Best Cordless Jigsaw Reviews: Top Picks and Buying Guide
Contents
- The Best Cordless Jigsaws Are…
- 1. DEWALT DCS331B Cordless Jigsaw – Best Overall
- 2. Makita XVJ03Z Cordless Jig Saw – Runner-Up
- 3. Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw
- 4. Black + Decker BDCJS20C Cordless Jigsaw
- 5. Hitachi CJ18DGLP4 18V Cordless Jigsaw
- 6. Porter-Cable PCC650B Cordless Jigsaw
- 7. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Brushless Jigsaw
- 8. Ryobi P515 One+ Cordless Reciprocating Saw
- 9. Milwaukee 2645-20 18V Cordless Jigsaw
- Buying Guide
- Power
- Orbital Action
- Blade Type
- Tool-Less Adjustments
- Dust Management
- Ergonomic Design
- Battery Platform
- Safety
- Final Thoughts
- Sources
A cordless jigsaw is a must-have tool for any carpenter, pro or not. It cuts curves, cutouts, and shapes in wood, plastic, and metal with the right blade.
Below we review eight cordless jigsaws (plus one reciprocating saw that is often listed with them) and explain what to look for.
OUR TOP PICK
The DEWALT DCS331B Cordless Jigsaw is our top pick. It has 4-position orbital action, a keyless blade change, and a speed range up to 3,000 strokes per minute.
The Best Cordless Jigsaws Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. DEWALT DCS331B Cordless Jigsaw | 1. DEWALT DCS331B Cordless Jigsaw Top Pick | - 5.55 pounds - 11.2 x 11 x 3.9 inches - Battery | Check Current Price |
| 2. Makita XVJ03Z Cordless Jig Saw | 2. Makita XVJ03Z Cordless Jig Saw | - 5 pounds - 3.6 x 12.3 x 9.1 inches - Lithium-ion batteries - Three years limited warranty | Check Current Price |
| 3. Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw | 3. Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw | - 4.9 pounds - 11 x 12 x 6.5 inches - Standard T-shank model - Battery-powered | Check Current Price |
| 4. Black + Decker BDCJS20C Cordless Jigsaw | 4. Black + Decker BDCJS20C Cordless Jigsaw | - 5 pounds - 11 x 3.5 x 9 inches - Both T-shank and U-shank models - Battery-powered | Check Current Price |
| 5. Hitachi CJ18DGLP4 18V Cordless Jigsaw | 5. Hitachi CJ18DGLP4 18V Cordless Jigsaw | - 4.75 pounds - 12.1 x 8.8 inches - Both T-shank and U-shank models - Battery-powered | Check Current Price |
| 6. Porter-Cable PCC650B Cordless Jigsaw | 6. Porter-Cable PCC650B Cordless Jigsaw | - 4.5 pounds - 12.2 x 3.8 x 10 inches - Battery-powered - 3 year limited warranty | Check Current Price |
| 7. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Brushless Jigsaw | 7. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Brushless Jigsaw | - 4.61 pounds - 12 x 6.5 x 11 inches - 1 Li-ion battery | Check Current Price |
| 8. Ryobi P515 One+ Cordless Reciprocating Saw | 8. Ryobi P515 One+ Cordless Reciprocating Saw | - 4.65 pounds - 15 x 6 x 6 inches - Li-ion battery | Check Current Price |
| 9. Milwaukee 2645-20 18V Cordless Jigsaw | 9. Milwaukee 2645-20 18V Cordless Jigsaw | - 7 pounds - 9.7 x 9.6 x 3.6 inches - Li-ion battery - Five years | Check Current Price |
1. DEWALT DCS331B Cordless Jigsaw – Best Overall
The DEWALT DCS331B runs on DEWALT 20V MAX batteries and cuts wood, lumber, and plastic efficiently. It suits both professionals and DIYers.
It is solidly built, with a metal shoe, and has a 3-year limited warranty.
The keyless blade clamp lets you change blades without tools. Remove the battery first.
A dust blower keeps the cut line clear.
Specs
- 5.55 pounds
- 11.2 x 11 x 3.9 inches
- Battery
Pros
- Uses 4-position orbital action
- Ergonomic design makes it easy to work for longer periods
- A long warranty of three years
- Can be used on a wide range of projects
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
2. Makita XVJ03Z Cordless Jig Saw – Runner-Up
The Makita XVJ03Z runs on Makita 18V LXT batteries. It is close to our first pick, with three orbital settings plus straight cutting.
The orbital settings let you match the cut to the material, from fast cuts in thick wood to straight strokes for metal and fine work.
