15 Best Jigsaws Reviews and Buying Guide

Unlike many power tools in every avid DIYer’s toolkit, a jigsaw is more than just a tool for seasonal usage. Whether you work on wood a lot, or metal is your preferred medium, a trusty jigsaw is the tool of choice to create, execute, and finish all your dream projects.

Here’s the deal, though. Not all the jigsaws you can buy online will get the job done. Some are better than others. So which one is the best jigsaw of them all? That would be the DEWALT Bare-Tool DC330B 18-Volt Cordless Jig Saw with Keyless Blade Change. The keyless blade change and all-metal level action mean that this is a smart tool in the right hands. Changing blades is a breeze, and the shoe bevel allows you to make clean bevel cutting even if you have no prior experience. The anti-slip grip and dust blower are just the cherries on top of the cake.

We covered 15 of the best jigsaws you can buy and listed their merits and downsides in the review below. These jigsaws are

15 Best Jigsaws Reviews

1. DEWALT Bare-Tool DC330B 18-Volt Cordless Jig Saw with Keyless Blade Change

First, we start with the DC330B from Dewalt. Dewalt is a reliable name in the tools market and many DIYers prefer the products that carry that label.

A cordless jigsaw, the DC330B has an 18-volt motor that gives you enough power to cut through all types of material. It’s all metal as one would expect from a power tool, and the keyless blade change is a handy feature that you’ll love as you change your blades on the fly without the need for a special tool.

Another keyless feature is the bevel shoe. It has many convenient detents at 15-degree intervals that allow you to get your bevel cutting in a clean and painless way. Cut with style as you demonstrate your cutting prowess with this DC330B.

Orbital action takes a prominent position in the design of this useful tool. You get four positions of orbital action which makes circular cutting and changing slants such a joy. You won’t have to twist your hands in complicated gestures to get the design in your mind out on the cutting table.

We also liked the adjustable speed, the ergonomic anti-slip grip, and the dust blower.

Pros:

18-volt cordless jigsaw.
4-position orbital action
Anti-slip grip.
Dust blower.
Adjustable speed.
Keyless shoe bevel.
Keyless blade change.

Cons:

Batteries not included.
Foot is a little awkward.

2. SKIL 4495-02 6.0 Amp Orbital Action Laser Jigsaw

Not all heroes wear capes, and not all jigsaws advertise their best qualities for all to see. It might take some fiddling with the tool to uncover those hidden qualities that would make your DIY life so much more productive and enjoyable.

The 4495-02 from Skil has a lot of features. Some you can see on the package, while others are craftily hidden like an Easter egg. The corded jigsaw has a 6-am motor that puts it at the top among the most powerful jigsaws you can find in the market.

But the one feature that will get your attention and maybe make you pull your credit card out to purchase it is the laser feature. We know that some jigsaws have headlights to show you where you’re going with that powerful blade. But the 4495-02 goes a step further providing a laser beam that works the same way it does on sniper rifles. It shows you where your blade will cut next. The laser is only good for straight cuts, however.

Orbital action is backed by 4 positions to ease your pain and get your curvy cuts as clean as you hope for. The jigsaw provides protection to the surface of the material for a more professional look.

Pros:

Built-in laser.
6-amp motor.
Surface protection.
Variable speed trigger.

Cons:

Not for novices.
Base comes off easily which makes cutting tricky.

3. DEWALT Jig Saw, Top Handle, 6.5-Amp (DW331K)

Another Dewalt caught our attention as we were browsing and this one is corded. You know what that means, right? Consistent power which is made even more impressive with the 6.5 amps motor. Just be careful what you do with so much power.

The DW331K has a variable speed that you can control with the trigger. You have a wide range of speed that starts at 500 strokes and accelerates to 3,100 strokes. This is more than enough to finish your job in record time. But if high speed is not on the menu, then you can settle back with minimum speed to give you more precision.

The blade changing mechanism is keyless so you can change your blades without the need to use an external tool. The gearbox is all metal making it more durable. And since we’re talking about the jigsaw, then orbital action has to be mentioned. You get 4 positions to make your blade’s circular movements so much more powerful.

Pros:

6.5-amp motor.
500 to 3,100 strokes per minute varying speed.
Adjustable orbital action with 4 positions.
Keyless blade changing.

