A jigsaw is a tool that every craftsman and DIYer should have in their arsenal. Capable of cutting wood, ceramic, and even metal, jigsaws come in two main variants. Corded and cordless. Each variant has its pros and cons.
Corded jigsaws tend to be more powerful. However, unlike their corded counterparts, cordless jigsaws are portable and are not restricted to one place. Furthermore, with these battery-powered tools, there are no cords that may cause a safety hazard.
So, which is the best cordless jigsaw on the market? In this article, we will be looking at some of the best battery-powered jigsaws.
Best Cordless Jigsaw Reviews
DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw, Tool Only (DCS331B)
- All-metal, lever-action, keyless blade change allows for quick and easy blade changes
- All-metal, keyless shoe bevel with detents at 0 degree, 15 degree, 30 degree, and 45 degree provides versatility for easy bevel cutting
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How powerful a jigsaw is determined how easily and quickly it cuts through the material. When cutting hardwood and metal, more power is always better. The power of cordless jigsaw is represented in volts.
Depending on what you are cutting, you may need more power. However, a high-powered jigsaw is not always necessary. For light to medium cutting tasks, a high-powered jigsaw might be overpowering.
By pressing harder on the trigger, you can increase the speed. It comes with four-position orbital settings. Meaning it is possible to make curved cuts using this jigsaw. Another thing I loved about this jigsaw is how easy it is to change the blades.
And not forgetting the keyless shoe bevel. The latter has dents of 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees. This allows you to cut through different materials with relative ease. Also, since it’s a keyless bevel, locking and unlocking it is easy.
Of course, I love the fact that it’s cordless. More importantly, the anti-slip comfort grip offers added comfort when holding the grip. Also included is an adjustable dust blower that takes care of the dust that accumulated when sawing wood.
Things We Liked The Most
- The four orbital settings make it a flexible cutting tool that cut in a straight line as well as makes curved cuts
- An adjustable dust blower is also included to keep the workstation clean and dust-free
- The 0-3000 stroke per minute speed means you can cut wood as well as aluminum and other metals
- Changing the blade of this jigsaw is quick and hassle-free
- The keyless shoe bevel can make cuts at different angles of 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees
What’s Not To Like
- Weighing 6 pounds, it is not the most lightweight jigsaw out there
- It is only compatible with t-shank blades
Most people who have used the saw love how easy it is to change the blades. But that’s not its only selling point. It is a powerful jigsaw that cuts well. It is an ideal option for any DIYer as it provides the kind of performance you would expect from a professional grade saw.
DEWALT DCS334B 20V Max Brushless Jig Saw
- Brushless motor of the cordless jigsaw delivers efficient performance for longer runtime (vs. DCS331 Jig Saw)
- Compact size for easy grip and maximum control of the jig saw
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Most Dewalt jigsaws have an almost similar appearance. Characterized by bright yellow color and touches of Black. The DCS334B 20v max brushless jigsaw is no different. Inside the box, you get the saw and an instructions manual only.
As such, it comes ready to use straight out of the box. One thing that Dewalt seems to have perfected is the making of the keyless blade. The all-metal level keyless blade on this version makes it easy to change blades.
One feature that most hobbyists will love is the LED lights. This helps light up the surface for increased visibility. This is important to DIYers and hobbyists who want a clear view of what they are cutting to avoid making mistakes.
When it comes to power and performance, there is a lot to expect from this machine. It has a max stroke speed of 3200 spm. Slightly higher than its Dewalt counterpart, that occupies my number one spot.
The jigsaw comes with three cutting modes, one straight one and three orbital modes. As such, you can easily achieve curved cuts as well as straight cuts. It weighs around 4.2 pounds meaning it is also lighter than its Dewalt counterpart.
Things We Liked The Most
- The D-shaped handle is designed for comfort with anti-slip rubber that also prevents the machine from falling off when in use
- With three different cutting modes, you can make straight cuts as well as curved cuts
- The jigsaw is equipped with a dust blower that keeps your work area clean from dust particles
- The machine is equipped with an all-metal keyless blade clamp that makes changing the blades easy and quick
- The tool comes with a three-year limited warranty
What’s Not To Like
- The battery and charger have to be purchased separately
- There is no way to connect it to a vacuum for the dust blower
Sure, this Dewalt is not without its cons, but for the most part, it is a perfect machine. It delivers exceptional power and performance. Also, its anti-slip handle ensures safety when using it. It is also considerably smaller than some of its competitors. And for these reasons, it earns a spot on our best cordless jigsaw reviews.
Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Jig Saw,
- Makita-built variable speed motor delivers 0-2,600 strokes per minute for faster and more efficient cutting
- 3 orbital settings plus straight cutting for use in a wide range of materials
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The Makita XVJ03Z could have been higher on this list, but its price lets it down. Compared to most of its competitors, I found it a little bit pricey. But what do I think of its performance and features?
Powered by an 18 Volt lithium-ion battery, I found it to be lighter than most other jigsaws. It weighs 6.1 pounds and measures 13 x 4 x 10 inches. You will have no trouble carrying it from one job site to another. Also, it will take a while before you start experiencing arm fatigue as a result of using this tool.
This battery-operated jigsaw uses a variable speed motor, which gives you between 0-2700 strokes per minute. According to the manufacturer, the machine can cut through 25/32 inches of aluminum positioned at a 90-degree angle.
It features three orbital settings for making curved cuts. You can make precision straight cuts with the saw as well. The two-finger variable speed trigger is a delight to use and adds to how easy and comfortable it is to use this tool.
Things We Liked The Most
- A lightweight saw that is easy to carry
- Works well and can cut through most materials, including metal
- The tool-less blade changing system makes it easy to change the blades
- Offers good speed for making quick cuts of various materials
- The built-in LED lights help illuminate the work area
What’s Not To Like
- For the features, it provides it is a bit expensive
- The battery pack is sold separately
There are a lot of positives to take away from this Makita cordless jigsaw 18v. Its performance is excellent and has all the features you need in a jigsaw. Furthermore, it is very well built and easy to use. Changing the blades is easy.
DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw, Barrel Grip
- Brushless motor delivers efficient performance for longer runtime (vs. DCS331 Jig Saw)
- Compact size for easy grip and maximum control
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Compared to other popular Dewalt jigsaws, this one is a bit pricey. Furthermore, it features a rather unique design. It lacks the conventional D-shaped handle of most jigsaws and instead uses a barrel grip. So how does it compare to other jigsaws?
Powered by a 20volt battery that is sold separately, it is capable of speeds of up to 3200 SPM. Meaning you can cut through just about anything. Of more importance, the speed is adjustable, depending on the material you are cutting.
Four orbital positions allow you to cut through different materials of varying thickness easily. When cutting, you can see the workstation thanks to the inclusion of the LED lights. A lever-action keyless blade clamp holds the blade and makes it easy to remove.
For making bevel cuts, you get a key-less shoe bevel with detents at 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees. There is a removable shoe cover that helps protect the surface from scratches. An inbuilt dust blower helps get rid of dust particles and debris.
Things We Liked The Most
- It is a lightweight machine weighing about 4.2 pounds
- It can be used to make both straight and curved cuts
- Changing the blade is easy, thanks to the keyless blade clamp
- Comes equipped with a dust blower for keeping your work area clean
- Has inbuilt LED light for illuminating dimly lit work areas
What’s Not To Like
- Is quite expensive compared to other Dewalt models
- The battery is sold separately
This model is very different from its counterparts. With a barrel grip handle, it is easy to use. Also, it is considerably lighter than most D-shaped jigsaws. This, combined with its power output, means you get a portable jigsaw that is light without compromising on performance.
PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Jig Saw, Tool Only (PCC650B)
- 20V MAX* CORDLESS PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY: Rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries and charger sold separately
- MAXIMIZE VISIBILITY AS YOU WORK with the built-in dust blower
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Porter-Cable is no stranger to high-quality power tools. A prime example is the company’s 20V max jigsaw tool. With a 20v rechargeable lithium-ion battery, this power tool has some nice features, some of which are common in high-end products.
The motor on this machine is a mid-level motor capable of speeds of up to 2,500 strokes per minute. With the variable speed adjustable trigger, you can adjust the speed from 0 to 2500 spm. It comes with three orbital settings that allow you to cut a wide range of materials.
One thing I loved about this model is how quick it adjusts for 45-degree bevel cuts. With the beveling shoe, you can quickly make adjustments and benefit from improved stability. There is a built-in dust blower to help ensure your work area is clear of dust particles.
There is also a tool-less blade changing system that makes it easy to change the blades. As such, you can easily swap the wood cutting blade with a specialized T-shank blade. As such, there is a lot of different things you can cut, from wood, aluminum to countertops.
