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I Used A Portable Power Station For A Month. Here's What I Learned

I never knew how much I took easy access to electricity in my home for granted until I used a portable power station. Having a device that lets you take power wherever you want is amazing. 

But there is a limit on how much you'll realistically be able to power and for how long. You've got to be a little picky.

Plus, the term "portable" doesn't always mean "easy to carry."

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Over the past month, I played around with one of the more "high-tech" portable power stations on the market, the Mango Power E, sent to me by Mango Power. I found there are some situations where a portable power station is a game changer, and there are other times where you're going to need a different solution.  

Keep a few essentials on when the power goes out, but be choosy

Power outages are not fun, especially when the internet goes out with it. It's even worse if you just bought a ton of groceries that might go bad in the fridge. And if you don't keep a bunch of flashlights around, you're likely going to be fumbling around your home in the dark. But if you have a portable power station, you can keep a few things up and running, and the higher your power station's capacity, the longer you'll be able to power those few essentials.

The Mango Power E that I'm using has 3.5 kWh of energy storage, which is a lot for a portable power station. And I found that 3.5 kWh of energy can go pretty far in my apartment. The key is to just pick a few essentials, and ignore everything you can live without. You're not going to be able to keep everything on.

I simulated a power outage in my apartment by turning everything off except for what was connected to the power station. I decided to keep the fridge, router, a lamp and my TV up and running. I kept my phone charged too, and plugged in the microwave to the power station long enough to heat up my frozen single-serve meals. I ran an extension cord from the kitchen to where everything else was plugged into the Mango Power E in the living room. 

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The Mango Power E kept all my chosen essentials up and running for well over 24 hours. If I unplugged my fridge, the Mango Power E could go much longer. But if I just wanted to power my fridge, the Mango Power E could power my fridge for over two days. And my fridge is not the most energy-efficient one out there. But I also live alone in an apartment, not a large home with a bunch of people. 

You can also use Mango Power's portable solar panels to charge the Mango Power E. So if I really needed a charge, I could always just unplug everything and take the solar panels and Mango Power E outside during the day for a charge. Since it's about a 100 pounds, lugging the Mano Power E outside is a bit inconvenient and, because it has a large battery capacity, it takes a lot longer to charge with solar. But when you need power during an outage, or are living off-grid for a little bit, it's a nice option to have. 

Portable power stations are just that -- "portable" power solutions. These are not meant to be used for whole-home backup, and they're not generators. If you're looking for something that's going to power your whole house during an outage, I'd recommend looking into whole-home backup batteries or generators. But I do think portable power stations can help you keep a few essentials on. 

If your portable power station is a bit on the smaller side, like less than 1,000 watt hours, you're probably not going to be able to keep energy-hungry electronics on for very long. I'd plug in things like my router, maybe a lamp or two, the TV and make sure I have enough juice to keep my phone charged. 

Sarah Drolet/CNETThere's a power port for everything 

Portable power stations have a port for just about anything you need. You've got your classic AC output port, which is that three-prong outlet useful for most things you plug into your wall at home. You'll also see USB-A and USB-C ports, as well as some DC output options. Some portable power stations even have a 12-volt car power output port or a power port to plug in your RV. 

The Mango Power E that I used pulls out all the stops, but it's also incredibly powerful for a portable power solution, with a rated AC power output of 3 kW (or 3,000 watts). The Mango Power E also has a ton of energy storage for a portable power solution, at 3.5 kWh. And while all this power and capacity is nice to have, It's not necessary for a small birthday party at the park where you want to plug in a speaker and charge a few phones. And honestly, my energy needs fall more on the casual side. 

During my time with the Mango Power E, I only found myself needing to use the basics: the AC output ports to power my common household electronics and appliances, and both types of USB ports to charge phones and tablets. But the Mango Power E is definitely equipped to handle more extreme power needs.

If you're wanting to throw a party outdoors somewhere and your party plans involve bringing along energy-hungry electronics like portable heaters or fans, a small freezer or maybe a microwave, you're going to want something with enough power to handle the load demand and with enough capacity so that you don't drain your power station dry within the first 30 minutes of use. And don't forget all your party guests who might be looking for a place to charge their phones. For situations like this, powerful power stations with plenty of energy storage capacity, like the Mango Power E I mentioned, are your best friend. Just keep in mind portable power stations with this much power come with a hefty price too, usually in the thousands of dollars -- definitely not a casual impulse buy.  

