Best Miter Saws for Trim and Framing: 7 Picks from Budget to Pro

A miter saw makes one type of cut better than any other tool: accurate crosscuts at precise angles. Baseboards, crown molding, picture frames, deck boards, and framing lumber all benefit from the speed and accuracy a miter saw delivers. You can crosscut with a circular saw, but you can't match the repeatability and angle precision of a dedicated miter saw.

Here's what matters more than most people realize: blade size determines crosscut capacity, not just cutting depth. A 10-inch sliding miter saw cuts 2x12 lumber. A 12-inch sliding miter saw cuts 2x14. If you're installing crown molding wider than 6 inches or cutting deck boards, blade size is the first spec to check.

We compared seven miter saws across budget, mid-range, and professional categories to find the best option for trim carpenters, framers, woodworkers, and DIYers.

Quick Picks: Best Miter Saws at a Glance

• Best Overall: DeWalt DWS780. 12" dual-bevel sliding with XPS LED shadow cutline system.
• Best Value: DeWalt DWS779. Same saw as the DWS780 without the LED light, at a lower price.
• Best Budget: Metabo HPT C10FCGS. 10" compound miter saw under $100 with 5-year warranty.
• Best 12-Inch: Bosch GCM12SD. Axial-Glide system sits flush against a wall, 90% dust collection.
• Best 10-Inch: Makita LS1019L. Front-rail design with 12" capacity from a 10" blade.
• Best Cordless: Milwaukee 2739-20 M18 FUEL. 12" dual-bevel sliding with corded-level power.
• Best for Beginners: SKIL MS6305-00. Dual-bevel sliding 10" with LED shadow line for $279.

What Actually Matters in a Miter Saw

Before the reviews, here's what separates a precise miter saw from one that produces gaps in your trim joints.

Blade size determines crosscut capacity. A 10-inch non-sliding saw cuts about 2x6 lumber. A 10-inch sliding saw cuts 2x12. A 12-inch sliding saw cuts 2x14. For trim work, a 10-inch sliding or 12-inch model is ideal. For framing, you want 12-inch capacity.

Sliding vs. non-sliding: A sliding miter saw has rails that allow the blade to travel forward and back, dramatically increasing crosscut width. A non-sliding (chop) saw only plunges straight down. Sliding saws cost more but handle wider stock.

Single bevel vs. dual bevel: A single-bevel saw tilts the blade in one direction (usually left). A dual-bevel saw tilts both left and right. Dual bevel is essential for trim work because it lets you cut opposing angles without flipping the workpiece. This saves time and reduces measurement errors.

Miter range determines the maximum angle cut. Most saws offer 45-50 degrees in each direction, with positive stops (detents) at common angles like 22.5, 31.6, and 45 degrees. More detent positions mean faster setup at common angles.

Dust collection varies widely. Some saws capture 50% of dust, others capture 90%. A saw that sprays sawdust across your workspace makes a mess and creates a health hazard. Good dust collection connects to a shop vac and captures most of the dust at the source.

Our Top Picks

DeWalt DWS780 12" Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (Best Overall)

DeWalt DWS780 12" Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (Best Overall)

Trim carpenters and serious woodworkers who want the most popular pro miter saw on the market

BrandDeWalt

Type12" dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw

Power SourceCorded

Voltage120V, 15 Amp

Weight56 lbs

Pros

• XPS LED shadow cutline system is always accurate with zero calibration
• 75%+ dust collection is among the best for any miter saw
• Massive crosscut capacity (2x14 at 90 degrees)
• Proven design with extensive accessory ecosystem

Cons

• Rails extend behind the saw, requiring wall clearance
• 56 lbs is manageable but not lightweight
• Premium price at ~$499
• 12" blades cost more than 10" blades

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The DeWalt DWS780 is the miter saw that more professional trim carpenters use than any other, and the XPS cutline system is the reason. Instead of a laser line that needs calibration, the XPS uses LED lights positioned on either side of the blade to cast a shadow of the blade onto the workpiece. The shadow shows the exact kerf width and position, and it's always accurate because it's created by the blade itself. No calibration, no drift, no guessing.

The 15-amp motor at 3,800 RPM powers through hardwood and composite trim without hesitation. The crosscut capacity handles 2x14 at 90 degrees and 2x10 at 45 degrees, covering virtually every trim and framing scenario. Tall sliding fences support crown molding up to 7-1/2 inches nested and base molding up to 6-3/4 inches vertical.

