The Best Rated Miter Saws in the Market

Miter saws are an essential piece of kit for any serious tradesman or hobbyist DIYer working on a project that requires precision cutting and the cutting of molding. A miter saw has many uses and applications in the home and on work sites; ranging from doing quick cross cuts of wood, to cutting decorative trim (such as crown moldings) – a miter saw is by far the best tool for these kinds of jobs.

A miter saw usually consists of a circular cutting blade that is used to produce for trimming or accurate and quick cross cuts of a work piece. The fact that it has the capability to miter at different angles other than 90 degrees is where the saw gets its name. The cutting blade itself also has the capability to be beveled in both directions (left and right) with this type of saw to make bevel cuts.

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But when it comes to buying one it is pretty hard to know where to even start. With so many manufacturers out there producing a variety of different miter saws, which all claim to be the best, it is hard to know which one is best for you and your project.

This makes shopping for a miter saw a complete minefield – knowing which are worth the money, and which should be avoided at all costs. After all, a fine woodworking miter saw is every wood workers dream tool so it is super important you make the right choice.

However, do not despair; we are here to help you out by providing a comprehensive review of the 5 best miter saws currently available on the market. These product reviews will give an honest insight into the pros and cons of each miter saw, allowing you to make an informed decision as to which one is most suitable for you and your project before you head out into a very crowded market place.

We have awarded each miter saw with a Best Miter Saw for category, such as ‘Best Miter Saw for Homeowners’, and then just chucked in another one of our favorites for good measure.

A buyer’s guide has also been included with all the useful information regarding miter saws you need to know, as well as some handy tips on how to get the best value for money when making a purchase.

Best Rated Miter Saw Models For Homeowners

1. Hitachi C10FCG 15-Amp Home Miter Saw

A quality piece of kit; this is the ideal miter saw for those tradesman (and home DIYers) who require a precision cut, along with outstanding versatility and reliability every time. Carpenters and woodworkers will find that this miter saw cuts through the toughest of jobs with absolute ease, which is as a result of its 15 amp motor that generates an incredible amount of power – achieving up to 5,000 RPM.

Weighing in at just 24.2 pounds the C10FCG is considerably lighter than the previous model and lighter than most other miter saws that are currently available on the market. This makes it great for transporting and can easily be moved around the work site or home by lone workers. The large table, along with the clamping system used allows any size of work piece to be comfortably and, most important, safely held in place whilst the blade is in motion. Simple miter adjustments can be made using thumb trigger miter stops.

It boasts a range of up to 52 degrees both to the left and to the right, meaning precise and quality bevel cuts can easily be made every time. Like many similar miter saws the C10FCG comes with a dust collector attachment to allow for a clean, tidy and safe work space.

Best of all the miter saw comes with a 5 year warranty so no need to worry about it dying on you and it costing a fortune to get fixed (providing it does so in the first 5 years of course).

Whilst this impressive saw will run for years, maybe even decades, some of the parts may not be quite so robust and it feels like there is always the possibility that something may break at any time. The miter saw itself arrived with the alignment slightly out and this can be a tricky issue to fix for home DIYers.

This is a superb all rounder and is the ideal miter saw for tradesman right through to the occasional DIYer. It is a quality piece of kit that warrants the price tag as it is the best miter saw currently available on the market.

If you had to use just one saw for the rest of your life, make sure it is the Hitachi C10FCG 15-Amp Home Miter Saw.

Pros:

• Large degree of angle
• Super lightweight
• High powered motor

Cons:

• Quality of parts
• Alignment issues

Specifications:

• A high powered 15 amp motor 
• Up to 5,000 RPM
• A total weight of 24.2 pounds
• An angle range of up to 52 degrees (left and right)
• A bevel angle range of up to 45 degrees (left with adjustable bevel stops)
• A 5 year warranty

Check out the price of the Hitachi C10FCG

2. Evolution Rage3-DB Sliding Compound Miter Saw 

The Rage3-DB is a quality built miter saw that comes with every additional feature you’ll ever need or want, making it ideal for tradesman and serious DIYers. As a sliding compound miter saw, it can accurately double bevel cut both to the left and to the right at an angle of up to 45 degrees and mitre cut up to 47 degrees left and right.

The ability of this miter saw to double bevel cut means it reduces the need to re-adjust work pieces, saving both time and effort. It boats a high powered 2,000 Watt motor, which powers a 10 inch multipurpose cutting blade via a high-torque gearbox; the performance and durability of this miter saw is hugely impressive.

