Makita 5377mg vs 5477nb are two of the best saws on the market today. I spent a month using both of them on real job sites. Here is what I found after cutting piles of wood.
My Time With the Makita 5377MG Magnesium Saw
I used the 5377MG for a week of framing. The first thing I felt was how light it is. Most saws like this are very heavy. This one uses magnesium parts to save weight. I had to cut rafters high up on a roof. Carrying this saw up the ladder was easy. It did not tire my arm out by lunch.
The motor has plenty of power. I tested it on wet wood. It cut through thick boards without any lag. I also liked the LED lights. We worked in a dark basement one day. The lights let me see my mark perfectly. The fan also blew dust away from my line. It felt like a high-end tool every time I pulled the trigger.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very light and easy to carry | Costs more than the other saw |
| Bright lights for dark areas | Cord gets stiff when it is cold |
| Easy to change the cut depth | Magnesium base can still scratch |
| Clear marks on the base |
The build quality is great. I dropped it once on some dirt. It did not break or bend. I checked the cuts with a square. They were still very straight. The grip feels soft but firm in my hand. I used it with thick gloves and had no issues. It is a smooth saw that makes fast cuts. If you work all day, this is the one to get. It saves your back and your time.
My Time With the Makita 5477NB Hypoid Saw
I used the 5477NB for a big deck project. It is heavier than the 5377MG. This weight actually helped me on long cuts. I was ripping thick sheets of wood on the ground. The saw stayed flat and did not jump. It felt very solid and strong. It is a simple tool that just gets the job done.
The gears are very quiet. I compared it to a standard worm drive saw. This Makita felt much smoother. It does not need oil changes. This is great for a busy worker. I used it in the rain and dust. It never stopped working. It has a lot of torque for hard wood. I never felt it struggle on a deep cut.
| Pros | Cons |
| Very stable on long rips | Feels heavy after a few hours |
| Low price for a pro tool | No lights for dark spots |
| Needs very little care | Scales are a bit hard to see |
| Built to last a long time |
The accuracy was very good. I made ten cuts on a 2×4. Each one was the same. The handle is large and easy to hold. I did feel some fatigue after an hour of use. It is not the best for overhead work. But for floor work, it is a beast. It feels like it will last for twenty years. It is a tough saw for tough jobs.
Details Comparison for makita 5377mg vs 5477nb
These two saws look the same but feel different. Here is my breakdown of how they work in the real world.
Weight and Feel
The 5377MG is much lighter. It feels better when you move around. The 5477NB is heavy and stays down. If you want a light saw, pick the 5377MG. If you want a saw that feels heavy and stays in the cut, pick the 5477NB.
| Feature | Makita 5377MG | Makita 5477NB |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs | 14.3 lbs |
| Best use | Overhead work | Floor work |
Work Area Lighting
The 5377MG has two LED lights. This makes a big difference in the morning. The 5477NB has no lights. I had to use a work light with the 5477NB. The 5377MG is much better for dim jobs.
| Feature | Makita 5377MG | Makita 5477NB |
| Lights | Two LEDs | None |
| View | Very Clear | Standard |
Durability and Build
Both saws use great gears. They are sealed and do not leak. The 5377MG uses magnesium. The 5477NB uses steel and aluminum. Both are very tough. They can take a drop and keep going. I saw no drift in the settings over weeks of use.
| Feature | Makita 5377MG | Makita 5477NB |
| Body | Magnesium | Steel/Aluminum |
| Gear Life | Very Long | Very Long |
Ease of Use
The 5377MG is easier to handle. It is balanced well. The 5477NB can tire you out. The buttons and levers on both are easy to find. You can use both with gloves. The 5377MG just feels more modern and nice to use.
| Feature | Makita 5377MG | Makita 5477NB |
| Balance | Perfect | Front Heavy |
| Grip | Great | Good |
Value and Cost
The 5477NB is the better deal for your money. It cuts just as well as the light saw. The 5377MG is a luxury for those who want less weight. If you are on a budget, the 5477NB is the best choice. It is a pro tool for a lower price.
| Feature | Makita 5377MG | Makita 5477NB |
| Price | High | Lower |
| Best For | Pros | DIY and Pros |
Conclusion
In the end, both saws are great. I like the 5377MG for its light weight and lights. It is my favorite for daily framing. The 5477NB is a great pick if you want to save money. It is very strong and stays stable. You will be happy with either one on your job.