Sarah Drolet/CNETPower on the go is amazing   

Most portable power stations are designed to be relatively lightweight and easy to carry, usually less than 40 lbs. However, some of the larger capacity power stations start to push the limits of what you might consider "portable." The Mango Power E weighs about 100 pounds, which makes sense because it's got 3.5 kWh worth of lithium iron phosphate batteries, and an inverter, inside a compact box. 

I found it a hassle to take out of my apartment. It has a pull-out handle and two small wheels, so I was able to easily wheel it around like a suitcase on the ground. But lifting it over the doorframe, down the stairs and into my car was a two-person job. The Mango Power E does have two sturdy rubber-grip handles on opposite sides to make life easier for you and your lifting buddy. Without the handles, it definitely wouldn't be very portable. 

If you're in an area with plenty of sunlight, you can charge your power station on the go too. A lot of portable power station manufacturers have also created their own portable solar panels that you can use to charge your power station. I tried out Mango Power's portable solar panels (also sent to me by Mango Power) to charge the Mango Power E and found it incredibly easy to set up. Just prop up the solar panels on the ground, connect a wire or two, then sit back and soak in that free sunlight. 

Being able to charge with solar is a game-changer if you plan on spending a few days camping away from civilization (or just a wall outlet in general). You don't have to worry as much about conserving energy. Plus, having a mini off-grid experience is cool. Make sure to face your panels toward the sun for the optimal solar charge.

The 10 Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers For Rocking Out Anywhere

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Portable speakers have come a long way. Yes, there was a time when enjoying the best tunes on the go required lugging around a boombox, complete with the hassle of six hefty batteries. Think of the forlorn lover holding one outside a window à la John Cusack in Say Anything. But times have changed, and our mobile audio options have advanced significantly. Whether it is complimenting a home music setup or soundtracking an outdoor party, the best portable Bluetooth speaker is indispensable for any serious music lover.

The device largely replaced traditional two-speaker stereos for a few years, but it wasn't until recently that I began to hold portable Bluetooth speakers in the same esteem as my vintage high-fidelity stereo system. Thanks to advancements in sound, design, and durability, I now find myself spending most of my time listening to playlists on my single-speaker companion. This is largely for the sake of convenience—enabling me to enjoy new music, podcasts, and movies from room to room to the outdoors—but also because I genuinely love the enhanced audio quality.

Since I spend a lot of time listening at home, my two biggest needs in a portable Bluetooth speaker are sound and style—it's got to perform and look amazing in equal measure. But everyone is different. Maybe you need something that can handle everyday commutes that isn't so visually appealing. Or maybe you need something heavy-duty for a backyard pool party. Thankfully, there are options for all these scenarios. And though it can be a bit confusing navigating all the different varieties, we aim to simplify. 

Below, some important considerations when choosing the best portable Bluetooth speaker that speaks to you.

What to Consider Before Buying the Best Bluetooth Speaker:

Battery Life: The battery life of a portable speaker typically ranges from 8 to 12 hours, and some can even last up to 24 hours. However, playing the speaker at higher volumes or under various stresses can decrease battery usage. Larger units generally have larger batteries and produce more substantial sound—but they may sacrifice portability. If you primarily use the speaker at home, where an outlet is convenient, battery life may not be a significant concern. But if you plan to use it on the go or outdoors all day, the lifespan of the battery should be a top priority.

Durability: Many portable Bluetooth speakers use an IP rating, which indicates the dust- and water-resistance. An IP67 rating, for example, means the speaker can be dropped in a pool for a short time and can handle heavy gusts, while an IP64 rating indicates some dust-resistance and ability to withstand some splashing (read: not waterproof). Everything really boils down to the activity planned. If you're biking daily through inclement weather with one in your bag, for example, you should consider a higher IP. But if you plan to primarily listen at home, the number can decrease. Fortunately, most portable Bluetooth speakers are now built with durability in mind, offering water-, drop-, and dust-resistance to a certain degree.

Portability and Range: Keep in mind: With greater size comes richer sound, which may sacrifice portability—and vice versa. Moreover, most new portable speakers utilize Bluetooth V.5 or higher, offering a wireless range that is up to four times that of any V.4 iteration. For commercial audio, this can vary quite a bit due to factors such as speaker size, efficiency, and design. But at least 10 meters, the standard, will more than suffice for listening to sounds. Also consider that the effective range of the portable Bluetooth speaker from its tethered device depends heavily on various external factors, particularly weather conditions.

