13 Best Miter Saws Reviewed in 2021: Which One is the Winner?

1. Makita EK6101 14-Inch 61 CC Power Cutter

When is a miter saw more than just another miter saw? When it’s this power cutter from Makita. Designed for professional applications, it comes in handy in any workshop too. Its powerful blade can cut through even the hardest of woods and can also cut through concrete and other hard materials.

Unlike miter saws that require you use the attached cutting surface or base, this saw has a portable design that lets you use it anywhere you need. It has a large metal blade on the front and a simple handle on the back. The saw also features a second handle near the center that gives you precise control over where you cut.

Despite its larger size, this saw weighs less than 20 pounds and is easy to carry. Its Stratified Air Scavenging system reduces the amount of fuel you use by up to 20% and recovers some of the fuel that other saws waste. Its air intake system, which works with its air filter, does a good job of forcing out debris to extend the life of that internal filter.

This saw features springs and a capacitor that reduces the kickback when you first power on the saw. Makita also designed this saw with the motor in the front, which helps the saw absorb the vibrations produced as you cut to help you keep working without your hands shaking. Fewer vibrations and an easier start make this model great for all types of jobs.

2. DEWALT DHS790AB FLEXVOLT 

DEWALT is one of the top power tool brands, and this compound miter saw from the company shows why so many people look for this brand name. It is part of the FLEXVOLT line of tools and comes with a rechargeable battery. This battery works with all other FLEXVOLT tools and automatically changes its voltage based on the type of tool you plug it into and use.

You also get a 120-volt AC adapter that lets you use this miter saw as either a corded or cordless saw. When plugged into an outlet, it automatically charges the battery. You can then unplug it from the wall and use the battery to power your saw.

With full power, this saw can do more than 280 cuts before you need to charge it again. DEWALT added a brushless motor that can not only do more cuts at once but can last longer too. You can use this miter saw for years before you need to replace it.

A unique blade positioning system lets you change the position of the blade based on the location of your board. An adjustable free line cutter is perfect for creating free-form cuts. You can actually move this cutter to create unique or angled cuts.

The saw also has a detent plate that lets you make cuts of up to 60 degrees in one direction and 50 degrees in the other direction. With the taller fences, you can work with crown molding and longer boards.

3. DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound

Whether you work from home or work in the field, this DEWALT miter saw is perfect for you. It comes with a handle that gives you control over the saw and how the blade moves, but that handle also allows you to grab the saw and take it to any site. While the miter saw has a heavy-duty design, it’s lightweight enough for carrying.

This model comes with an integrated system for easily setting up your lines. This system uses XPS positioning for more accurate cuts. As long as you follow the line you set, you’ll create cuts that are smooth and level without any cutouts along the edges.

The enhanced motor designed for this miter saw is a 15 amp motor that produces up to 3800 rpm. That fast speed and high revolution count move faster through any wood board. DEWALT designed that motor with lasting power in mind, and you can rest assured that the motor will last for years.

Other impressive features include a detent plate made from stainless steel that has 10 built-in stops for making beveled cuts. As a double bevel saw, you can make beveled cuts on both sides of this plate.

The saw also comes with a back fence that is exclusive to DEWALT miter saws. This fence can accommodate longer pieces of lumber. This fence also lets you make cuts of between 45 and 90 degrees in your boards.

4. Bosch GCM12SD 120-Volt 12-Inch DB Glide

With durable fencing on top and a comfortable handle, this Bosch miter saw will help you finish any project faster and easier than you thought possible. You actually get two fence pieces that are part of the company’s Squarelock fencing. The fence pieces sit at a 90-degree angle to the saw, and you can adjust those pieces easily.

Unlike other saws that will only work with shorter boards, this one has an expanded cutting capacity. The saw can accommodate up to 6-1/2 inch vertical boards and up to 14-inch horizontal boards. Sliding those boards away from the saw extends your work area.