It has enough power for most cutting tasks, and a large two-finger variable speed trigger.
Another likeable thing about the jigsaw is its Star Protection Computer Controls, which are designed to protect the machine against over-discharging, over-loading, and overheating. This is crucial in reducing wearing and tearing.
Specs
- 5 pounds
- 3.6 x 12.3 x 9.1 inches
- Lithium-ion batteries
- Three years limited warranty
Pros
- Changing the blade does not need any tool
- Durable
- A long 3-year limited warranty
Cons
- You need time to learn how to change the blade
- The battery is bought separately
3. Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw
The Ryobi P523 runs on Ryobi 18V ONE+ lithium-ion batteries and reaches up to 3,000 strokes per minute, enough for most cutting tasks. It is sturdily built.
A lock-on trigger lets you run long cuts without squeezing the trigger, which reduces hand fatigue. Variable speed lets you cut fast on straight lines and slow down for tight curves.
It takes standard T-shank blades, the most common jigsaw blade type, so blades are easy to find.
Specs
- 4.9 pounds
- 11 x 12 x 6.5 inches
- Standard T-shank model
- Battery-powered
Pros
- Very easy to control using the Trigger lock system
- Ideal for both professional and DIY projects
- Easy to use
- Compact and light
Cons
- The jigsaw does not work with U-shank blades
4. Black + Decker BDCJS20C Cordless Jigsaw
The BLACK+DECKER BDCJS20C is a good jigsaw for hobbyists and beginners.
Unlike the bare tools on this list, the "C" kit comes with a battery and charger, so you can start working right away. The included battery is small, so plan on a larger one for long sessions.
Another thing that makes this jigsaw outstanding is its versatility. Because the jigsaw uses both T and U blades, you will find it a perfect addition to your toolkit. And that is not all, changing the blade is easy because you do not need any tools. This will save you the setbacks of replacing it mid-project.
Specs
- 5 pounds
- 11 x 3.5 x 9 inches
- Both T-shank and U-shank models
- Battery-powered
Pros
- Affordable
- Integrated dust blower
- Light and compact
- Can be used to make bevel cuts
Cons
- Batteries that come with the jigsaw are not long-lasting
5. Hitachi CJ18DGLP4 18V Cordless Jigsaw
The Hitachi CJ18DGLP4 is light, compact, and sturdy, a good fit for light- to medium-duty work in the shop and around the house. Hitachi's power tool line is now sold as Metabo HPT, so look for this saw or its successor under that name.
It runs on an 18V battery and has 4-mode orbital action.
It accepts both T-shank and U-shank blades. It also has on-tool blade storage and tool-free blade changes.
It is sold bare, without a battery or charger. It uses Hitachi/Metabo HPT 18V slide-style lithium-ion batteries; check compatibility before buying.
Specs
- 4.75 pounds
- 12.1 x 8.8 inches
- Both T-shank and U-shank models
- Battery-powered
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- On-tool blade storage design
- Compact and easy to use
- Affordable
- Designed to last
Cons
- Battery and charger are bought separately
- Not ideal for very tough tasks
6. Porter-Cable PCC650B Cordless Jigsaw
The Porter-Cable PCC650B is firmly built, feature-rich, and low priced. It runs on Porter-Cable 20V MAX batteries and has orbital settings.
It reaches up to 2,500 strokes per minute, enough for most cutting projects. With a metal-cutting blade and orbit turned off, it can cut thin metal too.
To make the tool more convenient to use, it has an built-in dust blower that clears off any debris from the workpiece. Furthermore, the jigsaw’s ergonomic features, such as contoured, over-moulded and D-shaped handle, make it easy to use without getting tired.
Specs
- 4.5 pounds
- 12.2 x 3.8 x 10 inches
- Battery-powered
- 3 year limited warranty
Pros
- Cuts wood, plastic, and thin metal with the right blade
- Bevels up to 45 degrees
- Easy to use for both professional and DIY tasks
- Tool-free blade changes
Cons
- You have to buy battery and charger separately
7. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Brushless Jigsaw
This Ryobi 18V ONE+ brushless jigsaw is one of Ryobi's stronger jigsaws, with power close to many corded models.
Its speed adjusts across a range of about 1,100 to 3,000 strokes per minute to suit the material.
Jigsaw blades wear fastest near the shoe. A blade saver feature lets you shift the shoe to use unused teeth, so blades last longer.
