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Miter saws are by far the most popular types of saws on residential construction sites because users can make several types of cuts with a single saw. And when it comes to miter saw manufacturers, no one does it like DeWalt. The DeWalt brand is widely recognized as one of the top manufacturers of accurate, high-quality tools used by pros and DIYers alike.
We recently had the chance to test five of Dewalt’s top-selling saws in our own workshops. While all five made precision cuts, we found a favorite: the DeWalt DWS780, a 12-inch model with double-bevel ability that makes compound cuts and offers extended cutting capacity with a sliding arm.
We also consulted Tyler Knight, DeWalt’s senior product manager, to find out where DeWalt is going with its miter saw technology. As part of its cutting-edge innovation policy, “DeWalt is continually incorporating new and innovative technology into our miter saws,” Knight says. If you’re a DeWalt fan—like we are—check out the results of our hands-on tests of five of the best DeWalt miter saws we’ve ever had the pleasure of using.
- BEST OVERALL: DeWalt 12-in. Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: DeWalt 12-in. Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CORDLESS: DeWalt Cordless 12-in. Sliding Miter Saw Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SHOP: DeWalt 15-Amp 12-in. Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Saw
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SMALL PROJECTS: DeWalt 7¼-in. Sliding Miter Saw Kit
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 5 |
| Time spent testing | 8 hours |
| Tests performed | 4 |
| Price range | $300 to $890 |
Our Top Picks
The following DeWalt saws offer differing features—we’ve included corded and cordless picks plus budget-friendly options. As DeWalt’s own descriptions can often be very similar, we included each saw’s model number plus our favorite and least favorite features of each saw.
Best Overall
DeWalt 12-in. Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Accuracy 5/5; Portability 4.5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Power: Corded
- Size: 12 inches
- Bevel: Double, 49 degrees
- Miter: Double, 50/60 degrees
- Dust mitigation: Yes
- Model: DWS780
What We Like
- XPS Crosscut positioning system
- Positive detents for common angles
- Easy-to-adjust fences
- Nice dust-collection system
What We Don’t Like
- On the heavy side at 58 pounds
This 12-inch DeWalt miter saw was a pleasure to use. It’s well balanced, highly accurate, and cuts smoothly through boards of different sizes. We tested it for cutting several pieces of dimensional lumber, crown molding, and other boards up to 2×10 in size.
Our favorite feature on the DWS780 was the XPS Crosscut Positioning System that makes precise cuts easy. This is also called a shadow-cut system, and while laser guides have been known to go out of alignment over time, DeWalt made the XPS system with bright LED lights that shine on both sides of the blade to create a sharp, crisp cutline on the material. The cutline is always in the correct position because it uses the blade as a reference. We found it intuitive to use.
In recent years, DeWalt has released incredibly high-capacity rechargeable batteries, which are perfect for remote use. But for the near-constant use a miter saw sees on a construction site, we still prefer a corded model—just because we don’t have to remember to charge batteries, and it’s always ready to go.
Other features that earned this miter saw the top spot include large miter numbers that were easy to see, the ability to cut tall crown molding (up to 7.5 inches), positive detents for common angles, and a nice dust mitigation system.
Get the DWS780 DeWalt miter saw at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best Bang for the Buck
DeWalt 12-in. Single-Bevel Compound Miter Saw
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Accuracy 4.5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Power: Corded electric
- Size: 12 inches
- Bevel: Single, 48 degrees left, 0–3 degrees right
- Miter: Double, 50/50 degrees
- Dust mitigation: Yes, bag
- Model: DWS715
What We Like
- Power and precision at a cost-effective price
- Positive detents at common angles
- Portable at just 36 pounds
- Corded power for consistency
What We Don’t Like
- Does not come with a sliding arm
If you’re a finish carpenter, you already know you can cut bevels in both directions on trim simply by turning the board around. While we love the convenience of dual-bevel cutting on our miter saws, we also know how important it is to save money when possible. The DeWalt DWS715 is a 12-inch single-bevel saw that comes at an attractive price point.
