I Tested 17 Track Saws: The Best Ones Ranked for 2026
A good track saw changes how you build. It turns a full sheet of plywood into clean, square parts without a table saw. Over the past few years, I've tested 17 track saws in my shop. This guide skips the budget stuff and focuses on the saws that are actually worth your money.
There's also a new name in the conversation. DeWALT just released its first 20V track saw, and it won the 2026 Pro Tool Innovation Award for cordless track saws. I put it through the same tests as every other saw here.
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Watch the full track saw ranking video here 👉 Best Track Saw
Quick Picks: Best Track Saws for 2026
- Best cordless for most people: Milwaukee M18 FUEL Track Saw
- Best cordless power and features: Makita 40V XGT Track Saw
- Best corded value: Makita Corded Track Saw
- Best new saw of 2026: DeWALT 20V XR Track Saw
- Best premium cordless: Festool TSC 55
- Best warranty and service: Hilti Nuron Track Saw
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Join The Morning CutHow I Tested These Track Saws
Every saw got the same treatment. I used the same piece of nearly 2 inch thick solid walnut for every saw. That cut separates the real saws from the plywood-only saws fast.
- Power: Square rips through the thick walnut, then the same cut at a 45 degree bevel.
- Accuracy: Checked every cut for square, especially in thick stock where base deflection shows up.
- Adjustments: Depth, bevel, and track fit. Sticky adjustments get old in a hurry.
- Dust collection: Hooked to a dust extractor and checked the track, the floor, and the air.
- Safety features: Riving knife, anti-tip, and any kickback shutoff system.
- Track system: Universal fit or proprietary, plus track length and quality.
Track Saw Comparison Chart
Here's how the top saws stack up on the specs that matter most. Swipe sideways on your phone to see the full chart.
| Saw | Power | Max depth at 90° | Anti-tip | Kickback protection | Track type | Price at writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWALT 20V XR (DCS525) | 20V, one battery | 2-1/8" | No | Electronic Kickback Brake | DeWALT dual sided or universal fit | $429 bare, $579 with tracks, $749 kit |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL | M18, one battery | 2-1/4" | Yes | Riving knife | Universal fit | About $399 to $429 bare |
| Makita 40V XGT | 40V, one battery | 2-3/16" | Yes, on Makita track | Electric brake | Universal fit | $484 bare |
| Makita 36V (18V X2) | Two 18V batteries | 2-3/16" | Yes, on Makita track | Electric brake | Universal fit | About $349 bare |
| Makita Corded | 12 amp corded | 2-3/16" | Yes, on Makita track | Electric brake | Universal fit | $589 with 55" track |
| Festool TSC 55 | Two 18V batteries | 2-1/8" | No | KickbackStop shutoff | Universal fit | $599 bare |
| Hilti Nuron | Nuron 22V, one battery | 2-1/8" on track | No | Soft start and blade brake, no kickback shutoff | Universal fit | $669 saw only |
| Festool TSV 60 KEB | Corded | 2-7/16" (62mm) | No | KickbackStop shutoff | Universal fit | $1,059 |
| Mafell MT55cc | Corded | 1-3/8" on track, 2-3/16" off track | No | Auto motor shutoff | Mafell, converts to universal | $598 bare, kits available |
| RIDGID 18V | 18V, one battery | 2-1/8" | Yes | Riving knife | Proprietary | $449 |
| Bosch 18V (GKT18V-20GCL) | 18V, one battery | Shallower, 5-1/2" blade | Not listed by Bosch | Not listed by Bosch | Bosch, converts to universal | $765 kit with 8Ah battery and charger, no track |
| Kreg (2026) | Corded or 20V | 2-1/8" (corded) | Yes | Riving knife, anti-kickback | 62" universal fit | $458 corded kit, $508 cordless kit |
Specs and prices come from manufacturer documents and retailer listings checked in October 2026. Kits vary a lot, so compare what's actually in the box.
How I ranked them: Every saw here is a good saw. I grouped them into four levels: Top Picks, Excellent, Very Good, and Best Value. Top Picks are the ones I'd buy first.
