Best Cordless Jigsaws 2023 – Reviews & Buying Guide

Cordless jigsaw units are one of the most versatile power tools you can have in your toolkit. Since they’re cordless, they give your arm enough room for movement when making cuts during your DIY woodwork projects.

They are very easy to use both for professionals and people using them for the first time.

Read our reviews and buyer’s guide below to make the right decision when buying a cordless jigsaw.

Top Rated Best Cordless Jigsaws Compared

Things To Consider When Buying Cordless Jigsaw

With this buyer’s guide, you stand a chance to acquire the best cordless jigsaw on the market. It contains all the factors that you should pay attention to before spending your money.

So, what factors should you consider before buying any cordless jigsaw?

• Power

The jigsaw blade’s cutting power is a very important factor that you shouldn’t overlook. If you want to cut a more rigid material say metal, you will need high cutting power besides having the right blade.

But how do you tell that a jigsaw will have high cutting power?

It’s very simple. The voltage on the battery also represents the cutting power of a jigsaw unit. The higher the voltage, the higher the cutting power. But if you’re looking to cut light or medium-duty materials, you will not need higher cutting power.

But it’s good to always buy high voltage units because you might need to cut stronger materials in some projects.

• Blade Type

Jigsaws usually use two types of blades — the T-shank blade and the U-shank blade. Changing T-shank blades is tool-less since the blade clamp that you will attach them to is a tool-less type.

They’re more modern compared to their U-shank counterparts, and most units use only them.

You will, therefore, need to consider the type of blade a unit uses before buying it. If you’re looking for cutting versatility, choose a unit that’s compatible with both blade types.

But if you’re looking to easily change a blade without any tool, T-shank blade-supported jigsaws are ideal for you. Besides, they let you change the blade amid projects, which saves time!

• Cutting Speed

The motor is responsible for the speed of the blade. More powerful motors will give you higher blade speeds. Usually, the blade’s cutting speed is measured in strokes per minute (SPM). The higher the SPM, the larger the project you can take on.

But you will not always need higher speeds to cut through workpieces. Cutting some materials such as metal will need lower speeds.

That’s because they drain the battery faster and keeping the blade speed low helps conserve energy.

But if you’re looking to make straight cuts on softer materials like wood, you can choose higher SPMs. If most of the time you’re making straight cuts, higher SPMs will be what to look for.

Besides, higher SPMs yield finer cuts. But if you center around making curved cuts or cut harder materials, medium SPMs such as 2,500 SPM will be ideal.

• Speed Control Mechanism

Different projects will need different speeds. Some workpieces need higher SPMs for fine cuts while others need lower SPMs for more accurate cuts.

That means you need to have a speed control so you can always adapt to the speed needs of your projects.

As such, look for a unit with a speed variable trigger. Such a jigsaw unit lets you change the speed of the blade by altering the force you exert on the trigger. The harder you press, the higher the cutting speed and vice versa.

Alternatively, you can choose a unit with a variable speed dial. Once you have selected a specific SPM, the blade doesn’t exceed that speed no matter the press of the trigger.

But speed variable triggers are robust options since they give you more control. They’re the units to hunt for.

• Tool-less Adjustments

Tool-free adjustments save time amid projects. If you’re looking to change the blade quickly and easily amid the project, choosing a jigsaw unit with a tool-free blade clamp is what you should do. Also, look for a unit with a tool-free bevel adjustment so you can quickly shift to making bevel cuts as needs dictate.

• Dust Management

If you want to land the best deal as far as dust management goes, look for a unit with a built-in dust blower.

Such a unit will keep your workspace clean and free from dust and debris. Also, you can consider choosing a unit with a dust collection port.

You can attach a vacuum cleaner to the port but the attachment will limit your freehand cuts. But in case you want dust management without anything limiting your freehand movement during a cut, make sure to settle for a jigsaw with a dust blower.

• LED light

If you are looking to make straight cuts under lower light conditions, choosing a unit with an LED light will help you a great deal. Besides, LED lights make your cuts visible.

They come in handy even when making curved cuts or plunge cuts. They illuminate the workpiece and make sure you’re seeing the cuts you’re making.

Laser guides are also great especially for professionals looking to make finer straight cuts freehand. They are a robust addition to any jigsaw and you can consider buying a unit that has it.

Therefore, choose a unit with an LED light for operation under dim light conditions.

• Grip Style

The handle design affects the quality of your cuts. That means you need to settle for well-designed handles if you want more control of your cuts. As such, go for units with anti-slip handles so you can firmly grip it and have better control of it.

