You won’t spend much time in construction or woodworking before you need a good table saw. With so many options out there, who makes the best table saw? I’ve used and reviewed dozens of table saws over the years, so I know what features and performance levels make for a great tool. The Pro Tool Reviews crew and I got down to business to compare eleven top-performing models. Hopefully, our top recommendations help you narrow down your potential shopping list.
Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, a quality table saw has one job: Make precise rip cuts and crosscuts in wood. If want to make specialty cuts, like dadoes or rabbets, you need a top-quality saw supporting those features. To help make your decision easier, I cover the performance, cut quality, key features, and pricing of some of the best table saws I’ve personally had my hands on.
Our Top Picks for the Best Table Saw
- Best Overall: DeWalt DWE7491RS
↓ Jump to this Table Saw - Best Cordless: Flex FX7221-1J
↓ Jump to this Table Saw - Most Powerful: Skilsaw SPT99-11
↓ Jump to this Table Saw - Best Premium Model: SawStop JSS-120A60
↓ Jump to this Table Saw - Best for the Money: Skil TS6307-00
↓ Jump to this Table Saw - Best Cabinet: SawStop Industrial Cabinet
↓ Jump to this Table Saw
Don’t have time to read our current buying guide? Check out our latest best table saw video on YouTube:
Best Overall Table Saw
DeWalt DWE7491RS
- Motor: 2 hp, 15 amp, 4800 rpm
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Dado Capacity: 13/16 inches
- Rip Capacity: 32-½ inches
DeWalt is a quality brand name that delivers on its promise with this table saw. It cuts cleanly and powerfully, and I love the rack-and-pinion fence adjustment. It lets you dial in the width quickly when making rip cuts.
The DeWalt DWE7491RS is one of the best jobsite table saws I’ve used, as it provides quick and easy portability. The rolling table design raises and lowers very quickly. It’s also not top-heavy and won’t roll over, also making it one of the best table saws for beginners (Don’t get offended, Pros!). In the end, I liked it so much that I gave it the best overall table saw spot.
A powerful 2-horsepower motor rips through all types of hardwood as well as pressure-treated lumber—even wet. The 10-inch saw blade cuts up to 3-1/8 inches in depth at 90 degrees and 2-1/4 inches at 45 degrees. An optional dado throatplate lets you add an 8″ stacked blade up to 13/16 inches thick. In short, it has all the features you need for almost any woodworking project.
Reasons to Buy
- Lots of power for cutting any type of hardwood
- Includes a rolling stand
- Rack and pinion fence system
- Very compact and portable
Consider Alternatives if You…
- Want a wider rip capacity
- Want a lighter-weight compact saw
Best Cordless Table Saw
Flex FX7221-1J 10-in.
- Motor: Brushless 24VDC 5500 rpm
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Dado Capacity: 13/16 inches
- Rip Capacity: 30.5 inches
The biggest advantage of battery-powered table saws comes down to the freedom you get when a 120V outlet isn’t within reach. The Flex FX7221-1J is one of two table saws from the company that operates on either a 24V battery or an adapter that lets you run it off 120VAC power. That makes this an incredibly useful saw and one of only a couple of tools that give you a hybrid power source.
We love the rack and pinion fence system on this table saw—now becoming all but ubiquitous across most brands. It gives you quick and easy adjustments up to a maximum of 30.5 inches to the right of the blade. The fence also includes a handy integrated LED light that we LOVE—particularly when working in our shadow-prone shop.
This 10-inch model also adds CutSense, which spins down the blade after a cut. It’s not designed as a safety measure, but rather a way to help conserve the battery during use. You can disable it for serial production work. Overall, I loved the power of this saw and found it performed very much like a corded tool.
Reasons to Buy
- The cutting power of a powerful corded saw
- Hybrid 24V battery or AC power
- Rack-and-pinion fence
- Rechargeable LED fence lighting!
- CutSense automatic blade stop
Consider Alternatives if You…
- Want a wider rip capacity
Most Powerful Table Saw
SKILSAW SPT99-11
- Motor: 4.4 hp, 15 amp, 5000 rpm
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Dado Capacity: ½ inch
- Rip Capacity: 30-½ inches
The Skilsaw SPT99-11 table saw works well for DIYers looking for more power and features. It has more functionality, power, and precision with its brass-geared worm drive motor, and the wheeled stand offers the best in portability. At a total of 53 pounds, it’s a reasonably lightweight saw on a 16-inch wheeled stand, and the easy-load handles make it easy to move over stairs or load into the back of your truck.
