10 Best Miter Saws – Our Top Picks and Reviews

Last year only I realized how important it is to have a powerful cutting tool like a miter saw for framing, shaping, or sizing work. Yes, I had to replace my garage’s roof, and it was really impossible for me to do the job with a normal saw. I required an efficient power-packed tool, which performs with great accuracy to provide consistent cuts.

Thankfully, a proficient miter saw was the answer to all my requirements. But it was really not a cakewalk to identify the best miter saws, especially when a plethora of market-leading brands is out there.

After finishing a number of personal projects like a tool shed, a photo studio, workbenches, flower boxes, and of course, my garage’s roof, I would like to share my knowledge and experience both to educate handymen like me who are opting for miter saws.

10 Best Miter Saws

• Best Overall: Dewalt DWS779 Miter Saw
  “User-friendly, highest precision and amazing accuracy”
• Best Budget: Bosch GCM12SD Miter Saw
  “Axial glide system, dust collection system, power packed performance”
• Best Portable: Hitachi C10FCH2 Miter Saw
  “Laser marking system, comfortable, lightweight and portable”
• Best for Beginners: SKIL 3821-01 Miter Saw
  “Affordable, accurate cuts, exceptional power, stable”
• Best Compound Miter Saw: DEWALT DWS716XPS Miter Saw
  “Double bevel design, Sturdy built quality, Integrated XPS”
• Best for Stable: Bosch CM8S Miter Saw
  “Sturdy and powerful, supreme stability, adjustable”
• Best Cordless: Makita XSL02Z Miter Saw
  “Comfortable, Rapid Optimum charger, powerful motor”
• Best Value for Money: Milwaukee 6955-20 Miter Saw
  “Digital miter angle, Constant Power Technology, value for money”
• Best Battery-Powered: DEWALT DHS790AT2 Miter Saw
  “Flexvolt technology, convenient, battery powered, Cutline Blade Positioning system”
• Best Rated: Metabo HPT C10FCG Miter Saw
  “Convenient, top-notch dust collection system, easy to carry”

Best Miter Saws

I started testing different brands to come up with a compact list of best miter saws available in the market. So, if you are also thinking about integrating such an indispensable tool into your workshop, here are the best miter saws reviews along with a buying guide.

Go through to avoid all those extensive research work and pick ‘the one’ of your choices. And don’t forget to consider your requirements also. Here you go!

Secured-Chopped-Next, that’s how a miter saw works. Whether you are a professional or a DIYer, a dedicated saw will double your work pace leaving no place for inaccuracy. Alongside, these tools ensure high output, improved consistency, maximum efficiency, and successful completion of your works, which require an exoskeletal and internal framework, and bespoke finishes.

However, there are different types of miter saws available online, including compound, cordless, double compound, etc. A compound miter saw bevels in one direction and features blades, which pivot left and right. A sliding compound miter saw also has the same features along with the forward and backward blade movement to make the cutting job easier for you.

Any type can meet your requirements easily, but you need to find one. So, without further minutes delay, let’s dive into the list of the best miter saws. I have listed the best ones of different types of miter saws, which are of high utility for homeowners to professionals.

Even if you are one of those beginners who wants an affordable power tool, you will get right here. These miter saws reviews will be really helpful. Have a look!

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1) Dewalt DWS779

Are you a professional looking for a sliding compound miter saw? Then I suggest you go with the DEWALT DWS779. I have used this saw for quite some time, and frankly, this product has never disappointed me. Considering the features that are incorporated in this miter saw, I consider this as the best sliding compound miter saw.

Features and Benefits

When it comes to its features, it can easily cut up to 6.75 inches in thickness. The 12-inch blade diameter will help it in cutting smoothly and precisely. Dewalt DWS779 flaunts a powerful 3800 RPM motor, which left me in complete awe.

With this compact sliding compound miter saw, you don’t have to worry about the dust flying around. It will contain up to 75% of the dust generated during the work. The exclusive back fence designs can cut up to 2×14 lumber at 90 degrees while 2×12 lumber at 45 degrees.

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2) Bosch GCM12SD

When it comes to buying a tool, most people are willing to spend a few extra bucks to get premium features. If you are one of these people, then I suggest you buy the Bosch GCM12SD miter saw. The 12-inch blade provides precise cuts for hardwood.

