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The Best Jigsaws (2027)

The best jigsaws for 2027, from the 3,500 SPM Milwaukee M18 FUEL to complete beginner kits, ranked on stroke speed, orbital action, grip and shoe control.

TGBy TrueGear Research TeamIndependent editorial teamLast updated How we researchResearch-based assessment · Jigsaws
Specs verified against manufacturer docs
No paid placements
Independently funded by readers
Updated 2026-10-29
The Best Jigsaws (2027) featured graphic

The short answer

For most buyers in 2027 the best jigsaw is the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2737-20 if you are on the M18 platform, or the DEWALT DCS334B if you are on 20V MAX: both are brushless cordless saws with four orbital settings and top speeds above 3,000 SPM. If you cut in the shop near an outlet, the Bosch JS470E is the strongest corded saw here and the most planted on bevels. If you are buying your first saw and own no platform, the BLACK+DECKER BDCJS20C kit works out of the box, while the RYOBI PCL525B is the best value add-on for the millions of households already holding ONE+ batteries.

Our top picks at a glance

  1. Milwaukee M18 FUEL D-Handle Jig Saw, Bare Tool (2737-20)The fastest cordless saw here: 3,500 SPM from a brushless M18 motor in a confident D-handle body.
  2. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw, Top-Handle (DCS334B)DEWALT's cordless top-handle flagship: brushless power, four orbital settings and a blower that keeps the line visible.
  3. Bosch Top-Handle Jig Saw, 7.0 Amp, Corded (JS470E)Bosch's flagship corded saw: the strongest motor here, a planted die-cast foot and a blade ejection lever.
  4. DEWALT Jig Saw, Top Handle, 6.5-Amp, Corded Kit (DW331K)The corded workhorse kit: unfading power, four orbital settings and a case that keeps the kit together.
  5. DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw, Barrel Grip (DCS335B)The same cordless DEWALT cutting system in a barrel grip that drops the hand low over the blade.

The picks, ranked

Ranked side-by-side comparison of top picks
#ProductAwardStroke speedOrbital actionPowerStroke lengthBevel
1Milwaukee M18 FUEL D-Handle Jig Saw, Bare Tool (2737-20)Best overallUp to 3,500 SPM4 positions18V M18 FUEL, brushless, bare tool1 inch45 degrees, detents at 0, 15, 30, 45
2DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw, Top-Handle (DCS334B)Best cordless top-handleUp to 3,200 SPM (maker rating)4 positions20V MAX cordless, brushless, bare tool-Detents at 0, 15, 30, 45 degrees
3Bosch Top-Handle Jig Saw, 7.0 Amp, Corded (JS470E)Best corded500 to 3,100 SPM4 settingsCorded, 7.0 amp-45 degrees
4DEWALT Jig Saw, Top Handle, 6.5-Amp, Corded Kit (DW331K)Best corded kit500 to 3,100 SPM4 positionsCorded, 6.5 amp1 inchDetents at 0, 15, 30, 45 degrees
5DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw, Barrel Grip (DCS335B)Best barrel grip for DEWALT usersUp to 3,200 SPM (maker rating)4 positions20V MAX cordless, brushless, bare tool-To 45 degrees
6Milwaukee M18 FUEL Barrel Grip Jig Saw, Bare Tool (2737B-20)Best for detailed curve work800 to 3,500 SPM, 6 speed settings4 positions18V M18 FUEL, brushless, bare tool1 inch0, 15, 30, 45 degrees; use packs up to 5.0Ah for bevel cuts, per operator manual
7Bosch JS365 Top-Handle Jigsaw Kit, 6.5 Amp, CordedBest corded kit value500 to 3,100 SPM, per the manual spec table4 settingsCorded 120 volt, 6.5 amp-45 degrees
8Makita JV0600K Top Handle Jig Saw, with Tool CaseBest for low vibration500 to 3,100 SPM-Corded, 6.5 amp (retailer field)23 mm (about 7/8 inch)45 degrees
9Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Jig Saw, Tool OnlyBest for Makita 18V users0 to 2,600 SPM3 settings plus straight cutting18V LXT cordless, tool only1 inch (26 mm)0 to 45 degrees
10RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Jig Saw, Tool Only (PCL525B)Best budget cordless0 to 3,000 SPM4 settings (0, 1, 2, 3)18V ONE+ cordless, brushed motor, tool only1 inch0 to 45 degrees left or right
11BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw, 5-Amp, Corded, CurveControl (BDEJS600C)Best budget cordedUp to 3,000 SPM4 CurveControl settings, 3/4 inch orbital blade actionCorded, 5.0 amp-Up to 45 degrees
12BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX POWERCONNECT Cordless Jig Saw Kit (BDCJS20C)Best first kitUp to 2,500 SPM-20V MAX cordless, brushed motor-45 degree bevel shoe capacity in both directions

