Best Jigsaws for Every Project: 7 Picks from Budget to Pro

A jigsaw is the most versatile handheld saw you can own. It cuts curves, makes plunge cuts, handles interior cutouts, and works on wood, metal, plastic, and tile. No other saw does all of that in a package you can hold with one hand.

Here's what most "best jigsaw" lists get wrong: they rank by brand loyalty instead of what actually matters. Stroke length, orbital action, and vibration control determine whether your cuts are clean or ragged. A $130 Ryobi with a 1-inch stroke and brushless motor will outcut a $250 saw with a shorter stroke and no orbital settings. The specs matter more than the logo.

We compared seven jigsaws across corded and cordless categories, from a $35 BLACK+DECKER to a $250 Bosch barrel-grip, to find the best option for every budget and skill level.

Quick Picks: Best Jigsaws at a Glance

• Best Overall: DeWalt DCS334B. Cordless, brushless, 3,200 SPM, and nearly vibration-free.
• Best for Precision: Bosch JS572EBK. 7.2-amp barrel-grip with the best blade control in the business.
• Best for Pros: Milwaukee 2737-20. Fastest cutting speed at 3,500 SPM with 5 orbital settings.
• Best Value: Ryobi PBLJS01B. Brushless cordless performance at $129 (tool only).
• Best Corded: DeWalt DW331K. Proven 6.5-amp workhorse with counter-balance vibration reduction.
• Best Budget: BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C. Under $40 with 4 orbital settings and dual blade compatibility.
• Best for Beginners: Makita 4329K. Lightest in the roundup at 4.2 lbs with superb vibration dampening.

What Actually Matters in a Jigsaw

Before the reviews, here's what separates a good jigsaw from one that fights you on every cut.

Stroke length is the distance the blade travels up and down per cycle. A 1-inch stroke removes more material per cycle than a 3/4-inch stroke, which means faster cuts and less blade heat. Every premium jigsaw in this roundup has a 1-inch stroke. Budget models cut corners here (literally).

Orbital action moves the blade in a slight elliptical pattern instead of straight up and down. More aggressive orbital settings cut faster in wood but leave rougher edges. Less orbital action (or straight cutting) gives you cleaner cuts in metal and thin stock. Look for at least 4 orbital settings so you can match the action to the material.

Variable speed lets you slow down for tight curves and delicate materials, then speed up for straight cuts in softwood. The best jigsaws offer both a trigger sensitivity control and a speed dial that sets the maximum SPM.

Blade type matters more than you think. T-shank blades are the industry standard. They lock in more securely than U-shank blades and are available in far more varieties. Every saw in this roundup accepts T-shank blades.

Vibration ruins accuracy and causes fatigue. Counter-balance mechanisms, brushless motors, and barrel-grip designs all reduce vibration. If you do detail work, low vibration is worth paying for.

Our Top Picks

DeWalt DCS334B 20V MAX XR Cordless Jig Saw (Best Overall)

DeWalt DCS334B 20V MAX XR Cordless Jig Saw (Best Overall)

Woodworkers and DIYers who want cordless freedom without sacrificing cut quality

BrandDeWalt

TypeCordless top-handle jigsaw

Power SourceCordless (20V MAX, battery sold separately)

Voltage20V MAX

Weight5.2 lbs (tool only)

Pros

• Brushless motor delivers excellent runtime and near-zero maintenance
• All-metal keyless blade clamp with lever-action for fast changes
• LED work light and dust blower keep the cut line visible
• Keyless bevel adjustment with positive detents at 4 angles

Cons

• Battery and charger sold separately (adds $80-120 if you're new to 20V MAX)
• 3,200 SPM max is slightly slower than the Milwaukee's 3,500
• 5.2 lbs (tool only) gets heavier with a battery attached

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The DeWalt DCS334B is the jigsaw we'd recommend to anyone who doesn't have a strong reason to choose something else. The brushless motor delivers efficient power without the maintenance concerns of a brushed motor, and the 3,200 SPM top speed handles everything from hardwood to sheet metal.

What sets this jigsaw apart is the combination of features at this price point. The all-metal lever-action keyless blade clamp makes blade changes genuinely fast. The keyless bevel adjustment with detents at 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees means you can switch angles without fumbling for tools. The LED work light and integrated dust blower keep your cut line visible.

Cordless jigsaws have caught up to corded models in performance, and the DCS334B is the proof. If you're already in the DeWalt 20V MAX ecosystem, this is a no-brainer. If you're not, it's worth starting.