The DWS715 power miter saw is a corded version that makes precise compound miter cuts and features positive detents on the most commonly cut angles. In our tests, it proved to be powerful and precise, effortlessly cutting through dimensional lumber and trim boards. It doesn’t have a sliding arm, but with a 12-inch blade, it still cuts most boards used in residential construction for tasks including framing, hardwood floor installation, trim, and more.
Another thing we really liked about the DWS715 miter saw is its weight. At just 36 pounds, this model is relatively easy to move from job to job. This DeWalt single-bevel miter saw offers corded power and accuracy and is well suited for those looking to make high-quality cuts at a budget-friendly price.
Get the DWS715 DeWalt miter saw at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware.
Best Cordless
DeWalt Cordless 12-in. Sliding Miter Saw Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Accuracy 5/5; Portability 4.3/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Power: Cordless
- Size: 12 inches
- Bevel: Double, 49 degrees
- Miter: Double, 49 degrees
- Dust mitigation: Yes
- Model: DCS781X1
What We Like
- Cordless design for anywhere use
- Comes with high-capacity battery and charger
- Uses DeWalt’s precision cutline technology
- Positive miter detents
What We Don’t Like
- Battery dependant so will need recharging
DeWalt’s DCS781X1 miter saw is very similar to our best overall pick, the DWS780, but it has one major difference. It’s a cordless miter saw kit that includes a high-capacity 9-amp-hour battery and a charger. We loved the fact that the DCS781X1 can be used anywhere—even if an electrical outlet isn’t available.
This battery-powered miter saw excelled in cutting all types of boards, from crown molding nested against its tall back fence to 2×10 lumber, made possible with a smooth-operating sliding arm. Like the DWS780, this cordless model features DeWalt’s popular cutline technology—the XPS crosscut positioning system—that allowed us to see exactly where we were cutting.
According to Knight, “DeWalt takes pride in being as accurate as possible.” We agree. Of all the guideline technologies we’ve seen over the years, DeWalt’s cutline technology is the most precise because it creates the cutline using the blade’s actual shadow.
The DCS781X1 cordless compound miter saw also comes with positive miter detents for cutting the most common angles, and its bevel capacity is 49 degrees in both directions. This miter saw performed every bit as good as our top pick; the only thing that edged it out of the winner’s spot was the need to recharge the battery. But on the flip side, if you’re looking for a remote-use miter saw, you’d be hard-pressed to beat this DeWalt model. After 1.5 hours of near-constant testing, we experienced no loss of power.
Get the DCS781X1 DeWalt miter saw at The Home Depot, Amazon, or Ace Hardware.
Best for Shop
DeWalt 15-Amp 12-in. Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Saw
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Accuracy 5/5; Portability 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power: Corded electric
- Size: 12 inches
- Bevel: Double, 48 degrees
- Miter: Dual; 50 degrees left, 60 degrees right
- Dust mitigation: Yes, bag
- Model: DWS779
What We Like
- Wide miter range of 50/60 degrees
- Tall back fences for cutting crown
- Sliding arm allows cutting boards up to 14 inches wide
- Powerful and precise
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks a laser or guide light
- Dust collection is not as efficient as other models
A total workhorse is the best way to describe the DWS779. We’re familiar with this model, and while it’s not among DeWalt’s newest releases, it’s one of its most dependable performers. If you have a dedicated workshop, this DeWalt sliding miter saw may well be the best pick for you.
The DWS779 features dual bevels with a 48-degree capacity in both directions. It miters 50 degrees on the left and 60 degrees on the right. The 60-degree capability offers a wider range of cuts, and we found it particularly useful for cutting sharp angles on crown and trim.
It doesn’t come with a guide light, so plan to mark your cutline clearly and use the saw in a well-lit area of the shop. We’re just so-so about its dust collection system, which is just a bag that collects about 75 percent of the dust. However, if we were going to set this saw up in our shop, we’d pair it with a dust funnel to collect more of the dust.