Design: For a long time, speakers in general were not aesthetically pleasing. But in the past several years, heavy-hitting brands have started to put just as much thought into the form as much the function. There are now a slew of eye-catching options, from retro designs that'll compliment a vinyl collection to minimalist ones that gel nicely in a, say, Brutalist space to colorful ones that will be easy to spot outdoors. Even the smallest portable speakers have the overall look in mind. 

Sound: The best portable Bluetooth speakers, at their core, should sound great. While a single speaker may not exactly match the fidelity of a dual setup, new models will surprise even the most discerning audiophiles with their warm sound, true reproduction, and rich bass—qualities once thought impossible from portable devices. Look for driver combinations: Some will have two tweeters and a woofer, while others might have a mid-woofer to help the midrange, or even two woofers. Various components address different frequency responses, and generally, a wider range contributes to better audio reproduction.

Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker for the House

If you're looking for an all-around speaker that sounds amazing, boasts a sleek minimal design, and stands up well to wear and tear both indoors and in the backyard, the Sonos Move 2 might be your best move. It has an impressive battery life of up to 24 hours, a water- and drop-resistant design, and USB-C port, making it versatile for connecting to turntables, laptops, or other devices. Internally, it features an overhauled dual-tweeter and precision-tuned woofer that gives pseudo-audiophile vibes, and its Trueplay feature uses internal microphones to adjust to the acoustics of your surroundings to give you the best sound possible. Another detail we love is the sleek charging base that rests underneath the speaker. Form meets function with this excellent model. 

Wireless Range: N/A.Drivers: Two angled tweeters and one midwoofer.Battery Life: 24 hours.IP Rating: IP56.Waterproof: Water-resisant.

Best Compact Portable Bluetooth Speaker 

Bang & Olufsen pays meticulous attention not only to the designs but also to the functionality, and a shining example is the B&O A1. This compact speaker effortlessly fits in the palm of a hand and could easily slip into the side pocket of a backpack or tote bag. There's also an attached leather cord, allowing you to hang it from a hook or wrist, providing maximum listening vibes wherever you go. In addition to being highly waterproof and durable with its all-aluminum casing, this speaker produces a remarkably rich, deep, and musical sound. I was amazed that such impressive audio came from such a small speaker.

Wireless Range: 30 meters.Drivers: One 3.5-inch woofer and one .6-inch tweeter.Battery Life: 18 hours.Frequency Response: 55 – 20K hertz.IP Rating: IP67.Waterproof: Yes.

Best Designed Portable Bluetooth Speaker 

For anyone with a passing interest in vintage high-fidelity gear, the JBL L100 stands as a grail speaker, boasting not only a superb, sought-after sound but also an iconic textured grill that truly induces design envy. The new JBL Authentics 300 reimagines this iconic style in the form of a portable Bluetooth speaker. It features a redesigned Quadrex grill, a custom leather enclosure, and a cast aluminum handle for easy carrying. And with two 1-inch tweeters, a 5.25-inch woofer, and a 6.5-inch passive radiator, it also delivers superb sound—a true homage to JBL's iconic hi-fi past. It truly is a retro-inspired beauty, one that is both visually and audibly appealing.

Wireless Range: N/A.Drivers: Twp 1-inch tweeters and one 5.25-inch woofer.Battery Life: 8 hours.Frequency Response: 45 – 20K hertz.Waterproof: No.

Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker for Musicians 

Leave it to the good folks at Marshall—whose amps have been amplifying icons since the birth of rock 'n' roll—to create a Bluetooth speaker that seamlessly blends cool looks with sonic fidelity. The Middleton, in particular, packs a serious punch in terms of volume and durability. I appreciate the ability to connect the device to as many other Marshall speakers as I like, creating a multi-stack colossal sound that would make any artist proud. For those who are particular about tailoring their audio experience, they can also download an app and customize sound settings. Simply put, the Marshall Middleton rocks.

Wireless Range: 10 meters.Drivers: Two 3-inch woofers and two tweeters.Battery Life: 20 hours. Frequency Response: 50 – 20K hertz. IP Rating: IP67.Waterproof: Yes.