Also, make sure the hand is ergonomic and cushioned to absorb any vibrations from the blade as it cuts the material. This will give you prolonged cutting operations since your hand will not suffer fatigue. And if the handle puts your hand closer to the workpiece you’re working on, the better for control.

• Battery Life

Higher voltage batteries will last you longer hours than their low-volt counterparts. Also, make sure they have a higher charge capacity measured in Amp hour (Ah). If these readings are higher, the battery will last longer.

Some units on the list don’t come with batteries and chargers leaving you to buy them separately. Just make sure you’re getting a battery that’s powerful enough to last you through your project.

• Orbital Action Switch

The orbital action of your jigsaw helps speed up cuts and reduce friction. Also, it will reduce blade overheating.

This feature is a robust addition to a jigsaw unit. If you’re looking to make curved cuts, it will come in handy. The orbital action will come in either 3 or 4 levels.

Depending on how you want to speed up your cuts, you can always choose between the two levels. But choosing a 4 level orbital action switch is ideal since it gives you more options to choose from. You will be able to select the right orbital action for the material you’re cutting.

• Weight

Weight also affects the length of time you can spend on a project. Heavier units impede your performance since they throw more wait your way to deal with.

But light-weight jigsaw units prolong the time you can spend working on a project. As such, make sure to choose a unit that’s light enough for optimal operation.

• Price

When it comes to buying a cordless jigsaw, price does really matter. It has always been perceived that price and quality go hand in hand and this is somehow true to a certain extent.

However, this does not rule out the possibility of ever acquiring a high quality jigsaw at a somehow average price.

With that having been said, it is always good to look for a jigsaw that strikes a good balance between price and quality. Low quality jigsaws however always tend to be quite cheap.

• Warranty

The warranty periods that come with most cordless jigsaws also in a way determine their quality.

Companies that give longer warranties even more than 3 years to their cordless jigsaws. They believe that their products are high-quality products and that is why it would be a good choice to buy such products.

Best Cordless Jigsaws – Reviews

1. DEWALT 20V Max Jig Saw, Tool Only (DCS331B)

The DeWalt DCS331B has enough power for both professional woodcutting operations and light-duty operations. It runs on a powerful 20V Lithium-ion battery that gives you a reasonable uninterrupted runtime.

Unfortunately, you will have to buy the battery pack and charger separately if you opt for this unit. But still, it’s a great power tool worth having in your toolkit.

Thanks to a very powerful motor, the blade of the unit is super-fast with speeds reaching up to 3,000 SPM (Strokes Per Minute).

You can easily and quickly replace the blade since the unit boats of a metal-made keyless blade change feature. Despite the high-speed blade, this unit remains to be one of the safest. When you disengage the trigger, the blade stops instantaneously.

You can also make excellent bevel cuts with the unit. That’s possible since it has a keyless metal-made footplate bevel with four dents— the 0-degree, 15-degree, 30-degree and 45-degree dents for different bevel cuts.

In case you’re looking to make excellent curves, you can use the 4-position orbital action feature. Therefore, the blade makes a variety but quality cuts during cutting operations.

Besides having an anti-slip grip, the unit also has a dust blower that keeps the kerf free of dust and debris.

2. Makita XVJ03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Jigsaw

Makita XVJ03Z is yet another affordable jigsaw that you can consider buying and adding to your toolkit. Since it’s a cordless power tool, it runs on 18V LXT Lithium-ion batteries that charge very fast and retain their charge longer.

The blade is also fast and can reach speeds of up to 2,600 SPM, thanks to the powerful built-in brushless motor by Makita. To alter the speed, simply engage the two-finger trigger that controls the speed of the blade.

Just like the DEWALT jigsaw above, this one also doesn’t come with a battery, meaning you will make a separate purchase of the same.

The orbital action setting only gives you the option to choose between 3 settings if you choose this model. But still, those are enough options for making versatile and quality curves on workpieces.

In case you need to change the blade, you can simply do so with less effort since the blade features a “tool-less” blade change technology.

And to help you make finer and clean cuts, the unit features an LED light that doesn’t tax the battery much thus its energy-efficient.

Also, the built-in dust blower works to keep the kerf of your workpiece free from dust and debris for optimum cutting operations. You can make bevel cuts of up to 45 degrees with the jigsaw since its shoe is adjustable.

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

If you’re looking for an affordable jigsaw unit, then PORTER-CABLE PCC650B shouldn’t miss on your list. But don’t let its affordable price fool you since it packs an incredible performance within its solid and high-quality body.

