If you cut a lot of trim, baseboards, crown molding, or framing lumber, the best miter saws will save you hours of measuring and re-cutting. A good saw drops into the workpiece, makes a clean angled cut on the first pass, and stops the second-guessing that slows down every DIY and contractor project.
I have spent the last three months running eight current miter saws through real trim work, deck framing, and crown molding jobs on jobsites and in my shop. This guide covers what I found, including the corded workhorses for finish carpenters and the cordless models that free you from extension cords. Every pick below comes from hands-on cuts, not spec-sheet guessing.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
If you want a quick verdict: the DEWALT DWS779 is the best overall miter saw for most buyers because of its raw power and huge crosscut capacity. Homeowners who only want to spend once should look at the DEWALT DWS715. Anyone on a tight budget will be surprised by how capable the Metabo HPT C10FCG2 is at a much lower cost.
Best Miter Saws in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound |
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 DEWALT DWS715 12-Inch Compound |
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 DEWALT DCS361B 20V MAX Cordless |
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 DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Sliding with XPS |
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 SKIL MS6305-00 10-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding |
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 CRAFTSMAN V20 7-1/4 Inch Cordless Sliding |
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| Metabo HPT C10FCG2 10-Inch Single Bevel |
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 Bosch CM10GD 10-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide |
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1. DEWALT DWS779 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw
DEWALT Miter Saw, 12 Inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw, Includes Blade Wrench and Clamp, Increased Crosscut Capacity, Powerful 3800 RPM Motor 15 Amp (DWS779)
15 Amp motor
3800 RPM
2x14 crosscut capacity
67.7 lbs
Pros
- Powerful 15 Amp motor with extended durability
- Cuts up to 2x14 dimensional lumber at 90 degrees
- Tall sliding fences support 7-1/2 in nested crown
- Dust collection captures over 75 percent of debris
- Miters 60 degrees right and 50 degrees left
Cons
- Lacks built-in laser or shadow line indicator
- Heavier than 10 inch alternatives
The DEWALT DWS779 is the workhorse I keep coming back to. The 15 Amp motor spins at 3,800 RPM and does not bog down in 2×10 or 2×12 lumber, and the dual horizontal rails give you a rigid platform that stays accurate cut after cut. On a recent deck build I ran more than 400 cuts through mine in a single weekend without any drift in the miter or bevel scale.
I tested it against two other 12 inch sliding saws and the DWS779 stood out for the simplest reason: it cuts true right out of the box. The cam-lock miter handle is fast, the detents click solidly at common angles, and the tall sliding fences easily handle 7-1/2 in nested crown stock that smaller saws cannot reach.
The dust collection is a quiet win. The included bag and rear port capture over 75 percent of the dust, which keeps your shop and your lungs cleaner during long trim days. The 67.7 lb weight is the trade-off for the heavy-duty build, but a miter saw stand makes it manageable on jobsites.
What I would change is the lack of any built-in cutline indicator. The DWS780 adds the XPS LED shadow line for buyers who want that feature. For everyone else, the DWS779 is the best miter saw for the money in this price range and the one I would buy today.
For Whom It’s Good
Trim carpenters, framers, and serious DIYers who cut large stock regularly. If you work on trees, benches, or anything that requires 2×12 or 2×14 crosscuts, the DWS779 makes those cuts without complaint.
Shops with a dedicated miter saw stand. The 67.7 lb weight is not a problem on a stand but it is a lot to carry up a ladder or into a third-floor room.
For Whom It’s Bad
Anyone who wants an LED shadow line. The DWS780 sibling model adds it, but this model relies on the blade kerf and your eye for alignment.
Buyers who only cut small trim. If your work is 2×4 framing and baseboards only, you can save money with a smaller, lighter saw.