Things We Liked The Most
- The 2500 SPM maximum speed is great for a mid-level power tool like this unit
- It is easy to change the blades to give you the flexibility to cut different materials
- There is a built-in dust blower that helps keep your work area free of dust particles
- It is a lightweight machine that is easy to use
- The variable speed trigger allows you to adjust the speed to suit different cutting materials
What’s Not To Like
- The battery and charger do not come included
- Only accepts T-shank blades and is not compatible with U-shank blades
In terms of performance, this is one of the best professional cordless jigsaws in its class. It delivers exceptional performance and comes equipped with a lot of useful features. Also, it is lightweight, something that many people will love.
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Jig Saw
- 20V MAX* CORDLESS PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY: Rechargeable Lithium Ion batteries and charger sold separately
- MAXIMIZE VISIBILITY AS YOU WORK with the built-in dust blower
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If you are a homeowner, odds are you own at least one Black + Decker product. And you are not alone. Black + Decker has built a reputation for producing high-quality appliances and tools. So I had to buy the 20v max jigsaw from the company.
This is a tool-only product, meaning you only get the jigsaw. The batteries have to be purchased separately. Speaking of batteries, it is powered by a 20volt battery. It offers a decent output of 2500 spm.
Though not as powerful as others on this list, it is sufficient enough for most domestic projects where a jigsaw is required. The in-built dust blower keeps dust particles away from your work station for a better view of your cutting.
The jigsaw is capable of making angled bevel cuts at 45 degrees. When you consider its price tag, this is a very small price to pay.
Things We Liked The Most
- You do not require any tools to change the blade
- The variable speed trigger allows you to adjust the speed of the blade accordingly
- A built-in dust blower keeps dust particles away from your work station and gives you a clear view
- Is capable of making angled and beveled cuts at 45 degrees
- Weighing 4.3 pounds, it is one of the most lightweight on the market
What’s Not To Like
- Can only make bevel cuts of 45 degrees to the left and right only
- The batteries and charger are sold separately
So is it worth the cost? Its brand name alone is enough to convince you of its quality. However, that’s not its only selling point. Compared to other pricier models, this black and decker cordless jigsaw is quite lightweight. Also, as mentioned, it is quite affordable and delivers the same performance as some other pricier models.
Ridgid R8832B OCTANE 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless Jig Saw
- ORBITAL ACTION: This jigsaw has an adjustable orbital mode that allows for faster cutting through soft materials
- DUST BLOWER: Keep sawdust and debris out of your way during a cut with the help of the onboard blower
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The Rigid Octane is one of the newer entrants into the market. And I was able to get my hands on one. It belongs to Rigid’s Octane line of cordless jigsaws and thus features the battery to the tool communication system.
In terms of performance, it is slightly faster than most of its competitors. Compared to other Dewalt and Makita products, it offers faster speeds. It has a max speed of 3500 spm. With its speed, it can cut curves as well as in a straight line.
One thing I found particularly useful was the lock-on button. This allows you to focus on maneuvering the saw without worrying about keeping the trigger down. This is a great asset to have when making longer cuts or intricate ones.
Another thing that I loved and found to be unique was the placement of the variable speed dials. These are placed atop the D-shaped handle of the saw. Also, they feature forward and backward motion, which makes them easy to use.
It is thus effortless to adjust the speed of the blade when sawing any material. With the line start mode, the saw starts slowly and increases speed as it comes in contact with the material.
Things We Liked The Most
- The sightline blower blows dust away from the work station giving you a better view
- The variable-speed dials are placed atop the D-shaped handle, making them easy to use when sawing
- The lock-on button feature allows for continuous operations and less user fatigue
- It comes at a relatively affordable price tag compared to other models
- The handle has the hex-grip over mold that offers excellent grip and comfort
What’s Not To Like
- Weighing about 6 pounds, it is slightly bulkier than other similar products
- The batteries are not included in the package
One thing that surprised me was the price of the machine. With the features you get, it is easy to think that it is a pricey model. The price is very affordable. However, most do not offer the same performance and blade speed.
Bosch JS120BN 12-volt Max Cordless Jig Saw with Exact-Fit Insert Tray
- Adjustable footplate for bevel cuts up to 45 degrees. Height- 6.75", Length-9.4",Width-3.0"
- CONVENIENT: One-handed blade insertion and toolless blade ejection offers convenience and ease of use, eliminating the need to touch a hot blade.