The sliding arm on the DWS799 allowed us to cut boards up to 14 inches wide, and we cut wide-nested crown on the tall back fences. Like other DeWalt miter saws, this model is powerful and precise. It made crosscuts in dimensional lumber with ease. It’s a little too heavy (68 pounds) to be a truly portable miter saw, but it’s a great pick for mounting on a workbench in the shop.
Get the DWS799 DeWalt miter saw at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Best for Small Projects
DeWalt 7¼-in. Sliding Miter Saw Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Accuracy 4.5/5; Portability 5/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Power: Cordless
- Size: 7¼ inches
- Bevel: Dual, 48 degrees
- Miter: Dual, 49 degrees both directions
- Dust mitigation: Yes
- Model: DCS361M1
What We Like
- Compact and lightweight (31.6 pounds)
- Ideal for small projects
- Cordless convenience
- Good dust collection system
What We Don’t Like
- Not suitable for large cutting projects
If you’re looking for a great miter saw for small projects, check out the DeWalt DCS361M1. It’s a 7¼-inch saw, making it well suited for trim work and small cutting tasks. It weighs just 31.6 pounds, so it’s easy to transport from job to job.
While it’s meant for cutting smaller boards, its sliding arm still allowed us to cut smoothly through 2×8-dimensional lumber, and we cut nested crown up to 3⅝ inches. Don’t let its small size fool you—this compact miter saw is a little powerhouse and it comes complete with a 4-amp-hour battery and charger, so you’re ready to go right out of the box. Best of all, it features DeWalt’s newest cutline technology, the XPS crosscut positioning system, so we were able to make highly accurate cuts. It also includes a good dust collection system and comes with positive miter detents on the most common angles.
This DeWalt cordless miter saw isn’t going to replace a chop saw for framing, but it will still cut a range of dimensional lumber. It absolutely shines for making highly precise cuts on smaller boards and trim. It’s a great pick for a DIYer or a professional trim carpenter.
Get the DCS361M1 DeWalt miter saw at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best DeWalt Miter Saws
Our picks represent miter saws from across the DeWalt range, showcasing high-quality options that suit different types of users and budgets. We selected top-rated models from DeWalt’s wide range of picks.
In our hands-on tests, we set the miter saws up in our workshop and mounted them to workbenches for stability. We then cut several types of boards, trim, and lumber to test how well each saw made the cuts. We tried out every feature on each saw to compare how they performed.
We awarded points to each miter saw based on a rubric. The better it performed on a test or assessment, the higher the points. After testing, we averaged the points to determine our best overall pick and to categorize the other models for their best use.
What to Consider When Choosing a DeWalt Miter Saw
All DeWalt miter saws are either single-bevel compound, double-bevel compound, or sliding compound models. However, there are some key differences you’ll want to keep in mind.
Types of DeWalt Miter Saws
The idea behind the first miter saws was pretty straightforward. Take a handheld circular saw and mount it on an arm, thus providing more stability and better repeatable accuracy.
Basic miter saw: Miter saws are often confused with chop saws. While a chop saw only cuts up and down (hence “chop”), even the most basic miter saw also rotates left and right. As a result, miter saws are capable of cutting angles up to 45 degrees, and many will cut slightly greater angles.
Compound miter saw: In addition to being able to rotate horizontally, the head on a compound miter saw can tilt through the vertical axis. The blade then slices in from the side, creating a beveled cut. A basic miter saw can do exactly the same by rotating the table, but the compound miter saw can both rotate and tilt, thus giving it the ability to cut a variety of compound angles, from which it gets its name.
Sliding compound miter saw: The sliding compound miter saw dramatically increases cutting capacity by mounting the saw head on horizontal rails. It can then be pulled toward the user as it cuts. This combined action means that wide planks and flooring can be cut.
Size and Bevel Capacity
Like all types of circular saws, DeWalt miter saws are defined by their blade diameter. The 12-inch models are the largest, and the 7¼-inch models are the smallest.
There are two types of compound miter saws: those that tilt to only one side, which are known as single bevel, and those that can tilt either way, which are known as double bevel. A miter saw’s bevel capacity indicates the maximum angle the saw tilts in either direction for making angled cuts.
