5 Best Table Saws Under $500 (Tested & Reviewed 2024)

Are you looking for a great table saw that doesn’t cost a fortune? Count me in!

I’ve tested multiple saws to help you find the absolute best table saw under $500 for your workshop. Let’s get started.

In a hurry? The SKIL 8-1/4 Inch Portable Worm Drive Table Saw is the absolute best table saw under $500 because it’s an easy-to-use, highly efficient product that’s built to last and more affordable than its direct competitors.

Best Table Saws Under $500

• #1 Best Overall – SKIL 8-1/4 Inch Portable Worm Drive Table Saw
• Best Quality – Metabo HPT 10″ Table Saw
• Best Value – WEN 8 1/4″ Table Saw
• Best Design – DeWalt 8 1/4″ Jobsite Table Saw
• Best for Beginners – RYOBI RTS08 13 Amp 8-1/4 in. Table Saw

1. SKIL 8-1/4 Inch Portable Worm Drive Table Saw – #1 Best Overall

Honestly, I’m still shocked that the SKIL 8-1/4 Inch Portable Worm Drive Table Saw is sold for less than $500, considering it’s one of the most well-built and capable benchtop table saws on the market today.

But before I get into the features, let’s go through some key specs so you have an idea of what this portable, all-metal table saw is capable of.

It has a 5/8” arbor, like most saws, so it can accommodate a variety of blades. That said, the blade that comes with it is a powerful, 8-1/4” blade with 24 teeth, and I definitely like how this blade performs.

The blade is spun by a powerful, 15 AMP motor that’s capable of generating 5,300 RPM. This motor isn’t as loud as others I’ve worked with but it’s far from the quietest too.

Now, regarding cutting capacity, its max kerf thickness is 0.08”, while its max cutting depth at 0° is 2.7”; at 45° its max cutting depth is 1.9”.

It can bevel -1°-46.5°, and it can make rip cuts up to 12” on the lefthand side; up to 25” on the righthand side.

As far as dimensions go, it’s 21.5” x 23.5” x 13”, and it weighs just 44 lbs making it an amazing table saw for any small shop.

Finally, its max dado width is 0.5”. Now, let’s get into some special features.

First, we have innovative worm-drive gearing, and this ensures the table saw has plenty of torque while ripping. Big fan!

There’s also a precision rack and pinion system for the fence, and numerous safety features, like the blade guard, are employed to ensure it’s not just efficient but safe too.

And when you purchase this table saw, you get the following:

• Blade
• Miter gauge
• Fence
• Guard
• Insert plate
• Push stick
• Wrench

Plus, it comes with a 180-day satisfaction guarantee and a one-year limited warranty.

What I Liked:

• Because it has a patented Dual-Field motor, it runs cooler and lasts longer.
• Fence adjustments are easy to make thanks to the innovative rack and pinion system.
• Cord retracts into the saw so it can be protected during transport and storage.
• The blade guard has an anti-kickback feature to better protect the user.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Precise speed adjustments can be hard to make sometimes.
• The insert plate doesn’t like to stay in place for long, so be prepared to re-fasten a bunch.
• More expensive than other table saws

2. Metabo HPT 10″ Table Saw – Best Quality

It’s no secret that German machines are some of the best in the world in terms of quality, and the Metabo HPT 10″ Table Saw is certainly a testament to this reality, as it’s extremely well-made and equipped with all the features professionals need to achieve fantastic results consistently.

Powered by a 15 AMP, soft-start motor, this saw’s blade is capable of reaching 4,500 RPM in mere seconds, which is great for those who want to get started right away, i.e. me.

The blade is a standard 10” blade with 40 carbide-tipped teeth, and the table is made of high-quality aluminum.

For dimensions, the table is 28-3/4” long and 22” wide; 19” x 20″ x 28″ when stored upright.

Its max rip capacity is 35” to the right and 22” to the left, and its max dado width is 8” x 13/16”.

Like most table saws of this size, it bevels 0°-45°, and its max cutting depth is 3-1/8” at 0°; 2-1/4” at 45°.

The dust port accommodates a 2-1/2” hose, and that’s a plus in my book since many decent hoses are this size.

Of course, there’s a highly effective e-brake built in, and the guard is first-rate too. Plus, I love the anti-kickback pawl.

And there’s also a rack and pinion system for the adjustable rip fence.

