The Best Jigsaws, Tested

As an electric saw with a vertically plunging blade, the jigsaw is often underappreciated. True, it’s not as powerful or fast as a circular saw, and it can be a little tricky to master. Still, savvy carpenters, woodworkers, metalworkers, and even DIYers know to reach for one of these capable tools to make various cutting tasks a breeze. We put some of the most popular brands to the test, evaluating both corded and cordless saws. Cutting through ½-inch-thick plywood, we evaluated their features, how smoothly they cut, and how aggressively they could blitz through wood. 

The jigsaw’s main purpose is to cut curves, but it can also cut lumber to length with ease and create holes and other shapes in materials such as plywood and plastic. Today’s models are lighter, more powerful, and more versatile than ever. Our top pick, for example, the Bosch JS572EBK Barrel-Grip Jigsaw Kit, wowed us not just with its power, but also its versatility in handling different types of cuts and materials. Other models on our list impressed us for different reasons.

With the sheer number of jigsaws available on the market, it’s not easy knowing which to pick. Whether you’re a DIYer or a professional, read on for tips on choosing the best jigsaw for your workshop, as well as a roundup of our favorite models.

1. BEST OVERALL: Bosch JS572EBK Barrel-Grip Jigsaw Kit
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Ryobi PBLJS01B 18V One+ HP Brushless Jigsaw
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3. BEST FOR BEGINNERS: Black+Decker 5-Amp Jigsaw with CurveControl
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4. BEST FOR MAX POWER: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Barrel Grip Jigsaw
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5. BEST ERGONOMIC HANDLE: DeWalt DCS334B 20V MAX XR Cordless Jigsaw
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6. BEST LIGHTWEIGHT SAW: Makita 4329K Top Handle Jigsaw
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7. BEST FOR FAST CUTTING: Porter-Cable PCE345 6-Amp Orbital Jigsaw
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Jigsaws Comparison

Our Top Picks

To make the job of choosing the right jigsaw model easier, we tested popular jigsaws from leading tool makers, selecting everything from pro-grade versions to entry-level priced saws that DIYers might use sparingly. How well you use a jigsaw to cut depends heavily on how the tool feels in your hand, so it’s a good idea to visit a home center for a hands-on experience with the tools to see which grips feel the best.

The Bosch Barrel-Grip jigsaw is the ultimate choice for accuracy and control. This jigsaw comfortably keeps the user’s hand close to the workpiece, helping avoid the tipping that tends to occur with taller top-handle jigsaws. Also, the grip is slimmer than most barrel-style grips, for better control and improved comfort.

The saw has the highest amperage in this lineup at 7.2 amps and a speed range of 800 to 3,000 SPM, which is regulated by a dial at the rear of the barrel. While the speed could be higher, it’s likely plenty for most jobs. This Bosch came packed with three blades, more than any other jigsaw we tested. It has a three-position setting for orbital cutting, a very convenient thumb-activated on/off switch, and a bright LED light. T-shank blade changes are easy thanks to the toolless design with blade ejection. 

Granted, from the blower setting to the orbital action, there are a lot of buttons and switches on this jigsaw tool, but users will become more familiar with use. 

What our tester says: “During our tests, this model excelled at speed, maneuverability, and minimal chip-out, both at 90 and 45 degrees.”—Sal Vaglica, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Bosch jigsaw at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Some DIYers might consider a saw that is sold as a bare tool as a negative, but that’s not always the case.  Buying a bare tool reduces costs and prevents the accumulation of unnecessary chargers, and with so many Ryobi 18-volt batteries available, many folks already have a corresponding battery in their tool box. On top of that, the Ryobi PBLJS01B is just about the most budget-friendly brushless jigsaw on the market—meaning the digital motor inside is more efficient at pulling power from the battery—providing nearly 80 percent longer runtime from the same lithium-ion power pack.

The handle is roomier than the other beginner saws we tested, so it should fit a range of users. The 1-inch stroke length matches the most expensive saws in our test group, and the top-end speed of 3,400 strokes per minute is pretty close to the fastest tools tested. Plus, DIYers will likely appreciate that, rather than resting on its side, which could cause the blade to scratch surfaces, the tool stands straight up on its battery.

During the cut tests, the Ryobi felt fast and agile, but it had quite a bit of chip-out at 90 degrees when set to max orbital. The sawdust also seemed to gather right at the blade, making it more challenging to see the cutline. Nonetheless, aside from that, we were impressed with its performance overall.

Get the Ryobi jigsaw at The Home Depot.