Features and Benefits

The 12-inch blade of Bosch GCM12SD provides precise cuts for hardwood. Also, I loved the dual bevel system, as you can adjust it up to 45 degrees on either side. You can add extra support by unlocking the slide fence at the push of an extra button. I found the axial glide system extremely helpful for wider cuts and better alignment.

Bevel settings can be changed without reaching the back of the saw as both the lock lever and range selectors are located up front. The 90% efficient dust collection system makes it the best in that category. I loved the built-in sliding features, and that’s why I believe it is the best sliding miter saw.

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3) Hitachi C10FCH2

Have you just gained interest in cutting lumber and struggling to find the best miter saw for beginners? Why not buy the Hitachi C10FCH2. I have used this corded miter saw, and it is by far the most beginner-friendly tool available in the market. It is easy to use and definitely worth the money you will spend on it.

Features and Benefits

As a beginner, it is always hard to mark the exact places for cuts; but Hitachi C10FCH2 has a laser marking system. The system will aid you in increasing your accuracy with laser in no time. You can adjust the miter angle up to 52 degrees on either side for increased flexibility. On the other hand, the bevel system can be adjusted up to 45 degrees for precision cuts.

I wasn’t quite impressed with the dust collection system as it spilled a little extra dust around the jobsite. This miter saw is the definition of comfort; I found the horizontal handles and elastomer grip extremely comfortable. It is extremely lightweight and portable so that you can move it around easily. All things considered, if you want a professional miter saw for home use, then look no further.

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4) SKIL 3821-01

Finding the right tool for a job is a difficult task; you have to consider many factors before making a decision. But what if I tell you, you can purchase a miter saw with the best features? Yes, the SKIL 3821-01 is a quick-mount compound miter saw with excellent features.

Features and Benefits

The USP of SKIL 3821-01 is definitely the quick-mount system. It allowed us to set up the miter saw in mere minutes. I believe the laser cutline guide is best for providing accurate and fast cuts. Adding that to a powerful 15 AMP motor, you get a beast miter saw under $300.

The table extension rails on both sides will help you in working on larger lumber pieces. Moreover, nine positive stops provide extra stability while cutting any material. Every time I used the saw, I left the place as clean as it was, at first sight, thanks to the effective dust collection system.

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5) DEWALT DWS716XPS

DEWALT is known for providing fantastic features at an excellent price. The DEWALT DWS716XPS lives up to that name as there was hardly anything that I didn’t like about this tool. It flaunts amazing features that make it the top name for the best compound miter saw in the current market.

Features and Benefits

Talking about the features of this tool, it provides immense durability for long term usage. A 15 AMP motor powers the device, and I was able to cut lumber without any efforts, thanks to that. The integrated XPS cut line positioning system features a LED light that takes care of any adjustments with ease.

A stainless steel meter detent plate of DEWALT DWS716XPS with 14 positive stops handles the cutting accuracy, which is just amazing. The double bevel design helped me in moving the saw up to 48 degrees on either side. I was amazed by its capacity to cut 2×8 lumber at 90 degrees and 2×6 lumber at 45 degrees.

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6) Bosch CM8S

Most of the miter saws that I have tested usually have bigger blades and are quite heavier compared to this tool. When I tested Bosch CM8S, I was impressed by how well the brand managed to put such amazing features and yet made the saw as light as possible.

Features and Benefits

Despite being lighter than most of the miter saws out there, the Bosch CM8S is extremely durable. You can easily make adjustments in this saw with the help of bevel lock lever and bevel turret stops. Also, I fell in love with its supreme stability courtesy, an adjustable front stabilizing foot.

You can use the expanding base extensions to increase the work area according to your convenience. The detent system works magnificently to provide accurate cuts. Despite having a 10-inch blade, this tool provides the same crosscut capacity as that of a 12-inch blade. Yet this miter saw weighs 30% lesser than its competitors. It came in handy when I moved the saw from place to place at the jobsite.

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7) Makita XSL02Z

Are you looking for a wireless miter saw? Then Makita has brought the best solution for you. Makita XSL02Z is the best cordless miter saw available in the market. With smooth gliding rails and compact design, this amazing tool can always ensure professional cutting for you.

Features and Benefits

The thing that has impressed me the most is its cutting precision. Makita XSL02Z, with two 18V Lithium-ion batteries, can be really handy for mobile contractors. The battery-powered device has dual side 7.5-inch blades but can offer you with 2″ X 12″ crosscuts precisely. Alongside this, the device never feels heavy to move as it weighs just 29lbs with both the batteries installed.