Most Durable Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Drop tested from three feet? Check. Floats in water? Check. Dust-resistant? Check. The EpicBoom from Ultimate Ears is epically tough, designed for those who demand a speaker that can endure the drops, dings, and downpours that life may bring. Beyond its durability, it excels as a lifestyle speaker, delivering not only resilience to the elements but also an epic sound. With a powerful woofer and high-frequency transducers, it produces substantial bass and clarity. Boasting a wireless range of 55 meters, it ensures a reliable connection, no matter how rugged the terrain. This speaker will take a beating and keep the beats coming.

Wireless Range: 55 meters.Drivers: Two 1.5-inch active mid-high frequency transducers and one 4.6-inch woofer.Battery Life: 17 hours.Frequency Response: 50 – 20K hertz.IP Rating: IP67.Waterproof: Yes.

Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker for Traveling

If your primary purpose is to have the smallest, most travel-friendly portable Bluetooth speaker, the new Sony model should be your choice. Despite its super compact body, it delivers remarkably clear and surprisingly robust sound. With an IP67 waterproof and dustproof design, you shouldn't hesitate to let this mini bad boy dangle from your bike handles or endure a drop at the airport—it can handle it. Not to mention, the up to 16 hours of battery life will keep you grooving all day. Just be mindful not to play it at the terminal: Save it for the destination.

Wireless Range: 30 meters.Drivers: One full range driver.Battery Life: 16 hoursFrequency Response: 20 -n20K hertz.IP Rating: IP67.Waterproof: Yes.

Best Eco-Conscious Portable Bluetooth Speaker

The House of Marley embodies music. Developed in collaboration with the Marley family, the brand is dedicated to carrying the legacy of its patriarch, Bob, and his passion for the healing power of beats and lyrics—an ethos particularly relevant in today's times. Constructed with natural bamboo, upcycled fabric, and recycled silicone and aluminum, this speaker is as close to sustainable as it's going to get. Moreover, it boasts dustproof and water-resistant features.  Accompanied by Marley's signature sound EQs, this speaker will undoubtedly "make you want to move your dancing feet."

Wireless Range: 30 meters.Drivers: One 2.5-inch woofer and two 1-inch tweeters.Battery Life: 20 hours.IP Rating: IP65.Waterproof: Water-resistant.

Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker for Bass Lovers 

We all know that one music fan who lives for deep bass, the kind that reverberates through the body and penetrates walls. Most reviews of Harman Kardon's Studio 6 highlight its exceptional performance in the low-end department—and we agree. With a powerful woofer that delves deep into low frequencies, it also boasts crisp highs that will fill a room with outstanding sound. Not to mention the super unique design with a handle, which feels like you are almost carrying a high-end tote—albeit one that is also capable of waking the neighbors.

Wireless Range: N/A.Drivers: One 4.7-inch woofer and one 1-inch tweeterBattery Life: 8 hours.Frequency Response: 50 – 20K hertz.IP Rating: IPX7(not dust resistant).Waterproof: Yes.

Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker for 360-Degree Sound 

French audio company Devialet entered the high-end speaker market with significant buzz—the result of its uniquely designed portable speakers. Featuring high-quality components, the brand also prides itself on discovering new proprietary technologies. Equipped with two woofers, the Mania uses a patented active stereo calibration that morphs and adapts to a living space. This delivers an authentic 360-degree sound experience, ensuring impressive audio from any vantage point. And these objects don't just deliver on tech. They also boast an intriguing, almost alien-like design that is sure to become a conversation topic.

Wireless Range: N/A.Drivers: Four aluminum full-range drivers and two woofers.Battery Life: 10 hours.Frequency Response: 30 – 20k hertz.IP Rating: N/A.Water Resistant: Yes.

Best Portable Bluetooth Speaker for the Outdoors

The SoundLink Flex by Bose is dubbed the perfect "sidekick," and we wholeheartedly agree. Ideal for those with a highly active lifestyle, this small and slim powerhouse can be effortlessly tossed into your rain jacket, hiking backpack, or beach tote.  With its powder-coated steel grille and silicon exterior resistant to rust and corrosion, this speaker means serious business. Despite its compact size, it delivers impressive sound, and thanks to PositionIQ technology, it also optimizes audio regardless of its orientation. Whether you're sleeping in a tent or relaxing on the beach, this portable Bluetooth speaker is ready for wherever you choose your adventure.

Wireless Range: 10 meters.Drivers: One transducer and one passive radiator. Battery Life: 12 hours.IP Rating: IP67.Waterproof: Yes.

