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I Tested 5 Budget Jigsaws: Here are the Best (2025)

Jigsaws can be some of the most convenient saws in your arsenal when it comes to woodworking and home projects.

But they can be rather pricey. But luckily there are a few great options that do a great job for the money.

In this post, I’ll explore the best jigsaw for the money so you can get a quality saw without spending a fortune. Let’s get started!

In a hurry? The Craftsman Corded Jigsaw is the all-around best budget jigsaw because it’s easy to use, powerful, built to last, and precise, all at a great price.

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Best Budget Jigsaws

1. Craftsman Corded Jigsaw – #1 Best Overall

Craftsman Jigsaw

The Craftsman Corded Jigsaw is a tough and handy compact jigsaw, and for the money it’s a great buy for hobbyists and DIYers who don’t need a jigsaw with a high-powered motor.

It can deliver 3-200 blade strokes per minutes, and it’s capable of making clean and accurate cuts in a variety of materials, including softwoods and hardwoods, thick plastics, and nonferrous metals.

There are four orbital settings, so it’s capable of taking off a lot of material in a short period.

The metal adjustable shoe (foot) isn’t all that thick but it’s sturdy enough to keep the saw stable while it’s running, and it can be tilted up to 45° to make bevel cuts.

Its handle is contoured and overmolded to ensure maximum comfort during operation.

This budget jigsaw is also compatible with the Versatrack wall organization, but you have to purchase the hook and accessories separately.

It also comes with a 3 year limited warranty, which is pretty strong when compared to other jigsaws.

Lastly, it’s 11 1/6” long, 8 1/8” tall, and 5.05 pounds.

This tool also comes with 12 U-shank blades:

  • (2) 10TPI jigsaw blades
  • (2) 10TPI down-cut jigsaw blades
  • (2) 6TPI jigsaw blades
  • (2) 12TPI jigsaw blades
  • (2) 14TPI jigsaw blades
  • (2) 24TPI jigsaw blades

What I Liked:

  • It’s compact & lightweight making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces
  • Wrench-free blade changes ensure faster overall cutting process
  • Shoe helps keep the saw stable even though it’s thin
  • Affordable yet capable of achieving top-quality results

What I Didn’t Like:

  • Variable-speed dial loosens after a while which can cause unintended blade-speed changes
  • Grip rubber can wear down over time if your hands get sweaty during operation

My Thoughts

For a budget jigsaw, the Craftsman Corded Jigsaw packs a punch and offers superior dependability in this price range, and that’s why it’s the top spot on my list. It’s compact, lightweight, and well-designed overall, and therefore it’s easy to maneuver even in tight spaces. And while it doesn’t include highest-grade materials, it’s still capable of achieving precise results in a short amount of time. Its sensitive speed dial is its solitary flaw, but this only becomes a problem after many, many uses. Overall, I highly recommend this jigsaw if you’re on a budget and want a great saw for the money.

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2. BOSCH Corded Jigsaw – Highest Quality

BOSCH Jigsaw

The BOSCH Corded Jigsaw may be a bit more expensive than the other budget jigsaws on my list, but its quality—and the quality of cuts it delivers—make it well worth the price. Overall, this is one of the best corded jigsaws you can buy because of its quality.

It has an ergonomic top handle so it’s easy to grip. The handle is a main reason why you can comfortably use the tool for long periods of time without getting fatigued.

And since there’s a wrench-free blade-change system with a blade-injection mechanism, changing out blades is quick, easy, and you never have to touch a hot blade.

Like most handheld jigsaws, it has four orbital settings, so it’s capable of making accurate and aggressive cuts.

It has a variable-speed dial to control blade strokes per minute (SPM) and it’s trigger-activated.

There’s also a locking system, and this is another key reason why you can use this tool over an extended period without experiencing discomfort.

Its die cast steel foot can be adjusted to make bevel cuts, and thanks to a multi-directional blade clamp it can securely grip T-shank blades much better than other jigsaws.

