5 Absolute BEST Budget Miter Saws (Tested & Reviewed 2024)

Miter saws can be some of the most widely used saws for many different projects.

These saws are extremely versatile and can cut just about any type of wood you can imagine.

But when it comes to miter saws there’s a massive range in prices depending on their capabilities, quality, and features.

That’s why I put together this list of the best budget miter saws you can buy. These saws are all great values for the money and will get the job done. Let’s dig in!

In a hurry? The best affordable miter saw is the DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw because of it’s power, precision, versatility, safety, and price. This is a tremendous miter saw if you’re on a budget.

Quick Answer: Here are My Favorite Budget Miter Saws! 👇

Best Budget Miter Saws

• DeWalt 12″ Miter Saw – #1 Best Overall
• Genesis 15-Amp 10″ Compound Miter Saw – Best Value
• Makita 10″ Compound Miter Saw– Highest Quality
• Ryobi 18V ONE+ 7-1/4″ Miter Saw – Best Cordless Miter Saw
• Metabo HPT 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw– #2 Runner-Up Overall

1. DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw – #1 Best Overall

The DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw is the best budget miter saw overall, because it’s accurate, durable, powerful, cost-effective, and safer when compared to similar miter saws.

Its stainless-steel detent plate has 14 stops, and the blade is 12” – making it great for cutting larger pieces of wood.

Weighing just 42.8 lbs, it’s compact and can be easily transported and stored.

It also has machined base fence support and a precise miter system, and it supports a 5-1/2-inch base vertically because of its tall sliding fence.

This 12-inch miter saw can make 0°-48° bevel cuts when tilted to the left, and 0°-3° cuts when tilted to the right.

At 90°, it can make 2” x 8” crosscuts, and at 45° it can make 2” x 6” miter cuts.

With a powerful 15-amp brushless motor, this saw can spin at 4,500 rpm, and it can cut through a range of materials, including non-ferrous metals (provided the right blade is attached).

Speaking of the blades, this compound miter saw’s blade is carbide-tipped, so it can make precision cuts quickly and without generating a ton of sawdust.

Lastly, with the tall sliding fence engaged, this saw can make vertical cuts up to 6 1/2” in base molding, and cuts up to 5 1/4” in nested crown molding.

In addition to being a great cheap miter saw, it’s also one of the best miter saws for beginners because of its versatility.

What I Liked:

• Made with extremely high-quality materials, this saw is durable, powerful, precise, and long-lasting
• Lightweight and compact makes it easy to transport
• The arm swings down smoothly, even after many uses
• The miter gauge is accurate and sturdy
• The saw comes with a dust collection bag
• 3-year warranty

What I Didn’t Like:

• Somewhat hard to use, especially on crown molding and other unique pieces of wood
• Pricey if you’re not going to use it super often
• Better for lefties
• Corded saw means you’ll need to have an extension cord or outlet close

2. Genesis 15-Amp 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw – Best Value

The Genesis 15-Amp 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw will get you top-quality results for a great value. While it’s not going to give you the same power or durability as the DeWalt miter saw above, it’s still one of the best budget miter saws for the money.

As far as attractive qualities go, this compound miter utilizes a laser guidance system, which allows for quicker and more accurate cutting.

It’s equipped with an electric brake that can stop the blade in mere seconds, and its arbor lock allows for safe and easy blade changes.

Regarding blade strength, this miter saw utilizes a 60T carbide blade, so it can cut through a range of woods, wood-based materials, and other materials.

And with a 15-amp brushless motor, the blade can spin 4,600 times in a single minute.

It can make up to 45° miter cuts to both the left and right, and it has nine stops, five less than the aforementioned DeWalt miter saw.

It’s one of the sturdier miter saws one can purchase right now, since it utilizes a die-cast aluminum base.

And since it’s lightweight and compact, it’s portable and easy to store.

Finally, if you purchase one from a dealer who’s authorized by Genesis Power Tools, you’ll get a two-year warranty that covers defects related to materials and workmanship.

What I Liked:

• Laser guide makes it easier to achieve precision cuts
• Miter gauge is extremely accurate
• Detent is sturdy and easy to adjust
• You can make cuts up to 45° to the left AND right which gives you more flexibility when cutting
• Arbor lock allows for smooth blade swapping

What I Didn’t Like:

• The laser runs on AAA batteries; I think it should be powered by the same electricity that powers the saw
• There are less positions (9)
• 2-year warranty
• Since it’s a corded system, you’re somewhat limited in terms of where you can use it

3. Makita 10″ Compound Miter Saw – Best Quality

The Makita 10″ Compound Miter Saw is a top-of-the-line compound miter saw that can make superior cuts in hardwoods, softwoods, wood-based materials, hard plastics, vinyl, and non-ferrous metals.

This powerful saw is equipped with a 15-amp direct-drive motor, and it can produce 4,600 rpm.

With a dual-post compound pivoting arm, it can make 0-45° miter cuts to the left, and 0-52° miter cuts to the right.