Authors

Michael Stefanov

Michael Stefanov is a Brooklyn-based writer and musician. He was previously the market editor at Esquire and fashion contributor at Men's Health. His interests lie in menswear, fragrances, records…

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The 5 Best Portable Table Saws To Work Anywhere

A portable table saw is a great machine. Unlike the stationary table saws contractors use, these relatively lightweight options rest on top of a workbench and often come with a folding metal frame with wheels for easy transport.

The vast majority of portable table saws are equipped with a 10-inch blade that provides more than enough height above the table to cut thick lumber. That big blade is backed up with a big motor that typically runs on 12 to 15 amps, which provides enough power whether you're working with hardwood, softwood or plywood.

Beyond those specs, however, there's a lot that distinguishes one portable table saw from the next. Plus, it's essential to choose the right blade for the job—whether that's ripping wood in the same direction as the grain, or crosscutting. To help you find the best portable table saw for your needs, read on for reviews of our favorite models, along with expert advice on what to consider before buying.

The Best Portable Table Saws What to Consider Type

There are two basic types of portable table saws: benchtop and jobsite. Benchtop saws are the lightest and cheapest, although they require an existing work surface to place them on. Jobsite table saws are essentially the same—although sometimes more powerful—as benchtop models, but with wheeled stands for support. These stands are essential for maneuvering and repositioning the saw around a busy jobsite, and don't require any other surface for support. Although jobsite portable table saws are bulkier than benchtop models, they usually fold down for vertical storage.

Power

As we mention above, most portable table saws are corded and run on 12 to 15 amps. But there are also cordless options to consider. They tend to weigh less than corded portable table saws, but and their limited runtime means they're better suited to short jobs around the house.

Rip Capacity

The distance between the saw blade and the fence—the vertical guide that runs parallel to the blade—determines the size of material you can rip. Portable table saws use extendable rails to provide maximum rip capacity without sacrificing support, so you can still make accurate and safe rip cuts by yourself. Just be sure your prospective saw has the right rip capacity for whatever dimensions you plan on working with.

Weight

Although all these table saws are meant to be portable, some are easier to transport than others. Pay attention to their overall weight—especially if you plan on moving the saw frequently—as well as the dimensions to ensure it fits in your space. If you don't already have a workbench or tabletop, or want to move the saw around a jobsite easily, make sure to choose a model with a rolling support stand.

Safety

Table saws are inherently dangerous machines, so safety features are paramount when considering the best saw for you. Look for models that include plastic blade guards–transparent covers that only expose the blade when wood is being pushed through–and push sticks that allow you to keep your fingers away from the blade during operation. Straightforward instruction manuals with detailed illustrations are also extremely helpful for understanding safety measures and overall operation.

Choosing the Right Blade For the Job

To cut effectively—and safely—it's important to use the right blade for the job. That means investing in a selection of blades to help the saw reach its potential.

Most portable table saws come with an inexpensive general-purpose blade (a 10-inch 42-tooth is common) that can rip and crosscut, but won't do either one particularly well. Below, we cover a few common jobs and the best blade to use for each.

Best For Rough Ripping

Freud 24-Tooth Heavy Duty Rip Blade

This blade's angle, tooth shape, and heat-expansion slots are made for rugged work, such as quickly bringing stock to approximate dimension.

Best Anti Chip and Tear

Bosch 80-Tooth Plywood & Melanine Blade

This blade's sharp tooth tip alternates direction to resist chipping and tearing the wood veneer and plastic film surfaces of plywood and melamine.

Best For Fine Cuts

Freud 60-Tooth Fine Finish Crosscut Blade

This blade isn't for rough work. It's designed to prevent chipping when crosscutting solid wood and reserved for work that must be perfect when it leaves the blade.

Best For Precice Rips

Freud-Diablo 30-Tooth Glue Line Ripping Blade

This blade produces a ripped edge that is smooth and straight enough such that it can be joined seamlessly with glue to another similarly ripped edge.

Pro tip: An inexpensive outfeed roller will increase your productivity—and also your safety—by providing a smoothly rolling support surface to receive the board as it leaves the saw table. Lacking such a roller, you need a helper who can deftly take the board and carefully support it without interfering with the cut—not a job for the squeamish.

How We Selected and Tested

During my time as a commercial and residential carpenter in New York City, I used a variety of cabinet and portable table saws. Whether I was working as part of a crew remodeling a townhouse ceiling, or creating a custom bookcase in a restaurant, portable table saws provided the functionality and convenient size needed to tackle challenges posed by different jobsites. I kept this experience in mind when updating this guide, including the brands, safety features, and ease of use I have come to know and appreciate over the years.