Top Picks The Best Track Saws You Can Buy
These are the saws I recommend to most people. They have the power, accuracy, and features to handle anything you'll throw at them. The new DeWALT 20V earned its spot here.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Track Saw
When I first got this saw, I was a little disappointed there wasn't more innovation. The longer I've owned it, the more I've come to appreciate how well it's built and how well it performs.
What I liked
- Plenty of power with zero bogging
- Excellent battery life on long plywood runs
- Micro adjustment on the depth setting
- Anti-tip and a riving knife
- Runs on universal fit tracks
- Huge M18 platform to grow into
What I'd change
- Nothing that knocked it out of the top spot
Who it's for: Anyone starting fresh or already on M18. It cuts 1/8" deeper than the new DeWALT and adds a riving knife and anti-tip.
Check Milwaukee M18 Price at Home DepotMakita 40V XGT Track Saw
I've had fanboy cards revoked for this one. After using the 40V Makita, I see what the hype is about. It's one of the best cordless track saws most people should look at.
What I liked
- Power close to DeWALT's old 60V saw
- Electronic speed control holds blade speed under load
- Built-in scribe mode for chip-free cuts
- One of the best stock track saw blades I've used
- Bluetooth AWS pairing turns on a Makita extractor
- Smooth depth and bevel adjustments, thin bevel indicator
What I'd change
- 40V tool lineup is smaller than M18 or DeWALT 20V
- Anti-tip only works on Makita tracks
Who it's for: Woodworkers who want maximum cordless performance and don't mind a newer battery platform.
Check Makita 40V Price at Acme Tools Check Price at Home DepotMakita Corded Track Saw
If you just want good old 120 volt power, this is the one. You get the saw and a 55 inch track for less than many premium saws cost bare. It's solid, proven, and there are no batteries to worry about.
What I liked
- Plenty of power for anything
- Spot-on 90 degree accuracy
- Scribe cut feature
- Saw plus track kit is a real value
What I'd change
- Stock blade isn't as good as the 40V version's
- No riving knife
Who it's for: Anyone who works near an outlet and wants the best bang for the buck.
Check Makita Corded Price on AmazonDeWALT 20V XR Track Saw (DCS525)
This saw is an incredible upgrade over DeWALT's 60V track saw. It runs on one 20V battery, and it fixes most of what I disliked about the old saw.
Power and batteries
Battery choice matters a lot with this saw. Here's what I found cutting that nearly 2 inch thick walnut:
- 8Ah PowerPack: Plenty of power.
- 5Ah PowerStack: Still didn't bog down in the walnut.
- Standard 5Ah: Noticeably harder time powering through the same cut.
- 2Ah: A no go. It wouldn't power the saw on for more than a split second.
DeWALT's "more power" claim is based on the 8Ah PowerPack at top speed. If you buy this saw, budget for a PowerPack or PowerStack battery.
Kickback Brake
DeWALT's Kickback Brake shuts the saw down when it senses a pinch, stall, or bind. I plunged the saw hard on purpose to force a kickback. The saw shut itself down like it should. An LED flashes, and you let off the switch to reset it.
The track trick no one else has
The base on this saw fits universal style tracks like Makita, Milwaukee, and others. But DeWALT's own track is dual sided. You can run the saw on either edge of the same track.
Power Tip: Trim one side of the DeWALT track's splinter guard at 90 degrees and the other side at 45. Now one track handles square cuts and bevels. DeWALT's manual warns that trimming both sides at 90 means bevel cuts won't line up with the strip.
What I liked
- One-hand depth adjustment plus a fine tune knob
- Bevel adjusts as well as any saw on this list
- Bevel range from -1 to 48 degrees
- 3mm scribe stop for chip-free cuts
- Dust collection on par with Festool, Makita, and Milwaukee
- Wireless Tool Control turns on a DeWALT extractor
- Tool-free track adjustment knobs
- 9.9 lbs bare, 2.6 lbs lighter than the 60V
What I'd change
- No anti-tip. This is the big miss.
- No riving knife, it relies on the Kickback Brake
- Needs a high output battery for thick hardwood
- Rail kit uses two 30 inch tracks instead of one long track
About anti-tip: Festool doesn't have it either, but Milwaukee and Makita do. It keeps the saw from falling off the track when you let go at 45 degrees. I really wish DeWALT had included it.
