The Best Makita Miter Saws
Compare Makita miter saws by blade size, fixed or sliding motion, station depth and battery requirements. Choose the model that clears your measured stock and fits the place you work.
The right Makita miter saw is the one whose listed capacity covers your widest board and tallest trim, on the power you have at the job. These five cover three platforms: corded sliders (LS1019L, LS1219L), a corded fixed head (LS1040) and 18V LXT cordless saws (XSL06Z on two batteries, XSL05Z on one).
We compared them using Makita USA product pages and documents, checked October 21, 2026. One is the LS1019L from our best miter saw guide. Where Makita does not publish a figure we could confirm, such as some weights, the table says so. Picks are research-based, not lab-tested.
Comparing brands? See our best miter saw guide.
How this guide has been updated
- Rechecked model and battery requirements and added a sourced matrix of capacity, platform and workspace limits.
- Removed unsupported price/rating comparisons, clarified selection criteria and added a project-fit checklist. Research-based; no new hands-on testing.
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Options are grouped by job and setup, not ranked by tested quality. Start with the capacity and fit checks below.
Does compact mean storage, operating depth or carrying?
The source column records manufacturer information. The fit and exclusion columns are our interpretation of those limits, not independent test results. Check the exact model, type and setup in its manual.
| Exact model | Documented limit and source | Fits this job | Rule it out when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita LS1019L | At 0° miter/bevel: 2-13/16 × 12 or 3-5/8 × 11 in.; 5-1/4-in. base with horizontal vise; 6-5/8-in. 45°-type crown with stopper; 57.9 lb. Makita LS1019L US manual — capacity table p2 | A corded wall-side bench for trim, baseboard and crown within those figures. | Crown over 6-5/8 in. nested, boards over 12 in. wide, or a 57.9-lb saw exceeds your lifting plan. |
| Makita LS1040 | Fixed 10-inch head; 2-3/4 x 5-1/8 in. at 90°; single bevel to 45° left. Makita — LS1040 product page | Narrow trim and 2x4 stock cut to length on a corded bench. | A 2x6 or wider board at 90° (5-1/2 in. actual exceeds 5-1/8 in.), and trim where you want to avoid flipping for opposite bevels. |
| Makita LS1219L | 3-5/8 x 15 in. at 90°; 3-5/8 x 10-1/2 in. at 45° miter; 8 in. crown nested; 6-3/4 in. base vertical. Makita — LS1219L new-tool flyer (PDF) | Tall crown, tall base and wide boards when the LS1019L’s figures fall short. | Any job the LS1019L already covers, if you lack bench width and depth for a 12-inch slider. |
| Makita XSL06Z | Two 18V LXT batteries (tool only); 2-13/16 x 12 in. at 90°; 6-5/8 in. crown nested; 5-1/4 in. base vertical. Makita — XSL06Z product page | LS1019L-class trim work where outlets are scarce and you already own LXT batteries. | Buyers without two compatible batteries and a charger, or anyone expecting AWS vacuum control from Automatic Speed Change. |
| Makita XSL05Z | 6-1/2-inch fixed head; 1-13/16 x 3-5/8 in. at 90°; 2-9/16 in. wide at 45° miter; 14.6 lb with battery. Makita — XSL05Z product page | Small trim and shoe molding where carrying weight matters most. | Mitering a 2x4 (3-1/2 in. wide) at 45°, and any baseboard or crown wider than 3-5/8 in. |
Write down the material, measured dimensions, required angles and available workspace. Check those requirements against each model’s linked documentation before ordering.
The 5 picks compared
| Option | Model | Best for | Blade | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | Makita LS1019L | For a Corded 10-Inch Slider | 10 in | Dual-bevel sliding compound miter saw |
| Option 2 | Makita LS1040 | For Narrow Stock | 10 in. | Compound (non-sliding) |
| Option 3 | Makita LS1219L | For Tall Crown and Wide Boards | 12 in. | Dual-bevel sliding |
| Option 4 | Makita XSL06Z | For a Cordless Slider | 10 in. | 18Vx2 (36V) dual-bevel sliding |
| Option 5 | Makita XSL05Z | For Small Trim on Batteries | 6-1/2 in. | 18V LXT cordless dual-bevel |
Best for: A wall-side bench that needs 12-inch crosscuts, 5-1/4-inch base with the horizontal vise and 6-5/8-inch 45°-type crown nested with the stopper from a corded 10-inch saw. Include its listed 57.9 lb in your lifting plan.
