Best Circular Saw Under £50
Finding a reliable circular saw for under £50 is tough, but not impossible. We have analysed specs, owner reviews, and brand reliability to find the best budget-friendly saws that won't let you down on your next DIY project.
Quick answer
For the best overall circular saw under £50, the Einhell TC-CS 860 offers the most power and cutting depth for the price. For the best value cordless option, the Ryobi One+ 18V Circular Saw (tool only) is a solid choice if you already own the battery system.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Tested on specs (power, torque, PSI)
- Battery & ecosystem compared
- Aggregated owner reviews
- Build quality & warranty checked
- Brand reliability
- No fake hands-on claims
Research updated June 2026.
Einhell TC-CS 860
Best power and cut depth in the budget class.
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Einhell TC-CS 860 | Best Overall | 1200 W, 62 mm cut | 4.2/5 | Check Amazon |
| Ryobi One+ R18CS | Best Cordless (Tool Only) | 18V, 165 mm blade | 4.0/5 | Check Amazon |
| Draper 110W | Best Lightweight | 1100 W, 4.0 kg | 3.9/5 | Check Amazon |
| Stanley STSC1820 | Best Value Corded | 1200 W, 184 mm blade | 3.8/5 | Check Amazon |
| Sealey SAW18 | Best for Occasional Use | 18V, No battery included | 3.7/5 | Check Amazon |
What to Look for in a Budget Circular Saw
When shopping for a circular saw under £50, you need to focus on the essential specs. Motor power measured in watts is the most important factor for corded models. A 1200 W motor is the sweet spot for cutting softwood and sheet materials. For cordless models, the voltage and battery amp-hours (Ah) determine runtime.
Cutting depth is another critical spec. A standard 184 mm blade can cut through 50 mm timber at 90 degrees. Check the bevel capacity, as most budget saws offer up to 45 degrees. Build quality is often plastic-based at this price point, but look for a metal shoe plate for better stability.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Cheap Circular Saw
One common mistake is buying a cordless saw without factoring in battery cost. Many budget cordless saws are sold as "tool only," requiring a separate battery and charger that can double the total cost. Always check if the kit includes a battery.
Another mistake is ignoring the blade quality. Budget saws often come with a dull blade. Factor in the cost of a replacement blade from brands like Bosch or Irwin for cleaner cuts. Also, do not overlook safety features like a blade guard and a safety switch.
Einhell TC-CS 860
Best OverallPros
- Strong 1200 W motor for budget class
- Deep 62 mm cut capacity
- Includes parallel guide and blade spanner
Cons
- Plastic base plate is less durable
- Dust port is small and can clog
The Einhell TC-CS 860 is the most powerful corded circular saw you can buy under £50. With a 1200 W motor and a 184 mm blade, it can cut through 62 mm of softwood at 90 degrees. Owner reviews on Amazon and DIY forums consistently praise its power for the price, making it ideal for ripping plywood and cutting 2x4 lumber.
The build is mostly plastic, but the saw feels solid for occasional use. The bevel adjustment goes up to 45 degrees, and the included parallel guide is useful for straight cuts. Some owners note the dust extraction could be better, but for the price, it is a strong performer.
Ryobi One+ 18V Circular Saw (R18CS)
Best Cordless (Tool Only)Pros
- Part of the huge Ryobi One+ battery system
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- LED light for cut line visibility
Cons
- Tool only, battery and charger sold separately
- Less power than corded models for thick timber
The Ryobi One+ R18CS is the best cordless option under £50 if you already own Ryobi batteries. It is a "tool only" purchase, meaning you need a compatible 18V battery and charger. The saw is lightweight at 2.6 kg without the battery, making it great for overhead work and quick cuts.
With a 165 mm blade, it cuts up to 50 mm deep at 90 degrees. Owner reviews highlight its convenience and decent runtime with a 4.0 Ah battery. It is not as powerful as a corded saw, but for cutting plywood, OSB, and 2x4s, it performs well for a budget cordless tool.
