Prices verified May 28 · Always confirm at the retailer before buying.
The SKIL 15A 7-1/4" Circular Saw wins for most users — $59 gets you a 15-amp motor and laser guide, beating the DEWALT on power and value. Cordless fans should jump to the DEWALT DCS391.
The Verdict
Winner
SKIL 5280
SKIL 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide vs DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw, Cordless, 6-1/2-Inch, side by side
Pros:
- 15-amp motor delivers 5300 RPM for fast cuts
- Laser guide improves cut accuracy
- 51° bevel capacity with positive stops at 45°
- Includes carry bag and blade wrench
Cons (honest weight):
- Corded limits mobility
- No electric brake stops blade slowly
Pros:
- Cordless 20V Max offers portability
- 5150 RPM motor handles tough cuts
- Lightweight magnesium shoe reduces fatigue
- Keyless blade change for quick swaps
Cons (honest weight):
- Battery and charger sold separately (adds cost)
- Smaller 6-1/2 inch blade cuts less depth
- No blade brake for safety
Where each one wins
8 dimensions scored head-to-head. SKIL 15 takes 6; DEWALT 20V takes 2.
| Dimension | SKIL 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide | DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw, Cordless, 6-1/2-Inch | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| PriceSKIL is $70 cheaper. | $59 | $129 | SKIL 15 |
| Motor PowerSKIL's 15-amp corded motor provides consistent torque for demanding cuts. | 15A corded | 20V Max cordless | SKIL 15 |
| Blade SizeLarger blade cuts deeper; SKIL cuts 2-9/16" vs DEWALT's 2-1/8" at 90°. | 7-1/4" | 6-1/2" | SKIL 15 |
| CordlessDEWALT runs on batteries for job site freedom. | No | Yes | DEWALT 20V |
| WeightDEWALT's magnesium shoe saves 1.7 lbs, reducing fatigue. | 8.7 lbs | 7 lbs | DEWALT 20V |
| Bevel CapacitySKIL offers 1° more bevel and positive stops at 45°. | 51° with stops | 0-50° | SKIL 15 |
| Included AccessoriesSKIL includes a carry bag and blade wrench. | Carry bag, blade, wrench | Blade only | SKIL 15 |
| RatingSKIL has 0.1 stars higher and 3,362 more reviews. | 4.7 stars | 4.6 stars | SKIL 15 |
| Overall | 6 wins | 2 wins | SKIL 15 |
Price — SKIL wins decisively
SKIL costs $59, DEWALT $129 — a $70 gap. That's more than double the price for the DEWALT.
For daily use, SKIL leaves room in the budget for accessories. You can add a high-end blade and still spend less.
Budget-conscious buyers should prioritize SKIL here. The extra $70 buys a battery system you may not need.
Motor Power — SKIL's 15-amp corded advantage
SKIL's 15-amp motor delivers 5300 RPM, tied to a wall outlet. DEWALT's 20V Max brushless motor peaks at 5150 RPM but depends on battery charge.
In practice, SKIL never bogs on thick lumber. Cordless saws lose power as the battery drains.
Choose SKIL for uninterrupted heavy rip cuts. The cord is the trade-off.
Blade Size — bigger cuts better
SKIL's 7-1/4" blade cuts 2-9/16" deep at 90°. DEWALT's 6-1/2" blade maxes out at 2-1/8".
That half-inch difference matters for framing and decking. SKIL can cut 2x material in one pass.
Contractors and framers should pick SKIL for depth. DIYers may rarely need the extra reach.
Cordless — DEWALT's freedom
DEWALT runs on 20V Max batteries, untethered from outlets. SKIL requires a wall plug and extension cord.
For roof work or quick trim cuts, the DEWALT saves setup time. No cord drag or tripping hazard.
Choose DEWALT if your work moves around a lot. Battery investment is upfront but pays off in convenience.
Weight — lighter is less tiring
DEWALT weighs 7 lbs, SKIL 8.7 lbs — a 1.7-lb difference. The magnesium shoe shaves ounces without sacrificing durability.