- 0–60° left and rightMiter range
- 57.9 lbsWeight
- Crosscut capacity (90°)
- 2-13/16 × 12 in. OR 3-5/8 × 11 in. (0° miter/0° bevel; manual p2)
- Crosscut capacity (45° miter)
- 2-13/16 × 8-1/2 in. OR 3-5/8 × 7-3/4 in. (0° bevel; manual p2)
- Molding
- 5-1/4-in. base with horizontal vise; 6-5/8-in. 45°-type crown with crown stopper (manual p2)
- Bevel range
- 0–48° left and right (dual-bevel)
- Miter range
- 0–60° left and right
- Motor
- 15 amp direct-drive, 3,200 rpm
- Weight
- 57.9 lbs
- Standout feature
- 2-steel-rail sliding system that Makita says lets the saw sit flush against a wall; built-in laser
Pros
- Makita says its rail system shrinks the footprint so the saw can sit flush against a wall (Makita LS1019L press release).
- Makita’s manual lists 5-1/4-inch standing base with the horizontal vise and 6-5/8-inch 45°-type crown nested with the crown stopper (LS1019L US manual, p2).
- It bevels 0–48° and miters 0–60° both left and right (Makita LS1019L product page).
Cons
- At a listed 57.9 lb, compact describes the bench depth, not easy carrying (Makita LS1019L product page).
- The full table pairs 3-5/8-inch height with 11-inch width, not the 12-inch width shown for thinner stock. Do not combine maxima from different rows (Makita manual p2).
Best for: Narrow trim and 2x stock cut to length, where a fixed corded head is enough and you can flip the work for opposite bevels.
- 10 in.Blade
- No (fixed head)Slide
- 2-3/4 in. x 5-1/8 in.Crosscut capacity (90°)
- Blade
- 10 in.
- Slide
- No (fixed head)
- Crosscut capacity (90°)
- 2-3/4 in. x 5-1/8 in.
- Bevel
- Single bevel, up to 45° left
- Motor
- 15 amp, 4,600 rpm no-load
- Weight
- Not confirmed from Makita for this guide; check the product page
Pros
- Makita lists a 2-3/4 x 5-1/8-inch cut at 90°, which covers a 2x4 and narrow trim (Makita LS1040 product page).
- Makita sells it as a fixed compound saw, so there is no slide travel to plan around behind the bench (Makita LS1040 product page).
- It runs at 4,600 rpm no-load on a 15-amp motor (Makita LS1040 product page).
Cons
- At 5-1/8 inches wide at 90°, a 2x6 (5-1/2 inches actual) is beyond its listed square capacity (Makita LS1040 product page).
- It bevels left only, so you flip the workpiece for the opposite bevel (Makita LS1040 product page).
Best for: Crown up to 8 inches nested, base up to 6-3/4 inches standing, and crosscuts to 15 inches, when the LS1019L’s figures are too small.
- 12 in.Blade
- 3-5/8 in. x 15 in.Crosscut capacity (90°)
- 3-5/8 in. x 10-1/2 in.Crosscut capacity (45° miter)
- Blade
- 12 in.
- Crosscut capacity (90°)
- 3-5/8 in. x 15 in.
- Crosscut capacity (45° miter)
- 3-5/8 in. x 10-1/2 in.
- Molding
- 8 in. crown nested; 6-3/4 in. base vertical
- Bevel / miter
- 0–48° left and right / 0–60° left and right
- Guide
- Laser
- Weight
- Not confirmed from Makita for this guide; check the product page
Pros
- Makita lists 8-inch nested crown and 6-3/4-inch vertical base, the largest molding figures among these Makitas (Makita LS1219L flyer).
- It lists 3-5/8 x 15 inches at 90° and 3-5/8 x 10-1/2 inches at a 45° miter (Makita LS1219L flyer).
- It bevels 0–48° and miters 0–60° both ways, with a laser cut-line guide (Makita LS1219L product page).
Cons
- Measure bench width and depth before choosing a 12-inch slider. The head, rails, bevel travel and long stock all need room (editorial planning advice).
- We could not confirm its weight from Makita for this guide, so check it before planning to move the saw (Makita LS1219L product page).
Best for: Jobs without a nearby outlet where you need the LS1019L’s capacity class: 12-inch crosscuts, 5-1/4-inch base and 6-5/8-inch nested crown, and you already run 18V LXT batteries.
- 10 in.Blade
- 2-13/16 in. x 12 in.Crosscut capacity (90°)
- Blade
- 10 in.
- Power
- Two 18V LXT batteries (36V), tool only
- Crosscut capacity (90°)
- 2-13/16 in. x 12 in.
- Molding
- 6-5/8 in. crown nested; 5-1/4 in. base vertical
- Features
- Brushless motor, laser, Automatic Speed Change
- Weight
- Not confirmed from Makita for this guide; check the product page
Pros
- Makita lists the same 12-inch crosscut, 6-5/8-inch nested crown and 5-1/4-inch base capacity as the corded LS1019L (Makita XSL06Z product page).
- It runs on two 18V LXT batteries, so it fits an existing LXT battery setup (Makita XSL06Z product page).
- Brushless motor, laser and Automatic Speed Change are listed (Makita XSL06Z product page).
Cons
- XSL06Z is the bare tool. Two batteries and a charger are separate unless you buy a kit (Makita XSL06Z product page).