Cons:

Trigger button a little wiggly.
Lock system doesn’t work in certain positions.

4. PORTER-CABLE Orbital Jig Saw, 6.0-Amp (PCE345)

Have you ever had this recurring dream that your jigsaw trigger was a manual shifting stick in a NASCAR race and that you could control the speed with your forefinger? Well, if you haven’t, you sure will have now. Because that’s something that power tool operators fantasize about all the time.

Porter-Cable is here to make that specific dream come true. With a trigger that has built-in 7 speeds, you can race your jigsaw over the material at record speeds. This feature has practical applications and is not for show. It lets you adjust your cutting speed depending on the lines and curves in your design. Straight cuts call for more speed while angles and curves need you to slow down.

The lock-on button is a safety requirement that, sadly, not many jigsaws seem to include. Here, the lock-on feature extends the life of the jigsaw and makes it more durable.

Pros:

6-amp motor.
4-position orbital action.
7-speed level in the trigger.
Lock-on button.

Cons:

Bottom plate gets loose for no reason.
High vibration output.

5. BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw, Smart Select, 5.0-Amp (BDEJS600C)

If you have followed many of our reviews about backpack vacuums or cordless pole saws, you’ll see Black n Decker featuring prominently there. That’s because it’s a reliable brand that balances quality with affordability. And affordability is one of the most attractive features of this product.

The other feature that will make you want to use this tool as often as you can is the curve technology. It gives you more power over orbital action making all those tricky cuts that you can’t manage easy to pull off. And since the settings are customizable, you know you can just about get any design cut you dream of with this saw.

Bevel cuts are also a distinctive feature that makes this jigsaw stand out. If you find making 45 degrees bevel cuts a challenge, rest easy. This jigsaw was designed with this requirement in mind. The wired guard and dust blower just make this a great contender for our first place position.

Pros:

Affordable price.
Curve technology for more precise orbital action.
Dust blower.
Wired guard.

Cons:

Hard to engage lock button.
Hard to see where you’re cutting.

6. TACKLIFE Advanced 6.7 Amp 3000 SPM Jigsaw with Laser & LED, Variable Speed, Carrying Case, 6 Blades, Adjustable Aluminum Base, Pure Copper Motor, 10 Feet Cord – PJS02A

If you noticed that the second criticism we had about the Black n Decker was that the design of the jigsaw made it hard for you to see where you were cutting. To be fair, this is a common grievance that people have with most jigsaws. Unless the saw was equipped with laser or LED lights, that is.

That’s what Tacklife is here for. The powerful 6.7 amp motor gives you a lot of power, but without the laser and LED guides you’re prone to make costly mistakes. And did we mention that you get up to 3,000 strokes per minute and you can adjust the speed with your finger?

This jigsaw from Tacklife is full of features and comes with 6 blades and a carrying case. It’s hard to argue with a jigsaw that has a copper motor and an adjustable aluminum base. Yet, there are some drawbacks that you can find below which kept it from making it our top choice.

Pros:

Built-in laser guide.
6.7-amp motor made of copper.
Adjustable aluminum base.
3,000 strokes per minute.
Adjustable speed.

Cons:

Dust collection is tricky to use.
Edge guide not balanced.
No circle cutting guide.

7. Makita, 4329K, Jigsaw, 3Pos Orbital/Straight Cut, 500-3100spm

While most of the products we reviewed so far had managed to excel with one or more features, almost none have come up with a good answer to the question of vibration. As the motor in your hand reaches maximum speed, the whole jigsaw starts to shake. This impacts your precision and makes cutting more of a chore that you dread.

Makita, a well-known name in the world of power tools, took up the challenge and the 4329K puts an end to the vibration problem once and for all. The way it handles it, is with an added counter-balance that absorbs the dreaded vibration and makes the tool more manageable. That makes us wonder, how come nobody thought of that before.

Speed is also adjustable and you have a choice from a wide range of strokes per minute that start with 500 and reaches a crescendo at 3,100 strokes. The anti-slip grip makes it easy to handle this powerful machine.

Pros:

Counter-weight to absorb vibration.
Adjustable speed.
3 positions for orbital action.

Cons:

Could do with better shoe adjustment.

8. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Jig Saw, Tool Only (PCC650B)

We already know that affordability is Porter-Cable’s most attractive feature. But you should know that you get what you pay for. While the PCC650B is within everyone’s budget, its features leave much to be desired.

The speed is adjustable and varying, however its maximum speed is 2,500 strokes per minute. That’s not the top speed you’d like to have and would hardly get you to the finish line in time. Orbital action has 3 settings compared to the 4 settings most other products have.

On the plus side, you get a dust blower that clears all the sawdust and debris that fills the air and blocks your view of where the blade is going. And even though the cordless motor has 20-volt power, the jigsaw fails to make use of such power in a satisfying way. We certainly liked the PCE345 much better than this one.

Pros:

20-volt motor.
Cordless.
Dust blower.

Cons:

Limited settings for orbital action.
Limited maximum speed.

9. Makita JV0600K Top Handle Jig Saw, with Tool Case

Makita returns with a powerful product that makes both circular movement and straight cutting more accurate and precise than other jigsaws we have tried. The JV0600K is the culmination of years of experience and builds up on the many models that have been discontinued.

The 6.5 amp motor pushes it to the top tier of powerful jigsaws. Speed is adjustable and is within the acceptable range for such a powerful tool. Add to that a unique solution to dust management where a vacuum sucks the dust through the body of the tool to prevent the pile up of debris and sawdust.

This model also has the Makita answer to vibration. The counterbalance makes it less likely to shake and tremble in your hands. And even though this jigsaw is a bit pricey for a tool in this category, it still dazzles with its richness of features and ease of use.

Pros:

6.5 amp motor.
3,100 strokes per minute.
Counterbalance for less vibration.
Keyless blade changing.

Cons:

A bit pricey.
Blade doesn’t deflect.

10. Jigsaw, Orbital/Straight Cut, 800-2800spm

We searched around for more Makita products and were not disappointed. Made in Romania, this brand has managed to find its footing in the market and is rapidly building a wide fanbase. This model has two alluring features. The first is the LED light that increases your visibility and cuts through the cloud of dust on the bench.

The other feature is a hex wrench that lets you adjust the bevels with more accuracy and speed. No need to fiddle with the tool and try to get the slant or angle just right. The variable speed starts at 800 strokes and reaches 2,800 strokes per minute.

The die-cast aluminum base will help you get your orbital action with less time wasted on making mistakes. The base can be adjusted both to the left and right at a 45 degrees angle. It comes to a stop at 90 degrees.

Pros:

LED guide for better visibility.
2,800 strokes per minute speed.
Die-cast aluminum base.

Cons:

Variable speed not built in the trigger.

11. Bosch JS120BN 12-Volt Max Cordless Jig Saw with Exact-Fit Insert Tray

I know what you’re thinking. You’re wondering where are the famous brand names such as Bosch and Hitachi. Well, we were asking ourselves the same question too and thought this list wouldn’t be complete without reviewing at least one product each of these titans of the industry.

The JS120BN while it doesn’t live up to the Bosch name, still manages to deliver some top features that some might find compelling enough to justify the high price. We’re talking about features such as the adjustable footplate that makes bevel cuts at 45 degrees such an easy task.

We also liked the keyless blade ejection and how easy it was to change blades with just one hand. Low vibration is also a much sought after feature in this model. Thanks to the counterbalance weight, you won’t get much shuddering from this Bosch.

Pros:

Adjustable footplate.
12-volt motor.
Exact-fit insert tray.

Cons:

Weak grip on handle.
High price.

12. Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Jig Saw, Tool Only

We have to admit that we loved Makita. Between Makita and Dewalt, the competition was getting fierce and it wasn’t easy making the decision that you’ll find at the end of this review. The XVJ03Z, thought comes at the tail end of the list, is still a feature-rich product that deserves a place here.

The variable speed is built in the trigger and you’d need two fingers to adjust it. Rather than see this as an inconvenience, it turned out to be an advantage. It makes you think before you pull the trigger. You won’t increase speed by mistake or accidentally take the blade where it shouldn’t.

We also liked the heavy gauge and base that help balance the tool and make tricky cuts such as bevels and curves much easier to accomplish. All in all, a good product well worthy of the Makita name.

Pros:

Variable speed.
Keyless blade change.
Heavy gauge and base.
2,600 strokes per minute.

Cons:

Rather expensive.
A little on the heavy side.

