them is the FlexVolt batteries that automatically adjust for different voltages, some of DeWalt’s tools can run on 60V or 120V for big power.

The Dewalt Flex volt system [1] is made to share low-volt and high-volt tools with the same battery.

The best thing about the FlexVolt batteries is that they run three sets of cells in parallel. This design reduces the load on the batteries during heavy-duty applications, so they will run a lot cooler than most other batteries.

In practical terms, FlexVolt batteries give you longer runtime than batteries with similar capacities.

Cordless miter saws come in a few different varieties, but most work pretty much the same way. They have fast-spinning blades that cut into wood or light metal to make straight or angled cuts. 

Cordless miter saws are powered by rechargeable batteries as opposed to mains power, so you can use them in remote job sites even without a power outlet nearby.

In terms of function and performance, most cordless miter saws are pretty similar to corded models. 

The most basic miter saws only tilt up and down, which limits the range of cuts you can perform. However, most decent models will allow you to make at least 90° and 45° angle cuts. 

Compound miter saws are more versatile, allowing you to cut miters, angles, crosscuts, and even bevels.

Sliding compound saws are even more versatile, with arms that move freely, allowing you to make large and broad cuts that you wouldn’t be able to make with other miter saws.

If you need to cut a lot of curves or intricate shapes into wood or metal, you might want to augment your cordless miter saw with a cordless Dewalt or Makita jigsaw tool.

Jigsaw tools are perfectly suited for cutting shapes into workpieces and can even be used to make compound and bevel cuts when fitted with the right blade. 

When making anything more than basic straight cuts, start with a guide.

Press the saw shoe on the workpiece with the blade positioned away from the edge. Slowly move the blade along the cutting line, working outside it so you can sand the excess off later.

Try to maintain an even pace that doesn’t strain the motor too much. If necessary, make relief cuts on tight curves to keep the saw from binding.

2. Try to purchase a cordless miter saw that comes with a laser built-in.

Most newer models have lasers that guide you through the cutting line so you can make more accurate cuts.

Having a laser onboard lets you work faster because you won’t have to keep lifting the blade up to make sure you’re cutting straight. 

Or get a laser attachment.

If you have a cordless miter saw that doesn’t have an onboard laser, you can purchase an aftermarket laser attachment.

Most of these can be fitted onto your saw by taking the place of the washer that holds the blade in place. 

4. Utilize stop blocks for repetitive cuts.

Finally, if you have to make a lot of repetitive cuts, use some stop blocks to make measuring out successive cuts easier.

This can save you a lot of time and ensure that your cuts are always in the right spot.

5. Cut with a circular saw first if the lumber is huge and heavy.

When it comes to cutting long lengths of timber that are heavy to lift up onto a miter saw stand, consider first cutting the heavy lumber with a cordless or electric saw to make the lift more manageable and easier on your back.

The DeWalt DHS790AT2 is a powerhouse of a miter saw with a powerful and efficient brushless motor that equips you to handle a wide variety of cutting jobs.

It, likewise, boasts of DeWalt’s FlexVolt technology, which keeps the battery cool for longer runtimes. 

The Makita XSL06PT is a versatile 10-inch model that is widely regarded as one of the best sliding compound miter saws on the market.

The dual-bevel sliding design gives you maximum versatility, and you get excellent 36V power and performance in a more compact form. 

Finally, the DeWalt DCS361M1 is an excellent choice for DIY use that will prove useful even for heavy-duty work.

The 20V Max Battery Pack gives you more cuts per charge than many other cordless miter saws in its class, and the XPS cross-cut positioning ensures clean and accurate cuts every time.

If you decide you need an electric miter saw as well have a read of my Dewalt and Makita miter saw review.