The cutting power of this saw and the 3-⅝” cutting depth allows for cuts of stacked lumber so you can increase your productivity. This professional-grade tool rips through plywood with a high-torque motor and high RPMs. It’s as accurate and precise as any saw in its class, making it the perfect choice when portability and power are your priorities.
Reasons to Buy
- Worm drive motor offers excellent torque
- Integrated dust port elbows
- Superb rolling stand with oversized wheels
- Rack & pinion table adjustment
Consider Alternatives if You…
- Want a more compact saw
Best Premium Table Saw
SawStop JSS-120A60
- Motor: 1.5 hp, 15 amp, 5000 rpm
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Dado Capacity: 13/16 inch
- Rip Capacity: 25-½ inches
The SawStop safety system has saved thousands of fingers with the patented technology that recognizes human skin. The T-Glide fence assembly can’t be beaten at this price—making this one of the safest and best-performing table saws in its class.
This premium table saw is also best for contractors looking for a combination of precision and performance. It has all the features you need to make specialty cuts and the power to make them. Precision is built into this table saw, starting with the smooth fence, which slides easily and features a pushbutton Ergolock. It’s very similar to how a Biesemeyer fence works. As an added bonus, it’s one of a few models with an integrated dust collection system you can use with the top guard.
Reasons to Buy
- Patented SawStop safety system recognizes human skin
- T-style fence provides smooth operation
- Active dust collection blade guard
- Accessory storage built into the table deck
Consider Alternatives if You…
- Need a less expensive solution
- Want a more compact saw
Best Table Saw for the Money
Skil TS6307-00
- Motor: 15 amp, 4600 rpm
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Dado Capacity: 5/8 inch
- Rip Capacity: 25-½ inches
The big deal surrounding Skil’s TS6307-00 is what you get for the price. With a 15-amp motor and 4600 RPM operating speed, it has more power than other DIY table saws that opt for smaller motors. We ran lots of material through it, and it cuts authoritatively. With its rack and pinion fence adjustment, onboard tool storage, and blade height/bevel adjustments, you can easily see the Pro-inspired design elements from contractor-grade models. It provides good accuracy and easy adjustability for a variety of cuts.
One big difference is that the integrated folding stand doesn’t have wheels, but the saw is still light enough that I could easily load it into the back of my F150 without hassle. When you consider the performance and feature set against the $269 price tag, Skil is an easy choice for us as the best budget table saw for DIY use.
Reasons to Buy
- Built-in folding stand
- Rack and pinion fence adjustment
- Parallel blade alignment micro-adjustments
- Includes a dust port elbow
Consider Alternatives if You…
- Need a wheeled solution
- Want the most possible power
- Need more rear table capacity
Best Cabinet Saw
SawStop ICS51230-52
- Motor: 5HP, 230V/19.7 amp, 4000 rpm
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Dado Capacity: 29/32 inch
- Rip Capacity: 52-½ inches
With brands such as Grizzly, Powermatic, and Sawstop dominating in terms of model options, narrowing it down to just one model for the best cabinet table saw proved to be a challenge. In the final analysis, the safety of SawStop won our crew over, with the Industrial Cabinet Saw earning our top recommendation. Within that line, we prefer the 5HP, single-phase, 230V motor as a balance of high performance and value. It should also ease the hit to your budget. From there, you can get either a 36-inch or 52-inch rip capacity, depending on your needs.
With so much attention on SawStop’s flesh detection technology, it can be easy to assume that they’re primarily about the tech first and the saw second. In our experience, it’s clear that they know table saw design and make a darn fine saw that can also save you from serious injury. You can see that in their premium T-Glide fence design, the excellent top and bottom dust collection, and the table flatness.
Reasons to Buy
- Strong 5HP motor (with options for 3HP and 7.5HP)
- SawStop flesh detection blade-stopping technology
- Accurate T-Glide fence system
- Exceptional build quality and precision adjustments
Consider Alternatives if You…
- Need a less premium solution
- Want a sliding table
Our Process and the Nitty Gritty
- Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews
- More Table Saws We Recommend
- Understanding the Types of Table Saws
- Table Saw Features That Matter
- Safety Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews
We’ve been in business since 2008, covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction and lawn care industries. Each year, we bring in and review more than 350 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.