Lastly, this corded budget jigsaw weighs 5.6 pounds, and despite being equipped with a 7.0 AMP brushless motor it doesn’t generate a lot of vibrations.

What I Liked:

  • Superior blade-change system ensures you can quickly change out blades
  • Grip, handle, weight, and overall design make it easy to maneuver
  • The accelerator trigger isn’t sensitive making it easy to control blade speed
  • Comes with a non-marring shoe so it can be used on finished surfaces

What I Didn’t Like:

  • Sometimes too powerful for precision cutting on smaller workpieces
  • Bevel adjustment can get sticky after a while; bevel cut quality may decrease

My Thoughts

If superior cutting quality is what you’re after, you can’t go wrong with the BOSCH Corded Jigsaw. It may be more expensive than other jigsaws on this list, but its workmanship and the quality of cuts it can achieve make it well worth the money. It’s great on dust management too, and all its important inner components are well protected in a thick plastic housing. The only thing I don’t like is it’s often too powerful for smaller workpieces, but I don’t believe it’s designed for work these. On everything else, this jigsaw is one of the best for the money you’ll find. Check out my full BOSCH jigsaw review for more info!

3. SKIL Corded Jigsaw – Best Value

SKIL Corded Jigsaw

The most affordable jigsaw on this list is the SKIL Corded Jigsaw, and despite being low-priced it’s an efficient, powerful jigsaw that’s built to last and capable of delivering a range of cuts quickly and accurately.

Equipped with a powerful 6 AMP brushless motor, this can cut through a range of materials, including dense hardwoods and several metals.

Plus, it has four orbital settings, so it’s capable of making any type of cut you need.

And thanks to a reliable two-finger variable speed trigger, it’s easy to control cutting speed, no matter the material you’re cutting in.

Like other handheld jigsaws, it has a tool-free blade-change system which can help you save time when working.

But unlike most handheld jigsaws, it takes both T-shank and U-shank blades, so add versatility to the list of qualities it boasts.

Its sawing capacity in aluminum is 16 mm, 9mm in metal, and 85 mm in wood, and to ensure the user stays on the cutting line there’s a dust blower and LED light.

Finally, it’s 10.2″ x 2.68″ x 8.39″ and weighs less than 5 pounds (4.9 lbs), and it comes with a 1-year limited warranty.

What I Liked:

  • Low priced yet offers a lot of power for any jobs
  • Sturdy when cutting thanks to the steel foot
  • Well-protected inner components means you won’t have to deal with malfunctions often
  • Easy to control cutting speed because the variable-speed trigger is remarkably responsive

What I Didn’t Like:

  • Requires two hands to operate most of the time which can make it hard to maneuver for precise cuts
  • Cord can get in the way when making bevel cuts in molding

My Thoughts

For the price, the SKIL Corded Jigsaw is a screaming buy, since it offers so much and has very little in the way of downsides. For one, it’s equipped with a powerful brushless motor, so it’s capable of cutting through woods and metal. And since it’s made with durable components, it can handle even heavy-duty tasks like they’re business as usual. Plus, a dust blower and LED light ensure precision cutting is much easier. While this jigsaw isn’t nearly as powerful as the BOSCH above, it’s much less expensive and can get most jobs done. If you’re on a tight budget, this is a solid jigsaw for beginners and pros that can make most of the cuts you’re looking for.

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4. Black & Decker Cordless Jigsaw – Best Cordless Jigsaw

Black & Decker Budget Jigsaw

The Black & Decker Cordless Jigsaw is one of the best cordless jigsaws available right now, because it’s so nimble and efficient yet powerful and built to handle even heavy duty tasks.

This jigsaw is powered by a 20V Max battery and it’s equipped with 4 AMP brushless motor that can generate up to 2,500 strokes in a minute.

It takes both T- and U-shaped blades, and you don’t need a wrench or hex key to swap the blades out.

Its metallic foot can be adjusted to make bevel cuts both ways (left & right) up to 45°; a hex key is needed to adjust the foot, but one is included.