First, this model uses a mid-level motor that delivers incredible speeds hitting the 2,500 SPM mark. And to cut any material at a given speed, simply engage the speed-variant trigger of the unit. Therefore, it is easy to use for both first-time users and professionals.

The model only supports T-shank blades, but it’s still a versatile option for DIYers. Besides, it features 3 orbital action settings for making curved cuts on a variety of materials. That’s another case where its versatility comes in.

Just like other high-end jigsaws, this model has a dust blower though not an adjustable one. But it still does a great job of keeping your workspace clear from dust and debris.

Changing the blade isn’t just easy but also fast since the unit comes with a tool-free blade replacement technology. You can change the blade amid-project.

It derives its energy needs from a 20V MAX Lithium-ion battery though it doesn’t come with the battery. You will make a separate purchase of the same. The D-shaped handle is contoured and comfortable for the grip, even after long hours of use.

The shoe is beveling up to 45 degrees on either side for making those nice, fine bevel cuts with a lot of ease. For the inexpensive price, this jigsaw deserves to be in the toolkit of a contractor working on a tight budget.

4. BLACK+DECKER BDCJS20C 20V MAX JigSaw

Unlike some jigsaw units on the list, Black & Decker BDCJS20C comes with a battery pack and charger. Therefore, it doesn’t arrive as a “bare tool” like some of its counterparts on the list.

The battery delivers 20V of energy, which means it should last you throughout medium-sized projects.

Also, this unit accepts both T-shank and U-shank blades, making it a versatile jigsaw for both professionals and first-time users. What’s more, you don’t need a tool to change the blade since it’s a tool-free blade unit.

It’s another inexpensive option for people on a tight budget. It still delivers an incredible maximum cutting speed of 2,500 SPM despite its affordable price range. Making bevel cuts is also simple. The shoe bevels to 45 degrees on either side.

You can easily keep your workspace clean since the unit has a built-in dust blower. This gives you enough visibility of the workpiece for more accurate cuts. Besides, the unit has a wire guard for giving you a clear line of sight!

The trigger is simple to press and changes the cutting speed depending on the force of the press. If you’re looking to have excellent and detailed bevel cuts, plunge cuts, and straight cuts, then look no further.

5. SKIL JS820302 20V 7/8 Inch Stroke Length Jigsaw

One fact that you will love about this model is that it comes with a battery and charger, making it ready for usage right out of the box. To be precise, it includes a PWRCore 20V battery with a charge capacity of 2.0 Ah. This isn’t your ordinary battery.

The SKIL JS820302 has an innovative technology that manages its temperature to acceptable levels for longer runtime and overall durability of the unit.

The motor is powerful enough to deliver blade speeds of up to 2,800 SPM if you set the speed switch to the highest speed.

And with a tool-free blade clamp, you get a tool-less blade change. This feature saves time if you’re looking to change the blade amid-project.

It’s compatible with both U and T-shank blades, meaning you can cut a variety of materials with this jigsaw with ease.

The bevel adjustability is tool-free as well, meaning you can always make bevel cuts within a short time. The shoe bevels to 45 degrees on both sides for convenience while making such cuts.

Also, this unit has an on/off switch for the dust blower, giving you more control.

Besides having a 4-stage orbital action function, the unit also has an LED light for making finer and accurate straight cuts. And just like the Milwaukee 2445-20 M12, this model also has a green LED fuel gauge to give you an estimate of the battery’s runtime.

Safety is another feature you will find on this model. The Lock-off switch keeps the blade still when the unit is not in use. And with computerized monitoring of the battery, overeating or overloading remains the least of your worries.

6. Bosch 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Jig Saw Bare Tool JSH180B

One of the features that you immediately notice with the Bosch JSH180B model is its compact and lightweight construction. It’s 30% lighter and 10% smaller than its rival models.

That means it’s more portable. When it comes to the blade, this model uses a T-shank blade that’s easy to change, thanks to the tool-less blade ejection and insertion.

In terms of visibility of the cutting operation, this model is hard to beat. That’s true since the unit has a dust blower and LED light that keeps the workspace free from dust and illuminates the path to cut along.

The blade is very fast, reaching speeds of up to 2,700 SPM, and cat cut through materials that are 3.5 inches thick. The shoe bevels through an angle of 45 degrees on both sides to give you nice and clean bevel cuts.

And as if that’s not enough, the model also features a 4-setting orbital action switch for more curved cuts.