Best overall

Milwaukee M18 FUEL D-Handle Jig Saw, Bare Tool (2737-20)

The fastest cordless saw here: 3,500 SPM from a brushless M18 motor in a confident D-handle body.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL D-Handle Jig Saw, Bare Tool (2737-20)
The highest cordless top speed here at 3,500 SPM, a brushless motor that holds speed in hardwoods, four orbital positions and a D-handle built for confident plunge starts. For M18 owners it is the most capable all-round saw in the guide.

Strengths

  • Brushless POWERSTATE motor with up to 3,500 SPM, the highest top speed in this guide
  • D-handle grip gives a confident hold for one-handed plunge-style starts
  • Four-position orbital action with a 1 inch stroke for fast and fine work alike
  • On and off cut-line blower plus LED keeps the line visible even in dusty framing work

Limitations

  • Bare-tool cost plus M18 battery investment makes the first purchase steep
  • Body balance shifts with larger packs, which shows on bevel cuts where the saw tilts
  • Dust tube and cover add steps when switching between extraction and free cutting

What owners report

Most praised
  • D-handle grip gives a confident hold for one-handed plunge-style starts.
  • Brushless motor holds speed in hardwoods without the bog-down corded users expect from battery saws.
  • On/off blower plus LED keeps the line visible even in dusty framing work.
Common complaints
  • Bare-tool cost plus M18 battery investment makes the first purchase steep.
  • Body balance shifts with larger packs, which shows on bevel cuts where the saw tilts.
  • Dust tube and cover add steps when switching between extraction and free cutting.
Key specifications for Milwaukee M18 FUEL D-Handle Jig Saw, Bare Tool (2737-20)
Stroke speedUp to 3,500 SPM
Orbital action4 positions
Power18V M18 FUEL, brushless, bare tool
Stroke length1 inch
Bevel45 degrees, detents at 0, 15, 30, 45
Blade changeTool-less T-shank, dust cover and extraction tube included

Best for: M18 users who want the highest cordless stroke speed for hardwoods, framing and fast production cutting.
Skip if: You are not on the M18 platform; the bare tool plus battery buy-in is steep for a first saw.

Best cordless top-handle

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw, Top-Handle (DCS334B)

DEWALT's cordless top-handle flagship: brushless power, four orbital settings and a blower that keeps the line visible.

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw, Top-Handle (DCS334B)
Brushless 20V MAX power to 3,200 SPM with the guide's most complete visibility package: LED plus blower plus an all-metal keyless clamp. The default cordless pick for the largest battery platform in this guide.

Strengths

  • Brushless motor with up to 3,200 strokes per minute and four-position orbital action for fast rough cuts and slow scroll work alike
  • LED light and dust blower work together so the cut line stays visible on dim boards
  • All-metal lever-action keyless T-shank blade clamp makes blade swaps fast without tools
  • Bevel detents at 0, 15, 30 and 45 degrees cover the angled cuts a jigsaw is actually asked to make

Limitations

  • Bare tool only, so battery and charger are a separate purchase for anyone outside the 20V MAX system
  • The compact body can feel nose-heavy once a larger battery is fitted, which shows on long vertical cuts
  • Shoe bevel adjustment, while keyless, takes a firm hand and a recheck before angled cuts stay true