Budget-friendly jigsaws often come at the cost of capability and features, but that’s not the case with this model from Black & Decker. This corded model features a 5.0-amp motor (more powerful than the pricer Makita we tested) that produces up to 3,000 strokes per minute via a pressure-sensitive trigger. And with toolless blade changes, switching U-shaped blades is fast and straightforward.

This Black & Decker jigsaw features the brand’s CurveControl feature, controlled by a clearly marked dial that helps users choose between straight cutting (or no orbit) and maximum orbit for working along curves. 

While powerful, this saw did splinter wood in testing because of the wide opening around the blade, and accuracy proved to be a bit of an issue. When beveled to the max, the saw’s power felt sluggish, but that would likely improve with a better-quality jigsaw blade. Those points aside, for the price, this is a good saw for beginners to learn with. 

Get the Black+Decker jigsaw at Amazon or Ace Hardware. 

Yes, it’s big—nearly 12 inches long and more than 4.5 pounds before adding the battery—but the Milwaukee 2737B-20 is a beastly saw with brains as well as brawn. The brushless saw’s power is equivalent to a 7-amp corded tool, thanks to the electronics’ engineering—so it cuts faster than every corded saw in our test group. That cranks the blade at 3,500 strokes per minute at a full 1-inch depth, meaning this saw is capable of cutting all day, through just about any material.

A helpful feature on the variable-speed dial helps the operator line up the start of a cut, lowering the speed to focus on accuracy without the tool bouncing around; it then senses the load and automatically adjusts the cutting speed. During our tests, the saw cut quickly and aggressively, nearly pulling itself through the work. It also provided excellent blade visibility. One caveat: while the power switch is easily accessible by both lefties and righties, it requires a 1-second hold to power down, which takes some getting used to.

Get the Milwaukee jigsaw at The Home Depot or Ace Hardware. 

For those who already own another DeWalt 20-volt tool, this jigsaw is a very good addition, especially when purchased as a bare tool. Of all the saws we tested, the grip on this small jigsaw fit best because it’s narrow and felt almost like a drill/driver—very comfortable. The max speed of 3,200 strokes per minute was fast enough to blast through the wood when set to the max orbital setting, though we did experience some splintering in tests. That somewhat lower speed and vibration, along with the comfy grip, helps stave off hand fatigue. The tool-less bevel adjustment locks in securely.

On the downside, the DeWalt handheld jigsaw is not vacuum-compatible, and it does not have a lock-on button, which would act like a cruise control during longer cuts. Also, while the shoe has detents that lock in at 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees, only the 45-degree mark is clearly identified with numbers. 

What our tester says: “I liked the excellent blade visibility, especially when cutting at 45 degrees, and the blower feature that kept sawdust away from the blade.”—Sal Vaglica, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the DeWalt jigsaw at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Not everyone needs the burliest, heaviest-duty jigsaw on the market. At just over 4 pounds, this saw is easy to work with, and the 3.9-amp motor delivers up to 3,100 strokes per minute, with speed adjustments via the variable-speed trigger. It also features a through-the-body vacuum port to improve dust collection, making it easier to see the blade while cutting.

The Makita name may be familiar to pro users, but the 4329K Jigsaw is more of a beginner’s model. The slide-down dust cover features a see-through design that minimizes chips and protects the user’s hands, while the counterbalanced design reduces vibration to minimize fatigue and improve control. Cutting at 90 degrees was fast and smooth, even when the orbital was switched to the max, and the same was true for cutting at 45 degrees. Our only gripes are that this saw requires a wrench to attach the blade, which slows down blade changes, and its slightly shorter stroke length means it isn’t ideal for thicker material.

Get the Makita jigsaw at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.

Orbital strokes allow jigsaws to work faster and more aggressively, and like a lot of the better saws, this Porter-Cable Orbital jigsaw offers multiple settings. Better yet, it doesn’t have a premium price tag. Beyond the orbital settings, this saw features a heavy-duty 6-amp motor for hard work and prolonged use. For those long cuts, there’s a lock-on switch to hold the trigger in place and act as a cruise control.

The overmolded rubberized handle is comfortable, while the large rubberized section on the front of the saw makes for a convenient place for the second hand to guide the saw along cutlines. We liked the variable speed dial mounted on the trigger; however, while its performance proved similar to the Makita, the Porter-Cable is nearly a full pound heavier and a bit bulkier. Also, this jigsaw doesn’t come with a work light, dust control, or any additional features—it’s a good saw, though fairly bare bones.

