September 2023

Miter Saws: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of miter saws rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.

Summary

On 3 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 78 miter saw endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

42 miter saws were endorsed in total, only 14 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 3 Sep 2023, Bosch GCM12SD takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed miter saw with 8 expert endorsements. 4 experts out of 8 recommended it as the '#1 miter saw' this month.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking miter saws start at $19.99 (Zona Olsen Saw 35-241) and go up to $1599 (Festool Kapex KS 120). Median miter saw costs $350.81 (Bosch CM8S).
$19.99
$1599

At a glance - September Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Miter Saw
Sensible Digs
ProTool Reviews
Sawinery
SolidSmack
Handyman Picks
craftsmanprotools.com
Bob Vila
The Spruce
BestCovery
The Saw Guy
1
- $649
Bosch GCM12SD
The Bosch GCM12SD Miter Saw is a versatile and accurate tool with a 12-inch blade, innovative Axial Glide System, high-precision angle adjustments, and safety features, making it suitable for a wide range of cutting tasks.
3
1
4
3
-
3
1
1
1
-
2
- $499
Dewalt DWS780
-
-
7
1
-
1
-
-
2
1
3
- Check price
Dewalt Dws779
The Dewalt DWS779 is a highly praised and versatile miter saw that offers accurate cuts, impressive power, safety features, and durability, making it a valuable tool for a variety of cutting tasks in woodworking, construction, and DIY projects.
1
-
-
-
1
-
-
2
-
-
4
- $249
Craftsman V20 7-1/4" Sliding
-
-
-
5
-
5
3
6
7
-
5
- $119
Metabo HPT C10FCGS
The Metabo HPT C10FCGS miter saw is highly praised for its features, accuracy, power, safety features, and durability, making it a versatile and reliable tool for woodworking tasks.
-
-
5
-
2
10
-
4
-
7
6
- $152
Genesis GMS1015LC
The Genesis GMS1015LC compound miter saw is a versatile and durable tool that offers precise cutting capabilities and a helpful laser cutting guide, making it a reliable and efficient choice for professional woodworking projects or DIY home improvement tasks.
6
-
-
-
3
8
-
-
6
-
7
- $1000
Milwaukee 6955-20
The Milwaukee 6955-20 Miter Saw is a highly praised tool by experts for its smooth cutting capabilities, enhanced brightness, accuracy, power, safety features, and durability, making it a recommended choice for woodworking, carpentry, construction, and DIY home improvement tasks.
7
-
6
-
-
4
-
7
-
-
8
- $559
Bosch CM10GD
The Bosch CM10GD Miter Saw is a highly praised tool by experts for its user-friendly features, precise cutting capabilities, powerful motor, safety features, and potential durability, making it a valuable addition to any workshop or job site.
-
-
3
-
7
-
-
-
-
4
9
- $203
Skil MS6305
The Skil MS6305 Miter Saw is a highly praised and versatile tool that offers accuracy, power, safety features, and durability for a wide range of cutting tasks.
5
-
-
-
6
7
-
-
-
-
10
- $739
Makita LS1019L
The Makita LS1019L is a versatile and reliable miter saw that offers precise and clean cuts, making it ideal for professionals and DIY enthusiasts in woodworking and construction projects.
-
-
-
2
-
-
5
-
-
-
11
- Check price
Makita LS1040
The Makita LS1040 Miter Saw is a highly recommended tool for users who require a reliable and efficient miter saw for a wide range of woodworking projects, offering precise cutting capabilities, a powerful motor, and solid safety features.
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
3
-
-
12
- Check price
Makita LS1221
The Makita LS1221 Miter Saw is a highly praised tool known for its durable construction, precise cutting abilities, and safety features, making it suitable for both professional and DIY use.
-
-
-
-
4
-
-
-
3
-
14
- $351
Bosch CM8S
The Bosch CM8S Miter Saw is highly praised for its cutting capabilities, accuracy, and stability, making it a reliable and versatile tool for both professionals and DIYers.
-
4
-
4
-
-
-
-
-
-
15
- $270
Evolution R255SMS Plus
The Evolution R255SMS Plus Miter Saw is a highly recommended tool for its versatility, accuracy, power, safety features, and durability, making it suitable for a wide range of cutting tasks and materials.
-
-
-
-
5
-
-
8
-
-

; ; ;
#5 $119 Metabo HPT C10FCGS
#6 $151.90 Genesis GMS1015LC
#9 $202.79 Skil MS6305
#4 $249 Craftsman V20 7-1/4" Sliding
#15 $269.99 Evolution R255SMS Plus
#14 $350.81 Bosch CM8S
#2 $499 Dewalt DWS780
#8 $559.23 Bosch CM10GD
#1 $649 Bosch GCM12SD
#10 $739 Makita LS1019L
#7 $999.97 Milwaukee 6955-20