What owners report

Most praised
  • Cut line stays easy to follow because the LED and dust blower work together on dim boards.
  • Blade swaps feel fast with the lever clamp, so switching between wood and metal blades does not break the rhythm of a job.
  • Variable speed dial plus trigger gives fine control on curves without lunging into the cut.
Common complaints
  • Bare-tool pricing stings for anyone who does not already own 20V MAX batteries and a charger.
  • The compact body can feel nose-heavy once a larger battery is fitted, which shows up on long overhead or vertical cuts.
  • Shoe bevel adjustment, while keyless, takes a firm hand and a recheck before angled cuts stay true.
Key specifications for DEWALT 20V MAX XR Jig Saw, Top-Handle (DCS334B)
Stroke speedUp to 3,200 SPM (maker rating)
Orbital action4 positions
Power20V MAX cordless, brushless, bare tool
BevelDetents at 0, 15, 30, 45 degrees
Blade clampAll-metal lever-action keyless T-shank
Weight4.2 lb, per Amazon fields

Best for: DEWALT 20V MAX owners cutting curves in sheet goods, trim and framing lumber away from an outlet.
Skip if: You own no 20V MAX batteries; the bare tool price is only the start of the purchase in that case.

Best corded

Bosch Top-Handle Jig Saw, 7.0 Amp, Corded (JS470E)

Bosch's flagship corded saw: the strongest motor here, a planted die-cast foot and a blade ejection lever.

Bosch Top-Handle Jig Saw, 7.0 Amp, Corded (JS470E)
A 7.0 amp motor that holds speed through knots, a die-cast foot with a steel insert that resists flex on bevels, and a blade ejection lever for hot blades. The shop saw for buyers who never want to think about batteries.

Strengths

  • 7.0 amp motor, the strongest corded motor in this guide, with speed holding steady through knots and thicker stock
  • Blade ejection lever means hot blades can be dropped without touching them
  • Die-cast foot with steel insert feels planted and resists flexing on bevel cuts
  • Tool-less T-shank blade change, non-marring overshoe, anti-splinter insert and carrying case included

Limitations

  • Premium corded price sits above the mid-range Bosch kit for buyers who do not need the top speed range
  • Weight and corded bulk make it less handy for quick overhead or ladder-adjacent cuts
  • Carrying case is roomy but the saw plus cord still pack awkwardly for small storage spots

What owners report

Most praised
  • Blade ejection lever means hot blades can be dropped without touching them.
  • Die-cast foot with steel insert feels planted and resists flexing on bevel cuts.
  • Speed holds steady when the blade meets knots or thicker stock.
Common complaints
  • Premium corded price sits above the mid-range Bosch kit for buyers who do not need the top speed range.
  • Weight and corded bulk make it less handy for quick overhead or ladder-adjacent cuts.
  • Carrying case is roomy but the saw plus cord still pack awkwardly for small storage spots.
Key specifications for Bosch Top-Handle Jig Saw, 7.0 Amp, Corded (JS470E)
PowerCorded, 7.0 amp
Stroke speed500 to 3,100 SPM
Orbital action4 settings
Bevel45 degrees
Blade changeTool-less T-shank with blade ejection lever
FootDie-cast foot with steel insert, non-marring overshoe

Best for: Serious shop users who cut thick stock and bevels all day and want the most planted corded saw in this guide.
Skip if: Quick overhead or ladder-adjacent cuts are your main work; this saw's weight and cord argue against that job.

Best corded kit

DEWALT Jig Saw, Top Handle, 6.5-Amp, Corded Kit (DW331K)

The corded workhorse kit: unfading power, four orbital settings and a case that keeps the kit together.

DEWALT Jig Saw, Top Handle, 6.5-Amp, Corded Kit (DW331K)
Unfading 6.5 amp corded power with four orbital settings, a 1 inch stroke and a case that keeps saw, blades and anti-splinter base together. The complete-box corded answer for sheet-goods work.