Bosch JS572EBK 7.2-Amp Barrel-Grip Jig Saw Kit (Best for Precision)

Bosch JS572EBK 7.2-Amp Barrel-Grip Jig Saw Kit (Best for Precision)

Woodworkers and finish carpenters who need the most accurate cuts possible

BrandBosch

TypeCorded barrel-grip jigsaw

Power SourceCorded (120V)

Voltage120V, 7.2 Amps

Weight4.9 lbs

Pros

• Precision Control II double-roller system delivers the most accurate cuts in the roundup
• Barrel-grip design gives superior cut control for detail work
• 7.2 amps and 5-1/2" softwood cutting capacity are both class-leading
• LED and dust blower have independent on/off switches

Cons

• $250 is a significant investment for a corded jigsaw
• 3,000 SPM maximum is the lowest top speed in this roundup
• Barrel grip takes adjustment if you're used to a top-handle design
• Corded, so you're tethered to an outlet

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The Bosch JS572EBK is the precision instrument of this roundup. The barrel-grip design puts your hand directly behind the blade instead of above it, which gives you finer control over cut direction. It's the grip style that most professional scrollwork and cabinetry shops prefer.

Bosch's Precision Control II double-roller system is the real differentiator. It guides the blade from both sides, virtually eliminating lateral blade deflection. The result is cuts that stay on your line even in thick hardwood. No other jigsaw in this roundup matches this level of blade control.

The 7.2-amp motor is the most powerful corded option here, and the 5-1/2 inch cutting capacity in softwood is the deepest in the lineup. The LED light and dust blower each have independent on/off switches, a small detail that matters when you're doing finish work and don't want sawdust blown across a veneered surface.

The kit includes three blades, an anti-splinter insert, a plastic shoe cover, and a carrying case. At $250, it's the most expensive jigsaw here, but for precision work, nothing else comes close.

Milwaukee 2737-20 M18 FUEL D-Handle Jig Saw (Best for Pros)

Milwaukee 2737-20 M18 FUEL D-Handle Jig Saw (Best for Pros)

Professional contractors and remodelers who need the fastest cuts and longest runtime

BrandMilwaukee

TypeCordless D-handle jigsaw

Power SourceCordless (M18 18V, battery sold separately)

Voltage18V

Weight4.85 lbs (tool only)

Dimensions8.9" x 3.2" x 8.6"

Pros

• 3,500 SPM is the fastest cutting speed in this roundup
• REDLINK PLUS intelligence optimizes motor output for battery life and performance
• 5 orbital settings provide finer material-specific control than 4-position competitors
• 5.5" wood cutting capacity is the deepest here

Cons

• At 6.49 lbs with battery, it's the heaviest cordless jigsaw in this lineup
• Battery and charger sold separately at a premium price
• D-handle only (no barrel-grip version available)
• $229 tool-only price is steep without the battery ecosystem

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The Milwaukee 2737-20 is the fastest-cutting jigsaw in this roundup. At 3,500 SPM, it chews through framing lumber and demolition cuts faster than anything else here. The POWERSTATE brushless motor and REDLINK PLUS intelligence work together to adjust speed and power based on the load, which means the motor doesn't bog down in dense material the way cheaper saws do.

Five orbital settings (four orbital plus straight) give you more control than the standard four positions on competing models. The extra setting lets you fine-tune aggressiveness for materials that fall between standard increments. The 5.5-inch cutting capacity in wood is the deepest in this roundup, matching some reciprocating saws.

The M18 battery platform is one of the largest tool ecosystems available. If you're already running Milwaukee cordless tools, this jigsaw slots right in. If you're not, the battery investment is steeper than Ryobi or DeWalt.

Ryobi PBLJS01B ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Jig Saw (Best Value)

Ryobi PBLJS01B ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Jig Saw (Best Value)

DIYers and homeowners who want brushless cordless performance without the pro-tool price tag

BrandRyobi

TypeCordless top-handle jigsaw

Power SourceCordless (ONE+ 18V, battery sold separately)

Voltage18V

Weight4.48 lbs (tool only)

Dimensions9.2" x 8.1" x 3.3"

Warranty3-year limited

Pros

• Best value brushless cordless jigsaw on the market at $129
• 3,400 SPM is competitive with models costing nearly twice as much
• Lightest cordless option at 4.48 lbs (tool only)
• 300+ tool ONE+ ecosystem means you likely already have compatible batteries

Cons

• Build quality and materials don't match DeWalt or Milwaukee refinement
• No dust collection port (dust blower only)
• 18V batteries don't match M18 or 20V MAX in sustained capacity
• Home Depot exclusive limits where you can buy it

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The Ryobi PBLJS01B is the value play of this roundup, and it's not even close. For $129 (tool only), you get a brushless motor, a 1-inch stroke, 3,400 SPM, and 4 orbital settings. Those specs put it within striking distance of the DeWalt and Milwaukee at nearly half the price.

