A cordless jigsaw is a must-have tool for a carpenter — pro or not. If you get the right jigsaw, it will cut through your workpieces like a hot knife through butter, fast and cleanly. But there are many models out there that would leave you wanting.
We have tried out what are considered the best cordless jigsaw and reviewed them to help you find the model that works for you. Check closer to identify the model that will change your woodwork experience!
The Best Cordless Jigsaws Are…
Product | Details | ||
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1. DEWALT DCS331B Cordless Jigsaw | Top Pick |
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2. Makita XVJ03Z Cordless Jig Saw |
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3. Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw |
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4. Black + Decker BDCJS20C Cordless Jigsaw |
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5. Hitachi CJ18DGLP4 18V Cordless Jigsaw |
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6. Porter-Cable PCC650B Cordless Jigsaw |
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7. Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Brushless Jigsaw |
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8. Ryobi P515 One+ Cordless Reciprocating Saw |
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9. Milwaukee 2645-20 18V Cordless Jigsaw |
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1. DEWALT DCS331B Cordless Jigsaw — Best Overall
This DEWALT DCS331B Cordless Jigsaw is our first choice. It cuts through wood, lumber, or plastic efficiently . DeWalt wanted to make a cordless jigsaw that everyone, both professionals and DIY persons, could enjoy using. They did not disappoint.
For woodworkers, tools bought for their workshops are expected to last for years, and DeWalt did not falter on this. They constructed this cordless jigsaw using stainless steel, and you can expect to have it for many years to come.
Another awesome feature of this jigsaw is the keyless blade that allows you to replace it without using any tool. It is easy and fast so that you do not lose any time when working on a project.
To make working with this jigsaw easier, it comes with a blower that clears away all the dust from the workpiece. This gives you a clear view of the targeted cut line for smooth cuts. This jig saw delivered beyond our expectations.
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
Mention the name Makita and most woodworkers will pause what they are doing and say, “It is simply the best.” This notion is evident in this jigsaw, which is nothing but an engineering marvel. Indeed, it takes our first pick head on but falls short slightly because it has a 3-position orbital action.
This jigsaw comes with a wide range of precision and comfort features that guarantee top performance. Its 3-orbital settings make it easy to work on different types of workpieces. We tried it on solid wood, lumber and plastic, and the results were awe-inspiring.
For Makita, one of the main concerns when designing this jigsaw was power. Therefore, they engineered the jigsaw for versatility and power. We found the cordless jigsaw strong enough for most cutting tasks in and out of the workshop. Furthermore, it comes with a big 2-finger variable speed trigger for extra comfort and convenience.
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
- Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
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
This One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw is another powerful tool that will revitalize your workshop. Like our first pick, the jigsaw uses an 18-volt lithium-ion battery that hits a maximum of 3,000 strokes per minute, strong enough for most cutting tasks. We were impressed by its sturdy construction that guarantees users of extra durability.
Another notable feature of this jigsaw is the locking mechanism that makes it easy for both straight and curved cuts with fingers off the trigger. This is a great way to reduce fatigue on your wrist. Depending on the project you are working on, the jigsaw allows you to vary the speed. To make straight and clean cuts, hit the maximum speed, or slow it down for curved cuts.
Often, many jigsaws are designed to work with blades from the same manufacturer, which is a strategy to increase sales. But not with this jigsaw. Unlike others, it allows you to fit any standard T-shank blade.
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-shaped blades
4. Black + Decker BDCJS20C Cordless Jigsaw
Black + Decker is one of the top brands in the market today, and its cumulative experience in designing power tools is demonstrated in this Black + Decker BDCJS20C Cordless Jigsaw. It is an excellent cordless jigsaw, which we found ideal for hobbyists and beginners.
Unlike most cordless jigsaws out there today, that come “bare”, or without batteries, this one is different. Black + Decker went against the norm and delivered this jigsaw complete with its battery and charger. Well, simply unpack, install the batteries and start working. Easy and enjoyable, right? But the battery is not that long-lasting, and you should plan to get a stronger one.
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
This Hitachi CJ18DGLP4 18V Cordless Jigsaw is another powerhouse that you will like for its awesome design and sturdy construction. Its light-weight, compact, and ergonomic design makes it a perfect option for medium to light-duty tasks both in workshops and around your home.
One of the things that stand out about this jigsaw is that it is very powerful. It has an 18-volt battery and comes with 4-mode orbital action for higher accuracy and efficiency.
We really enjoyed using this CJ18DGLP4 because it supports both T and U blades. Further, it has a unique design that allows you to store six blades on the tool, and change them without using any tool.
Like most jigsaws out there, this jigsaw comes on its own, with no charger or battery as you have to buy those separately. But this does not dampen its sheer proficiency. To make it easy for you to get the right battery, the jigsaw is compatible with many batteries including the Hitachi Lithium Ion, NiCd and NiMH 18V pod-style models.