Specs
- 4.61 pounds
- 12 x 6.5 x 11 inches
- 1 Li-ion battery
Pros
- Changing the blade is easy and fast
- Comes with an adjustable base
- Designed with an ergonomic D-handle
- You can use it to work on diverse cutting projects
- Long-lasting
Cons
- It uses separate speed control wheels
8. Ryobi P515 One+ Cordless Reciprocating Saw
The Ryobi P515 is not a jigsaw. It is a compact one-handed reciprocating saw with a 7/8-inch stroke and up to 3,100 strokes per minute. We include it because it is often shopped alongside jigsaws.
Use it for demolition, pruning, and rough cuts in lumber, pipe, and nails, not for curves or finish cuts. The variable speed trigger controls blade speed, and blade changes are tool-free.
The handle has rubber overmold to reduce vibration. Expect rough cuts that need sanding or trimming afterward.
Specs
- 4.65 pounds
- 15 x 6 x 6 inches
- Li-ion battery
Pros
- Uses a variable speed trigger
- Compatible with Ryobi 18V ONE+ batteries
- Light and compact
Cons
- Batteries are sold separately
- Not a jigsaw: rough cuts only, no curves or fine work
9. Milwaukee 2645-20 18V Cordless Jigsaw
The Milwaukee 2645-20 is a solid M18 jigsaw for tough cutting tasks. It has multiple orbital settings for different materials.
Orbital action controls how aggressively the blade cuts, not its speed. Higher orbit settings cut faster in thick wood; turn orbit off for metal and fine curves.
To enhance the performance of the jigsaw, it is constructed with a tool-free shoe bevel so that you can easily adjust the shoe for optimal accuracy. Additionally, it has a quick-lock blade clamp that makes blade changes fast, with no Allen key needed.
When working with most workpieces, the chances are that you will need to make some angle cuts. With this jigsaw, you can easily adjust it to make bevel cuts of up to 45 degrees.
Specs
- 7 pounds
- 9.7 x 9.6 x 3.6 inches
- Li-ion battery
- Five years
Pros
- Designed to last
- Can make bevel cuts
- Changing the blade is easy and fast
- A long warranty of five years
Cons
- The battery and charger are sold separately
- Heavy
Buying Guide
When looking for the best cordless jigsaw, the primary focus should be the nature of the job that you will do with it. Then, you need to consider the following features and attributes.
Power
The cordless jigsaw you select should have ample power for your projects. For frequent or tough cutting, look for about 3,000 strokes per minute. For occasional hobby use, about 2,500 SPM is enough.
Jigsaws are best for curves and cutouts. Family Handyman notes they suit softwood up to 1-1/2 inches and hardwood up to 3/4 inch, and long straight cuts are better made with a circular saw.
Orbital Action
Orbital action moves the blade in an elliptical path for faster, more aggressive cuts. This Old House advises turning orbit off for metal and for fine, intricate cuts, and using high settings for fast, rough cuts in thick wood.
Blade Type
Most jigsaws take T-shank blades, the current standard. Some older saws take U-shank blades, and a few take both. Match the blade to the material: fewer teeth per inch cut fast but rough, and more teeth cut smoother.
Tool-Less Adjustments
Tool-free blade changes and bevel adjustments save time on every project. Always remove the battery before changing the blade.
Dust Management
Jigsaws throw a lot of dust, which hides the cut line and is a health hazard. Look for a dust blower to clear the line and a port that connects to a shop vacuum, and wear a dust mask for long cutting sessions.
Ergonomic Design
If you have a lot of woodwork projects, whether in a workshop or on a worksite, it is important to look for tools that allow you to work for longer without getting fatigued.
Therefore, you should look for the model with rubberized handles, trigger locks, and vibration dampening system. Further, the cordless jigsaw should be light and compact.
Battery Platform
If you already own cordless tools, buy a jigsaw that uses the same batteries. Brands such as Makita, Ryobi, and DEWALT each have their own battery platforms.
Other features that you should consider are LED light that illuminates your workpiece, on-tool blade storage, and quick-response stop feature.
Safety
Wear eye and hearing protection. Clamp the workpiece, check that nothing such as wires, pipes, or your bench is under the cut line, and let the blade stop before lifting it from the cut.
Final Thoughts
The perfect cordless jigsaw depends on what you intend to do with it and the intensity of your tasks. For a professional woodworker with a lot of projects, it is advisable to go for a feature-rich model, while a DIY person targeting occasional light tasks can do with a basic model.
Our top pick is the DEWALT DCS331B Cordless Jigsaw. It is strong, compact, easy to use, and has 4-position orbital action and a keyless blade change.
Sources
- Jigsaw 101: How To Use the Orbital-Action Setting, This Old House
- How to Use a Jigsaw, Family Handyman
