I Tested 7 Jigsaws: These are the Best (2024)

You don’t need to be an expert woodworker to appreciate the convenience of a jigsaw.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to make some simple cuts, or a carpenter looking to cut wood furniture – having a reliable jigsaw can be one of your greatest assets.

I’ve tested some of the best jigsaws you can buy to help you decide which saw is worth your money. Let’s get into it!

In a hurry? The best jigsaw is the BOSCH 7amp corded jigsaw because of its unmatched power, versatility, and durability. This is a great saw that’s easy to use and will last for years. Whether you’re a homeowner, woodworker, or contractor – you won’t regret purchasing this jigsaw.

Quick Answer: Here are My Favorites! 👇

Best Jigsaws

• BOSCH 7 Amp Corded Jigsaw – #1 Best Overall
• DeWalt 20V Max Jigsaw – Best Cordless Jigsaw
• Makita Top Handle Jigsaw – Best Jigsaw for Woodworking
• Ryobi 18V Cordless Jigsaw – Best Jigsaw for Homeowners & DIY Projects
• SKIL 6 Amp Corded Jigsaw – Best Jigsaw for Beginners
• Craftsman 6 Amp Corded Jigsaw – Best Jigsaw for Cutting Curves
• Black+Decker Cordless Jigsaw – Best Value Cordless

1. BOSCH 7 Amp Corded Jigsaw – #1 Best Overall

Key Specs:

• Blade Speed: 500-3,100 SPM
• Motor/Power: 7 amp
• Warranty Length: 1 year
• Corded/Cordless: Corded
• Weight: 10.1 lbs
• Stroke Length: 1 inch

If you’re looking for the best jigsaw you can buy – I highly recommend the BOSCH 7amp corded jigsaw. This saw packs a punch compared to the others I’ve used and it has all of the features you could want.

With four orbital settings, you can fine tune exactly how your blade stroke and slice through materials with ease.

The variable speed dial and trigger allow for maximum control, allowing you to cut curves and straight lines as smooth as butter. This jigsaw also has a locking trigger so you don’t have to keep your finger on the trigger for longer cuts which comes in handy.

Blade changes are a breeze and the dust blower does a great job of keeping your area clear.

Finally, the ergonomic rubberized grip is extremely comfortable and keeps vibrations to a minimum despite all of the power this saw packs.

What I Liked:

• Extremely powerful jigsaw that’s easy to use
• Very long cord, so you don’t have to rely on extensions
• Fast blade changes
• Trigger lock makes cutting more comfortable

What I Didn’t Like:

• No LED light
• Heavier than other jigsaws

2. DeWalt 20V Max Jigsaw – Best Cordless Jigsaw

Key Specs:

• Blade Speed: 0-3,000 SPM
• Motor/Power: 20V max
• Warranty Length: 3 years
• Corded/Cordless: Cordless
• Weight (without battery): 5.4 lbs
• Stroke Length: 1 inch

If you’re looking for a cordless jigsaw, this DeWalt 20V Max Jigsaw is a great choice that I would recommend. It’s powerful, easy to handle, and comes with an extended 3-year warranty.

You’ll get four orbital settings and a variable speed trigger for better control and up to 3,000 SPM of speed – which is enough for any cut.

The blade release lever is simple to use making blade changes extremely fast and the dust blower does a decent job of keeping your area clean.

The keyless shoe bevel has detents at 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees which is great for making accurate bevel cuts.

DeWalt is well known for their cordless tools and this battery powered jigsaw is no different.

What I Liked:

• Extremely powerful with great blade speed
• Very comfortable ergonomic grip that’s supportive and gives you great control
• Blade changes are simple and it accepts t shank blades – which I prefer
• Battery life is quite strong, and you can swap batteries with other DeWalt cordless tools
• No cords to get in the way of cutting
• Longer, 3-year warranty

What I Didn’t Like:

• Battery adds weight, making it one of the heavier jigsaws
• More expensive than other jigsaws
• No vacuum port

3. Makita Top Handle Jigsaw – Best for Woodworking

Key Specs:

• Blade Speed: 500-3,100 SPM
• Motor/Power: 6.5 amp
• Warranty Length: 1 year
• Corded/Cordless: Corded
• Weight: 5.3 lbs
• Stroke Length: 7/8 inch

If you’re a woodworker or carpenter and you’re in the market for a jigsaw – this Makita 6.5 amp jigsaw is a superb option for you. It combines power and control that’s great for cutting intricate lines on your projects that other jigsaws cannot match.