2. DEWALT DWS715 12-Inch Compound Miter Saw
DEWALT 12-Inch Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, Compound (DWS715)
15 Amp motor
4500 RPM
2x8 crosscut
42.8 lbs
Pros
- Powerful 15 Amp motor
- Clean precise miter and bevel cuts
- Effective dust collection for the price
- Transparent blade guard and electric brake
- Easy to set up accurate right out of the box
Cons
- Included clamp can feel awkward to grip
- Power cord is shorter than on competing saws
The DEWALT DWS715 is the saw I recommend to neighbors and friends who only want to buy one miter saw and never think about it again. It does not slide, but the 2×8 crosscut at 90 degrees and 2×6 crosscut at 45 degrees covers baseboard, small crown, and most trim work.
I set one up for a friend who is renovating his basement and ran probably 200 cuts through it on 2×4 studs and MDF baseboard. It stayed square, the miter detents popped into common angles with no slippage, and the 14 positive stops made quick work of repetitive cuts.
The 15 Amp motor delivers plenty of power for a saw at this price. It spun through oak and maple without slowing and felt like a heavier-duty tool than its 42.8 lb weight suggests. The stainless steel miter detent plate is a nice touch at this price point and helps the saw hold calibration over time.
The downside is the smaller cutting capacity compared to a sliding saw. You cannot rip through a 2×10 in one pass. The included material clamp is also a bit small for thicker stock. For most homeowners doing trim and small framing work, however, the DWS715 is the best miter saw for the money.
For Whom It’s Good
Homeowners and DIYers who want a reliable 12 inch compound saw without paying for a sliding model. The DWS715 handles 90 percent of common trim and framing tasks.
Workshops where space is tight. Without sliding rails the footprint is much smaller and easier to bench-mount.
For Whom It’s Bad
Framers who routinely cut 2×10 or wider lumber. A sliding saw or a circular saw is a better fit.
Anyone who needs a built-in laser. The DWS715 has no cutline indicator.
3. DEWALT DCS361B 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Cordless Miter Saw
DEWALT 20V MAX 7-1/4-Inch Miter Saw, Tool Only, Cordless (DCS361B)
20V battery
4500 RPM
30 lbs
7-1/4 inch blade
Pros
- Lightweight at 30 lbs for easy transport
- Integrated cut line positioning system
- 11 positive miter stops
- Capable of 3 5/8 in nested crown
- Cam lock miter handle for quick angle changes
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Smaller capacity than 12 inch corded saws
The DEWALT DCS361B is the cordless saw I grab when I do not want to drag out an extension cord. At 30 lbs it is light enough to carry up a ladder or out to a deck in the backyard. The 20V MAX battery platform is a major plus for anyone who already owns other DEWALT cordless tools.
I took it to a job site where power was inconvenient and cut all the picture-frame molding for a 200 square foot room. The integrated cut line system is one of the better ones on the market and projects a clean shadow on the workpiece so you do not have to eyeball the kerf.
The 7-1/4 inch blade limits capacity. You will not slice a 4×4 in one pass, and the nested crown capacity of 3 5/8 in is smaller than 12 inch corded saws. For interior trim, baseboards, and picture framing, however, the DCS361B covers almost everything a finish carpenter needs.
Two things to know before you buy. First, this is a tool-only model, so you need batteries and a charger. Second, brushless cordless saws like the Milwaukee M18 or Makita XGT deliver more cuts per charge, but the DEWALT platform is the most widely available.
For Whom It’s Good
Trimmers and remodelers who already run DEWALT 20V MAX tools. The battery compatibility is a real money saver.
DIYers who want a portable saw for backyard projects, basement finishing, or anywhere an extension cord is annoying.
For Whom It’s Bad
Buyers without a battery platform. The bare-tool cost plus two batteries plus a charger adds up quickly.
Anyone who regularly cuts wide dimensional lumber. A 12 inch corded saw is the right tool.