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
This Porter-Cable PCC650B Cordless Jigsaw is another firmly built, feature-rich, yet low priced jigsaw. Using a 20-volt battery and rocking three orbital settings, this jigsaw would perfectly fit a higher price tag. Even if you have a higher budget, you might want to check closer at this jigsaw because it has almost everything that you want to add into your toolbox.
With this cordless jigsaw, a lower price tag is not synonymous to less power. Powered by a 20-volt battery, this jigsaw’s speed reaches a maximum of 2,500 strokes per minute. This is strong enough for most cutting projects. According to Porter-Cable, this is enough to even rip through copper wires.
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
- Can be used for cutting wood, lumber, and metal
- Perfect tool for bevel cuts of 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 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Brushless Jigsaw is one of the most powerful power tools from Ryobi that shows its commitment to innovation. The jigsaw uses an 18-volt battery that delivers enough power for most cutting tasks, actually, almost to the level of corded jigsaws.
The most remarkable thing about this jigsaw is its performance. We found it outstanding because it allows you to select varying speeds depending on the project at hand. With a single press of a button, you can shift between 1,100 and 3,000 SPM. With this convenience, no carpenter wants to miss this jigsaw in his workshop.
If you have ever used a jigsaw, especially on demanding tasks, you will appreciate that the blade can get used up pretty fast. To help you work for longer, and enjoy higher value for money, this jigsaw is designed with a blade saver feature, which allows you to easily gain access to unused teeth. Well, it will last longer and ultimately save you money!
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
This Ryobi P515 One+ 18V 7/8 Inch Stroke Length 3,100 RPM Lithium-Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw is another high-performance power tool that you will like. It is compact and powerful enough to make cuts, even on tough workpieces. It hits a speed of 3,100 RPM, which woodworkers in busy workshops find suitable for most tasks.
This jigsaw’s performance is enviable. With its variable speed trigger system, you can easily vary the speed of the blade by changing the pressure on the trigger. So, press the trigger harder to hit maximum speed when targeting straight cuts or working on tough workpieces. Besides, changing the blade is also easy- unlatch the front cover, snap out the old blade, and snap back a new one.
Another remarkable feature of this jigsaw is its anti-vibration handle design. Ryobi engineered the handle with springs, rubber overmold and rubberized plates that make using the tool smooth and enjoyable. Well, you will not just enjoy working without getting tired, but the cuts will be smooth and look professional.
Specs
- 4.65 pounds
- 15 x 6 x 6 inches
- Li-ion battery
Pros
- Uses a variable speed trigger
- Compatible with most Ryobi Li-Ion batteries
- Light and compact
Cons
- Batteries are sold separately
- You have to keep pressing the speed trigger to use the jigsaw
9. Milwaukee 2645-20 18V Cordless Jigsaw
The Milwaukee 2645-20 is another solid jigsaw designed to help you overcome the toughest cutting tasks. It uses an 18-volt battery and comes with 5 orbital settings that allow you to rip through virtually anything.
On performance, you will like this jigsaw because of its accuracy and versatility. It is the only jigsaw in this cordless jigsaw review that has five position orbital settings. This means you can easily select the speed and enjoy working on different workpieces.
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 changing the blade fast and hassle-free — no need for any Allen keys.
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
- Very effective for making tough cuts
- 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. If you have a lot of projects or tough workpieces, consider a more powerful jigsaw with about 3,000 strokes per minute. But if you are a hobbyist with only occasional projects on weekends, a cordless jigsaw with about 2,000 SPM should be okay.
Tool-Less Adjustments
One of the major slowdowns that you can encounter, especially when working on commercial projects, is having to stop a task to change the blade or adjust bevel angles.
Dust Management
As the jigsaw rips through your workpiece, it will release a lot of dust, right? This can compromise visibility, harm your machine, and even make the work environment unhealthy. Therefore, you should look for a jigsaw that has a good dust management system, such as a dust bag or a blower.
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.
The Brand
If you want to know the nature of a cordless jigsaw, one of the simplest methods is to simply look at the manufacturer. Go for the jigsaws that are designed by top brands such as Makita, Ryobi and DeWalt. You cannot go wrong with the top brands.
Other features that you should consider are LED light that illuminates your workpiece, on-tool blade storage, and quick-response stop feature.
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.
The good thing is that this review has brought out the best from top brands, so rest assured of getting your ideal option in our list above.
Although all the nine jigsaws we have reviewed in this post are the top options in the market (we liked, really liked them), the DEWALT DCS331B Cordless Jigsaw was the best of all. It is strong, compact, easy to use, and rocks advanced features.