We personally tested three of the five portable table saws reviewed below. We worked indoors and outdoors, ripping and crosscutting a variety of wood types, and used saws on their stands (when so equipped) to build simple projects like fastener trays and sawhorses. We also ripped shelving to width. For those we didn't test—the Skilsaw SPT99-11-10 and the DeWalt FlexVolt 60V Max—we rigorously reviewed specs and saw enough technical merit to make them worthy of inclusion.

Best Overall

Bosch 10-Inch 15-Amp Portable Benchtop Table Saw

Best Overall

Bosch 10-Inch 15-Amp Portable Benchtop Table Saw Key Specs Rip Capacity 30 in. Blade 10 in. Weight 94 lb. Power Corded electric

Few portable table saws have the lineage of this model from Bosch. When we tested a forerunner of this product more than 20 years ago, we commended it for its power and soft start that brings blade speed up gradually. We also appreciated its arbor lock that kept the blade in position while we loosened and removed the spindle nut.

Bosch has wisely not altered any of those praiseworthy features over the decades, and it still has its large cast aluminum top with a slide-out extension. With the addition of a gravity-rise wheeled stand, it's perfect for finish carpenters who have to wheel the saw around on site, as well as those with a crowded home shop that don't have room for a larger cabinet table saw.

Now it equips the saw with a gravity-rise wheeled stand; that's more of a benefit to finish carpenters who have to wheel the saw around on site, but we can also see it as a benefit to someone with a crowded home shop that doesn't have room for a saw with a fixed position.

Best Heavy-Duty

Skilsaw 10-Inch Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw with Stand

Best Heavy-Duty

Skilsaw 10-Inch Heavy Duty Worm Drive Table Saw with Stand Key Specs Rip Capacity 30.5 in. Blade 10 in. Weight 94.3 lb Power Corded electric

With a torque-friendly worm-drive power train, and a maximum depth of three-and-five-eighths inches—deepest of all the options listed here—this Skilsaw is perfect for heavy-duty projects. It also features a 30.5-inch rip capacity and a user-friendly rack and pinion fence system for maximum accuracy.

The huge 16-inch wheels also help it easily traverse over bumpy surfaces, stairs, and curbs, if need be. We also appreciate the detailed and useful user manual, which is filled with technical illustrations that make clear the saw's ability to be adjusted and dialed in for precise cutting. An owner's manual of this caliber is just about unheard of in this class of product. You can have a look at the PDF yourself at the Skilsaw website.

Most Versatile

Metabo HPT HPT MultiVolt 10-in Portable Jobsite Table Saw

Most Versatile

Metabo HPT HPT MultiVolt 10-in Portable Jobsite Table Saw Key Specs Rip Capacity 33 in. Blade 10 in. Weight 67 lb Power Adapter or 36V battery

The Metab0-HPT was a 2020 Tool Awards winner, as the first 10-inch saw to cross the multi-voltage threshold. You can operate it on either 120 volts with an adapter or a 36-volt battery designed for the saw (and other Metabo power tools).

As shown, the saw is equipped with neither the adapter nor the battery; figure the cost of the adapter, battery, or both into your purchase. If you plunk down the extra $300 or so for both the battery and adapter, you have one of the most versatile saws in the industry, with the capability to be operated anywhere.

You also get a soft start that ramps up motor speed slowly, increasing motor life in the process. Plus, it features oversize rip capacity—33 inches to the right of the blade and a slide-out outfeed support—which isn't as much as a dedicated outfeed roller, but it's still darn good.

Best for Jobsites

DeWalt 10-Inch Table Saw With Rolling/Collapsible Stand

Best for Jobsites

DeWalt 10-Inch Table Saw With Rolling/Collapsible Stand Key Specs Rip Capacity 32.5 in. Blade 10 in. Weight 110 lb. Power Corded electric

We've personally used this DeWalt jobsite portable table saw for chopping and ripping up lumber, and can vouch for its rugged durability and quality construction. The rolling stand provides a ton of stability too, making it easy to perform cuts safely and accurately. Rack and pinion fence rails allow for easy adjustments, and are strong enough to support an impressive amount of weight. We're also big fans of the two-and-a-half-inch dust collection port for easy clean-ups, even after heavy-duty jobs.