The brushless motor delivers 36% faster cutting and 78% longer runtime compared to Ryobi's previous brushed models. At 4.48 lbs (tool only), it's the lightest cordless jigsaw in this roundup, which matters during extended overhead or awkward-angle cuts.

The ONE+ ecosystem is Ryobi's biggest advantage beyond the price. Over 300 tools share the same 18V battery platform, so if you already own a Ryobi drill or leaf blower, you can use the same batteries. The 3-year warranty is also the longest among the cordless options here.

The trade-off is build quality. The materials and fit aren't as refined as the DeWalt or Milwaukee, and the motor won't sustain heavy loads as gracefully. For occasional to moderate use, that won't matter. For daily professional abuse, spend more.

DeWalt DW331K 6.5-Amp Variable Speed Top-Handle Jig Saw (Best Corded)

DeWalt DW331K 6.5-Amp Variable Speed Top-Handle Jig Saw (Best Corded)

Woodworkers who prefer unlimited corded power and don't need portability

BrandDeWalt

TypeCorded top-handle jigsaw

Power SourceCorded (120V)

Voltage120V, 6.5 Amps

Weight6.4 lbs

Warranty3-year limited

Pros

• All-metal gear case built for heavy-duty, long-term use
• Counter-balance mechanism significantly reduces vibration
• Wide speed range (500-3,100 SPM) gives excellent low-speed control
• $169 is less than any cordless option with similar capabilities

Cons

• Heaviest jigsaw in this roundup at 6.4 lbs
• Corded limits mobility and adds tripping hazards on jobsites
• 3,100 SPM max is modest compared to cordless competitors
• Aging design (though proven and reliable)

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The DeWalt DW331K has been a jobsite and workshop staple for years, and it endures because the fundamentals are right. The all-metal gear case is built for years of hard use. The counter-balance mechanism noticeably reduces vibration compared to cheaper corded saws. The 500-3,100 SPM range gives you excellent low-speed control for delicate cuts.

If you don't need cordless freedom, a corded jigsaw still makes sense. You never run out of charge, the power is consistent from the first cut to the thousandth, and you save $100+ by not buying batteries. The DW331K delivers that corded reliability with DeWalt build quality.

The kit includes a blade and a carrying case. At $169, it's less expensive than any of the cordless options in this roundup while offering comparable cut quality.

BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C 5-Amp Jig Saw with CurveControl (Best Budget)

BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C 5-Amp Jig Saw with CurveControl (Best Budget)

Homeowners and occasional users who need a functional jigsaw without a big investment

BrandBLACK+DECKER

TypeCorded top-handle jigsaw

Power SourceCorded (120V)

Voltage120V, 5.0 Amps

Weight5.4 lbs

Warranty2-year limited

Pros

• Under $40, the lowest entry point for a functional jigsaw with orbital action
• Accepts both T-shank and U-shank blades (most versatile blade compatibility here)
• 4-position CurveControl orbital action is uncommon at this price
• Tool-free blade changes and 45-degree bevel adjustment

Cons

• 3/4" stroke length is shorter than the 1" standard on better saws
• 5-amp motor is the weakest in this roundup
• No LED light, no carrying case, no dust collection
• Plastic housing won't survive daily professional use

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The BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C is the cheapest jigsaw in this roundup that's actually worth buying. At $35, it costs less than a pack of quality jigsaw blades, and it delivers features you wouldn't expect at this price: 4 orbital settings, dual blade compatibility (both T-shank and U-shank), tool-free blade changes, and a 45-degree bevel.

The CurveControl technology is BLACK+DECKER's name for the 4-position orbital action. It works the same way as on more expensive saws: higher settings cut faster with rougher edges, lower settings cut slower with cleaner results. Having this adjustment at $35 is unusual.

The compromises are real, though. The 3/4-inch stroke length is shorter than the 1-inch standard on premium saws, which means slower cutting in thick material. The 5-amp motor is the weakest here. The plastic housing won't survive jobsite abuse. This is a homeowner's jigsaw, and it's a good one for that purpose.

