Bosch has kicked off review season for its ProFactor line with full details on the new GKS18V-25N 7-1/4-inch cordless circular saw. The saw went through Pro Tool Reviews’ head-to-head test against 11 other cordless circular saws, finishing with an 8.5 out of 10 score and a $285 retail price for the bare tool.
Here’s the full spec sheet as announced:
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade size | 7-1/4 inch |
| Motor | Brushless ProFactor (BITURBO class) |
| No-load speed | 5,000 RPM |
| Max cut depth | 2-1/2 in. at 90 degrees, 1-13/16 in. at 45 degrees |
| Max bevel | 50 degrees (stops at 22.5 and 45) |
| Weight | 8.99 lb bare, 11.28 lb with an 8.0Ah battery |
| Price | $285 bare; kit with a CORE18V 8.0Ah PROFACTOR battery at Lowe’s |
| Warranty | 5-year limited, 180-day money-back guarantee |
Around the blade you get a pivoting dust port that swings to direct chips where you want them, an electronic brake for faster stops between cuts, and onboard hex-wrench storage for blade changes. The die-cast shoe has a low-friction finish that glides across the work. It’s an AMPShare machine, which means it accepts batteries from any brand in the AMPShare alliance, not just Bosch’s own CORE18V packs.
What the AMPShare tie-in means
The AMPShare bit matters more than it sounds. Bosch opened the ProFactor battery platform to other manufacturers, so the same 18V pack runs FLEX, Fein, and other alliance-brand tools. If you already own one of those systems, the GKS18V-25N is a buy-the-tool-only proposition: you get a new circular saw without a new battery wall. That cuts the effective price and makes the $285 bare price a much better deal than it looks on paper.
How it stacks up
In the 12-saw head-to-head, the Bosch’s weakness showed up in raw speed. It finished last in the rip-cut test and 11th on a full-depth stack cut, because the 5,000 RPM motor gives up grunt to rivals spinning at 6,000 RPM or better.
Where it won, it won on feel. Reviewers gave it the top score for shoe smoothness, near-top for stake cutting and dust collection, and called the sightlines excellent for a right-hand blade. Two things to check before you commit: the lower blade guard hangs up a little on right-hand compound cuts, and there’s no rafter hook.
The trade-off is a familiar one. Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL rear-handle saw cuts faster on paper with its bigger motor, but it’s a heavier, bulkier tool. The Bosch is the lighter, handler option for framing and sheathing where you value control over raw speed, and it undercuts the competition on price at $285 bare.
Where it fits in the lineup
The GKS18V-25N replaces the older GKS18V-25CN as the base cut. The family now spans four builds: the base 25N, a connected 25CN, a track-compatible 25GCN, and a blade-left 26LN.
That blade-left 26LN is worth a look if you’re a lefty who has put up with blade-right saws your whole life. For most buyers though, the plain 25N is the one to beat at its price.
When and where you can get it
The 25N is listed for sale at Lowe’s, Acme Tools, and Amazon. Availability has been spotty on the tool-only listing, so the kit with the 8.0Ah pack is often the easier one to find. Verify the current price at your retailer before buying, since prices move week to week, and check the manufacturer’s specs sheet for the fine print on the cutting depths.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bosch GKS18V-25N worth it over a Milwaukee or DeWalt?
If you’re already in the AMPShare battery family, yes. It’s a lighter, easier-handling saw with a strong warranty and a handy price. If raw cutting speed is your priority, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL rear-handle or a high-RPM DeWalt cuts faster on deep stacks.
Does it come with a battery?
The bare tool does not. You need a CORE18V ProFactor pack or any compatible AMPShare battery. There’s a kit at Lowe’s that pairs it with an 8.0Ah ProFactor battery.
Bottom line
If you’re on the AMPShare platform and want a light, precise circular saw without adding a new battery system, the GKS18V-25N is a strong buy at $285 bare. If you rip thick material all day and need every drop of speed, spend up for a higher-RPM flagship. For the DIYer and the tradesman who values feel over brute force, this is easy to recommend.
For more context on what to buy, see our best cordless circular saws roundup. If you’re weighing Bosch against Milwaukee, our breakdown of the M18 FUEL rear-handle saw with its 700 cuts per charge helps with the comparison, and the Milwaukee One-Key update covers the smart-tool side of this segment.