To reduce some of your general discomforts, Bosch added an ergonomic handle. This handle has a built-in trigger that you squeeze to power the saw. The ergonomic shape of both the handle and trigger molds to the natural shape of your hand to let you saw all day long without feeling any cramping or pain.

With a 15 amp 3800 rpm motor, this saw can help you complete projects faster than you might believe. That powerful motor can make quick work of any board and significantly reduce the number of times you need to go over the same board or piece of wood.

As a double bevel miter saw, this one can also create angled cuts in pieces of crown molding for making custom pieces for your own home or your clients. The blade rotates to better accommodate those pieces.

5. Makita XSL01Z LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Dual Slide Compound

6. DEWALT DWS779 12-Inch Double-Bevel Sliding Compound

7. Bosch CM8S 8-1/2 Inch Single Bevel Sliding Compound

With easy access controls, Bosch makes it easy to adjust the stops on this compound miter saw to make beveled cuts that look sharp and crisp. Those stops sit on the side of the saw and have a nearby locking lever. This lever lets you lock the stops in place to keep the saw from shifting as you cut.

While it has a solid detent base that acts as a workstation, the saw also has integrated extensions. These extensions slide out on either side and enlarge your work area by nearly 30 inches. Each extension is the perfect size and shape for holding your boards and keeping those boards stable as you drop the saw down.

Bosch created this saw with balance in mind. Though it weighs around 37 pounds, it’s overall design features an even amount of weight on both sides. A carrying handle attached to the top provides a comfortable fit for your hands and allows to easily grab and move the saw.

The manufacturer also added clear markings that move from the right to the left side of the base. Those markings show angles ranging from 52 degrees on the left to 60 degrees on the right. You can grab and turn the handle on the front to select the right degree setting.

There are also 10 clearly marked areas that indicate the more commonly used miter angles. Those angles are suitable for most hobby projects as well as professional woodworking jobs.

8. DEWALT DCS361M1 20V MAX Cordless

With a pickup and go design, this cordless DEWALT miter saw is one you can use on job sites and in your own workshop. The comfort grip handles on the top functions as both a handle for using the saw and a handle for carrying. DEWALT used parts made from magnesium and other lightweight materials to further reduce its overall size and weight.

An integrated XPS positioning system helps you better position your boards on top for cutting and provides you with a clear view of those boards too. Even as you bring down the saw blade, you can still see the exact markings that you made to make more accurate cuts. That system also works with crown molding and other cross cut pieces that you use.

The 20V MAX battery pack included with this miter saw lets you make cuts, even when there are no outlets nearby. A single charge can get you up to 180 larger cuts or more than 270 shorter cuts. You can use the included charger to recharge that battery before heading out into the field.

Clear markings on the saw make it easier to determine the cuts you need to make and identify your measurements. The saw has a bevel range of between -3 degrees up to 48 degrees, and it can make both vertical and horizontal cuts. The dentent plate also shows 10 stops and uses clear markings to help you see those stops.

DEWALT gives you a blade wrench for removing the old blade and a carbide blade.

9. SKIL 3821-01 12-Inch Quick Mount Compound

Use the laser on this SKIL miter saw to keep track of all the cuts you need to make. This laser functions in the same way that a laser level does. It lets you mark a line on your board, which you can then follow with the saw to create the exact size or shape that you need.

The stainless steel detent plate on the base features nine stops that use positive angles and degrees. These clearly marked stops help you make angles that use some of the more common degrees found on woodworking projects. A handle on the front adjusts and lets you place your board at the exact degree setting you want to use.

Not only does this SKIL model come with adjustable fencing, but it also features table extensions on both the right and the left. These extensions pull out from the center of the saw and create more stable pieces that can support your boards. You can use these extensions for running longer boards through the saw.

The adjustable fence pieces are also great for using woods of different sizes with this saw. Each fence piece features clear markings in both full measurements and shorter measurements. You can make precise cuts down to a 1/8 inch or even smaller.