We ranked Bosch GCM12SD #1 in September 2023 because:

  • 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best miter saws” rankings.
  • Out of those, 4 experts ranked Bosch GCM12SD as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Sensible Digs

Best miter saw for crown molding

Suitable for Crown Moldings
Safe Bevel Lock
Large Scales
Axial Glide System

Tall and Heavy
Lacks Laser and Light

Go to ranking

ProTool Reviews

Best sliding compound miter saw

Go to ranking

Sawinery

Patented glide system for accurate cuts
Provides easy blade adjustments for bevel and miter settings
Capable of easily making angled miter cuts
Dust bag integrated with a vacuum adaptor
Equipped with a versatile saw blade suited for different DIY projects
One-touch sliding fences for added material support
Lower blade guard for increased visibility
Zero clearance slide arm that can sit against a wall if needed

Requires constant maintenance
Must be set-up accurately and according to manual

Go to ranking

SolidSmack

Doesn’t have the typical type of rail design to help it save space.
Has a well-balanced base.
Offers 14-Inch expanded horizontal cutting capacity, 6-1/2-inch vertical capacity, and 6-1/2-inch crown capacity (45-degree spring).
Has 3 HP, 15 amp motor and delivers 3800 RPM.
Compact for a 12” miter saw.
Intuitive functions and great for left- and right-handed users.

Doesn’t offer a laser or LED cutting guide.

Go to ranking

craftsmanprotools.com

Best For Workshop Use

Very compact. Takes less space than other sliding miter saws due to its Axial Glide System.
It’s very easy to read and adjust.
It comes perfectly aligned and accurate right out of the box.
Dust collection is very efficient. Easily one of the best.
The movement of the axial arm is fluid. It’s very easy to cut with it.

It comes with a low quality blade. You need to buy a higher quality blade like a Diablo to get the best out of it.

Go to ranking

Bob Vila

Best Overall

Smooth zero-clearance arm provides ample user-friendliness
Powerful motor provides durability and long-term usage
Dust-collection system keeps dust and debris out of the air and workshop
See-through safety guard integrated into the design to prevent unwanted cuts

No light or laser included in the components; may not suit some users’ preserences
A little heavy compared to other models; may not be ideal for transporting

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best Overall

Handles large boards but still reasonably compact in size
Bevels and miters in both directions
Highly efficient dust collection system

Expensive

Go to ranking

BestCovery

Best miter saw overall

Go to ranking

We ranked Dewalt DWS780 #2 in September 2023 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best miter saws” rankings.
  • Out of those, 3 experts ranked Dewalt DWS780 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Sawinery

Has extended power and durability
Suitable for heavy-duty cutting operations
Distinct and adjustable back fence structure
Features a detent plate with ten positive stops
Integrated with a reliable and precise miter system

Must be assembled according to the manual instruction
Corded and requires an electrical power source

Go to ranking

SolidSmack

A great amount of metal components and a sturdy build.
Has a 15 amp motor delivering 3800 RPM.
The back fence can cut up to 2 x 16 (90-degrees) and 2 x 12-dimensional lumber (45 degrees).
Very easy to assemble.
Great build and the adjustments are very responsive and precise.
Has a powerful motor and durable blade.
Very flexible and capable of doing every kind of cut.
Has 10 positive stops in its adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate.

The grip handle is a bit uncomfortable in the hands as it appears not to have any cushion.

Go to ranking

craftsmanprotools.com

The 12 inch sliding blade provides a very large cut capacity for cutting bigger workpieces and moldings.
The sliding action is very smooth.
Efficient dust collection. All the dust is directed to the back of the saw for easy collection with a shop vac.
The shadow line feature is very useful especially for beginners.

It’s very heavy, not something one can easily carry around without a mobile stand.

Go to ranking

BestCovery

Runner Up

Go to ranking

The Saw Guy

Go to ranking

Methodology: combine opinions of key experts

Identify Experts

We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend miter saws.

Capture Rankings

For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of miter saws, it must be updated in the last 9 months.

