4 Best Band Saws Under $300, Compared

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You need portable deep cuts with existing DEWALT batteries DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Inch Cordless Band Saw Its 5-inch cutting capacity and cordless design fit on-site work.
• You want the most compact and lightweight model on the list Milwaukee M18 Brushless Compact Band Saw Weighing just 7.67 pounds, it offers high portability for quick tasks.
• You need angled cuts and resawing capabilities for wood Jet 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw This 9-inch benchtop model provides solid tilting capabilities for woodworkers.
• You want two-speed settings for detailed curved cuts DEWALT 9-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw Its two-speed motor and work light support precision hobbyist projects.

Our 4 picks

1 Best overall

DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Inch Cordless Band Saw

Best for: portable deep cuts with existing DEWALT batteries

Cutting Capacity

5''

Power Source

20V MAX

Design

Portable

Dimensions

22.3 × 14.4 × 8.7 inches

Weight

12.4 pounds

View on Amazon: DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Inch Cordless Band Saw Affiliate link

This bare-tool DEWALT band saw offers 5-inch cutting capacity and variable speed control. It features a brushless motor, LED work light, and tool-less blade changing. The portable design includes integrated hang hooks. It suits users needing deep cuts and portability. You get versatile performance without a battery or charger included.

Pros

• 5-inch cutting capacity for deep cuts
• Variable speed for versatility and control
• Brushless motor for performance and durability
• Integrated hang hooks for easy storage
• LED work light with 20-second delay

Cons

• Bare tool only, no battery or charger included
• 5-inch capacity is smaller than 9-inch benchtop models
• Portable design may be less stable than fixed units

Good fit if

• You need portable cutting for on-site work
• You already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries
• You require variable speed control for different materials

Skip if

• You need a fixed benchtop saw for heavy-duty use
• You do not own compatible DEWALT 20V batteries
• You require more than 5-inch cutting capacity

Verdict: DEWALT 20V MAX 5-Inch Portable Band Saw fits professionals who need portable, variable-speed cutting with existing DEWALT batteries. It is ideal for on-site deep cuts.

2 Also great

Milwaukee M18 Brushless Compact Band Saw

Best for: portable, high-speed cutting tasks

Dimensions

17.9 × 6.3 × 11.6 inches

Weight

7.67 pounds

View on Amazon: Milwaukee M18 Brushless Compact Band Saw Affiliate link

The Milwaukee 2829-20 is a compact band saw designed for portability and speed. It weighs just 7.67 pounds, making it significantly lighter than previous models. The unit features a POWERSTATE brushless motor with Constant Power Technology to maintain cutting speed. Its dimensions are 17.9 inches long, 11.6 inches high, and 6.3 inches wide. This tool suits users who need a lightweight, high-performance saw for tight spaces.

Pros

• POWERSTATE brushless motor with Constant Power Technology
• Weighs only 7.67 pounds for high portability
• Over 20% lighter than the original M18 model
• Fastest cutting speed in its class

Cons

• Small footprint limits large project capacity
• No resaw capacity specifications provided
• Compact size may lack stability for heavy-duty work

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight saw for tight spaces
• You prioritize cutting speed and portability
• You work with smaller materials frequently

Skip if

• You require a high-capacity resaw saw
• You need a heavy, stationary benchtop unit
• You prioritize raw power over weight savings

Verdict: Milwaukee 2829-20 Compact Band Saw is a lightweight, high-speed tool for users who need portability without sacrificing cutting performance. It fits those who value speed and ease of movement over large material capacity.

3 Best premium

Jet 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw

Best for: Angled cuts and resawing in wood

Cutting Capacity

3-1/2"

Throat Size

9"

Motor Power

2.8A

Table Tilt

0–45°

Power Source

120V

Configuration

Benchtop

View on Amazon: Jet 9-Inch Benchtop Band Saw Affiliate link

This JET benchtop band saw features a 9-inch throat and a 3-1/2-inch resaw capacity. The cast aluminum wheels and precision guides ensure accurate blade tracking. The worktable tilts 0–45 degrees for angled cuts. Weighing 40 pounds, it mounts to a bench or stand. It includes a fence and miter gauge. This model suits woodworkers needing reliable precision in a compact footprint.