13. Bosch Power Tools Jig Saws – JS470E Corded Top-Handle Jigsaw – 120V Low-Vibration, 7.0-Amp Variable Speed For Smooth Cutting Up To 5-7/8″ Inch on Wood, 3/8″ Inch on Steel For Countertop, Woodworking

Here’s another Bosch just to please this brand’s hardcore fans and also because we found that it did much better than many other jigsaws in the market. For example, it makes changing the blades a painless task. How’s that different from other products here, you ask?

The answer lies in the ejection lever. You don’t have to touch a hot blade with your hands. The lever kicks out the blade and you can insert the other blade easily. In addition, the variable speed here is very much under your control. You just set the maximum speed you desire and let your finger do the acceleration for you.

The blade clamp is multidirectional and gives more control over the blade. This is not just a safety precaution but makes handling the blades less of a fuss. As with the other Bosch we tried, this one has low vibration output as well.

Pros:

4 orbital action settings.
Multidirectional blade clamp.
Maximum speed setting.

Cons:

Too expensive to a tool without laser guides.

14. WEN 3602 6 Amp Variable Speed Orbital Jig Saw

We would have liked to see the Wen 3602 climb to a respectable place on this list, but there were just too many things that went wrong and put us off. For one, although the motor is 6 amps it still wasn’t powerful enough to cut a rather thick piece of wood.

The other thing was the minimum speed. Yes, it reached 3,000 strokes per minute, or so the brochure claimed, yet the minimum speed starts at 800 which was too fast for certain materials and cuts.

That said, we did like the way it allowed us to change the direction of the blad from vertical to orbital in 4 easy steps. That, in fact, was the saving grace that gave the jigsaw its place on this review.

Pros:

3,000 strokes per minute.
Easy to change stroke from vertical to orbital.
Lock-on trigger.

Cons:

Not suitable for thick material.

15. Hitachi CJ18DGLP4 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Jig Saw with Lifetime Tool Warranty (Tool Only, No Battery)

We promised we’d review a Hitachi and here we are keeping that promise. The CJ18DGLP4 is lackluster, to say the least. We also didn’t like the price. It’s just too high for a cordless jigsaw with an 18-volt motor. Not to mention that at this price, batteries were not included.

The orbital action has only 3 settings so it might not be suitable for all types of cuttings and materials. We did, however, find the LED guide useful and since there was no built-in solution for dust, the light was more than necessary to finish the cutting job.

The cutting angle adjusts to 45 degrees making it easier to change the slant and direction of the blade on the go without having to stop and make your adjustments every few seconds.

Pros:

Tool-less blade changing.
LED light.
Adjustable cutting angle.

Cons:

Expensive price tag.
More suitable for left-handed people.

Things to Consider Before Buy

Blade Type

The first features to consider is the blade type.

Jigsaws come in two varieties as far as blade types are concerned. The first is the U-shank. U-shanks are not very popular since changing the blade is a bit tricky. Usually, you’d need an external tool to remove the current blade and replace it with the new one. This happens every time you want to change blades. It’s both time consuming and less productive a process.

T-shanks are the favorite type. Changing the blade is keyless and you can do it on the fly while cutting without losing your focus or interrupting your rhythm. We focus mainly on T-shanks here and consider U-shanks a liability.

Blade Size

In a jigsaw, the blade gets most of our attention. Yes, the shoe is important, and the handle needs to be ergonomic. But it’s the blade that does most of the hard work. So you need to give it more than a passing glance when you consider the best jigsaw to buy.

When you look at the blade you need to think in terms of teeth per inch (TPI), the blade edge that allows you to cut soft materials, cranked blades for flush cutting, and thin blades for tight cutting.

In addition, you need to consider the size of the blade. Large size means more efficient cutting but then getting a fine angle becomes trickier. You also need to think of the damage to the surface of the material which means a push stroke cutting blade is your best option.

Power

While the blade does the heavy lifting in the cutting process, it wouldn’t be able to do its job without enough power behind it. How the power is measured in your jigsaw depends on whether it’s corded or cordless.

Corded jigsaws are the ones that need a power outlet nearby. They have a constant power source and are more reliable. Power is measured by amps and ranges between 4 to 7 amps on average.