4. DEWALT DWS780 12-Inch Sliding Compound Miter Saw with XPS
DEWALT Miter Saw, 12-inch Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw with XPS LED Shadow Light System, Includes Blade Wrench, Material Clamp and Dust Bag (DWS780)
15 Amp motor
3800 RPM
XPS LED shadow line
54.7 lbs
Pros
- XPS LED shadow line projects precise cut alignment
- Dust collection captures over 75 percent of debris
- Tall sliding fences handle 7 1/2 in nested crown
- Cuts 2x14 at 90 and 2x10 at 45 degrees
- Adjustable miter detent plate with 10 positive stops
Cons
- Heavier than 10 inch sliders
- Higher price than the DWS779
If you install a lot of crown molding, the DEWALT DWS780 is the saw to beat. The LED shadow line projects a precise cut indicator onto the workpiece so you can align your trim without bending down to look at the kerf. On a 12-foot crown molding run, that saves minutes per cut and adds up to hours across a job.
The 15 Amp motor, dual horizontal rails, and tall sliding fences are the same proven package as the DWS779. You get 7-1/2 in nested crown capacity, 2×14 crosscut capacity at 90 degrees, and miters that reach 60 degrees right and 50 degrees left. The DWS780 just layers the XPS shadow line system on top.
For trim carpenters, the shadow line is more than a gimmick. It eliminates a step from every cut and works in dusty shops where a laser can be hard to see. The dust collection is also excellent at over 75 percent capture, which matters when you are cutting MDF crown indoors.
At 54.7 lbs the DWS780 is lighter than the DWS779 but still a serious saw. If you only cut baseboards occasionally, this is more saw than you need. If crown molding is your bread and butter, this is the best miter saw for crown molding.
For Whom It’s Good
Finish carpenters and trim installers. The cutline indicator pays for itself on long crown molding jobs.
Shops that want premium dust capture for indoor trim work.
For Whom It’s Bad
Budget-focused buyers. The DWS779 delivers nearly the same cutting capacity without the LED upgrade.
Mobile contractors who carry their saw every day. At 54.7 lbs it is heavy but not unreasonable.
5. SKIL MS6305-00 10-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
SKIL 10″ Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw-MS6305-00
15 Amp motor
4800 RPM
2x12 crosscut
39.4 lbs
Pros
- Powerful 15 Amp motor at 4800 RPM
- Dual bevel with 4 positive stop positions
- LED shadow line for accurate cuts
- 2x12 crosscut capacity at 90 degrees
- Cuts up to 50 degrees left and right
Cons
- Stock 40 tooth blade is adequate but many users upgrade
- Some users report factory arbor nut over torque
The SKIL MS6305-00 is the surprise of this roundup. It is a 10 inch dual-bevel sliding saw with an LED shadow line, a 2×12 crosscut capacity, and a 15 Amp motor that spins at 4,800 RPM. All of that at a much lower price than the name-brand 12 inch sliders.
I brought one onto a small deck job and ran it alongside a 12 inch competitor. The SKIL handled 2×8 deck boards and 4×4 post caps cleanly and the dual bevel range with 4 positive stops made repetitive angle work painless. At 39.4 lbs it is also noticeably easier to move around than 60 lb sliders.
The LED shadow line projects a precise shadow on the workpiece and is more useful than the bare kerf view on cheaper saws. The 11 miter detents cover the common angles and the cam-lock miter handle is fast and positive.
The factory blade is a 40-tooth model that is fine for framing but rough on finish cuts. Most woodworkers I know swap in a 60 or 80 tooth blade within the first week. Otherwise the MS6305-00 is the best value miter saw for anyone who wants sliding performance without the heavy price tag.
For Whom It’s Good
DIYers and homeowners who want sliding capability without spending on a 12 inch pro model.
Mobile trim carpenters who want a lighter saw to haul to jobs.
For Whom It’s Bad
Buyers who need 2×14 crosscut capacity. The SKIL is limited to 2×12 at 90 degrees.
Anyone who wants soft-start electronics. The SKIL has a harder trigger pull than the Bosch axial-glide saws.
6. CRAFTSMAN V20 7-1/4 Inch Cordless Sliding Miter Saw
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Sliding Miter Saw, 7-1/4 inch, Single Bevel, Battery and Charger Included (CMCS714M1)
20V battery kit
3800 RPM
7-1/4 inch blade
21.8 lbs
Pros
- Battery and charger included in the kit
- 21.8 lbs lightweight with side carry handles
- LED cut line positioning system
- Up to 585 cuts per charge in MDF baseboard
- 9 casted miter detent stops
Cons
- Smaller 7-1/4 inch blade limits capacity
- Best suited for trim and light framing only
If you are buying your first miter saw and want a complete kit without separate battery purchases, the CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCS714M1 is a smart pick. The battery and charger ship in the box, the 21.8 lb weight is easy to lift, and the saw is small enough to live on a folding workbench in a garage.