- Automatic Speed Change is a motor feature, not AWS wireless vacuum control. Check dust accessories separately (Makita XSL06Z product page).
Best for: Small trim and shoe molding cut on the move, where one 18V LXT battery and a listed 14.6 lb with battery matter more than capacity.
- 6-1/2 in.Blade
- 14.6 lbs with batteryWeight
- Blade
- 6-1/2 in.
- Battery
- One 18V LXT (sold separately)
- Slide
- No (fixed head), dual bevel
- Crosscut capacity
- 1-13/16 in. x 3-5/8 in. at 90°; 1-13/16 in. x 2-9/16 in. at 45° miter
- Bevel / miter
- 0–46° left and right / 0–52° left and right
- Weight
- 14.6 lbs with battery
Pros
- Makita lists 14.6 lb with battery, the lowest weight among the Makita figures we could confirm for this page (Makita XSL05Z product page).
- It bevels 0–46° both ways, so small trim does not need flipping for opposite bevels (Makita XSL05Z product page).
- It uses one 18V LXT battery and adds a laser and brushless motor (Makita XSL05Z product page).
Cons
- Its 90° capacity is 1-13/16 x 3-5/8 inches. At a 45° miter it drops to 2-9/16 inches wide, so a 2x4 miter is out (Makita XSL05Z product page).
- Battery and charger are sold separately with the XSL05Z bare tool (Makita XSL05Z product page).
What separates a good pick from the rest.
Read the whole capacity table
Width and height are a pair, at a specific miter and bevel. The LS1019L manual lists 2-13/16 × 12 or 3-5/8 × 11 inches at 0° miter and bevel. Its 6-5/8-inch crown figure requires 45°-type crown and a crown stopper; its 5-1/4-inch base figure requires the horizontal vise. Check each other model’s manual for its own accessory and placement conditions.
Slide vs fixed
Makita’s sliders (LS1019L, LS1219L, XSL06Z) list 12- to 15-inch crosscuts at 90°. The fixed LS1040 lists 5-1/8 inches and the fixed XSL05Z 3-5/8 inches. Check stock thickness and the required angles too before deciding the fixed head is sufficient.
Blade size
Blade size sets the class, not the job. The 12-inch LS1219L lists 8-inch nested crown, the 10-inch LS1019L 6-5/8 inches, and the 6-1/2-inch XSL05Z no crown figure at all. Match the listed figure to your tallest and widest material.
Corded or cordless
The XSL06Z lists the same capacity as the corded LS1019L but needs two 18V LXT batteries. The XSL05Z needs one. Both are sold as bare tools, so count the batteries and charger you already have before comparing.
Precision and dust
Compare the exact model’s rail layout, cut-line guide, dust port and compatible extraction options. Automatic Speed Change controls motor operation; it is different from AWS wireless vacuum control. Do not infer AWS support from the Makita or LXT label.
What you are paying for
Decide which listed capacity you will actually use. Paying for the LS1219L’s 8-inch crown capacity makes sense only if your crown is taller than the LS1019L’s 6-5/8 inches. Check current prices and kit contents yourself; we do not track them.
Frequently asked questions
Which Makita miter saw is best?
It depends on your stock and power. For corded trim work at a wall-side bench, the LS1019L lists 12-inch crosscuts and 6-5/8-inch nested crown. The LS1219L lists 8-inch nested crown and 15-inch crosscuts. The XSL06Z matches the LS1019L’s figures on two 18V batteries. The LS1040 and XSL05Z are fixed-head saws for narrow stock.
What's the difference between the Makita LS1019L and LS1219L?
Capacity. Makita lists the 10-inch LS1019L at 2-13/16 x 12 inches at 90°, 6-5/8-inch nested crown and 5-1/4-inch vertical base. The 12-inch LS1219L lists 3-5/8 x 15 inches, 8-inch nested crown and 6-3/4-inch base. Both are dual-bevel sliders with a laser. Choose the LS1219L only if your stock exceeds the LS1019L’s figures.
Does Makita make a cordless miter saw?
Yes. The XSL06Z is a 10-inch slider that runs on two 18V LXT batteries and lists the LS1019L’s capacity. The XSL05Z is a 6-1/2-inch fixed-head saw that runs on one battery and lists 1-13/16 x 3-5/8 inches at 90°. Both are sold as bare tools. Check dust accessories separately; the battery platform does not establish AWS support.
Are Makita miter saws worth the price?
Only if you use what you pay for. If your crown and boards fit the LS1019L’s full capacity table, including spring angle, thickness, stopper and vise conditions, extra capacity may offer no benefit. We have not tested cut quality against other brands and do not track prices, so compare current prices for the exact kit.
What is Makita's most affordable miter saw?
We do not track prices, so check current listings. The fixed-head LS1040 is the simplest corded saw on this page. It lists 2-3/4 x 5-1/8 inches at 90° and a left-only bevel. Make sure those limits cover your work before choosing it for its price.