Strengths

  • Corded 6.5 amp power never fades mid-cut, which suits long curve work in sheet goods
  • Four orbital settings cover everything from slow scroll cuts to fast rough work
  • Kit case keeps the saw, blades and anti-splinter base together between jobs
  • Keyless lever-action T-shank blade clamp with 1 inch stroke length for confident blade changes

Limitations

  • Cord management gets in the way on freehand curves and around sawhorses
  • Heavier to move around the shop than the cordless compacts once case and cord are counted
  • Older design shows in a louder, more vibration-prone feel compared with newer brushless saws

What owners report

Most praised
  • Corded power never fades mid-cut, which suits long curve work in sheet goods.
  • Kit case keeps the saw, blades and anti-splinter base together between jobs.
  • Four orbital settings cover everything from slow scroll cuts to fast rough work.
Common complaints
  • Cord management gets in the way on freehand curves and around sawhorses.
  • Heavier to move around the shop than the cordless compacts once case and cord are counted.
  • Older design shows in a louder, more vibration-prone feel compared with newer brushless saws.
Key specifications for DEWALT Jig Saw, Top Handle, 6.5-Amp, Corded Kit (DW331K)
PowerCorded, 6.5 amp
Stroke speed500 to 3,100 SPM
Orbital action4 positions
Stroke length1 inch
BevelDetents at 0, 15, 30, 45 degrees
Kit includesAnti-splinter base and carrying case

Best for: Shop users cutting long curves in sheet goods who want corded stamina and a complete kit in one box.
Skip if: You cut mostly away from outlets or overhead; the cord and the case weight argue for a cordless compact instead.

Best barrel grip for DEWALT users

DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw, Barrel Grip (DCS335B)

The same cordless DEWALT cutting system in a barrel grip that drops the hand low over the blade.

DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw, Barrel Grip (DCS335B)
Everything the DCS334B offers, re-shaped so the hand rides low over the blade. For scroll and tight-radius work on 20V MAX batteries, the grip change alone is worth the switch.

Strengths

  • Barrel grip puts the hand low and close to the work, which helps steady tight radius cuts
  • Brushless motor with up to 3,200 SPM and four-position orbital action, matching its top-handle sibling
  • Same 20V MAX platform as the DCS334B, so existing batteries carry straight over
  • Speed dial on the body is easy to reach mid-cut when material thickness changes

Limitations

  • Barrel shape suits smaller hands better; larger hands can feel cramped on long sessions
  • Tool-only box means first-time buyers face the extra battery and charger purchase
  • Dust tends to collect around the barrel housing and needs clearing to keep the line visible

What owners report

Most praised
  • Barrel grip puts the hand low and close to the work, which helps steady tight radius cuts.
  • Same 20V MAX platform as the top-handle sibling, so existing batteries carry straight over.
  • Speed dial on the body is easy to reach mid-cut when the material changes thickness.
Common complaints
  • Barrel shape suits smaller hands better; larger hands can feel cramped on long sessions.
  • Tool-only box means first-time buyers face the extra battery and charger purchase.
  • Dust tends to collect around the barrel housing and needs clearing to keep the line visible.
Key specifications for DEWALT 20V MAX Jig Saw, Barrel Grip (DCS335B)
Stroke speedUp to 3,200 SPM (maker rating)
Orbital action4 positions
Power20V MAX cordless, brushless, bare tool
GripBarrel grip
BevelTo 45 degrees
Weight4.75 lb, per Amazon fields

Best for: Scroll and tight-radius work on the 20V MAX platform, where a low hand position steadies the cut.
Skip if: You have large hands or long sessions in mind; the barrel shape can feel cramped over a full day.

Best for detailed curve work

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Barrel Grip Jig Saw, Bare Tool (2737B-20)

The barrel-grip twin of the M18 flagship: same 3,500 SPM ceiling, a low hand position and gentle auto-control starts.

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Barrel Grip Jig Saw, Bare Tool (2737B-20)
Six speed settings from 800 to 3,500 SPM, ambidextrous switches and a gentle auto-control start that stops the blade jumping at entry. The precision instrument of the M18 pair.