Aggregate Rankings

We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking

Experts chosen for September 2023 ranking

We ranked Dewalt Dws779 #3 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best miter saws” rankings.
  • Out of those, 2 experts ranked Dewalt Dws779 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Sensible Digs

Best sliding compound miter saw

Dust Collector
Sizeable Capacity
Accurate Cuts

No Laser

Go to ranking

Handyman Picks

Cam lock miter handle
Tall sliding fence support
Dual horizontal steel rails

Lacking in lasers
Belt drive takes getting used to

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best 12-Inch

Handles larger boards than most
Bevels to the left and the right
Very efficient dust collection system

Expensive

Go to ranking

We ranked Craftsman V20 7-1/4" Sliding #4 in September 2023 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best miter saws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
SolidSmack

Reasonably priced for the features it offers.
Compact, lightweight, and very convenient to use.
Great for small residential projects.
Features LED lights for accuracy of the cut line.
A single charge can last up to 2 hours of continuous use and easily recharges at just 1 hour.

Has a poor dust collection system.

Go to ranking

craftsmanprotools.com

The battery is reliable – lasts very long.
It’s quite powerful and performs really well.
Lightweight and compact. It folds up and carry easily.
You don’t need access to a power outlet to use it. It can be used on a remote jobsite. Very good good for handymen.
It’s budget-friendly.

Quite limited cut capacity, although for a 7-1/4 inch blade, I wasn’t expecting more.

Go to ranking

Bob Vila

Best Compact

Lightweight and compact enough to be transported if necessary
Quiet operation volume will not cause a lot of noise pollution in a house, on a job site, or workshop
Relatively powerful compared to some other models available

It contains a lot of plastic pieces; may not provide the best durability
Single bevel may not be ideal for some users

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best 7-1/4-Inch

Bevels both left and right
Long battery life
LED cut line positioning system

Dust collection system isn't the best

Go to ranking

BestCovery

Best budget miter saw

Go to ranking

We ranked Metabo HPT C10FCGS #5 in September 2023 because:

  • 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best miter saws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Sawinery

One of the most affordable 10-inch single bevel miter saws in the market
Cuts material at a no-load speed of 5000 RPM
Has an extensive working space that provides added support
Adjustable blade fence with bevel capability of 0-45 degrees

Crosscut capacity might not be enough for some
Single bevel configuration can only tilt in one direction

Go to ranking

Handyman Picks

Lightweight and easy to transport
Large table with a vice clamping system
15 amp motor generates a no-load speed of up to 5000 RPM

The fence is not square and bowing in a bit toward the blade’s base on the backside.
Instructions are not the easiest to follow.

Go to ranking

craftsmanprotools.com

All a builder, carpenter or cabinet maker needs is a saw that can really cut squarely and truly. This is not some fancy looking saw, but its precision is really great and the performance is just unbelievable, and that is what I like about it.
Considering the price, one would normally think that this saw will be a piece of crap, but use it a few times and you’ll surely think otherwise.
The saw miters well and bevels effortlessly, the fence is great and everything is just set up right out of the box.
Apart from all that, it’s really cheap. It’s the perfect saw for anyone who’s just starting up with woodworking or framing of any kind. You don’t need to break the bank to get it, and you don’t need to be an expert woodworker to use it.
The laser guide is another feature of the C10FCGS which I find very important and helpful, especially to anyone who’s a newbie in using these kind of tools.

Metal used is poor quality, and the dust collection is poor quality.
Apart from those two downsides, the Metabo HPT C10FCGS is miter saw rich in features and performance and it’s definitely a saw I would recommend to anyone who is in need of a cheap miter saw that performs excellently.

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best Budget

Reasonable price
Good for basic DIY projects

Only tilts to the left for bevels
No extension rails

Go to ranking

The Saw Guy

Go to ranking

We ranked Genesis GMS1015LC #6 in September 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best miter saws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Sensible Digs

Best budget miter saw

Extension Wings and Clamp
Arbor Lock
Electric Brake

Laser Is Battery-Powered
Awkward Clamp Position

Go to ranking

Handyman Picks

Quick electric brake
Arbor lock for quick blade changes
Nine positive detent miter stops

The clamp is not as strong as they would like it to be.

Go to ranking

craftsmanprotools.com

It’s very affordable and ideal for both beginner woodworkers with a small budget for tools.
It comes equipped with a laser marker for easy alignment of material.
Good design and quality build.
Lightweight and easy to transport. Electric brake feature makes it safer to use the saw.

The hold down clamps that comes with it are poorly designed.

