Trying to decide between DeWalt and Makita isn’t an easy task, as both brands provide such great quality and value for money. They both provide robust, professional-quality tools, so when comparing like-for-like, it can get tricky. Having used both brands for the last 15 years or so, I can honestly say you are going to get a good quality circular saw, whether you go for the DeWalt or Makita. There is, however, a clear winner between the two, and one I would reach for over the other.

In this article, I’ve explored the key differences, specs and overall evaluation of these two competitors. I’m using real-world comparisons to assess which one my peers and I prefer and why. I’ve been talking with colleagues on job sites, have loaned them both saws and pulled together what we believe are the most important features and specs to consider.

I’ve owned my DeWalt DCS391 for roughly 5 years and have more recently been using the Makita DHS680Z for this like-for-like comparison review. The DeWalt has helped me build multiple tables, my garden workshop and more recently, my scaffold board shelving. The Makita has supported my latest project, the construction of my rear garden decking and hammock area.

Let’s get into the detail.

Quick Verdict – DeWalt vs Makita Circular Saw

When comparing DeWalt vs Makita on the circular saw front, there is a clear choice between these two models.

Best overall: Makita DHS680Z
Best for power: Makita DHS680Z
Best for precision: Makita DHS680Z
Best value: DeWalt DCS391

Key Differences at a Glance

Let’s take a quick look at the specs on paper.

Feature	DeWalt DCS391	Makita DHS680Z
Motor Type	Brushed	Brushless ✅
Power (Voltage)	18V	18V
Battery Platform	XR	LXT
No Load Speed	5150 RPM	5000 RPM
Blade Size	165 mm	165 mm
Max Cutting Depth (90°)	55 mm	57 mm
Bevel Capacity	0–50°	0–50°
Weight (Bare Tool)	3.2 kg	3.0 kg
Disc Bore	20 mm	20 mm
Warranty	3 Years (with registration)	1 Year
Typical UK Price	£100–£140 (bare)	£140–£180 (bare)
Best For	Value + DIY use	Performance + trade use

DeWalt vs Makita Circular Saw – Real World Testing

Cutting Timber (Stud Work and Sleepers)

• Speed – Cutting through standard 2×4″ timber was the first challenge, and whilst there was a negligible difference in speed, it did feel like the DeWalt performed slightly better. It just felt a little more powerful and glided easily through the timber.
• Power under load – I also wanted to test the difference on larger pieces of timber, so these softwood sleepers were the perfect test. With each saw set to the maximum depth, I wanted to see if either struggled. I noted that while each struggled halfway through, only the DeWalt stopped and had to be restarted at a lower depth. I had to run through the thick timber twice with the DeWalt, whereas the Makita made it through on the first run at maximum depth. The brushless motor on the Makita, while running at lower rpm, delivers more power for tougher jobs.

Cutting Sheet Materials (Plywood / MDF)

• Smoothness – In terms of how easily the saw is to use, including the smoothness when cutting materials, the Makita tends to stand out slightly over the DeWalt. I just feel like I have more control over it when working with most materials. I think the combination of the brushless motor and lower weight makes for a more comfortable experience.
• Tear-out – Avoiding messy cuts can be tricky when using standard 20-tooth blades on a circular saw like this. I tend to opt for a blade with more teeth when working with joinery projects like shelving and furniture. However, for the purpose of this test, I’m using a standard blade on some solid oak flooring to see which saw performs better. As you can see from the results, the Makita leaves a slightly better finish with less tear-out.

Learning how to select the right blade for your circular saw will make a huge difference in the type of job you are working on. For example. When I’m working on a joinery project, precision matters. I always select a blade with a higher tooth count.

H3: Accuracy & Straight Cuts

• Base plate stability – both of these circular saws provide good, stable base plates. I find using either saw on straight cuts easy, especially when using the fence.
• Line visibility – This is where the Makita saw really shines. It has a built-in LED job light that points directly onto the material you are cutting, which makes a huge difference when working in low-light situations.

Power & Performance Compared

Both of these circular saws have similar power specifications. Both run off 18V batteries and have similar RPM (revolutions per minute). The DeWalt, with a slightly higher rpm of 5150, is just noticeable when using either drill, but the key difference between the two is the brushless motor on the Makita, which provides higher torque directly to the blade.

