The 2026 market for cordless circular saws has settled, and Milwaukee continues to dominate the testing rig. A head-to-head review of twelve models from major manufacturers like DeWalt, Makita, and Hilti revealed that the Milwaukee 2834 reclaimed the top spot with virtually no flaws. This latest iteration improves upon the previous model 2732, maintaining a lead that no competitor could close in our specific group of tests. The tool scored above 90 points, making it the only unit in the test group to reach that benchmark.
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Testing used digital timers to measure speed and performance across categories like rip cuts, full-depth cuts, and guard action. Scoring was specific to this test group, meaning a 90 to 100 rating indicates the saw is outstanding for this comparison, though it may not necessarily be the best tool available overall. The Milwaukee 2834 finished first in rip cuts at 9.76 seconds and achieved a perfect 9 out of 9 for guard action and sight lines. It also led the pack in dust collection, which can be a significant factor for workshop cleanliness.
Best Cordless Circular Saw Runner Up Ryobi 18V HP Brushless PBLCS302 Tested Weight: 10.78 lbs w/8.0Ah Edge battery Bevel Detents: Stops at 15°, 22.5°, 30°, 45°, and 56° for quick adjustments to common angles Included Vac Adapter: Connect a vacuum to keep your workspace cleaner Rafter Hook: Easily hang the saw by its hook instead of setting it down Electric Brake: Quickly stops the blade once you release the trigger Ryobi’s HP Brushless power tools have been pushing higher performance levels that are starting to legitimately blur the line between the Prosumer and Pro classes. In our circular saw tests, the PBLCS302 put in some solid cutting speed that put it ahead of some big names. The design has also made progress compared to previous versions, giving it more of a Pro feel than before. It’s not perfect, though. The dust collection was poor compared to most of the group, and there’s still a little room for improvement on the 45° sight line and left compound cut guard action. The plastic lower blade guard also helps set the context that it’s still a saw that primarily targets serious DIYers/Prosumers. It just happens to have to outperformed quite a few Pro models in our tests.
Related: Hilti Nuron Table Saw Designed for High‑Performance Jobsites
TestResultRip Cut14.10 se
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