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8) Milwaukee 6955-20

If you are searching for the best budget pick, Milwaukee 6955-20 is the one you need to have a look at. With longer rails, this dual-bevel, sliding compound 12-inch miter saw is really worthy of the money you pay.

Features and Benefits

The feature I liked the most about Milwaukee 6955-20 is its digital miter, along with easily workable bevel adjustments.The digital miter angle ensures precision and offers measurements at up to 0.1-degree increments.

The 15 amp motor can generate power up to 3250 rpm. Once you start cutting, the motor runs seamlessly without bogging down. Thus the end result is sharp cut without any sign of tear-out.

The integral dust panel works on both sides of the blade. However, Milwaukee claims 75% of the dust collection, but as per my experience, it can collect up to 50% of the dust, which is still better than most miter saws in this range.

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9) DEWALT DHS790AT2

Are you looking for a compound sliding miter saw? Well, DEWALT DHS790AT2 is the best compound sliding miter saw currently available in the market. This miter saw works as the most authentic compound miter saw with high capacity trim molding and crosscutting capability.

The Flexvolt technology offers you two high capacity 60-volt battery setups that run in series producing 120 volts to power the saw.

Features and Benefits

With the help of a 12-inch blade along with a dual-rail slide system, the device can seamlessly cut up to a 16″ wide board within a single pass. Even in case of crosscutting at the 45-degree angle DEWALT DHS790AT2 can smoothly pass through an 8″ board.

DEWALT DHS790AT2 uses the Cutline Blade Positioning system, which allows accurate cutting. The highly visible bevel scale can give you accurate bevel cuts as well. With a powerful brushless motor and attached fences, the machine can generate the power of a corded miter saw while maintaining the convenience and portability of a cordless saw.

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10) Metabo HPT C10FCG

A miter saw comes in various price ranges, but finding the right product within your budget is quite important. If budget is the biggest concern, then the Metabo HPT C10FCGS, one of the top-rated brands, is the perfect miter saw for woodworking. It has great features at an affordable price.

Features and Benefits

The 10-inch blade is lightweight, but on the downside, it is not good for cutting larger lumber. However, when it comes to 2×6 and smaller size, it is as good as it gets. Metabo HPT C10FCGS with 15AMP motor picks up the slack left by the smaller blade and powers this electric miter saw. I was impressed with the precision of cuts with the help of a single bevel.

It is equipped with a relatively larger table to provide better material support as compared to its competitors. The dust collection system is top-notch, and it doesn’t let excessive dust spread around the jobsite. Believe me, the above-mentioned features coupled with a price tag of under $200, it is undoubtedly the best budget miter saw you can get.

If you would like to get reviews of other power tools, kindly visit our Guide page.

Miter Saw Buying Guide

Once you are done with the miter saw reviews, check out the buying guide below to have all the important details right away.Before you invest in any miter saw, you must have additional information like the basic difference between a compound and a sliding compound miter saw or how it works. Fret not; I already have taken care of such common queries.

How Does a Miter Saw Work?

Basically, a miter saw lets you cut material from a variety of angles. It always has a blade attached to a type of swing arm that pivots the blade left to right to make angle cuts. A miter saw has different components like a motor or engine, blade, miter, bevel, dust collector, laser guide, shaft locks, and a table extension.

All of these work together and add more value to the whole procedure to hand you precise, accurate cuts as the end result. Starting from furniture making to accomplishing commercial jobs, you can do any type of woodwork with the best miter saws.

How to Use A Compound Miter Saw?

If you have never used a compound miter saw before and struggling to get along with the device here is some tips you need to check right away,

Step 1 : Firstly, you need to set the table.

Step 2 : Now, go through the mandatory safety precautions. You may consider going through the user manual before starting with your newly bought miter saw.

Step 3 : Before, you start using the tool keep it unplug

Step 4 : Now, rightly place the wood on the table contrary to the fence.

Step 5 : Once done, don’t miss out on adjusting the fence.

Step 6 : After that, adjust the blade of the miter saw and the stenciled line in the opposite.

Step 7 : Now, precisely determine the board position.

Step 8 : Then, turn the knob of the angles to set the miter and plunge the blade in the wood you need to cut.