Strengths

  • Barrel grip gives a low, controlled feel that suits detailed scroll and curve work
  • Brushless motor with 800 to 3,500 SPM across six speed settings for fine speed matching
  • Ambidextrous switches let left and right handed users work without repositioning
  • Auto-control start ramps speed gently so the blade does not jump at cut entry

Limitations

  • Barrel diameter feels wide for small hands on extended sessions
  • Battery pack size limit for bevel cuts (no larger than 5.0Ah) catches buyers who own bigger packs
  • Switch position draws complaints from users who expect a trigger-style control

What owners report

Most praised
  • Barrel grip gives a low, controlled feel that suits detailed scroll and curve work.
  • Ambidextrous switches let left and right handed users work without repositioning.
  • Auto-control start ramps speed gently so the blade does not jump at cut entry.
Common complaints
  • Barrel diameter feels wide for small hands on extended sessions.
  • Battery pack size limit for bevel cuts (no larger than 5.0Ah) catches buyers who own bigger packs.
  • Switch position draws complaints from users who expect a trigger-style control.
Key specifications for Milwaukee M18 FUEL Barrel Grip Jig Saw, Bare Tool (2737B-20)
Orbital action4 positions
Stroke length1 inch
Power18V M18 FUEL, brushless, bare tool
Stroke speed800 to 3,500 SPM, 6 speed settings
Bevel0, 15, 30, 45 degrees; use packs up to 5.0Ah for bevel cuts, per operator manual
Weight4.59 lb

Best for: Detailed scroll and curve work on the M18 platform, where a low grip and a soft start protect the cut entry.
Skip if: You have small hands and long sessions planned, or you own only packs larger than 5.0Ah for bevel work.

Best corded kit value

Bosch JS365 Top-Handle Jigsaw Kit, 6.5 Amp, Corded

The value Bosch kit: nearly the flagship's feature set, with blade, inserts, wrench and case in the box.

Bosch JS365 Top-Handle Jigsaw Kit, 6.5 Amp, Corded
Nearly the flagship Bosch feature set, a die-cast foot, adjustable blower and tool-free blade change, with blade, inserts, wrench and case included at a mid-range price.

Strengths

  • Kit value stands out: blade, anti-splinter insert, overshoe, wrench and case all included
  • Tool-free T-shank blade change keeps momentum on jobs with frequent blade swaps
  • Adjustable dust blower keeps the cut line clear without a separate vacuum hookup
  • Four orbital-action settings and a die-cast foot with steel insert for bevel work

Limitations

  • Published top-speed figures differ between sources, which confuses comparison shoppers
  • Corded design limits work away from outlets, especially on outdoor or site jobs
  • Footplate adjustment needs a deliberate lock check or it can drift during bevel work

What owners report

Most praised
  • Kit value stands out: blade, anti-splinter insert, overshoe, wrench and case all included.
  • Tool-free blade change keeps momentum on jobs with frequent blade swaps.
  • Adjustable dust blower keeps the cut line clear without a separate vacuum hookup.
Common complaints
  • Top speed figure differs between the Amazon title and the manual spec table, which confuses comparison shoppers.
  • Corded design limits work away from outlets, especially on outdoor or site jobs.
  • Footplate adjustment needs a deliberate lock check or it can drift during bevel work.
Key specifications for Bosch JS365 Top-Handle Jigsaw Kit, 6.5 Amp, Corded
PowerCorded 120 volt, 6.5 amp
Orbital action4 settings
Stroke speed500 to 3,100 SPM, per the manual spec table
Bevel45 degrees
Blade changeTool-free T-shank
Kit includesBlade, anti-splinter insert, overshoe, bevel wrench, carrying case

Best for: Buyers who want a complete corded Bosch kit at a mid-range price and cut mostly in the shop.
Skip if: You work away from outlets or on site; corded reach is this kit's hard limit.

Best for low vibration

Makita JV0600K Top Handle Jig Saw, with Tool Case

Makita's counterbalanced corded saw: lower vibration on long cuts, with a case for the truck.

Makita JV0600K Top Handle Jig Saw, with Tool Case
Makita's counterbalance system takes the buzz out of long straight cuts, and the die-cast aluminum base slides cleanly along sheet edges. The corded saw for users who feel vibration by lunch.