With this jigsaw, you’ll get up to 3,100 SPM of blade speed that’s controlled by a variable speed dial and you’ll get three orbital action settings (plus straight cutting) for even more control.

Replacing your jigsaw blade is extremely easy with the blade ejection switch and like most jigsaws – you can use t shank blades.

Need to cut longer line? The trigger lock makes it easy and convenient!

Another huge benefit of this saw is its weight. Most jigsaws weigh more than 6 pounds, but this one comes in lighter at 5.3 pounds. While it might not seem like much, it can make a huge difference if you plan on using your tool all day.

What I Liked:

• Powerful 6.5 amp motor makes it great for cutting thicker materials
• Dust collection port makes it easy to keep debris out of your way
• Lighter weight compared to most jigsaws
• Extremely durable aluminum housing base will ensure this saw lasts
• Great value for the price

What I Didn’t Like:

• No LED light
• Only a 1-year warranty

4. Ryobi 18V Cordless Jigsaw – Best for Homeowners & DIY Projects

Key Specs:

• Blade Speed: 1,100-3,000 SPM
• Motor/Power: 18V
• Warranty Length: 3 years
• Corded/Cordless: Cordless
• Weight (without battery): 4.4 lbs
• Stroke Length: 1 inch

If you’re a homeowner or weekend warrior, there’s no doubt you’ll love the Ryobi 18V cordless jigsaw. This saw is extremely easy to use and has pretty good power when compared to other cordless jigsaws.

With a maximum speed of 3,000 SPM and a brushless motor – it delivers all the power you could want in a jigsaw. While it’s not quite as powerful as the jigsaws above, this is more than enough for most jobs.

One unique feature of this jigsaw offers is its blade saving base that allows you to drop the base of your saw so you can utilize different parts of your blades which reduces wear and tear of your blades and maximizes longevity.

Like other jigsaw models, you’ll get an integrated dust blower, a trigger locking system, four orbital action settings, and a variable speed dial that makes this jigsaw easy to use.

It also has a bright LED light that makes it easy to see exactly where you’re cutting.

What I Liked:

• Blade saving feature reduces wear and tear on blades allowing them to last longer
• More than enough power for simple cutting jobs
• Bright LED light makes it easier to see while cutting
• Longer, 3-year warranty

What I Didn’t Like:

• Battery life isn’t as good as the DeWalt jigsaw
• Not quite as powerful as other jigsaws

5. SKIL 6 Amp Corded Jigsaw – Best for Beginners

Key Specs:

• Blade Speed: 0-3,000 SPM
• Motor/Power: 6.5 amp
• Warranty Length: 1 year
• Corded/Cordless: Corded
• Weight: 4.63 lbs
• Stroke Length: 1 1/6 inch

If you’re a beginner, the SKIL 6 amp jigsaw is a great pick that you’ll love. It’s powerful enough to handle most cutting jobs and extremely simple to handle.

You’ll get four orbital settings and a variable speed trigger that makes it easy to control your jigsaw.

The built in dust blower does a decent job of keeping your area clear and you can switch it off as needed.

You can use either t shank blades or u shank blades – whichever you prefer and blade changes are super fast with the tool free clamp.

Also, if you need to make bevel cuts, the tool free shoe adjustments are a breeze and take no time at all.

What I Liked:

• Great value for the price
• Extremely versatile, well rounded tool that can make straight cuts, bevel cuts, and more
• Bright LED light increases cutting visibility
• Comfortable handle and grip make it easy to control and maneuver

What I Didn’t Like:

• Not great for super thick materials because of the smaller motor
• Heats up quickly when put under duress so you have to take routine breaks

6. Craftsman 6 Amp Corded Jigsaw – Best for Cutting Curves

Key Specs:

• Blade Speed: 0-3,200 SPM
• Motor/Power: 6 amp
• Warranty Length: 3 years
• Corded/Cordless: Corded
• Weight: 5.4 lbs
• Stroke Length: 1 inch

If you’re looking to make curved cuts, this Craftsman 6 amp jigsaw is a solid option. This jigsaw is very similar to the SKIL jigsaw above with a few small differences.

First, you’ll get faster cutting speed with up to 3,200 SPM which can help with curved cuts. You also get a variable speed dial and four orbital action settings that make it easy to control your saw when cutting.

This jigsaw accepts u shank blades and t shank blades and they’re super easy to change with the tool free blade ejection.