We won’t recommend anything unless we’d use it ourselves, and we don’t care who the primary retailer is. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.
Our site will provide more than 500 pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers. That includes objective evaluations of individual tools and products. The result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each time we pick up and test a tool.
More Tables Saws We Recommend from Brands We Trust
Baileigh Industrial Sliding Table Saw
If you’re on the hunt for the best sliding table saw, you’re in a different league—one that’s much more expensive to “play” in. We highly recommend you take the time to demo several options when you’re making an investment this large in your business.
That said, be sure to put Baileigh Industrial on your list. It’s a brand under the JPW tool group that’s also responsible for Powermatic and Jet, among others. Baileigh’s sliding table saw starts with a base 12-inch/14-inch blade model and then adds a digital readout as one upgrade level or a full-on CNC option with a 16-inch blade capacity at the top of the line.
- 1HP, 8000 RPM scoring blade included
- Fully-extruded, anodized aluminum table
- Includes fences for ripping, crosscut, and angled cuts
- Digital readout and CNC upgrades available
- Motor: 7.5HP, 220V, 3-Phase, 3000/4000/5000 RPM
- Blade Diameter: 12 or 14 inches (16 inches on the CNC model)
- Table Size: 15 x 125 inches
Bosch GTS15-10 Table Saw
Replacing the Bosch 4100XC-10, the Bosch GTS15-10 jobsite table saw makes several key upgrades. It offers some of the best stability and portability with its Gravity-Rise wheeled stand. Setup is easy with the single-action design, and the rugged 8” tires will move across the uneven terrain found on most construction sites. The onboard storage system makes it easy to keep everything you need with the saw at all times.
It doesn’t feature the now-popular rack-and-pinion fence design; however, we like the well-made fence regardless. The stop sign-shaped safety cut-off switch makes for a nice touch.
This saw features a large aluminum table top for cutting 4-foot wide sheets. It has a powerful motor and soft-start circuitry for smooth operation. The Constant Response circuitry maintains speed while cutting, and restart protection avoids accidental startup to make this a safe, reliable, and powerful tool.
- Gravity-Rise wheeled stand makes this one of the best portable table saws
- Smart Guard system with adjustable riving knife and anti-kickback device
- Rack & pinion fence system
- Motor: 15 amp; 3800 rpm
- Dado compatible
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Dado Capacity: 13/16 inches
- Rip Capacity: 32-1/8 inches
Festool Cordless Table Saw (CSC SYS 50)
Festool is one of the most well-recognized brands among professional woodworkers and carpenters. In 2023, Festool moved into the battery-powered table saw category with the CSC SYS 50. Like most products the company makes, it’s a sophisticated tool. They also overengineered it and surrounded it with a system of components and accessories.
What you get is a saw that spins its small 160mm (6.3 inch) blade at 6800 RPM. Then, Festool gives you a digital depth control that can set blade depth with up to 1/256-in. accuracy. Yes, that sounds crazy, and we don’t even have a tool that can measure that level of accuracy. You can also store and recall up to four different blade depths, making repetitive cuts easy to replicate. Blade speed is variable and is also set using the digital controls.
Lastly, Festool’s amazing dust collection makes this one of the cleanest table saws on the market—even without a top guard collector. It weighs just over 33 pounds, making it incredibly portable for anyone needing to take it to an on-site carpentry project. Overall, Festool made a very sophisticated saw—it’s just priced at the extreme with features that we consider “nice-to-have” and not truly mandatory for most users.
- Gravity-Rise wheeled stand makes this one of the best portable table saws
- Smart Guard system with adjustable riving knife and anti-kickback device
- Rack & pinion fence system
- Motor: 15 amp; 3800 rpm
- Dado compatible
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Dado Capacity: 13/16 inches
- Rip Capacity: 32-1/8 inches
Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt 10 in Table Saw (C3610DRJQ4)
The Metabo HPT 10-inch MultiVolt Table Saw impressed me with its dual power options, 10-inch blade, large ripping capacity, and strong cutting power. I could work all day long on the jobsite or in the shop using a combination of a MultiVolt battery and AC adapter.