Now, regarding what this tool comes with, get ready because there’s a lot:

• Stand
• Blade
• Blade guard
• Anti-kickback pawl
• Miter gauge (metal)
• Push stick
• Rip fence
• Outfeed support
• Blade wrenches (2)
• Hex bar wrenches (5 mm. 4 mm, 2.5 mm)
• Two-year limited warranty

What I Liked:

• Since the motor is a soft-start model, you can count on it working well for years.
• The wheels make it incredibly portable and therefore great for contractors, even though it’s 100 lbs.
• When used on the stand it comes with, it’s incredibly stable, leading to ultra-precise results.
• It has more cutting capacity than other table saws under $500, so it’s more versatile.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Getting replacement parts can be challenging.
• The miter gauge doesn’t always slide smoothly, even when assembled correctly.
• Slightly more expensive than other table saws

3. WEN 8 1/4″ Table Saw – Best Value

Sure, all the table saws on this list are under $500, but when you really want to save your hard-earned cash, go with the WEN 8 1/4″ Table Saw, as it’s efficient, easy to use, and totally affordable when compared to other high-quality table saws.

Its table is 18.9” x 18×4” without extension, but it can be extended to 18.9” x 36”, which I like a lot.

As far as rip capacity goes, this saw can make rip cuts up to 25” right and left, and that’s one of the main reasons why it’s great for slicing through 4”x8” plywood.

For cutting depth, it can deliver 2-3/4” deep cuts at 0°, and 2” deep bevel cuts at 45°.

The motor is an 11 AMP, efficient system that can spin the 8-1/4” blade up to 4,500 times in a minute, and the blade has 24 carbide-tipped teeth.

And since it’s compact, relatively lightweight (37.5 lbs), and equipped with easy-to-grip side handles, it’s one of the most portable job site table saws out there.

Plus, all your tools and accessories can be stored within—talk about convenience!

Finally, here’s what you get when you purchase it:

• Adjustable rip fence
• Auxiliary fence
• Miter gauge
• Push stick
• Dust port adapter
• Tool-free blade guard
• Riving knife
• Two-year limited warranty

What I Liked:

• Its aluminum table extends and retracts with ease, so it won’t hurt your hand, wrist, or shoulder.
• Precise bevel adjustments are easy to make since the knob turns only when you want it to.
• On-board storage means you’ll never be without the tools and accessories you need.
• Its low price makes it a great buy for DIYers and hobbyists who only need a table saw occasionally.

What I Didn’t Like:

• The blade guard isn’t 100% clear, so it’s harder to tell when the blade has stopped spinning.
• The blade and table are smaller, so it’s best to keep larger workpieces away from this table saw.

4. DeWalt 8 1/4″ Jobsite Table Saw – Best Design

When it comes to table saws, the importance of design can’t be overstated. The DeWalt 8 1/4″ Jobsite Table Saw is one of the best-designed DeWalt table saws, as it’s compact, durable, and well-equipped.

A 15 AMP motor powers this masterpiece of modern engineering, and its 8-1/4” blade can spin up to 5,800 in a minute, so achieving unbelievably precise edges takes no time at all. Wonderful!

And as far as rip capacity goes, it can cut up to 24.5” left and right, so it’s ideal for cutting flooring and dimensional lumber.

At 0°, its max cut depth is 2.56”, and at 45° it’s 1.75”. And unlike many compact table saws, it can bevel -2°-48°, so it has more range in this respect.

Regarding special features, the most notable are the pinion telescoping fence rails.

It also has a range of safety features, of course, as well as on-board storage.

Now, what do you get with your purchase? A lot, actually:

• 8-1/4” blade
• Fence
• Anti-kickback pawls
• Blade guard
• Miter gauge
• Push stick
• Riving knife
• Wrenches (2)

It also comes with a three-year limited warranty, one year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. Now that’s what I call standing by your workmanship!

What I Liked:

• Adjusting the unique fence system is quick and easy, so multi-part tasks won’t take as long.
• There’s a power-loss reset feature, so the blade won’t start spinning once power is restored.
• The metal roll cage will help this saw avoid impact damage at a job site.
• You don’t need any tools to adjust the blade, so adjustments take mere seconds.

What I Didn’t Like:

• At 54 lbs, it’s hard to carry around and would benefit from having wheels.
• Slightly less rip capacity than other table saws under $500.