Makita 4329K 3.9-Amp Variable Speed Top-Handle Jig Saw (Best for Beginners)

Makita 4329K 3.9-Amp Variable Speed Top-Handle Jig Saw (Best for Beginners)

Beginners who want a lightweight, low-vibration jigsaw for learning and lighter projects

BrandMakita

TypeCorded top-handle jigsaw

Power SourceCorded (120V)

Voltage120V, 3.9 Amps

Weight4.2 lbs

Warranty1-year limited

Pros

• Lightest jigsaw in this roundup at 4.2 lbs, reducing fatigue for new users
• Counterbalanced design minimizes vibration for more accurate cuts
• Low-speed capability down to 500 SPM for delicate work
• Ergonomic rubberized grip is comfortable for extended sessions

Cons

• 3.9-amp motor is underpowered for heavy-duty cutting
• 11/16" stroke length is the shortest here, meaning slower material removal
• Blade changes require a hex wrench (not tool-free)
• 2-9/16" max cutting depth in wood limits thicker stock capability

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The Makita 4329K is the lightest jigsaw in this roundup at 4.2 lbs, and that weight savings matters more than specs suggest. A lighter saw means less fatigue, more control, and fewer mistakes. For someone learning to follow a cut line, those factors matter more than peak SPM.

Makita's counterweight balancing system is the other beginner-friendly standout. It reduces vibration noticeably compared to saws in this price range, which keeps the blade on your line instead of chattering off it. The rubberized grip is comfortable during extended use, and the lock-on button lets you make long cuts without maintaining trigger pressure.

The 3.9-amp motor and 11/16-inch stroke length are the main limitations. This saw isn't built for ripping through 2-inch hardwood or cutting metal all day. It's built for clean, controlled cuts in thinner stock, which is exactly what beginners need. As your skills grow, you can step up to the DeWalt or Bosch.

Jigsaw Buying Guide: How to Choose

Match the jigsaw to your work

• Occasional home projects (shelving, trim, crafts): The BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C ($35) or Makita 4329K ($119) will handle everything a homeowner needs.
• Regular woodworking and DIY: The Ryobi PBLJS01B ($129) or DeWalt DW331K ($169) hit the sweet spot of performance and value.
• Detailed scrollwork and cabinetry: The Bosch JS572EBK ($250) with its barrel grip and Precision Control system is the right tool.
• Professional daily use: The DeWalt DCS334B ($179) or Milwaukee 2737-20 ($229) deliver cordless pro-grade performance.

Corded vs. cordless

Cordless jigsaws have closed the performance gap. The DeWalt DCS334B, Milwaukee 2737-20, and Ryobi PBLJS01B all deliver 1-inch strokes and 3,200+ SPM, matching or exceeding most corded models. The main reason to go corded today is cost savings (no battery to buy) or unlimited runtime for production work.

Don't ignore stroke length

The single biggest performance differentiator between budget and premium jigsaws is stroke length. A 1-inch stroke removes roughly 33% more material per cycle than a 3/4-inch stroke. That translates directly into faster cuts, less blade heat, and cleaner results. If your budget allows, choose a saw with a 1-inch stroke.

Common Questions

What's the difference between a jigsaw and a reciprocating saw?

A jigsaw cuts from above with the blade pointing down, pressing the workpiece against the base plate for controlled cuts. A reciprocating saw cuts with the blade pointing forward, designed for demolition and rough cuts. Jigsaws are for precision. Reciprocating saws are for tearing things apart.

Can a jigsaw cut metal?

Yes, with the right blade. Use a metal-cutting blade (24+ TPI) and set the orbital action to 0 (straight cut). Reduce speed to 1,000-1,500 SPM. A jigsaw will cut mild steel up to 3/8" thick and aluminum up to 3/4" thick.

Do I need a barrel grip or top handle?

Top-handle jigsaws (the standard design) are easier to grip for general cutting and one-handed operation. Barrel-grip jigsaws put your hand closer to the cut for finer control, making them preferred for scrollwork and detail cuts. If you're not sure, start with a top handle.

How often should I replace jigsaw blades?

Replace the blade when cuts require more force, the blade wanders from your line, or you see burn marks on the wood. For most DIYers, a blade lasts through several projects. Professional users may go through blades daily. T-shank blades are inexpensive in variety packs, so don't hesitate to swap in a fresh one.

Final Thoughts

For most people, the DeWalt DCS334B at $179 (tool only) is the jigsaw to buy. It combines brushless cordless convenience, a 1-inch stroke, 4-position orbital action, and DeWalt build quality into a package that handles virtually any jigsaw task.

If budget matters more than cordless freedom, the Ryobi PBLJS01B at $129 delivers 90% of the DeWalt's performance at a lower price, especially if you're already in the ONE+ ecosystem.

For precision work where cut quality is everything, the Bosch JS572EBK barrel-grip is the clear choice. The Precision Control II system and 7.2-amp motor make it the most accurate jigsaw you can buy.

And if you just need a jigsaw for occasional home projects without spending much, the BLACK+DECKER BDEJS600C at $35 is a legitimate tool that will handle years of light-duty work.