Pros

• 9-inch throat size for wider cuts
• 3-1/2-inch resaw capacity
• Cast aluminum wheels for smooth tracking
• Table tilts 0–45 degrees

Cons

• 40-pound weight limits portability
• 9-inch throat restricts large workpieces
• No variable speed control listed

Good fit if

• You need a compact saw for a small shop
• You require a 45-degree table tilt for bevels
• You value cast aluminum wheel durability

Skip if

• You need to cut wide boards beyond 9 inches
• You require variable speed for different materials
• You need a portable saw under 30 pounds

Verdict: JET 9" Benchtop Band Saw delivers solid resawing and tilting capabilities for dedicated woodworkers. It fits users prioritizing table angle adjustments over variable speed options.

4 Best budget

DEWALT 9-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw

Best for: detailed curved cuts and small resawing

Throat Size

9 in

Motor Power

3.5 A

Blade Speed

1700 & 2500 SPM

Speed Settings

2-Speed

Amperage

5 A

Features

Work Light

View on Amazon: DEWALT 9-Inch Two-Speed Band Saw Affiliate link

This DEWALT 9-inch benchtop band saw features a 3.5-amp motor and two-speed operation at 1700 and 2500 SPM. It includes an integrated LED worklight and dual dust port adapters for 2-1/2-inch and 1-1/4-inch vacuums. Weighing 40 pounds with dimensions of 13 by 19 by 30 inches, it suits hobbyists needing precise curved cuts or small resawing tasks in compact spaces.

Pros

• Two-speed operation (1700 & 2500 SPM) for material-specific control
• Integrated LED worklight illuminates the cutting line
• Includes dual dust port adapters for shop vac connection
• Compact 9-inch throat fits smaller shop spaces

Cons

• 9-inch throat limits resawing capacity compared to larger models
• 3.5-amp motor is less powerful than professional-grade alternatives
• No variable speed control; only two fixed settings

Good fit if

• You need precise curved cuts in a compact footprint
• You work with wood and light materials in a home workshop
• You want improved visibility with an integrated LED light

Skip if

• You require variable speed control for fine-tuned adjustments
• You need to resaw thick stock beyond 3.5 inches
• You prefer a higher-amperage motor for heavy-duty use

Verdict: DEWALT 9" Band Saw offers reliable performance for detailed woodworking. It fits hobbyists who prioritize visibility and compact size over high-capacity resawing.

Specifications side by side

How to choose the right one

1. Check portability needs

   If you work on job sites, weight matters. The DEWALT 20V MAX model weighs 12.4 pounds, making it easy to carry. The Milwaukee M18 is lighter at 7.67 pounds, offering maximum mobility. Benchtop models like the Jet weigh 40 pounds, which keeps them stable but fixed. Choose a portable saw if you move tools often. Select a benchtop saw if the machine stays in one workshop location. Your workflow dictates whether you need a handle or a heavy base.

2. Review cutting capacity

   Cutting capacity determines the thickness of material you can handle. The DEWALT 20V MAX offers a 5-inch capacity, suitable for deep cuts. Benchtop options like the Jet and DEWALT 9-Inch models are designed for wider stock. If you resaw lumber, check the vertical clearance. A larger capacity allows you to cut thicker boards without multiple passes. Match this spec to the thickest material you plan to use regularly. Do not assume all saws handle the same thickness.

3. Select the configuration

   Decide between portable and benchtop configurations. Portable saws attach to material or use a handle for freehand cuts. The DEWALT and Milwaukee models are cordless and portable. Benchtop saws sit on a table and offer more stability for precision work. The Jet and DEWALT 9-Inch models are benchtop units. Benchtop saws often include table tilt features for angled cuts. Portable saws lack these tables but offer flexibility. Your workspace size and cut type should guide this choice.

4. Evaluate speed settings

   Speed settings affect cut quality and material type. The DEWALT 9-Inch model features two-speed settings, allowing you to adjust for different materials. Higher speeds suit metal or hard plastics, while lower speeds prevent burning in wood. The Milwaukee M18 is described as high-speed, which may suit specific portable tasks. Variable speed controls offer more versatility than fixed speeds. Check if the model offers adjustable options if you cut multiple material types. Fixed speeds limit your range of use.

5. Consider power source

   Power source impacts convenience and runtime. Cordless models like the DEWALT 20V MAX and Milwaukee M18 rely on batteries. This allows use where outlets are unavailable. The benchtop models are corded, requiring a nearby power source. Corded saws provide consistent power without battery management. If you already own DEWALT 20V batteries, the compatible saw saves money. Otherwise, consider the cost of battery kits. Your existing tool ecosystem should influence this decision significantly.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best drill presses under 150
• best drill presses under 200
• best band saws under 300
• best reciprocating saws under 300