Dust collection captures over 75% of sawdust, which is genuinely good for a miter saw. The adjustable stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops puts common angles at your fingertips.

At 56 lbs, it's manageable for one person, though not exactly lightweight. The dual horizontal steel rails require clearance behind the saw (the rails extend backward when you pull the blade forward), so plan your workspace accordingly.

DeWalt DWS779 12" Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (Best Value)

DeWalt DWS779 12" Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (Best Value)

Anyone who wants DWS780 performance without paying for the XPS light

BrandDeWalt

Type12" dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw

Power SourceCorded

Voltage120V, 15 Amp

Weight56 lbs

Pros

• Same motor, capacity, and build quality as the DWS780 at a lower price
• Can be upgraded with XPS LED kit later if desired
• 75%+ dust collection matches the premium model
• Widely available with excellent parts and accessories support

Cons

• No built-in LED cutline indicator (the main difference vs. DWS780)
• Same rear-extending rails that require wall clearance
• 56 lbs is not truly portable
• 3-year warranty is standard, not exceptional

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The DeWalt DWS779 is the exact same saw as the DWS780 with one difference: no built-in XPS LED cutline system. Same 15-amp motor, same 3,800 RPM, same crosscut capacity, same dust collection, same build quality. The savings is typically $50-100.

The saw is "XPS ready," meaning you can buy and install the LED light kit later if you decide you want it. Many users draw a pencil line on the workpiece and cut to the line without any light system, which works perfectly well with practice.

The 75%+ dust collection, stainless steel miter detent plate with 10 positive stops, tall sliding fences, and cam lock miter handle are all identical to the DWS780. For users who prioritize performance and value over the LED feature, the DWS779 is the smarter purchase.

This is the miter saw to recommend to anyone building a workshop or starting in trim carpentry. It delivers professional performance at a price that doesn't require justification.

Metabo HPT C10FCGS 10" Compound Miter Saw (Best Budget)

Metabo HPT C10FCGS 10" Compound Miter Saw (Best Budget)

DIYers and beginners who need a functional miter saw without a large investment

BrandMetabo HPT (formerly Hitachi)

Type10" single-bevel compound miter saw

Power SourceCorded

Voltage120V, 15 Amp

Weight24.2 lbs

Warranty5-year limited

Pros

• Incredibly lightweight at 24.2 lbs for easy carrying
• 15-amp motor at 5,000 RPM is the most powerful budget option
• 5-year warranty is the best in this entire roundup
• Frequently drops below $100 on sale

Cons

• Single bevel only (left side), requiring workpiece flipping
• Non-sliding design limits crosscut to 2x6 lumber
• Dust collection captures only about 50%
• Included 24-tooth blade is too coarse for finish work

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The Metabo HPT C10FCGS is the gateway miter saw, and it's a better gateway than you'd expect. A 15-amp motor at 5,000 RPM (the highest speed in this roundup) powers through crosscuts in dimensional lumber without complaint. At 24.2 lbs, it's the lightest saw here by a wide margin, making it easy to carry to different work areas.

The 5-year warranty is the longest in this roundup. Metabo HPT (formerly Hitachi) stands behind this saw longer than DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Bosch stand behind their premium models. That warranty signals genuine confidence in the build quality.

The compromises are real but predictable at this price. Single bevel (left only) means you'll flip workpieces for opposing angle cuts. No sliding mechanism limits crosscut width to 2x6. The included 24-tooth blade is coarse; upgrade to a 60-tooth blade for finish work. The dust bag captures roughly half the dust.

For building a deck, cutting baseboards, framing a wall, or tackling general DIY, this saw delivers. It's the right first miter saw for someone who isn't sure how often they'll use one.

Bosch GCM12SD 12" Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw (Best 12-Inch)

Bosch GCM12SD 12" Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw (Best 12-Inch)

Workshop woodworkers who need maximum capacity in a space-constrained shop

BrandBosch

Type12" dual-bevel sliding (Axial-Glide) compound miter saw

Power SourceCorded

Voltage120V, 15 Amp

Weight65 lbs

Pros

• Axial-Glide system allows placement flush against a wall
• 90% dust collection is the best in this roundup
• Pre-aligned SquareLock fences for accurate cuts from setup
• Premium 60-tooth blade included

Cons

• Heaviest saw at 65 lbs
• Premium price at ~$689
• No built-in laser or LED cutline
• Axial-Glide mechanism requires occasional maintenance

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The Bosch GCM12SD solves the biggest problem with sliding miter saws: rear clearance. Traditional sliding saws have rails that extend 10-12 inches behind the saw when you pull the blade forward, meaning the saw can't sit against a wall. Bosch's patented Axial-Glide system replaces those rails with a hinged arm mechanism that stays within the saw's footprint. The saw can sit flush against a wall while maintaining full sliding capacity.

