10 Best Jigsaws (to Cut Almost Any Material)

A jigsaw, also called an orbital saw, is great for woodworking projects of all types. The best jigsaw will include features that make it easier for you to get more done.

A jigsaw is not limited to wood, however, so pick up a saw that has variable speed settings to assist you with different types of cuts and materials. Whether you are making lawn decorations or building a custom cabinet, having the right jigsaw for the job will save you time and make the work go faster.

Blades are available for different grades of wood, plastic and PVC, metal, and masonry, among others, and that means you can use one saw to accomplish tasks in the garage or around the house that often require different types of saws.

Below are 10 of the top ranked orbital jigsaws on the market, with a mix of cordless and corded varieties and price points for different budgets.

See Also: DeWalt vs Milwaukee (Which is Better?)

Our 10 Favorite Jigsaws

	Product	Power Source	Max Speed	Blower?	LED?	Weight
	DeWalt DCS334B	20V Cordless	3,200 SPM	Yes	Yes	5.2 lbs
	Milwaukee 2737-20	18V Cordless	3,500 SPM	Yes	Yes	4.9 lbs
	Makita XVJ02Z	18V Cordless	3,500 SPM	Yes	Yes	5.8 lbs
	Bosch JS470E	7A Corded	3,100 SPM	Yes	No	5.6 lbs
	DeWalt DC330B	18V Cordless	3,000 SPM	Yes	No	5.1 lbs
	Ridgid Octane R8832B	18V Cordless	3,500 SPM	Yes	Yes	4.2 lbs
	Porter-Cable PCE345	6A Corded	3,200 SPM	No	No	6.0 lbs
	Ryobi One+ P5231	18V Cordless	3,000 SPM	Yes	Yes	4.4 lbs
	Porter-Cable PCC650B	20V Cordless	2,500 SPM	Yes	No	5.0 lbs
	Black+Decker BDEJS600C	5A Corded	3,000 SPM	No	No	4.6 lbs

Jigsaw Reviews

#1 – DeWalt DCS334B 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless Jigsaw

If you’re in search of a do-it-all style jigsaw that’s extremely versatile, then it would be hard to go wrong with the DeWalt DCS334B. This saw allows you to have precise speed control up to 3,200 SPM, with a variable speed trigger and dial, producing professional results no matter what material is being cut.

The jigsaw features a bright LED light to illuminate dark work surfaces, making it easier to follow cut lines. It also comes with a removable shoe cover and an integrated dust blower for ease of use.

Think you may prefer a barrel grip jigsaw instead? Check out the DeWalt DCS335B instead.

In a few isolated cases, consumers have reported issues with the quick cut out on the DeWalt DCS334B, as the saw’s battery pack begins to run low on charge. While this is aggravating, it is a simple issue to fix by keeping a fully charged backup battery on hand.

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#2 – Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2737-20 Brushless Cordless Jigsaw

If you are a tradesman that is constantly on the go, or you are tired of tripping over extension cords, then the jigsaw from Milwaukee M18 FUEL’s lineup is just what you’ve been looking for.

This fantastic saw runs on Milwaukee’s standard 18V lithium-ion battery packs and is capable of making up to 150 linear feet of cuts on a single charge at speeds up to 3,500 strokes per minute via the variable speed trigger.

Onboard is a blower and bright LED to illuminate the on/off cut line. Also included, is a non-marring shoe cover and dust collection tube, which makes it easier than ever to make precise cuts with each attempt.

Some users have expressed concern over the anti-splintering guard snapping too easily out of the groove that holds it. Even though they complain this slows their progress down, they also state this is a minor aggravation compared with the overall performance of the Milwaukee 2737-20.

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#3 – Makita XVJ02Z 18V LXT Brushless Cordless Jigsaw

The Makita XVJ02Z is an excellent choice for any consumer wishing to simplify the chore of making accurate cuts in repetition. This saw features a brushless motor and 3 orbital settings for faster and more accurate cuts under a wide variety of circumstances.

Additionally, the Makita jigsaw is equipped with a tool-less blade change system for faster blade changes, and dual LED lighting for best-in-class illumination. 

It is worth noting that some owners have expressed dissatisfaction toward the Makita’s soft start. Most of these complaints have centered around the fact that the soft start engages the jigsaw at such a slow speed that it checks the wood, rather than cuts it.

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#4 – Bosch JS470E 7-Amp Corded Jigsaw

Once our top pick, cordless technology has come a long which bumps the excellent Bosch JS470E a bit down in our list. Made in Hungary (no longer Switzerland), this Bosch is considered by many to be the best corded jigsaw on the market.

It features a tool-less blade change and ejection system that eliminates the need to ever touch a hot blade, and a 4-position orbital setting so you can get different strokes. The die cast foot provides increased stability for cutting curves or other patterns, and variable speed motor will let you tone things down for intricate work on delicate materials.