Over a full day of cutting, that difference reduces arm fatigue. Overhead cuts feel much easier.
Portability-first users should lean toward DEWALT here. Stationary workshop users may not notice.
Bevel Capacity — SKIL offers positive stops
SKIL bevels to 51° with positive stops at 45° and 22.5°. DEWALT adjusts 0-50° without preset detents.
Positive stops speed up common angle cuts. DEWALT users need a protractor for precision.
Frequent bevel cutters will appreciate SKIL's convenience. The extra degree rarely matters.
Included Accessories — SKIL gives more out of box
SKIL includes a carry bag, carbide blade, and wrench. DEWALT includes only the blade.
SKIL owners can store and transport the saw immediately. DEWALT owners need to buy a bag separately.
First-time buyers get better value with SKIL's package. Pros might already have a bag.
Rating — SKIL has the edge in reviews
SKIL scores 4.7 stars from 14,331 reviews. DEWALT scores 4.6 from 10,969.
Both are well-regarded, but SKIL buyers are slightly more satisfied. The laser guide and overall value drive positive feedback.
If you trust crowd wisdom, SKIL's higher count and rating seal the deal. The gap is small but consistent.
Which should you buy?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget shopper | SKIL 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide | SKIL at $59 saves $70 without sacrificing power. |
| Job site professional | DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw, Cordless, 6-1/2-Inch | Cordless freedom and lighter weight reduce hassle. |
| Workshop user with outlets | SKIL 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide | Corded power never runs out for long sessions. |
| Framer needing deep cuts | SKIL 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide | 7-1/4" blade cuts 2x lumber in one pass. |
| DIY weekend warrior | DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw, Cordless, 6-1/2-Inch | Portability for quick projects around the house. |
| Value seeker | SKIL 15 Amp 7-1/4 Inch Circular Saw with Single Beam Laser Guide | More accessories included and lower price. |
SKIL at $59 saves $70 without sacrificing power.
Cordless freedom and lighter weight reduce hassle.
Corded power never runs out for long sessions.
7-1/4" blade cuts 2x lumber in one pass.
Portability for quick projects around the house.
More accessories included and lower price.
What if neither is right?
DEWALT DWE575SB Circular Saw
$169.54
Corded 7-1/4" with electric brake and 57° bevel.
Skil 5080-01 Circular Saw
$39
Budget corded 7-1/4" at $39, but 13-amp motor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, SKIL 5280 or DEWALT DCS391?
The SKIL 5280 wins for most users due to its lower price ($59), larger 7-1/4" blade, and 15-amp motor. The DEWALT DCS391 is better if you need cordless portability and can accept the higher price and smaller blade.
Is the DEWALT DCS391 worth the extra $70?
Only if you need cordless freedom. The SKIL delivers more raw power and cut depth. The DEWALT's convenience is real, but you must also buy a battery and charger, adding $100+ to the total cost.
Which saw has better safety features?
Neither has an electric blade brake, though the DEWALT lacks any brake. The SKIL has a safety lock/guarded trigger. For safety, we recommend adding a blade brake aftermarket or using a saw with built-in brake.
Can the DEWALT cut 2x4 lumber?
Yes, the DEWALT cuts 2x4 at 90° (2-1/8" depth) and at 45° (1-5/8"). It handles dimensional lumber, but the SKIL's deeper cut is more comfortable for thicker stock.
Which saw is easier to use for a beginner?
The SKIL's laser guide helps beginners align cuts, and the lower price reduces risk. The DEWALT's cordless design avoids tripping over cords, but the lack of a blade brake is a safety concern for new users.
How we compared. We analyzed 25,300+ verified Amazon reviews and manufacturer specifications for the two top-selling circular saws. Prices update weekly from Amazon.
Who wrote this and where's the data from?
Mubboo Editorial Team — independent US-market consumer research. Picks reflect editorial consensus from verified buyer reviews and manufacturer specs.