This is a transformative feature for garage workshops and small shops where every inch matters. You gain 10+ inches of usable wall space compared to any rail-based sliding saw.

The 90% dust collection rate is the best in this roundup by a significant margin. Most miter saws capture 50-75%. The Bosch captures nearly everything, connecting to a shop vac for a genuinely clean workspace.

Pre-aligned SquareLock fences provide accurate cuts from the first setup. The 60-tooth blade included is a quality crosscutting blade, not a throwaway. Soft-start circuitry prevents the jarring startup that cheaper saws produce.

At 65 lbs, it's the heaviest saw here. The price is premium. But for a workshop where space and dust control matter, no other saw matches the Bosch.

Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (Best 10-Inch)

Makita LS1019L 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (Best 10-Inch)

Woodworkers who want near-12" capacity from a 10" blade with a compact design

BrandMakita

Type10" dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw with laser

Power SourceCorded

Voltage120V, 15 Amp

Weight57.9 lbs

Pros

• Cuts 2x12 lumber with a 10-inch blade (near-12" capacity)
• Front-rail design doesn't extend behind the saw
• 60-degree miter range in both directions (widest in roundup)
• Built-in laser guide and soft-start motor

Cons

• Premium price for a 10-inch saw at ~$699
• Heavy at 57.9 lbs
• Lower RPM (3,200) than most competitors
• Dust collection could be better

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The Makita LS1019L achieves something no other 10-inch miter saw can: it cuts 2x12 lumber. The proprietary front-rail sliding system positions the rails beside the saw instead of behind it, providing extended travel that gives a 10-inch blade the crosscut capacity of most 12-inch non-sliding saws.

Like the Bosch Axial-Glide, this design lets the saw sit close to a wall. The rails don't extend backward. For shops with limited space, this compact footprint is a significant advantage.

The 60-degree miter range in both directions is the widest in this roundup. The built-in laser guide provides cut line reference. The direct-drive motor with soft start produces smooth, controlled cuts with minimal vibration.

The 10-inch blade gives you a practical advantage: 10-inch blades cost less than 12-inch blades, and there are more options available at hardware stores. For users who don't need to cut 2x14 lumber, a 10-inch saw with 2x12 capacity is the sweet spot.

Milwaukee 2739-20 M18 FUEL 12" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (Best Cordless)

Milwaukee 2739-20 M18 FUEL 12" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (Best Cordless)

Contractors who need full 12" miter saw capability without cord access

BrandMilwaukee

Type12" cordless dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw

Power SourceCordless (M18 18V, battery sold separately)

Voltage18V

Weight47.6 lbs (bare tool)

Pros

• Full 12" sliding capacity with corded-equivalent power
• Up to 330 cuts per charge with HD12.0 battery
• Shadow Cut Line LED for precise cut indication
• Lightest 12" cordless sliding saw at 47.6 lbs

Cons

• Expensive at $799 bare tool (battery and charger add $200+)
• Battery adds significant weight on top of 47.6 lbs
• Dust collection is poor (plan on connecting a shop vac)
• Lower RPM (3,500) than corded competitors

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The Milwaukee 2739-20 is the cordless miter saw that changed the conversation. The POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers power equivalent to a 15-amp corded saw, and independent reviews confirm it handles the same cuts without hesitation. With an HD12.0 battery, it makes up to 330 cuts per charge, enough for a full day of trim work.

The Shadow Cut Line LED indicator projects a shadow similar to the DeWalt XPS system, showing exactly where the blade will cut. The cam-locking miter system with adjustable stainless steel detent plate provides 11 positive stops at common angles.

At 47.6 lbs (bare tool), it's actually lighter than most corded 12-inch sliding saws. It's also 15% lighter than competing cordless models. The M18 battery platform is one of the largest tool ecosystems available, and ONE-KEY compatibility adds tool tracking for professional fleets.

The cost is the barrier. At $799 bare tool (plus $200+ for a battery and charger), the total investment approaches $1,000+. That's justified for contractors who work in locations without reliable power access. For workshop use where outlets are available, a corded saw delivers identical performance for less money.