Strengths

  • Counterbalance system keeps vibration down on long straight cuts
  • Die-cast aluminum base slides smoothly and resists tipping on sheet edges
  • Tool case included, so the saw travels protected rather than loose in a truck bed
  • 500 to 3,100 SPM range with a 23 mm stroke for steady progress through sheet goods

Limitations

  • Corded Makita pricing sits close to cordless options that offer more freedom
  • Blade guard and base adjustments feel fiddly until the routine becomes familiar
  • Spare blades and accessories are a separate purchase for buyers expecting a fuller kit

What owners report

Most praised
  • Counterbalance system keeps vibration down on long straight cuts.
  • Die-cast aluminum base slides smoothly and resists tipping on sheet edges.
  • Tool case included, so the saw travels protected rather than loose in a truck bed.
Common complaints
  • Corded Makita pricing sits close to cordless options that offer more freedom.
  • Blade guard and base adjustments feel fiddly until the routine becomes familiar.
  • Spare blades and accessories are a separate purchase for buyers expecting a fuller kit.
Key specifications for Makita JV0600K Top Handle Jig Saw, with Tool Case
PowerCorded, 6.5 amp (retailer field)
Stroke speed500 to 3,100 SPM
Stroke length23 mm (about 7/8 inch)
Bevel45 degrees
Vibration controlCounterbalance system
Kit includesTool case, blade, hex wrench

Best for: Shop and site users who make long straight cuts and notice vibration by the end of the day.
Skip if: Cordless freedom matters more than vibration control; Makita's own 18V saw is the alternative.

Best for Makita 18V users

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

The LXT cordless option with a big two-finger trigger and a heavy machined base for stable cuts.

Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Jig Saw, Tool Only
A big two-finger trigger, a heavy machined base and glove-friendly tool-less blade changes, on the 18V LXT packs Makita owners already charge. Honest about its lower top speed, strong on control.

Strengths

  • Large two-finger trigger gives comfortable speed control across long cuts
  • Heavy-gauge machined base adds stability that lighter cordless saws lack
  • Tool-less blade lever works with gloves on, which matters on cold job sites
  • Three orbital settings plus straight cutting and bevel to 45 degrees

Limitations

  • Older 18V platform top speed is lower than newer brushless rivals, so thick hardwood cuts take longer
  • Sold as a bare tool, and the 18V battery adds noticeable weight at the back of the saw
  • Dust extraction needs an adapter setup that is not part of the bare tool box

What owners report

Most praised
  • Large two-finger trigger gives comfortable speed control across long cuts.
  • Heavy-gauge machined base adds stability that lighter cordless saws lack.
  • Tool-less blade lever works with gloves on, which matters on cold job sites.
Common complaints
  • Older 18V platform top speed is lower than newer brushless rivals, so thick hardwood cuts take longer.
  • Sold as a bare tool, and the 18V battery adds noticeable weight at the back of the saw.
  • Dust extraction needs an adapter setup that is not part of the bare tool box.
Key specifications for Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Jig Saw, Tool Only
Power18V LXT cordless, tool only
Stroke speed0 to 2,600 SPM
Stroke length1 inch (26 mm)
Orbital action3 settings plus straight cutting
Bevel0 to 45 degrees
BaseHeavy-gauge machined base, tool-less blade change lever

Best for: Makita 18V LXT owners who want cordless cutting with a stable base and comfortable long-cut trigger control.
Skip if: Thick hardwood speed is the priority; this older 18V platform tops out below newer brushless rivals.

Best budget cordless

RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Jig Saw, Tool Only (PCL525B)

The easy ONE+ add-on: four orbital settings, a non-marring shoe and a worklight for finished surfaces.

RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Jig Saw, Tool Only (PCL525B)
Four orbital settings, a non-marring shoe and an LED worklight on the batteries a household already owns. The cheapest serious route to cordless curve cutting for ONE+ homes.