Get the Porter-Cable jigsaw at Amazon or Ace Hardware.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Jigsaws

Before selecting our lineup of products for hands-on testing, we wanted to get additional advice from experts who use jigsaws on a daily basis. One such expert was woodworker George Matusyan, the owner and operational manager of United Windows Pro, a window installation and repair company operating throughout the Denver and Chicago areas. His recommendation is to “prioritize comfort and utility … many types of jigsaws feature onboard dust blowers that ensure visibility of your cutline—a leading attribute to neater finishes.” He also adds that “lever-action blade clamps offer an advantage too—they expedite quick, tool-free blade changes to significantly reduce downtime.”

We took Matusyan’s advice into consideration when selecting which jigsaws to test, making sure the most sought-after features were included in several of our models.

During testing, we assembled each tool per the manufacturer’s directions—plugging them either into extension cords or fully charging their new batteries. With each electric jigsaw fitted with a new blade, we made straight cuts with the maximum orbital setting in 2-foot lengths of ¾-inch-thick plywood. 

Next, we repeated the test with the blade at the 45-degree bevel setting, swerving the saw on gentle curves as we cut. We noted how quickly the saw cut through the material, how much chip-out accrued, and how well the tool’s blower (if available) functioned. In between each test, we noted the ease or difficulty of changing the blade. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Jigsaw

Today’s jigsaws tend to be far more feature-rich than those of the past, offering varying cutting speeds, power output, and power supply options. Some options make sense for certain users, while others might include unnecessary bells and whistles a DIY likely doesn’t need.

Type

Jigsaw puzzled? No surprise! Here’s the need-to-know info about how different models stack up.

Straight-Reciprocating 

Older models and newer low-end options are typically straight-reciprocating jigsaws. This means the blade simply travels up and down with no variance in its path. Though these jigsaws cut slowly, they’re able to make very tight turns and create curves, unlike a table or a circular saw. All modern jigsaws have a zero orbital option, and all the versions we tested have selectable switches to increase the orbit —or aggressiveness—of the cut.

Orbital-Reciprocating

These jigsaws have a slightly forward motion to their blade stroke. The blade tilts forward on the upstroke, clearing wood more quickly than a straight-reciprocating jigsaw. To activate orbital-reciprocation, the user typically flips a switch on the side of the saw into one of (usually) four positions. These saws cut faster but with less accuracy and maneuverability than straight-reciprocating models. There will also be more tear-out (splintered wood that chips up along the cutline) on the top of the wood.

Top Handle

Traditional jigsaws have a tall, large handle shaped like the letter D with a basic finger trigger inside the hand loop to operate the saw. This grip is easy to wrap a hand around, but the height increases lateral leverage, which can tip the saw and lead to less accuracy. While handle type is a matter of preference, those with smaller hands will usually have an easier time controlling top-handle saws.

Barrel Grip

A newer form, barrel-grip jigsaws allow users to keep their hands lower to the material they’re working on. This can increase control, minimizing the tendency to tip the saw and skew the blade’s path. These models usually have thumb switches instead of finger triggers. Often, DIYers and pros who do a lot of “under the table” cutting, where the blade faces up while following a line, will find these tasks easier using a barrel grip.

Cordless vs. Corded

Most tool manufacturers offer both versions of this tool, and some even offer cordless versions of different voltages (i.e., 18- and 12-volt). Typically, a corded jigsaw costs quite a bit less than a cordless version. Most makers offer cordless saws both as kits, paired with a battery and a charger, and as a bare tool without a battery or charger. The latter makes it easier to weave the tool into an existing cordless tool kit, using the same batteries and charger that’s already owned. 

Cutting extremely dense woods like oak or walnut can chew through battery life pretty quickly, so woodworkers should check into corded options. For site work like decks and pergolas, battery-powered models are the way to go.

Amperage and Cutting Speed

Amp ratings on power tools refer to the amount of power they can draw without compromising the motor or internal components. Generally, the higher the amperage, the more heavy-duty the tool. Most modern jigsaws range between 5.0 and 7.0 amps. 

All jigsaws have varied cutting speeds, operated by either a pressure-sensitive trigger or an adjustable dial. These power tools also have adjustable speed ranges, starting at around 500 strokes per minute (SPM) and up to 3,000 to 4,000 strokes per minute at the top end. 

Cabinetmakers, woodworkers, and metalworkers will most likely enjoy dialed speed control that provides consistent results. For the multipurpose DIY workshop, a do-it-all jigsaw with a pressure-sensitive trigger might be a better choice, as it can easily bounce from job to job without much fuss. 

Blade Type and Material

There are two types of jigsaw cutter blade options: T-shank and U-shank. Many of the best jigsaws use T-shank blades, which lock in easily (usually without the use of tools) and stay secure during tight curves and decorative cuts. U-shank-style saws sometimes require tools for blade changes, making them far less popular since the invention of T-shank blades.