It has nine fixed positions for miter cuts, and it can make 0-45° bevel cuts when the blade is tilted to the left.

A durable saw, it has a machined aluminum base, dual slide rails, and a carbide-tipped blade.

It also has an LED light so making accurate cuts is easier.

At just 27 lbs, it’s a lightweight and portable saw, and when you purchase this model you get a wrench, triangular ruler, dust bag, and vertical vise along with it.

What I Liked:

• In terms of power, precision, and durability, this compound miter saw is unmatched when compared to others
• LED light means you can work in dimly lit areas, but this isn’t recommended for safety reasons
• The pivoting fence allows for larger materials.
• For a powerful, built-to-last saw, its minimal weight is impressive making it easier to transport

What I Didn’t Like:

• More expensive than other miter saws
• Only nine positions
• Only short-term warranty offered
• Doesn’t tilt to the right

4. Ryobi 18V ONE+ 7-1/4″ Miter Saw – Best Cordless Miter Saw

There are times when having a cordless miter saw is a big advantage, and that’s where the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 7-1/4″ Miter Saw comes into play, since it’s not only cordless but powerful, accurate, and cost-effective too.

Unlike other cordless miter saws, this one has a 7 1/4”, 24-tooth carbide-tipped blade that can make several precise cuts quickly across a range of materials.

Its arbor has a spindle lock, and this makes changing out blades not only safer but easier too.

The base material is high-speed steel, and the machined miter scale is accurate.

It runs on an 18-volt lithium ion battery, and the battery and its charger are purchased separately.

Lastly, at 19 pounds, it’s the lightest saw on this list, and you can get a three-year warranty on it if you purchase it directly from Ryobi.

What I Liked:

• Affordably priced when compared to competing cordless miter saws
• Powerful relative to its size
• Long-lasting battery
• Smooth sliding arm means no disjointed cutting
• Easy-to-use sliding rails

What I Didn’t Like:

• Limited number of positions (9)
• Battery and charger sold separately
• Limited cutting capacity because of the smaller blade
• May tear off edge material when battery is running low

5. Metabo HPT 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw – #2 Overall Runner-Up

The Metabo HPT 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw is going to get you tremendous bang for your buck, so I recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a miter saw that’s effective yet affordable.

This is another 10-inch compound miter saw, and it’s slightly less expensive than the saw Genesis puts out.

It can make miter cuts up to 52° when the blade is turned to the left, and it has the same cutting capacity when the blade is turned to the right.

And as far as bevel cuts go, it can make these up to 45° when the blade is tilted to the left; it doesn’t tilt to the right.

Despite being lightweight (about 24 lbs), this is a powerful miter saw, as it’s equipped with a 15-amp brushless motor.

Also, its base is made of high-speed steel making it much more durable than some other saws.

The blade can spin 5,000 times in a minute, and it can be stopped in seconds by an electric brake.

Its horizontal handle makes using the swing arm easier, and it has nine stops.

Plus, it comes with vise clamps, a dust-collection bag, and a hex key.

Lastly, if you purchase this saw from a Metabo-licensed dealer, you can get a five-year warranty.

What I Liked:

• This compound miter saw’s blade makes accurate cuts so quickly.
• Great value for the price
• Simple design makes it easy to use and adjust.
• It can deliver a wider range of miter cuts left to right.
• Comes with a great warranty (if purchased directly from Metabo HPT).
• It’s lightweight and portable.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Saw doesn’t have as many positions and there’s no right-side bevel
• Saw blade and other components wear down quickly if used often
• The miter gauge gets less reliable the more it’s used
• There’s no anti-kickback technology employed

What to Consider When Purchasing a Miter Saw

Blade Size

Miter saw blades come in three main sizes: 8″, 10″, and 12″. The most common blade is the 10″.

If your projects are generally on the smaller side, go with an 8″ blade. If you do both small and large projects, a 10″ blade will do. Finally, if you’re mainly cutting heavy-duty materials, go with a 12″ blade.

A blade that’s too cumbersome won’t be effective on smaller projects, and a blade that’s too small will make larger projects drag on forever.

Also, when considering blade size, consider price too, since smaller blades are cheaper while the larger ones are more expensive.

Accuracy

Miter saws that utilize lasers are particularly accurate, but those which make markings before cutting can also be quite precise.

Here, it really comes down to a matter of preference—do you want a laser guiding your blade or would you rather follow markings the saw makes before the blade can catch up?

Personally, I like systems that do markings, since I’ve found that laser guidance systems can get messed up easily, and once this happens this system is virtually useless.

Power

Power is definitely an important factor to consider, since the power a miter saw exerts in large part determines the quality of cuts it delivers.

The most powerful miter saws utilize brushless or direct-drive motors, and they can spin their blades 4,000-5,000 times in a single minute.

The faster a blade spins, the easier it’ll be to make smooth cuts, provided the material cooperates.

Versatility

If you need a miter saw that can make a wide variety of cuts in different materials, I suggest going with a sliding compound miter saw.

Most miter saws can make crosscuts, miter cuts, and bevel cuts, but only a compound miter saw that slides can make decent rip cuts.