Strengths

  • ONE+ battery compatibility makes it an easy add-on for existing RYOBI owners
  • Four orbital settings give useful range from fine curves to faster rough cuts
  • LED worklight and non-marring shoe help on finished surfaces and trim work
  • Tool-free blade release with T-shank blades and bevel to 45 degrees left or right

Limitations

  • Brushed motor feels less refined than brushless rivals at the same stroke range
  • Tool-only box means buyers outside the ONE+ system need battery and charger too
  • Shoe bevel lock needs care to hold angle on repeated angled cuts

What owners report

Most praised
  • ONE+ battery compatibility makes it an easy add-on for existing RYOBI owners.
  • Four orbital settings give useful range from fine curves to faster rough cuts.
  • LED worklight and non-marring shoe help on finished surfaces and trim work.
Common complaints
  • Brushed motor feels less refined than brushless rivals at the same stroke range.
  • Tool-only box means buyers outside the ONE+ system need battery and charger too.
  • Shoe bevel lock needs care to hold angle on repeated angled cuts.
Key specifications for RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Jig Saw, Tool Only (PCL525B)
Power18V ONE+ cordless, brushed motor, tool only
Stroke speed0 to 3,000 SPM
Stroke length1 inch
Orbital action4 settings (0, 1, 2, 3)
Bevel0 to 45 degrees left or right
ShoeNon-marring shoe, LED worklight

Best for: RYOBI ONE+ households adding a jigsaw for trim, plywood curves and weekend projects.
Skip if: You cut thick hardwood all day; the brushed motor is outclassed by brushless rivals at that job.

Best budget corded

BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw, 5-Amp, Corded, CurveControl (BDEJS600C)

The beginner-friendly corded saw: a CurveControl dial that matches orbit to the tightness of the curve.

BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw, 5-Amp, Corded, CurveControl (BDEJS600C)
The CurveControl dial turns orbit selection into one twist, and U plus T shank compatibility keeps old blade stock useful. The friendliest first saw for light household work.

Strengths

  • CurveControl dial makes it simple to match orbit to the tightness of a curve
  • Wire guard keeps the line in view without an extra accessory
  • Tool-free blade change accepts both U and T shank blades, widening blade choice
  • Built-in dust blower and adjustable shoe with bevel up to 45 degrees

Limitations

  • 5 amp motor can bog in thicker hardwoods where pro saws keep speed
  • Dust blower helps but does not replace extraction on long dusty cuts
  • Included single blade means a blade purchase is needed before varied material work

What owners report

Most praised
  • CurveControl dial makes it simple to match orbit to the tightness of a curve.
  • Wire guard keeps the line in view without an extra accessory.
  • Tool-free blade change accepts both U and T shank blades, widening blade choice.
Common complaints
  • 5 amp motor can bog in thicker hardwoods where pro saws keep speed.
  • Dust blower helps but does not replace extraction on long dusty cuts.
  • Included single blade means a blade purchase is needed before varied material work.
Key specifications for BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw, 5-Amp, Corded, CurveControl (BDEJS600C)
PowerCorded, 5.0 amp
Stroke speedUp to 3,000 SPM
Orbital action4 CurveControl settings, 3/4 inch orbital blade action
BevelUp to 45 degrees
Blade changeTool-free, accepts U and T shank blades
Kit includes1 jig saw and 1 blade

Best for: First-time jigsaw buyers and light household cutting who want the simplest possible orbit control.
Skip if: Thick hardwood is a regular job; the 5 amp motor bogs where pro saws keep speed.

Best first kit

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX POWERCONNECT Cordless Jig Saw Kit (BDCJS20C)

The complete first cordless kit: saw, battery and charger in one box for quick household cuts.

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX POWERCONNECT Cordless Jig Saw Kit (BDCJS20C)
Saw, battery and charger in one box, accepting both blade shank styles, light enough for quick household cuts. The only pick here that needs no second purchase to make its first cut.

Strengths

  • Complete kit with battery and charger means it works straight out of the box
  • Accepts U and T shank blades, so existing blade stock stays useful
  • Light cordless body suits quick household cuts and trim jobs
  • Variable speed trigger, built-in dust blower and wire guard for line of sight

Limitations

  • Brushed motor and lower top speed limit it on thicker stock compared with pro cordless saws
  • Small included battery runs down faster on longer cutting sessions
  • Bevel shoe adjustment feels less precise than the detented systems on pro models