Go to ranking

BestCovery

Best budget miter saw

Go to ranking

We ranked Milwaukee 6955-20 #7 in September 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best miter saws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Sensible Digs

Best miter saw for furniture making

Digital Readout
Cuts Large Materials
Includes Lighting

Inadequate Dust Collector

Go to ranking

Sawinery

Inclusive of dust channel providing a cleaner working environment
Operates with a 15-amp and 3.3 max hp motor
Suitable to cut hardwoods than miter saws with 10-inch blades
Has a fine adjust miter angle options with a self zeroing system
Integrated with lights and dust port for convenient operations

Corded miter saw that might require power extensions
Needs regular maintenance

Go to ranking

craftsmanprotools.com

Cuts materials with great precision and accuracy.
Increased cut capacity.
Efficient dust collection when hooked to a vacuum.
Dual inbuilt lights for proper blade and workpiece illumination.

Vacuum hook-up attachment does not come with the saw. It has to be bought separately.

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best for Trim/Baseboards

Very precise controls for bevel and miter cuts
Handles long boards and trim pieces
Bevels to the left and right

Very expensive

Go to ranking

We ranked Bosch CM10GD #8 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best miter saws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Sawinery

Best Compact

Axial glide system produces accurate bevel cuts
More compact and portable compared to other sliding miter saws
10 inches of working space that allows enhanced alignment
15-amp motor and a standard 120V power source
Crown molding capacity of 6-inches at 45 degrees
Designed with a soft grip for comfortable all-day use

Components need to be maintained regularly
Requires an electrical power source

Go to ranking

Handyman Picks

Axial glide system
Bevel lock lever
Quick bevel angle set up
Powerful motor

Fences don’t stay coplanar when in use
Blade binds on bevel cuts
Authorized service center takes long

Go to ranking

The Saw Guy

Go to ranking

We ranked Skil MS6305 #9 in September 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best miter saws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Sensible Digs

Best Dual Bevel Miter Saw

LED Shadow Line for Accuracy
Common Angle Cuts
Cam Miter Lock Knob
Excellent Value for Money

Sharper Blade Required
Blade Is Too Tight
Not Perfectly Accurate

Go to ranking

Handyman Picks

15 amp motor
positive stop at 11 different angles
LED Shadow Line
quick work clamp

bolt on the saw was tightened too tight
slow to start blade.

Go to ranking

craftsmanprotools.com

Very affordable
Has every feature you need, dual-bevel and sliding.
Very lightweight and ideal for jobsite operations.
Motor has plenty of power – cuts like hot knife through butter. Good construction with machined aluminum components.

Being very lightweight, it moves during use, unless you bolt it to a stand or table.

Go to ranking

We ranked Makita LS1019L #10 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best miter saws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
SolidSmack

The laser is positioned in a new place to make it more ergonomic.
Powered by 15 amp direct-drive motor delivering 3200 RPM.
The dust-collection system is more effective than other models.
Great for workshops with limited spaces.
Great depth adjustments for trench cuts.
Has an excellent cutting capacity.

The fence doesn’t slide outward but can be removed using a thumbscrew.
Not very ideal for left-handed users.

Go to ranking

Bob Vila

Best Zero Clearance

Powerful motor is ideal for professional as well as DIY use
Sliding design is brilliant and user-friendly
Lots of features and extras included with the saw

A little complicated to set up
An armful to move around; may not be ideal for transporting

Go to ranking

We ranked Makita LS1040 #11 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best miter saws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Sensible Digs

Best non-sliding miter saw

Powerful
Numerous Positive Stops
Lightweight

Lack of Bolt Holes

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best 10-Inch

Accurate and sturdily built
Fairly lightweight

Only tilts to the left for bevels

Go to ranking

We ranked Makita LS1221 #12 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best miter saws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Handyman Picks

Lightweight
Durable
Nine positive miter stops
Electric brake

Box arrived open on one occasion
Clamp missing on arrival for one buyer
Crack in the base of saw reported by another customer.

Go to ranking

BestCovery

Honorable Mention

Go to ranking

We ranked Bosch CM8S #13 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best miter saws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
ProTool Reviews

Best Compact Miter Saw

Go to ranking

SolidSmack

Lightweight at 37 pounds and sports a top carry handle.
Compact and perfect for tight spaces.
Great balance and no tipping problems.
Smart placement of buttons and other controls.
Sports integrated expanding base extensions.
Delivers 5600 RPM.
Perfect for small-scale furniture projects and residential carpentry purposes.

Doesn’t offer a laser guide feature.

Go to ranking

We ranked Evolution R255SMS Plus #14 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best miter saws” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Handyman Picks

multifunctional
quick release clamp
laser-guided precision
lightweight and portable
hi-torque motor

wobble in the slide mechanism
hold down clamp is not a heavy-duty
shelf is plastic

Go to ranking

The Spruce

Best for Alternative Materials

One blade handles most materials, including metal
Laser guide

Only tilts to the left for bevels

Go to ranking