5. RYOBI RTS08 13 Amp 8-1/4 in. Table Saw – Best for Beginners

The RYOBI RTS08 13 Amp 8-1/4 in. Table Saw is the perfect table saw under $500 for anyone who’s not that experienced or skilled when it comes to table saw operation, as it’s easy-to-use and safe, yet it’s still capable of achieving professional-grade results.

Before I go into specs, I should point out its 13 AMP motor that’s capable of generating 5,700 blade RPM. In my opinion, beginners shouldn’t work with max speed until they’ve had enough time to learn the system.

Now, as far as specs go, it has a 12-1/2” rip capacity to the right, and a 7” rip capacity to the left.

It bevels 0°-45°, and its cutting depth is 2.2” at 0°; 1-5/8” at 90°.

The blade is 8-1/4” in diameter with 24 teeth, and it goes on an arbor that’s 5/8”.

Regarding materials used, it has an aluminum table and steel frame, and generally metallic parts are used over plastic. Therefore, it’s one of the most durable job site table saws I’ve come across (sub $500).

You don’t need any tools to adjust the blade guard, and there’s decent on-board storage too. Also, the dust-removal system is one of my favorite because it’s so efficient.

Finally, it comes with the following:

• 8-1/4” blade
• Miter gauge
• Rip fence
• Guarding assembly
• Anti-kickback pawls
• Push stick
• Three-year limited warranty

What I Liked:

• Its simplicity and low price make it accessible to hobbyists and DIYers.
• It takes numerous hose sizes, so you don’t have to worry about dust ruining the inner components.
• The push bar has its own slot on the tool, so it’s always within reach when you need it.
• The rack and pinion fence indicates when it’s locked in place, so adjustments take no time at all.

What I Didn’t Like:

• Doesn’t have the ridged feet that help keep benchtop table saws steady.
• Included blade dulls relatively quickly, so consider swapping it out.

What To Consider When Purchasing a Table Saw

Table Size (Rip Capacity)

A table saw’s size, otherwise known as its rip capacity, is arguably the most important quality to consider when you’re shopping for a table saw.

Your average job site table saw, otherwise known as a benchtop or tabletop table saw, is going to have at least 24” of rip capacity, meaning it can accommodate workpieces of this size or smaller.

It also helps if the table is made of reinforced aluminum or steel, because then it’ll be able to support more weight.

And, of course, the size of the table determines how big the rip fence must be.

Note: It’s easier to make fence adjustments fast on portable table saws because the fences are smaller.

Blade Diameter & Speed

The size of the blade is important as well, as is the number of teeth it has.

Basically, if the blade is larger, it’s going to be able to cut deeper. And if it has dozens of teeth, it’ll be able to achieve clean edges.

Most compact table saws take an 8” blade, but 10” blades are common too. You can even see a 12” blade on one of these, but it’s rare.

And if the saw has a power motor, it can spin the blade thousands of times in a minute, leading to precise results in no time.

Ease of Use

A table saw must be easy to use, otherwise achieving desirable results will take considerably more time and effort.

So when you’re shopping for a table saw, or any power tool for that matter, with ease of use in mind, look for things like “tool-free adjustments” and “easy sliding fence rails”.

And if the saw has an efficient dust-collection system, you won’t have to spend a half-hour cleaning up your workshop after you’re done cutting.

Safety Features

Even a cheaper table saw will have a range of useful safety features, like blade and fence guards, a dust-collection bag, and an e-brake.

And these features don’t just protect the user but the tool as well.

Power Source

It’s possible to find cordless table saws under $500, but make no mistake—they’re rare! In truth, the best portable table saws are cordless, but they’re also usually $700 or more.

Here’s a great video explaining common mistakes when you use a table saw.

Final Thoughts

To recap, the SKIL 8-1/4 Inch Portable Worm Drive Table Saw is the best of the best, as far as table saws under $500 go, because it never fails to perform, yet it’s affordable and accessible to even the most inexperienced table saw operator.

The Metabo HPT 10″ Table Saw is the most well-built of all the best table saws, so it’s able to deliver top-tier results again and again.

Finally, there’s the WEN 8 1/4″ Table Saw, a great budget pick for anyone who wants reliability, accuracy, and simplicity for a can’t-beat price.