Harbor Freight Vs Milwaukee: Which Brand's Highest-Rated Circular Saw Is Right For You?

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When you're buying power tools like circular saws, it seems the best "value" often comes down to two choices — either buy a budget model that will get the job done at a nominal cost, or splurge on a top-of-the-line saw that promises optimal performance now and into the future. It's two ends of a broad spectrum, with the customer stuck right in the middle, wondering which way to go. Either option could be the right choice, but the surest way to avoid any buyer's remorse is to get the highest-quality product possible at that price point. 

That brings us to today's head-to-head, comparing two top-rated circulars in the budget-friendly price range, the HERCULES 20V Cordless 7 ¼-Inch Rear-Handle Circular Saw from Harbor Freight and the pricier but professional-grade M18 FUEL 18V Cordless 7 ¼-Inch Rear Handle Circular Saw, available at Home Depot. The Hercules saw and the Milwaukee model represent the best of their respective brands and are great starting points for the buying journey. Selling for just $149.99, the Hercules circular saw suits casual DIYers and amateur craftsmen who need reliability but don't want to pay top dollar. The Milwaukee, meanwhile, costs twice as much but is the professional's go-to, coming from one of the best power tool brands overall. 

Both saws hold general-purpose 7 ¼-inch blades, feature electric blade brakes and sturdy, lightweight magnesium shoes, and are more portable than corded tools. The overall quality is apparent, but Hercules and Milwaukee put their money where their mouth is by backing their products with 5-year warranties. Beyond that, the similarities start to wane, and the Milwaukee pulls ahead: this latest iteration proving why it should be a top option if you refuse to compromise on performance and durability.

Among the brands worth buying at Harbor Freight, Hercules stands out as the premium power tool option. Products like the 20V cordless circular saw enjoy the best and broadest array of features you'll find from the retailer. Relative to name brands like DeWalt, Makita, Ridgid, and other brands carrying similar saws, the price is still low — it's the rare worm-drive-style model you can get under $200. Considering its impressive 4.9-star rating and 100% customer recommendation, customers seem to agree it's worth every penny.

The durable brushless motor speeds up to 5,800 RPM, and you'll find a lot of convenient details that even some higher-priced competitors don't include, such as the dust blower to keep the cut line clear and an LED light for visibility anywhere you need to guide your saw. Similarly, there are more detents on the adjustable angle (up to 53 degrees) than you'll find on many competitors, making it easier to lock into the proper angle for different projects. 

With a 12-Ah battery installed, the saw can reportedly deliver up to 725 cuts on a single charge. Buyers praise the quiet operation, long battery life, and power. For everyday DIYing and even some professional work, Hercules power tools are worth buying, offering performance and cost-efficiency you won't find from many alternatives.

The Hercules model could give previous Milwaukee cordless circular saws a run for their money, but the brand's latest 18V worm-drive-style saw turns the specs up a notch. The speed ramps up to 6,300 RPMs, and the maximum cut depth increases to 2 ⅝ inches to ably cut through 3-by material. The most noticeable difference might be the weight, with the tool coming in at just 8.3 pounds without the battery. It's over 1 ½ pounds lighter than the Hercules (and most competitors), meaning easier handling and less fatigue.

The battery system is another distinct perk, thanks to advanced safety and optimization features in the M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE batteries. A 12-Ah battery (rated for 700 cuts on one charge) includes built-in cooling and REDLINK Intelligence for improved power and protection. If you have an M18 Super Charger, it charges in under an hour.

Milwaukee is one of the highest-rated choices for serious DIYers and professionals alike. If you're already on a battery system and only need the tool, the choice between it or the Hercules model is easy. If this is your first look at either brand's line, you have to factor in the cost of batteries and chargers. Milwaukee does have an M18 FUEL 18V Cordless 7 ¼-Inch Rear Handle Circular Saw Kit for $499 that includes a 12-Ah battery, rapid charger, and bag, offering savings on the set, but buying the same pieces individually from the Hercules brand would still be over $100 less. Ultimately, the final choice is yours.