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The award for the most unique design on my list has to go to this bosch cordless jigsaw. And it is this unique design that earns it a spot on the list. However, it is not the only thing that earns it a place on the list.
I love the design of this jigsaw. You can hold it and use it in almost every kind of situation. There is a rubber grip that surrounds the entire handle. Additionally, there are no controls on the handle. Thus you do not have to worry about accidentally bumping into different controls and dials.
In terms of size, it is quite small compared to some of its competitors. Which means you can use it in tight areas. The in-built LED light lets you illuminate your space. It is powered by a 12-volt battery, and I found it to be slower when doing heavy-duty cutting applications.
Its size means it is more suited to smaller cutting projects where you have to fit in tight corners. So don’t expect it to have the same speed as others on this list. However, it can do tasks that most other products on the list cannot do.
Things We Liked The Most
- It is compact and has an ergonomic design which makes it easy to maneuver and operate in tight spaces
- Features a tool-less blade switch which is great for quickly changing the blades
- Comes with a variable speed dial that lets you adjust the speed from 1500 to 2800 spm
- It is quiet and has close to no vibrations when in use
- Can make bevel cuts of up to 45 degrees
What’s Not To Like
- Will struggle to handle heavy-duty cutting applications
- Can only make bevel cuts of up to 45 degrees
While it is a small jigsaw that doesn’t have the same speed as some of the other entrants, it is worth it. It is suited to use in small tight spaces. Also, due to its size, it’s one of the most lightweight on the market. It is a great little machine to have around.
Ryobi One+ P523 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Orbital T Shank 3,000 SPM Jigsaw
- 4 ORBITAL SETTINGS: The higher the setting, the faster you can cut into wood. These higher settings are ideal for making straight cuts into lumber, with lower settings for making curves or cutting into metal
- BUILT-IN DUST BLOWER: This feature on the tool will help you clear debris away as you work, giving you clear vision
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A closer look at its features reveals that it is the real deal. To use the jigsaw, you must first install a blade. I found it very easy to insert a blade for use. Another thing that I found interesting with this jigsaw was the speed.
Now you would expect it to have a low performance. But contrary to this, it comes with an adjustable speed of between 1100 and 3000 spm. This is quite impressive for a jigsaw at this price point when you consider certain pricier models that feature a below 3000 spm speed.
With four orbital settings, you can choose the right setting for cutting different materials. This Ryobi cordless jigsaw can cut its way through plastic, wood, and metal. As for bevel cuts, you can make cuts of up to 45 degrees.
Things We Liked The Most
- The base can be adjusted to allow for deeper blade penetration, especially when the blade starts wearing off
- Comes with a trigger lock that helps move the tension from your hand
- Equipped with LED light which map’s the motion of the tool for a precision cut
- Is capable of cutting through most materials, including wood, plastic, and metal
- Is capable of 3000 strokes per minute which is impressive for a jigsaw at its price point
What’s Not To Like
- The battery does not last long, especially at the maximum speed of work
- Some people may find inserting the blade a bit tricky
The Ryobi is a lot of fun to use. And it is reasonably priced so most people can comfortably afford it. For light daily use, it is a handy tool to have. It’s powerful enough to handle most domestic projects you are likely to throw at it.
How To Buy The Best Cordless Jigsaw: Buying Guide
When shopping for a jigsaw, there are a couple of things you need to look out for. Some features are necessary, while others are not. So which features should you look for?
Power
How powerful a jigsaw is determined how easily and quickly it cuts through the material. When cutting hardwood and metal, more power is always better. The power of cordless jigsaw is represented in volts.
Depending on what you are cutting, you may need more power. However, a high-powered jigsaw is not always necessary. For light to medium cutting tasks, a high-powered jigsaw might be overpowering.
Speed settings
The speed that a jigsaw blade cuts at is measured in strokes per minute or spm. This refers to the number of strokes made per minute. The speed can vary from 500 spm to 4000 spm. Higher speeds are not always better.
Thus you need a way to control how fast the blades cut. This is where speed settings come in. Variable speed settings allow you to slow the cutting speed when necessary. Any jigsaw you splash money on should have variable speed settings.
Portability
The number one reason why most of us opt for cordless over corded jigsaws is their portability. When shopping for a jigsaw, it is wise to go for one that is portable for you. Kreg k4 or k5 could be a good option.
Orbital Action Settings
Orbital action settings is a feature you will find mentioned repeatedly in best cordless jigsaw reviews. Without diving into the nitty-gritty of the science, the orbital action has to do with the movement of the blade.