Power
DeWalt’s corded miter saws typically have a 15-amp motor, the maximum supply provided by ordinary household outlets. For example, it is also the standard for generators if portable power is being used on a jobsite.
Several DeWalt cordless miter saws are also available. A lightweight 7¼-inch model runs off 20-volt batteries, whereas high-performance 12-inch models use DeWalt’s unique Flexvolt batteries. Two 60-volt units are used for Flexvolt, providing an impressive 120 volts of power.
Accuracy and Ease of Use
DeWalt tools have long been a preferred choice of contractors and tradespeople because several DeWalt miter saws feature an upgraded system called XPS. According to Knight, Dewalt uses “cutline technology to make sure the blade line is accurate.” He adds, “DeWalt focuses on miter scale design and preparing our saws before shipping to provide great accuracy right out of the box.”
Knight is talking about an LED light that shines downward on either side of the blade, creating a shadow line on the workpiece. This is much more accurate than laser guides that can go out of alignment.
DeWalt sliding compound miter saws also have a quick-set depth stop, so grooves or trenches can be cut in wider stock.
Safety Features
Like many power tools, DeWalt miter saws use a system that prevents accidental starts. Called a lockout trigger, it involves a button that has to be pressed at the same time as the trigger is pulled to start the tool. It’s effective and doesn’t hinder operation, making starting the saw accidentally very unlikely.
All DeWalt miter saws have a guard that wraps around the blade and moves out of the way as the cut is made. Clamps can help secure the workpiece so the user’s hands don’t need to be near the blade.
DeWalt miter saws also have an electronic brake, so they come to a stop swiftly and safely when the trigger is released.
Dust Collection
Miter saws create airborne dust, and if you’re working outdoors, that typically isn’t a big issue; but if you’re working inside, it helps to have a dust mitigation system in place. DeWalt uses suction to draw the dust into a bag or to direct it to a shop-type vacuum. In most cases, the bag is helpful, but connecting a vacuum is the most effective way to collect the dust.
FAQs
The information above offers a comprehensive overview of how the various DeWalt miter saws function and focuses on more detailed specifications for the best DeWalt miter saws currently available. During our research, we came across a number of questions that crop up quite often, so we have answered those below.
A miter saw can be used for crosscutting trim, moldings, planks, and dimensional lumber. It can also cut angles. We have mentioned maximum cut sizes in the article above. However, miter saws cannot cut through large sheet materials. For that type of job, a circular saw or a table saw would work.
DeWalt miter saws are among the best models available. They come in a range of sizes and prices.
Avoid wearing loose clothing, dangling jewelry, or any items that could get caught in the blade. Don’t hurry the cut. Measure twice, so you only need to cut once.
Ultimately, it depends on how the saw is used, but in general, a good-quality miter saw, like a DeWalt, can last up to 10 years or longer.
Changing a DeWalt miter saw blade is quick and easy. A manual is provided with the tool, as is a wrench. Minor differences among models may exist, so check the specific tool’s instructions. Also, be careful with the old blade, which can still be sharp enough to cut you.
Make sure the miter saw is disconnected.
Move the blade guard out of the way.
Push down the spindle lock.
Undo the bolt that holds the blade.
Fit the new blade and reverse the process.
Depending on the type of DeWalt miter saw, there may be adjustments for rotation, beveling, and depth of cut. Each uses simple levers or easy-to-use buttons. The owner’s manual provides details specific to each model.
DeWalt’s shadow line system is called XPS. Two LEDs shine on either side of the blade, creating a shadow on the workpiece exactly where the blade will cut. It is more precise than laser guides because it shows the actual width of the blade. It is also easier to see than a laser, particularly in sunlight.
Yes. The DeWalt compound sliding miter saw is a dual-bevel model called the Flexvolt 12-inch miter saw.
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries. She and her husband own a general contracting company, and Taylor is experienced in both residential and commercial building applications. She tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.
Additional research provided by Bob Beacham.