What owners report

Most praised
  • Complete kit with battery and charger means it works straight out of the box.
  • Accepts U and T shank blades, so existing blade stock stays useful.
  • Light cordless body suits quick household cuts and trim jobs.
Common complaints
  • Brushed motor and lower top speed limit it on thicker stock compared with pro cordless saws.
  • Small included battery runs down faster on longer cutting sessions.
  • Bevel shoe adjustment feels less precise than the detented systems on pro models.
Key specifications for BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX POWERCONNECT Cordless Jig Saw Kit (BDCJS20C)
Power20V MAX cordless, brushed motor
Stroke speedUp to 2,500 SPM
Speed controlVariable speed trigger
Bevel45 degree bevel shoe capacity in both directions
Blade changeTool-free, accepts U and T shank blades
Kit includes1 jig saw, 1 blade, 1 20V MAX 1.5Ah battery, 1 charger

Best for: Households starting from zero who want a working cordless jigsaw without assembling a kit piece by piece.
Skip if: You already run a pro platform, or thick stock is routine; this is a light-duty kit, not a pro saw.

How we chose

Stroke speed is the cutting budget

Strokes per minute set how fast the blade clears material, and the range here runs from 2,500 SPM on the lightest kit to 3,500 SPM on the Milwaukee flagship. High speed suits fast straight work in soft material; low speed suits metal, plastic and tight curves where a racing blade wanders and melts. A variable speed trigger or dial matters more than the top number alone, because most real cuts happen well below maximum speed.

Orbital action trades finish for speed

Orbital action swings the blade slightly forward on the upstroke, clearing chips faster at the cost of a rougher edge. Setting zero is straight up and down for clean scroll cuts and laminates; the highest setting powers through framing lumber and rough plywood. Every saw here offers three or four positions, and the best ones let you change setting without hunting for a tool mid-job.

Grip style decides where the saw can go

Top-handle saws are the default: one hand on top, easy plunge starts, natural control from above. Barrel grips drop the hand to blade level, which steadies tight curves but suits smaller hands better. The Milwaukee D-handle is a third shape, built for a confident one-handed hold on plunge-style starts. There is no universally best grip, only the one that fits your hand and your most common cut.

The shoe and the blade system are the accuracy story

The shoe is the saw's only contact with the work, so a die-cast or machined base that resists flexing is what keeps bevel cuts true, and a non-marring overshoe protects finished surfaces. On blades, T-shank is the modern standard and every pro saw here uses it, while the two BLACK+DECKER saws also accept older U-shank stock, which matters if you inherit a blade drawer. Keyless clamps and ejection levers decide how painless blade changes feel on a job with mixed materials.

Questions, answered

Corded or cordless jigsaw: which should I buy?

Buy cordless if you cut on site, in the yard or away from outlets, and buy into the battery platform you already own. Buy corded if you cut in the shop for hours at a time, because corded power never fades and costs less per unit of sustained output. For most homeowners the deciding question is simpler: do you already own the batteries? If yes, cordless. If no, a corded kit like the Bosch JS365 or a complete cordless kit like the BLACK+DECKER BDCJS20C both work out of the box.

What is orbital action and which setting should I use?

Orbital action swings the blade slightly forward during the upstroke so it clears chips faster. Use setting zero, straight up and down, for clean cuts in laminate, veneer and tight scroll work. Use the middle settings for general plywood and softwood curves. Use the highest setting for fast rough cuts in framing lumber and thick softwood, where edge finish does not matter. If your cut edge looks torn, drop the orbit setting before blaming the blade.

Do all jigsaw blades fit all jigsaws?

No. Most modern saws use T-shank blades, and every pro saw in this guide does. The two BLACK+DECKER saws also accept older U-shank blades. Check the shank before buying blades in bulk, and match the blade's tooth count and material rating to the job: fine teeth for clean plywood and metal, coarse teeth for fast wood cuts, and a dedicated blade for laminate or tile rather than one blade for everything.

Can a jigsaw cut bevels and plunge cuts?

Yes to both, with care. Every saw here bevels to 45 degrees by tilting the shoe, though detented shoes hold angle more reliably than friction locks, so recheck the angle before the cut. For plunge cuts, rest the shoe's front edge on the work, tilt the saw back, start the blade, and lower it slowly into the material; the Milwaukee D-handle and top-handle saws suit this motion best. Drill a starter hole first whenever the cut allows it, which is safer and cleaner than plunging.

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