Ideally, a jigsaw blade moves in a straight up and down motion. In orbital action, the blade moves slightly in a forward and backward movement. The angle of the orbital action can usually be adjusted. In orbital action, the blade produces smoother finishes.
It is essential to select a jigsaw with orbital action settings that allow you to cut different materials. Also, the orbital action minimizes the wear and tear of the blade.
Light duty vs. professional-grade jigsaws
Both professional contractors and DIYers use jigsaws and contractor table saws. However, professional contractors have different demands from their DIY counterparts. A professional-grade jigsaw will offer more power and more features.
Also, they are usually made of metal components with little to no plastic parts. Light duty jigsaws, on the other hand, have a lower power output. They are suited to light to medium tasks. The Bosch JS120BN 12-volt Max Cordless Jig Saw with Exact-Fit Insert Tray is a prime example of a light-duty jigsaw.
Tool-less adjustment
When using a jigsaw, you may want to adjust some things. Key among them the blade or the shoe bevel. Changing blades on your jigsaw should be easy and seamless. In essence, it shouldn’t require a tool to adjust or change the blade.
Blade Shank Types
Jigsaw blades come in two main types T-shank and U-shank. T-shank blades come with a tang at the top. This makes them easy to fit into the tool-less clamp of most modern jigsaws. U-shank blades, on the other hand, are a bit traditional.
They are rarely used today, and most jigsaws are not compatible with them. It is vital to check what kind of blade a jigsaw uses before buying.
Dust management
The best cordless jigsaw features a dust blower that blows dust away from the work area. This makes the cutting line free of dust. And thus, you can clearly see the cut line and follow it. This is an important feature to have in a jigsaw.
LED light
Though not all jigsaws come with LED lights, it is still a great feature to have. The LED lights illuminate the work area for a clearer view. When working in low light conditions, LED lights will come in handy.
Grip style
Jigsaws have different handle designs. The most common is the D-shaped handle. Others come with what is called a barrel grip. It all comes down to preference, though, as some people prefer the D-Shaped design. However, the handle should have some sort of anti-slip material for sturdy grip when using the saw.
Battery
Cordless jigsaw, unlike their corded counterparts, is powered by rechargeable batteries. The battery used has a lot of impact on the power and performance of a saw. Most saws use an 18v or 20v battery. A 20v battery will be sufficient for most cordless jigsaw applications.
Bevel Adjustment
The best jigsaws will have adjustable bevel shoes that allow for bevel cuts. Also, these jigsaws have preset adjustment angles, which include 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees. Some only offer 45 degrees adjustment.
Can Jigsaw Cut All Types Of Materials?
Jigsaws can cut different types of materials, from wood to ceramic tiles. However, you need to adjust the saw accordingly, depending on the material being cut.
Wood
When cutting wood, whether it’s hardwood or softwood, you can use a faster blade speed. Usually, wood can be cut with almost all jigsaw blades.
Plastic
When cutting any material, it will tend to heat up due to friction. Due to this, plastic may melt when you increase the blade speed. When cutting plastic, use the speed adjustments to slow down the blade speed.
Metal
Metal is more robust than wood and plastic. Thus require more power and a bit more blade speed to cut through. A powerful jigsaw with a blade speed of 3000 spm will be an ideal option for cutting metal.
Ceramic tiles
Due to the unique nature of ceramic tiles, you may want to swap out your blade with a carbide blade. Carbide blades are best suited for cutting ceramic tiles. The blade speed will also have to be low as cutting this material is more akin to grinding it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy a corded or cordless jigsaw?
Cordless jigsaws have come a long way. Today, cordless jigsaws offer power and can do more. While their corded counterparts offer relatively more power, cordless jigsaws are catching up. When choosing between the two, it will come down to your needs.
Are cordless tools better than corded?
Both cordless and corded jigsaws have their pros and cons. Cordless are known for their convenience and portability. And thanks to advancements in battery technology, they offer sufficient power. However, in certain circumstances, a corded tool will be a better choice.
How do I know what kind of blade my jigsaw requires?
Most jigsaws use T-shank blades. Typically jigsaws that come with a tool-less blade clamp for attaching the blade will work with T-shank blades.
Final Thought
There are many different models of jigsaws out there. When you want the best cordless jigsaw, always remember to factor in the features mentioned above. Also, different jigsaws are suited to various applications. It is essential to note this when shopping for your next jigsaw.