Durability is another feature that the unit guarantees. It has two features — the EMP (Electronic Motor Protection) and ECP (Electronic Cell Protection) — that protect the motor and batteries from overloading and overheating respectively.

It runs on an 18V Lithium-ion battery but unfortunately, it doesn’t come with the battery and charger. You will have to buy them separately. Otherwise, it’s a great jigsaw tool worth buying and adding to your toolkit.

7. Milwaukee 2445-20 M12 Jig Saw

At a medium-budget price, you get this compact and lightweight jigsaw unit by Milwaukee. It weighs just 3.8 pounds, making it a highly portable model for people who are always on the move.

The T-shank blade is very fast and can reach a top speed of 2,800 SPM which is quite impressive for such a small-sized jigsaw model!

And to alter the speed, simply give the trigger more or less force of pressing. Both professionals and first-time users can agree that using the model is hassle-free. You will probably experience one of the best cuts if you opt for this model.

It has a hybrid handle design that puts your hand closer to the workpiece for more control during cutting operations.

Since the shoe keeps the weight of the jigsaw over the cutting area, this unit has minimal vibrations.

This results in finer and cleaner cuts. The shoe is also non-marring to protect delicate workpieces from scratches.

Besides, it has an LED light to guide your cuts when making straight ones. And the unit also has a “fuel gauge” display that shows you how much runtime you should expect from your battery.

The unit runs on a 12V Lithium-ion battery. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include the battery and charger during purchase. Aftermarket solution will, therefore, be necessary.

With a 10 TPI blade with a 3/4″ stroke length, you get one of the most powerful cutting performances. Also, the shoe has a 450 bevel capability for excellent bevel cuts, thanks to its sufficient room for adjustability. You can positively lock the shoe at 900 bevel capability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cordless Jigsaw

1. How many batteries does a cordless jigsaw hold?

Most jigsaw models hold only one battery for operation. But there are a few models that can hold up to two batteries for prolonged cutting operations.

But you will still have sufficient runtime if you have a model that holds just one battery, thanks to the advanced battery technology.

2. How long does a jigsaw’s battery take to fully charge before usage?

On average, you will have to wait 15 minutes – several hours to charge your jigsaw’s battery to its full capacity. Also, it will vary based on a few factors as the brand and how big the battery is.

But with some models, especially those with a fast-charging system, the waiting period is shorter. This means you will start your cutting project sooner.

3. Will I also get a battery pack and charger if I buy a jigsaw unit?

Not always. Some jigsaws are listed as “tool only” meaning you will not get a battery pack and a charger. This leaves you with the option of buying the battery and charger separately as aftermarket accessories.

However, some models come with the battery pack and charger, making them ready for use right out of the box.

4. How do I know the blade type my unit will use?

Normally, jigsaws use either a T-shank blade or a U-shank blade or both. They indicate the type of blade to use with the unit on the user manual. Be sure to carefully read your user manual for this vital information.

5. Will my jigsaw tool include a blade during purchase?

Yes, but the blade will be for cutting wood materials only. The blade is a jigsaw component that you will always get if you purchase any jigsaw model.

Fortunately, some jigsaw manufacturers will give you a blade that can also cut other few materials.

6. Do I need LED light for my cordless jigsaw?

It’s not a necessity since your cordless jigsaw can still operate without it. But you need an LED light on your jigsaw since it helps you use your unit in tight corners or low light situations.

The LED light is energy-efficient and doesn’t tax the battery much. Consequently, the battery will supply enough power to the motor without cutting down the runtime.

Conclusion

Your choice for a particular jigsaw model affects the quality of your project. That means you should always settle for the best jigsaws if you want finer cuts and the best overall output.

If you’re a professional contractor, you should look for a cordless jigsaw with more features. But if you’re a casual hobbyist, a basic model will work just fine for you. Besides, jigsaws with more features cost more than basic ones.

Right now you’re armed with the right information about choosing the best unit from a plethora of options.

While all the options on the list are great, one of them emerges as the winner of the roundup. The SKIL JS820302 Jigsaw is the winner for a few reasons.

First, it comes with a powerful 20V battery and a charger. Also, it packs massive 2,800 SPM which rivals the speed by DEWALT 20V Max Jigsaw that peaks at 3,000 SPM. And despite having an impressive performance, it’s affordable.

The DeWalt DCS331B is our second recommendation. It offers great speed and cutting power. It also runs on a 20V battery, meaning you can expect great power from it. If it included a battery pack and charger, it would be number one on the list.