On-board tool storage keeps the push stick close at hand, which encourages safe use and potentially cuts down on time wasted searching your workshop for whatever you need.

Best Cordless

DeWalt Flexvolt 60V Max Table Saw

Best Cordless

DeWalt Flexvolt 60V Max Table Saw Key Specs Rip Capacity 24 in. Blade 8.25 in. Weight 48 lb Power Cordless, li-Ion battery

Compatible with DeWalt's Flexvolt 60V battery, this compact table saw is about as portable as they come. It's also smaller than every other option on our list, and with no extension cords or power outlets needed, is ready to work as soon as you are. Despite its small size, this portable table saw still provides a stable and sturdy work surface, thanks to a rugged metal roll cage and large rubber feet. Its rack and pinion telescoping fence rails are also capable of ripping large four-by-eight plywood sheets.

Its eight-and-a-quarter-inch diameter blade is smaller than the 10-inch versions of most other table saws though, so the maximum cut depth won't be as deep.

Guide to Table Saw Terms

There a lot of confusing terms when you enter the world of table saws, their blades, and various wood-cutting operations. We offer this explainer to help guide you through.

Alternate Top Bevel (ATB)

A tooth configuration on table saw blades where the bevel on every other tooth alternates from left to the right. ATB teeth are used on all-purpose blades that offer satisfactory ripping and crosscutting performance but don't excel at either.

Crosscut

A cut made across the long-axis of the wood's grain direction. The primary grain axis in solid wood is parallel (along) the board's length–the same direction that the tree grows. A cut made perpendicular to this axis is a crosscut, such as occurs when cutting a 2x4-foot wall stud to length. In plywood and composite panels, typically 4x8-foot sheets, crosscutting refers to cutting across the panel's 4-foot width or perpendicular to the direction of the grain direction of its face veneer.

Dado

A wide, U-shaped and flat-bottom notch cut across the grain (across the width) of a board or workpiece. The nomenclature is tricky in this respect: A similar cut made along the length of the workpiece, such as in the edge or face of the board, is known simply as a groove, not a dado. Further confusing matters is that both a dado and a groove may be made with the same accessory, a dado blade (see next entry).

Dado Blade

A multi-blade assembly. It consists of individual dado blades and spacers. A dado blade (even though it consists of multiple blades and spacers) is used to cut a dado or a groove.

Flat Top Grind (FTG)

The simplest shape on a table saw blade tooth where the top of each tooth is ground to a flat tip. This tooth configuration is typically used on ripping blades.

Hook Angle

The angle that the table saw blade tooth leans forward. As seen from the side, each table saw blade consists of a series of wave-shaped cutouts made in the body of the blade. The saw tooth is either ground directly into the wave or, more often than not today, the tooth consists of a piece of carbide brazed in place. The forward-leaning angle of the tooth—where it contacts the wood—is its hook angle.

Rip 

A cut made along the long axis of the wood grain. In solid wood lumber, this is along the length of the board, the same direction that the tree grows. With panels and plywood, it is along the length of the panel or parallel to the long axis of the face grain veneer.

Triple Chip Grind (TCG)

A grind geometry that shapes three surfaces of each saw blade tooth–the top, the left side, and the right side. This tooth geometry is used to reduce chipping, tearing, and splintering when sawing plywood, panels made of composite materials or panels with a surface of soft plastic veneer, such as melamine.

Throat Plate

The removable oval-shaped piece of metal or plastic set into the table of the saw through which the blade projects. A table saw will come with a throat plate that will accommodate a single blade. The manufacturer may or may not offer accessory throat plates that allow the user to operate a dado blade.

Worm Gear

A two-gear assembly consisting of a spiral worm and a worm gear. The output of the two gears reduces the speed coming from the motor, but increases the torque (turning force) delivered to the blade.

Zero-Clearance Throat Plate

A throat plate that is an accessory that is specifically meant to be used with dado blades. The plate will come with a slot in it wide enough to accommodate a dado blade or the user installs the dado blade in the saw, lowers the blade below the surface of the saw table, then installs the zero-clearance throat plate as it would be normally installed. 

The user will then turn the saw on and slowly raise the spinning dado blade up through the plate. When the blade is raised up to its operating height, it makes a cut through the plate that corresponds exactly to the width of the dado. The lack of an air gap on both sides of the dado blade provides increased support to the workpiece being cut, improving cut quality and safety in the process. 

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