SKIL MS6305-00 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (Best for Beginners)

SKIL MS6305-00 10" Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw (Best for Beginners)

DIYers and beginners who want dual-bevel sliding capability at the best price

BrandSKIL

Type10" dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw

Power SourceCorded

Voltage120V, 15 Amp

Weight48.8 lbs

Pros

• LED Shadow Line indicator at $279 is exceptional value
• Dual-bevel sliding design with full 2x12 crosscut capacity
• 15-amp motor at 4,800 RPM is the highest speed in this roundup
• 11 positive miter stops for common angles

Cons

• Build quality doesn't match premium brands at twice the price
• Dust collection is mediocre
• Fence and detent precision is less refined
• Heavier than expected at 48.8 lbs for a 10-inch saw

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The SKIL MS6305-00 puts features that typically cost $500+ into a $279 package: dual-bevel sliding design, 10-inch blade, 2x12 crosscut capacity, LED shadow line cut indicator, and 15-amp motor at 4,800 RPM.

The LED Shadow Line projects a shadow of the blade onto the workpiece, similar to the DeWalt XPS system. It's more accurate than a traditional laser line because the shadow shows the actual kerf width, not just a reference point.

Eleven positive stop positions at common miter angles make setup fast for repetitive cuts. The built-in carrying handle helps with transport. Extension rods provide additional workpiece support.

The trade-offs versus premium brands are in the details: the fence and detent system isn't as precise as DeWalt or Makita, the dust collection is mediocre, and the overall build quality reflects the lower price. For a DIYer who uses a miter saw a few times a month, those trade-offs save hundreds of dollars with minimal practical impact.

Miter Saw Buying Guide: How to Choose

Match the saw to your projects

• Basic crosscuts and DIY (2x6 and smaller): The Metabo HPT C10FCGS ($119) handles the job.
• Trim carpentry and baseboards: The SKIL MS6305-00 ($279) or DeWalt DWS779 ($399) deliver the angles and capacity you need.
• Crown molding and wide trim: A 12-inch sliding saw (DWS780, Bosch GCM12SD) provides the crosscut width and crown capacity.
• Framing: The DeWalt DWS779/780 cuts 2x14 at 90 degrees. For jobsites without power, the Milwaukee 2739-20.

Don't skip the blade upgrade

Stock 24-tooth blades are ripping blades. They cut fast but leave rough edges. For trim work, upgrade to a 60-tooth or 80-tooth crosscutting blade ($30-50). The cut quality improvement is dramatic and immediate.

Consider dust collection seriously

Connect your miter saw to a shop vac. The dust bag that comes with most saws is practically useless. A shop vac connected to the dust port captures dramatically more dust, keeping your workspace cleaner and your lungs healthier. The Bosch GCM12SD at 90% collection is the gold standard.

Common Questions

What size miter saw do I need?

For most DIYers and homeowners, a 10-inch sliding miter saw handles 95% of projects. It cuts 2x12 lumber and most crown molding. A 12-inch saw is necessary if you regularly cut 2x14 lumber, wide crown molding, or need maximum crosscut capacity.

Do I need a sliding miter saw?

If you cut boards wider than 2x6, yes. A non-sliding 10-inch saw maxes out at 2x6 crosscuts. A sliding 10-inch handles 2x12. The sliding capability costs more but dramatically expands what you can cut.

Is a cordless miter saw worth it?

For contractors who frequently work in locations without reliable power (new construction, outdoor projects, remote jobsites), absolutely. For workshop use where an outlet is nearby, a corded saw delivers identical cutting performance for less money.

How do I make accurate 45-degree cuts for trim?

Use the miter detent stops (most saws have them at 45 degrees), cut a test piece, and check the joint. Fine-tune the angle if needed. Always cut two pieces and check the joint fit before cutting your finish material. A sharp, high-tooth-count blade and a slow, steady feed produce the cleanest results.

Final Thoughts

For most woodworkers and trim carpenters, the DeWalt DWS779 at $399 is the miter saw to buy. It delivers the same cutting performance as the DWS780 at a lower price, and you can add the XPS LED system later if you want it.

If you want the complete package with the XPS cutline system included, the DeWalt DWS780 at $499 is the industry standard for a reason.

For workshop use where space is tight, the Bosch GCM12SD at $689 with its Axial-Glide system and 90% dust collection is worth the premium.

And for anyone starting out or working on a budget, the SKIL MS6305-00 at $279 delivers dual-bevel sliding capability with an LED shadow line at a price that's hard to beat. The Metabo HPT C10FCGS at $119 (with its 5-year warranty) is the lowest-risk entry point.