Using the quick mount system lets you easily mount this saw to a miter table from SKIL. Using it with a table gives you more stability and security.

10. Craftsman V20 CMCS714M1 Sliding Miter

Make accurate cuts with this Craftsman sliding miter saw, which is lightweight enough for taking to any job site. Though it comes with a blade, you can swap out that blade and use it without almost any you already own. It gives you the sharp corners and edges that you want.

With a 3800 rpm motor, you can cut through both soft wood varieties and harder woods too. It’s larger base can accommodate boards of up to 8-inches wide, and you can also use it when cutting crown molding. The 15 amp motor provides just the right amount of power and torque for any type of job.

The LED light works as both a guide and a level. Following this light lets you make perfect cuts and create even lines. You can adjust that LED light based on the angle you need.

An included dust bag fits over the bag of the saw and pulls in some of the dust and debris produced while cutting. You can easily remove and empty that bag at the end of the day. Also included is a blade wrench for changing the blade and a clamp that works with the included extensions.

The teeth coated in carbide add to the lifespan of the blade and help it cut more boards. Craftsman made this model from aluminum to keep its overall weight down.

11. Hitachi C10FCH2 15 Amp 10-Inch Single Bevel Compound

12. Ryobi P551

Very few companies make cordless miter saws, and some woodworking enthusiasts think that corded models are always better. Ryobi hopes to change your mind with this cordless miter saw, which gets its power from a rechargeable battery. That battery can charge in hours and will work with the charges you get with other Ryobi tools.

Safety features on this model include a D-handle and a blade guard/cover. That cover completely surrounds the blade when not in use and keeps others from touching or using the saw. The D-handle allows you to comfortably grip the handle and use the saw without your hands going anywhere near the blade.

This lightweight and compact miter saw comes with a cutting capacity that can work with boards of up to four inches wide and up to two-inches thick. It also has a capacity for doing cross cuts of more than four-inches. You can use the built-in laser alignment system to line up all your cuts, and you can adjust this system based on the type of cuts you want to make.

The adjustable design of this Ryobi miter saw also apply to its bevel cuts. It has positive stops for making bevel cuts of up to 45-degrees and lets you adjust that stop all the way down to zero. Ryobi also includes a durable blade with 24 carbide tips around the edges that are strong enough to cut through most woods and can make hundreds of cuts.

13. Ryobi TSS102L

When you need a miter saw that won’t take up a lot of space in your workshop, consider this Ryobi model. Though it delivers all of the power as similar saws do, it comes in a compact design that has a smaller footprint. It’s also significantly more lightweight than some of its competitors.

It’s cutting capacity lets you cut standard 2 X 4 boards, but it also has a cross cut capacity of 7-1/4 inches. The included blade measures 10 inches and has carbide tips that let you make more cuts from a single blade. A simple guard covers that blade and prevents accidents if the blade falls down.

Ryobi designed a D-shaped handle at the very top that lets you slide your hand inside and wrap your fingers around the edges. You can then lift and lower the blade with minimal discomfort. On the back of the saw is a long cord that plugs into any standard outlet.

A powerful 15 amp motor produces up to 5500 rpm for faster cutting of wood. The laser light alignment system lets you easily line up your boards. That laser light serves as a level to ensure that you make precise and accurate cuts.

Miter stops further improve your accuracy. Those stops are available at five degrees between 0 and 45 degrees. You can also use this saw for easily following notches you already made.

Our Miter Saw Winner

The best miter we found is the Makita EK6101 14-Inch 61 CC Power Cutter. We like that it works like a power cutter but also functions well as a circular saw. You will like that Makita mounted the motor near the front to reduce the vibrations that you feel when using the saw.

A Stratified Air Scavenging system reduces fuel consumption by up to 20%. This system also helps the saw recover some of the fuel that it might otherwise use. We also like the air intake system featured on this model that works with an internal air filter to eliminate waste.