Cordless jigsaws run on battery and more portable. This means you can take them anywhere with you. Their power is measured in volts and they have 18 to 20 volts on average.

You can settle for a 5-amp or 18-volt jigsaw to give you enough power to cut through just about any material you like. More power is usually not necessary and might make the tool unwieldy.

Stroke Length

Just as with power, the stroke length is something you need to consider in moderation. The stroke length refers to the length of the cut that the blade makes. A longer stroke means a bigger cut and the opposite is true.

But before you get overexcited over the size of the blade and the length of your stroke, you need to consider the finer angles of cutting. It’s not about cutting faster or bigger, it’s mostly about finessing your cutting and getting your bevels and angles right.

So, ideally, you’d prefer your stroke length to be about five-eighth of an inch not longer. That way you can create masterpieces in wood, metal, or plastic while still maintaining a decent cutting pace.

Orbital Action

Perhaps the most striking feature of the jigsaw is its ability to move in circles. This is its claim to fame. Otherwise, you’d be holding an overpriced hacksaw in your hands. So what exactly is this orbital action and how do you get the most out of it?

Getting this circular action is not for the faint of heart and it takes a certain degree of experience and skill to get it just right. Also, not all materials will respond to the jigsaw’s trademark orbital maneuvering in the same way.

You wouldn’t want to get circular on hard materials or if you want a precise cut. Orbital action is not for every occasion.

Speed Adjustments

Speed is important in a jigsaw in the same way that your hot rod needs to be fast enough to give you bragging rights at the bar. But again this is something you need to consider in moderation. There’s a tradeoff between speed and precision.

If all you care about is to decimate a pile of logs, then speed is very much what you want here. But a jigsaw going at top speed won’t give you much control over your angle for example. So being able to adjust your speed is very much a desired feature. Remember the wise words of Elvis, “only fools rush in.”

Bevel Adjustments

Cutting clean bevels is the mark of a professional. So being able to adjust our bevels on the fly without having to switch off the jigsaw or taking it off the material is the mark of a good tool. The idea is, your jigsaw should make it easy for you to change the slant of the cut as you go. It’s less of a hand trick and more of a feature.

Some jigsaws have bevel shoes designed with detents to make curved cuts and bevel cutting a breeze even for the novice user.

Vibration

The vibration makes not only causes fatigue and gives you a headache, but it also requires more strength to keep the tool steady during the cutting process. You won’t have a good grip on the tool if it keeps shaking like a leaf in the autumn wind.

Look for a jigsaw with a low vibration that allows you to make your precision cuts and get your bevels cleanly. The more vibration the less control you have on the machine and the end product of your work.

Headlights

In the storm of sawdust that your jigsaw usually makes, it’s important to see where the blade is going. This is especially true if you’re following marks on the material or trying to get a precision cut just right.

Low visibility is also the cause of many accidents in many workshops. The headlights that the jigsaw comes equipped with, provide better visibility that help you get your work done faster and better.

Dust Collector

Since sawdust is a hazard, it’s important to contain that beast before it gets released out of the confines of the material you’re cutting. The dust collector takes care of this problem before sawdust piles up and makes it hard to see or breathe.

Not many jigsaws come with this feature. So those that do get more points in our system and become big contenders for our top prize.

Trigger-Lock

A trigger lock is more than a luxury. It’s a safety feature that, in my experience, should be a necessity in all power tools that have a trigger. It’s like having a loaded gun lying around that’s waiting to go off.

This safety feature means that you won’t have to worry about a child wandering into your workshop and hurting themselves with this powerful tool. It also prevents accidents and makes your workshop as safe as you’d like it to be.

Conclusion

And here we are after this marathon of jigsaws buzzing and vibrating to no end. Truth be told, we did enjoy this one as most of the tools delivered top-notch results. This made it all the more difficult to pick our top editor’s choice. But after some wrangling, we made our choice.

It’s the DEWALT Bare-Tool DC330B 18-Volt Cordless Jig Saw with Keyless Blade Change. We liked everything about this 18-volt cordless jigsaw. From the 4-position orbital action and anti-slip grip to the dust blower, adjustable speed, keyless shoe bevel, and easy-to-change blades.

These are just some of the features that make this the right tool for the avid DIYer who enjoys cutting wood, plastic, or even metal.

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Mike Zhang. Founder of FamilyLifeShare