Best Jigsaws for DIYers
A jigsaw makes curved and intricate cuts a circular saw cannot, in wood, plastic, and metal with the right blade. Low vibration and good blade control matter most for clean, accurate cuts.
What to look for
- ·Look for low vibration and minimal blade deflection. They are what separate clean, accurate cuts from wandering ones.
- ·Orbital action settings cut wood faster; turn orbital off for metal and tight curves.
- ·A tool-free blade change and a quality T-shank blade selection make the saw far nicer to use.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt 20V MAX XR Jigsaw (DCS334) | Editor's pick | $140 to $190 (tool or kit) | The best all-around cordless jigsaw |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL Jigsaw (2737) | Editor's pick | $160 to $220 (tool or kit) | Fastest cordless cutting |
| Bosch JS470E Corded Jigsaw | Editor's pick | $120 to $160 | Precise corded cutting |
| SKIL PWRCore 20 Brushless Jigsaw | Best value | $120 to $160 (kit) | Best cordless value |
| Makita 18V LXT Jigsaw (XVJ03) | Best value | $130 to $180 (tool or kit) | Smooth cutting on LXT |
| Bosch JS260 Corded Jigsaw | Best value | $80 to $120 | Value corded accuracy |
| Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless Jigsaw | Budget pick | $80 to $120 (tool or kit) | Budget DIY on ONE+ |
| Black+Decker 20V Jigsaw | Budget pick | $50 to $80 (tool or kit) | Occasional light cutting |
| WEN 5-Amp Corded Jigsaw | Budget pick | $30 to $55 | One-time projects on a budget |
Editor's pick
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Jigsaw (DCS334)
$140 to $190 (tool or kit)
A top cordless jigsaw with excellent vibration control and minimal blade deflection for accurate cuts. Smooth, powerful, and on a huge battery platform.
Best for: The best all-around cordless jigsaw
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Jigsaw (2737)
$160 to $220 (tool or kit)
A brushless cordless jigsaw delivering corded-level cut speed up to 3,500 SPM. The pick for the fastest, most consistent cutting on M18.
Best for: Fastest cordless cutting
Typically available at Home Depot, Acme Tools.
Bosch JS470E Corded Jigsaw
$120 to $160
A smooth, powerful 7-amp corded jigsaw renowned for accuracy and low vibration. The pick for shop use with unlimited runtime and precise cuts.
Best for: Precise corded cutting
Typically available at Amazon, Lowe's.
Best value
SKIL PWRCore 20 Brushless Jigsaw
$120 to $160 (kit)
A solid-value cordless kit with a brushless motor, included battery, and fast charger for around $149. Good performance for the price.
Best for: Best cordless value
Typically available at Amazon, Lowe's.
Makita 18V LXT Jigsaw (XVJ03)
$130 to $180 (tool or kit)
A smooth, well-built cordless jigsaw on the durable LXT platform with low vibration. A strong value for Makita owners who want clean cuts.
Best for: Smooth cutting on LXT
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Bosch JS260 Corded Jigsaw
$80 to $120
An affordable corded Bosch with the brand's accuracy and a tool-free blade change. A great value for a dependable, precise everyday jigsaw.
Best for: Value corded accuracy
Typically available at Amazon, Home Depot.
Budget pick
Ryobi ONE+ HP Brushless Jigsaw
$80 to $120 (tool or kit)
Punches above its price for typical residential cuts, on the giant ONE+ battery system. A budget pick that handles most DIY work well.
Best for: Budget DIY on ONE+
Typically available at Home Depot.
Black+Decker 20V Jigsaw
$50 to $80 (tool or kit)
A light, cheap cordless jigsaw for occasional curved cuts and small projects. Limited power, but easy to own for the honey-do list.
Best for: Occasional light cutting
Typically available at Amazon, Walmart.
WEN 5-Amp Corded Jigsaw
$30 to $55
About the cheapest jigsaw worth owning for a one-time project, corded with a bevel base. Basic, but it makes the cuts for very little.
Best for: One-time projects on a budget
Typically available at Amazon.
Frequently asked
What is a jigsaw used for?+
A jigsaw cuts curves, circles, and intricate shapes in wood, plywood, plastic, laminate, and (with the right blade) metal. It is the tool for cutouts, scrollwork, and any cut a straight-cutting circular saw cannot make.
Corded or cordless jigsaw?+
Cordless jigsaws now match many corded models for power and add convenience, ideal if you own a battery platform. Corded saws still give unlimited runtime and steady power for a lower price, good for shop use.
What blade do I need?+
Match the blade to the material: coarse, fewer-teeth blades for fast wood cuts, fine high-tooth blades for clean cuts and laminate, and metal-cutting blades for steel and aluminum. T-shank blades are the modern standard and easiest to swap.
How do I get a clean, splinter-free cut?+
Use a fine down-cutting or reverse-tooth blade, cut on the back of the workpiece where possible, apply painter's tape on the cut line, and let the saw do the work without forcing it. Turn off orbital action for the cleanest edges.
What is orbital action on a jigsaw?+
Orbital settings push the blade forward into the cut on the upstroke, cutting wood faster and more aggressively. Use higher orbital for fast wood cuts and turn it off for metal, plastic, and tight, precise curves.