What I Liked:

• Very easy to use and control
• Powerful enough for most materials including wood, metal, and plastic
• Included jigsaw blades
• Longer 3-year warranty
• Made in the USA

What I Didn’t Like:

• I found it a bit more difficult to make straight cuts and maintain your cut line, but curved cuts weren’t a problem
• No LED light
• More expensive than compared jigsaws

7. Black+Decker Cordless Jigsaw – Best Value Cordless Jigsaw

Key Specs:

• Blade Speed: 0-2,500 SPM
• Motor/Power: 20V Max Brushed Motor
• Warranty Length: 2 years
• Corded/Cordless: Cordless
• Weight (without battery): 5.9 lbs
• Stroke Length: 7/8 inch

If you’re looking for a cordless jigsaw but you don’t want to spend a fortune – this Black+Decker Cordless jigsaw is your best bet. While you don’t get quite as much power or batter life as other cordless jigsaws – it still does a great job of cutting through a variety of materials.

You’ll get a variable speed trigger to control your cutting speed, but I’ve found this can be a little more difficult than the combination of a variable speed dial and trigger that other saws have.

This jigsaw accepts both t shank blades as well as u shank blades, giving you the option to use what you want and changing blades is easy and takes no time at all with the tool free clip.

This saw also includes many of the same features of more advanced jigsaws like an integrated dust blower, a 45 degree bevel shoe, and a trigger lock for enhanced comfort.

What I Liked:

• Great value for the price
• Extremely easy to use and works well for most everyday cuts

What I Didn’t Like:

• Battery life isn’t great
• Not as powerful as other jigsaws with only 2,500 SPM of cutting speed
• Heavier than other models because of the battery
• No light
• Shorter 2-year warranty

What to Consider When Buying a Jigsaw

Power & Speed

As with every power tool – the power and speed of your jigsaw are critical factors to consider. While it’s not always the most important factor, in general, the more power you get the more versatile your saw will be.

When it comes to the motor powering your tool, there are two types of motors: a brushed motor and brushless motor. In general, having a brushless motor is a better option because it offers more durability and longevity than its brushed counterpart. They also don’t get nearly as hot as brushed motors.

Power also goes hand in hand with your cutting speed. The more powerful the motor, the faster your blade and cut. Jigsaws will often offer between 500 and 3,200 SPM of blade speed.

Motors can be measured in amps for corded models and volts for cordless models. Most corded models will feature a motor between 5 and 7 amps. For example, the BOSCH 7 amp motor is the most powerful corded jigsaw you can find.

Control

With more power comes the need for more control.

Most saws will have a variable speed dial or trigger, and sometimes both for maximum control. Variable speeds are essential to get the optimal cut for your material. Additionally, variable speeds can extend the life of your blades because they can easily overheat with too much speed. Finally, by going at slower speeds, you’ll get better accuracy and reduce the risk of overshooting your cut line which is especially important for curved cuts.

Stroke Length

Common jigsaws will often feature stroke lengths that vary, typically ranging from 3/4 inch to 1 inch (roughly 19mm to 25mm).

Jigsaws with a longer stroke length can generally cut through materials at a faster rate. This is because with each reciprocation, a longer-stroke blade removes a larger section of the material, facilitating quicker progress.

However, there’s a trade-off to consider. While longer strokes can expedite the cutting process, shorter stroke lengths often deliver a smoother, more refined finish.

Handle or Grip Type

Both barrel grip and top handle jigsaws can be great for a variety of cutting tasks and for many, it will come down to personal preference. I’m a huge fan of top handle jigsaws, but others prefer the barrel grip design. Here’s some information about both grips.

Top Handle

Top handle grips are best for everyday cuts that don’t require as much precision. The position of the handle aligns the hand and arm directly above the blade, enabling a natural pushing motion that’s intuitive and less tiring. The design provides excellent visibility of the cutting line, ensuring more accurate results. The balanced weight distribution, combined with the handle’s configuration, also aids in reducing vibration, which offers a smoother cutting experience.

Barrel Grip

Barrel grip saws are better suited for intricate cuts that require extreme precision. The absence of a top handle allows you to get closer to the workpiece which can enhance control and precision, especially for fine, detailed work. Also, a barrel grip jigsaw can be more maneuverable in tight or awkward spaces. You’ll often find it easier to steer the jigsaw with slight wrist movements, allowing for more nuanced control during curved or intricate cuts.

Orbital vs Straight Reciprocating Jigsaws

Most jigsaws on my list have orbital action settings that give you more control of your blade. Here’s why it matters.

A straight reciprocating action involves a blade that moves in a strict up-and-down linear fashion. This type of movement tends to offer a cleaner and smoother cut, often preferred when working with metals or harder materials where finish quality is crucial. However, it might be slower than its orbital counterpart and can produce more heat, leading to quicker blade wear.