There are several advantages to brushless motors. Firstly, they are more efficient as they don’t have brushes, which create more friction inside the motor. This means less energy is wasted as heat, you’ll get lower energy loss and longer battery life, meaning more cuts per battery. It also means the life expectancy of the motor is longer. This does come with a caveat, however. Brushless motors are more expensive to repair or replace compared to a brushed motor, where brushes can easily be replaced for extended life.

When it comes to stall resistance, the Makita has the advantage. The higher torque allows it to deal with tougher jobs like thicker timber or hardwoods like oak. I found the DeWalt would stall (stop spinning) when dealing with the thick sleepers or thick sheet materials on long runs.

It also feels like you have more control with a brushless motor. The trigger on the Makita allows for soft starts, whereas the DeWalt trigger is simply on or off.

Battery Life & Efficiency (18V Comparison)

Runtime Difference

It was difficult to get a like-for-like comparison when using these two saws on the job, but due to the Makita having a brushless motor, it should, in theory, have a longer battery life. Without performing a constant run and cut test, I can’t give you accurate figures here.

Battery Ecosystem

Both of these saws run on 18V systems with a range of battery capacities available. I’d recommend buying at least a 4.0 Ah battery capacity, as the 2.0 Ah will only give you 20 minutes of cut time, which isn’t enough for most jobs. If you can, go for a 5.0 Ah battery as this will give you plenty of usage time and won’t be too heavy.

I’d also recommend buying more than one battery, as there’s nothing worse than running out of juice on a job and having to wait hours to charge your batteries. DeWalt sell a dual battery charger for around £110, whilst Makita offer the equivalent for around £90. A dual charge is also a great upgrade for daily workloads.

Charging Speed

Both the DeWalt and Makita chargers will charge a 4.0 Ah battery in about 60 minutes. You can opt to upgrade to a fast charger, which will do the same in about 40 minutes. A worthwhile upgrade if you’re a heavy user. A dual charger like this Makita DC18RD gives you the benefit of charging two batteries at the same time.

Build Quality & Durability

Materials – Despite the Makita being the more expensive tool, I feel like the DeWalt has a more premium feel due to the plastics used on the body. The Makita certainly has more features like the LED light, foldable hook and battery level meter, but the plastic feels very… well, plasticy! There’s just something I love about the DeWalt build quality that gives me confidence in the brand.

Job site toughness – I’ve owned the DeWalt far longer than the Makita, and it’s never let me down. It’s been through some tough times, having been dropped, kicked and accidentally stood on. It has a very rugged feel and if it lasts half as long as my DeWalt Combi Drill then I know I have nothing to worry about.

I’m not sure I can say the same about the Makita. I haven’t owned it as long, but having discussed this with my peers, the consensus is good. It is, however, worth noting that across the board, contractors who work with these tools every day do lean towards DeWalt for durability.

Longevity – You can’t go wrong with either saw in terms of longevity. The brushless motor in the Makita should outlive the DeWalt, but the build quality of the DeWalt has proven itself to me over the last 5 years. Yes, the brushes will go at some point, but these can easily be swapped out, which isn’t the same story for the Makita.

Ease of Use & Ergonomics

Both designs offer good ergonomic grips for both left and right-handed people. The safety release button is easily accessible on both sides of the handle. The dual hand grips are very similar on both models, but the Makita does benefit from a battery level meter directly below the handle, which does help to easily keep an eye on battery life.

Weight balance – The Makita does weigh slightly less than the DeWalt, which I do prefer. When using these saws for extended periods of time, the weight can play an important factor in the over comfort.

There are four key features that make the Makita a better choice between these two circulr saws:

• Dust extraction port – This is a hand feature for those using this circular saw in confined spaces or places where mess needs to be kept to a minimum. You will need a shop vacuum to accompany this.
• LED Spotlight – A great addition to help see cut lines in low light situations.
• Battery level indicator – great, quick view of current battery levels. No need to flip over the battery and press a button.
• Hook – The Makita is equipped with a foldable hook so you can easily hang the saw on rafters or other places for convenience. I can’t count how many times this has been a very welcome feature.

Price & Value for Money (UK Buyers)

Typical Price in the UK

As I write this article, the pricing for these two circular saws are:

You might be able to find a deal somewhere but this is currently the cheapest I can find these models.

Upgrade or Downgrade?