As a result of this power, and its multipurpose diamond blade (with 28 teeth), this miter saw is able to cut through wood, as well as plastic, aluminium and steel with the greatest of ease. This is partly due to its utilisation of Evolution’s patented multipurpose cutting technology. This miter saw is not one that gives off masses of burr, heat or sparks (when cutting through metal), making it ideal for use in the home.

The sliding functionality means the Rage3-DB has an impressive cutting width of up to 12.5 inches – over double that of a none sliding miter saw. It also comes with extending bars for greater support when cutting those longer work pieces. The laser cutting guide line has an on and off button, as well as a further switch for the blade guard to be released.

A robust casing means it is durable enough to be used in the most demanding work spaces, including busy work sites. The saw comes with just a 3 year guarantee – something to consider if it is going to be put to heavy use on that busy work site.

As good as this miter saw is, it is not without its problems. Firstly, the power cord just is not long enough, meaning you have to be in close proximity to a power socket at all times – not the easiest thing when being used on a work site.

As standard, it only comes with a single clamp, which in most cases does not provide enough support and is not ideal when it flexes under a heavy load. The blade is not as robust as you would expect from such a miter saw given its multi use purpose and wears out quite fast, especially when used for cutting through steel.

When bevel cutting, the guard around the blade can sometimes get jammed against work pieces, resulting in a somewhat rougher cut than is wanted. The miter saw can also be difficult to adjust to cut exactly at 90 degrees and 45 degrees angles.

This is a great saw. However, because of its need to be in constant close proximity to a power socket, it naturally lends itself to home use.

That is why the Evolution Rage3-DB Sliding Compound Miter Saw is our best miter saw for DIY projects based in the home.

Pros:

• Multipurpose cutting blade
• Build quality
• Sliding capability

Cons:

• Short power cord
• Single clamp
• Quality of blade

Specifications:

• A 2,000 Watt motor
• A 1R255-TCT 10 inch multipurpose cutting blade (28 teeth)
• Evolution’s patented multipurpose cutting technology
• A hold down clamp
• A bevel angle range of up to 45 degrees (left and right)
• A miter angle range of up to 47 degrees (left and right)
• A 3 year guarantee

Check out the price of the Evolution Rage3-DB

3. DeWalt DW715 15-Amp 12-Inch Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw

Whether you’re cutting baseboards or crown molding, the DeWalt 12 inch single bevel compound miter saw provides quick, accurate cuts for any job. This is a well built, sturdy miter saw that is ready to go as soon as it comes out of the box – making it ideal for beginners as it requires no setting up. It is powered by a highly powerful 15 amp motor which is capable of generating up to 4,000 RPM to deliver extended power.

It delivers great durability and even greater accuracy with a 48 degree bevel cutting angle range to the left and 3 degrees to the right. The DW715 easily cuts through wood with an adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate and 11 positive stops. It has a tall sliding fence that supports a variety of molding cuts whilst easily sliding away for bevelled cuts.

The 12 inch cutting blade makes seriously light work of any work piece in one clean pass, even with its lack of teeth. The ergonomics of the handle means it is easy for anyone to operate and produces beautiful clean cuts. At 42 pounds, it is pretty lightweight and even comes with a built in handle that makes it ideal for carrying around the work site or home, and lift it comfortably when it comes time to stow the miter saw away at the end of the day.

To keep your work space safe, tidy and clean, the DW715 comes with a vacuum attachment so you can suck up all that dust and debris. As is the case with all DeWalt power tools, the miter saw comes with an excellent and fully comprehensive warranty package which includes a 3 year guarantee, a 90 day money back guarantee and a 1 year free service agreement.

However, the dust port is not the best and means jobs can quickly and easily become very messy, very fast – the vacuum attachments becomes super handy in those situations. When the miter saw is put on a proper craftsman stand its bolts do fail to line up completely with the saw holes, which although is not a massive issue it can become irritating over time.

The knob on the folding lock is also quite small, making it fiddly to use at times, especially when your hands are covered in dust and dirt.

If you are looking for a good basic miter saw then this is it. The fact that this miter saw comes ready to use from straight out of the box makes it ideally suited to those with little or no experience of using and setting up such a piece of kit.

That is the main reason why the DeWalt DW715 15-Amp 12-Inch Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw has been crowned the best miter saw for beginners.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Handle ergonomics
• Adjustable detent plate

Cons:

• Quality of dust port
• Lack of compatibility with craftsman stand
• Folding lock knob

Specifications:

• A high powered 15 amp motor 
• Up to 4,000 RPM
• A total weight of 42 pounds
• A machine based fence support
• Tall sliding fence supports
• A built in carry handle
• An adjustable metal miter detent plate with 11 positive stops
• A bevel angle range of up to 48 degrees (left) and 3 degrees (right)
• A miter angle range of up to 50 degrees (left and right)
• A 3 year guarantee 
• A 90 day money back guarantee
• A one year free service

Check out the price of the DeWalt DW715

4. Kobalt SM1850LW Mitre Saw

The SM1850LW is a relatively lightweight and basic miter saw. It is built with a die cast aluminium frame, meaning this miter saw weighs less than 30 pounds, so it is ideal for transportation or moving around the worksite or home. The saw is also has a very small footprint meaning it is perfect for those work sites where space is at a premium.