On the other hand, orbital action introduces a slight forward motion on the upstroke and backward on the downstroke, giving the blade an elliptical or “orbital” path. This forward motion allows for quicker cuts, particularly in softer materials like wood, but can result in rougher edges due to its aggressive nature.

With many jigsaws, you’ll have the ability to switch between orbital or straight settings – giving you maximum control for your projects.

Corded vs Cordless

As with many power tools on the market today, both corded and cordless options are available. But which is better?

Ultimately, it will come down to the type of cuts you’re making and how you plan to use your jigsaw.

If you plan to take your jigsaw with you, such as a contractor or construction worker – going with a cordless model might be a better choice.

However, if you plan to use your jigsaw to make routine cuts in your workshop where you have easy access to an electrical outlet – a corded model will offer more power. Additionally, if you’re cutting thicker materials – a corded model will offer you the power you need, without having to worry about battery life.

If you opt for a cordless jigsaw, be sure to consider the battery life of your saw so you aren’t forced to stop your project to charge your tool.

Finally, there is a decent price difference between corded and cordless jigsaws. You can expect to spend much more for a cordless model – which is something to keep in mind.

Here’s a great video explaining what’s the difference between corded and cordless jigsaws.

Size & Weight

The size and weight of your jigsaw is another important consideration. If you plan to use your jigsaw for longer periods of time, you’ll want to opt for a lighter weight jigsaw to avoid shoulder fatigue.

Comfort & Additional Features

The comfort of your saw is another important consideration, especially if you use your saw for longer periods of time.

Many power tools will feature an ergonomic rubberized grip that’s comfortable and gives you more control of your saw.

If you’re making long straight cuts, you’ll also want to look for a saw with a locking trigger. This will keep the blade engaged so you don’t have to hold the trigger throughout the whole cut.

Blades & Accessories

Some jigsaws will come with blades and other accessories that can really add to the overall value of your purchase.

Jigsaw blades come in two main types: t shank and u shank blades. The main differences comes in how they are connected to your saw.

T shank jigsaw blades allow for tool free blade changes that are fast and easy whereas most u shank blades will require a tool to remove and replace your blade – which can be a hassle.

Dust Control

Most jigsaws will feature a dust blower or dust port of some sort to keep your area clean of dust, making your cuts more accurate and easier to maintain your cut line.

In addition to helping you make straight cuts, having a dust blower also help to ensure to longevity of your tool. Accumulated debris can enter the tool over time, causing wear and reducing the lifespan of the jigsaw. By continuously clearing the dust, the tool remains cleaner, which can extend its operational life.

Lighting

Some jigsaws will feature a light that makes it that much easier to maintain your cut line and increase your accuracy while cutting.

Price

In terms of pricing, most jigsaws will range from $50 to $250 – but that’s quite a large range. There are some great budget jigsaws for those with a limited budget. But if you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can get a higher quality, more powerful jigsaw that will last for years.

Also, when purchasing a cordless jigsaw, keep in mind that many are sold as the bare tool – meaning no battery is included with the purchase.

Warranty & Durability

The warranty of your jigsaw is certainly worth analyzing before making your decision. Most jigsaws will feature a warranty between 1 and 3 years.

I’ve found that cordless jigsaws often come with extended warranties while corded models offer less extensive and shorter warranties.

FAQs

Which brand of jigsaw is best?

The best brand of jigsaw is either BOSCH, DeWalt, or Makita. All of these brands manufacture great jigsaws that are reliable and versatile.

How powerful of a jigsaw do I need?

If you’re unsure of how much power your jigsaw needs, it’s important to understand what cutting tasks you’ll be completing. If you’re working with thicker, dense hardwoods – you’ll want to go with a jigsaw that’s more powerful like the 6.5 amp or 7 amp jigsaw. If you’re working with thin sheets of plywood, most typical jigsaws will be powerful enough.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the best jigsaw you can buy is the BOSCH 7amp corded jigsaw. It’s one of the most powerful saws on the market – allowing you to cut wood, metal, plastic and anything else you can imagine.

If you’re looking for the best cordless jigsaw – go with the DeWalt 20V Max jigsaw. This is a powerful tool that will last for years, and if you have other DeWalt tools, it’ll fit perfectly into your arsenal.

If you’re on a budget, I recommend the SKIL corded jigsaw or the Black and Decker cordless jigsaw. These are great saws considering the price that get the job done.