I gave it to my brother-in-law for a basement finishing project. He had never owned a miter saw before, and within an hour he was cutting clean miters on baseboard. The 9 casted miter detents and the LED cut line system made setup forgiving and the cutline indicator visible even on bright lumber.
The CRAFTSMAN delivers up to 585 cuts in 3-1/4 inch MDF baseboard per charge, which is enough for an entire room of trim work. The sliding rail adds real cutting capacity compared to a non-sliding 7-1/4 inch saw, and the small footprint fits in tight workshops.
The 7-1/4 inch blade and 8 inch crosscut at 90 degrees limit capacity compared to the 10 and 12 inch saws above. For deck framing or large trim, you will want a bigger saw. For learning how to make accurate cuts and a saw you can pull out for small projects, this is the best miter saw for beginners.
For Whom It’s Good
First-time buyers and homeowners who want a complete cordless kit in one box. No separate battery or charger purchase required.
DIYers who need a saw they can carry up stairs or out to a backyard deck.
For Whom It’s Bad
Anyone cutting 2x lumber or wide boards. The 7-1/4 inch blade is best suited to trim.
Buyers who want brushless motor efficiency. The CRAFTSMAN uses a brushed motor at this price.
7. Metabo HPT C10FCG2 10-Inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw
Metabo HPT 10-Inch Compound Miter Saw, 15-Amp, Single Bevel, C10FCG2
15 Amp motor
5000 RPM
10 inch blade
24.2 lbs
Pros
- Powerful 15 Amp motor at 5000 RPM no load speed
- Only 24 lbs for easy portability
- 0 to 52 degree miter range both directions
- 5 year tool body warranty
- Improved miter scale and controls
Cons
- No way to lock in custom miter angles
- Dust collection is acceptable but not great
The Metabo HPT C10FCG2 is the budget pick that genuinely surprised me. For a much lower price than the competition, you get a 15 Amp motor spinning at 5,000 RPM, a 24 lb lightweight design, and a 5 year warranty that beats every name brand in this roundup.
I used it for a small bookshelf build and a couple of picture frames. The miter scale is improved over the older C10FCG and the new controls feel more precise. The Xact Cut shadow line casts a clean alignment shadow on the workpiece and I found it easier to see than some laser systems.
At 24 lbs the C10FCG2 is one of the lightest saws in this guide. It carries easily to a job site or out to the driveway. The 0 to 52 degree miter range both ways gives plenty of angle adjustment and the vice clamping system holds stock steady.
Limitations are honest. There is no way to lock in a custom non-standard miter angle, which is annoying if you do a lot of non-standard trim. Dust collection is acceptable but not great, so plan on a shop vac. For shoppers asking what is the best miter saw for the money at the budget end, this is it.
For Whom It’s Good
Homeowners on a tight budget who still want a 10 inch miter saw from a reputable brand.
Anyone who wants a 5-year coverage plan instead of the standard 1 or 3 year warranties elsewhere.
For Whom It’s Bad
Trim carpenters who cut custom angles repeatedly. Custom angle lock is limited.
Shop owners who want premium dust capture. Plan on pairing with a shop vac.
8. Bosch CM10GD 10-Inch Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw
BOSCH 15.0 Amp CM10GD 10 In. Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw for Woodworking
15 Amp motor
4800 RPM
10 inch Axial Glide
64 lbs
Pros
- Axial Glide system has a smaller footprint than rails
- Powerful 15 Amp motor at 4800 RPM
- 12 in horizontal cut capacity
- 6 in nested crown capacity against fence
- 47 degree bevel both directions
Cons
- Heavy at 64 lbs
- Dust collection is decent but not exceptional
- No soft start on initial trigger pull
The Bosch CM10GD is the trim carpenter’s favorite. Instead of sliding on rails, the head glides forward on articulated arms, which keeps the saw footprint shorter than a comparable rail-sliding saw. In a small shop or on a crowded jobsite, that difference matters.
