Quick Overview
- The best DeWalt circular saw 20V pick overall is the DCS570 because it balances power, cut depth, and a fair price for most framing and remodel work.
- Best for maximum power on the 20V platform: DCS573, which adds FlexVolt Advantage for a power boost when paired with a 60V battery.
- Best worm-drive-style saw: DCS590, with a wider bevel range for rafter and stair-stringer cuts.
- Best compact/one-handed saw: DCS571, a 4-1/2 in. ATOMIC model for tight trim and OSB work.
- Best budget pick: DCS565, a 6-1/2 in. saw that street-priced around $119 tool-only during recent sales.
Who This List Is For
This list is for US homeowners and DIYers picking a DeWalt circular saw 20V model for framing, deck work, plywood sheets, or trim carpentry. It fits anyone already invested in DeWalt’s 20V MAX battery platform, since a shared battery saves money over buying a separate tool system. It is not the right list for pros who only work 60V FlexVolt jobsites – those buyers should look at DeWalt’s 60V-only saws like the DCS578 instead.
What to Look for in a DeWalt Circular Saw 20V
Before the rankings, here is what actually separates a good 20V circular saw from a mediocre one.
| Criterion | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Blade size | A 7-1/4 in. blade cuts deeper in one pass than a 6-1/2 in. or 4-1/2 in. blade, which matters for 2x lumber and thick decking. |
| RPM and torque | Higher RPM keeps the blade from bogging down in dense material like pressure-treated lumber. |
| Bevel range | A wider bevel range (up to 57 degrees) helps with rafter cuts, stair stringers, and angled trim. |
| Weight | A lighter saw is easier to control one-handed on ladders, in attics, or on long overhead cuts. |
| Battery compatibility | Every saw on this list runs on the same 20V MAX battery pack, so buying tool-only saves money if you already own DeWalt batteries. |
How We Evaluated These DeWalt 20V Circular Saws
Siddik has used several of these saws firsthand for job-site framing repairs and shed-building work tied to his repair shop’s maintenance jobs. For models not tested hands-on, this list relies on manufacturer spec sheets and a comparison of verified owner reviews across major US retailers. Every rating below reflects that mix of hands-on use, spec comparison, and owner-review analysis – not a single outside review site.
1. DCS570 – Best Overall DeWalt Circular Saw 20V
The DCS570 is DeWalt’s standard 7-1/4 in. 20V MAX circular saw, and it made this list first because it covers the most jobs without a price jump into FlexVolt territory. It cuts framing lumber, plywood, and decking with a brushless motor rated at 5,200 RPM.
Key features:
- 7-1/4 in. blade with 2-9/16 in. max cutting depth at 90 degrees
- Brushless motor rated for 330 crosscuts in 2×4 pine per charge on a 5.0Ah battery
- Bevel capacity up to 57 degrees
- Electric brake stops the blade right after the trigger releases
Pros:
- Deepest cut capacity on this list at the lowest price point for a 7-1/4 in. saw
- Bevel range covers most framing and stair-cutting needs
- Compatible with every 20V MAX battery DeWalt sells
Cons:
- No FlexVolt Advantage, so it will not get a power boost from a 60V battery
Price: $99-$130 tool-only; kits with a battery and charger run higher.
Rating: 4.6/5, based on spec comparison and owner-review analysis.
Best for: Homeowners who want one saw that handles nearly every framing and remodeling job.
2. DCS573 – Best for Maximum Power on the 20V Platform
The DCS573 looks nearly identical to the DCS570 but adds FlexVolt Advantage technology. Run it on a standard 20V MAX battery and it performs like the DCS570. Swap in a 60V FlexVolt battery and DeWalt rates it for up to 77% more power.
Key features:
- Same 7-1/4 in. blade and 2-9/16 in. max depth as the DCS570
- FlexVolt Advantage boosts output automatically when a 60V battery is installed
- 5,500 RPM brushless motor
- Rafter hook built into the housing for job-site storage
Pros:
- One saw covers both 20V and 60V battery setups
- Faster RPM than the base DCS570
- Same bevel range and cut depth as the DCS570, with headroom for harder cuts
Cons:
- Costs more than the DCS570 for a power boost most DIYers won’t use without a FlexVolt battery
Price: $140-$180 tool-only.
Rating: 4.4/5, based on spec comparison and owner-review analysis.
Best for: Owners who already have or plan to buy a 60V FlexVolt battery.
3. DCS590 – Best Worm-Drive-Style DeWalt Circular Saw 20V
The DCS590 keeps the 7-1/4 in. blade size but adds a wider bevel range than the DCS570 and DCS573, running from 0 to 57 degrees with stops at 22.5 and 45 degrees. That extra bevel precision is why framers and deck builders reach for it over the standard models.
Key features:
- 7-1/4 in. blade, bevel stops at 22.5, 45, and 57 degrees
- Rear pivot design for better sightline down the cut line
- Compatible with all 20V MAX batteries
Pros:
- Bevel stops make repeat angle cuts faster and more accurate
- Rear-handle design improves control on long rip cuts
- Same 20V MAX battery compatibility as every saw on this list
Cons:
- Costs noticeably more than the DCS570 for a feature set most casual DIYers will not use often
Price: around $250 tool-only.
Rating: 4.2/5, based on spec comparison and owner-review analysis.
Best for: Deck builders and framers who make repeat bevel cuts at set angles.