Like other jigsaws, it has a dust blower attached so you never lose sight of the cutline, but it also has a wire guard—something many handheld jigsaws lack.

And the battery used to power this tool can power other Black & Decker power tools which comes in handy.

Finally, this jigsaw comes with a two-year limited warranty which is longer than other similar products.

What I Liked:

  • Easy to control cutting speed thanks to responsive variable-speed trigger
  • Features numerous guidance components which makes it easier to make precise cuts quickly
  • Sound inner component housing ensures it doesn’t malfunction often
  • Takes both T- and U-shank blades so you run out of blades less often

What I Didn’t Like:

  • The way the battery attaches to this power tool makes it hard to maneuver
  • Foot can scuff finished surfaces because it doesn’t come with an anti-scuff cover

My Thoughts

Overall, the Black & Decker Cordless Jigsaw is a pretty versatile cordless jigsaw, because it utilizes top-tier components and a powerful 20V battery. If you need a jigsaw that’s easy to take with you, and you want it to achieve high-quality cuts regularly, this Black and Decker jigsaw may be for you. Handling it takes some getting used to, as the battery sort of protrudes out the back. But all things considered it’s a well-designed and totally capable jigsaw. If you’re looking for a budget friendly cordless jigsaw, this one’s for you.

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5. Porter Cable Jigsaw – Best for Woodworking

jig saw on wood

Many woodworkers, including myself, swear by the Porter Cable Jigsaw because it’s a versatile and efficient budget jigsaw that’s affordable and easy to handle.

Marketed as a tool for both professional and amateur woodworkers, this handheld jigsaw is powered by a 6 AMP motor that can generate up to 3,200 strokes in a minutes.

Moreover, it has seven blade speed settings, and how fast the blade strokes is controlled by a responsive dial.

Like other corded jigsaws, it has four orbital settings, so it can take off a consider amount of softwood, hardwood, etc. in a relatively short period.

And to ensure maximum comfort during operation, it has an ergonomic handle and a locking mechanism that allows for continuous cutting up to approximately 90 seconds.

Its foot can be tilted with a wrench so it’s capable of making up to 45° bevel cuts either left or right.

Finally, it’s 9.5” x 3.25” x 8.5” inches, weighs just under 6 pounds, and comes with a three-year limited warranty.

What I Liked:

  • Keyless blade clamp is sturdy so it’s easier to achieve precise cuts
  • It’s a little heavier but this is actually an advantage because you’ll get more stability when cutting
  • Speed dial has more settings than most making for more efficient cutting across different materials
  • Lock ensures you can cut accurately without having to firmly grip the handle

What I Didn’t Like:

  • Shape can make maneuvering in tight spaces a little difficult
  • The orbital setting level can start to stick after many uses

My Thoughts

All things considered the Porter Cable Corded Jigsaw is the best budget jigsaw for woodworking, mainly because it has seven speed settings, so it can deliver a range of accurate cuts across different softwoods and hardwoods. Plus it features numerous components to ensure it can make precise cuts routinely, and thanks its locking system you can cut with it for an extended period without feeling any discomfort. And considering the price, it’s a steal for woodworkers!

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What to Consider When Buying a Budget Jigsaw

Power

Of course, how powerful the jigsaw is should be considered first, since a jigsaw that’s too powerful may not be right for you if you’re just a woodworking hobbyist.

It’s best to get a system with a powerful brushless motor (one capable of generating up to 3,000 strokes in a minute).

Then, all you have to do is adjust the speed. Want less power? Slow it down. More? Speed it up.

Battery Life (if Applicable)

For cordless jigsaws, battery life is one of the most important qualities to consider. After all, who wants a saw that doesn’t stay on for long?

Generally speaking, the stronger the battery, the longer the tool runtime.

And one can’t consider cordless jigsaws vs corded jigsaws without recognizing that battery-operated models are generally more expensive (because of the battery).