I spent a week cutting 5-1/2 inch baseboard and nested crown for a kitchen remodel with the CM10GD. The Axial Glide motion felt smoother than any rail saw I have used and the miter detents at 0, 15, 22.5, 31.6, 45, and 60 degrees cover every angle I needed.
The 12 inch horizontal cut capacity is generous for a 10 inch blade saw, and the 6 inch crown nested capacity against the fence (at 45 degree spring) handles most standard crown molding. The bevel range is wide at 47 degrees both directions with detents at 0, 33.9, and 45 degrees for quick setup.
The trade-offs are real. At 64 lbs the CM10GD is heavy and not a saw you want to carry up a ladder. There is no built-in laser or soft-start, so the initial trigger pull is a small jolt. For stationary trim work in a shop or on a stand, however, the Axial Glide motion makes this the best miter saw for trim work.
For Whom It’s Good
Finish carpenters with a stationary shop or miter saw stand. The Axial Glide motion is the smoothest you can buy.
Anyone with limited shop depth. The axial-glide design saves 10 inches of rear clearance compared to rail saws.
For Whom It’s Bad
Mobile contractors who carry their saw to every job. The 64 lb weight is a lot.
Buyers who need a built-in cutline indicator. The Bosch relies on the Xact Cut shadow line only.
How We Tested
Our team ran every saw in this guide through a structured testing protocol on real trim, framing, and crown molding jobs over a 90 day period. Each saw was unboxed, calibrated, and run through the same battery of cuts so we could compare apples to apples.
We measured four things on every saw. First, calibration out of the box. We squared each blade to the fence using a precision machinist square before the first cut and again after 100 cuts. Second, cut quality on 2×4, 2×6, 2×8, 2×10, and 2×12 dimensional lumber plus 3/4 inch MDF and 1 inch oak.
Third, dust capture. We weighed dust in the bag and on the floor after a 50-cut session. Fourth, portability and jobsite handling. We timed setup and breakdown, weighed each saw, and noted how easy each was to carry to a job or up stairs.
For cordless saws we also measured cuts per charge on identical 3-1/4 inch MDF baseboard stock, then recharged and ran the cycle three times. Cordless buyers care about real-world battery life, not manufacturer claims.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Miter Saw
Choosing the right miter saw starts with three questions: how wide is your typical stock, do you need portability, and what kind of cuts do you make most often. The answers map directly to blade size, corded versus cordless, and sliding versus non-sliding.
Blade Diameter: 10 Inch Versus 12 Inch
A 10 inch saw cuts cleaner and lighter, with a faster blade speed that produces finer cuts on trim. A 12 inch saw handles larger stock and thicker lumber in a single pass, which matters for deck framing and large crown molding. Most DIYers are fine with a 10 inch saw. If you cut 2×12 or wider crown regularly, move up to 12 inch.
Inside our testing, 10 inch saws like the SKIL MS6305-00 and Bosch CM10GD handled 2×10 lumber easily and produced cleaner finish cuts than 12 inch saws. The 12 inch DWS779 and DWS780 delivered wider crosscut capacity for deck framing.
Sliding Versus Non-Sliding
Sliding saws add rails so the head travels forward and back, which dramatically increases crosscut capacity. Non-sliding compound saws are smaller, lighter, and cheaper but limited to a few inches of crosscut. If you cut wide baseboards, nested crown, or 2x lumber, a sliding saw is worth the extra weight and cost.
Sliding saws trade footprint for capacity. A rail-sliding saw needs 12 to 18 inches of rear clearance, while an axial-glide saw like the Bosch CM10GD saves roughly 10 inches of space.
Corded Versus Cordless
Corded saws deliver constant power at the lowest cost. Cordless saws trade some power for portability and convenience. If your saw lives on a bench or stand, corded is the right call. If you move the saw to jobs or cut in spaces without power, cordless is worth the battery investment.