Specs: 6-1/2" blade, 2-1/8" max depth at 90°, 1-5/8" at 45°, 2,500 to 5,400 RPM variable speed.
Who it's for: Anyone already on DeWALT 20V. It's also a smart pick if you want one track set up for both square and bevel cuts.
Which kit to buy: $429 bare if you own tracks and a PowerPack battery. $579 with two 30 inch tracks. $749 for the full kit with an 8Ah battery and charger.
Check DeWALT 20V Track Saw Price at Acme ToolsDon't Pay Full Price for Your Track Saw
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Get The Morning CutExcellent Worth Every Penny
These saws are absolutely amazing, with very few drawbacks. Picking between them comes down to your battery platform, your budget, and which features matter most to you.
Hilti Nuron Track Saw
I didn't even know Hilti made a track saw until recently, or that Home Depot sold it. It feels sweet in the hand. The fit and finish remind me of the Makita 40V, Milwaukee, and Festool.
Three features most saws don't have
- Swinging arbor door: A built-in door that drops down over the blade opening. It works as a splinter guard and helps dust collection. Most saws need a 3D printed add-on for this.
- Bevel offset: When you tilt to 45, the blade shifts away from the track. It won't recut your zeroed splinter guard, so one track handles both 90 and bevel cuts.
- 20 year warranty: Plus a one day turnaround on repairs. I haven't seen service like that from anyone else.
Power and cut quality
It powered through the thick walnut with no issues, and the cut came out dead square. I'd put its power on the same level as the Makita 40V or DeWALT's 60V. Plywood cuts were crisp and clean with both the 24 tooth and fine finish blades.
What I liked
- Soft start and a blade brake
- Variable speed
- Smooth pinch style depth adjustment in 1mm steps
- On track and off track depth indicator
- Smooth bevel with hard stops at 0 and 45
- Rotating dust port that fits a Festool hose
- Well balanced, even with the big battery
- Runs on universal tracks like Makita and Milwaukee
What I'd change
- No anti-tip and no kickback shutoff
- No combo kit, so you piece together the battery, charger, and track
- Stiff button to reach 47 or -1 degrees
- No scribe stop
- Batteries don't show amp hours on the outside
- Dust collection is great, but not "virtually dust free" like Hilti claims
- Hilti's track is less grippy than Makita's, and the parallel guide is a pain to mount
Who it's for: Pros who want industrial build quality and the best warranty and repair service in the category.
What to buy with it
Hilti doesn't sell a kit yet, so here's what I'd get. Hilti recommends the 4Ah battery or larger. If I did it over, I'd skip Hilti's track and get the Makita track instead.
- Hilti Nuron Track Saw
- Hilti 4Ah Battery or Hilti 9Ah Battery
- Hilti Fast Charger
- Hilti Fine Finish 56 Tooth Blade
- Makita Guide Rail (my pick) or Hilti Guide Rail
- Hilti Parallel Guide
Festool TSV 60 KEB Track Saw
This is the saw that made me ask who puts two blades on one track saw. A small scoring blade up front pre-cuts the bottom face. The main blade follows for clean, chip-free edges on both sides of veneered plywood and laminate.
What I liked
- Built-in scoring blade for chip-free cuts on both faces
- KickbackStop shutoff
- Deeper cut than the TSC 55
- Runs on universal fit tracks
What I'd change
- Price
- Corded only
- No anti-tip
Who it's for: Cabinet makers and anyone cutting a lot of veneered plywood or melamine.
Check Festool TSV 60 Price at Acme ToolsFestool TSC 55 Cordless Track Saw
The Festool is what started my love for track saws. It runs on two 18V batteries and has some of the best features on any track saw out there.
What I liked
- Push, move, let go depth adjustment plus fine tune knob
- Pinpoint accurate bevel indicator
- On track and off track depth scale
- Drop down splinter guard
- KickbackStop shuts the motor off if the saw is pushed back
- Amazing dust collection
- Runs on universal fit tracks
What I'd change
- Price
- No anti-tip
Who it's for: Woodworkers who want the most refined track saw and are willing to pay for it.
