Portable, versatile and very easy to use, Ryobi jigsaws deserve a spot in your workshop tools arsenal. But hold on, there is one hurdle you need to get through; Ryobi makes a wide range of jigsaws, so which one to choose?
Check out this Ryobi jigsaw review to learn about the best that this company, which specializes in pro-featured power tools, has to offer.
The Best Ryobi Jigsaws Are…
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw |  Top Pick |
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| 2. 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Brushless Jigsaw |  |
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| 3. Ryobi One+ P5231 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Orbital T-Shaped 3,000 SPM Jigsaw |  |
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| 4. Ryobi P515 One+ 18V 7/8 Inch Stroke Length 3,100 RPM Lithium Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw |  |
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1. Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw — Best Overall
Coming in at the first position is One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw, with its powerful orbiting motor that can rock up to 3,000 strokes per minute, Ryobi considers it one of the toughest tools in its lineup. We were especially impressed by the design that makes it versatile and tough enough to rip through any material you throw at it.
This jigsaw is made with a unique locking mechanism that allows you to work without pressing the trigger, which is crucial to reduce wrist fatigue. Furthermore, it also comes with variable speed settings that allow you to change the working rate (low speed-ideal for cutting curves, and high speed for straight cuts).
Another notable feature that makes this jigsaw stand out from the rest is its built-in dust blower. It clears the dust and debris away for a clear vision of the point you are cutting.
Specs
- 4.9 pounds
- 11 x 12 x 6.5 inches
- Battery-powered
Pros
- Trigger lock system makes controlling the cuts easy
- Can work with any standard T-shank blade
- Easy to use for both pros and newbies
Cons
- Cannot work with u-shaped blades
2. 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Brushless Jigsaw — Runner-Up
Coming a close second to the first pick is this Ryobi’s 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Brushless Jigsaw. With its powerful 18 volt battery, this orbital jigsaw’s performance closely rivals most corded models out there. It is what you would describe as a perfect addition to a workshop or DIY person’s kit.
In any woodwork workshop, workpieces’ hardness differs so that you will need different cutting speeds with your saws for best results. Well, this is what this jigsaw was made for. Using the speed match selector, you can select the ideal speed, between 1,100 and 3,000 strokes per minute, depending on the nature of your workpiece.
One innovative feature we must commend Ryobi for adding into this workpiece is the blade saver. The feature helps you to get access to any unused teeth on the saw blade to make it last longer, which will, in the end, save you money.
When it comes to changing a jigsaw blade, it is as simple as snapping it into position – simple, fast, and convenient. No need for special tools!
Specs
- 4.61 pounds
- 12 x 6.5 x 11 inches
- 1 Li-ion battery
Pros
- Cordless
- Uses an adjustable base
- Its D-handle makes it easy to grip and operate safely
- Can be used to cut any type of workpiece
- Designed to last
Cons
- Its separate speed control wheel can be a hassle to reach to at times
3. Ryobi One+ P5231 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Orbital T-Shaped 3,000 SPM Jigsaw
This One+ is another powerhouse designed to make cutting, no matter the material, easy and fun. Weighing only 4.4 pounds and measuring 11 x 12 x 6.5 inches, this jigsaw is compact and light enough for you to work without getting fatigued. You will also like the sturdy construction that makes it long-lasting.
The orbital setting of this jigsaw, plus its variable-speed design, makes it easy to use on different materials. Using its powerful 18 volts lithium-ion batteries, the saw has a maximum of 3,000 strokes per minute, so hit the optimal speed for making straight cuts, and slower for curves.
Another smart design in this jigsaw is its ergonomic design. With its D-handle model, you can easily grip the jigsaw and comfortably rip through the workpiece without getting tired. Furthermore, it uses a trigger lock mechanism that allows you to focus on controlling the cut as opposed to pressing the trigger. What an awe-inspiring design for professional results?
Specs
- 4.4 pounds
- 11 x 12 x 6.5 inches
- 1 Li-ion battery
Pros
- Portable
- LED light that illuminates the workpiece
- Uses a blade saver system
- Comes with options for bevel cuts
- Moderately priced
Cons
- You have to buy a battery separately
4. Ryobi P515 One+ 18V 7/8 Inch Stroke Length 3,100 RPM Lithium Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw
When we set our eyes on this jigsaw, we underrated it, but we were dead wrong! It is affordable, compact, light, and powerful enough to cut even the toughest workpieces. Pulling a maximum of 3,100 reciprocations per minute, this saw proved more than you would need for most cutting applications in a workshop or around the home.
With this saw, you can say goodbye to downtimes that arise from changing a saw blade. Unlike most models out there that require Allen keys to change the blade, this saw only requires you to unlatch the front part, and the blade pulls out easily and safely. Besides, the saw is compatible with most T-shaped blades, which makes it very convenient to use.
To make the saw more comfortable, it is designed with an anti-vibration handle. Using springs, rubberized plates, and rubber overmold, vibrations are dampened to the bare minimum, so that you can enjoy smooth cuts and working without getting tired.
Specs
- 4.65 pounds
- 15 x 6 x 6 inches s
- 1 Li-ion battery
Pros
- Comes with a variable speed trigger
- Works with different Ryobi batteries
- Best for DIY tasks
- Light and compact
- Very easy to use
- Affordable
Cons
- Batteries are sold separately
- Not ideal for heavy-duty commercial tasks
About Ryobi
Ryobi is a Japanese brand, which is largely known for manufacturing products for telecoms and automobile industries. But it also ventured into the power tools and builders’ hardware equipment.
Particularly, the Ryobi’s jigsaws have won praise from woodworkers for their efficiency, strength, and durability. Here are additional details about Ryobi that makes it stand out.
Company History
The company was initially known as Ryobi Seisakusho Co. Ltd and was founded in 1943 in Japan. About 20 years later, in 1961, the company started manufacturing printing presses and also got listed in the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
But it was not until seven years later, in 1968, that the company started manufacturing power tools. The name Ryobi was adopted in 1973.
The Company’s Product Range
Today, Ryobi’s North America, New Zealand, Australia, and Europe, are licensed by Hong Kong Techtronics, which is the original equipment manufacturer for top brands like Dirt Devil, Homelite, and AEG.
After starting to manufacture power tools in 1968, Ryobi’s efforts to improve their quality and include rich features was boosted in 1988 when the company acquired assets of Diehl Motor Company, which was the main supplier of Sears Craftsman hand-held power tools.
Furthermore, the company has established strong liaison with its clients to get prompt feedback and progressively improving its power tools, such as the jigsaws. Other products produced by Ryobi include:
- Printing equipment
- Builders’ hardware
- Power tools
- Electronics equipment
- Automobile parts
Ryobi Rating
Ryobi as a brand can be rated 4.9/5 stars because of its commitment to innovation, especially on its power tools. Most of the products from Ryobi, such as those captured in this Ryobi Jigsaw review above come with innovative features and users love them.
Final Thoughts
Ryobi is one of the top brands in the globe today because of its demonstrated commitment to quality, customer value and progressive improvement.
They have helped to define the history of power tools, especially jigsaws, and are not about to stop, so you can expect to get the best from their power tools.
No matter how much you plan to use on a jigsaw, there is a perfect piece waiting for you in the Ryobi Jigsaw review list above.
No doubt, we liked and enjoyed using all the four jigsaws from Ryobi mentioned in this review (their quality and designs are beyond reproach). However, the Ryobi’s One+ P523 18 volt T Shank Jigsaw is our top choice. This compact and feature-rich jigsaw is simply the best.