The saw includes a handy outfeed support bar that slides out from the back of the saw. It gives you a hand when feeding through anything long. Its movement isn’t as smooth as the fence, but most portable table saws don’t give you anything—so I’ll take it! Other safety and convenience features include a large, accident-proof safety power switch and an adjustable riving knife.
One last thing—with the weight of this saw, you really want to put it on a rolling stand to get the most out of it. Excellent overall, it’s one of only a couple brands that offer a hybrid power option—which makes it a stand-out all on its own.
- Soft-start and electric brake
- Rack & pinion fence
- Motor: 36V brushless; 5000 rpm
- Dado compatible (8 in.)
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Dado Capacity: 13/16 inches
- Rip Capacity: 35 inches
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 8-1/4 in. Table Saw w/One-Key (2736-21HD)
Milwaukee focused on power and usability with this reliable table saw. For example, they used all-metal gearing to deliver a smooth blade height adjustment. It doesn’t match the 1-rotation dial on the SawStop (Milwaukee requires 14 turns to fully extend the blade), but it takes less than most saws. It offers a modest 24.5 inches of rip capacity to the right of the blade and a rack-and-pinion fence.
We’d still love to see an AC adapter on this saw, but Milwaukee included a decent amount of runtime—with even more promised with the use of new Forge batteries. I set up a variety of test cuts for the Milwaukee M18 Fuel table saw, including OSB subfloor, 2x untreated pine, and pressure-treated lumber. After multiple tests, I found I could run boards as quickly through this saw as I could with my corded Bosch.
- Electronic blade brake
- Rack & pinion fence system
- Motor: Brushless 18VDC; 6300 rpm
- Dado compatible
- Blade Diameter: 8.25 inches
- Rip Capacity: 24.5 inches
Ridgid R4518 Table Saw
Ridgid didn’t make our top list, but they still make a quality table saw. The R4518 serves as Ridgid’s more portable 10-inch table saw solution for those who may not want the additional bulk (or cost) of a full rolling jobsite saw. In fact, the Ridgid R4518 table saw shaves nearly $200 off the price of the larger R4514.
While both include a Lifetime Service Agreement, the smaller R4518 loses 4 inches of rip capacity and doesn’t quite make it through 4X material in a single pass (though that’s an obscure use case). This saw doesn’t have the power of some other comparable saws we’ve used. It also features a plastic miter gauge as opposed to metal. You also need to really push the fence in before locking it in place to ensure it’s square to the blade.
- Very portable with a simple scissor-style stand
- Mediocre dust collection
- Motor: 15 amp; 5000 rpm
- Blade Diameter: 10 inches
- Dado Capacity: 6-in blade, 3/4 inches
- Rip Capacity: 26 inches
Ryobi RTS08 Compact Portable Table Saw
It’s REALLY hard to beat a table saw for just $149. If you take your time and rip or crosscut mostly 1X material, the Ryobi RTS08 should take care of most DIY needs. This 13-amp 8.25-inch table saw offers up to 5600RPM for fast cutting. While the 25-inch deep table gives you a decent amount of backfeed support for a saw this small, you only get 12 inches to the right of the blade and 8 on the left.
Cut depth is limited to 2.2 inches at 90 degrees, but that’s enough to slice through 2X material as needed. You can also barely cut 2X material at 45 degrees with the blade fully extended. Overall, we find this tool a great value, but it underperforms some other models that offer a bit more power, cut capacity, and features.
- Very portable at 45 pounds
- Basic dust collection
- Motor: 13 amp; 5700 rpm
- Blade Diameter: 8.25 inches
- Dado Capacity: Not recommended
- Rip Capacity: 12 inches
Understanding the Types of Table Saws
Before you shop, it helps to understand the basics. Learn the different types of table saws and the features to look for when selecting the best one for your projects.
Selecting the right tool starts with choosing the right type. Learn more about the three main types of saws.
Jobsite Table Saws
These are the least expensive types of table saws, also labeled as “benchtop” or “compact.” Lightweight and compact, these tools are easy to move and store. Some of them are extremely lightweight (less than 50 pounds) and come with a quickly removable stand. These work best when you want a saw that quickly drops into your pickup or work van. Other portable saws that weigh more come with rolling stands, letting you roll them on and off a trailer.