Consider the following upgrade or downgrade:

Upgrade the DeWalt to the brushless equivalent – DEWALT DCS565N-XJ (£160). This would actually be my preferred purchase over either of the above.

Downgrade the Makita to the Makita DSS611Z (£120). An entry-level circular saw from Makita, which is another good option for the occasional user.

Pros and Cons

DeWalt Circular Saw Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

• Excellent value for money (UK market) – consistently one of the cheapest reliable cordless circular saws
• Feels more powerful in lighter cuts – higher RPM gives it a fast, confident cutting feel on timber
• Proven durability – holds up extremely well on site (drops, knocks, heavy use)
• Solid, premium build quality – more robust housing compared to Makita
• 3-year warranty (with registration) – better long-term coverage than Makita
• Simple and reliable design – fewer electronics = fewer things to go wrong

❌ Cons

• Brushed motor – less efficient, shorter runtime, more maintenance over time
• More likely to stall under heavy load – especially on thicker timber or long cuts
• Heavier than Makita – noticeable on longer jobs
• No modern features – no LED light, no battery indicator, no hook
• Less control on startup – trigger is more “on/off” compared to Makita’s smoother response

Makita Circular Saw Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

• Brushless motor – more efficient, longer runtime, better torque delivery
• Superior performance under load – handles thicker timber and hardwood more confidently
• Lighter and more compact – easier to control, especially for extended use
• Cleaner, more precise cuts – noticeably less tear-out in sheet materials
• Excellent visibility – built-in LED light is genuinely useful on site
• More control and smoother operation – softer start and better trigger response
• Useful extra features – dust extraction, battery indicator, rafter hook

❌ Cons

• More expensive upfront – noticeable jump in price vs DeWalt
• Feels less rugged – plastics don’t inspire quite the same confidence
• Shorter warranty (1 year) – less coverage than DeWalt
• Brushless repairs can be costly – not as easy to maintain as brushed motors
• Slightly lower RPM on paper – not a big issue, but worth noting

Which Circular Saw Should You Choose?

After testing both saws on real jobs and comparing notes with others on site, the choice really comes down to how you work and what you prioritise.

Choose DeWalt if…

• You want a reliable, tough saw that can take a beating on site
• You’re already invested in the DeWalt XR battery system (this is a big factor)
• You mainly do general construction work like framing, stud work and rough cuts
• You’re looking for better value for money upfront
• You prefer a simple, no-frills tool that just gets the job done

In short: DeWalt is the better choice for durability, simplicity, and budget-conscious buyers.

Choose Makita if…

• You want better performance under load (thicker timber, hardwood, longer cuts)
• You value precision and smoother cutting, especially on sheet materials
• You prefer a lighter, more compact saw for comfort over long jobs
• You want modern features like LED light, dust extraction, and battery indicator
• You’re already using the Makita LXT battery platform

Makita saws are generally known for efficient power delivery and smoother handling, making them ideal for controlled, accurate work.

Best for Beginners

DeWalt DCS391

• More affordable entry point
• Simple controls (no learning curve)
• Tough enough to handle mistakes
• Ideal for DIY projects like decking, shelving, and framing

If you’re just getting started, DeWalt gives you everything you need without overcomplicating things. This is where I started. I’ve now progressed, which is why my go-to circular saw is the Makita.

Best for Professionals

Makita DHS680Z

• Better torque and stall resistance for demanding jobs
• More refined control and smoother operation
• Features that actually help on site (LED, hook, dust port)
• More efficient for all-day use with better battery performance

For tradespeople doing regular cutting, Makita simply feels like the more advanced and capable tool.

Final Thought

There’s no bad choice here, both are solid saws.

• Go DeWalt if you want tough, affordable, and proven
• Go Makita if you want performance, precision, and modern features

If I had to pick one overall based on performance alone, most users (myself included) would lean toward the Makita, but if value and durability matter more, the DeWalt still holds its own. If you already have a DeWalt battery system but require a bit more from a circular saw, then the upgraded DeWalt DCS565N is the obvious choice.

I appreciate that these aren’t the only two professional-quality brands on the market. I could have also considered Milwaukee. Check out this article where I compare DeWalt vs Milwaukee in the ultimate showdown.

Deciding between these two brands is like comparing apples to apples. They are both great professional standard companies that have been in the market for nearly 100 years. For a deeper dive into these two and their impact driver range, check out this article, where I compare four of the top impact drivers for both DIY and professional users.