To make it easier to use for long periods, the Bosch JS470E includes a vibration dampening system that provides a smoother, more reliable cut. The 7 amp motor has enough power to cut through almost anything, and an adjustable blade speed of 500 to 3100 SPM (strokes per minute). It has an onboard blower but unfortunately no LED light like the options above.

Cut wood up to 5-7/8 inches thick, or metals in thicknesses of 3/8″ for heavy metals to 7/8″ for aluminum. To reduce muscle fatigue there is a lock on switch, and the saw comes with Bosch’s patented anti-splinter insert to give you sharper, straighter cuts.

There’s not much to complain about with this model, including the easy adjustment foot that allows you to create more complex cuts with up to 45 degrees of blade tilt.

For avid woodworkers, you do need to keep in mind that the blade does slightly overcut (the bottom of the blade is further away than the top).

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#5 – DeWalt DC330B 18V Cordless Jigsaw

Built with an innovative Keyless Blade Change, DeWalt has a firm entry in being one of the top jigsaws for every job with its DC330B. It’s built using DeWalt’s patented 18v Lithium-Ion battery design, so you can use the batteries you already own for your other DeWalt tools.

The foot has 4 bevel indents at 0, 15, 30 and 45 degrees, and the solid metal shoe design will stand up to jobsite use without warping or bending. The SPM can be adjusted up to 3,000 SPM, suitable for all but the most demanding of jobs, and there’s a full 1 inch of blade stroke for faster cutting through thicker materials.

If you were not already a fan of DeWalt products, the ergonomic feel and professional features of the DC330B would be enough to convert you.

The only drawbacks with this offering are the lack of LED work light and that it comes without a battery, so unless you already own other DeWalt 18V tools you will need to buy one in addition to the jigsaw.

But if you’re already part of the DeWalt ecosystem, you’ll be able to save some money and space by not having to purchase yet another battery.

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#6 – Ridgid Octane R8832B 18V Brushless Cordless Jigsaw

Those in search of a powerful tool that’s also extremely portable and affordable, should really consider the Ridgid Octane jigsaw. This saw features a powerful brushless motor, adjustable orbital action, and variable speed trigger for speeds up to 3,500 SPM.

At only 4.2 pounds, it packs a lot of power for its size. The R8832B includes a dust blower, LED light, vacuum attachment, and is backed by a lifetime service agreement. 

Some consumers have commented that the Ridgid’s battery doesn’t have the run time that other cordless jigsaws do. Of course, having a spare charged battery at the ready is an easy solution to this issue.

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#7 – Porter-Cable PCE345 6-Amp Corded Jigsaw

The PCE345 comes with a 6 amp motor and 7-position speed dial (0 to 3,200 SPM) that’s integrated directly into the trigger for instantaneous changes. The 4 position lever means you can quickly adjust the orbital position for different applications and materials.

There’s even a keyless blade change feature so you can get back to work faster than ever. The foot easily adjusts to any of 4 bevel angles for precise cutting, and the LED light provides a clear view of the area you are cutting.

There have been some complaints from people who say the quick change mechanism is not sturdy enough, but the only overall concern for most people will be that the chassis design does not provide ergonomic support, so extended use is likely to cause a degree of muscle fatigue.

In most respects, this is the best value as far as jigsaws go, but if you don’t mind stretching your budget a bit, our top three picks are a step above the Porter-Cable. If a courser cut at a faster speed is what you need, you may instead want to look at a reciprocating saw.

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#8 – Ryobi One+ P5231 18V Cordless Jigsaw

The Ryobi One+ orbital T-shaped jigsaw is perfect for powering through everything from lumber to thin sheet metal, without fear of significant dulling. This saw features a powerful orbital motor capable of up to 3,000 strokes per minute.

The P5231 includes a blade saving base, allowing you to access the unused portion on your blade for increased longevity. Both and onboard blower and LED light are included which is a rarity at this low price point.

In the past, a limited number of consumers have commented that this Ryobi model is heavier than other jigsaws they have previously used. However, the specified 4.4 pound weight is actually lighter than most others so it may be more of a weight balance issue. That said, these same consumers still found the RYOBI One+ to be of significant enough value to warrant purchasing.

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#9 – Porter-Cable PCC650B 20V MAX Cordless Jigsaw

The Porter-Cable PCC650B is a good choice for any DIY enthusiast, in need of a powerful yet inexpensive jigsaw to tackle a multitude of tasks. This saw features 3 orbital settings and a variable speed trigger (up to 2,500 SPM), giving you superb control for accurate, clean cuts.

An integrated dust blower and tool free blade release makes this jigsaw a must for every homeowner. Be aware that there is no LED light.

A few users have claimed that the jigsaw’s blade tends to jump out of its guide wheel at times. However, checking the tightness of the blade before use can help offset this problem.