Check Festool TSC 55 Price on AmazonMafell MT55cc Track Saw
I got message after message about how this was the greatest track saw ever made. It's a really nice tool. I was impressed, just not as much as the hype.
What I liked
- Genius blade change, the whole guard folds down
- One-screw bevel adjustment
- Auto motor shutoff on kickback (it worked when I plunged too fast)
- Awesome power and really good dust collection
- Integrated guide removes to run on universal tracks
What I'd change
- Adjustments are sticky for this price
- No front handle
- One of the most expensive saws on the market
Who it's for: Woodworkers who want a top tier corded saw and don't mind paying for it.
Check Mafell Price at Timberwolf ToolsMakita 36V (18V X2) Track Saw
The 36V Makita operates and performs almost exactly like the 40V. It uses two 18V LXT batteries, so it's a natural fit if you already own a pile of them. The 40V has a little more power.
Check Makita 36V Price on AmazonVery Good Great Saws With a Catch
These saws are very good. Each one has a tradeoff that keeps it out of the top two groups.
RIDGID 18V Track Saw
This might be controversial, but RIDGID impressed me right out of the box. It felt like a top tier track saw the moment I picked it up.
What I liked
- Power through thick walnut and 45 degree bevels
- One-button depth adjustment
- Riving knife that works correctly with plunge cuts
- Anti-tip
- Good included blade
- Clear window to see blade depth
What I'd change
- Proprietary tracks, and it won't run on RYOBI tracks
- Kit ships with short segmented tracks
- Most dust extractor hoses won't stay in the port
Who it's for: RIDGID 18V owners. If you buy it, get the 60 inch track. You'll be happier.
Check RIDGID Price at Home DepotBosch 18V Track Saw
You don't have to use it, but this saw connects to an app. You can create custom speed settings for laminates and other delicate materials.
What I liked
- Butter smooth depth and bevel adjustments
- Fantastic track, plus a miter cut attachment
- Insert removes with one screw to run on universal tracks
- Top-notch fit, finish, and dust collection
What I'd change
- 5-1/2" blade means less cut depth
- Included blade is mediocre
Who it's for: Bosch fans and anyone cutting mostly plywood and thinner stock.
Check Bosch Price at Lowe'sDeWALT 60V FlexVolt Track Saw
This is one of the most powerful cordless track saws I've ever used. But the new 20V saw fixes almost everything I didn't like about it.
What I liked
- Monster power in thick hardwood
- Excellent dust collection
- Premium storage case
What I'd change
- Odd forward and down plunge motion
- Needs a wrench to adjust to the track
- Thick bevel indicator and a multi-step blade change
- No anti-tip
Who it's for: FlexVolt owners who find it on a great sale. Otherwise, get the new 20V.
Check DeWALT 60V Price at Tool NutBest Value Most Saw for the Money
Kreg Track Saw
The Kreg is one of the most popular track saws on the market, and for good reason. The original saw is proven, reliable, and accurate.
What I liked
- Smooth depth adjustment that doesn't stick
- Oversized track, great for crosscuts
- Riving knife and anti-kickback
- Plenty of power for thick walnut
What I'd change
- Original had no anti-tip (fixed for 2026)
- Cuts the opposite direction of most track saws
- Original only ran on Kreg's own track (fixed for 2026)
What's new for 2026
Kreg's 2026 track saws fix my biggest complaints. They now run on a 62 inch universal track, and they add anti-tip. The corded kit with track is $458. The 20V kit with track is $508, without a battery.
Already own universal fit tracks from Makita, Milwaukee, or Festool? Kreg's 62 inch universal track also works as a longer add-on rail.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants a complete saw and track setup for the lowest price on this list.
Check Kreg Corded Track Saw Kit Check Kreg 20V Track Saw Kit Check Kreg 62" Universal TrackHow to Choose the Right Track Saw
Universal fit vs proprietary tracks
This matters more than most people think. Many accessories are made for the universal fit profile shared by Makita, Milwaukee, and Festool tracks.