4. DCS565 – Best Budget DeWalt Circular Saw 20V
The DCS565 trades blade size for weight and price. At 6-1/2 in., it cuts most dimensional lumber and plywood, and it has sold as low as $119 tool-only during recent sales.
Key features:
- 6-1/2 in. blade, 1-5/8 in. cut depth at 45 degrees and 2-1/8 in. at 90 degrees
- Tool-free bevel lever adjusts 0 to 50 degrees
- Built-in rafter hook and LED work light
Pros:
- Lightest full-featured saw on this list for one-handed overhead cuts
- Frequently discounted below $150 tool-only
- LED light helps in attics, crawl spaces, and dim job sites
Cons:
- Shallower max cut depth than the 7-1/4 in. models, so it will not fully cut through thick decking in one pass
Price: $119-$220 tool-only depending on sales.
Rating: 4.3/5, based on spec comparison and owner-review analysis.
Best for: Budget-focused DIYers doing plywood, trim, and standard 2x lumber work.
5. DCS571 – Best Compact DeWalt Circular Saw 20V
The DCS571 is part of DeWalt’s ATOMIC Compact Series, built around a 4-1/2 in. blade for one-handed cuts. It is not a framing saw – it is built for trim, OSB, and cuts in tight spaces where a full-size saw will not fit.
Key features:
- 4-1/2 in. blade, cuts 2x material at 90 degrees and 1x material at 45 degrees
- Elongated handle for extended reach on rip cuts
- On-board blade-key storage
Pros:
- Lightest and most compact saw on this list
- Rated to cut up to 369 linear feet of 3/4 in. OSB on a single 5.0Ah charge
- Easiest of the five to control one-handed
Cons:
- 4-1/2 in. blade cannot fully cut through standard 2×4 lumber in one pass at 90 degrees on thicker stock
Price: $99-$130 tool-only.
Rating: 4.1/5, based on spec comparison and owner-review analysis.
Best for: Trim carpentry, OSB sheets, and tight-space cuts where a 7-1/4 in. saw is too bulky.
Comparison Table: DeWalt 20V Circular Saws at a Glance
| Name | Best For | Price (tool-only) | Blade Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCS570 | Overall use | $99-$130 | 7-1/4 in. |
| DCS573 | 60V power boost | $140-$180 | 7-1/4 in. |
| DCS590 | Bevel precision | ~$250 | 7-1/4 in. |
| DCS565 | Budget buyers | $119-$220 | 6-1/2 in. |
| DCS571 | Compact/one-handed | $99-$130 | 4-1/2 in. |
DeWalt 20V Circular Saw Pricing Breakdown
| Tier | Models | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | DCS571, DCS570 | $99-$130 |
| Mid-range | DCS565, DCS573 | $119-$220 |
| Premium | DCS590 | ~$250 |
How to Choose the Right DeWalt Circular Saw 20V for You
Start with the blade size your projects actually need. A 7-1/4 in. saw like the DCS570 or DCS573 cuts through 2x lumber and decking in one pass, while a 4-1/2 in. saw like the DCS571 is built for lighter trim and sheet goods.
Next, match the saw to your battery setup. If you already own 60V FlexVolt batteries, the DCS573 gets extra power for free. If you are staying on 20V MAX batteries only, the DCS570 gives you the same cut capacity without paying for a feature you won’t use.
Finally, weigh weight against cut precision. The DCS565 and DCS571 are lighter and easier to control one-handed, while the DCS590’s bevel stops save time on repeat angle cuts if you build decks or stairs regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best DeWalt circular saw 20V for beginners?
The DCS570 is the best starting point. It has the deepest cut capacity of the 20V lineup at one of the lowest prices, and it handles nearly every common cutting task a DIYer will run into.
Is there a cheap DeWalt 20V circular saw option?
Yes. The DCS565 has sold for as low as $119 tool-only during recent sales, and the DCS570 and DCS571 both typically list under $130 tool-only.
DCS570 vs DCS573: what is the real difference?
Both saws share the same 7-1/4 in. blade and 2-9/16 in. cut depth. The DCS573 adds FlexVolt Advantage, which boosts power when paired with a 60V battery. On a standard 20V battery, the two perform almost identically.
Can a DeWalt 20V circular saw cut through a 4×4 post?
A 7-1/4 in. saw like the DCS570 or DCS573 can cut most of the way through a 4×4 at 90 degrees but will need a second pass from the opposite side to finish the cut, since its max depth is 2-9/16 in.
Do all DeWalt 20V circular saws use the same battery?
Yes. Every saw on this list runs on any DeWalt 20V MAX battery, so one battery and charger set covers all five models.
Is the DCS590 worth the extra price over the DCS570?
Only if you make frequent bevel cuts at set angles, like deck framing or stair stringers. For general DIY cutting, the DCS570 covers the same cut depth for less money.
Final Verdict
The DCS570 is the best DeWalt circular saw 20V pick for most homeowners and DIYers, because it covers the widest range of cutting jobs without paying for FlexVolt power most buyers will not use. Anyone doing frequent trim work or cutting in tight spaces should look at the DCS571 instead, since its compact 4-1/2 in. blade handles jobs the larger saws cannot reach.
Why Trust This Guide
Siddik Kazi runs a lawn mower repair shop in Milan, Italy, and job-site cuts, including framing lumber and building repair jigs, are a regular part of that work. This guide combines that hands-on saw use with manufacturer spec sheets and a comparison of verified owner reviews across major US retailers, rather than relying on a single outside source.