Draper 110W Circular Saw
Best LightweightPros
- Lightest corded option at 4.0 kg
- Good value for basic DIY tasks
- Includes a storage case
Cons
- Smaller 160 mm blade limits cut depth
- Motor struggles with dense hardwoods
The Draper 110W is a lightweight corded circular saw designed for light DIY use. At 4.0 kg, it is easy to manoeuvre, and the 1100 W motor is adequate for cutting softwood and sheet materials. The 160 mm blade offers a 50 mm cut depth, which is enough for most 2x4 lumber.
Owner reviews note that it is a good entry-level saw for occasional projects. The included storage case is a nice bonus. However, the smaller blade and lower power mean it is not suitable for heavy framing work or cutting thick hardwood.
Stanley STSC1820
Best Value CordedPros
- 1200 W motor matches top pick power
- Deep 62 mm cut capacity
- Trusted Stanley brand with wide availability
Cons
- Heavier than competitors at 4.5 kg
- Bevel adjustment is not as smooth
The Stanley STSC1820 is a solid corded circular saw that offers the same 1200 W power and 62 mm cut depth as the Einhell. It is a good alternative if you prefer the Stanley brand or find it at a lower price. The saw is built with a plastic housing and a metal shoe, which is standard for this price range.
Owner reviews mention that it is reliable for cutting timber and sheet materials. The main downside is the weight at 4.5 kg, which can be tiring for extended use. The bevel adjustment works but feels less precise than the Einhell. It is a capable saw for the price.
Sealey SAW18
Best for Occasional UsePros
- Very low price for a cordless saw
- Lightweight and portable
- Good for very light DIY tasks
Cons
- No battery or charger included
- Low build quality, plastic components
The Sealey SAW18 is the most affordable cordless circular saw on our list. It is a "tool only" model designed for occasional use. The 18V motor is less powerful than corded options, and the 160 mm blade limits cut depth to 50 mm. It is best suited for cutting thin plywood or softwood.
Owner reviews indicate that it is a basic saw for infrequent tasks. The build quality is mostly plastic, and it does not feel as robust as the Ryobi. It is a viable option only if you already have Sealey 18V batteries and need a very cheap second saw.
FAQs
Can I cut hardwood with a circular saw under £50?
Yes, but only with a corded model like the Einhell TC-CS 860. Cordless models under £50 will struggle with dense hardwood.
Do I need a battery for a cordless circular saw?
Most budget cordless saws under £50 are sold as "tool only" and do not include a battery or charger. Check the product description carefully.
What size blade is best for a budget circular saw?
A 184 mm blade is standard for corded saws and offers the best cut depth. A 165 mm blade is common for cordless models.
Is a corded or cordless circular saw better under £50?
Corded saws offer more power and consistent performance for the same price. Cordless saws offer portability but require a separate battery investment.
Can I use a circular saw for ripping plywood?
Yes, all the saws on our list can rip plywood. Use a straight edge or a parallel guide for accurate cuts.
What is the cutting depth of a budget circular saw?
Most budget corded saws with a 184 mm blade cut up to 62 mm deep. Cordless models with a 165 mm blade cut up to 50 mm deep.
Are Einhell circular saws reliable?
Einhell is a well-regarded budget brand. Owner reviews for the TC-CS 860 are positive, though build quality is not as high as premium brands like Bosch.
Do I need a laser guide on a budget circular saw?
Not essential. A laser guide can help but is often inaccurate on budget saws. A good straight edge is more reliable.
What safety features should I look for?
Look for a blade guard that retracts smoothly and a safety switch to prevent accidental starts. Always wear safety glasses.
Can I change the blade on these saws?
Yes, all circular saws allow blade changes. Most budget models include a spanner for the arbor nut.
Our verdict
For the best overall circular saw under £50, choose the Einhell TC-CS 860 for its powerful 1200 W motor and deep 62 mm cut depth. For the best value cordless option, the Ryobi One+ R18CS is a great choice if you already own Ryobi batteries. Avoid the Sealey SAW18 unless you are already in that battery ecosystem.