Step 9 : Finally, turn the switch on and slowly bring the trigger down. As you proceed through the process, increase the speed gradually.

Difference Between Miter Saw and Compound Miter Saw

A normal miter saw is designed to produce angled crosscuts. Some of those let you select your preferred angle while others are preset to cut angles at 15, 30, and 45 degrees. Once the angle is set, you need to hold the material against the fence to keep it straight for clean and precise cuts. And to make the cut, there is a circular blade, which gets pulled down and cuts through the material in a firm and smooth motion.

The only difference between a miter saw and a compound miter saw is that the later one is much advanced and does more than just miter cuts. A compound miter saw works with the same methodology, just with one difference.

The blade of the miter saw has a pivoting arm, which allows you to tilt the saw at any angle other than 90 degrees. Well, that means you can easily make bevel cuts along with the miter cuts.

Why does a compound miter saw have much utility than a standard miter saw? The simple answer is the versatility of a compound miter saw. With bevel cuts, you can finish any type of projects which require accurate sizing.

If you are just a beginner and want a miter saw for trim or any other simple job, a standard miter saw is what you can opt for. But For Complex projects, a compound miter saw will be the best choice. No matter whether you go for an inexpensive model or the one with a higher price, this tool will work efficiently.

Difference Between Compound Miter Saw and Sliding Compound Miter Saw

The sliding compound miter saws come with a sliding feature to cut longer boards. Sliding compound miter saws are specifically used for large crown molding and construction tasks.

Whereas normal compound miter saws are non-sliding and can offer you four basic cuts- crosscut, angle, bevel, and compound. If you mostly prepare wooden frames like structures, window trims, baseboards, etc., a simple compound miter saw is what you need.

How to Buy a Miter Saw?

There are mainly three types of miter saw available in the market. If you are a beginner, it’s easier to get confused about which one you should go for. However, here we have shared a clear overview of which miter saw can be the best fit for you, depending upon your working need.

Simple Miter Saw

These saws miter or rotate to the side. Hence, you can make angle cuts on the material from the top only. You can make the corner pieces for different projects with a standard miter saw, which even comes at a cheap price.

This type of miter saw is extremely simple in design. You should opt this type of miter saws in case of the following,

• You need to go for the money-saving options
• If you need a lightweight saw, which is much easier to carry
• To make vertical cuts only
• If you usually cut 2x6s or a smaller item

Compound Miter Saw

The basic working principle is the same, whereas the only difference is the blade and the motor of a compound miter saw can be easily tilted away from vertical at different angles. You should buy this if you feel okay with a slightly heavier machine and a higher price.

Alongside that, if you regularly work on trim, roof framing, or any other projects where crosscutting at multiple angles is essential then, a compound miter saw is what you need to fulfill your need.

These miter saws bevel or tilt help you to cut your piece of material at different angles. Starting from mini to wide cuts, you can finish various work that requires both horizontal and vertical angle cuts.

Sliding Compound Miter Saw

Sliding compound miter saws have the blade and the motor assembled on a rail or articulated arm. It can move forward and backward, tilt side to side and pivot downwards to give you the perfect cut.

• If you don’t have any issue with the weight and the price
• You need to cut wide boards
• If you are okay with a slightly rough cut and does not require precision

Single-Action & Dual-Action Compound Miter Saw

A single-action compound iter saw bevel only at one side, which makes the job a little tough for you. With this type of saw, you have to turn the machine to make cuts from different angles. On the other hand, a dual-action compound miter saw bevel at both sides to offer you great versatility.

Sliding Miter Saw

A sliding miter saw adds an additional function to the above-mentioned features of a saw. These saws slide forward to ensure that you can cut wider pieces than the blade would allow you normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Miter Saw?

A miter saw is nothing but a power tool, which allows you to cut different materials at a number of angles. These tools are equipped with blades on the swing arm, which pivots left or right to make you produce angled cuts.

What does a Miter Saw Do?

If you are wondering about what is a miter saw used for, here is the answer. A miter saw is specifically used to make crosscuts. You need to have a miter saw if you make cuts, window casings, door frames, picture frames, or crown moulding.

Do I need a Sliding Miter Saw?

As mentioned earlier, depending upon the type of work, you need to choose between the different kinds of miter saws. You need to have a good sliding compound miter saw if you work on large crown molding and construction tasks.