Also, there are three different materials used to make jigsaw blades:

• High carbon steel blades are inexpensive, and they’re fine for most construction work. These blades are flexible but dull easily.
• Manufacturers make bi-metal blades from carbon steel with high-speed tool steel for the teeth. They’re flexible, but the blades stay sharper longer.
• The most durable jigsaw blades utilize tungsten carbide. These blades are expensive but highly heat-resistant.

Safety

In the grand scheme of power tools, jigsaws are relatively low risk for injury, but there are some built-in features that make them safer to handle. For instance, many jigsaws have onboard LED lights that illuminate the cutline and ensure the user can see where they’re cutting—one of the most critical aspects of power tool safety.

There are also safeties that the user must depress before squeezing the trigger, preventing accidental activation. These buttons are typically mounted on the handle, where the user can reach them with a thumb, and a quick press activates the saw.

Additional Features

Beyond amperage, speed, and safety features, there are additional features that can make a jigsaw more functional, convenient, and/or easier to use. 

• Dust management: Jigsaws don’t kick up nearly as much sawdust as a table saw, miter saw, circular saw, or other types of saws; instead of turning wood to dust, these jigsaws take chunks out of the material. Still, these chunks can land on the cutline, challenging visibility, so some models include dust blowers that fan small chunks off the cutline. Although jigsaws create minimal mess, for a sawdust-free work space, look for a model that attaches to a shop vac. 
• Blade change system: Quick-release blade retention systems make switching blades a breeze. These systems have spring-loaded chucks that clamp down on the blade shank, holding it firmly in place until the user changes the blade. This is a huge improvement over older systems, which required hex keys to remove the blade.
• Size and weight: Wielding a jigsaw isn’t typically strenuous work, but size and weight might be a consideration. Most jigsaws weigh well under 10 pounds, but some lighter models weigh just 5 pounds or so. Also, some jigsaws feature barrel grips, making them more compact than top-handle models.
• Ergonomics: Some jigsaws feature ergonomic designs, such as rubber overmolded handles to reduce vibration and improve grip. Also, thumb-activated speed adjustments and multiple trigger positions (such as one on each side of the saw) allow for comfortable hand positions regardless of handedness. 

FAQs

Even with ample background on the best jigsaws, some additional questions might be popping up. This section, a collection of the most frequently asked questions about jigsaws, aims to answer those queries, so check for the info you need below.

Q. What is a jigsaw best used for?

Alongside other woodworking tools, jigsaws excel at making circular or rounded cuts for decorative woodwork and crafts. However, they’re also handy for making square cuts where a circular saw blade might not work, such as toe-kicks for cabinets and stringers for stairs.

Q. What types of materials can I cut with a jigsaw?

Aside from wood, jigsaws can also cut plastic, metal, and even tile if you’re using the right blade. Different blades are better suited to different types of materials, so be sure to ensure you’re using the right blade type before cutting into a new material.

Q. Are there any safety precautions I should take when using a jigsaw?

Absolutely. Standard safety precautions for using power tools apply, like wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) and keeping your hands and the power cord away from the blade at all times. Other precautions include ensuring adequate lighting, reading the operator manual before use, securing the saw properly, and inspecting the saw before use.

Q. Is it easy to switch out saw blades on a jigsaw?

Typically, yes, switching out saw blades on a jigsaw is easy. Some jigsaws are designed with toolless blade-switching systems, but even those that require a tool are fairly easy to switch out.

Q. Can you cut straight with a jigsaw?

You can, but straight cuts are not as easy as they are with a circular saw. The skinny blade is more likely to curve, but clamping a straightedge to the workpiece will help the user cut straight.

Q. What is the difference between a jigsaw and a reciprocating saw?

Though they both have reciprocating motions, jigsaw and reciprocating saws differ in important ways. Jigsaws use small, thin blades with short strokes, while reciprocating saws have larger, thicker blades with longer strokes. Reciprocating saws are heavier duty, so they’re often used for demolition, cutting pipes, and other tough materials. 

Q. How do I choose a jigsaw?

Choosing a jigsaw comes down to a few factors:
– Compatibility with your existing battery system
– Built-in features like LED lights, dust blowers, and orbital cutting
– Budgetary constraints

Meet the Tester

Sal Vaglica has covered tools and DIY projects since 2006 for such sites as Better Homes & Gardens, Wired, This Old House, and Fine Homebuilding. A former hardwood flooring contractor, he prefers to test tools hands-on whenever possible by replicating scenarios readers might face at their own homes.

Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi. 

 

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