- Universal fit: Milwaukee, Makita, Festool, Hilti, 2026 Kreg, and the new DeWALT 20V
- Convert to universal: Bosch and Mafell, by removing the guide insert
- Proprietary: RIDGID, RYOBI, SKIL, and the original Kreg
Saws that fit other brands' tracks still need their track adjustment knobs reset. Anti-tip features may not engage on another brand's track.
Anti-tip
Anti-tip keeps the saw on the track when you let go of it at a bevel. Milwaukee, Makita on Makita tracks, RIDGID, and the 2026 Kreg have it. DeWALT, Festool, and Hilti don't.
Riving knife vs electronic kickback protection
A riving knife keeps the kerf from closing and pinching the blade. Milwaukee, RIDGID, and Kreg use one. DeWALT, Festool, Mafell, and Makita use electronic systems that shut the saw down or brake the blade instead. Both approaches work. Pick the one you trust.
Depth adjustment
Look for a push button or squeeze style depth adjustment that stays put. Milwaukee, Festool, DeWALT 20V, and RIDGID nail this. Sticky single post adjustments are the number one frustration on cheaper saws.
Battery platform
The saw you'll use most is the one that runs on batteries you already own. Stay on your platform unless another saw does something you really need.
Track length and cost
A 55 inch track is just enough to crosscut a 4 foot sheet. Kreg and Bosch go longer, which gives you more lead in and run out. Avoid short segmented tracks if you can. Tracks also add up fast. A single 55 inch track can cost $115 to $209 depending on brand.
Other Track Saws I've Tested
This guide focuses on the best of the best. I've also tested budget and specialty saws like the Metabo HPT, Triton, WEN, RYOBI, SKIL, Milescraft, and Grizzly. See how they all ranked in my full track saw rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best track saw in 2026?
For most people, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL is the best cordless track saw. The Makita 40V is the best for raw cordless power. The new DeWALT 20V XR is the best pick for DeWALT users. The Makita corded is the best value.
Is the new DeWALT 20V track saw worth it?
Yes, especially if you're already on DeWALT 20V. It's a huge upgrade over the 60V saw. Its dual sided track is something no other track saw I've tested offers. The biggest miss is no anti-tip.
What battery should I use with the DeWALT 20V track saw?
Use an 8Ah PowerPack or a 5Ah PowerStack. A standard 5Ah struggled in thick walnut. A 2Ah battery wouldn't keep the saw running at all.
Does the DeWALT 20V track saw work on other brands' tracks?
Yes. Its base fits universal style tracks like Makita and Milwaukee. Reset the track adjustment knobs when you switch tracks. The dual sided cutting only works on DeWALT's own track.
Which track saws have anti-tip?
Milwaukee, Makita on Makita tracks, RIDGID, and Kreg's 2026 models have anti-tip. The DeWALT 20V, DeWALT 60V, Festool, and Hilti saws don't.
Do you need a riving knife on a track saw?
It's nice to have but not required. Saws without one, like DeWALT, Festool, and Makita, use electronic kickback protection instead. Proper support and a sharp blade matter most.
What is the best corded track saw?
The Makita corded track saw is the best corded value. The Mafell is a premium corded option if budget isn't a concern.
Final Verdict
For the top spot, it's close to a three way tie. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL, the Makita 40V, and the new DeWALT 20V XR are all excellent. You won't go wrong with any of them.
So what breaks the tie? It mostly comes down to two features.
- Want active kickback protection? Get the DeWALT 20V XR. Its Kickback Brake shut the saw down when I forced a kickback. Its dual sided track is a bonus no one else offers.
- Want anti-tip? Get the Milwaukee M18 FUEL. It keeps the saw on the track at a bevel, and it adds a riving knife.
- Want the most cordless power? Get the Makita 40V. It's a powerhouse, and it has anti-tip on Makita tracks.
After that, buy the one that runs on batteries you already own. If you go DeWALT, pair it with a PowerPack or PowerStack battery.
And if you don't want a battery platform at all, get the Makita corded. You'll be perfectly happy.
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I’ve tested 17 track saws in my shop, and the new DeWALT 20V just earned a spot at the top. Here’s how the best saws from Milwaukee, Makita, Festool, Kreg, and more really compare.