Contractor Saws
Larger than a benchtop model, a contractor saw offers more power and stability for larger jobs. These tools are less portable than a jobsite table saw, but you can cut larger pieces of wood. Contractor saws have open bases and a stand to provide a larger surface for working on oversized projects.
Cabinet and Sliding Saws
Next to a sliding saw, a cabinet table saw is the most expensive option made specifically for power and precision. Cabinet saws have heavy-duty stationary bases, dust collection ports, precision adjustment capabilities, and powerful motors. Their closed bases are often made out of cast iron, and they typically weigh about 600 pounds.
Hybrid Table Saws
Some tools combine features from contractor and cabinet table saws and are considered hybrid saws. They allow you to have some of the best features of cabinet saws, like an enclosed case, but they don’t have as much power.
Table Saw Features That Matter
Table saws are packed with various features that affect their price, portability, and safety. Before making a selection, thoroughly check out the features.
Blade Size
Most table saws have 10-inch blades. These cut as much as 3-½ inches deep at a 90-degree angle and 2-½” at a 45-degree angle. If you use a smaller blade, you won’t be able to cut as deep.
Blade Tilt
The blade on a table saw tilts right or left, but not both ways. It’s a matter of personal preference, but there are advantages and disadvantages either way. Typically, you will have around 45-48 degrees of range in order to cut bevels and angles for drawers, cleats, and more.
Motor Power
The motor’s power determines how quickly and powerfully these tools cut. Most contractor saws have a 1.5- to 2-hp motor, and cabinet saws often range between 3- and 5-hp.
Dado Capacity
Dado blades are used for making wide cuts for interlocking pieces of wood together. The dado capacity refers to the width of the blade. Not all table saws are compatible with dado blades.
Fence
You slide wood or material against the fence when cutting. Fences can be adjusted, but for regular cuts, they need to be exactly parallel with the blade. Some fences adjust easily with a rack-and-pinion system. Other tools use a more or less robust fence that you slide manually across the table.
Rip Capacity
The rip capacity is the distance from your blade to the farthest point the fence can reach on the saw’s right side. Most rip capacities are 28, 30, and 50 inches.
Bevel Adjustment
This is a must-have feature if you plan to make bevel cuts. Look for a model that offers both left and right bevels and accurately makes angle cuts.
Safety Features
Safety is always a priority when operating power tools. Look for a saw that comes with a blade guard, a riving knife, anti-kickback pawls, and an emergency shut-off switch.
Safety Tips for Working with Table Saws
Table saw accidents are common in the United States. Each year, about 40,000 accidents result in hospitalizations, and 10% of those result in amputations or disabilities. Here are the top safety tips for operating a table saw:
- Wear safety glasses.
- Install the blade guard before operating.
- Use push sticks and push blocks when making cuts close to the blade.
- Always disconnect the power before changing the blade.
- Stand to the side when making cuts to avoid accidental kickbacks.
Avoid accidents by learning more safety tips before operating a table saw.
Frequently Asked Questions About Table Saws
What is the difference between a contractor saw and a cabinet saw?
The biggest difference between a contractor saw and a cabinet saw is that a cabinet saw stand has an enclosed case, and a contractor saw is on an open stand. Cabinet saws are more precise and have dust connection ports.
What is a rip capacity, and why does it matter?
The rip capacity is the distance from your table saw blade to the farthest point the fence can reach on the saw’s right side. A larger rip capacity lets you cut wider pieces of wood.
Can I use a table saw for cutting materials other than wood?
These powerful tools can cut more than wood. With the right blades, a table saw can cut plastic, acrylic sheets, and non-ferrous sheet metals like aluminum.
How do I maintain and care for my table saw?
Keeping your table saw clean is the best way to maintain it. How often it needs to be maintained depends on how much you use it. Before servicing it, unplug your saw and remove the sawdust and resin built up in the cabinet with a stiff brush and shop vac. Wipe it clean and lubricate all the gears and pivot points with a dry silicone-free spray lubricant. Check for proper alignment every time you work on your saw, and always make sure your blade is sharp.
Are table saws suitable for beginners?
These tools present a serious risk of injury, but that doesn’t mean beginners can’t use one as long as they learn proper safety techniques. The best table saw for a DIYer who’s just starting out has a sturdy base to allow for more precise cuts.