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#10 – Black+Decker BDEJS600C 5-Amp Corded Jigsaw

If you’re in need of a jigsaw, yet have a rather restrictive budget to keep in mind, then the Black+Decker electric jigsaw should be worthy of your consideration.

This saw features Curve Control Technology, four orbital settings, variable speeds up to 3,000 SPM, and a tool-free blade change. Nonetheless, one can purchase this saw at a fraction of the cost associated with many comparable units.

A certain number of consumers have expressed concerns over the play that exists in the blade at slow speed. These complaints state that noticeable wobble can lead to the occasional off-center cut, though such claims tend to be isolated in nature.

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Why is it Called a Jigsaw?

A jigsaw is a power tool that is intended to cut curvy or irregularly shaped lines in wood or similar materials. A jigsaw’s blade reciprocates up and down as it carves through any material that it comes into contact with, hence the “jig” in jigsaw.

While jigsaws are known for their ability to make abstract cuts, they can also be used to make straight, bevel, and plunge cuts as well.

Common Jigsaw Uses

Jigsaws can be used in a wide range of applications, including those of a woodworking nature. However, do not be fooled into thinking that a jigsaw is simply a one trick pony.

Saws of this design are well suited to cutting metal, drywall, laminate, tile, and fiberglass as well, assuming that the right blade has been selected for the task at hand. 

Jigsaw blades come in a number of forms and configurations. This places increased importance upon paying close attention when shopping for new blades. The packaging that most jigsaw blades come in usually list their intended uses.

How to Choose a Jigsaw

Cordless vs Corded

Corded jigsaws are the gold standard when an ample backbone is needed. Saws of this design pull upon a constant flow of power, to cut through tough materials such as metal and hardwoods.

Corded jigsaws also tend to be lighter than their battery-operated counterparts. Therefore, one can generally work for longer periods of time, without experiencing excessive hand fatigue.

Meanwhile, cordless jigsaws carry the huge advantage of portability. These saws, often just as powerful as their corded counterparts, can be operated virtually anywhere, and provide stellar service. One can leave their old, bulky drop cords behind when opting for the use of a newer, battery-powered jigsaw.

Choosing between a corded and cordless jigsaw often comes down to a matter of personal preference. While some might prefer the flexibility and freedom that a cordless jigsaw provides, others might find additional value in the raw power provided by a corded model.

Top Handle vs Barrel Grip

The following is a side-by-side comparison of the top handle and barrel-grip jigsaws.

The pros of a barrel grip jigsaw vs top handle

• Additional control
• Enhanced view of the cut line while in use
• More compact for use in tight confines
• Extremely versatile, can be used at any possible angle

The cons of a barrel grip jigsaw vs top handle

• Not as ergonomic, can cause substantial hand fatigue
• Additional heat transfer from motor
• Bulkier grip than standard options

Standard Action vs Orbital

The blade of a standard jigsaw moves solely in an up and down configuration, with zero pivot at its axis. Orbital jigsaws, on the other hand, also move their blades in an elliptical manner, creating a slight forward lean of the blade during each consecutive upswing.

This not only minimizes blade wear but also greatly reduces the blade chatter that is so prevalent in cheaper standard action saws. Orbital jigsaws also tend to cut much smoother than standard action jigsaws.

Cutting Speed

Many of today’s top jigsaws now feature integrated speed adjustments. This can be of immense value to those who routinely cut metal, as a reduction in blade speed can prevent binding and eliminate unanticipated downtime.

Slower blade speeds also tend to be of substantial value when making curved or abstract cuts.

Depth of Cut

By design, jigsaw blades tend to bend when placed under pressure. In extreme cases, these blades will actually snap, with what appears to be little to provoke it. Therefore, most manufacturers deviate little in their intended cutting depths. However, some slight variances might be found when comparing the cutting depth of one jigsaw to the next.

For reference, most jigsaws are designed to cut wood up to 2-inches thick. Likewise, the vast majority of jigsaws are engineered to cut through metal up to 1/2-inch thick. Cutting stock thicker than these standards is likely to result in blade damage, and/or a less than stellar cut.

Dust Blower

The vast majority of today’s jigsaws now feature integrated blowers, that remove sawdust from a workspace just in front of the saw’s blade. The strength of this blower can be adjusted on some premium-tier models.

While this feature is far from a “must have”, it is extremely handy in the right situation.

Jigsaw vs Reciprocating Saw

There are several main differences between the reciprocating saw and jigsaw, the most significant of which are listed below.

• Jigsaws are rather compact in design, while reciprocating saws feature what most refer to as a “hog nose”, which is generally far more consumptive of space.
• The average reciprocating saw weighs somewhere in the ballpark of 3-6 lbs, while the vast majority of jigsaws weigh between 6-11 lbs.
• Jigsaws are capable of making bevel and compound cuts, while reciprocating saws can make both horizontal and vertical cuts.
• Jigsaws are designed to handle precision oriented jobs, while reciprocating saws are engineered for brute strength.