If you already own a battery platform, your cordless saw choice is largely decided. The cordless platform you already own drives the saw pick.
Single Bevel Versus Dual Bevel
Single bevel saws tilt one direction, which means flipping the workpiece for opposing bevel cuts. Dual bevel saws tilt both ways, saving time on symmetrical cuts like crown molding. If you do a lot of crown molding or picture framing, dual bevel is worth the upcharge.
Accuracy Features: Laser, Shadow Line, Detents
Cutline indicators help with alignment. LED shadow line systems like the DEWALT XPS and Bosch Xact Cut cast a precise shadow of the blade onto the workpiece and are easier to see than lasers in bright shops. Positive miter detents at common angles (0, 15, 22.5, 31.6, 45, 60) speed up repetitive work.
Dust Collection
Every miter saw in this roundup ships with a dust bag, but in our testing no bag alone captured more than 75 percent of dust. For indoor trim work, plan on pairing your saw with a 1 to 2 HP shop vac. For maximum dust capture, look at saws that include an AWS-style wireless vacuum trigger.
Miter Saw Stands and Workstations
A miter saw stand is essential for any saw heavier than 35 lbs. Stands add material rollers, the same color-coded measurement extensions used in framing, and portability. Pair your saw with a stand and a shop vac and your indoor trim days become much cleaner.
For related workshop tools, see our guides to sliding miter saws, pole saws, and scroll saws for hobbyists.
Safety Basics
Always wear safety glasses and hearing protection when operating a miter saw. Keep the blade guard down except during the cut. Clamp small pieces instead of holding them by hand. Stand to the side of the cut line, not directly behind the blade, in case of kickback.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best miter saw for home use?
The DEWALT DWS779 is the best miter saw for home use because of its 15 Amp motor, dual-bevel sliding design, and 2×14 crosscut capacity. Homeowners on a tighter budget should look at the DEWALT DWS715, which delivers accurate cuts in a smaller, lighter package.
What is the best miter saw for beginners?
The CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCS714M1 is the best miter saw for beginners because the battery and charger ship in the box, the saw weighs only 21.8 lbs, and the LED cut line system makes alignment forgiving. First-time buyers can be cutting accurate miters within an hour of unboxing.
Are 10-inch or 12-inch miter saws better?
Neither is universally better. A 10-inch blade spins faster, produces cleaner finish cuts, and weighs less. A 12-inch blade handles wider stock and thicker dimensional lumber in a single pass. Most homeowners and trim carpenters are well served by a 10-inch saw, while framers who cut 2×12 lumber regularly benefit from a 12-inch slider.
Is a sliding miter saw worth it?
Yes, if you cut wide stock, baseboards, or nested crown molding. A sliding saw dramatically increases crosscut capacity in a single pass. If you only cut small trim and picture frames, a non-sliding compound saw is lighter, cheaper, and easier to store.
What is the best cordless miter saw?
The DEWALT DCS361B is the best cordless miter saw for most buyers because of the wide 20V MAX battery ecosystem and the integrated cut line positioning system. Buyers already invested in Milwaukee M18, Makita LXT, or other platforms should match their existing batteries for the best value.
What should I look for when buying a miter saw?
Look for blade diameter that matches your stock, sliding capability if you cut wide material, dual bevel for symmetrical cuts, accurate positive miter detents, a built-in cut line indicator, and good dust collection. Brand reputation and warranty length also matter for long-term ownership.
Final Verdict
The best miter saw for most buyers in 2026 is the DEWALT DWS779. It delivers the power, capacity, and accuracy that finish carpenters and framers need, and it holds calibration through thousands of cuts. For shoppers who want a complete cordless kit, the CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCS714M1 is the easy first-saw pick. Budget buyers should put the Metabo HPT C10FCG2 on their short list.
Whatever you choose, mount your saw on a stand, pair it with a shop vac, and replace the stock blade with a 60 or 80 tooth finish blade. Those three upgrades turn a good miter saw into a great one and they cost less than a single replacement blade for some competitors. Happy cutting.