It is armed with a vertically mounted laser guide as standard that enables cleaner and more precise cuts for those times when accuracy is paramount. The motor is of good quality; it is hefty and goes through wood, plastic and metals with great ease, making for smooth clean cuts.

The SM1850LW slides, tilts and has a built on clamp to hold your wood in place. It boasts positive bevel and miter stops to aid accurate placement for those more commonly used angles, such as 45 degrees and 90 degrees, which it cuts perfectly every time.

The saw has a maximum cross cut of up to 2 inches x 8 inches, making it ideal for framing and molding cuts. Its dual slide rail system with linear bearings allows for smooth and accurate operation at all times.

Changing the 7.5 inch cutting blade (something that can be quite tricky on certain models) is easily done with the spindle lock. The saw comes with a vacuum attachment so you can suck up all that dust and debris to ensure a clean, tidy and safe work space.

As a result of its aluminium frame it lacks in the sturdiness and durability that steel framed miter saws possess, so not ideal if it is going to be used on a busy work site. The miter saw is not the best at collecting dust which can leave you with a large clean up operation afterwards, especially if the cutting is done indoors.

The level of accuracy of the angles is not the best and there is some inconsistency with cuts. The accuracy of the laser guide is also questionable; it is also slightly fuzzy and is not adjustable – this needs to be taken into consideration when making those all important cuts.

The quality of the cutting blade is also lacking some quality and can break quite easily, shattering into several pieces when put under large amounts of pressure. Normally, this is not a huge issue; however, sourcing replacement Kobalt parts is very difficult for this particular model.

Its reasonable price compared to other similar miter saws currently available on the market, along with the range of functions and quality it offers, makes this piece of kit ideal for those without a huge budget.

That is why we have given the Kobalt SM1850LW Mitre Saw the award of best miter saw for the money.

Pros:

• Very lightweight
• Laser guided cutter
• Quality of motor

Cons:

• Quality of dust collection
• Accuracy of laser guide
• Hard to get replacement parts

Specifications:

• A total weight of less than 30 pounds
• Up to 5,000 RPM
• A 7.5 inch cutting blade
• A vertically mounted laser guide
• A dual slide rail system
• Positive miter and bevel stops
• A maximum cross cut of up to 2 inches x 8 inches

Check out the price of the Kobalt SM1850LW

5. Ryobi EMS190DCL One+ Cordless Compound Miter Saw

Relatively new to the market (but don’t let that put you off), the EMS190DCL is a cordless miter saw like no other – it is quite unique. The lack of a power cord makes it highly versatile and allows the miter saw to be easily moved to and from any work space without the hassle of being close to a power socket or having to carry an extension lead with you at all times.

Similarly, the compact neat design, with separate handle, makes it really easy to transport and store. It has the capability to generate more power than most corded miter saws (up to 4,500 RPM) and no load speed paths the way for fast accurate cuts. It is also considerably quitter and vibrates less than any corded models, making for a more comfortable user experience – especially with the rubberised GripZone handle.

With a laser guide, that utilises Exactline Laster Technology as standard, and a Kerf 24T carbide tipped cutting blade, cuts can be made precisely and accurately. Cutting blade changes are made easy with the spindle lock – this can sometimes be a tricky job on other models. Versatility is what is at the heart of the EMS190DCL with a lightweight and compact build.

It also has a small footprint meaning it is perfect for those work sites where space is at a premium. It does come with a vacuum attachment so you can keep your work space clean, tidy and safe at all times. Utilising Ryobi’s 18 Volt Lithium Ion battery (and charger), the miter saw’s battery is compatible with a whole host of Ryobi’s other tools and garden equipment and gives a seriously long run time – so no half finishing jobs while you sit around for the battery to charge.

It’s not all good though. There is a big issue with the laser guide being set to off centre of the cut and this can not be adjusted – this is particularly troublesome on those cuts where precision really matters. The clamp which comes as standard can only really be used to hold down work pieces that are flat and sit flush on the miter saw, making it useless for moldings.

There is also a lack of support for longer work pieces.