Sliding compound miter saws also have more leeway when making miter and bevel cuts, since they can tilt and turn to the right and left.

Warranty

Even if you’ve got the most durable miter saw on the market, it’s best to get a warranty with it, otherwise you’ll have no recourse if the saw malfunctions as a result of defective parts or subpar workmanship.

Most warranties that come with miter saws are 3-5 years, but some may only cover the first year. Usually, the more expensive saws have longer warranties to back their quality.

Price

Price is one of the first factors you should consider when browsing miter saws, especially if you’re in the market for the best budget miter saw.

Miter saws at the lower end of the price scale will cost you a little more than $100, while mid-tier systems cost closer to $200.

The best systems will run you $250-$350, but since they’re built to last and reliable (if properly maintained), they can prove to be quite cost-effective.

Types of Cuts a Miter Saw Can Make

Miter Cuts

Miter cuts, otherwise known as angle cuts, are made during a variety of woodworking projects.

Whereas regular miter saws can only make miter cuts (up to 45°) to the left, compound miter saws can make these cuts to the left and right.

Miter cuts are often used in joinery, and therefore joiners often own professional-grade miter saws.

Angled cuts can also be made by table saws and circular saws, but miter saws make these best.

Bevel Cuts

A bevel cut is a kind of angled cut, but it’s slightly different from a miter cut.

Whereas a miter cut is made diagonally across a flat surface, a bevel cut is made diagonally but at a slant, resulting in an uneven (top to bottom) edge. Put differently, if the blade is at a slant (as opposed to being upright) when it meets the material, a bevel cut will be made.

These cuts are often used to make molding and other detailed wood furnishings.

Note: If my bevel cut descriptions are difficult to understand, just look these cuts up on Google Images—you’ll see what I’m talking about right away.

Crosscut

Crosscuts are one of, if not the most, common kind of cut, and miter saws can make these quite well, arguably even better than table saws.

The only downside associated with miter saws, in this regard, is they’re limited by their size, whereas table saws can make crosscuts in much larger materials.

Virtually all saws can make crosscuts, but a miter saw—particularly one with a sturdy and accurate miter gauge—can make precise crosscuts every time.

Regular Miter Saw or Compound Miter Saw

Price

Because they lack some of the capabilities compound miter saws possess, regular miter saws—or miter saws that only tilt and turn to one side—tend to be cheaper.

Therefore, if the most affordable of the budget miter saws is what you’re after, you’ll probably be getting a basic miter saw.

Versatility

Compound miter saws, especially those that are also sliding miter saws, are much more versatile, as they turn and tilt both left and right, meaning they can easily deliver more miter and bevel cuts.

Ease of Use

Regular miter saws, because they’re less complex, are easier to use. That said, it’s not like using a compound or sliding miter saw is a big to-do.

Realistically, virtually all miter saws are easy to use once you get the hang of things, but this takes time.

Rip Cuts With a Sliding Compound Miter Saw?

It’s possible to make rip cuts with sliding compound miter saws, but even these saws offer limited rip cut capacity.

That said, if you have a small workpiece, a sliding compound miter saw will probably be able to deliver the rip cuts you need.

Technically, a basic miter saw can make rip cuts too, but since these cuts don’t exceed the length of the blade, most miter saw manufacturers don’t advertise their products as rip-cut capable.

Even though they can’t make substantial rip cuts, they can make clean rip cuts, which is something to consider if you can’t get your hands on a table or circular saw.

FAQs

How much should I spend on a miter saw?

That depends—do you see yourself using the miter saw often? If so, consider the DeWalt and Makita models. They may be pricier, but you’ll get terrific bang for your buck with either saw, especially if you use them frequently and take care of them properly.

Can a sliding 10-inch miter saw cut a 4×4?

Yes, a sliding 10-inch miter saw can make a variety of cuts in a 4×4, including angled cuts, bevel cuts, and crosscuts. It can even make small rip cuts.

How big of a miter saw do I need to cut a 2×4?

You can use an 8″, 10″, or 12″ miter saw to make a variety of cuts in different materials. A 2 x 4 isn’t all that thick, so miter saws have no trouble making bevel cuts, angle cuts, and crosscuts in wood of this size.

What’s the best inexpensive miter saw?

The best budget miter saw overall is the DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, as it’s powerful, accurate, and built to last. Plus, it has plenty of safety features. The most affordable option, when it comes to the best budget saws, is the Metabo HPT 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the best budget miter saw is the DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw because it’s extremely capable yet reasonably priced. A close runner-up is the Genesis 15-Amp 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw, since it possesses many of the same capabilities and has only a few minor shortcomings.

The most affordable miter saw is the Metabo HPT 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw, and the one that’s sure to achieve the best results over a long period of time is the Makita 10″ Compound Miter Saw.

Finally, there’s the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 7-1/4″ Miter Saw, which is the best cordless model as far as budget miter saws are concerned.

A good cheap miter saw is a great investment that can make your projects faster to finish – which is what we all want.