Durability

It’s not enough for a jigsaw to be accurate; it needs to be durable as well, otherwise it won’t last nearly as long as it should.

Plus, if a jigsaw is built with durable components, it’ll be more stable when in use, and therefore it’ll be easier to make angled cuts, bevel cuts, and curved cuts.

The blade housing, shoe, and inner-components housing shoe be the most durable parts, since they’ll be subjected to wear and tear more than other parts.

Comfort & Vibration

cutting with a jigsaw

Too much vibrating can prevent you from achieving straight cuts with a jigsaw.

So if excessive vibrating is a main concern of yours, opt for a jigsaw with a less powerful motor, ideally a barrel-grip jigsaw that’s easy to handle.

A streamlined design will also help ensure comfortable operation, whereas bulkier systems are harder to maneuver, especially in tight places.

Speed Control

Cutting speed is an important quality for all cordless saws, and on the best jigsaws it’s easy to control speed and some even have an automatic speed-control system.

Jigsaw speed control

Blade speed is largely a result of motor power. Therefore, if a jigsaw is equipped with a powerful motor, its blade will cut faster.

Cutting Depth

Most jigsaws can make cuts up to 6” deep.

But just because a jigsaw has a max cutting depth of 6” doesn’t mean it’ll reach this depth easily in all materials.

When cutting through denser materials, for example, it may take a few passes to reach the saw’s maximum cutting depth.

Don’t strain the saw just so it can cut deep as it can overheat quickly and cause some serious damage to the tool.

Blade Change

When using a jigsaw, the speed at which you can change out blades is important. After all, if it doesn’t take you long to change out blades, you can spend more time cutting.

Most modern handheld jigsaws have a tool-free blade-change system, meaning you just press a button, turn a knob, or pull a lever to cause blade ejection.

And fastening a blade is no trouble either, whether it’s a T-shank or U-shank blade.

Dust

The best jigsaws have a dust blower and a port to which a vacuum can be connected.

With a vacuum attached, sawdust can be sucked away from the machine’s important components and easily disposed.

And without a dust blower, your cutting lines may get obstructed by generated sawdust, which can lead to inaccurate cutting.

If your system’s main component housing isn’t sound, dust and moisture can get in and wreak havoc on the components, causing malfunctions and possibly even inoperability.

Price

Budget jigsaws tend to cost $60-$100 at the low end and $120-140 at the high end.

A variety of factors collectively determine the price of a jigsaw, such as components used, brand, level of workmanship, and demand.

Generally speaking, jigsaws that have a barrel grip, variable speed control, dust management tools, and a powerful AMP motor are more expensive than models which lack these features.

But just because a jigsaw is sub $100 doesn’t mean it should be overlooked. After all, the Craftsman Corded Jigsaw is the best jigsaw on this list, and it’s just $84.

Warranty

All the jigsaws on this list come with some kind of warranty if purchased directly from the manufacturer.

Most warranties are 1-3 years long and cover defects related to workmanship or materials.

So if your jigsaw breaks down because of normal wear and tear, it’s more than likely repairs won’t be covered by the warranty.

Furthermore, if you try to repair it yourself, or you take it to an unlicensed repair shop, the warranty will be voided.

To use a warranty, simply reach out to the product’s manufacturer and they’ll tell you where to bring the tool. They’ll either fix it or replacement.

Final Thoughts

To recap, the best jigsaw at the lower end of the price range is the Craftsman Corded Jigsaw, for it’s reliable, well-designed, efficient, easy to use, and capable of achieving precise crosscuts, curved cuts, and bevel cuts in both hardwoods and softwoods.

The BOSCH Corded Jigsaw is one of the be

st jigsaws as far as quality is concerned, since it’s equipped with all the best components to ensure it’s a versatile, highly capable jigsaw that can cut both quickly and accurately with little user effort.

Lastly, the most affordable model by far is the SKIL Corded Jigsaw. A capable and well-equipped jigsaw, it has the power to cut through all kinds of materials without scuffing the surfaces it passes over.