A closer contender to the Hitachi C10FCG 15-Amp Home Miter Saw for the title of overall best miter saw. Where the Ryobi EMS190DCL One+ Cordless Compound Miter Saw was let down is on its poor quality clamp and its even worse quality laser guide.

Pros:

• Cordless
• Lightweight
• Long battery life

Cons:

• Quality of laser guide
• Quality of clamp

Specifications:

• A compact cordless design
• Up to 4,500 RPM
• A Kerf 24T carbide tipped cutting blade (24 teeth)
• An Exactline laser guide
• A bevel angle range of up to 45 degrees
• A miter angle range of up to 45 degrees 
• A maximum of up to 189 cross cuts 
• A Lithium+ 5.0Ah battery

Check out the price of the Ryobi EMS190DCL

Buyer’s Guide

At this point you should be starting to think about everything you have just read in regards to what makes for a desirable miter saw, and what make for one that should be avoided at all costs. 

In this guide we’ll offer you some more in depth information about miter saws to enable you to make a well informed decision regarding making a purchase. It should be known that a quality miter saw should function like a table saw, circular saw, and more, whilst combining portability and high-functionality, to let you make that perfect angled cut.

Range of Angles

Probably the single most important thing to consider when buying a miter saw is its range of angles. You will be able to do a greater range of cuts, the greater the range of angles of the miter saw. Lower quality, cheaper miter saws usually have just a wide angle range and in just one direction.

Although it does not stop you from doing all the different kinds of cuts you may want or need, it does make it more difficult in that you would have to do it backwards to the angle you require – this can be a tricky thing to do.

As a rule of thumb, the greater the range of different angles a miter saw can perform, the better quality it will be. This is especially true if the miter saw can perform wide angle cuts in either direction – a feature that is extremely rare on the more basic models.

Power of the Miter Saw

Power is also another highly important thing that needs to be carefully considered before purchasing a new miter saw. When cutting work pieces (such as a piece of base board) with a miter saw it should be placed properly, correctly aligned with the cutting blade, the cutting blade lowered on to the work piece and then let the saw cut through the work piece.

The power of the miter saw must be enough so that, with even the slightest little force or pressure, the cutting blade goes through the work piece with no effort. When the cutting blade is lowered, and it touched the work piece, it should simply slide through it.

Quality

A quality miter saw should have perfect precision and accuracy. Whether you are carrying out finished carpentry on a home, especially finish carpentry or cabinetry, or framing a building, precision is super important. If a miter saw is not cutting precisely, your overall design will come out skewed and defective.

The Fence

Another highly important feature of any miter saw is the fence – this is something that the saw could not operate with out. It is there to secure the work piece and provide accuracy when cutting at angles at the longest end of the work piece.

As a standard position, the angle is set at 90 degrees.

Dust Collection

Dust collection is another important feature that should be considered when it comes to a miter saw. A high quality miter saw should be designed in such a way that a major portion of the dust created can be collected efficiently when a shop vac is hooked to the dust exhaustion port.

Miter Saw Weight

Something else that requires serious consideration is the weight of the miter saw. Lighter models on the market usually weigh around 40 pounds, whereas heavier models do often weigh twice as much as that.

Sole tradesman and lone workers should opt for a lighter miter saw that will be easier to move around your work space by yourself – especially if it is going to be moved a lot and kept in storage.

Conclusion

Due to its large degree of angle, the fact it is so lightweight and its high powered motor, the Hitachi C10FCG 15-Amp Home Miter Saw is crowned as the best rated miter saw currently available on the market – it should be the first one any would be buyer considers.

The Evolution Rage3-DB Sliding Compound Miter Saw wins the accolade of best miter saw for homeowners with its exceptional build quality, and sliding capability of its multipurpose cutting blade – its major downfall being the fact the power cord is so short.

As a lightweight and well built miter saw, with an adjustable detent plate, the DeWalt DW715 15-Amp 12-Inch Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw is the best miter saw for beginners – it is one you can get straight out of the box and begin cutting with.

The best value miter saw is the Kobalt SM1850LW Mitre Saw which boasts a lightweight frame, laser guided cutter and an excellent quality motor – for the money you will find no better alternative.

The Ryobi EMS190DCL One+ Cordless Compound Miter Saw is an all rounder, with great portability (due to it being cordless) and a long lasting battery – a new miter saw to the market place but long may this cordless revolution continue.

It is hoped the handy buyers guide and honest, in-depth reviews have provided some insight into the best miter saws out there and what their features and capabilities are. This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the miter saws currently available on the market.

These are simply a select number that we found particularly impressive based on their various features, attributes and prices.

Armed with your newly gained knowledge you should now feel confident enough to find the right model of miter saw for you and projects – whether it be one of our suggestions or a completely different model.